Backing-up a trailer is a difficult task even for experienced users, and thus, solutions exist for assisting the steering of a vehicle-trailer system by just requiring the input of the desired trailer’s trajectory. Nevertheless, the problem is not entirely solved as the selected trajectory clearance while reversing a trailer is not completely available due to visibility obstructions, making reversing a trailer an unsafe maneuver. The objective of this work is to perform a proof-of-concept of a system which aids the user in the process of backing up a trailer through the desired trajectory where limited visibility is present. This was accomplished by developing an add-on feature capable of tracking a helping person. The new feature provides the required information so that existing compatible trailer reversing solutions can steer and accelerate the vehicle to follow the tracked person while also keeping a safe distance. Moreover, potential collisions are prevented by the addition of a close proximity object detection functionality. For this, a scaled prototype of the proposed system was developed by applying the “Vee Model” methodology where the requirements, architecture, solution design, implementation, and validation steps were followed. A successful proof-of-concept was accomplished after validating the capacity of the prototype to both identify and follow a person, while maintaining a safe distance, and to detect objects in the vehicle’s path. In addition, the documentation of the system’s design, development, and validation was achieved rendering the feature ready for full scale development. In conclusion, the “Trailer Reverse Assist - Optical Follow Me” system add-on can further assist in the process of backing-up a trailer safely in environments where the visibility is limited while also preventing collisions with nearby objects.ITESO, A. C.ContinentalConsejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí
