Apparatus method and system for docking a trailer to a towing vehicle
First Claim
1. An apparatus for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the apparatus comprising:
- a scanning module configured to scan a region behind a vehicle;
a detector configured to receive energy reflected from a reflector affixed to a trailer; and
a graphical display configured to display to an operator within the vehicle a graphical depiction of a position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for docking a vehicle to a trailer includes a scanning module affixed to the rear of a vehicle that scans the area behind the vehicle to locate and measure the distance to a trailer, utilizing a reflector affixed to the trailer. A display module in the cab of the vehicle receives distance and direction data from the scanning module and uses a graphical display to graphically depict the distance and relative orientation between the vehicle and trailer. In one embodiment the graphical depiction is an overhead view with an icon indicating the position of the trailer hitch. The present invention enables an unassisted vehicle operator to align and position a vehicle for docking with a trailer.
113 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the apparatus comprising:
-
a scanning module configured to scan a region behind a vehicle;
a detector configured to receive energy reflected from a reflector affixed to a trailer; and
a graphical display configured to display to an operator within the vehicle a graphical depiction of a position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the method comprising:
-
scanning a region behind a vehicle;
receiving energy reflected from a reflector affixed to a trailer; and
displaying to an operator within the vehicle a graphical depiction of a position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. An apparatus for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the apparatus comprising:
-
means for scanning a region behind;
means for receiving energy reflected from a reflector affixed to a trailer; and
means for displaying to an operator within the vehicle a graphical depiction of a position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle.
-
-
23. A system for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the system comprising:
-
a vehicle configured to pull a trailer;
a trailer configured to attach to the vehicle;
a scanning module configured to scan a region behind a vehicle;
a detector configured to receive energy reflected from a reflector affixed to a trailer;
a reflector configured to reflect energy emitted from the scanning module; and
a graphical display configured to reside within a vehicle cab and visually display a graphical depiction of a position of the trailer with respect to a vehicle to an operator.
-
-
24. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable program code for orienting a vehicle to a trailer, the program code configured to conduct a method comprising:
-
receiving data from the scanning module into a buffer;
calculating the relative position of the trailer; and
displaying to an operator within the vehicle a graphical depiction of a relative position of the trailer with respect to the vehicle.
-
Specification