Vehicle Backing Assistance System

• US 20170282800A1
• Filed: 03/29/2017
• Published: 10/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Baksafe LLC
• Original Assignee: Baksafe LLC
• Inventors: Haen, Luke, Haen, Gerald, Haen, Yvonne
• Application Number:
  US15/472,901
• Publication Number:
  US 20170282800A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/80 characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement

Abstract

A vehicle backing assistance system is described. The vehicle backing assistance system includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a camera, a microphone, a light, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, a significantly waterproof body, and a battery. The first device can then be releasably connected to a rear end of a vehicle. Images, video, audio, and depth sensing are collected by the first device, which are then transmitted to the second device at a remote location. As a result, a user can monitor the images, video, audio, and depth sensing using software on the second device that are collected by the first device while located away from the second device. For instance, the user could monitor that rear end of a vehicle while being located at a front cab of the vehicle. This can be useful when the user is backing the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle backing assistance system comprising:

a first device with a body and a camera, where the body is releasably connected to a rear end of a vehicle,

a second device spaced apart from the first device, the second device having software capable of receiving and displaying images taken by the camera and transmitted from the first device.

2. The vehicle backing system device of claim 1 wherein the first device further comprises an attachment mechanism to allow first device to be releasably attached to the rear end of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 2 wherein the attachment mechanism is at least one magnet connected to the first device to allow the first device of the vehicle backing assistance system to be releasably attached to a metallic surface on the rear end of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 2 wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a mounting bracket, a clamp, a strap, a screw, a bolt, and a fastener.

5. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 2 wherein the second device is selected from a group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer.

6. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 5 wherein the vehicle is selected from a group consisting of a commercial motor vehicle, a military defense vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a personal camper, a boat trailer, an all-terrain vehicle trailer, a heavy equipment trailer, a bus, and a construction crane.

7. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 6 wherein a user can view the images from the rear end of the vehicle collected by the first device at a front cab of the vehicle using the second device.

8. The vehicle hacking assistance system of claim 1 wherein the first device further comprises a light source configured to illuminate the rear end of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 8 wherein an amount of power supplied to the light source can be varied.

10. The vehicle backing, assistance system of claim 9 further comprising a light sensor configured to adjust the power supplied to the light source.

11. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 1 wherein the first device further comprises a proximity sensor.

12. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 1 wherein the first device further comprises a microphone.

13. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first device and the second device are powered by solar panels mounted to the vehicle.

14. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 1 wherein the first device is substantially water resistant.

15. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 14 wherein the vehicle is a boat trailer, and wherein the first device is made of a buoyant material capable of floating.

16. The vehicle backing assistance system of claim 1 wherein the first device further comprises:

a rechargeable battery;

a battery charger;

a port configured to accept the battery charger;

a battery level indicator; and

a heatsink for dissipating heat from the first device.

17. A method of using a vehicle backing assistance system comprising the steps of:

mounting a first device with a camera to a rear end of a vehicle;

wirelessly connecting the first device to a second device;

capturing a real-time video with the camera;

transmitting the real-time video from the first device to the second device; and

monitoring the real-time video on the second device as the vehicle is moved.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

capturing a real-time audio through a microphone contained within the first device;

transmitting the real-time audio from the first device to the second device; and

monitoring the real-time audio on the second device as the vehicle is moved.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

capturing real-time information related to a plurality of physical items located about the rear end of the vehicle using a proximity sensor contained within the first device;

transmitting the real-time information related to the plurality of physical items located about the rear end of the vehicle from the first device to the second device; and

monitoring the real-time information related to the plurality of physical items located about the rear end of the vehicle on the second device as the vehicle is moved.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

dismounting the first device from the rear end of the vehicle; and

mounting the first device to a rear end of a second vehicle.