Intuitive driver interface for trailer backup assist
First Claim
1. A steering input apparatus for a trailer backup assist system, comprising:
- a control element manually operable while the trailer reverses to a select position of a plurality of commanding positions, including a zero curvature position and two positions in two opposing ranges of motion that directionally oppose the zero curvature position; and
a control module generating a vehicle steering command based on a commanded trailer path corresponding to the select position of the control element, wherein the steering command is a curvature command that controls a path of the trailer to follow a predetermined curvature based on the select position of the control element while reversing the trailer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.
136 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A steering input apparatus for a trailer backup assist system, comprising:
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a control element manually operable while the trailer reverses to a select position of a plurality of commanding positions, including a zero curvature position and two positions in two opposing ranges of motion that directionally oppose the zero curvature position; and a control module generating a vehicle steering command based on a commanded trailer path corresponding to the select position of the control element, wherein the steering command is a curvature command that controls a path of the trailer to follow a predetermined curvature based on the select position of the control element while reversing the trailer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, comprising:
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an input device having a control element movable in two opposing ranges of motion to a first position providing a zero curvature command defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer and at least two additional positions providing curvature commands in opposing directions relative to the zero curvature command; and a control module generating a steering command for the vehicle based on a commanded curvature of the trailer provided by the control element, wherein the commanded curvature controls a path of the trailer to follow a predetermined curvature based on a select position of the input device while reversing the trailer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method, comprising:
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providing a control element movable to a select position of a first position providing a zero curvature command defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer and movable in two opposing ranges of motion to second and third positions providing curvature commands in opposing directions from the zero curvature command; sensing a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer; and generating a steering command for the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a commanded curvature of the trailer provided by the control element, wherein the commanded curvature controls a path of the trailer to follow a predetermined curvature based on the select position while reversing the trailer. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification