TRAILER HITCHING AID SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

• US 20140226009A1
• Filed: 02/17/2014
• Published: 08/14/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R., Lindahl, John O.
• Granted Patent: US 9,352,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/64 for a single lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/74 for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps general lighting mounted on specific fittings B60Q3/20; general lighting for mass transit vehicles B60Q3/43
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/82 Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/003 for viewing trailer hitches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/29 for viewing an area inside the vehicle, e.g. for viewing passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 : Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 : Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 : collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 : with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 : around three axes, i.e. universally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0282 : for the use of several passengers, e.g. simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0288 : Apparatus made of several modules independently mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 : Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/10 : characterised by the type of camera system used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/20 : characterised by the type of display used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/308 : by overlaying the real scene, e.g. through a head-up display on the windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8006 : for monitoring and displaying scenes of vehicle interior, e.g. for monitoring passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/808 : for facilitating docking to a trailer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 : comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 : comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 : Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 : Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/52 : Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/593 : Recognising seat occupancy
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 : for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/10 : Automotive applications
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3406 : Control of illumination source illumination devices structurally associated with liquid crystal cells G02F1/1336
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3648 : using an active matrix G09G3/367 - G09G3/3696 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/11 : for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 : Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 : by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode

Abstract

A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle includes a camera, at least one ultrasonic sensor, a display screen and a control. The camera has a rearward field of view that encompasses a vehicle hitching element. The control receives input from the camera and input from the at least one ultrasonic sensor. When the vehicle is reversing towards a trailer hitching element of a trailer to establish a hitch connection, the control determines at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the vehicle relative to the trailer, and during the reversing maneuver, the control (a) provides video images for display by the display screen and (b) provides, for display by the display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the vehicle driver at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the vehicle relative to the trailer.

Claims

1. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle, said tow hitching aid system comprising:

a camera having a field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said tow hitching aid system, the equipped vehicle having a vehicle hitching element at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle for connecting to a trailer hitching element of a trailer;

wherein said field of view of said camera encompasses the vehicle hitching element;

at least one ultrasonic sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle;

a display screen disposed in the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle;

a control, wherein said control receives input from said camera and input from said at least one ultrasonic sensor;

wherein, responsive to inputs from said camera and from said at least one ultrasonic sensor and during a tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer hitching element of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer; and

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control (a) provides video images captured by said camera for display by said display screen and (b) provides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

2. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle hitching element comprises a hitching ball and said trailer hitching element comprises a hitching receiver of the trailer.

3. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said camera comprises a CMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensing pixels.

4. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen comprises a liquid crystal display screen that is backlit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes.

5. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen is operable to display navigation information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle when the equipped vehicle is not undergoing a tow hitching maneuver.

6. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen is located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle at an instrument panel or fascia portion.

7. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver, said display screen displays video images as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the vehicle hitching element of the equipped vehicle approaching the trailer hitching element of the trailer.

8. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides for display by said display screen of at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle distance to the trailer.

9. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said at least one graphic overlay comprises indicia to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle hitching element with the trailer hitching element during a tow hitching maneuver.

10. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides for display by said display screen of at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

11. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides for display by said display screen of at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

12. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, comprising auxiliary lighting at the rear of the equipped vehicle, wherein said auxiliary lighting, when operated, illuminates at least a portion of the field of view of said camera.

13. The tow hitching aid system of claim 12, wherein said auxiliary lighting comprises a unitary light module, said unitary light module comprising a housing having an inner surface forming a reflector and an outer surface having a plurality of heat dissipating fins, and wherein a single high-intensity power light emitting diode is located inside said housing, and wherein said reflector at least one of directs and shapes light from said single high-intensity power light emitting diode toward a light output area of said housing, and wherein a lens covers said light output area of said housing, and wherein said lens at least one of directs and shapes light from said single high-intensity power light emitting diode, and wherein a voltage conversion element is provided, and wherein said voltage conversion element includes a DC step-down converter.

14. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen comprises at least one of (i) a touch sensitive display screen and (ii) a voice activatable display screen.

15. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle, said tow hitching aid system comprising:

a camera having a field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said tow hitching aid system, the equipped vehicle having a vehicle hitching element at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle for connecting to a trailer hitching element of a trailer;

wherein said camera comprises a CMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensing pixels;

wherein said vehicle hitching element comprises a hitching ball and said trailer hitching element comprises a hitching receiver of the trailer;

wherein said field of view of said camera encompasses the vehicle hitching element;

at least one ultrasonic sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle;

a display screen disposed in the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle;

a control, wherein said control receives input from said camera and input from said at least one ultrasonic sensor;

wherein, responsive to inputs from said camera and from said at least one ultrasonic sensor and during a tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer hitching element of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer;

wherein;

during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control (a) provides video images captured by said camera for display by said display screen and (b) provides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer; and

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver, said display screen displays video images as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the vehicle hitching element of the equipped vehicle approaching the trailer hitching element of the trailer.

16. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein said display screen is operable to display navigation information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle when the equipped vehicle is not undergoing a tow hitching maneuver.

17. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein said at least one graphic overlay comprises indicia to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle hitching element with the trailer hitching element during a tow hitching maneuver.

18. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides for display by said display screen of at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

19. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle, said tow hitching aid system comprising:

a camera having a field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said tow hitching aid system, the equipped vehicle having a vehicle hitching element at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle for connecting to a trailer hitching element of a trailer;

wherein said camera comprises a CMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensing pixels;

wherein said vehicle hitching element comprises a hitching ball and said trailer hitching element comprises a hitching receiver of the trailer;

wherein said field of view of said camera encompasses the vehicle hitching element;

at least one ultrasonic sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle;

a display screen disposed in the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein said display screen comprises a liquid crystal display screen that is backlit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein said display screen is located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle at an instrument panel or fascia portion;

a control, wherein said control receives input from said camera and input from said at least one ultrasonic sensor;

wherein, responsive to inputs from said camera and from said at least one ultrasonic sensor and during a tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer hitching element of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer;

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control (a) provides video images captured by said camera for display by said display screen and (b) provides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle at least one of (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer; and

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver, said display screen displays video images as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the vehicle hitching element of the equipped vehicle approaching the trailer hitching element of the trailer.

20. The tow hitching aid system of claim 19, wherein said display screen is operable to display navigation information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle when the equipped vehicle is not undergoing a tow hitching maneuver.

21. The tow hitching aid system of claim 19, wherein said at least one graphic overlay comprises indicia to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle hitching element with the trailer hitching element during a tow hitching maneuver.

22. The tow hitching aid system of claim 19, wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides for display by said display screen of at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle (i) distance to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.