Trailer hitching aid system for vehicle

• US 9,694,749 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2016
• Issued: 07/04/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lindahl, John O., Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran, Thai
• Assistant Examiner(s): SMITH, STEPHEN R
• Application Number:
  US15/161,707
• Publication Number:
  US 20160264052A1
• Time in Patent Office: 407 Days
• Field of Search: 348148, 356 3, 33264, 340431, 3406861, 3406916, 340435, 250 491, 280477, 359267, 385 33
• 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 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 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 having a hitching ball for connecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer includes a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses the hitching ball of the vehicle. The system also includes a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the vehicle. A display screen is disposed in the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. A control receives input from the camera and input from the distance measuring sensors. During a tow hitching maneuver, the display screen displays video images captured by the camera, and at least one graphic overlay is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.

Claims

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

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

wherein the field of view of said camera encompasses the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle;

a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the equipped vehicle;

said plurality of distance measuring sensors at least comprising a first distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a first location and a second distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a second location;

wherein said second location is spaced from said first location;

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 plurality of distance measuring sensors;

wherein said control, responsive to processing of input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, determines at least one of (i) distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer;

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver where the equipped vehicle is reversed towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, and responsive to input from said camera, said display screen displays video images captured by said camera as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle approaching the hitching receiver of the trailer; and

wherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive to input from said camera and input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, said control generates at least one graphic overlay that is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.

2. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, responsive at least in part to input from at least one distance measuring sensor of said plurality of distance measuring sensors and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.

3. The tow hitching aid system of claim 2, wherein said camera comprises a CMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensing pixels.

4. The tow hitching aid system of claim 3, 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 4, wherein said display screen is operable to display 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 5, 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 2, wherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.

8. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, responsive at least in part to image processing by an image processor of images captured by said camera and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

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

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

11. The tow hitching aid system of claim 10, 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.

12. 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.

13. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen comprises a TFT LCD screen backlit by at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said display screen is operable to produce a display intensity, as viewed by the driver during the tow hitching maneuver, of greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter.

14. The tow hitching aid system of claim 13, wherein said first distance measuring sensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and wherein said second distance measuring sensor comprises a second ultrasonic sensor.

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

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

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

wherein the field of view of said camera encompasses the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle;

a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the equipped vehicle;

said plurality of distance measuring sensors at least comprising a first distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a first location and a second distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a second location;

wherein said second location is spaced from said first location;

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 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 plurality of distance measuring sensors;

wherein said control, responsive to processing of input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, determines at least one of (i) distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer;

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver where the equipped vehicle is reversed towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, and responsive to input from said camera, said display screen displays video images captured by said camera as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle approaching the hitching receiver of the trailer; and

wherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive to input from said camera and input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, said control generates at least one graphic overlay that is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.

16. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein, responsive at least in part to input from at least one distance measuring sensor of said plurality of distance measuring sensors and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.

17. The tow hitching aid system of claim 16, wherein, responsive at least in part to image processing by an image processor of images captured by said camera and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

18. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein said display screen comprises a TFT LCD screen backlit by at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said display screen is operable to produce a display intensity, as viewed by the driver during the tow hitching maneuver, of greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter.

19. The tow hitching aid system of claim 18, wherein said first distance measuring sensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and wherein said second distance measuring sensor comprises a second ultrasonic sensor.

20. The tow hitching aid system of claim 19, wherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.

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

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

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

wherein the field of view of said camera encompasses the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle;

a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the equipped vehicle;

said plurality of distance measuring sensors at least comprising a first distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a first location and a second distance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a second location;

wherein at least one of said first and second distance measuring sensors comprises an ultrasonic sensor;

wherein said second location is spaced from said first location;

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 plurality of distance measuring sensors;

wherein said control, responsive to processing of input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, determines at least one of (i) distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer;

wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver where the equipped vehicle is reversed towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, and responsive to input from said camera, said display screen displays video images captured by said camera as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can view the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle approaching the hitching receiver of the trailer; and

wherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive to input from said camera and input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, said control generates at least one graphic overlay that is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.

22. The tow hitching aid system of claim 21, wherein said first distance measuring sensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and wherein said second distance measuring sensor comprises a second ultrasonic sensor.

23. The tow hitching aid system of claim 22, wherein, responsive at least in part to input from at least one distance measuring sensor of said plurality of distance measuring sensors and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.

24. The tow hitching aid system of claim 22, wherein, responsive at least in part to image processing by an image processor of images captured by said camera and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said control determines orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.

25. The tow hitching aid system of claim 22, wherein said display screen comprises a TFT LCD screen backlit by at least four white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein said display screen is operable to produce a display intensity, as viewed by the driver during the tow hitching maneuver, of greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter.