Smart trailer hitch control using HMI assisted visual servoing
US9696723B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2300/808
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for autonomously aligning a tow hitch ball on a towing vehicle and a trailer drawbar on a trailer through a human-machine interface (HMI) assisted visual servoing process. The method includes providing rearview images from a rearview camera. The method includes touching the tow ball on a display to register a location of the tow ball in the image and touching the drawbar on the display to register a location of a target where the tow ball will be properly aligned with the drawbar. The method provides a template pattern around the target on the image and autonomously moves the vehicle so that the tow ball moves towards the target. The method predicts a new location of the target as the vehicle moves and identifies the target in new images as the vehicle moves by comparing the previous template pattern with an image patch around the predicted location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.