U.S. patent application number 09/841329 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for trailer alignment method and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Wall, Clint R., Wall, Darby S..
Application Number | 20020154005 09/841329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25284591 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020154005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wall, Darby S. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2002 |
TRAILER ALIGNMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS
Abstract
A trailer alignment device for simplifying the backing of a
tow-vehicle to a trailer. The device utilizes a number of
ultrasonic transducers to gauge the location of the tow-vehicle to
the trailer. This information is transmitted to a control unit that
analyzes such data and creates a visual display for the operator to
use in backing the tow-vehicle to the trailer.
Inventors: |
Wall, Darby S.; (Boise,
ID) ; Wall, Clint R.; (Meridian, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKAS, SHAVER & NIPPER, LLP
P O BOX 877
BOISE
ID
83701-0877
US
|
Family ID: |
25284591 |
Appl. No.: |
09/841329 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/431 ;
340/686.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/431 ;
340/686.6 |
International
Class: |
G08B 021/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. The method of moving a first hitch component mounted on a first
vehicle into coupling engagement with a corresponding second hitch
component mounted on a second vehicle, wherein said first vehicle
having a first vehicle first side, a first vehicle second side, a
first vehicle first end, a first vehicle second end, a first
vehicle top side and a first vehicle bottom side, wherein a first
vehicle centerline is defined extending from said first vehicle
first end to said first vehicle second end generally centered
between said first vehicle first side and said first vehicle second
side, said first vehicle centerline further defining a first
vehicle first end left side and a first vehicle first end right
side, said first hitch component generally mounted adjacent to said
first vehicle first end and generally on said first vehicle
centerline; wherein said second vehicle having a second vehicle
first side, a second vehicle second side, a second vehicle first
end, a second vehicle second end, a second vehicle top side and a
second vehicle bottom side, wherein a second vehicle centerline is
defined extending from said second vehicle first end to said second
vehicle second end generally centered between said second vehicle
first side and said second vehicle second side, said second vehicle
centerline further defining a second vehicle first end left side
and a second vehicle first end right side, said second hitch
component generally mounted adjacent to said second vehicle first
end and generally on said second vehicle centerline; said method
comprising the steps of: a) mounting on the first vehicle first end
left side a first transducer; b) mounting on the first vehicle
first end right side a second transducer; c) mounting on the second
vehicle first end left side a third transducer; d) mounting on the
second vehicle first end right side a fourth transducer; e)
determining the position of the first vehicle first end in relation
to the second vehicle first end by measuring the distance between
the first transducer and the third transducer, between the first
transducer and the fourth transducer, between the second transducer
and the third transducer, and between the second transducer and the
fourth transducer; and f) displaying the position of the first
vehicle first end in relation to the second vehicle first end to a
user guiding said vehicles to move the first hitch component into
coupling engagement with the corresponding second hitch
component.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of mounting
said first and second transducers symmetrically about said first
vehicle centerline.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of mounting
said third and fourth transducers symmetrically about said second
vehicle centerline.
4. The method of moving a first hitch component mounted on a first
vehicle into coupling engagement with a corresponding second hitch
component mounted on a second vehicle, wherein said first vehicle
having a first vehicle first side, a first vehicle second side, a
first vehicle first end, a first vehicle second end, a first
vehicle top side and a first vehicle bottom side, wherein a first
vehicle centerline is defined extending from said first vehicle
first end to said first vehicle second end generally centered
between said first vehicle first side and said first vehicle second
side, said first vehicle centerline further defining a first
vehicle first end left side and a first vehicle first end right
side, said first hitch component generally mounted adjacent to said
first vehicle first end and generally on said first vehicle
centerline; wherein said second vehicle having a second vehicle
first side, a second vehicle second side, a second vehicle first
end, a second vehicle second end, a second vehicle top side and a
second vehicle bottom side, wherein a second vehicle centerline is
defined extending from said second vehicle first end to said second
vehicle second end generally centered between said second vehicle
first side and said second vehicle second side, said second vehicle
centerline further defining a second vehicle first end left side
and a second vehicle first end right side, said second hitch
component generally mounted adjacent to said second vehicle first
end and generally on said second vehicle centerline; said method
comprising the steps of: a) mounting on the first vehicle first end
left side a first transducer and a second transducer, said first
and second transducers being aligned parallel to a plane containing
said centerline and said plane being generally perpendicular to
said first vehicle's top and bottom sides, said first transducer
nearer said top side than said second transducer; b) mounting on
the first vehicle first end right side a third transducer and a
fourth transducer, said third and fourth transducers being aligned
parallel to a plane containing said centerline and said plane being
generally perpendicular to said first vehicle's top and bottom
sides, said third transducer nearer said top side than said fourth
transducer; c) said first and third transducers mounted generally
symmetrical about said first vehicle centerline; d) said second and
fourth transducers mounted generally symmetrical about said second
vehicle centerline; e) mounting on the second vehicle first end
left side a fifth transducer; f) mounting on the second vehicle
first end right side a sixth transducer; g) said fifth and sixth
transducers mounted generally symmetrical about said second vehicle
centerline; h) determining the position of the first vehicle first
end in relation to the second vehicle first end by measuring the
distances between the first transducer and the fifth transducer,
between the second transducer and the fifth transducer, between the
first transducer and the sixth transducer, between the second
transducer and the sixth transducer, between the third transducer
and the fifth transducer, between the fourth transducer and the
fifth transducer, between the third transducer and the sixth
transducer, and between the fourth transducer and the sixth
transducer; and f) displaying the position of the first vehicle
first end in relation to the second vehicle first end to a user
guiding said vehicles to move the first hitch component into
coupling engagement with the corresponding second hitch
component.
5. The method of moving a first hitch component mounted on a first
vehicle into coupling engagement with a corresponding second hitch
component mounted on a second vehicle, wherein said first vehicle
having a first vehicle first side, a first vehicle second side, a
first vehicle first end, a first vehicle second end, a first
vehicle top side and a first vehicle bottom side, wherein a first
vehicle centerline is defined extending from said first vehicle
first end to said first vehicle second end generally centered
between said first vehicle first side and said first vehicle second
side, said first vehicle centerline further defining a first
vehicle first end left side and a first vehicle first end right
side, said first hitch component generally mounted adjacent to said
first vehicle first end and generally on said first vehicle
centerline; wherein said second vehicle having a second vehicle
first side, a second vehicle second side, a second vehicle first
end, a second vehicle second end, a second vehicle top side and a
second vehicle bottom side, wherein a second vehicle centerline is
defined extending from said second vehicle first end to said second
vehicle second end generally centered between said second vehicle
first side and said second vehicle second side, said second vehicle
centerline further defining a second vehicle first end left side
and a second vehicle first end right side, said second hitch
component generally mounted adjacent to said second vehicle first
end and generally on said second vehicle centerline; said method
comprising the steps of: a) mounting on the first vehicle first end
left side a first transducer and a second transducer, said first
and second transducers being aligned parallel to a plane containing
said centerline and said plane being generally perpendicular to
said first vehicle's top and bottom sides, said first transducer
nearer said top side than said second transducer; b) mounting on
the first vehicle first end right side a third transducer and a
fourth transducer, said third and fourth transducers being aligned
parallel to a plane containing said centerline and said plane being
generally perpendicular to said first vehicle's top and bottom
sides, said third transducer nearer said top side than said fourth
transducer; c) said first and third transducers mounted symmetrical
about said first vehicle centerline; d) said second and fourth
transducers mounted symmetrical about said first vehicle
centerline; e) mounting on the second vehicle first end left side a
fifth transducer and a sixth transducer, said fifth and sixth
transducers being aligned parallel to a plane containing said
centerline and said plane being generally perpendicular to said
second vehicle's top and bottom sides, said fifth transducer nearer
said top side than said sixth transducer; f) mounting on the second
vehicle first end right side a seventh transducer and an eight
transducer, said seventh and eighth transducers being aligned
parallel to a plane containing said centerline and said plane being
generally perpendicular to said second vehicle's top and bottom
sides, said seventh transducer nearer said top side than said
eighth transducer; g) said fifth and seventh transducers are
mounted symmetrical about said second vehicle centerline; h) said
sixth and eighth transducers are mounted symmetrical about said
second vehicle centerline; i) determining the x-y-z plane the
first, second, third and fourth transducers are in and thereby
determining the position of said first hitch component; j)
determining the x-y-z plane the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth
transducers are in and thereby determining the position of said
second hitch component; and k) displaying the position of the first
hitch component in relation to the second hitch component to aid a
user in guiding said vehicles so as to move said first hitch
component into coupling engagement with said second hitch
component.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of determining the x-y-z
plane of the first, second, third and fourth transducers comprises:
a) transmitting at least one signal from each of said first,
second, third and fourth transducers; b) receiving said signals by
said fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth transducers; c) converting
said signals into signal information; d) relaying said signal
information to a processing unit; and, e) determining the location
of the first, second, third and fourth transducers through analysis
of said signal information.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the first, second, third and
fourth transducers each transmit a pattern of signals at a
predetermined interval.
8. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of determining
an environmental condition factor to compensate for the effect of
the present environment's temperature and air pressure on the
determination of the x-y-z plane of said first vehicle first end
using said first, second, third and fourth transducers and the
x-y-z plane of the second vehicle first end using said fifth,
sixth, seventh, and eighth transducers.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of determining an
environmental condition factor further comprises the steps of: a)
mounting on one of said vehicles a ninth transducer and a tenth
transducer; wherein said ninth transducer and said tenth transducer
are generally symmetrical about the centerline for said vehicle; b)
wherein said ninth transducer transmits a factor signal; wherein
said tenth transducer receives said factor signal; relaying data
regarding when said signal was sent by the ninth transducer and
when said signal was received by said tenth transducer unit to a
processing unit; and, c) determining the environmental condition
factor through analysis of said signal information between said
ninth and tenth transducers.
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of determining the
x-y-z plane of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth transducers
comprises: a) transmitting at least one signal from each of said
fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth transducers; b) receiving said
signals by said first, second, third and fourth transducers; c)
converting said signals into signal information; d) relaying said
signal information to a processing unit; e) determining the
location of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth transducers
through analysis of said signal information.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the location of the second
hitch component in relation to the x-y-z plane of the fifth, sixth,
seventh and eighth transducers is predetermined.
12. The method of claim 5, wherein the fifth, sixth, seventh and
eighth transducers each transmit a pattern of signals at a
predetermined interval.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to tow-vehicles and
drawn-vehicles, and more particularly relates to devices and
methods used to assist an operator in aligning an automobile's
hitch component with a corresponding trailer's hitch component.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] There are many known methods and apparatuses known for the
purpose of helping a vehicle operator back up a vehicle into
hitching alignment with a trailer or other towable object. For
instance, the patents to Nelson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,328), Noll, et
al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,557), McCullough (U.S. Pat. No.
5,650,764), Otterbacher, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,795), Capik et
al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,052), Capik et al. (U.S. Pat. No.
6,176,505), and Thibodeaux (U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,650) all show such
methods/apparatuses.
[0005] Problems with the prior art methods and apparatuses include
the inability to compensate for angle of attack and pitch in the
backing process, and the inability to compensate for environmental
conditions. In addition to the previous problems, all prior art
methods and apparatuses require pre-measured parameters (distances)
in the system before operations could occur properly. Embodiments
of the present invention addresses these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a method and apparatus that makes
the task of backing a vehicle up into hitching alignment with a
trailer both easier and less stressful. The preferred embodiment of
the present invention utilizes a hand-held electronic device (the
"control unit") that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter of
any automobile, semi-truck tractor, motor home vehicle, or other
towing vehicle. The control unit aids the driver during the trailer
alignment process by showing the relative positions of the
tow-vehicle and the trailer with respect to each other. The control
unit, either directly or through use of intermediary transceivers,
connects with a number of sensors placed on the rear portion of the
tow vehicle and a number of sensors placed on the front portion of
the trailer. In the preferred embodiment, these sensors are
connected to transmitters which transmit sensor data to the control
unit, however other methods of transferring sensor data to the
control unit are also envisioned, including, but not limited to
direct wire connections.
[0007] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description wherein I have shown and described
only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
modification in various obvious respects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the
preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,
and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the control unit of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the vehicle transceiver of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the trailer transceiver of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 depicts the concept of three-dimensional
measurements.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts one possible manner of point-to-point
distance measuring.
[0017] FIG. 10 depicts state transitions that could occur with the
manner of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 depicts the concept of triangulation used with some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 12A depicts the concept of angle of attack.
[0020] FIG. 12B depicts the concept of pitch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] While the primary use of the present invention is in
aligning a tow vehicle (such as a pickup truck) with a towed or
drawn vehicle (such as a trailer), other applications are also
envisioned, including but not limited to aligning semi-truck
tractors and trailers. Also, because many of the components of the
present invention could be located on either the tow vehicle or the
trailer, it is assumed that in this disclosure that specifically
referring to one component being located on a particular vehicle
(tow or trailer) is not intended as a limitation. Generally, this
disclosure will discuss the present invention in view of a tow
vehicle ("vehicle") and a drawn vehicle ("trailer"). The invented
system will also work with multiple trailers and one tow-vehicle.
For example, in a semi-truck with a tractor-trailer-trailer
combination, the hook-up of the trailer to the trailer by the
invented system will work with the one hand-held control unit in
the tractor vehicle. The system would be realized by attaching a
transceiver on both the front and back of each trailer.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention 90 is a method
and apparatus used to assist an operator in backing a tow vehicle 2
into hitching alignment with a trailer 62 or other vehicle able to
be towed. Such alignment exists when the first hitch component 18
mounted on the tow vehicle 2 is moved into coupling engagement with
the corresponding second hitch component 78 mounted on the trailer
62. As with most vehicles, a tow vehicle 2 will have a first side 4
(the "driver's" side) opposite a second side 6 (the "passenger"
side), a first end 8 (the rear end) opposite a second end (the
front end), and a top side 12 opposite a bottom side 14. Using this
nomenclature, a "centerline" 16 can be defined as extending from
the first end 8 to the second end generally centered between the
first side 4 and the second side 6. Thus, this centerline 16
further defines a rear end left side 20 and a rear end right side
22. On a typical tow vehicle 2, the first hitch component 18 will
generally be mounted adjacent to the rear (first) end 8 and
generally at or near the centerline 16. This first hitch component
is mounted in a fixed relationship with the rear end 8 of the
vehicle 2.
[0024] Likewise, the trailer 62 (or other vehicle being towed), has
a first side 64 opposite a second side 66, a first end 68 (the
front end) opposite a second end (the rear end), and a top side 72
opposite a bottom side 74. Using this nomenclature, a "centerline"
76 can be defined as extending from the first end 68 to the second
end generally centered between the first side 64 and the second
side 66. Thus, this centerline 76 further defines a front end left
side 80 and a front end right side 82. The second hitch component
78 is generally mounted adjacent to the first end 68 of the trailer
and generally at or near the trailer's centerline 76. This second
hitch component is mounted in a fixed relationship with the front
end 68 of the trailer 62.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, the present invention 90 utilizes a
number of sensors 29 to determine the location of the tow vehicle 2
in relation to the trailer 62. The preferred sensors 29 are
ultrasonic transducers able to transmit and receive ultrasonic
signals. These sensors 29 relay data received to a control unit 24
of the present invention 90 which analyzes such information and
creates a display able to be read by the user of the device 90
which shows in real-time how the vehicle's hitch component 18 is
aligning with the trailer's hitch component 78. This relay of data
can be accomplished through a number of means, including, but not
limited to, radio frequencies and wiring. Alternatively, these
sensors may relay data to at least one transmitter 26, 28 which
transmits such information to the control unit 24.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment 90, a first
sensor/transducer 30 is placed on the first end left side 20 of the
vehicle 2 and a second transducer 32 is placed on the first end
right side 22 of the vehicle 2, the first and second transducers
30, 32 being mounted generally symmetrical about the center line
16. A third transducer 34 is placed on the second end left side 80
of the trailer 62 and a fourth transducer 36 is placed on the
second end right side 82 of the trailer 62, the third and fourth
transducers 34, 36 being mounted generally symmetrical about the
center line 76. It is preferred that a line drawn between the first
and second transducers 30, 32 be perpendicular to the centerline 16
of the vehicle 2 and a line drawn between the third and fourth
transducers 34, 36 be perpendicular to the centerline 76 of the
trailer 62.
[0027] In this first embodiment 90, measurements may be taken
between the transducers 30, 32 located on the vehicle 2 and the
transducers 34, 36 located on the trailer 62 to determine the
relationship of the line defining the rear end 8 of the vehicle 2
to the line defining the front end 68 of the trailer 62. By knowing
the relationship of these lines, and knowing the location of the
hitch components 18, 78 in relation to these lines, one can create
a display useful in assisting an operator in backing the vehicle 2
properly up into hitching alignment with the trailer 62.
[0028] One example of such measurements could be measuring the
distance between the first transducer 30 and the third transducer
34, between the first transducer 30 and the fourth transducer 36,
and between the second transducer 32 and the third transducer 34,
and between the second transducer 32 and the fourth transducer 36.
Using software algorithms, the angle between the rear end 8 and the
front end 68 can be determined, after the system has been
initialized and configured. Information regarding the position
(distances and angles) of the vehicle first end 8 in relation to
the trailer first end 68 can then be displayed to a user guiding
the vehicle to move the first hitch component 18 into coupling
engagement with the corresponding second hitch component 78.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, in a second embodiment 90' an
additional (in comparison to the first embodiment) pair of
transducers are included. The fifth transducer 38 and the sixth
transducer 40 are preferably both located on the same vehicle
(either the tow vehicle or the trailer). In the embodiment 90'
shown, the fifth and sixth transducers are located on the vehicle
2. In the second embodiment of the present invention 90', the fifth
transducer 38 is mounted adjacent to and above the first transducer
30 and the sixth transducer 40 is mounted adjacent to and above the
second transducer 32. It is preferred that the fifth and sixth
transducers be parallel to the first and second transducers and
perpendicular to the centerline 16. It is preferred that the first
30 and fifth 38 transducers be spaced a predetermined distance
apart. It is also preferred that the second 32 and sixth
transducers 40 be spaced a predetermined distance apart.
[0030] In this second embodiment 90', measurements can be taken
between the transducers located on the vehicle and the transducers
located on the trailer to determine the relationship of the plane
known as the rear end of the vehicle to the line known as the front
end of the trailer (or vice versa). One example of such
measurements could be measuring the distance between the first
transducer 30 and the third transducer 34, between the first
transducer 30 and the fourth transducer 36, between the second
transducer 32 and the third transducer 34, between the second
transducer 32 and the fourth transducer 36, between the fifth
transducer 38 and the third transducer 34, between the fifth
transducer 38 and the fourth transducer 36, between the sixth
transducer 40 and the third transducer 34, and between the sixth
transducer 40 and the fourth transducer 36. Knowing the fixed
distances between the various transducers easily allows the
determination of the relationship of the plane defined as the rear
end 8 of the vehicle 2 in relation to the line extending between
the third and fourth transducers. Information regarding the
position of the vehicle rear end plane in relation to the trailer
front end line can then be displayed to a user guiding the vehicle
2 to move the first hitch component 18 into coupling engagement
with the corresponding second hitch component 78.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, in a third, and preferred,
embodiment 90", an additional (in comparison to the second
embodiment 90') pair of transducers are included. The seventh
transducer 42 and the eighth transducer 44 are preferably both
located on the opposite vehicle (either the tow vehicle or the
trailer) from the fifth and sixth transducers 38, 40. In the
preferred version of the third embodiment 90", the seventh
transducer 42 is mounted adjacent to and above the fourth
transducer 36 and the eighth transducer 44 is mounted adjacent to
and above the third transducer 34. In such a manner, a line drawn
between the seventh transducer 42 and the eighth transducer 44 is
perpendicular to the centerline 76 of the trailer 62. It is
preferred that the fourth and seventh transducers be spaced a
predetermined distance apart. It is also preferred that the third
and eighth transducers be spaced a predetermined distance
apart.
[0032] In this third embodiment 90", measurements can be taken
between the transducers located on the vehicle and the transducers
located on the trailer to determine the relationship of the plane
known as the rear end 8 of the vehicle to the plane known as the
front end 68 of the trailer (or vice versa). One example of such
measurements could be measuring the distance between the first
transducer 30 and the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth
transducers (respectively 34, 36, 42, 44), between the second
transducer 32 and the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth
transducers, between the fifth transducer 38 and the third, fourth,
seventh, and eighth transducers, between the sixth transducer 40
and the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth transducers, between the
seventh transducer 42 and the first, second, fifth, and sixth
transducers, between the eighth transducer 44 and the first,
second, fifth, and sixth transducers, between the third transducer
34 and the first, second, fifth, and sixth transducers, between the
fourth transducer 36 and the first, second, fifth, and sixth
transducers. Once the system has configured and determined the
distances between the sensors mounted on vehicles 2 and 8, then the
relationship of the plane of the vehicle rear end 8 to the plane of
the trailer front end 68 can be determined. Information regarding
the position of the vehicle first/rear end plane in relation to the
trailer first/front end plane can then be displayed to a user
guiding said vehicles to move the first hitch component 18 into
coupling engagement with the corresponding second hitch component
78.
[0033] Also shown in FIG. 3 are the optional environmental sensors.
The environmental sensors can be used to compensate for the
environmental conditions (air pressure, temperature, humidity,
etc.). This measurement will be used to adjust the measurements
taken by all other transducers. The preferred environmental sensors
46, 48, 50, 52 are ultrasonic transducers. The preferred placement
of the environmental sensors are shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment
shown, a first environmental sensor 46 is shown mounted on the
first end left side 20 of the vehicle and a second environmental
sensor 48 is shown mounted on the first end right side 22 of the
vehicle. The first environmental sensor 46 and the second
environmental sensor 48 will need to be placed so as to be able to
communicate with one another. Measuring the distance between two
sensors 46, 48 it is easy to determine an environmental condition
factor that will be used to adjust all other measurements
accordingly. Likewise, or optionally, a third environmental sensor
50 and a fourth environmental sensor 52 could be placed upon the
trailer 62.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 4 in the preferred embodiment 90',
the control unit 24 controls a vehicle transceiver 26 and a trailer
transceiver 28 via RF communications. The vehicle transceiver 26
attaches to the vehicle 2 and transmits/receives ultrasonic
signals. The vehicle transceiver 26 is able to communicate using RF
(radio frequency communications) with the control unit 24 and the
trailer transceiver 28. The trailer transceiver 28 attaches to the
trailer 62 and transmits/receives ultrasonic signals. The trailer
transceiver 28 communicates using RF with the control unit and the
vehicle transceiver.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the control unit 24 in a
functional block diagram form. The control unit has a power source
101, represented by the power input channel, preferably from the 12
volt DC output of the vehicle. Other power sources for this and all
powered components of the present invention, are also envisioned,
including but not limited to batteries, solar cells, etc. The
control unit has a display 103 (the visual communication channel)
that shows the relative positions of the vehicle and the trailer
with respect to each other. A user is able to input settings into
the control unit through an input means 105. The input means may
include, but not be limited to, switches/buttons (the mechanical
input channel) and/or a touch-screen VFD (Vacuum Florescent
Display).
[0036] The control unit 24 controls the vehicle and trailer
transceivers, preferably using RF (represented by the RF
communication channel 107). Once the vehicle is hooked to a trailer
that utilizes the present invention, the x-y-z data of the location
of the vehicle's hitch component is saved in the control unit
memory system 109 (the x-y-z location data of the trailer's hitch
component will be saved in the trailer transceiver 28 NVRAM 119 as
shown in FIG. 7). The next time the vehicle attempts to hook-up
with a trailer that utilizes the invented system, the x-y-z data
about that particular trailer can be retrieved from the trailer
transceiver's memory by way of the RF communication channel 107,
and the relative locations of the tow-vehicle's hitch to the
trailer's hitch can be easily calculated. Processing of information
is done by a .mu.PLD/FPGA (Programmable Logic Device/Field
Programmable Gate Array) 110.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the vehicle
transceiver 26 is shown in functional block diagram format. Unlike
the control unit 24 which preferably interfaces to the
.mu.Processor/.mu.Controller along with a power system through the
12 volt DC power output (the cigarette lighter of almost any
automobile) the vehicle transceiver 26 preferably interfaces with
the power system through the electrical system of the vehicle
(represented by the power input channel 111). One manner of
connecting the vehicle transceiver to the vehicle's electrical
system is through use of a splice from the 12-volt electrical
system. Other power sources would also be possible, including, but
not limited to batteries, solar power, etc.
[0038] The vehicle transceiver 26 communicates with both the
control unit 24 and the trailer transceiver 28 using RF (the RF
communication channel 113). The vehicle transceiver 26 uses the
ultrasonic communication channel 115 attached to the transducers to
measure the relative distances from the vehicle 2 to the trailer
62. Processing of information is done by a PLD/FPGA (Programmable
Logic Device/Field Programmable Gate Array) 116.
[0039] It should be noted that although no microprocessor is shown
in the block diagram, one could have been used in addition to or in
place of the basic PLD/FPGA shown in FIG. 6.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, the trailer transceiver 28 is shown
in functional block diagram format. The trailer transceiver's power
input channel 117 preferably utilizes a rechargeable battery system
in addition to the normal 12 volt DC system. This is because during
a trailer hook-up, most trailers do not have a power source
available. Thus, it uses the battery system during the trailer
hook-up synchronization process; after hook-up it utilizes the
12-volt power system both as a power source and as a means to
recharge the battery system. Optionally, solar cells could be used
to recharge the battery system or operate the trailer transceiver
itself. Ideally, the trailer transceiver should be designed so that
very little power is consumed when sitting idle. For example, a
power-down/sleep mode should be utilized when the trailer
transceiver is not in operation but during a trailer hook-up the
device should wake up and become fully functional.
[0041] In one embodiment, the trailer transceiver 28 uses the NVRAM
memory 119 to store x-y-z location data specific to the trailer.
For example, the x-y-z location data of the trailer's hitch is
stored in this memory. This allows an operator of a vehicle that
utilizes the invented system to hook-up to a trailer that has x-y-z
location data stored in the NVRAM memory. Like the vehicle
transceiver, the trailer transceiver could also utilize a
microprocessor in addition to or to replace the PLD/FPGA 121. The
ultrasonic communication channel 123 and the RF communication
channel 125 are similar to ones defined for the vehicle transceiver
26.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a three-dimensional drawing with two different
points in space. One is located at point (1,1,1) and the other is
located at point (2,0,0). Using ultrasonic transducers, it is
possible to measure the distance, d, between these two points. One
possible method of doing this would be to send a high-speed start
signal before sending any ultrasonic signals. The start signal
could easily be realized with a RF communication signal that
travels near the speed of light. The RF signal travels orders of
magnitude faster than an ultrasonic signal that travels around the
speed of sound. Thus, a transducer at location (2,0,0) could
receive a start signal (RF signal) that it could key off to begin a
timer that stops when the slower ultrasonic signal is received some
time later, t, from the transmitter at location (1,1,1). Utilizing
the known speed of sound, preferably adjusted for the environmental
conditions, one could easily determine the distance between the two
points knowing the time that it took for the ultrasonic signal to
travel over the distance in question. A second possible method
would be to instantaneously transmit two signals that travel
through air at different velocities, such as the manner shown in
the patent to Nelson (U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,328).
[0043] Although the method mentioned above is one solution for
doing point-to-point measuring, FIG. 9 shows another process the
present invention can utilize to achieve point-to-point distance
measuring. This process assumes there are four ultrasonic
transducers on both the vehicle and the trailer; however, the same
process is valid for both the first and second embodiments of 90.
During the configuration (config) phase, the vehicle transceiver
and the trailer transceiver exchange configuration data via the RF
communication channel. Configuration data would be data like the
x-y-z data location of the hitch components or the number of
transducers or the synchronization period that will be used. A
config phase can occur whenever the invented system wants to adjust
the system parameters. The most likely reason for doing this is to
adjust the synchronization period. Once a config phase is finished
then the synchronized point-to-point distance measuring occurs.
Notice that only one ultrasonic transducer on either the trailer
(U.sub.x--T) or the tow-vehicle (U.sub.x--V) sends a pulse during
any one period of time and that all the transducers on the other
vehicle receive the pulse some time later. The different times that
are measured (t.sub.x) are then used to determine the
point-to-point distances from the transmitting transducer to each
of the receiving transducers.
[0044] As was mentioned above, the synchronization period can be
adjusted at any time during a config phase. This allows the
invented system to adjust the measuring capabilities of the system
as the distance between the vehicle and the trailer changes. For
example, when the invented apparatus is first being used, the
distance between the vehicle and the trailer requires the period,
T, to be longer but as the vehicle moves closer and closer to the
trailer, the period decreases. This allows the invented system to
adjust the measuring accuracy according to the relative locations
of the vehicle and the trailer.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows the state transitions that occur for both the
vehicle transceiver and the trailer transceiver during the states
config through T.sub.4. Notice that the vehicle transceiver's
computational capabilities must allow all processing to be finished
before the next pulse is sent by the trailer transceiver. Otherwise
data could be calculated incorrectly and serious errors could
result.
[0046] Another term that should be defined is called
"triangulation". This is the process of determining the position of
two surface planes relative to each other. FIG. 111 shows an
example where triangulation is used to determine the relative plane
location of surface plane 1 to surface plane 2. Assume the `x` and
`x` are ultrasonic transducers mounted onto some arbitrary surface,
plane 1. Triangle (w, 1,2) is used to determine the x-y location of
point n on surface plane 2 relative to surface plane 1. Triangle
(h,3, 1) is used to determine the x-z location of point n on
surface plane 2 relative to surface plane 1. Using this same
procedure, the relative locations of point m on surface plane 2 are
determined with respect to plane 1. Thus, the result is that the
relative location of surface plane 1 is determined with respect to
surface plane 2.
[0047] Two other key terms that need to be defined are the "angle
of attack" and the "pitch" (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). The angle of
attack is found by determining the approach path of the vehicle
relative to the plane that is parallel to the front surface of the
trailer. Most attempts to hook-up a trailer will occur by backing
the vehicle straight back into the trailer (at an angle of
90.degree. from a plane drawn parallel to the surface of the front
of the trailer). If an attempt is made that is not perpendicular to
the front plane of the trailer then an angle of attack has been
introduced into the measurements of the invented system. The pitch
is found by determining the approach path of the vehicle relative
to a plane that is parallel to the bottom of the trailer. Most
attempts to hook-up a trailer will occur by backing the vehicle on
a level surface and will not have any pitch at all. The location
and configuration of the transducers are key to determining either
the angle of attack or the pitch between the vehicle and the
trailer. These terms will be referenced throughout the rest of this
document.
[0048] While there is shown and described the present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied
to practice within the scope of the following claims.
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