U.S. patent application number 13/331278 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for electronic path entering for autonomous or semi-autonomous trailer backing.
This patent application is currently assigned to CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM, INC.. Invention is credited to Jeremy Jason McClain, Jill Anne Palazzolo.
Application Number | 20130006472 13/331278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46650889 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130006472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McClain; Jeremy Jason ; et
al. |
January 3, 2013 |
ELECTRONIC PATH ENTERING FOR AUTONOMOUS OR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS TRAILER
BACKING
Abstract
A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode on an
electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit
in the vehicle. An intended backing path is input into the
electronic control unit by defining the intended backing path with
an input control mechanism for the electronic input device. The
path input mode on the electronic input device is ended.
Inventors: |
McClain; Jeremy Jason;
(Oxford, MI) ; Palazzolo; Jill Anne; (Rochester,
MI) |
Assignee: |
CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM,
INC.
Auburn Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
46650889 |
Appl. No.: |
13/331278 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61503129 |
Jun 30, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 13/06 20130101;
G05D 1/0011 20130101; B62D 15/0285 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/41 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/02 20060101
G05D001/02 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprising: initiating a path input mode on a
electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit
for a backing system; inputting an intended backing path by
defining the intended backing path with an input control mechanism
for the electronic input device; and ending the path input mode on
the electronic input device.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising instructing at least
one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the
vehicle and trailer assembly along the intended backing path to a
final vehicle and trailer assembly position.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the steps of initiating the path
input mode, inputting the intended backing path, ending the path
input mode, and instructing the least one vehicle system are
repeated for each leg of the intended backing path prior to moving
the vehicle and trailer assembly on a successive leg of the
intended backing path.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein inputting an intended backing
path with the input control mechanism further comprises using one
of a joystick, a roller ball, a knob, a slide device, at least one
physical button, at least one touch screen button, a handheld
electronic device, and voice control inputs to define the intended
backing path.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein inputting the intended backing
path further comprises controlling a locator on a display screen of
the electronic input device with the input control mechanism to
move the locator over the display screen thereby defining each leg
of the intended backing path.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein inputting the intended backing
path further comprises entering each leg of the intended backing
path prior to inputting a successive leg of the intended backing
path.
7. A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprising: initiating a path input mode with a
voice command to an electronic input device associated with a
control unit for a backing system; inputting an intended backing
path by voice command instructions input to the electronic input
device; and ending the path input mode with a voice command to the
electronic input device.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising instructing at least
one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the
vehicle and trailer assembly along the intended backing path to a
final vehicle and trailer assembly position
9. The method of claim 7, wherein inputting an intended backing
path according to voice command instructions further comprises a
separate voice command for each leg of the intended backing
path.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein inputting an intended backing
path according to voice command instructions further comprises
utilizing a relative direction and a distance input for each leg of
the backing path.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein inputting an intended backing
path according to voice command instructions further comprises
directing an on-screen locator with the voice commands to define
each leg of the backing path.
12. A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprising: initiating a path input mode on a
electronic input device associated with a control unit for a
backing system; inputting an intended backing path into a handheld
electronic device by moving the handheld electronic device over
each leg of the intended backing path; inputting the intended
backing path into an electronic input device from the handheld
electronic device; and ending the path input mode on the electronic
input device.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising instructing at least
one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the
vehicle and trailer assembly along the intended backing path to a
final vehicle and trailer assembly position.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising confirming an
operator is in a driver seat for the vehicle prior to instructing
the at least one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to
move the vehicle and trailer assembly.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein inputting an intended backing
path into the electronic input device from the handheld electronic
device further comprises electronically connecting the handheld
electronic device to the electronic input device with a wireless
connection.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein ending the path input mode
occurs prior to inputting the intended backing path into an
electronic input device from the handheld electronic device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein inputting an intended backing
path into the electronic input device from the handheld electronic
device further comprises electronically connecting the handheld
electronic device to the electronic input device with a wired
connection between the handheld electronic device and the
electronic input device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to automotive vehicles and
more particularly to advance driver assistance systems for
automotive vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Backing of trailers attached to vehicles often requires
multiple persons to effectively control the vehicle and direct the
path the vehicle and trailer are required to travel. Additionally,
those unaccustomed to operating vehicle and trailer systems may
have some difficulty in accurately controlling the path of the
trailer, particularly when backing the vehicle and trailer.
[0003] The background description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work
of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in
this background section, as well as aspects of the description that
may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are
neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the
present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0004] A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode on an
electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit
for a trailer backing system. An intended backing path is input
into the electronic input device by defining the intended backing
path with an input control mechanism for the electronic input
device. The path input mode on the electronic input device is
ended.
[0005] A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode with a
voice command to an electronic input device associated with an
electronic control unit for a trailer backing system. An intended
backing path is input into the electronic input device by voice
command instructions. The path input mode on the electronic input
device is ended with a voice command.
[0006] A method of controlling a backing system for a vehicle and
trailer assembly comprises initiating a path input mode on an
electronic input device associated with an electronic control unit
for a trailer backing system. An intended backing path is input
into a handheld electronic device by moving the handheld electronic
device over the intended backing path. The intended backing path is
input into the electronic input device from the handheld electronic
device. The path input mode on the electronic input device is
ended.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the detailed description provided
hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description
and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of
the disclosure, are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a
vehicle and trailer assembly having a trailer backing system of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a method of utilizing
the trailer backing system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a
vehicle and trailer assembly having a trailer backing system of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an input device for the
second embodiment of the trailer backing system of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a method of utilizing
the trailer backing system of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 6 a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a
vehicle and trailer assembly having a trailer backing system of the
present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a method of utilizing
the trailer backing system of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or
uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be
used in the drawings to identify similar elements. FIG. 1
illustrates a vehicle 10 and a trailer 11. The trailer 11 is
controllably secured to the vehicle 10 to form a vehicle and
trailer assembly 12. The vehicle and trailer assembly 12 utilizes a
trailer backing program 14 of the present invention. Throughout the
application the relative directions of forward and rear are in
reference to the direction which an operator for the vehicle 10
would be facing when operating the vehicle 10 in a drive gear.
Therefore, in operation of the trailer backing program 14 the
vehicle 10 would be in a reverse gear and the operator may be
facing backward. The trailer backing program 14 provides the
vehicle operator with a method of electronically defining an
intended backing path 18 of the vehicle and trailer assembly 12.
The trailer backing program 14 utilizes the intended backing path
18 to control movement of vehicle and trailer assembly 12.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment for utilizing the
trailer backing program 14 is described. An electronic input device
16 is electronically connected to the vehicle 10 and the trailer
backing program 14. The trailing backing program 14 includes a
control unit 22 within the vehicle 10. The control unit 22 may be
connected to at least one vehicle system 24 such as a powertrain
system, a steering system and/or a brake system to control and
direct movement of the vehicle and trailer assembly 12. The control
unit 22 sends instructions to the vehicle systems 24 to move the
vehicle and trailer assembly 12 along the intended backing path 18
to a final location 20. The steering, braking, and other controls
are calculated by the control unit 22 based upon the intended
backing path 18 input by the vehicle operator.
[0018] The electronic input device 16 includes an input control
mechanism 26 and a display screen 28. The electronic input device
16 may be incorporated into the vehicle 10. For example, the
electronic input device 16 may include a control panel and display
screen 28 already within the vehicle 10, e.g. part of a navigation
system or entertainment unit, or may be a separate device, such as
a hand-held navigation system, that is electrically connected to
the vehicle 10. The electronic input device 16 may also be
partially incorporated into the vehicle 10 such as the display
screen 28, but have a separate input control mechanism 26. The
input control mechanism 26 may be a joystick, knob, slider device,
physical buttons, virtual "touch screen" buttons, handheld
electronic device such as a "smart phone" or voice control inputs.
The electronic input device 16 may be connected through a wired
connection, such as a USB connector, or may be wirelessly linked
with the vehicle 10. The input control mechanism 26 may control an
on-screen locator 40 on the display screen 28.
[0019] The display screen 28 may illustrate a schematic or image of
an area located behind the vehicle and trailer assembly 12. The
on-screen locator 40 may be initially positioned at an initial
location, e.g. at a rear position of the vehicle and trailer
assembly 12. The input control mechanism 26 can be used to define
and/or control the vehicle and trailer assembly's intended backing
path 18 by pressing physical buttons, "touch screen" buttons, or by
detecting movement of the input control mechanism 26 and
measurement of internal accelerometers and/or gyroscope. This could
also be completed by using voice controls or a joystick type device
to move the on-screen locator 40 on the display screen 28 to
outline the intended backing path 18. Therefore, the input control
mechanism 26 can be manipulated to move the on-screen locator 40 on
the display screen 28 to outline the intended backing path 18. The
trailer backing system 14 would determine from the input the actual
distances and movements required to direct the vehicle and trailer
assembly 12 to follow the intended backing path 18.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a method of using
the trailer backing system 14, shown at 29. The path input mode for
the trailer backing system 14 is initiated, step 30. A vehicle
operator would use the input control mechanism 26 to input an
intended backing path 18 for the vehicle and trailer assembly 12
into the electronic input device 16, step 32. The intended backing
path 18 would include the suggested backing route and a final
parking position 20. The input control mechanism 26 may be utilized
to input the intended backing path 18 by successively inputting
each leg of a suggested route. For example, the input control
mechanism 26 may be a joystick or knob that is part of the vehicle
navigation and entertainment unit. The input control mechanism 26,
e.g. joystick, knob, etc, can be manipulated to move the on-screen
locator 40 over each successive leg of the intended backing path
18. The intended backing path 18 would include the suggested
backing route and a final parking position 20. The vehicle operator
would indicate once the complete backing path is entered by ending
the path input mode, step 34. Once the intended backing path 18 is
entered into the trailer backing program 14 the vehicle operator
would instruct the trailer backing system 14 to follow the intended
backing path 18, step 36. The trailer backing system 14 would send
instructions to the vehicle systems 24 to direct the vehicle and
trailer assembly 12 along the intended backing path 18 to the final
position 20, step 38.
[0021] Alternately, each leg of the intended backing path 18 may be
entered and the trailer backing system 14 may move the vehicle and
trailer assembly 12 to that location prior to entering the next leg
of the intended backing path 18. This may be accomplished by
repeating steps 30-38 for each leg of the backing path 18.
[0022] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a second embodiment of a trailer
backing system 114 for a vehicle 110 and trailer 111 which are
connected together to form a vehicle and trailer assembly 112. The
trailer backing program 114 provides the vehicle operator a method
of defining the intended backing path 118 of the vehicle and
trailer assembly 112. An electronic input device 116 is
electronically connected to the vehicle 110 and the trailer backing
program 114. The trailing backing program 114 includes a control
unit 122 within the vehicle 110 connected to at least one vehicle
system 124 such as a powertrain system, a steering system and/or a
braking system to control and direct movement of the vehicle and
trailer assembly 112.
[0023] The electronic input device 116 includes an input control
mechanism 126 and may include a display screen 128. The electronic
input device 116 may be incorporated into the vehicle 110. For
example, the electronic input device 116 may include a control
panel and display screen 128 already within the vehicle 110, e.g.
part of a navigation system or entertainment unit, or may be a
separate device. The electronic input device 116 may also be
partially incorporated into the vehicle 110 such as the display
screen 128, but have a separate input control mechanism 126. The
input control mechanism 126 is preferably a voice control system,
shown in FIG. 4. The input control mechanism 126 may control an
on-screen locator 140 on the display screen 128.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an input control
mechanism 126 that is a voice control system. The voice control
system 126 may be connected to or partially incorporated with other
vehicle 110 devices for performing various vehicle 110 functions.
The other devices 142a-e that may be electronically connected
include, for example, a telephone 142a, a navigation system 142b,
an audio system 142c, a CD changer, 144d, or an HVAC system 144e.
The voice control system 126 includes an interface 141, the audio
input 146 and an audio output 144 for the vehicle 110. The
interface 141 converts the audio input 146 from the vehicle
operator into an electrical signal that can be used by the trailer
backing system 114 and/or other devices 142a-e. Additionally, the
interface 141 converts the electrical signals from the trailer
backing system 114 and other devices 142a-e to an audio output 144
for the vehicle operator.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a second embodiment of a method of
using the trailer backing system 114 is shown at 129. A vehicle
operator would use the voice controlled input control mechanism 126
to input an intended backing path 118 for the vehicle and trailer
assembly 112. The path input mode for the trailer backing system
114 is initiated, step 130. From within the passenger compartment a
vehicle operator would use the voice controlled input control
mechanism 126 to input an intended backing bath 118 for the vehicle
and trailer assembly 112, step 132. Simple directions and distances
may be used for voice input of the intended path 118, e.g. "back 10
feet", "stop", "turn right 90 degrees", "final position". The
"on-screen" locator 140 may move to illustrate the position of the
vehicle and trailer assembly 112 while also following the voice
instruction from the vehicle operator.
[0026] The vehicle and trailer assembly 112 would follow each
instruction as spoken and recorded by the input device 142. After
the instruction from the vehicle operator is complete the path
input mode is ended, step 134. After each step is entered into the
trailer backing program 114 the trailer backing system 114 follows
the instructions along the intended backing path 118, step 136. The
trailer backing system 114 would send instructions to the vehicle
system 124 to direct the vehicle and trailer assembly 112 along the
intended backing path 118, step 138. By repeating the steps 130-138
the vehicle and trailer assembly 112 may be moved to a desired
final parking position 120.
[0027] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrates a third embodiment of a trailer
backing system 214 for a vehicle 210 and trailer 212 which are
connected together to form a vehicle and trailer assembly 214. The
trailer backing program 214 provides the vehicle operator a method
of defining an intended backing path 218 of the vehicle and trailer
assembly 212.
[0028] An electronic input device 216 is connected to the vehicle
210 and the trailer backing program 214. The trailing backing
program 214 includes a control unit 222 within the vehicle 210
connected to at least one vehicle system 224 such as a powertrain
system, a steering system and/or a braking system to control and
direct movement of the vehicle and trailer assembly 212.
[0029] The electronic input device 216 includes an input control
mechanism 226 and a display screen 228. The electronic input device
216 may be incorporated into the vehicle 210. The electronic input
device 216 may be partially incorporated into the vehicle 210 such
as the display screen 228, but has a separate input control
mechanism 226. For example, the electronic input device 216 may
include a control panel and display screen 228 already within the
vehicle 210, e.g. part of a navigation system or entertainment
unit. The input control mechanism 226 is a handheld electronic
device and may alternatively include the display screen 228. The
handheld electronic device 226 may be a smart phone, a PDA, a
handheld GPS, a key-fob, etc.
[0030] The handheld electronic device 226 may control an on-screen
locator 240 on the display screen 228. The handheld electronic
device 226 may be connected through a wired connection, such as a
USB connector, or may be wirelessly linked with the electronic
input device 216.
[0031] A control unit 222 within the vehicle 210 may be connected
to at least one vehicle system 224 such as a powertrain system, a
steering system and/or a braking system to control and direct
movement of the vehicle and trailer assembly 212. The trailer
backing system 214 could be designed to work real-time in which the
vehicle and trailer assembly 212 follows the handheld electronic
device 226 while the operator is walking the path 218.
Alternatively, the trailer backing system 214 could be designed to
work only after the path 218 has been mapped completely; allowing
the person to first return to the vehicle 210.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of a method of
utilizing the trailer backing system 214 of FIG. 6. A vehicle
operator or passenger exits the vehicle 210 with the handheld
electronic device 226 in hand. When arriving at the back of the
trailer 212, the operator initiates the path input mode on the
handheld electronic device 226, step 230 and proceeds to walk the
intended backing path 218, step 232. When the operator arrives at
the desired final parking position 220 for the back of the trailer,
the path input mode is ended, step 234.
[0033] Once the intended backing path 218 is entered into the
trailer backing program 214 the vehicle operator would instruct the
trailer backing system 214 to follow the intended backing path 218,
step 236. The trailer backing system 214 sends instructions to the
vehicle system 224 to direct the vehicle and trailer assembly 212
along the intended backing path 218 to the final parking position
220, step 238. The trailer backing system 214 autonomously (driver
not behind the wheel) or semi-autonomously (driver behind the
wheel) controls the lateral and longitudinal motion of the vehicle
and trailer assembly 212 to follow the path 218 which was mapped
out by the handheld electronic device 226.
[0034] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have
been described in detail the true scope of the disclosure should
not be so limited, since those familiar with the art to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *