VEHICLE SNOWPLOUGH GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNMENT OF A SNOWPLOUGH TOWARDS A VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle snow plow guidance system includes a vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle and configured to capture images of a front portion of the vehicle, a vehicle user interface configured to display images, a snow plow including two spaced-apart headlight assemblies, and a vehicle control module in communication with the vehicle camera. The vehicle control module is configured to detect the positions of each of the two headlight assemblies of the snow plow, determine a centerline between the two headlight assemblies according to the detected positions, and display the snow plow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface to facilitate aligning the vehicle to a center of the snow plow for connection of the snow plow to the vehicle.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle snow plow alignment system and method for aligning a snow plow with a vehicle including detection of a centerline of snow plow headlight assemblies and corresponding vehicle steering control.

[0002] For background information, please refer to US 2005 / 0 193 603 A1.

[0003] Vehicles are often coupled with snow plows to clear snow from roads, parking lots, driveways, and other driving surfaces, making it easier for other vehicles to drive. Snow plows are typically connected to vehicles by attaching one or more snow plow couplers to a vehicle's snow plow push beam. Snow plows are typically heavy and difficult to move on the ground, so aligning the vehicle's snow plow push beam with the one or more snow plow couplers is important to facilitate easy coupling of the snow plow to the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] A vehicle snow plow guidance system includes a vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle and configured to capture images of a front portion of the vehicle, a vehicle user interface configured to display images, a snow plow including two spaced-apart headlight assemblies, and a vehicle control module in communication with the vehicle camera, wherein the vehicle control module is configured to detect the positions of each of the two headlight assemblies of the snow plow, determine a centerline between the two headlight assemblies according to the detected positions, and display the snow plow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface to facilitate aligning the vehicle to a center of the snow plow for connection of the snow plow to the vehicle.

[0005] In other features, the vehicle control module is configured to determine the centerline by identifying a center of each of the two headlight assemblies and calculating the centerline according to the identified center of each of the two headlight assemblies.

[0006] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to identify a forward direction of the vehicle, calculate a difference between the forward direction of the vehicle and the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies, and display a steering path on the vehicle user interface indicating a steering direction to align the forward direction of the vehicle with the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies.

[0007] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to obtain a steering wheel angle of the vehicle and identify the forward direction of the vehicle according to the steering wheel angle.

[0008] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to receive a gear position and a brake sensor value of the vehicle and to display the steering travel according to the steering wheel angle, the gear position, and the brake sensor value.

[0009] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to display a snowplow assist mode option on the vehicle user interface, receive a user input selection of the snowplow assist mode option via the vehicle user interface, and display the snowplow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface in response to receiving the user input selection of the snowplow assist mode option.

[0010] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to determine a distance between the snowplow and the vehicle, compare the determined distance to a display distance threshold, and display the snowplow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface in response to the determined distance being less than the display distance threshold.

[0011] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to control the automated steering of the vehicle to align the vehicle to the determined centerline between the two headlamp assemblies.

[0012] According to other features, the vehicle control module is configured to control automated acceleration and braking of the vehicle to align the vehicle with the determined centerline between the two headlamp assemblies.

[0013] According to other features, the vehicle includes a snow plow push beam configured to mount the snow plow and push the snow plow according to movement of the vehicle, the snow plow including one or more snow plow couplers configured to couple the snow plow to the snow plow push beam of the vehicle, the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies corresponding to a center of the one or more snow plow couplers.

[0014] A method for aligning the connection of a snow plow to a vehicle includes capturing an image of a snow plow in front of a vehicle via a vehicle-mounted camera, the snow plow including two spaced-apart headlight assemblies, detecting the positions of each of the two headlight assemblies of the snow plow, determining a centerline between the two headlight assemblies according to the detected positions, and displaying the snow plow and the determined centerline on a vehicle user interface to facilitate alignment of the vehicle to a center of the snow plow for the connection of the snow plow to the vehicle.

[0015] According to other features, determining the centerline includes identifying a center of each of the two headlamp assemblies and calculating the centerline according to the identified center of each of the two headlamp assemblies.

[0016] In other features, the method includes identifying a forward direction of the vehicle, calculating a difference between the forward direction of the vehicle and the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies, and displaying a steering path on the vehicle user interface that indicates a steering direction to align the forward direction of the vehicle with the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies.

[0017] In other features, the method includes obtaining a steering wheel angle of the vehicle and identifying the forward direction of the vehicle according to the steering wheel angle.

[0018] In other features, the method includes obtaining a gear position and a brake sensor value of the vehicle and displaying the steering travel according to the steering wheel angle, the gear position, and the brake sensor value.

[0019] In other features, the method includes displaying a snowplow assist mode option on the vehicle user interface, receiving a user input selection of the snowplow assist mode option via the vehicle user interface, and displaying the snowplow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface in response to receiving the user input selection of the snowplow assist mode option.

[0020] In other features, the method includes determining a distance between the snowplow and the vehicle, comparing the determined distance to a display distance threshold, and displaying the snowplow and the determined centerline on the vehicle user interface in response to the determined distance being less than the display distance threshold.

[0021] According to other features, the method includes controlling automated steering of the vehicle to align the vehicle with the determined centerline between the two headlamp assemblies.

[0022] According to other features, the method includes controlling automated acceleration and braking of the vehicle to align the vehicle with the determined centerline between the two headlamp assemblies.

[0023] According to other features, the vehicle includes a snow plow push beam configured to mount the snow plow and push the snow plow according to movement of the vehicle, the snow plow including one or more snow plow couplers configured to couple the snow plow to the snow plow push beam of the vehicle, the determined centerline between the two headlight assemblies corresponding to a center of the one or more snow plow couplers.

[0024] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are provided for purposes of illustration only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a graphical representation of an exemplary vehicle including a vehicle control module configured to detect the orientation of a snow plow; Fig. 2 is a side view of a vehicle camera module configured to detect the positions of the headlight assemblies of a snow plow; Fig. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary user interface depicting a centerline of the snowplow headlight assemblies; Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling the alignment of a vehicle with a centerline of a snowplow; and Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for displaying snowplow support features on a vehicle user interface.

[0026] Reference numerals may be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some example embodiments described herein implement a method for detecting a snow plow coupling (e.g., a snow plow tower, a snow plow mounting bracket, etc.) and provide guidelines to enable the driver to accurately align the snow plow for attachment. An attached vehicle push beam may be used with a front camera module, where the front camera module may be mounted on a centerline of the vehicle. Detection of a center of the snow plow couplings (e.g., the snow plow mounts) may be implemented with target indicators, such as characterizing snow plow headlight assemblies. Example methods may help reduce driver frustration and increase snow plow assembly time efficiencies.

[0028] According to some examples, detection and learning of snow plow mechanisms with a visual alignment aid is used to help reduce or prevent damage due to misalignment when attempting to couple the snow plow to the plow vehicle. Vehicle companion detection using visual indicators on the snow plow or recalling the physical snow plow lighting arrangements facilitates the calculation of a snow plow center to provide a snow plow mounting guideline in front of the vehicle on a vehicle display.

[0029] A vehicle control module may utilize a driver input screen, a front-facing camera module, an interior visual display, steering information, vehicle transmission position, and optional self-driving technologies that provide automated acceleration, steering, and braking. According to some examples, a driver may select a snowplow assist mode from a user interface (UI) within the vehicle and select a secondary option to assist in attaching the snowplow to the plow.

[0030] With the snowplow detached and in front of the vehicle, a driver can drive the vehicle near the snowplow in a manner similar to a manual snowplow connection process. The front camera module (or another vehicle camera or image sensor) then identifies the lighting assemblies (e.g., combination low- and high-beam assemblies) on the snowplow. The vehicle control module can prompt the driver to verify that the detected assemblies are the headlight assemblies (or other components similarly located from the plow centerline).

[0031] The vehicle control module is configured to calculate a center point between the snowplow lighting assemblies and establish a virtual target on the vehicle's interior display. Policy algorithms can be used to determine a policy based on the calculated center point and display a policy on the vehicle's interior display that provides a steering path to align a vehicle center with the snowplow centerline.

[0032] Informational text can supplement the vehicle's forward motion to assist the driver as they approach the snowplow. In a manual drive scenario, the driver drives the vehicle forward until proper contact with the plow is made. In an optional automated drive scenario, the driver can select automated assistance from a UI submenu. The driver may be prompted to apply the brakes when the vehicle is moving (e.g., with optional hands off the steering wheel) to complete contact between the vehicle's side push bar and the snowplow couplings. The driver demonstrates the capability to manually brake (e.g., a fail-safe is designed to prevent continued forward motion beyond what is required or desired).Vehicle characteristics can be monitored to detect the resistance of the vehicle pushing the uncoupled plow until both snow plow clutches are in contact.

[0033] The driver then proceeds to place the vehicle into park (e.g., in a manual assist mode), or the vehicle automatically shifts into park (e.g., in an automated assist mode), with the driver exiting the vehicle to complete a snowplow coupling procedure according to the snowplow manufacturer's instructions. Some example embodiments may alleviate the inconvenience associated with having a person connect a snowplow to the vehicle's push bar due to a lack of visibility and dimensional perspective. The system assists the driver with alignment, eliminating the need for multiple entry and exit steps to ensure snowplow alignment for engagement, reducing the likelihood of damage due to grossly misaligned vehicle push bars and snowplow coupling.

[0034] In Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 includes the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13. In Fig. 1, a drive unit 14 selectively outputs torque to the front wheels 12 and / or the rear wheels 13 via drivelines 16 and 18, respectively. The vehicle 10 may include various types of drive units. For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle, an internal combustion engine (ICE), or another type of vehicle.

[0035] Some examples of the drive unit 14 may include any suitable electric motor, a power inverter, and a motor controller configured to control the power switches within the power inverter to adjust the motor speed and torque during propulsion and / or regeneration. A battery system provides or receives power to the electric motor of the drive unit 14 via the power inverter during propulsion or regeneration.

[0036] While the vehicle 10 in Fig. 1 includes a drive unit 14, the vehicle 10 may have other configurations. For example, two separate drive units may drive the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 13, one or more individual drive units may drive individual wheels, etc. As can be appreciated, other vehicle configurations and / or drive units may be used.

[0037] The vehicle control module 20 may be configured to control the operation of one or more vehicle components, such as the drive unit 14 (e.g., by commanding the torque settings of an electric motor of the drive unit 14). The vehicle control module 20 may receive inputs to control the components of the vehicle, such as signals received from a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, etc. The vehicle control module 20 may monitor the vehicle's telematics, such as vehicle speed, vehicle location, vehicle braking and acceleration, etc., for safety purposes.

[0038] The vehicle control module 20 may receive signals from any suitable components for monitoring one or more aspects of the vehicle, including one or more vehicle sensors (such as cameras, microphones, pressure sensors, steering wheel position sensors, braking sensors, location sensors such as Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas, etc.). Some sensors may be configured to monitor the current movement of the vehicle, the vehicle's acceleration, the vehicle's braking, the current steering direction of the vehicle, etc.

[0039] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a front-facing vehicle camera 22, and may include optional side and rear cameras. According to various implementations, the vehicle 10 may include more or fewer (or none) of these vehicle cameras. Each vehicle camera may include any suitable camera lens and image capture components, may optionally be associated with a laser, a lidar sensor, etc.

[0040] The vehicle front camera 22 can be used to detect objects around the vehicle 10, such as a snow plow 24 in front of the vehicle. According to some example embodiments, the one or more vehicle cameras can be configured to detect a closest in path (CIPV) (e.g., another vehicle in front of a current path of the vehicle 10) or a vulnerable road user (VRU) (e.g., a pedestrian or cyclist), be implemented as rearview cameras to control automated braking or audible warnings while the vehicle is reversing, etc. The data obtained from the vehicle cameras can be used to control automated vehicle motion control features, such as automated acceleration and braking based on detected objects or vehicles around the vehicle 10, such as the snow plow 24.

[0041] The vehicle control module 20 may communicate with another device via a wireless communication interface, which may include one or more wireless antennas for transmitting and / or receiving wireless communication signals. The wireless communication interface may communicate, for example, via any suitable wireless communication protocols, including, but not limited to, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, Wi-Fi communication, wireless wide area network (WAN) communication, cellular communication, personal area network (PAN) communication, short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth), etc. The wireless communication interface may communicate with a remote computing device via one or more wireless and / or wired networks.With respect to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2X) communication, the vehicle 10 may include one or more V2X transceivers (e.g., V2X signal transmitting and / or receiving antennas).

[0042] The vehicle 10 also includes a user interface 21. The user interface 21 may include any suitable displays (such as on an instrument panel, console, or elsewhere), a touch screen or other input device, speakers for generating sound, etc.

[0043] According to some example embodiments, the vehicle control module 20 may be configured to provide a visual indication of a centerline 28 of the snow plow 24 (e.g., a centerline 28 defined between two headlight assemblies 26 of the snow plow 24) to facilitate alignment of the vehicle 10 with the center of the snow plow 24 for coupling the snow plow 24 to the vehicle.

[0044] For example, the snow plow 24 may include two headlight assemblies 26, which may be required by law, local ordinances, etc., and may have standard dimensions as specified by various snow plow manufacturers, etc. As further explained below, the vehicle control module 20 may be configured to detect the headlight assemblies 26 based on an image of the snow plow 24 captured via the vehicle front camera 22 (which may include identifying a center of the headlight assemblies 26).

[0045] The vehicle control module 20 may detect the headlight assemblies 26 using any suitable image processing algorithms, which may be based on trained image detection models, stored data regarding known snow plow manufacturing arrangements of the headlight assemblies, etc. The vehicle control module then calculates a centerline 28 between the headlight assemblies 26, which may correspond to a center of the snow plow 24 and a center of the snow plow couplings (e.g., the mounting bracket for coupling the snow plow 24 to a push rod of the vehicle 10).

[0046] The centerline 28 is then displayed on the user interface 21 of the vehicle 10 to inform a driver whether the vehicle 10 is currently aligned with the center of the snow plow 24. According to some examples, the vehicle control module 20 may calculate a steering path to align the vehicle 10 with the centerline 28, and may display the steering path on the user interface 21 to guide the driver.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a side view of a snow plow alignment system 100 including a vehicle camera module 122 configured to detect the positions of the headlight assemblies 126 of a snow plow 124. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle camera module 122 is mounted at a front center position on the vehicle 110.

[0048] The vehicle camera module 122 is configured to capture an image of the snow plow 124 including the headlight assemblies 126, and a vehicle control module (which may include or be separate from the vehicle camera module 122) is configured to determine a centerline of the snow plow 124 based on the positions of the headlight assemblies 126 in the image captured by the vehicle camera module 122.

[0049] The vehicle control module then displays the centerline on a user interface of the vehicle 110. The centerline may correspond to a center of the snow plow couplers 130. For example, the snow plow 124 includes one or more snow plow couplers 130 (e.g., mounting brackets) for coupling the snow plow 124 to a push bar 132 of the vehicle 110. The snow plow centerline displayed on the vehicle user interface allows the driver to align the center of the push bar 132 of the vehicle 110 with a center of the snow plow couplers 130 to facilitate proper coupling of the snow plow 124 to the push bar 132.

[0050] Fig. 3 is an illustration of an example of a user interface 200 depicting a centerline 228 of the headlight assemblies 226. The user interface 200 may, for example, display an image captured by the vehicle front camera 22 to Fig. 1 after processing by the vehicle control module 20 to determine and display a centerline for the snow plow.

[0051] As in Fig. 3, the snow plow 224 includes two headlight assemblies 226. The vehicle control module is configured to detect the headlight assemblies 226 using any suitable object detection algorithms, which may include trained image detection models, image detection associated with stored headlight assemblies array data for known snow plow manufacturers, etc.

[0052] The vehicle control module is configured to determine a midpoint 230 between the headlight assemblies 226, which may include identifying a center of each headlight assembly 226. The midpoint 230 may be calculated by finding a midpoint along a distance between the two headlight assemblies 226 or a distance between the centers of the headlight assemblies 226.

[0053] The vehicle control module then determines a centerline 228 based on the calculated center point 230 between the headlight assemblies, which may correspond to a center of the snow plow 224. The centerline 228 is displayed on the user interface 200 to assist the driver in aligning the vehicle with the center of the snow plow 224. According to some examples, a steering path may be calculated and displayed on the user interface 200 to show a driver in which direction the vehicle should be turned to align it with the centerline 228 of the snow plow 224.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling the alignment of a vehicle with a snowplow centerline. The process may be performed, for example, by the vehicle control module 20 according to Fig. 1. At 404, the process begins by obtaining an image from the vehicle front camera, such as the vehicle front camera 22 after Fig. 1.

[0055] The vehicle control module is optionally configured to receive at 408 additional vehicle parameters, such as a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, a transmission position of the vehicle (e.g., drive, neutral, reverse), a brake sensor value (e.g., indicating whether and with what brake pressure the brakes are applied), etc.

[0056] At 412, the vehicle control module is configured to determine whether a "snowplow assist" mode of operation of the vehicle is active. As described below with respect to Fig. 5, for example, according to some examples, a user interface may display various optional modes of operation to a driver, allowing the driver to select a snowplow assist mode if the driver desires to connect a snowplow to the vehicle.

[0057] If the snowplow assist mode is not established at 412, control returns to 404 to continue obtaining updated images of the front of the vehicle (which may include a snowplow if a snowplow is positioned in front of the vehicle). If the snowplow assist mode is active at 412, control proceeds to 416 to determine whether the snowplow is within a distance threshold.

[0058] For example, the snowplow assist mode may be configured to identify a snowplow centerline only if the snowplow is within ten yards of the vehicle, within twenty feet of the vehicle, within ten feet of the vehicle, within five feet of the vehicle, etc. The vehicle control module may be configured to determine a distance between the snowplow and the vehicle using any suitable process (such as image processing of an image captured by the vehicle's front-end camera 22, using a laser or lidar to determine a distance, etc.).

[0059] The vehicle control module then compares the determined distance to a distance threshold. If the snowplow is not within the distance threshold, control returns to 404 to continue receiving updated images of the snowplow via the vehicle's front camera. The vehicle control module may be configured to display an error message on the user interface indicating that the snowplow is too far away and that the vehicle should be moved closer to the snowplow to implement the snowplow centerline detection process.

[0060] Once at 416 the snowplow is within the specified distance threshold, control proceeds to 420 to display the snowplow on the user interface (although the snowplow may optionally be displayed prior to 420 if the user interface is configured to continuously display images captured by the vehicle's front-end camera).

[0061] At 424, the vehicle control module is configured to identify the snowplow headlight assemblies, which may include identifying the centers of the headlight assemblies. Headlight assembly and center detection may be performed using any suitable image processing and object detection implementations.

[0062] At 428, the vehicle control module is configured to calculate a centerline between the headlamp assemblies, such as by determining a midpoint of a distance between the centers of the detected positions of the headlamp assemblies. The controller then displays the centerline relative to the snowplow on the user interface at 432.

[0063] For example, the determined centerline may correspond to a center of the snow plow couplers used to couple the snow plow to the vehicle. At 436, the vehicle control module is configured to determine a steering path from a current vehicle position to the centerline.

[0064] According to various examples, the vehicle control module may receive a current steering angle of the vehicle and compare a forward direction of the vehicle to the centerline to determine a desired steering path to align the forward direction of the vehicle with the centerline. The desired steering path is then displayed on the user interface to assist a driver in aligning the vehicle with the center of the snow plow.

[0065] At 440, control determines whether the vehicle includes an automated driving system, and if so, whether automatic steering has been enabled for automatic snowplow assist (e.g., via a user input selection of an automatic snowplow assist mode via the user interface). If automated assist has been selected, control proceeds to 444 to automatically control the movement of the vehicle toward the snowplow centerline.

[0066] For example, the vehicle control module can automatically turn the vehicle's steering wheel in one direction to align the vehicle's forward movement toward the snowplow's centerline. The vehicle control module can optionally control the vehicle's automated acceleration and braking to drive the vehicle toward the snowplow. A brake override feature can be implemented to allow a user to apply the brakes to avoid potential damage due to contact between the vehicle and the snowplow.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for displaying snowplow assistance features on a vehicle user interface. The process may be performed, for example, by the vehicle control module 20 after Fig.1. At 504, the process begins by displaying feature management options on a vehicle user interface.

[0068] At 508, the vehicle control module is configured to determine whether a snowplow assist option has been selected by a driver. If so, at 512, the controller displays snowplow assist options on the user interface. At 516, the controller determines whether a snowplow assist mode has been selected.

[0069] If so, control proceeds to 520 to receive user input indicating a selection of a manual snowplow assist mode or an automated snowplow assist mode. The controller then assigns the snowplow centerline settings according to the selection input received from the user.

[0070] For example, in a manual assist mode, the vehicle control module may be configured to display a snowplow centerline and a steering path for vehicle-snowplow alignment. In an automated assist mode, the vehicle control module may control the automated steering, acceleration, and / or braking of the vehicle to drive the vehicle toward the determined snowplow centerline using the vehicle's automated driving systems. legend

[0071] In the drawings, N stands for No and Y stands for Yes.

Claims

[1] Vehicle snow plow guidance system comprising: a vehicle camera (22) mounted on a vehicle (10) and configured to capture images of a front portion of the vehicle (10); a vehicle user interface (21) configured to display images; a snow plow (24, 124) including two spaced-apart headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226); and a vehicle control module (20) connected to the vehicle camera (22), the vehicle control module (20) being configured: detecting the positions of each of the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226) of the snow plough (24, 124); to determine a center line (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226) according to the detected positions; and display the snow plow (24, 124) and the determined centerline (28, 228) on the vehicle user interface (21) to facilitate alignment of the vehicle (10) to a center of the snow plow (24, 124) for connecting the snow plow (24, 124) to the vehicle (10). [2] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured to determine the centerline (28, 228) by: Identifying a center of each of the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226); and Calculating the center line (28, 228) according to the identified center of each of the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226). [3] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured: to identify a forward direction of the vehicle (10); to calculate a difference between the forward direction of the vehicle (10) and the determined center line (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226); and display a steering path on the vehicle user interface (21) indicating a steering direction to align the forward direction of the vehicle (10) with the determined centerline (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226). [4] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured: to obtain a steering wheel angle of the vehicle (10); and to identify the forward direction of the vehicle (10) according to the steering wheel angle. [5] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 4, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured: obtain a gear position and a brake sensor value of the vehicle (10); and display the steering travel according to the steering wheel angle, gear position and brake sensor value. [6] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured: display a snow plow assist mode option on the vehicle user interface (21); receive a user input selection of the snow plow assist mode option via the vehicle user interface (21); and display the snow plow (24, 124) and the determined centerline (28, 228) on the vehicle user interface (21) in response to receiving the user input selection of the snow plow assist mode option. [7] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured to control automated steering of the vehicle to align the vehicle (10) with the determined centerline (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226). [8] The vehicle snow plow guidance system of claim 7, wherein the vehicle control module (20) is configured to control automated acceleration and braking of the vehicle (10) to align the vehicle (10) with the determined centerline (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226). [9] A vehicle snow plow guidance system according to claim 1, wherein: the vehicle (10) includes a snow plow push carrier configured to mount the snow plow (24, 124) and push the snow plow (24, 124) according to the movement of the vehicle (10); the snow plow (24, 124) includes one or more snow plow couplings configured to couple the snow plow (24, 124) to the snow plow push beam of the vehicle (10); and the determined center line (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226) corresponds to a center of the one or more snow plow couplings. [10] A method for aligning a snow plow (24, 124) with a vehicle (10), the method comprising: Capturing an image of a snow plow (24, 124) in front of a vehicle (10) via a vehicle camera (22) mounted on a vehicle (10), the snow plow (24, 124) including two spaced-apart headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226); Detecting the positions of each of the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226) of the snow plow (24, 124); Determining a center line (28, 228) between the two headlight assemblies (26, 126, 226) according to the detected positions; and Displaying the snow plow (24, 124) and the determined centerline (28, 228) on a vehicle user interface (21) of the vehicle (10) to facilitate alignment of the vehicle (10) to a center of the snow plow (24, 124) for connecting the snow plow (24, 124) to the vehicle (10).

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