Electronic route input for automatic or semi-automatic reversing of a trailer

Abstract

Method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer, comprising: initiating a route input mode at an electronic input device assigned to a control unit for a reversing system; entering an intended reversing route into a mobile electronic device by moving the mobile electronic device over each branch of the intended reversing route; entering the intended reversing route into an electronic input device from the mobile electronic device; wherein a driver or passenger, holding the mobile electronic device, exits the vehicle, activates the route input mode at the mobile electronic device upon reaching the end of the trailer, and then walks the planned reversing route, and upon reaching the desired parking end position, terminates the route input mode at the electronic input device.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to motor vehicles and in particular to the further development of driver assistance systems for motor vehicles. background

[0002] Reversing or backing up a vehicle with a trailer often requires several people to effectively maneuver and steer the vehicle and trailer along the intended route. Additionally, inexperienced drivers of vehicles with trailers may encounter difficulties precisely maneuvering and steering the trailer along the correct path, especially when reversing.

[0003] The background information provided herein serves the general purpose of presenting the context of the disclosure. The work of the inventors currently listed, to the extent described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that would otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly considered prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary

[0004] A method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer comprises initiating / activating a route input mode at an electronic input device, which is assigned to an electronic control unit for a trailer reversing system. An intended or planned reversing route is entered into the electronic input device by defining the intended reversing route using an input control mechanism for the electronic input device. The route input mode at the electronic input device is then terminated.

[0005] A method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer comprises initiating / activating a route input mode by means of a voice command to an electronic input device, which is assigned to an electronic control unit for a trailer reversing system. An intended reversing route is entered into the electronic input device via voice command instructions. The route input mode at the electronic input device is then terminated by means of a voice command.

[0006] A method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer comprises initiating / activating a route input mode at an electronic input device assigned to an electronic control unit for a trailer reversing system. An intended reversing route is entered into a mobile electronic device by moving the mobile electronic device over the intended reversing route. The intended reversing route is then entered into the electronic input device via the mobile electronic device. The route input mode at the electronic input device is then terminated.

[0007] Further areas of application of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It is assumed that the detailed description and specific examples, while the preferred embodiment of the disclosure is characterized, are intended solely for illustrative purposes and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] The detailed description and its accompanying drawings lead to a more complete understanding of the present revelation, whereby:

[0009] Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a vehicle with a trailer, wherein this arrangement includes a trailer reversing system of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a procedure for using the trailer reversing system Fig. 1 is;

[0011] Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an arrangement of a vehicle with a trailer, which includes a trailer reversing system of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an input device for the second embodiment of the trailer reversing system of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a procedure for using the trailer reversing system Fig. 3 is;

[0014] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of an arrangement consisting of a vehicle with a trailer, which includes a trailer reversing system of the present invention; and

[0015] Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a procedure for using the trailer reversing system Fig. 5 is. Detailed description

[0016] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, and / or uses in any way. For the sake of clarity, the same reference symbols are used in the drawings to identify the same elements. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 10 and a trailer 11 The trailer 11 is controllable with the vehicle 10 coupled / secured to form an arrangement 12 to be formed from a vehicle with a trailer. The arrangement 12 The vehicle and trailer use a trailer reversing program 14 of the present invention. Throughout the application, relative directions with respect to "forward" and "backward" refer to the direction in which a driver of the vehicle is traveling. 10 when operating the vehicle 10would be in a driving or transmission stage. Therefore, when operating the trailer reversing program, 14 the vehicle 10 The vehicle is in reverse gear and the driver is looking behind them. The trailer reversing program 14 provides the vehicle operator with a procedure for electronically defining an intended / planned return route. 18 the order 12 consisting of the vehicle and the trailer ready. The trailer reversing program 14 uses the intended return route 18 for controlling (maneuvering) a movement of the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 .

[0017] With reference to Fig. 1 describes a first embodiment for use of the trailer reversing program 14 described. An electronic input device 16 is connected to the vehicle electronically 10 and the trailer reversing program 14connected. The trailer reversing program 14 includes a control unit 22 inside the vehicle 10 The control unit 22 can be achieved with at least one vehicle system 24 be connected, such as to a drive system, a steering system and / or a braking system, to control the movement of the vehicle / trailer assembly 12 to control and guide (to maneuver). The control unit 22 sends instructions to the vehicle systems 24 , to arrange 12 consisting of the vehicle and the trailer along the intended return route 18 to a final position 20 to move. The steering, brakes and other controls are operated by the control unit. 22 based on the intended return route entered by the vehicle operator 18 calculated.

[0018] The electronic input device 16 includes an input control mechanism26 and a display screen 28 The electronic input device 16 can enter the vehicle 10 be integrated. For example, the electronic input device can be 16 a control panel and one in the vehicle 10 existing display screen 28 This includes, for example, as part of a navigation system or entertainment unit, or it can be a separate device such as a portable navigation system that is electrically connected to the vehicle. 10 is connected. The electronic input device 16 can also be partially incorporated into the vehicle 10 be integrated, such as the display screen 28 , and can have a separate input control mechanism 26 exhibit. The input control mechanism 26This can include a joystick, rotary knob, slider, physical buttons, virtual touchscreen buttons (fields), a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, or voice-controlled input. The electronic input device 16 It can be connected via a wired connection such as a USB port, or it can be connected to the vehicle. 10 be connected wirelessly. The input control mechanism 26 can appear on the display screen 28 located so-called “on-screen” markers 40 steer.

[0019] The display screen 28 a schematic diagram or image of a rear vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 to represent the area in question. The screen marker 40 It can initially be in a starting position, e.g., at a rear position in the vehicle / trailer arrangement. 12 The input control mechanism 26can be used to determine the intended return route 18 to define and / or control the vehicle / trailer arrangement by pressing physical buttons, "touchscreen" buttons or fields, or by detecting a movement of the input control mechanism 26 and a measurement from internal accelerometers and / or a gyroscope. This could also be complemented by using voice commands or controls, or a joystick-like device to move the screen marker. 40 on the display screen 28 to move the intended or planned return route. Therefore, the input control mechanism can 26 for moving the screen marker 40 on the display screen 28 to mark the intended / planned return route 18 The trailer reversing system can be "manipulated". 14would determine the actual distances and movements or driving maneuvers from the input, which are necessary for maneuvering the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 along the intended / planned return route 18 are required.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a method for using the trailer reversing system 14 , specifically at step 29 The route input operating mode for the trailer reversing system 14 will be at step 30 started. A driver would use the input control mechanism. 26 for entering an intended / planned return route 18 for the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 at step 32 into the electronic input device 16 use. The intended return route 18 would include the recommended return route and a final parking position. 20include the input control mechanism. 26 can be used to enter the intended return route 18 by successively entering each segment of a recommended route or path. For example, the input control mechanism can be used 26 It will be a joystick or rotary knob (or just a knob) that is part of the vehicle's navigation and entertainment unit. The input control mechanism 26 e.g. a joystick, controller, etc., can be used to move the screen marker. 40 over each successive section of the intended return route 18 will be "manipulated". The intended return route 18 would include the recommended return route and a final parking position. 20 This includes the driver indicating this, as well as the complete return route by exiting the route input mode at step 1. 34The intended return route has been entered into the trailer reversing program. 14 Once entered, the driver would activate the trailer reversing system. 14 instruct in this way, at step 36 the intended return route 18 to follow. The trailer reversing system 14 would connect to the vehicle systems 24 Transmit instructions regarding the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 along the intended return route 18 at step 38 to the final position 20 to rank.

[0021] Alternatively, the trailer reversing system could be used. 14 designed to function in real time, in which the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 during operation or “manipulation” of the input control mechanism 26 by the driver following the intended return route. Each section of the intended return route 18can be entered, whereby the trailer reversing system 14 the vehicle / trailer arrangement 12 before entering the next section of the intended return route 18 can move or maneuver to this position. This can be achieved by repeating the steps. 30 – 38 for each section of the return journey 18 can be achieved.

[0022] Fig. 3– Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a trailer reversing system. 114 for a vehicle 110 with a trailer 111 , which together form a vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 are connected. The trailer reversing program 114 provides the driver with a procedure for determining or defining the intended return route. 118 the vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 ready. An electronic input device 116 is connected to the vehicle electronically110 and the trailer reversing program 114 connected. The trailer reversing program 114 includes a control unit 122 inside the vehicle 110 , wherein the unit includes at least one vehicle system 124 connected to, for example, a drive (conduction) system, a steering system and / or a braking system, to enable movement of the vehicle / trailer assembly 112 to control and maneuver accordingly. The electronic input device 116 includes an input control mechanism 126 and can display a screen 128 include the electronic input device. 116 can enter the vehicle 110 be integrated. For example, the electronic input device can be 116 one already in the vehicle 110 located control panel and display screen 128This can include, for example, components of a navigation system or entertainment unit, or it can be a separate device. The electronic input device 116 can also partially into the vehicle 110 be integrated, such as the display screen 128 , but can have a separate input control mechanism 126 exhibit. The input control mechanism 126 is preferably a voice control system, as is used in Fig. 4 is shown. The input control mechanism 126 can appear on the display screen 128 located screen marker 140 steer.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an input control mechanism. 126 , which is a voice control system. The voice control system 126 can be used to perform various functions of the vehicle 110 with other vehicle equipment 110be connected to or partially integrated into them. The other potentially electronically connected devices 142a –e include, for example, a telephone 142a , a navigation system 142b , an audio system 142c , a CD changer 144d or an air conditioning 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 driver into an electrical signal, which is used by the trailer reversing system. 114 and / or other facilities 142a -e can be used. Additionally, the interface converts 141 the electrical signals from the trailer reversing system 114 and other facilities 142a –e for the driver in an audio output 144 um.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 3– Fig. Step 5 will be used in step 129 a second embodiment of a method for using the trailer reversing system 114 shown. A driver would use the voice-activated input control mechanism. 126 use to plan an intended return route 118 for the vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 to be entered. The route input mode for the trailer reversing system. 114 will be at step 130 started. In the passenger cabin, a driver would use the voice-controlled input mechanism. 126 use to start at step 132 a planned return route 118 for the vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 to be entered. Simple direction and distance information can be entered via voice input regarding the planned route. 118They can be used, for example, "3 meters back", "Stop", "90° right", "End position". The screen marker 140 It can move to adjust the position of the vehicle / trailer arrangement. 112 to reproduce or display the driver's voice commands in real time.

[0025] The vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 would every spoken and input device 142 Follow the recorded instructions. Once the driver has completed the instructions, at step 134 The route input mode has ended. After entering each step in the trailer reversing program. 114 The trailer reversing system follows 114 at step 136 the instructions along the planned return route 118 For maneuvering the vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 along the planned return route 118 would the trailer reversing system114 at step 138 Instructions to the vehicle system 124 transmit. By repeating the steps 130 – 138 can the vehicle / trailer arrangement 112 to the desired parking end position 120 to be moved or shunted.

[0026] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 represents a third embodiment of the trailer reversing system 214 for a vehicle 210 with trailer 212 which together form a vehicle / trailer arrangement 214 are connected to each other. The trailer reversing program 214 provides the driver with a procedure for determining a planned return route. 218 for the vehicle / trailer arrangement 212 ready.

[0027] An electronic input device 216 is with the vehicle 210 and the trailer reversing program 214 connected. The trailer reversing program214 includes in the vehicle 210 a control unit 222 , which are equipped with at least one vehicle system 224 connected, such as a drive (train) system, a steering system and / or a braking system for controlling and maneuvering the vehicle / trailer assembly 212 .

[0028] The electronic input device 216 includes an input control mechanism 226 and a display screen 228 The electronic input device 216 can enter the vehicle 210 be integrated. The electronic input device 216 can partially enter the vehicle 210 be integrated, such as the display screen 228 , however, it may have a separate input control mechanism 226 exhibit. For example, the electronic input device 216 one already in the vehicle 210 located control panel and a display screen228 This includes, for example, components such as a navigation system or an entertainment unit. The input control mechanism 226 is a mobile electronic device and can alternatively be used as a display screen 228 include the mobile (portable) electronic device 126 It could be a smartphone, a PDA, a mobile GPS, a key fob, etc.

[0029] The mobile electronic device 226 can be a screen marker 240 on the display screen 228 control the mobile electronic device 226 can be connected via a wired connection, such as a USB port, or can be connected wirelessly to the electronic input device. 216 be linked or connected.

[0030] A control unit 222 in the vehicle 210 can be used with at least one vehicle system 224be connected, such as to a drive (train) system, a steering system and / or a braking system, to enable movement of the vehicle / trailer assembly 212 to control and maneuver accordingly. The trailer reversing system 214 It could be designed to function in real time, in which the vehicle / trailer arrangement 212 the mobile electronic device 226 follows, while the driver of the track 218 It's running. Alternatively, the trailer reversing system could be used. 214 be designed in such a way that it is only possible after a complete mapping of the route 218 works; thus the person can first go to the vehicle 210 return.

[0031] Fig. Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of a method for using the trailer reversing system 214 out of Fig. 6. A driver or passenger boards with the mobile electronic device 226in hand from the vehicle 210 out. Upon reaching the end of the trailer 212 The driver / user activates the route input mode on the mobile electronic device 226 at step 230 and progresses step by step 232 the planned return route 218 ab. Once the user reaches the desired parking position, 220 for the end of the trailer, then at step 234 The route input mode has ended.

[0032] As well as the planned return route 218 into the trailer reversing program 214 Once entered, the driver would activate the trailer reversing system. 214 instruct at step 236 along the planned return route 218 to follow. The trailer reversing system 214 transmitted for maneuvering the vehicle / trailer arrangement 212 along the planned return route 218 to the parking end position220 at step 238 Instructions to the vehicle system 224 The trailer reversing system 214 It controls the lateral and longitudinal movement of the vehicle / trailer assembly autonomously or automatically (i.e., the driver is not behind the steering wheel) or semi-autonomously (i.e., the driver is behind the steering wheel). 212 along the route 218 , which is from the mobile electronic device 226 was recorded or depicted.

[0033] While the best embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, the true scope of the disclosure should not be limited thereto, since the person skilled in the art will recognize various alternative arrangements and embodiments for the practical implementation of the invention within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer, comprising: Initiating a route input mode into an electronic input device, which is assigned to an electronic control unit for a reversing system; Entering an intended return route by defining the intended return route with an input control mechanism for the electronic input device; and Ending the route input mode at the electronic input device. [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising instructing at least one vehicle system by the electronic control unit to move the vehicle with trailer along the intended return route to a final position for the vehicle with trailer. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the steps of initiating the route input mode, entering the intended return route, exiting the route input mode and instructing the at least one vehicle system are repeated for each section / branch of the intended return route before moving the vehicle with trailer for a subsequent branch of the intended return route. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the input of an intended return route with the input control mechanism further comprises input using a joystick, scroll ball, rotary control, sliding device, at least one physical button, at least one touchscreen button of a mobile electronic device and voice control inputs to define the intended return route. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein the input of the intended return route further comprises controlling a marker on a display screen of the electronic input device of the input control mechanism to move the marker across the display screen, thereby defining each branch of the intended return route. [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the input of the intended return route further comprises the input of each branch of the intended return route prior to the input of a subsequent branch of the intended return route. [7] Method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer, comprising: Initiating a route input mode via a voice command into an electronic input device which is assigned to a control unit for a reversing system; Entering an intended return route using voice command instructions, which are entered into the electronic input device; and Ending the route input mode by a voice command to the electronic input device. [8] Method according to claim 7, further comprising instructing at least one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the vehicle with trailer along the intended return route to a final position for the vehicle with trailer. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein the input of an intended return route according to the voice command instructions further comprises a separate voice command for each branch of the intended return route. [10] Method according to claim 7, wherein the input of an intended return route according to the voice command instructions further comprises the use of a relative direction and distance input for each branch of the return route. [11] Method according to claim 7, wherein entering an intended return route according to the voice command instructions further comprises navigating a marker located on the screen using the voice commands to define each branch of the return route. [12] Method for controlling a reversing system for a vehicle with a trailer, comprising: Initiating a route input mode on an electronic input device that is assigned to a control unit for a reversing system; Entering an intended return route into a mobile electronic device by moving the mobile electronic device over each branch of the intended return route; Entering the intended return route into an electronic input device from the mobile electronic device; and Ending the route input mode at the electronic input device. [13] Method according to claim 12, further comprising instructing at least one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the vehicle with trailer along the intended return route to a final position for the vehicle with trailer. [14] Method according to claim 13, further comprising confirming that a user is in a driver's seat of the vehicle prior to instructing the at least one vehicle system with the electronic control unit to move the vehicle with trailer. [15] Method according to claim 12, wherein the input of an intended return route into the electronic input device from the mobile electronic device further comprises an electronic connection of the mobile electronic device to the electronic input device via a radio connection. [16] Method according to claim 12, wherein the termination of the route input mode occurs before the intended return route is entered into an electronic input device by the mobile electronic device. [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein the input of an intended return route into the electronic input device from the mobile electronic device further comprises an electronic connection of the mobile electronic device to the electronic input device via a radio link between the mobile electronic device and the electronic input device.