METHOD FOR MONITORING THE POSITION OF A TRAILER'S JACKET WHEEL AND A CAMERA SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE POSITION OF A TRAILER'S JACKET WHEEL AND A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A CAMERA SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for monitoring the position of a trailer support wheel and a camera system for monitoring the position of a trailer support wheel, as well as a motor vehicle with a camera system. Document US 2015345939 A1 discloses a method and a camera system for monitoring the position of a support wheel.

[0002] Driver assistance systems are now indispensable in modern vehicles. These systems offer functions that support the driver. This is achieved primarily by the system detecting and recording the vehicle's surroundings, processing the collected information, and then either performing appropriate driving maneuvers or providing the driver with a visual representation of the surroundings. Cameras are primarily used for this purpose, capturing at least a portion of the area around the vehicle. Front cameras, positioned near the windshield, are a common example, capturing the area in front of the vehicle. Rear-facing cameras, such as reversing cameras, are also now standard technology. These capture the area behind the vehicle. Surround-view systems are also becoming increasingly common.

[0003] Although modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with tow hitches, towing trailers is not an everyday occurrence. A common use for trailers is transporting large pieces of furniture, especially during moves. Trailers are also used in the form of motorhomes. These occasional uses mean that time often passes between trailers. Consequently, there is a lack of experience, and trailer hitches are frequently attached incorrectly, which can have serious consequences.

[0004] To ensure trailers remain stable when not in use, they are equipped with support wheels. When attached to a motor vehicle, the support wheels are raised and locked in place. Due to uneven road surfaces, the support wheels can come loose during travel, especially if not properly secured. This can damage the support wheel or, in the worst case, create a traffic hazard.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a method or system with which towing a trailer can be carried out safely and, in particular, without accidents.

[0006] The problem is solved by a method having the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. A camera system and a motor vehicle are the subject of the collateral claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the position of a support wheel of a trailer comprising the steps: Capturing an area behind a motor vehicle with a camera, processing the captured image data with an evaluation unit and detecting the support wheel as well as determining a position of the support wheel, comparing the captured position of the support wheel with a safe position of the support wheel, issuing a warning signal if the captured position of the support wheel deviates from the safe position.

[0008] The method according to the invention ensures, in particular, that the position of a trailer's support wheel is monitored, preferably continuously during driving. If the position of the support wheel changes, the driver is informed. The driver can thus take appropriate measures before an accident hazard arises or the support wheel is damaged. For example, the driver can stop the vehicle and reattach the support wheel. This ensures safe towing of the trailer overall.

[0009] The support wheel is detected using an object recognition method known in image processing.

[0010] The warning signal can be visual and / or audible. It is advantageous if the driver is informed of the jockey wheel's position via a display device, particularly a monitor and / or head-up display. It is also beneficial if the driver is shown at least a portion of the camera image, with overlays or highlights, especially in color, appearing when the jockey wheel deviates from its safe position. This ensures that the driver is clearly and easily informed of any incorrect jockey wheel position.

[0011] It is conceivable that a multi-stage warning system could be implemented. If the support wheel deviates only slightly from the safe position, an alternating tone or beep could sound. If the support wheel's position deviates increasingly from the safe position, the acoustic signal could transition into a continuous tone or beep. The visual warning could also change, particularly through a color change. Preferably, this color change would occur during highlighting or overlaying. A particularly preferred option would be a color change from yellow to orange to red.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the warning signal is only issued when there is a distance or difference between the detected position of the support wheel and the safe position that exceeds a threshold value.

[0013] For the purposes of this invention, a "safe position" is understood to mean, in particular, a position of the support wheel in which no damage should occur to the support wheel during operation of the motor vehicle. The support wheel is in a safe position, in particular, when it is positioned sufficiently far from the road surface. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the safe position is a defined distance between the support wheel in the safe position, in particular in a target position, and the road surface. For the purposes of this invention, the defined distance is considered to be a target distance. The target distance is preferably specified.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a warning signal is issued when the distance of the detected support wheel to the road surface is less than the defined distance. It is advantageous if the warning signal is only issued when the distance of the detected support wheel deviates from the defined distance by a threshold value or a difference. The threshold value is preferably stored in the system. This is advantageous because the driver does not receive a warning for the slightest deviation, even if no potential danger yet exists. Preferably, the safe distance of the support wheel and / or the target distance and / or the threshold value are stored in a memory unit and can be retrieved.

[0015] It is advantageous to perform a check to see if a trailer is present. This check can be carried out using a camera, especially a reversing camera, by evaluating electrical contacts, and / or with a trailer hitch load detection system. If a trailer is detected, the camera is activated.

[0016] Preferably, the method according to the invention is only carried out when the motor vehicle is in motion. It is also possible for the method to be activated when the motor vehicle's engine is started.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a camera system for monitoring the position of a trailer's support wheel, comprising at least one camera that captures an area located behind a motor vehicle; an evaluation unit for processing the captured image data, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to detect the support wheel and determine its position; a comparison device configured to compare the detected position of the support wheel with a safe position of the support wheel; and a warning device for issuing a warning signal when the detected position of the support wheel deviates from the safe position.

[0018] The system according to the invention ensures, in particular, the safe towing of a trailer. Especially for people who only tow a trailer occasionally, the system according to the invention can prevent unnecessary problems.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the system can include a storage unit. The storage unit contains the safe position and / or a target distance and / or a threshold value. The storage unit can be part of the evaluation unit. It is also conceivable that the comparison unit is part of the evaluation unit.

[0020] The camera is advantageously a reversing camera. This provides added value for the driver, as a camera already present on the vehicle, with its rather limited range of functions, gains an additional feature. However, it is also possible that the camera is part of a surround-view system, which is typically located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0021] The camera system according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a camera system according to the invention.

[0023] Further advantageous designs can be seen in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1: Schematic representation of a flowchart of a method according to the invention for monitoring the position of a support wheel of a trailer in one embodiment; Fig. 2: Schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a camera system according to the invention in one embodiment; Fig. 3: Schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a camera system according to the invention in a further embodiment.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart of a method according to the invention for monitoring the position of a support wheel 18 of a trailer 16 in one embodiment. In a first step S1, an area located behind a motor vehicle 12 is captured with a camera 14. In a second step S2, the captured image data from the camera 14 is evaluated by an evaluation unit 22. The support wheel 18 is detected and its position is determined. Known object recognition methods can be used for detecting the support wheel 18. In a third step, the detected position of the support wheel 18 is compared with a safe position of the support wheel 18. The safe position can be a distance between the support wheel 18 in a safe position, in particular in a target position, and the road surface 30. The distance is preferably stored in a memory unit 28.In a fourth step S4, a warning signal is issued if the detected position of the support wheel 18 deviates from the safe position. The warning signal is preferably only issued if the distance of the detected support wheel 18 to the roadway 30 is less than the target distance and deviates from the safe distance by a threshold value.

[0025] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 12 with a camera system 10 according to the invention for monitoring the position of a support wheel 18 of a trailer 16 in one embodiment. The camera system 10 has a camera 14 that detects an area located behind a motor vehicle 12. The detection range of the camera 14 is shown in Figure 2The camera system 10 is represented by the dashed arrows. Furthermore, the camera system 10 includes an evaluation unit 22. The evaluation unit 22 processes the captured image data. This allows the support wheel 18 to be detected and its position determined. The system 10 also includes a comparison device 24. The comparison device 24 compares the detected position of the support wheel 18 with a safe position of the support wheel 18. The safe position of the support wheel 18 is preferably stored in a memory unit 28. The system 10 also includes a warning device 26 for issuing a warning signal if the detected position of the support wheel 18 deviates from the safe position.

[0026] In Figure 2The detected support wheel 18 is at a distance h from the road surface 30. This distance essentially corresponds to a target distance stored in the memory unit 28. Therefore, there is no hazard from the support wheel 18 during operation of the motor vehicle 12, and no warning is issued.

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 12 with a camera system 10 according to the invention in a further embodiment. The in Figure 3 The system shown, 10, corresponds in principle to the one in Figure 2 The system shown is 10. Only the position of the support wheel 18 differs. Figure 3 The support wheel 18 is at a distance h' from the roadway 30. This distance h' is less than the specified target distance; in particular, the distance h' deviates from the target distance by a threshold value. The warning device 26 therefore issues a warning signal.

[0028] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications and adaptations are possible without thereby departing from the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. A combination of the different exemplary embodiments is also possible. Reference symbol list

[0029] 10 Camera system 12 Motor vehicle 14 Reversing camera 16 Trailer 18 Jockey wheel 20 Trailer coupling 22 Evaluation unit 24 Comparison device 26 Warning device 28 Storage unit 30 Roadway h, h'Height of jockey wheel from the ground S1-S4 Procedure steps

Claims

1. Method for monitoring a position of a jockey wheel (18) of a trailer (16), having the steps of: - capturing (S1) an area behind a motor vehicle (12) using a camera (14), - processing (S2) the captured image data using an evaluation unit (22) and detecting the jockey wheel (18) and determining a position of the jockey wheel (18), characterized by the steps of: - comparing (S3) the captured position of the jockey wheel (18) with a safe position of the jockey wheel (18), - outputting (S4) a warning signal if the captured position of the jockey wheel (18) deviates from the safe position.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the safe position is a defined distance between the jockey wheel (18) and a road (30).

3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that a warning signal is output if the distance between the captured jockey wheel (18) and the road (30) is less than the defined distance.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safe position of the jockey wheel (18) is stored in a storage unit (28) and is retrieved.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a check as to whether a trailer (16) is present is carried out.

6. Camera system (10) for monitoring a position of a jockey wheel (18) of a trailer (16), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, having at least one camera (14) that captures an area behind a motor vehicle (12), having an evaluation unit (22) for processing the captured image data, wherein the evaluation unit (22) is designed such that the jockey wheel (18) is detected and a position of the jockey wheel (18) is determined, characterized by a comparison device (24) which is designed such that the captured position of the jockey wheel (18) is compared with a safe position of the jockey wheel (18), and having a warning device (26) for outputting a warning signal if the captured position of the jockey wheel (18) deviates from the safe position.

7. Camera system (10) according to Claim 6, characterized by a storage unit (28), in which the safe position, in particular a target distance between the jockey wheel (18) and a road (30), is stored.

8. Camera system according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the camera (14) is a reversing camera.

9. Motor vehicle (12) comprising a camera system (10) according to one of Claims 6 to 8.