Auxiliary Lighting for Camera-Guided Automatic Trailer Hitching

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras mounted on the vehicle and trailer, along with a display interface, that mediates the visibility problem. These components capture images of the hitch ball and coupler and present them to the driver, allowing the driver to see the relative positioning without direct line-of-sight. This resolves the contradiction by providing visual information through an intermediary system rather than requiring direct visibility.

The patent creates visual copies of the hitch ball and coupler through camera imaging and displays these copies on a screen. The driver interacts with these visual representations rather than the physical objects directly. This copying approach allows the driver to obtain complete visual information about the hitch components' positions and alignment status without needing direct sight lines to the actual components during the maneuver.

The patent implements a feedback system where cameras continuously capture images of the hitch ball and coupler, the controller processes these images to determine relative positioning, and the display shows real-time alignment status to the driver. This continuous feedback loop allows the driver to make precise, informed adjustments without repeated trial-and-error maneuvers, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining high alignment precision.

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trial-and-error alignment process with an optical and electronic system. Instead of relying on physical maneuvers and driver estimation, the system uses cameras, image processing, and electronic display to provide precise alignment information. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated forward-reverse driving while achieving the same alignment precision.

The patent enables the hitching system to serve itself by automatically capturing images, processing the visual data, and presenting alignment information to the driver. The system performs the measurement and verification functions that would otherwise require the driver to exit the vehicle, keeping the driver seated and the process continuous. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for driver intervention.

The patent substitutes the mechanical action of the driver exiting the vehicle, physically checking alignment, and returning with an electronic automated imaging and display system. The cameras and processing system continuously monitor and report alignment status, replacing the manual verification process entirely. This substitution maintains accurate measurement while dramatically simplifying the overall process complexity.

The patent uses continuous visual feedback from cameras monitoring the hitch ball's position relative to the coupler. As the hitch ball approaches the coupler, the system provides real-time information about the decreasing distance and relative positioning, allowing the driver to make progressively smaller adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables safe operation at reduced distances by providing the precision needed to avoid overshoot and collision.

The patent creates visual copies of the hitch ball and coupler with spatial relationship information displayed on the screen. These visual representations show the exact distance and relative positioning, allowing the driver to judge the approach distance and timing more accurately. This copying approach enables the use of shorter safety margins while maintaining collision avoidance through enhanced spatial awareness.