Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor having a memory. The processor is programmed to receive a first distance signal output by a radar sensor and calibrate an ultrasound sensor in accordance with the first distance signal output by the radar sensor. A method includes receiving a first distance signal output by a radar sensor, receiving a second distance signal output by an ultrasound sensor, and calibrating the ultrasound sensor in accordance with the first distance signal output by the radar sensor.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle and trailer combination includes a steering system and a first sensor detecting a first dynamic condition of the combination. The system further includes a controller receiving a value for the first dynamic condition from the first sensor at a plurality of instances. The controller further solves for a corresponding plurality of parameters in a kinematic model of the combination and controls the steering system using the plurality of parameters in the kinematic model.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a hitch angle sensor providing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. The system also includes a controller determining a position of the measured hitch angle in relation to an unknown jackknife angle by monitoring a predetermined dynamic hitch angle characteristic derived from the measured hitch angle for a corresponding jackknife indicating characteristic.

Abstract: A hitch angle detection system is provided herein. Ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a rear vehicle structure and are configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a rearward vehicle direction. An ultrasonic reflector is disposed on a trailer and is configured to reflect incident ultrasonic waves back toward the corresponding ultrasonic transducers. A processor is configured to derive distance measurements between the ultrasonic transducers and the ultrasonic reflector and determine a hitch angle based on the derived distance measurements.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor having a memory. The processor is programmed to receive a first distance signal output by a radar sensor and calibrate an ultrasound sensor in accordance with the first distance signal output by the radar sensor. A method includes receiving a first distance signal output by a radar sensor, receiving a second distance signal output by an ultrasound sensor, and calibrating the ultrasound sensor in accordance with the first distance signal output by the radar sensor.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle and trailer combination includes a steering system and a first sensor detecting a first dynamic condition of the combination. The system further includes a controller receiving a value for the first dynamic condition from the first sensor at a plurality of instances. The controller further solves for a corresponding plurality of parameters in a kinematic model of the combination and controls the steering system using the plurality of parameters in the kinematic model.

Abstract: A system for determining a hitch angle between a vehicle and trailer is provided. The system includes an imaging device disposed on the trailer. A first navigation system is disposed on-board the vehicle. A second navigation system is integrated with the imaging device. A controller determines the hitch angle based on data received from the first navigation system and the second navigation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a jackknife condition of a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor operable to set an operating range of a hitch angle to a minimum range. The processor monitors the hitch angle while the vehicle is operated in a forward direction and increases the operating range based on the hitch angle observed during the monitoring. The processor is further operable to utilize the increased operating range to prevent a jackknife condition during a guided reverse operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a hitch angle sensor providing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. The system also includes a controller determining a position of the measured hitch angle in relation to an unknown jackknife angle by monitoring a predetermined dynamic hitch angle characteristic derived from the measured hitch angle for a corresponding jackknife indicating characteristic.

Abstract: A hitch angle detection system is provided herein. Ultrasonic transducers are disposed on a rear vehicle structure and are configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a rearward vehicle direction. An ultrasonic reflector is disposed on a trailer and is configured to reflect incident ultrasonic waves back toward the corresponding ultrasonic transducers. A processor is configured to derive distance measurements between the ultrasonic transducers and the ultrasonic reflector and determine a hitch angle based on the derived distance measurements.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed and includes a first sensor for measuring a wheel steer angle and a second sensor for measuring a hitch angle. A processor is in communication with the first and second sensors and is operable to determine a wheel steer angle change and a hitch angle change. The processor performs a first computation if the wheel steer angle change and the hitch angle change satisfy a threshold requirement and performs a second computation if at least one of the wheel steer angle change and the hitch angle change does not satisfy the threshold requirement.

Abstract: A method of identifying a trailer with a vehicle includes a step of transmitting a unique identifier with a wireless transmitter attached to the trailer. The wireless transmitter may be housed as part of a sensor module with a sensor that senses a parameter of the trailer for operating a trailer backup assist system. The housing of the sensor module may be adapted to be removably attached to the trailer. The unique identifier emitted by the wireless transmitter is received with a wireless receiver on the vehicle. After the unique identifier is recognized by a controller on the vehicle, a parameter of the trailer may be accessed for autonomously guiding the trailer along a desired backing path.

Abstract: A method of identifying a trailer with a vehicle includes a step of transmitting a unique identifier with a wireless transmitter attached to the trailer. The wireless transmitter may be housed as part of a sensor module with a sensor that senses a parameter of the trailer for operating a trailer backup assist system. The housing of the sensor module may be adapted to be removably attached to the trailer. The unique identifier emitted by the wireless transmitter is received with a wireless receiver on the vehicle. After the unique identifier is recognized by a controller on the vehicle, a parameter of the trailer may be accessed for autonomously guiding the trailer along a desired backing path.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed and includes a first sensor for measuring a wheel steer angle and a second sensor for measuring a hitch angle. A processor is in communication with the at least one sensor and is operable to determine a ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle, generate a running average of the ratio, and calculate the trailer length based on an average ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a jackknife condition of a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor operable to set an operating range of a hitch angle to a minimum range. The processor monitors the hitch angle while the vehicle is operated in a forward direction and increases the operating range based on the hitch angle observed during the monitoring. The processor is further operable to utilize the increased operating range to prevent a jackknife condition during a guided reverse operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fascia, a sensor array disposed on the fascia, and a processing device. The sensor array has a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, each configured to output a sensor signal. The processing device is configured to process the sensor signals and control operation of the sensor array to generate a three dimensional image of an object near the vehicle based at least in part on the sensor signals.

Abstract: A system for determining a hitch angle between a vehicle and trailer is provided. The system includes an imaging device disposed on the trailer. A first navigation system is disposed on-board the vehicle. A second navigation system is integrated with the imaging device. A controller determines the hitch angle based on data received from the first navigation system and the second navigation system.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed and includes a first sensor for measuring a wheel steer angle and a second sensor for measuring a hitch angle. A processor is in communication with the first and second sensors and is operable to determine a wheel steer angle change and a hitch angle change. The processor performs a first computation if the wheel steer angle change and the hitch angle change satisfy a threshold requirement and performs a second computation if at least one of the wheel steer angle change and the hitch angle change does not satisfy the threshold requirement.

Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed and includes a first sensor for measuring a wheel steer angle and a second sensor for measuring a hitch angle. A processor is in communication with the at least one sensor and is operable to determine a ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle, generate a running average of the ratio, and calculate the trailer length based on an average ratio between the wheel steer angle and the hitch angle.