A vehicle driver assist system provides for the location of a target feature in an initial image and updates the location of that target feature based on information indicative of vehicle dynamic operation. The system predicts a relative position of the target feature within subsequent images such that only a portion of subsequent images need by analyzed and searched.

A steering system for a towable implement includes a steering sensor, an implement steering controller, a steering control valve, a steering cylinder, and an implement steering mechanism that steers the implement. The steering sensor measures, directly or indirectly, the angular position of the steerable wheels of the implement. The implement steering controller processes feedback from the steering sensor and with a desired steering angle, outputs a steering control signal that is input to the steering control valve. The steering control valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder, which, in turn, powers the implement steering mechanism to turn the wheels of the implement. The steering system may be operated in various control modes, such as, a transportation steering mode, a corner and 180 turn steering mode, a swath tracking steering mode, crab steering mode, and a manual steering mode, which allows manual control of the steering system.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided in a vehicle having a Hitch Articulation Angle (HAA) calculation system for estimating an HAA between the vehicle and a towed trailer. The method includes: receiving a plurality of ultrasonic sensor (USS) range measurements for a first USS on the vehicle while the vehicle is towing the trailer in a forward direction; receiving a plurality of HAA values calculated using geometric equations or a kinematic model that correspond to the plurality of USS range measurements; receiving a USS range measurement for the first USS while the vehicle is operating in a reverse direction or experiencing a high HAA but not from a second USS; estimating an HAA value from the USS range measurement by applying the USS curve characteristics for the first USS; and providing the estimated HAA value to a vehicle motion control system for use in controlling vehicle and trailer motion.

A steering system for a trailer is disclosed. A drawbar is attached to an elongated slide, with the slide attached to the trailer for rotation about a pivot axis. A carriage is mounted for movement along the slide and between ends of the slide. At least one control rod extends between the carriage and a steered wheel of the trailer. With the carriage positioned to one side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the direction of sideways towbar displacement when towed, and with the carriage positioned to the other side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the opposite direction of sideways towbar displacement when backed. An electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual actuator may be used to move and position the carriage on the slide.

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an expected trajectory module and an electronic display. The expected trajectory module determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a vehicle and determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The electronic display displays the expected forward drive trajectories of the vehicle and the trailer.

A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an expected trajectory module and an electronic display. The expected trajectory module determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a vehicle and determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The electronic display displays the expected forward drive trajectories of the vehicle and the trailer.

Provided are systems and methods for determining an angle of articulation between a vehicle and a trailer.

A vehicular trailering assist system includes a camera and an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The vehicular trailering assist system iteratively predicts a plurality of predicted trailer angles based on a corresponding plurality of potential trailer beam lengths ranging between an upper dimension above a baseline trailer beam length and a lower dimension below the baseline trailer beam length and selects a trailer angle from the plurality of predicted trailer angles that least deviates from a current trailer angle determined via processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera. The potential trailer beam length that corresponds to the selected trailer angle that least deviates from the determined current trailer angle is used in determining trailer angles for that trailer during future drives of the vehicle when towing that particular trailer.

A system for backing a trailer with a vehicle is provided herein and includes a mobile electronic device with which a user inputs an intended backing path for the trailer. A controller autonomously controls the vehicle to back the trailer according to the intended backing path. The controller communicates with a sensing system to determine if the user has lost sight of at least one of the vehicle and the trailer.

A device for the steering assistance of a vehicle combination of a towing vehicle and an attached implement in which the attached implement swivels at a rear coupling point of the towing vehicle. The implement includes wheels that are arranged on opposite sides, which can be acted on by the control of corresponding individual wheel drives, independently of one another, with a drive torque. An electronic control unit applies a yawing moment to the implement by the asymmetrical control of the individual wheel drives in such a way that a transverse force exerted on the towing vehicle through the rear coupling point, builds up in the sense of the attainment of a pre-specified steering behavior of the vehicle combination.