A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes a first camera and a second camera and outputting image data to the rear of the vehicle and a controller identifying at least one of the trailer or a coupling feature of the trailer within the image data and assigning a trailer type to the trailer identified within the image data, the trailer type including a first trailer type and a second trailer type. The controller further causes a portion of the image data to be presented on a display within the vehicle, the portion of the image data corresponding with the first camera in response to the trailer being assigned the first trailer type and corresponding with the second camera in response to the trailer being assigned the second trailer type.

A method for automatically panning a view for a commercial vehicle includes determining a plurality of estimated trailer angles. Each estimated trailer angle is determined using a distinct estimation method, and method assigns a confidence value to each estimated trailer angle in the plurality of estimated trailer angles. The method determines a weighted sum of the plurality of estimate trailer angles, and automatically pans the view based at least in part on the weighted sum and a current vehicle operation.

A method for moving a vehicle to a component of an object at a distance therefrom, the vehicle having a navigation module which has a camera and an evaluation electronics, and an identification element is attached to the object in a predetermined position in such a way that it is recognized by the camera in a far range (D.sub.max) of the vehicle from the object, and a reverse driving line of the vehicle is calculated by the evaluation electronics from the perspective position of the camera in relation to the identification element. The method improves the approach of a vehicle to a stationary object. A close-range (D.sub.min) is defined in the direction of the object by a close-range radius (R.sub.min) and the reverse driving line is calculated up to a virtual pre-positioning point (S.sub.Vi, S.sub.Vii, S.sub.Viii) lying on the close-range radius (R.sub.min).

A method for moving a vehicle to a component of an object at a distance therefrom, the vehicle having a navigation module which has a camera and an evaluation electronics, and an identification element is attached to the object in a predetermined position in such a way that it is recognized by the camera in a far range (D.sub.max) of the vehicle from the object, and a reverse driving line of the vehicle is calculated by the evaluation electronics from the perspective position of the camera in relation to the identification element. The method improves the approach of a vehicle to a stationary object. In a start position (S) of the vehicle, the navigation module generates a static object coordinate system (K.sub.O) and a reverse driving line is calculated from the start position (S) to a pre-positioning point (S.sub.Vi, S.sub.Vii, S.sub.Viii).

A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller acquiring image data from the vehicle and deriving a vehicle path to align a center of a hitch ball of the vehicle with a centerline of a trailer coupler within the image data. The controller also outputs a video image including a representation of a simplified path from the hitch ball to the coupler and outputs a steering signal to cause the vehicle to steer along the vehicle path.

A vehicle hitch assistance system includes a first image sensor in connection with a portion of the vehicle and positioned forward of a forward hitch disposed in a cargo bed of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller configured to capture first image data with the first image sensor. The first image data depicts a coupler of a trailer. The controller is further configured to identify a trailer type of the trailer based on the first image data. The trailer type is configured to connect to the forward hitch. The controller is further configured to acquire position data identifying a coupler position of the coupler in the first image data, derive a vehicle path aligning the forward hitch with the coupler, and control a maneuvering system driving the vehicle along the vehicle path.

A fifth wheel coupling including a coupling plate and a camera, wherein the coupling plate is supported on a towing vehicle by bearing elements, a centrally arranged locking region for receiving a king pin, a support surface at least partially laterally surrounding the locking region for supporting a trailer, as well as an insertion opening running radially from the locking region, which is bordered in a conically widened section on both sides by insertion flanges. The camera is mounted in a position in the region of the fifth wheel coupling with the lowest possible risk of soiling and damage, with the camera being arranged on one of the insertion flanges.

A boat trailer and a method of backing up a boat on a trailer. The boat trailer includes a trailer back-up system having a first image capture device, a second image capture device, and a transmitter. The first image capture device is mounted on a left guide pole of the trailer in a rear-facing direction, and the second image capture device is mounted on a right guide pole of the trailer in a rear-facing direction. The transmitter is in communication with each of the first image capture device and the second image capture device and configured to transmit live video images from the first image capture device and from the second image capture device to a display device. The method includes moving the trailer with a boat loaded on the trailer in a rearward direction and capturing, in real-time, a first view and a second view.

A system for trailer coupler localization for guidance during a hitching maneuver for a vehicle includes a trailer device including a trailer coupler and a graphic providing structure affixed to the trailer coupler. The structure includes at least one predefined graphic image. The system further includes a rear facing camera device attached to the vehicle and providing a captured image of the predefined graphic image. The system further includes a computerized controller, including programming to receive and analyze the captured image of the predefined graphic image to determine a relative position of the graphic providing structure to the camera device. The controller further includes programming to utilize the analysis to determine a relative position of the trailer coupler to a trailer hitch ball of the vehicle and to provide an output to control the hitching maneuver based upon the relative position.

A camera system for a trailer that cooperates with a tarping system of the trailer to capture images during loading and unloading. The camera transmits the images to a display. A driver may watch the display to monitor loading and unloading. The camera system maintains a camera of the camera system positioned to capture images of an interior of the trailer regardless of the operation of the tarping system. The camera system generally includes an arm member, a pivot structure connected to the arm member, a camera connected to the arm member, and a weight connected to the arm member. Responsive to a force of gravity the camera remains oriented upward to capture images of the interior of the trailer during loading and unloading.