Gary L Ward

US Patent:

20190065931, Feb 28, 2019

Filed:

Aug 23, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/683922

Inventors:

- Stuttgart, DE
Gary B. Ward - Brighton MI, US

International Classification:

G06N 3/04
B60D 1/62
B60R 1/00
B60K 35/00
G06N 3/08

Abstract:

A system for detecting if a hitch connecting a trailer and a vehicle is not secure. The system comprises a sensor, an output device, and electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives information about the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle from the sensor. The electronic control unit detects if the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure. If the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure the electronic control unit generates a driver notification and controls the vehicle's motion.

US Patent:

20180029429, Feb 1, 2018

Filed:

Jul 25, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/658923

Inventors:

- Stuttgart, DE
Gary B. Ward - Brighton MI, US

International Classification:

B60D 1/36
B60R 1/00
B62D 15/02

Abstract:

Systems and methods for a human machine interface for a trailer hitch system. One method includes receiving, a first user input, and presenting on a display a captured video image including a coupler, and determining an area into which the vehicle can be guided. The method includes presenting an indication of the area overlaying the captured video image. The method includes, in response to receiving a second user input indicating a location relative to the coupler, and when the vehicle is not in a reverse gear, presenting a visual command to put the vehicle in the reverse gear, and, when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, automatically steering the vehicle to the coupler based on the location. The method includes, during the automatic steering, receiving the speed of the vehicle, and, when the speed exceeds a threshold, presenting on the display a second visual command to slow the vehicle.