Vehicle back-up assist system

摘要

A vehicle back-up assist system that can be set up by the vehicle driver or a spotter and provides a unique visual aid to assist with safely and efficient unloading, loading, or parking a vehicle without requiring assistance from another person. The back-up assist system includes a pair of differently colored portable markers. The markers can be placed near a target location toward which the vehicle is backing. The markers can be positioned for alignment with opposite sides of the vehicle during backing. The markers can be illuminated for better visibility and can include advance features, such as onboard measuring devices and/or lasers, to assist in proper placement of the markers and to provide enhance backing guidance to the driver.

主权项

1. A vehicle back-up assist system comprising:
a first portable marker of a first color; a second portable marker of a second color that is different from said first color, wherein each of said portable markers comprises—
a base, an upright member, and a guidance mechanism,wherein said base presents a bottom face configured to engage a substantially horizontal surface,wherein said upright member is coupled to and extends upwardly from said base,wherein said upright member has a height of at least 6 inches and not more than 6 feet,wherein said guidance mechanism is attached to at least one of said base and said upright member, and is configured to direct a beam of light on said substantially horizontal surface as a vehicle alignment aid,wherein said guidance mechanism is configured to direct said beam of light in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a straight line extending between said first and second markers; and a motion sensor coupled to at least one of said portable markers and configured to provide real-time information about a position of the vehicle.