Ford just filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The request concerns a new system of camera surveillance which will allow drivers of a pickup truck or SUV to keep an eye on the contents of their trailer without having to exit the vehicle.
Ford’s filing mentions that transporting contents in a trailer attached to a vehicle is quite common, but it can lead to undesirable situations for the driver. The contents may shift during travel and unbalance the trailer, which could cause an accident. Drivers must therefore stop frequently to check the contents of their trailer. Thefts from trailers are also very common.
Keep the contents of your trailer safe
This new technology would, firstly, ensure the safety of objects inside the trailer. Connected to the infotainment system screen inside the vehicle using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology, cameras could monitor the interior of your trailer and provide additional security when transporting valuable items. These could be tools, sporting goods or recreational vehicles. The contents of your trailer would therefore be a little safer when you are driving in traffic jams or if you are stopped at a red light. You would have a quick look at everything inside.
Monitor weight shifts
The new system will also be able to detect if the weight of the trailer shifts in an unexpected way. Your pickup truck or SUV would be able to detect a change in load balance and alert the driver of the change. The system will be able to display an image of the trailer on the screen and visually identify which parts of the image have changed.
In the patent description, Ford admits that it would be appropriate to have a detection system, because live images of the trailer would be a distraction that would cause the driver to focus on the screen and take their eyes off the road too long. This would allow the driver to use the infotainment system or navigation since they know they will be alerted if anything happens in the trailer.
Our opinion
Such a system could very well be found on board an F-150 pickup truck. Ford is constantly working to improve the features of its full-size pickup truck, which is what sets it apart from other brands. It would therefore not be surprising to see this system arrive shortly.
