Method and system for automatically parking vehicles

Abstract

An automatic parking system having at least one parking level, the system comprises a plurality of transporters moveable in any direction about the parking level, wherein each transporter is adapted to hold a vehicle thereupon; at least one central computer that is configured to wirelessly direct one of the transporters to move to a desired location to form at least one arrival and / or retrieval circulation path. The system includes a transporter tracking system which tracks the locations of each transporter; and alternatively, at least one lift mechanism which vertically transports the transporter to a desired parking level. The system includes access bays configured to position an arriving vehicle onto and remove an exiting vehicle from the transporter. The system preferably includes storage devices to accept, release and recharge one or more transporters. The system preferably includes entry stations which measure the vehicle dimensions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a parking structure and in particular, to a method and system of automatically parking vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Existing automated parking garages and associated technologies pursue the goal of reducing the average amount of space required to park a car. The most rudimentary form of automated parking involves replacing ramps with an elevator or lift system. More sophisticated systems employ materials handling technologies to maneuver vehicles on systems of vertical lifts and horizontal tracks. Over the years, a variety of such systems have been described. The major distinctions are that the existing systems employ pallets or direct carrier mechanisms or such systems are exclusively vertical, or combine horizontal and vertical movement mechanisms.

[0003] Several systems employ pallets to support vehicles during the handling process. In these pallet-based systems, the customer arrives at the p...

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