Vehicle system for enhancing user's entry and / or exit experience

Abstract

A vehicle system for enhancing a user's entry and / or exit experience. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot includes a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot and a control module. The control module is configured to: detect whether there is an available parking space in the parking lot based on the data received from the detection module; determining the amount of space required by the user to leave the vehicle; determining whether the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user based on the determined amount of required space; and in response to determining that the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user, optimizing a parking deviation of the vehicle relative to at least one boundary of the available parking space based on an amount of space required by the user. Other example vehicle systems and methods for assisting a user in a parking lot are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure to the extent it is described in this section, nor are aspects of this description that may otherwise not qualify as prior art at the time of filing.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle systems for enhancing the entry and / or egress experience of users, such as users with mobility impairments. Background Art

[0003] Vehicles may include driver assistance systems to assist the driver with driving functions and parking functions. Driver assistance systems rely on sensors and cameras to provide such functions. Summary of the invention

[0004] A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot is disclosed. The vehicle system includes a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot and a control module in communication with the detection module. The control module is configured to: detect whether there is an available parking space in the parking lot based on the data received from the detection module; determine an amount of space required for the user to leave the vehicle; determine whether the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user based on the determined amount of required space; and in response to determining that the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user, optimize a parking deviation of the vehicle relative to at least one boundary of the available parking space based on the amount of space required by the user.

[0005] In other features, the control module is configured to control the vehicle to enter the available parking space based on a parking deviation of the vehicle relative to the at least one boundary of the available parking space.

[0006] In other features, the control module is configured to detect occupancy of a user in the vehicle and optimize a parking bias of the vehicle relative to the at least one boundary of the available parking space based on an amount of space required by the user and the occupancy of the user.

[0007] In other features, the control module is configured to receive a minimum desired size of the safety zone specific to the user and determine the amount of space required by the user based on the minimum desired size.

[0008] In other features, a minimum required size of the safety zone may be customized based on at least one of a vehicle size, a vehicle modification, a user-defined size, a suggested size, and a learned size of a user assistance device.

[0009] In other features, the control module is configured to detect whether a hazard exists adjacent to the available parking space based on data received from the detection module and alert a user of the detected hazard.

[0010] In other features, the control module is configured to alert a user of the detected hazard by at least one of illuminating the detected hazard and displaying a warning of the detected hazard on the display module.

[0011] In other features, the control module is configured to activate a warning to the user in response to determining that the available parking space provides insufficient space for the user.

[0012] In other features, the warning is at least one of a visual warning, an audible warning, and a tactile warning.

[0013] In other features, the control module is configured to receive data indicating a user-based rating of the parking lot and one or more characteristics of the parking lot and to display the user-based rating and the one or more characteristics of the parking lot on the display module.

[0014] A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot is disclosed. The vehicle system includes a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot and a control module in communication with the detection module. The control module is configured to: detect whether a user is approaching a vehicle parked in a parking space in the parking lot; determine the available space of the neighboring vehicle based on the data received from the detection module; determine the amount of space required for the user to enter the vehicle; compare the amount of space required by the user and the available space of the neighboring vehicle; and in response to the amount of space required by the user being less than the available space of the neighboring vehicle, illuminate an area of ​​the neighboring vehicle to warn the user that there is insufficient space to enter the vehicle.

[0015] In other features, in response to the amount of space required by the user being greater than or equal to the available space of the neighboring vehicle, the control module is configured to detect whether the neighboring vehicle is a hazard based on data received from the detection module and alert the user of the detected hazard.

[0016] In other features, the control module is configured to alert a user of the detected hazard by illuminating the detected hazard.

[0017] In other features, the control module is configured to receive a minimum desired size of the safety zone specific to the user and determine the amount of space required by the user based on the minimum desired size.

[0018] In other features, a minimum required size of the safety zone may be customized based on at least one of a vehicle size, a vehicle modification, a user-defined size, a suggested size, and a learned size of a user assistance device.

[0019] A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot is disclosed. The vehicle system includes a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot and a control module in communication with the detection module. The control module is configured to: determine an amount of space required for a user to enter or exit a first vehicle parked in a parking space in the parking lot; detect whether a second vehicle is entering the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle; and in response to the second vehicle entering the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle, visually warn a driver of the second vehicle of the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle.

[0020] In other features, the control module is configured to visually alert a driver of the second vehicle by at least one of activating exterior lights of the first vehicle adjacent to the incoming second vehicle and displaying a message on the ground between the first vehicle and the incoming second vehicle.

[0021] In other features, the control module is configured to visually alert a driver of the second vehicle by illuminating an area on the ground corresponding to a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle in a first color and displaying a first message on the illuminated area.

[0022] In other features, the control module is configured to determine whether a second vehicle has entered a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, and in response to the second vehicle being in the space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, illuminate an area on the ground with a second color different from the first color, and display a second message different from the first message on the illuminated area.

[0023] In other features, the control module is configured to determine whether the second vehicle has entered a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, and in response to the second vehicle not being in the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle, display a thank you message on the ground.

[0024] The present invention may also include the following technical solutions:

[0025] 1. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising:

[0026] a detection module configured to receive data related to a parking lot; and

[0027] A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to:

[0028] Based on the data received from the detection module, detecting whether there is an available parking space in the parking lot;

[0029] Determine the amount of space required for a user to exit the vehicle;

[0030] determining whether an available parking space provides sufficient space for the user based on the determined amount of required space; and

[0031] In response to determining that the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user, a parking bias of the vehicle relative to at least one boundary of the available parking space is optimized based on the amount of space required by the user.

[0032] 2. A system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured to control the vehicle to enter the available parking space based on a parking deviation of the vehicle relative to at least one boundary of the available parking space.

[0033] 3. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0034] detecting occupancy of a user in a vehicle; and

[0035] A parking bias of the vehicle relative to the at least one boundary of the available parking space is optimized based on the amount of space required by the user and the occupancy of the user.

[0036] 4. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0037] Receive a user-specific minimum required size of the safe zone; and

[0038] Determine the amount of space the user needs based on the minimum required size.

[0039] 5. A system according to technical solution 4, wherein the minimum required size of the safety zone can be customized based on at least one of vehicle size, vehicle modification, user-defined size, recommended size, and learned size of user auxiliary equipment.

[0040] 6. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0041] Detecting whether a hazard exists adjacent to an available parking space based on data received from the detection module; and

[0042] Warns the user of a detected hazard.

[0043] 7. A system according to technical solution 6, wherein the control module is configured to warn the user of the detected danger by at least one of illuminating the detected danger and displaying a warning of the detected danger on the display module.

[0044] 8. A system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured to activate a warning to the user in response to determining that the available parking space provides insufficient space for the user.

[0045] 9. A system according to technical solution 8, wherein the warning is at least one of a visual warning, an auditory warning, and a tactile warning.

[0046] 10. The system according to technical solution 1, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0047] receiving data indicating a user-based rating of a parking lot and one or more characteristics of the parking lot; and

[0048] The one or more characteristics based on the user's rating and the parking lot are displayed on the display module.

[0049] 11. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising:

[0050] a detection module configured to receive data related to a parking lot; and

[0051] A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to:

[0052] Detecting whether a user is approaching a vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot;

[0053] determining available space for neighboring vehicles based on data received from the detection module;

[0054] Determine the amount of space required for a user to enter the vehicle;

[0055] Comparing the amount of space required by the user to the space available to neighboring vehicles; and

[0056] In response to the amount of space required by the user being less than the available space of the neighboring vehicles, an area of ​​the neighboring vehicles is illuminated to warn the user that there is insufficient space to enter the vehicle.

[0057] 12. A system according to technical solution 11, wherein in response to the amount of space required by the user being greater than or equal to the available space of a neighboring vehicle, the control module is configured to detect whether there is a danger in a neighboring vehicle based on data received from the detection module, and warn the user of the detected danger.

[0058] 13. A system according to technical solution 12, wherein the control module is configured to warn the user of the detected danger by illuminating the detected danger.

[0059] 14. The system according to technical solution 11, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0060] Receive a user-specific minimum required size of the safe zone; and

[0061] Determine the amount of space the user needs based on the minimum required size.

[0062] 15. A system according to technical solution 14, wherein the minimum required size of the safety zone can be customized based on at least one of vehicle size, vehicle modification, user-defined size, recommended size, and learned size of user auxiliary equipment.

[0063] 16. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising:

[0064] a detection module configured to receive data related to a parking lot; and

[0065] A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to:

[0066] determining an amount of space required for a user to enter or exit a first vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot;

[0067] detecting whether a second vehicle is entering a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, and

[0068] In response to the second vehicle entering the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle, a driver of the second vehicle is visually alerted that the user is entering or exiting the space required for the first vehicle.

[0069] 17. A system according to technical solution 16, wherein the control module is configured to visually warn the driver of the second vehicle by activating at least one of the exterior lights of the first vehicle adjacent to the entering second vehicle and displaying a message on the ground between the first vehicle and the entering second vehicle.

[0070] 18. A system according to technical solution 16, wherein the control module is configured to visually warn the driver of the second vehicle by illuminating an area on the ground corresponding to the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle with a first color and displaying a first message on the illuminated area.

[0071] 19. The system according to technical solution 18, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0072] determining whether a second vehicle has entered a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle; and

[0073] In response to the second vehicle being in a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, an area on the ground is illuminated in a second color different from the first color, and a second message different from the first message is displayed on the illuminated area.

[0074] 20. The system according to technical solution 16, wherein the control module is configured as follows:

[0075] determining whether a second vehicle has entered a space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle; and

[0076] In response to the second vehicle not being in a space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle, a thank you message is displayed on the ground.

[0077] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an example vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot according to the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 2 is a bird's-eye view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure having different visual indicators around the vehicle that indicate to a user whether space is adequate or inadequate;

[0081] Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view of a vehicle according to the present disclosure having various visual indicators around the vehicle that indicate to a user whether space is adequate or inadequate and hazards detected;

[0082] Figure 4 is an illustration of a display module showing a visually projected map with user-based ratings of different parking lots according to the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 5 depicts a bird's-eye view of a parked vehicle and another vehicle entering an adjacent parking space in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein various optional visual indicators are provided to notify the driver of the approaching vehicle that the user of the parked vehicle requires additional space to enter or exit the vehicle;

[0084] Figure 6 Describes the present disclosure Figure 5 a bird's-eye view of a parked vehicle and an approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle is intruding into additional space required by a user of the parked vehicle, and providing various optional visual indicators to notify the driver of the intrusion;

[0085] Figure 7 Describes the present disclosure Figure 6 a bird's-eye view of parked and approaching vehicles, wherein the driver of the approaching vehicle has changed the route of the vehicle to avoid the additional space required by the user of the parked vehicle, and various optional visual indicators are provided to notify the driver that sufficient space is provided;

[0086] Figure 8 Describes the present disclosure Figure 7 a bird's-eye view of a vehicle of the approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle is now parked in the adjacent parking space, and various optional visual indicators including a thank you message are provided to the driver of the vehicle parked in the adjacent parking space;

[0087] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an example control process for determining a minimum required size of a user-specific safety zone according to the present disclosure;

[0088] Fig.10 is a flow chart of another example control process for determining a minimum required size of a user-specific safety zone according to the present disclosure;

[0089] Fig.11 is a flow chart of an example control process for assisting a user in identifying a suitable parking space in a parking lot and exiting a vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0090] Fig.12 is a flow chart of an example control process for assisting a user to enter a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a parking lot according to the present disclosure; and

[0091] Fig.13 is a flow chart of an example control process for communicating with users of other vehicles regarding additional space requirements of users associated with parked vehicles in a parking lot in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0092] In the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The vehicle may include a driver assistance system to assist the driver with driving functions and parking functions. For example, the driver assistance system may assist the driver and / or enable autonomous control functions when entering and leaving a parking space. In such an example, the system may detect objects, depict the rear and front views of the vehicle, etc. as the vehicle is entering a parking space. Although the driver assistance system may actively assist with the actual parking of the vehicle, it may be necessary to assist the user (e.g., a driver and / or passenger with a mobility impairment, etc.) in other parking-related features. For example, such features include the ability to find an available parking space that meets the user's needs, provide vehicle assistance (e.g., planned and real-time) when parking spaces are tight, prepare the user to reach the final location, protect the user when entering and leaving the vehicle, and the like.

[0094] Systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide technical solutions for assisting vehicle users, such as users with mobility impairments. Such user assistance includes, for example: identifying suitable parking spaces that provide the space required to easily exit and enter the vehicle; creating safe spaces or safety zones around the vehicle to allow the user to safely enter and exit the vehicle by allowing sufficient door opening space and highlighting potential hazards in the user's path; and communicating with other users approaching the vehicle regarding the user's additional space needs. Such user assistance features enhance the user's experience by allowing the user to easily and safely exit and enter the vehicle.

[0095] Reference Figure 1 , a block diagram of an example vehicle system 100 for assisting a user in a parking lot is presented. Figure 1 The vehicle system 100 may be used in any suitable vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (e.g., a pure electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc.), an internal combustion engine vehicle, etc. Additionally, the vehicle system 100 may be applicable to an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or a non-autonomous vehicle.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle system 100 generally includes a control module 102, a detection module 104 in communication with the control module 102, and one or more optional modules and sensors in communication with the control module 102. For example, the optional modules may include a display module 106, a steering control module 108, and a lighting control module 110, and the optional sensors may include one or more occupancy sensors 112, such as Figure 1 Although Figure 1 The vehicle system 100 is illustrated as including specific modules and sensors, but it should be appreciated that one or more other modules and / or sensors may be employed if desired. Additionally, although the vehicle system 100 is illustrated as including multiple separate modules (e.g., control module 102, steering control module 108, lighting control module 110, etc.), any combination of modules and / or their functionality may be integrated into one or more modules.

[0097] The modules and sensors of the vehicle system 100 may share parameters via a network 114, such as a controller (or car) area network (CAN). In such an example, the parameters may be shared via one or more data buses of the network 114. As such, a given module and / or sensor may make various parameters available to other modules and / or sensors via the network 114.

[0098] In various embodiments, the detection module 104 may generally receive data related to a parking lot in which a vehicle having the vehicle system 100 is traveling or parked. For example, the detection module 104 collects such data when the vehicle is traveling through and / or adjacent to the parking lot, when the vehicle is parked in the parking lot, and the like. The collected data may be used by other modules (such as the control module 102), as further explained below. For example, the collected data may be used to generate coarse-grained and / or fine-grained maps. Using such maps, the control module 102 may be able to detect available parking spaces in the parking lot, determine the size of parking spaces, detect hazards in the parking lot, and the like. Additionally, the collected data may be used to detect approaching vehicles, approaching vehicle users, and the like.

[0099] Figure 1 In some examples, the detection module 104 may include one or more detection devices. For example, the detection module 104 may include one or more sensors 116 and / or cameras 118 mounted on the outside and / or inside of the vehicle. In such an example, the sensor may include any suitable type of sensor, such as a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a 3D sensor, etc. The sensor may be a short-range sensor (e.g., a short-range radar (SRR) sensor, etc.) and / or a long-range sensor (e.g., a radar (LRR) sensor, etc.). In some examples, the camera may include a forward-looking camera, a rear-view camera, a left-looking camera, and a right-looking camera (relative to the vehicle). Using such detection devices, the detection module 104 can collect data to provide a virtual bird's-eye view of the vehicle on the display module 106.

[0100] The steering control module 108 controls the steering / rotation of the vehicle wheels, for example, based on the driver turning the steering wheel in the vehicle and / or steering commands from one or more vehicle control modules. For example, the steering control module 108 can autonomously and / or semi-autonomously control the rotation of the wheels based on one or more signals from the control module 102 and / or other sensors. In some examples, a steering wheel angle (SWA) sensor can monitor the rotational position, movement, etc. of the steering wheel and generate a SWA signal based on the position, movement, etc. of the steering wheel. The generated SWA signal is then provided to the steering control module 108 and / or the control module 102.

[0101] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the display module 106 can display, among other things, representations of data collected by the detection module 104 (e.g., a virtual bird's-eye view of the vehicle, hazards, notifications, etc.), warnings notifying one or more users (e.g., the driver and / or passengers) of detected hazards, insufficient accessibility space, etc., as further explained below. In various embodiments, the display module 106 can include a user-interactive display adjacent to the driver's entertainment center, a user device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, etc.) that communicates with the control module 102 in the vehicle (via the network 114), etc.

[0102] The lighting control module 110 controls the illumination of one or more lights 120. For example, the lights 120 can be controlled to flash, change color, display a message on the ground, project a light blanket on the ground, etc. In such examples, the lights 120 can effectively warn and / or notify the user of the vehicle of a detected hazard, insufficient unobstructed space, sufficient unobstructed space, and / or warn and / or notify drivers of other vehicles of specific needs of users associated with the vehicle. In some examples, one or more lights 120 can each include a single controllable LED (or another suitable light source) or a collection of controllable LEDs (or other suitable light sources).

[0103] Occupancy sensors 112 are used to detect occupancy of a user in the vehicle. Occupancy sensors 112 may include interior cameras, radar sensors, seat pressure sensors, door opening sensors, etc. In such examples, any one of the sensors may receive data indicating that a user is located in a particular area, seat, etc. of the vehicle. For example, a seat pressure sensor in the driver's seat may indicate that the driver is sitting in that seat. Additionally, cameras (e.g., positioned in a steering column, user interactive display, etc.) may indicate the presence of a driver in the driver's seat and passengers in the front and rear passenger seats.

[0104] In various embodiments, Figure 1 The vehicle system 100 may be adapted to assist a user in exiting and / or entering a vehicle. For example, the control module 102 may determine an amount of space required for a particular user to exit and / or enter a vehicle. The space defines a safety zone around at least a portion of the vehicle that allows the user to exit and / or enter the vehicle safely and easily. In such an example, the amount of space required may be determined based on a minimum required size specific to the user, a safety margin / distance to other vehicles (e.g., to the right and left sides of the vehicle), etc. The minimum required size and / or safety margin / distance (e.g., a user-defined width) may be received by the control module 102 and / or determined by the control module 102.

[0105] For example, the control module 102 can determine the minimum required size based on various parameters. For example, the minimum required size can be determined based on the dimensions of the vehicle (including factory dimensions and / or dimensions of modified features of the vehicle). Such information can be input and stored in memory circuits associated with the vehicle system 100. For example, if the vehicle is modified to include ramps, wing doors, etc. to accommodate users with mobility impairments, the dimensions of the modified features can be provided (e.g., by the user, a technician installing the feature, etc.).

[0106] Additionally, the minimum required size can be determined based on user-defined dimensions. For example, a user of the vehicle can provide additional space requirements beyond the factory dimensions and / or modified vehicle dimensions. In such an example, the user may prefer an additional cushion (e.g., two feet, three feet, etc.) to allow the user to easily exit and / or enter the vehicle.

[0107] In some examples, the minimum required size may be determined based on the suggested size. For example, if the user is using a user assistance device (e.g., a wheelchair, a walker, a ramp, a lift, etc.), the characteristics of the device (e.g., a width, a turning radius, etc.) may be known to or provided to the control module 102. In such an example, the control module 102 may suggest a size to allow the user to have enough space to safely operate the user assistance device when entering and / or exiting the vehicle.

[0108] Additionally, the control module 102 can determine the minimum required size based on the learned size of the user assistance device. In such an example, the control module 102 can receive data related to the user assistance device, such as data representing characteristics of the device (e.g., width, rotation radius, etc.) from the detection module 104, an external source (e.g., a server in communication with the system 100), etc. In other examples, the control module 102 can detect a specific model of the user assistance device (e.g., based on data from the detection module 104, user input, etc.) and retrieve the characteristics from the external source to learn the size of the user assistance device.

[0109] In various embodiments, the control module 102 detects whether there is an available parking space in the parking lot. This may be applicable when the system 100 assists the user in leaving the vehicle. For example, the control module 102 may utilize data received from the detection module 104 to detect an available parking space. Such detection may be accomplished through a coarse-grained map that provides a high-level perspective of the parking lot.

[0110] Then, the control module 102 determines whether the detected available parking space provides enough space for the user. For example, once the parking space is identified, the control module 102 can determine the width, length, etc. of the space by, for example, coarse-grained mapping. For example, based on the data received from the detection module 104, the control module 102 can identify the boundaries of the space (e.g., left boundary line and right boundary line), and then calculate the width, length, etc. of the space. Additionally, the control module 102 can take into account whether the adjacent parking space and the vehicle in the parking space (if any) are near the adjacent boundary of the identified available parking space based on the data received from the detection module 104. Using such information about the identified parking space and its surrounding environment, when the vehicle is parked in the parking space, the control module 102 can determine the available space (e.g., width) of the adjacent vehicle. Then, the control module 102 can compare the available space with the space required by the user to determine whether the detected available parking space provides enough space for the user.

[0111] Next, if the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user, the control module 102 determines and optimizes the parking bias of the vehicle relative to the available parking space boundary. In doing so, the control module 102 determines the optimal position of the vehicle when the vehicle is within the parking space. For example, if the vehicle is closer to the driver's side boundary of the parking space, the user's exit from the rear passenger side door (e.g., via a ramp) is better assisted.

[0112] In making such a determination, the control module 102 may consider the determined amount of space required by the user, the available space near the vehicle, the user's location in the vehicle, etc. For example, the control module 102 may detect the occupancy of the user in the vehicle based on data from one or more occupancy sensors 112. In doing so, the control module 102 may generate an occupancy map that identifies the locations (e.g., seats) occupied by the individuals in the vehicle. The control module 102 may then optimize the parking bias based on the location of the individuals relative to the boundaries of the available parking spaces. For example, a user occupying the driver's seat and planning to exit the driver's door is better assisted (e.g., provided more space) if the vehicle is closer to the passenger-side boundary of the parking space.

[0113] The control module 102 can then control the vehicle to enter the available parking space based on the determined parking deviation. For example, once the parking deviation is determined, the control module 102 can transmit a control signal to the steering control module 108. Then, the steering control module 108 can autonomously and / or semi-autonomously control the rotation of the wheels based on the control signal to guide the vehicle to its optimal position in the parking space. In such an example, additional autonomous control (e.g., acceleration, braking, etc.) can be based on data from the detection module 104. In other examples, the control module 102 can notify the driver of the optimal position in the parking space via the display module 106 based on the determined parking deviation. Then, the driver can manually control the vehicle to enter the available parking space based on the parking deviation.

[0114] In various embodiments, when parking a vehicle and / or leaving a vehicle, a user in the vehicle may be warned of possible problems and / or dangers. For example, the control module 102 may activate a warning to the user in response to determining that an available parking space provides insufficient space for the user. For example, the control module 102 may activate an auditory alarm indicating insufficient space through one or more vehicle speakers. Additionally and / or alternatively, the control module 102 may activate a tactile alarm that the driver may perceive. For example, the steering wheel or the driver's seat may vibrate to indicate insufficient space. In addition, the control module 102 may activate a visual alarm to notify the driver. The visual alarm may include, for example, flashing of interior and / or exterior lights, displaying an alarm on the display module 106, and the like. For example, the display module 106 may show a red flashing area along one side of the vehicle (e.g., in a bird's-eye view, etc.).

[0115] For example, Figure 2 A bird's-eye view of a vehicle 200 is depicted with various visual indicators around the vehicle 200. Figure 2 In an example of FIG. 1 , the area to the right and rear of the vehicle is clear (e.g., has ample space) as shown by visual indicators 202, 204. However, the area to the left of the vehicle does not have enough space for the user as shown by visual indicator 206. In such an example, visual indicators 202, 204 may be shown in green, indicating that the user has ample space, and indicator 206 may be shown in red, indicating that the user does not have enough space.

[0116] Continue to refer Figure 1, the control module 102 can activate a warning when there is a hazard adjacent to an available parking space. For example, the control module 102 can utilize data received from the detection module 104 to detect hazards adjacent to an available parking space. Such hazard detection can be accomplished through fine-grained mapping that provides a detailed level perspective of the parking lot. More specifically, the control module 102 can locate and identify specific hazards (e.g., obstacles such as potholes, cracks, bumps, puddles, objects on the ground, etc.) within and / or adjacent to a parking space through fine-grained mapping. The control module 102 can then warn the user of the detected hazard through one or more visual warnings, audible warnings, etc.

[0117] The control module 102 may warn the user of the detected danger by displaying a warning of the detected danger on the display module 106. For example, Figure 3 A bird's-eye view of a vehicle 200 with visual indicators around the vehicle 200 is depicted. Figure 3 , the area to the left and rear of the vehicle is clear (e.g., having ample space and no detected hazards) as shown by visual indicators 304, 306. However, the area to the right of the vehicle is shown as having detected hazards, as provided by visual indicators 302, 308, 310. In such an example, visual indicator 302 may be shown in red, visual indicator 308 depicts a virtual hazard sign, and visual indicator 310 identifies a hazard (e.g., a virtual banana peel).

[0118] In other examples, Figure 1 The control module 102 can additionally and / or alternatively warn the user of the detected danger by illuminating the detected danger. For example, once a danger is detected, the control module 102 can transmit a control signal to the lighting control module 110 to cause one or more lights 120 to illuminate (e.g., spotlight, highlight, etc.) the detected danger.

[0119] In various embodiments, the user may be notified of various characteristics and / or ratings associated with different parking lots. Such information may be used by the user to plan where to park. For example, the control module 102 may receive data indicating a parking lot based on a user's rating and one or more characteristics of the parking lot. In such an example, the data may be provided from an external database storing feedback from other users. The control module 102 may then display the characteristics of the parking lot based on the user's rating and the parking lot (e.g., on a display module 106 (such as a user interactive display in a vehicle, a user device, etc.)). With this information, the driver and / or another user in the vehicle may determine which parking lots are most suitable. For example, the information may indicate whether the parking lot is large enough, wheelchair-friendly (e.g., with a wheelchair ramp, no curbs, etc.), non-hazardous (e.g., no potholes, dirt, banana peels, etc.), close to wheelchair-friendly restrooms, close to elevators in buildings, etc.

[0120] For example, Figure 4 An example view of the display module 106 (and more specifically, a user interactive display in a vehicle) is depicted. As shown, the display module 106 depicts a map 402 that includes visual projections 404, 406 of user-based ratings of different parking lots. Specifically, the parking lot associated with projection 404 received a one-star rating, while the parking lot associated with projection 406 received a five-star rating. Additionally, while Figure 4 Not shown, map 402 may also display information about the characteristics of the parking lot. For example, a message associated with projection 404 may indicate that the parking lot is two feet too narrow for the user's vehicle and that there are no suitable restrooms nearby. In other examples, a message associated with projection 406 may indicate that the parking lot is large, has no curb, and has restrooms nearby.

[0121] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The vehicle system 100 can be adapted to assist a user in entering their parked vehicle(s). In doing so, the vehicle system 100 can generally notify a user approaching the vehicle of sufficient space / insufficient space to enter the vehicle, possible dangers around the vehicle, etc. For example, the control module 102 can detect whether a user is approaching a vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot. When the user approaches the vehicle (e.g., within a defined distance), the control module 102 can receive a signal indicating that a key fob, user phone, etc. is nearby. Once an approaching user is detected, the control module 102 can determine the amount of space required by the user and the available space of neighboring vehicles, as explained above. The control module 102 then compares the required space and the available space to determine whether there is enough space available for the user to enter the vehicle.

[0122] If insufficient space is available, the control module 102 warns the user that the amount of space to enter the vehicle is insufficient. For example, if the comparison indicates that the amount of space required by the user is less than the available space of the neighboring vehicles, the control module 102 can transmit a control signal to the lighting control module 110 to cause one or more lights 120 to illuminate (e.g., spotlight, highlight, etc.) an area adjacent to the vehicle. In such an example, the one or more lights 120 can be controlled to illuminate the area with red, flashing light, etc.

[0123] However, if sufficient space is available, the control module 102 can provide a notification to the user to enter the vehicle. For example, if the comparison indicates that the amount of space required by the user is greater than or equal to the available space of the adjacent vehicle, the control module 102 can transmit a control signal to the lighting control module 110 to cause one or more lights 120 to illuminate (e.g., spotlight, highlight, etc.) the area adjacent to the vehicle in green.

[0124] Additionally, in some examples, an approaching user can be warned of a hazard near the vehicle. For example, and as explained above, the control module 102 can detect a hazard adjacent to an available parking space using data received from the detection module 104. Then, as explained above, the control module 102 can warn the approaching user of the detected hazard by illuminating the hazard (e.g., by controlling lights 120, etc.), illuminating an area adjacent to the vehicle, etc.

[0125] In other embodiments, the vehicle system 100 communicates with users from other vehicles to make them aware of the additional space requirements of the user of the parked vehicle. For example, as explained above, the control module 102 can determine the amount of space required for the user to enter and / or exit the vehicle (e.g., a safe space or safety zone around the vehicle). The control module 102 can then detect whether an approaching adjacent vehicle is entering the required space. For example, the control module 102 can constantly or periodically monitor the area adjacent to the parked vehicle (e.g., based on data from the detection module 104) to detect approaching vehicles and their positions relative to the parked vehicle, and then determine whether the approaching vehicle is intruding into the required space. If so, the control module 102 can visually warn the driver of the approaching vehicle that the user is entering or exiting the space required for the parked vehicle.

[0126] For example, Figure 5-Figure 8 A bird's-eye view of vehicle 200 and another vehicle 500 is depicted, wherein various visual warnings and / or notifications are provided to the driver of vehicle 500. Figure 5 In the example, vehicle 200 is parked in space 502 at least partially defined by boundaries 504, 506, and vehicle 500 is approaching adjacent space 508 at least partially defined by boundary 506 and boundary 510. In such an example, once approaching vehicle 500 is detected, Figure 1 The control module 102 visually warns the driver of the vehicle 500 that the user of the vehicle 200 needs additional space to enter or exit the vehicle 200. For example, the control module 102 may activate exterior lights (e.g., Figure 1 120), as indicated by light indicators 512, 514, 516, and / or displaying messages, symbols, etc. on the ground between vehicles 200, 500, as indicated by projected message 518 and projected symbol 520. Additionally, in some examples, Figure 1 The control module 102 may activate exterior lights to highlight the desired space as indicated by the shaded area 522. Figure 5 In the example of , the highlighted area may indicate (eg, in green) that the approaching vehicle 500 is not within the desired space.

[0127] However, in Figure 6 , vehicle 500 is entering adjacent space 508 and intruding into the space required by the user of parked vehicle 200. In this example, Figure 1 The control module 102 may control the external lights (e.g., as indicated by the light indicators 612, 614, 616) to Figure 5 In addition, the control module 102 may display a higher intensity than Figure 5 In addition, the control module 102 can project different symbols 620 (e.g., frowning face, etc.) and display the message 618 in a different manner than the control module 102. Figure 5 The color in (as indicated by shaded area 622) highlights the desired space.

[0128] If the driver changes the route of vehicle 500 to avoid the space required by the user of the parked vehicle 200, then Figure 1 The control module 102 may again modify the message sent to the driver. Figure 7 , the vehicle 500 is no longer in the required space. In such an example, Figure 1 The control module 102 may provide a different symbol 720 (e.g., a smiley face) and return to the projection Figure 5 message 518 and shaded area 522. Additionally, in some examples, control module 102 may control the exterior lights to stop flashing.

[0129] Then, once the vehicle 500 stops, Figure 1 The control module 102 can also modify the message sent to the driver again. Figure 8 , vehicle 500 is shown parked in space 508 with the driver walking away. In such an example, Figure 1The control module 102 may be on the ground (e.g., via Figure 1 The light 120 of FIG. 120 projects a thank you message, as shown by indicator 824. In such an example, the message may read “Thank you!” (eg, Figure 8 ) or another suitable message. The control module 102 may also display Figure 5 The message 518 of , but with an additional heart emoticon. In other examples, if desired, the exterior lights can be projected with another different color and / or the speakers of the vehicle 200 can be controlled to output an audible message of thanks.

[0130] Figure 9-13 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The vehicle system 100 of the present invention is used to assist a user in parking lots. Although the example control processes 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 are relative to the vehicle system 100 including the control module 102, Figure 1 The present invention is described with reference to a vehicle system, but any of the control processes 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 may be adopted by any suitable system.

[0131] exist Fig. 9 In the example of FIG. 9 , the control process 900 can be used to determine the minimum required size of the required space or safety zone specific to the user. Fig. 9 As shown in , control process 900 begins at 902 where a determination is made as to whether the vehicle has been modified. This determination may be made based on input provided to the control module 102 and / or another suitable module, the control module 102 detecting modifications in the vehicle (e.g., based on one or more vehicle sensors), etc. If not, control proceeds to 910 where the control module 102 applies a default (e.g., standard) width associated with an unmodified vehicle when determining the minimum required size. Control then proceeds to 912. However, if the vehicle has been modified, control proceeds to 904.

[0132] At 904, the control module 102 receives a space requirement associated with the modified vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is modified (e.g., to include an aftermarket ramp, wing doors, etc.), the user, technician installing the feature, etc. may provide the dimensions of the modified feature as explained above. In such an example, the control module 102 may determine the space requirement based on the dimensions. In other examples, the user, technician, etc. may provide the space requirement for the modified feature. Control then proceeds to 906.

[0133] At 906, the control module 102 determines whether the vehicle has exterior lights and a human machine interface (HMI) that support the space requirements of the modified features. For example, a light blanket and / or other exterior lighting features of the vehicle are limited to a maximum display area (e.g., to highlight a safety zone). If the modified features have a space requirement that exceeds the maximum display area associated with the light blanket, HMI, etc., such notification features will be ineffective for the modified vehicle. If no at 906, control proceeds to 914, where the control module 102 disables the accessibility assistance features of the vehicle. However, if the exterior lights, HMI, etc. do support the space requirements of the modified features, control proceeds to 908, where the control module 102 applies the additional width associated with the space requirements of the modified vehicle when determining the minimum required size. Control then proceeds to 912.

[0134] At 912, the control module 102 verifies that the user has a disability pass. For example, the control module 102 can verify whether the user has a disability pass by requiring the user to enter an identification number associated with the pass (e.g., a handicap placard, etc.) and then comparing the number to identification numbers of known disability passes (e.g., stored in an external database). In other examples, the user can provide input to the control module 102, such as an affirmative input in response to a displayed request. If the disability pass is verified, control continues to 916. If not, control continues to 914, where the control module 102 disables the accessibility assistance features of the vehicle.

[0135] At 916, the control module 102 may receive additional space requirements specific to the user of the vehicle. For example, the user may provide additional space requirements beyond the factory dimensions and / or modified vehicle dimensions. In such an example, the user may prefer additional cushioning to allow the user to easily exit and / or enter the vehicle. In other examples, the control module 102 may suggest additional space requirements as explained herein. Control then proceeds to 918.

[0136] At 918 , the control module 102 determines the minimum required size of the required space or safety zone specific to the user. This determination may be made based on the applicable width associated with the vehicle (or modified vehicle), any additional space requirements, etc. Control then ends.

[0137] Fig.10 The control process 1000 can be used to determine the minimum required size of the required space or safety zone specific to a user. The control process 1000 is similar to Fig. 9 900, but with additional optional control features. For example, Fig.10 The control process 1000 includes the above relative Fig. 9The control process 900 is explained in steps 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, and 914.

[0138] If the disability pass is verified at 912 (as explained above), control continues to 1020. At 1020, a determination is made as to whether the user prefers that the vehicle learn any additional space requirements specific to the user. For example, the user may provide input to the control module 102 (e.g., during setup of an accessibility assist feature, etc.) indicating a preference for the system to learn such additional space requirements. If no at 1020, control continues to 1022, where the control module 102 receives the additional space requirements specific to the user, as described above with respect to Fig. 9 Otherwise, if the user prefers the vehicle to learn any additional space requirements, control continues to 1024.

[0139] At 1024, the control module 102 learns additional space requirements specific to the user of the vehicle. For example, as explained above, the control module 102 can learn the width of the user's assistive device (e.g., wheelchair, walker, ramp, lift, etc.). Control then proceeds to 1026, where the control module 102 determines the minimum required dimensions of the required space or safety zone specific to the user, as explained above. For example, this determination can be made based on the applicable width associated with the vehicle (or modified vehicle), any additional space requirements (e.g., learned, provided by the user, etc.), etc. Control then ends.

[0140] exist Fig.11 In the example, control process 1100 can be used to assist a user in identifying a suitable parking space in a parking lot and exiting the vehicle. Fig.11 As shown in , control process 1100 begins at 1102 where the control module 102 receives parking lot data and vehicle occupancy data from, for example, the detection module 104 and one or more occupancy sensors 112, as explained herein. Control then proceeds to 1104, 1106, 1108.

[0141] At 1104, the control module 102 detects the occupancy of the user (and other users) in the vehicle based on the vehicle occupancy data to identify the location of each user in the vehicle, as explained herein. At 1104, the control module 102 detects available parking spaces in the parking lot, and then at 1106, the control module 102 determines the size of the available parking spaces based on the parking lot data, as explained herein. Control then continues to 1110, 1112.

[0142] At 1110, the control module 102 receives a minimum required size associated with a user-specific required space or safety zone, as explained herein. In some examples, the minimum required size may be as described above with respect to Figure 9-10 Then, at 1112, the control module 102 determines the space required for the user to exit the vehicle (e.g., a safety zone). In some examples, the determined space may be the same as the minimum required size. In other examples, the determined space may be larger than the minimum required size. For example, the control module 102 may add a buffer to the minimum required size (e.g., based on a safety margin). Control then continues to 1114.

[0143] At 1114, the control module 102 determines whether the available parking space provides enough space for the user. For example, the control module 102 can compare the amount of available space in the parking space (e.g., based on the available parking space, the size of the adjacent parking spaces, and whether the vehicle in the parking space is near the adjacent boundary of the identified available parking space, etc.) with the space required by the user (safety zone) to determine whether the detected available parking space provides enough space for the user. If no at 1114, control continues to 1120, where the control module 102 can activate a warning to the user to notify the user of insufficient space, as explained herein. Then, the control can Fig.11 , or returns to another suitable step (such as 1102) if desired.

[0144] However, if there is enough available space at 1114, control continues to 1116, 1118. At 1116, the control module 102 optimizes the parking bias of the vehicle relative to the boundary of the available parking space, as explained herein. Then, at 1118, the vehicle enters the available parking space based on the parking bias. In various embodiments, the vehicle can be manually controlled, autonomously controlled, etc. to enter the available parking space, as explained herein. Control then continues to 1122.

[0145] At 1122, the control module 102 detects whether there is a hazard adjacent to the available parking space based on the parking lot data from the detection module 104, as explained herein. If not, control may end, such as Fig.11 If so, control proceeds to 1124 where the control module 102 may activate a warning to the user to notify the user of the hazard, as explained herein. Control may then end.

[0146] Fig.12 The control process 1200 may be used to assist a user in entering a vehicle when the vehicle is parked in a parking lot. Fig.12As shown in FIG. 1 , control process 1200 begins at 1202 where the control module 102 receives parking lot data from, for example, the detection module 104 , as explained herein. Control then continues to 1204 .

[0147] At 1204 , the control module 102 detects a user approaching the vehicle. For example, as explained above, the control module 102 may detect the approaching user based on a signal received from a key fob, a user's phone, etc. Control then proceeds to 1206 , 1208 , 1210 .

[0148] At 1206, the control module 102 determines the available space in the parking space for the user to enter the vehicle. As explained herein, this determination can be made based on the available parking spaces, the size of the adjacent parking spaces, and whether the vehicle in the parking space is near the adjacent boundary of the identified available parking spaces, etc. At 1208, the control module 102 receives the minimum required size associated with the user-specific required space (safety zone), as explained herein. Then, at 1210, the control module 102 determines the space required for the user to enter the vehicle. For example, as explained herein, the determined space can be the same as the minimum required size, or can be greater than the minimum required size. Control then continues to 1212.

[0149] At 1212, the control module 102 detects whether there is a hazard adjacent to the available parking space based on the parking lot data from the detection module 104, as explained herein. If no, control continues to 1216. If yes, control continues to 1214, where the control module 102 can activate a warning to the user to notify the user of the hazard, as explained herein. Control then continues to 1216.

[0150] At 1216, the control module 102 determines whether the available parking space provides enough space for the user. For example, the control module 102 can compare the amount of available space in the parking space and the space required for the user to enter the vehicle to determine whether the available parking space provides enough space for the user. If no at 1216, control proceeds to 1220, where the control module 102 can illuminate the area adjacent to the vehicle (e.g., in red or another suitable color) to warn the user that there is insufficient space, as explained herein. Control then proceeds to 1222. However, if the available parking space provides enough space for the user, control proceeds to 1218, where the control module 102 can illuminate the area adjacent to the vehicle (e.g., in green or another suitable color) to notify the user that there is enough space, as explained herein. Control then proceeds to 1222.

[0151] At 1222, the vehicle is controlled to start and move out of the parking lot to leave the parking space. For example, the vehicle may be manually controlled by a user to start the vehicle, and then move the vehicle out of the parking lot and reverse (or drive). In other examples, the vehicle may be autonomously controlled to start and shift gears, and then move the vehicle out of the parking lot and reverse (or drive). Then, control may end, such as Fig.12 as shown in .

[0152] exist Fig.13 In the example of FIG. 1 , the control process 1300 may be used to communicate with users from other vehicles to make them aware of the additional space requirements of users associated with the parked vehicle. Fig.13 As shown in , control process 1300 begins at 1302 where the control module 102 receives parking lot data from the detection module 104 as explained herein. Control then continues to 1304 .

[0153] At 1304, the control module 102 determines whether there is an adjacent vehicle. For example, the control module 102 can detect a vehicle in a parking space adjacent to the parked vehicle based on the parking lot data. If yes, control can return to 1304, such as Fig.13 Otherwise, if there are no neighboring vehicles at 1304 , control proceeds to 1306 where the control module 102 monitors vehicle traffic near the parked vehicle based on parking lot data (eg, continuously or periodically). Control then proceeds to 1308 .

[0154] At 1308, the control module 102 determines whether the vehicle is entering a user desired space (e.g., a safe space or safety zone around the vehicle). As explained above, the user desired space is based on the determined minimum required size. If no at 1308, control may return to 1304, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 However, if the vehicle is entering the desired space, control continues to 1310 .

[0155] At 1310, the control module 102 determines whether sufficient low light conditions exist. For example, the control module 102 may determine whether the environment around the vehicle indicates that the brightness around the vehicle is sufficient for a different warning (e.g., with a different color, etc.). This determination may be made based on parking lot data from the detection module 104 (e.g., one or more visibility sensors of the detection module 104). If no at 1310, control continues to 1312. Otherwise, if low light conditions exist, control continues to 1316.

[0156] At 1312, the control module 102 may activate one or more exterior lights of the parked vehicle. In such an example, the control module 102 may flash the corner lights and / or side lights of the parked vehicle adjacent to the incoming vehicle to warn the driver of the incoming vehicle. Control then continues to 1314.

[0157] At 1314, the control module 102 may control one or more lights (eg, via Figure 1 In some examples, if an external display is available for the parked vehicle, the control module 102 may only control the lights to display the message. The control may then be as follows: Fig.13 , or returns to another suitable step (such as step 1306) if desired.

[0158] At 1316, the control module 102 may control one or more lights (eg, via Figure 1 The lighting control module 110 and the light 120 of the vehicle 102 project a first visual warning on the ground to notify the driver entering the vehicle of the additional space requirement of the user associated with the parked vehicle. For example, the control module 102 can visually warn the driver by illuminating an area on the ground corresponding to the space required for the user to enter or leave the parked vehicle with a first color (e.g., orange, etc.) and displaying a first message (e.g., a smiley face, a nervous face, etc.) on the illuminated area. In one example, the first visual warning can include initially highlighting the required space (e.g., a safe space) with flashing exterior lights / underbody lights, and then highlighting the required space with a solid color, and projecting an overlay with a smiley face and a wheelchair symbol in the highlighted color. With this visual warning, the driver entering the vehicle can decide to reposition the vehicle (e.g., further away from the parked vehicle, in another available parking space, etc.). Control then continues to 1320.

[0159] At 1320, the control module 102 determines that the approaching vehicle has entered the desired space based on the parking lot data from the detection module 104. If so, control continues to 1322, where the control module 102 may control one or more lights (e.g., via Figure 1 The control module 102 may project a second visual warning on the ground (e.g., lighting control module 110 and light 120). For example, the control module 102 may visually warn the driver by illuminating an area on the ground with a second color (e.g., red, etc.) and displaying a second message (e.g., a sad face, etc.) on the illuminated area. The control module 102 may then Fig.13, or returns to another suitable step (such as step 1306) if desired.

[0160] However, if at 1320, the approaching vehicle has not entered the desired space, control proceeds to 1324 where the control module 102 determines whether the vehicle is already parked based on the parking lot data from the detection module 104. If not, control returns to 1316. However, if the approaching vehicle is already parked, control proceeds to 1326 where the control module 102 may control one or more lights (e.g., via Figure 1 The lighting control module 110 and the light 120 of the embodiment of the present invention can display a thank you message on the ground. For example, the message can include "Thank you". Then, the control can be as follows Fig.13 , or returns to another suitable step (such as step 1306) if desired.

[0161] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification and the following claims. It should be understood that, without changing the principles of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the permutation of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0162] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "immediately adjacent," "on," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between a first and a second element is described in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist between the first and second elements (either spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or," and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0163] In the various figures, the direction of the arrow, as indicated by the arrow head, generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. The unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request or receipt confirmation to element A for the information.

[0164] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0165] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may include a wired or wireless interface connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functions of any given module of the present disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules connected via the interface circuit. For example, multiple modules may allow load balancing. In a further example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may implement some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0166] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class, a data structure, and / or an object. The term "shared processor circuit" covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" covers a processor circuit that executes some or all code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor circuit. References to multiple processor circuits cover multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" covers a memory circuit that stores some or all code from one or more modules in combination with additional memory.

[0167] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0168] The apparatus and method described in the present application can be implemented in part or in whole by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks, flow chart components and other elements described above act as software specifications, which can be translated into computer programs by the routine work of skilled technicians or programmers.

[0169] The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include or rely on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0170] A computer program may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated by a compiler from source code, (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter, (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including: C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language Version 5), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Visual Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and

Claims

1. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising: a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot; as well as A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to: Based on the data received from the detection module, detecting whether there is an available parking space in the parking lot; Determine the amount of space required for a user to exit the vehicle; determining whether the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user based on the determined amount of required space; and In response to determining that the available parking space provides sufficient space for the user, a parking bias of the vehicle relative to at least one boundary of the available parking space is optimized based on the amount of space required by the user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: detecting occupancy of a user in a vehicle; and A parking bias of the vehicle relative to the at least one boundary of the available parking space is optimized based on the amount of space required by the user and the occupancy of the user.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: Detecting whether a hazard exists adjacent to an available parking space based on data received from the detection module; and Warns the user of a detected hazard. 4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to activate a warning to the user in response to determining that the available parking space provides insufficient space for the user.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to: receiving data indicating a user-based rating of a parking lot and one or more characteristics of the parking lot; and The one or more characteristics based on the user's rating and the parking lot are displayed on the display module.

6. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising: a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot; as well as A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to: Detecting whether a user is approaching a vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot; determining available space for neighboring vehicles based on data received from the detection module; Determine the amount of space required for a user to enter the vehicle; Compare the amount of space required by the user to the space available to neighboring vehicles; and In response to the amount of space required by the user being less than the available space of the neighboring vehicles, an area of ​​the neighboring vehicles is illuminated to warn the user that there is insufficient space to enter the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein in response to the amount of space required by the user being greater than or equal to the available space of the neighboring vehicle, the control module is configured to detect whether the neighboring vehicle is dangerous based on data received from the detection module and warn the user of the detected danger.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the control module is configured to: Receive a user-specific minimum required size of the safe zone; and Determine the amount of space the user needs based on the minimum required size.

9. A vehicle system for assisting a user in a parking lot, the vehicle system comprising: a detection module configured to receive data related to the parking lot; as well as A control module in communication with the detection module, the control module being configured to: determining an amount of space required for a user to enter or exit a first vehicle parked in a parking space in a parking lot; detecting whether a second vehicle is entering the space required for a user to enter or exit the first vehicle, and In response to the second vehicle entering the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle, a driver of the second vehicle is visually warned of the space required for the user to enter or exit the first vehicle.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the control module is configured to visually warn a driver of the second vehicle by at least one of activating exterior lights of the first vehicle adjacent to the incoming second vehicle and displaying a message on the ground between the first vehicle and the incoming second vehicle.

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