Augmented Navigation for Wireless Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning a vehicle with a wireless charging system is challenging, especially when the charger and charge receiver are located under the vehicle, as it requires precise positioning, which can be difficult and time-consuming, leading to missed charging opportunities when parking is short.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses cameras and a processor to generate an augmented navigational image displaying guidance lines aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal axis and parking space lines, providing visual cues for the driver to align the vehicle with the wireless charging pad, including a charging pad indicator and charge coupler location, to facilitate accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vehicle operator manually aligns the vehicle with the wireless charging pad, then the charging alignment can be achieved, but it requires precise positioning which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical guidance system. Cameras capture images of the charging pad and parking lines, the processor analyzes these images to determine precise alignment requirements, and the display shows guidance lines to the driver. This substitutes the manual mechanical positioning process with an automated vision-based guidance system, achieving both high precision and reduced time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment guidance system between the driver and the charging pad. The system includes cameras to detect the charging pad and parking lines, a processor to analyze the images and calculate alignment parameters, and a display to show guidance lines overlaid on the captured image. This intermediary system mediates the alignment process by providing visual cues that guide the driver to the correct position without requiring manual measurement or estimation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the charger and charge receiver are located under the vehicle, then wireless charging can be enabled, but accurate alignment becomes difficult especially for short parking periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces difficult manual alignment operations with an automated visual guidance system. The camera captures the charging pad and parking lines, the processor calculates the required alignment, and the display shows guidance lines indicating the correct vehicle position. This substitution makes the alignment process easy and intuitive, especially for short parking periods where quick alignment is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded guidance lines displayed on the screen to indicate alignment status. The guidance lines are overlaid on the captured image and use color coding to show the driver whether the vehicle is correctly positioned or needs adjustment. This visual feedback mechanism simplifies the operation by providing immediate, intuitive information about alignment status without requiring the driver to understand complex technical parameters.
3Productivity
If traditional plugging charging is used, then charging can be performed, but the driver must plug in the vehicle which is inconvenient and may be foregone for short parking
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system with alignment guidance enables the vehicle to charge itself automatically without driver intervention. Once the vehicle is positioned using the guidance lines, the charging process begins automatically through wireless energy transfer. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the driver to manually plug in the vehicle, making charging as convenient as simply parking in the designated spot, thereby increasing both ease of operation and productivity for short parking periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating an augmented navigational image for aligning a vehicle to a wireless charging pad includes capturing a first image in a forward longitudinal direction detecting a right parking space line and a left parking space line determining first distance between a wireless charging pad and the right parking space line and a second distance between the wireless charging pad and the left parking space line, generating an augmented navigational image in response to the first image and the second image wherein the augmented navigational image further includes a right longitudinal guidance line indicative of the first distance between a vehicle longitudinal axis and the right parking space line and a left longitudinal guidance line indicative of the second distance between the vehicle longitudinal axis and displaying the augmented navigational image on a vehicle navigation display.