Convoy Coordination for Dense Vehicle Parking Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density urban areas, the efficient use of parking space is hindered by the need for random access to vehicles, which is costly and time-consuming, especially when vehicles are closely packed, as seen in situations like ship or ferry loading, where sequential and coordinated loading is necessary to maximize deck space.
Innovation Solution
A method of coordinating a convoy of vehicles, where an escort vehicle guides and communicates with escorted vehicles to facilitate simultaneous operation, allowing for efficient access and exit in closely packed arrays, using sensors and communication gear, and enabling the formation of temporary aisles for loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If vehicles are closely packed to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but access time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator vehicle that acts as an intermediary between the control system and closely packed vehicles. This coordinator manages access operations by coordinating movements of multiple vehicles simultaneously, enabling efficient retrieval from tightly packed arrays without requiring excessive access time. The coordinator communicates with both the central control and individual vehicles to orchestrate coordinated access patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle positions and access patterns based on real-time conditions. Rather than static parking arrangements, vehicles can be repositioned dynamically to optimize both space utilization and access efficiency. The coordinator vehicle adapts its coordination strategy based on the current configuration and access requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If vehicles are closely packed to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination system is segmented into hierarchical levels: a central control system that sets overall policies, coordinator vehicles that manage local access operations, and individual vehicle control systems. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple levels, allowing the system to manage closely packed vehicles without requiring a single complex control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Coordinator vehicles serve as intermediaries that simplify the control architecture. Rather than having the central control directly manage every vehicle, the coordinators handle local coordination tasks, reducing the overall system complexity while enabling efficient management of densely packed vehicles.
3Ease of operation
If sequential loading is used to allow random access, then access flexibility is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static sequential loading to dynamic coordinated access. Vehicles can be accessed in various patterns depending on demand, and the coordinator adapts the loading/unloading sequence in real-time. This dynamic approach maintains access flexibility while enabling tighter packing by coordinating simultaneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated access system enables continuous operation by managing multiple vehicles simultaneously. Rather than completing one full load/unload cycle before starting the next, the system overlaps operations across multiple vehicles, maintaining continuous productive action while preserving access flexibility.
4Productivity
If multiple vehicles operate simultaneously in closely packed arrays, then productivity is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous feedback loops where coordinator vehicles monitor the positions and status of all vehicles in real-time. This feedback enables the coordinator to detect potential collision risks and adjust coordination commands to prevent accidents, allowing simultaneous operations while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Before executing simultaneous vehicle operations, the coordinator performs preliminary planning and validation of movement paths. By pre-coordinating actions and checking for potential conflicts before they occur, the system enables high-productivity simultaneous operations while preventing collisions through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining that an autonomous vehicle is in a zone associated with one or more zone rules; causing, in response to determining that the autonomous vehicle is in the zone, the autonomous vehicle to operate in a controlled mode of operation associated with the zone rules; determining that the autonomous vehicle has exited the zone; and releasing, in response to determining that the autonomous vehicle has exited the zone, the autonomous vehicle from the controlled mode of operation.