Networked Parking Assist with Security Alert Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack efficient methods for assisting drivers in finding parking spaces and effectively responding to potential security threats, such as break-ins, as they rely solely on local sensors and do not communicate with nearby vehicles or authorities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system utilizing cameras and a networked database to provide parking assistance and a security alert system that communicates potential threats to nearby vehicles and authorities, enabling coordinated responses and enhanced security through image data sharing and alarm activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle systems rely solely on local sensors without network communication, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to assist drivers in finding parking spaces and respond to security threats is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between vehicles and the external environment. The server receives sensor data from multiple vehicles, processes parking space information, and distributes it to vehicles in the network. This mediator approach enables complex parking assistance functionality without requiring each vehicle to independently perform complex analysis, thus improving adaptability while managing system complexity through distributed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system performs multiple functions using the same sensor infrastructure: it detects parking spaces, monitors for security threats like break-ins, and shares this information with other vehicles and authorities. This multi-functionality approach allows a single system to provide both parking assistance and security monitoring, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If vehicle systems do not communicate with nearby vehicles and authorities, then device complexity is reduced, but security response effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes feedback loops where sensor data about security threats is transmitted to the server, which then relays this information to nearby vehicles and authorities. Nearby vehicles can respond by activating their alarms or cameras, creating a networked feedback response system. This feedback mechanism improves security response effectiveness by enabling coordinated reactions while distributing the communication burden across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes communication channels and protocols for security responses before threats occur. When a break-in is detected, the pre-configured network communication instantly activates, allowing rapid notification of authorities and nearby vehicles. This preliminary setup of communication infrastructure enables effective security responses without requiring complex real-time decision-making about whether to communicate
3Loss of time
If drivers search for parking spaces without assist systems, then device complexity is reduced, but time spent searching for parking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and sharing of parking space information before drivers need to search. Sensors on multiple vehicles continuously monitor and report available parking spaces to the server, which then provides this pre-processed information to drivers. This preliminary action eliminates the need for drivers to manually search, reducing parking search time while keeping individual vehicle complexity manageable through data distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The networked system automatically detects, tracks, and shares parking space availability without requiring driver intervention. Vehicles autonomously contribute sensor data to the network, and the server autonomously processes and distributes this information. This self-service approach reduces parking search time by eliminating manual searching while managing complexity through automated, distributed operations
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular parking assist system includes a location sensor disposed at a vehicle that at least in part determines a current geographical location of the vehicle. An ECU is disposed in the vehicle and stores a database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked. The vehicular parking assist system receives wireless communications from a remote server pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to (i) an output of the location sensor, (ii) the stored database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked and (iii) the received wireless communications from the remote server, the vehicular parking assist system determines a likelihood of finding an empty parking space at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle.