Optical Sender Vehicle Localization System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for localizing parked vehicles in large parking areas are inefficient due to the reliance on manual GPS aided RFID scanners, which require additional manpower and time, and inbuilt localization devices often fail to provide accurate or reliable results, especially indoors.

Innovation Solution

A system equipping vehicles with optical senders that emit unique identification signals, which are detected by optical sensors and correlated with vehicle identification information using a data processing device, allowing for precise vehicle localization within the parking area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual GPS aided RFID scanners are used to read RFID chips in parked vehicles, then vehicle location information can be obtained, but additional manpower and time are required and the process must be repeated in defined cycle times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle location informationVSAvoidtime for scanning and updating
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle's inbuilt localization device automatically transmits its location information without requiring manual scanning. The device serves itself by continuously providing location data to the server, eliminating the need for periodic manual RFID scanning and updating the parking map automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The localization device continuously transmits location information rather than requiring periodic manual scanning. This continuous automatic transmission eliminates gaps in location data and removes the need to repeat the scanning process in defined cycle times, maintaining constant awareness of vehicle positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Extent of automation

If inbuilt localization devices are used in parked vehicles, then location information can be obtained automatically, but the devices are not always activated or are not able to provide sufficient accuracy especially indoors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic location trackingVSAvoidlocation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

An optical sender mounted on the vehicle roof acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's inbuilt localization device and the optical sensor in the parking area. This intermediary transmits optical signals that enable accurate location detection indoors, overcoming the limitations of GPS and RFID in indoor environments while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If optical senders are mounted on vehicle roofs, then accurate indoor localization is achieved, but the system complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor localization accuracyVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sender serves multiple functions: it acts as a localization marker for indoor accuracy, provides a visual indicator to help drivers find their vehicles, and can potentially serve as a communication interface. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by providing multiple benefits from a single addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system enables efficient and accurate localization of vehicles with high accuracy, reducing manpower costs and improving operational efficiency, especially in large indoor parking areas.

Implementation Method 1

The optical sender comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) for generating the individual optical signal sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3852078B1System for localizing one or more parked vehicles in a parking area
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP3852078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3852078B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for localizing one or more parked vehicles (2) in a parking area comprising a plurality of parking slots. In order to provide an enhanced possibility for localizing a vehicle (2) parked in a parking area comprising a plurality of parking slots, the system (1) comprises at least one optical sender (3) placeable on a roof (4) of the respective vehicle (2) and being arranged to emit an individual optical signal sequence (5), at least one optical sensor (7) installable in the parking area, at least one data processing device (8) connected to said optical sensor (7) and containing at least a correlation between said individual optical signal sequence (5) and an individual identification information of the vehicle (2), and at least one gathering device (9) connected to said data processing device (8) an being arranged to gather an individual identification information of the optical sender (3) and the individual identification information of the vehicle (2).