Park Assist System Using Visual Markers for Underground Charging Pad Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parking in small spaces, especially with wireless power transfer devices, is challenging due to difficulty in aligning vehicles with charging pads that may be underground and invisible, leading to potential damage and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A park assist system that includes an imaging device, indicators, and a control module to guide vehicles into parking areas by recognizing specific predetermined objects, such as decals or signs, and providing feedback through visual, audio, or haptic means to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera-based imaging system is used to detect parking spaces, then the system can provide visual feedback for parking guidance, but the system cannot detect invisible underground charging pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary object (decad, sign, or marker) placed on or near the underground charging pad to mediate between the invisible charging infrastructure and the visible camera detection system. This intermediary reflects light or emits visual signals that the camera can detect, thereby indirectly revealing the location of the underground charging pad without requiring the camera to directly sense the invisible infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators such as colored decals, signs, or markers that change color or emit light to indicate the presence and status of underground charging pads. These color-based visual cues are detectable by the camera system, transforming the invisible charging infrastructure into a visible signaling system that provides real-time feedback to drivers
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the charging pad is located underground to be invisible, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but alignment becomes difficult for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places intermediary visual indicators (decals, signs, markers) on the ground surface at or near the underground charging pad location. These intermediaries serve as visible proxies for the invisible charging infrastructure, allowing drivers to align their vehicles accurately while the charging pad itself remains aesthetically concealed underground
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators such as colored decals, illuminated signs, or reflective markers to mark the precise location and orientation of underground charging pads. These color-based cues provide clear visual guidance to drivers for accurate vehicle alignment while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of hidden underground infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to mark charging pad locations, then alignment is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive visual indicators such as reflective decals, static signs, or permanently mounted markers that require no power source, active electronics, or complex control systems. These self-service indicators continuously provide alignment guidance without adding system complexity, relying instead on ambient light reflection or simple visual properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, low-cost visual indicators such as adhesive decals, printed signs, or basic reflective markers that are inexpensive to manufacture and install. These simple objects provide effective alignment guidance without requiring complex electronic systems, power supplies, or sophisticated control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A park assist system for providing guidance to park a vehicle into a parking area is disclosed. The park assist system includes an imaging device, at least one indicator, and a control module. The imaging device acquires image data representative of a field of view (FOV). The indicator provides feedback to guide the vehicle into the parking area. The control module is in communication with the imaging device and the at least one indicator. The control module includes control logic for monitoring image data representative of the viewable area. The control module includes control logic for determining if a specific predetermined object is located within the FOV. The specific predetermined object indicates the presence of the parking area. The control module includes control logic for activating the at least one indicator to provide feedback regarding the parking area.