Parking Assistance System with Graphical Distance Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking assistance systems lack optimal information transfer and simplified operability, making it difficult for drivers to accurately navigate and avoid obstacles during parking.
Innovation Solution
A parking assistance system utilizing multiple image capture units and distance sensors to provide a graphical representation of distances to obstacles, with line elements in a plan view indicating safe and unsafe distances, and a touchscreen interface allowing intuitive selection between top and detailed views of the vehicle's surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple image capture units and distance sensors are used to provide comprehensive obstacle information, then the information completeness about surroundings is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image capture units and distance sensors into a unified parking assistance system that processes data from all sensors together. The control unit integrates information from multiple sources to generate a comprehensive top view display, merging sensor data processing and presentation into a single coordinated system that reduces overall complexity despite using multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves multiple functions: it displays the top view from image capture units, shows distance information from distance sensors, provides tactile feedback through vibration motors, and offers configurable alert mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single universal interface.
2Ease of operation
If a top view with graphical distance representation is displayed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual distance measurement methods with electronic distance sensors that automatically measure and transmit distance data to the control unit. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensors simplifies the overall operation while managing the complexity through automated electronic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw sensor data into meaningful graphical representations by changing parameters such as distance thresholds, color codes for different distance ranges, and visual scaling. The control unit processes distance measurements and converts them into graphical distance representations that are intuitive for drivers to interpret.
3Ease of operation
If tactile feedback through vibration motors is provided at different positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile feedback system is segmented into multiple independent vibration motors positioned at different locations on the steering wheel or dashboard. Each vibration motor can be independently controlled to provide localized feedback corresponding to obstacles detected in specific directions, dividing the feedback function into manageable segments rather than using a single centralized system.
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
Enhances driver information with graphical representations of obstacle distances and intuitive operation, reducing the risk of collisions by providing clear and accessible information about safe parking zones.
Implementation Method 1
multiple image capture units for capturing views of an area surrounding the motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic sensors that are integrated into the bumper of the motor vehicle, for example. These emit ultrasonic signals and measure the transit time of reflected signals
Implementation Method 3
measure the transit time of reflected signals. A distance to an object in the vicinity of the motor vehicle is determined on the basis of the transit time
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The parking assistance system has multiple image detection units for detecting the surrounding area of the vehicle. A display device is provided for representing a top view (24) on the motor vehicle and its surrounding area. The surrounding area is formed from the detected view of the multiple image detection units. Line elements (34-39) such as circular sector elements are graphically represented in the top view for a measured distance which is smaller than a threshold distance. An independent claim is included for a method for operating a parking assistance system for a motor vehicle.