Parking Assistance Apparatus with Location-Based Predefined Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parking assistance systems require manual adjustment of parking offsets for each maneuver, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for users with different preferences or those needing specific access to vehicle sides or compartments, and lack adaptive functionality for varying locations.

Innovation Solution

A parking assistance apparatus with a human-machine interface that allows users to select predefined parking modes based on geographical location, using GPS data to automatically apply optimal parking positions and orientations, including lateral and longitudinal offsets, to facilitate easier access and adapt to different parking scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of parking offsets is required for each parking maneuver, then the system provides basic parking assistance functionality, but the ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple predefined parking modes with pre-configured offset values and positioning parameters before parking maneuvers are needed. When a user selects a parking mode, the pre-stored configuration is automatically applied, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during each parking maneuver and reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of successful parking configurations by storing them as predefined modes. Instead of manually adjusting offsets each time, users can select from copied configurations that have been saved from previous parking maneuvers, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing repetition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If the vehicle is positioned centrally in the parking space, then the parking maneuver is simplified, but access to vehicle sides and compartments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to vehicleVSAvoidparking maneuver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows different parking modes with different lateral offset values to be predefined and selected based on specific needs. Each mode optimizes the lateral position for particular access requirements (e.g., driver-side access, passenger-side access, boot access) while keeping the parking maneuver itself automated and simple through the selection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple predefined parking modes are stored and offered to users, then adaptability to different locations and needs improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal parking assistance solution that works across different parking scenarios by offering multiple predefined modes. Each mode is a self-contained configuration that can be selected based on the situation, making the system adaptable to various locations and user needs without requiring complex real-time calculations or adjustments.

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

4Productivity

If users must input parking offset settings for each maneuver, then precise control is achieved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking efficiencyVSAvoiduser input requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to serve themselves by selecting from predefined parking modes that automatically configure the appropriate offset values and positioning parameters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual input of technical parameters and significantly improves parking efficiency while maintaining precise control through the pre-configured modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2772414B1Parking assistance apparatus and parking method
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 NISSAN MOTOR MFG (UK) LTD
  • EP2772414B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2772414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2772414B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A parking assistance apparatus (5, Fig. 1a) includes a control system (14, Fig. 1a) with a processing device (15, Fig. 1 a) configured to determine the size of a parking space; to determine a pathway along which the vehicle is to be parked; and to generate control signals for a steering device (3, Fig. 1 a) to park the vehicle. The apparatus has a GPS navigation system (152, Fig. 1 a) and a memory (150, Fig. 1 a) in which is stored data identifying geographical locations of Pol's [Points of Interest] and one or more predefined parking modes associated with the Pol's. When a parking manoeuvre is initiated at a Pol with which a predefined parking mode is associated, the control system applies the predefined parking mode to position the vehicle in the parking space in the offset and/or orientation specified by the parking mode.