Multi-Level Parking Guidance for Shorter Walking Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers often park in the first visible parking spot in a multi-level parking structure, leading to unnecessary walking distance to reach their destination, as they hope for a closer spot elsewhere, which may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A parking assistance system that determines the walking distance to a destination from multiple unoccupied parking spots across different levels and guides the driver to the spot with the shortest cumulative walking distance, using visual and audible instructions through the vehicle's infotainment system or a personal device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the driver takes the first visible unoccupied parking spot, then the driver can park quickly without extensive searching, but the driver may have to walk a longer distance to reach the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting and storing information about multiple unoccupied parking spots before the driver makes a decision. The parking assistance system identifies available spots across different levels, calculates walking distances to the destination, and prepares guidance information in advance, allowing the driver to make an informed choice that minimizes total time including the walk to the destination
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the search space from a single level to multiple levels of the parking structure. By considering parking spots across different vertical levels and calculating cumulative walking distances that include elevator transfers, the system evaluates options in an expanded dimensional space, finding the optimal spot that minimizes total distance when multi-level access is involved
2Ease of operation
If the driver searches for a parking spot closer to the destination, then the walking distance may be reduced, but the driver risks losing the currently visible spot and spending more time searching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and evaluation of multiple parking spot options before the driver needs to decide. By already having identified unoccupied spots and calculated their respective walking distances, the system eliminates the need for the driver to search afterward, providing both close proximity and immediate availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver by presenting information about available parking spots and their relative distances to the destination. This feedback enables the driver to make an informed decision, seeing the actual walking distance implications before committing to a spot, thus avoiding both excessive walking and prolonged searching
3Ease of operation
If the driver parks on a different level that is closer to the destination, then the cumulative walking distance may be minimized, but the driver must navigate between levels using elevators or stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary by providing turn-by-turn navigation instructions that mediate the complex multi-level navigation process. The parking assistance system breaks down the journey from the parking spot to the destination into manageable steps, including elevator transfers and hallway navigation, guiding the driver through the vertical transitions without requiring the driver to mentally plan the entire complex route
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the driver's manual navigation planning with an automated guidance system. Instead of requiring the driver to mentally calculate and navigate complex multi-level paths, the system uses sensors, maps, and algorithms to determine the optimal route and provides step-by-step directions, substituting mechanical driver cognition with an automated navigation assistant
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods that minimize walking inside a multi-level parking structure. An example method that may be performed by a processor can include determining a first walking distance between a first unoccupied parking spot on a first parking level of a multi-level parking structure and a destination located outside the multi-level parking structure and can further include determining a second walking distance between a second unoccupied parking spot on a second parking level of the multi-level parking structure and the destination located outside the multi-level parking structure. The first walking distance is compared to the second walking distance and based on a shorter of the first walking distance and the second walking distance, guidance is provided to drive to one of the first unoccupied parking spot or the second unoccupied parking spot. The guidance may be provided via an infotainment system of the vehicle.