Parking Structure Light Trajectory Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for finding a parked vehicle in a parking structure are unreliable due to the need for users to interpret and implement navigation instructions, which can lead to errors, especially in unfamiliar environments, and require continuous radio communication and a functioning GPS system, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The method involves displaying navigation instructions as light trajectories projected onto the floor or walls of the parking structure, allowing users to follow optical signals rather than reading maps or instructions, using existing light sources for illumination and navigation, and adjusting these trajectories based on user movement to ensure accurate guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If navigation instructions are displayed on a mobile terminal map, then users can see their location and route, but users with poor visual thinking cannot correctly interpret and implement the instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual interpretation system (map reading, directional understanding) with an optical guidance system. Light trajectories are projected directly onto the parking structure surfaces, creating intuitive visual paths that lead users to their vehicles without requiring map interpretation or spatial reasoning skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light projections as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle location. Instead of directly displaying abstract map information on a mobile terminal, the system projects concrete visual light trajectories onto the physical environment, serving as a mediator that guides users intuitively to their destination.
2Loss of information
If continuous radio communication is maintained between mobile terminal and parking garage computer, then navigation information can be continuously updated, but radio communication reliability is compromised in obscured areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by projecting light trajectories onto the parking structure surfaces in advance, creating a persistent visual guidance system that remains effective even when radio communication is interrupted. The navigation information is pre-established in the physical environment rather than relying on continuous digital communication.
3Measurement precision
If GPS system is used to determine vehicle position, then location can be accurately tracked, but GPS functionality is unavailable in obscured areas like parking garages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the navigation guidance function by projecting light trajectories that replicate directional information onto the physical parking structure. Instead of relying on GPS satellite signals, the system creates artificial visual markers and paths that copy the essential navigation function in environments where GPS is unavailable.
4Ease of operation
If light sources are used to project navigation trajectories, then users can follow visual paths without interpreting maps, but existing illumination infrastructure must be utilized to avoid additional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing illumination infrastructure universal by enabling light sources to serve dual functions: both providing general illumination and projecting navigation trajectories. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to use already-deployed lighting equipment rather than requiring separate dedicated projection systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for finding a parked vehicle in a parking structure, wherein a parked position of the vehicle is stored in a parking structure, a mobile terminal is coupled to the parking structure in order to provide a radio transmission path, navigation to the parked vehicle is requested from the parking structure using the mobile terminal, and the parking structure produces light trajectories in order to navigate a user to the parked position of the vehicle.