In-Vehicle Parking Visualization System for Glanceable Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle parking information systems are difficult to use while driving, as they require the driver to focus on maps and geographical references to locate and understand available parking spaces, which is distracting and not easily accessible without a specific destination or active navigation system.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle system that uses a processor, GPS, transceiver, and data storage to dynamically display the quantity and direction of available parking spaces relative to the vehicle's position and orientation, presenting this information in an abstracted format that can be understood at a glance, without requiring a destination or active navigation system, using real-time data from various sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If existing in-vehicle parking information systems display detailed maps and geographical references, then parking space location information can be provided, but driver distraction increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking space location informationVSAvoiddriver attention and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential parking direction information (left, right, straight, number of spaces) from the complete map and geographical reference system, presenting it in a simplified format that eliminates distracting visual elements while retaining the core navigation guidance needed for finding parking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different levels of information abstraction to different driving contexts by providing directional indicators and space counts specifically at intersections and decision points, rather than continuously displaying detailed maps, thereby optimizing information delivery where it is most needed while minimizing distraction during normal driving

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If the system provides comprehensive parking information without abstraction, then complete data is available, but the information becomes difficult to understand at a glance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking availability dataVSAvoidinformation comprehension speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms complex parking data (coordinates, map locations, distance measurements) into simplified directional parameters (left, right, straight) and aggregate counts, changing the parameter representation to make information immediately comprehensible while preserving the essential parking availability data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the continuous stream of parking data into discrete, easily processed units showing direction and quantity of available spaces in each direction, allowing drivers to quickly comprehend and act on the information without being overwhelmed by detailed geographical data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system requires active navigation or destination input, then routing functionality is available, but the system becomes less versatile for general parking searches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking search availabilityVSAvoidsystem activation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a parking information system that functions universally without requiring destination input or active navigation mode, providing directional parking guidance as a standalone feature that works in all driving contexts whether or not the driver has a specific destination in mind

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

Data Source

PatentEP2960884B1Directional parking availability visualization system
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2960884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2960884B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2960884B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An in-vehicle system and method for presenting an abstraction of available parking spaces proximate the vehicle, including information conveying the quantity and heading of the available spaces. The available parking information is presented in a format that can be understood at a glance, for use in making navigation decisions while cruising for an available parking space.