Portable Device Parking Support via External Sensor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting vehicle drivers in maneuvering, particularly when parking, require expensive stationary systems mounted in the vehicle, which are not suitable for older or unsophisticated vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, receiving data from an external sensor device, like an ultrasonic sensor or camera, mounted stationarily relative to the driving route, to provide the driver with necessary information for parking without the need for expensive in-vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary display and communication interface are mounted in the vehicle to support the driver, then the driver receives real-time visual feedback for maneuvering, but the system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display and communication interface from the vehicle system and relocates them to the driver's portable device. The vehicle only retains the sensor device mounted at the rear, which captures images and transmits them wirelessly. This extraction eliminates the need for complex in-vehicle mounting hardware, communication interfaces, and power supply systems while maintaining full driver support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable communication device as an intermediary between the vehicle's sensor system and the driver. This intermediary handles all complex functions including image reception, processing, display, and wireless communication, allowing the vehicle itself to remain simple while still providing advanced driver support capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If expensive stationary systems are installed in the vehicle for driver support, then maneuvering assistance is provided, but the method becomes unsuitable for older or simpler vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting all vehicle-specific hardware requirements down to just a simple rear-mounted sensor, the system becomes compatible with vehicles of any age or complexity. Older vehicles without complex electronics can adopt this system by simply mounting a sensor and having the driver use their existing portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable communication device serves multiple functions: it acts as the image receiver, processor, display unit, and communication interface. This universal device that drivers already possess eliminates the need for vehicle-specific adaptations, making the system universally applicable across all vehicle types.
3Ease of manufacture
If the driver uses a portable communication device to receive maneuvering data, then the system cost is reduced, but the driver needs to manage additional portable equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The driver uses their own existing portable communication device, which they already carry and are familiar with. The system leverages the driver's existing equipment rather than requiring them to adapt to new vehicle-mounted controls, thereby reducing both system cost and operational learning curves.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle (2) in maneuvering the vehicle (2) on a driving route (4), in particular when parking a vehicle (2) into or out of a parking space (3), with the aid of a portable communication device (13). At least one vehicle external sensor device (11, 17) is provided which is arranged stationarily relative to the driving route (4). The sensor device (11, 17) captures data relating to the vehicle (2) located on the driving route (4) and wirelessly emits signals (15, 15′) comprising the captured data in such a way that same signals (15, 15′) reach the interior of the vehicle (2). The signals (15, 15′) are received through the portable communication device (13), and the data are output through the portable communication device (13). The invention also relates to a system (10) as well as a portable communication device (13).