Single Sensor Parallel Parking Guidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel parking systems for vehicles are costly due to the requirement of multiple sensors and complex controllers, which increases the system's complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single proximity sensor to determine parallel parking space requirements and provide guidance for parallel parking, using a controller to process clearance signals and indicate when to start and end backing maneuvers, allowing for the detection of suitable parking spaces without the need for cameras or multiple sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex controllers are used in parallel parking systems, then the measurement precision and reliability of parking space detection are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary sensors (cameras, multiple proximity sensors) from the system, retaining only a single proximity sensor mounted on the rear bumper. The controller is simplified to process only clearance distance data from this single sensor, eliminating the complexity of processing multiple sensor types while maintaining sufficient detection precision for parallel parking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensor systems (cameras, multiple sensors) with a single, inexpensive proximity sensor. This single sensor provides all necessary clearance distance measurements without the need for expensive additional sensing components, significantly reducing system cost and complexity
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and complex controllers are used in parallel parking systems, then the reliability of parking assistance is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes redundant sensors and complex control logic, keeping only the essential single proximity sensor and simplified controller. The reliability is maintained through proper placement of the single sensor and optimized control algorithms that process clearance distance data effectively without requiring multiple sensor inputs
Solution Approach 2:
The single proximity sensor is positioned to automatically detect clearance distances to vehicles on both sides of the parking space as the vehicle moves forward. The system self-adjusts by continuously monitoring clearance distance changes and providing appropriate visual/audible signals without requiring complex multi-sensor coordination
3Device complexity
If a single proximity sensor is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the measurement precision and coverage area may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the single sensor's limited field of view by utilizing the temporal dimension - the sensor continuously measures clearance distances as the vehicle moves forward through the potential parking space. This transforms a spatial measurement limitation into a time-based measurement approach, accumulating data points along the vehicle's path to determine total parking space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The single proximity sensor continuously measures clearance distances throughout the vehicle's forward movement through the parking space. This continuous measurement approach ensures that all relevant clearance information is captured, maintaining detection precision by accumulating data over the entire parking space length rather than relying on a single static measurement point
4Device complexity
If a single proximity sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of detection coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the single sensor's limited spatial coverage by utilizing the temporal dimension during vehicle motion. As the vehicle moves forward, the sensor sequentially measures clearance distances at multiple positions, effectively mapping the entire parking space area over time. This transforms a single-point spatial measurement into a distributed spatial measurement across the entire parking zone
Solution Approach 2:
The single proximity sensor performs multiple functions: detecting clearance distances to vehicles on the left, detecting clearance distances to vehicles on the right, determining parking space length, and providing continuous feedback throughout the detection process. This multi-functionality compensates for the single sensor's limited coverage area by making each measurement count for multiple detection purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (600) and a system for assisting a vehicle operator (52) to parallel park a vehicle (10). The method (600) and system use only a single proximity sensor (24) to detect a suitable parallel parking space (36) and monitor the position of the vehicle (10) when backing into the parallel parking space (36). Assistance to parallel park the vehicle (10) may be as little as providing indications or warning to a vehicle operator (52) while the vehicle operator (52) backs the vehicle (10) into the parallel parking space (36), or may be as much as taking complete control of the vehicle (10) away from the vehicle operator (52), and autonomously parallel parking the vehicle (10).