Vehicle Parking Assistant Using Inter-Vehicle Sensor Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Finding a suitable parking space for a motor vehicle can be time-consuming, especially when parking spaces are not individually marked, leading to inefficiencies and traffic disruptions as vehicles search for spaces of sufficient length.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first motor vehicle determines its required minimum parking space length using sensors, such as ultrasonic, radar, or Lidar range finders, and communicates with nearby second motor vehicles to identify and guide itself to available spaces that meet this length, utilizing existing sensors and signaling systems to minimize disruption and optimize parking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the first motor vehicle searches for a parking space by checking each space manually, then the parking space length can be verified accurately, but the time required to find a parking space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The second motor vehicle performs preliminary scanning of the parking space length using its sensors before the first motor vehicle arrives. This advance measurement allows the first motor vehicle to receive ready-made information about suitable parking spaces, eliminating the need for manual checking and significantly reducing search time while maintaining accurate length verification
Solution Approach 2:
The second motor vehicle acts as an intermediary that provides parking space information to the first motor vehicle. Instead of the first motor vehicle directly measuring each space, it receives pre-processed information from the second motor vehicle's sensors, which has already verified the space dimensions and suitability
2Reliability
If the first motor vehicle searches for a parking space thoroughly, then the suitability of the parking space can be ensured, but traffic disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second motor vehicle performs preliminary verification of parking space suitability using its sensors before the first motor vehicle needs to check. This advance verification ensures reliability by confirming space dimensions and obstacles, while the first motor vehicle can then quickly confirm the information without causing significant traffic disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The second motor vehicle serves as an intermediary that has already performed thorough verification of parking space suitability. It provides this verified information to the first motor vehicle, allowing the first vehicle to rely on pre-validated data rather than conducting its own lengthy inspection, thus reducing traffic disruption while maintaining reliability
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in the second motor vehicle to scan parking space length, then the dimension determination becomes easier and more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system in the second motor vehicle is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only scans parking space length for assisting other vehicles but also maintains its primary function for the second vehicle's own parking operations. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing dual benefits without requiring entirely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The second motor vehicle uses its own sensor system to scan and determine parking space dimensions, serving itself by providing this information for its own parking decisions while simultaneously making this information available to assist the first motor vehicle. This self-service approach leverages existing vehicle sensors rather than requiring dedicated infrastructure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the time spent searching for parking spaces, minimizes traffic disruption, and optimizes the distribution of vehicles to available spaces, ensuring both small and large vehicles can find suitable parking efficiently, thereby enhancing overall parking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include an ultrasonic range finder
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include an ultrasonic range finder, a radar range finder
Implementation Method 3
The sensor may include an ultrasonic range finder, a radar range finder or Lidar range finder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for finding a parking space for a first motor vehicle includes determining a required minimum length of the parking space on which the first motor vehicle is parkable, scanning a length of the adjacent parking space through the second motor vehicle, and driving the first motor vehicle to the adjacent parking space bounded by the second motor vehicle when the length of the adjacent parking space corresponds to at least the minimum length. Related transmission devices and control systems are also provided.