Vehicle Parking Assistant with Sensor-Based Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle technologies fail to effectively assist drivers in finding parked vehicles in crowded locations and optimizing parking spot selection based on driver preferences, leading to frustration and inefficiency in parking processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle with sensors, an electronic control unit (ECU), and network access devices that detect adjacent structures, learn driver preferences, and transmit parking location information to remote devices, allowing for the identification of vacant parking spots and preferred parking locations, while also managing traffic flow to reduce congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If drivers manually search for parking spots in large parking decks, then they can find available spaces, but they spend a significant amount of time driving around looking for parking
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to drivers about available parking spots through network access devices. Sensors detect the presence or absence of vehicles in parking spots and transmit this information to remote devices, enabling drivers to quickly locate available spaces without manually searching through the entire parking deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, network access devices, and processing units that mediate between the parking spots and drivers. This intermediary automatically collects parking status information and delivers it to drivers' remote devices, eliminating the need for manual searching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drivers occupy the first available parking spot they find, then they can park quickly, but they may not be aware of locations that suit their preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback about multiple available parking spots with their specific characteristics and locations to the driver's remote device. This enables the driver to review options and select a spot that matches their preferences (such as proximity to entrance, lighting conditions, or security) without having to physically search for each option.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and presenting multiple suitable parking spots to the driver before they arrive at the parking deck. This allows the driver to make an informed decision in advance, rather than making hasty decisions upon arrival.
3Productivity
If parking decks have significant traffic before shows begin or after they end, then more vehicles can access the facility, but congestion increases and parking becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying drivers of available parking spots before they arrive at the parking deck. This allows drivers to plan their route and arrive at the correct spot more directly, reducing unnecessary circulation and congestion within the parking facility, especially during high-traffic periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting parking of a vehicle includes a main body to support at least one driver or passenger, and a sensor to detect adjacent structure data corresponding to an adjacent vehicle or structure adjacent to the main body. The system further includes a network access device to transmit and receive data including receiving a parking assist request from a remote device corresponding to a request to locate the main body, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the sensor and the network access device. The ECU is designed to receive the parking assist request from the network access device. The ECU is further designed to control the network access device to transmit parking location information to the remote device in response to receiving the parking assist request, the parking location information corresponding to the adjacent vehicle or structure adjacent to the main body.