AU2014100090A4 - Parking Guide System and Method - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A system and method for guiding a driver of a vehicle into a parking space of a parking structure. The system includes an emitter unit having a light source and a light sensor, and a mirror for illuminating a reference position via a light source actuated by the light sensor. $4 N - 4 2 INi o __ H C-, - xx Lu. Xx K Nz N' a 4 *7-I~ N' I '0 4 4 -.- ~---~. 4 if I, '4

Description

PARKING GUIDE SYSTEM AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for use in assisting a driver of a vehicle in parking the vehicle within a parking structure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. [0003] It is often a problem for a driver to park their car within a garage while leaving a minimal amount of space in which to navigate, open a door and not damage their car. This problem becomes acute when the height of the driver is relatively small in comparison to the larger size of the vehicle, limiting their field of vision. The problem may also become acute when the driver, regardless of their size, must navigate the vehicle into a small, confined area within a garage. In order to lessen the difficulties that exist in attempting to optimise the proper spacing between the parking structure and the vehicle, systems have been developed to guide the driver into the garage. However, such systems often lack the ability to accurately guide the driver into the most optimal position, for example, placement laterally as well as longitudinally within a parking bay. Therefore there exists a need for a system and method which overcomes the deficiencies of conventional systems and permits more accurate positioning of a vehicle within the parking area of a parking structure, such as a garage. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a system for guiding a driver of a vehicle into a garage having a garage door opening mechanism. The system includes an emitter unit including a light source and a light sensor, the light sensor being adapted to actuate the light source to emit a directed beam of light to illuminate a reference position to guide the driver in optimally positioning their vehicle in the garage. The emitter unit is mountable from the ceiling of the garage and/or from a portion of the garage door opening mechanism. [0005] In another aspect, the present invention provides for a system for guiding a driver of a vehicle into a garage having a garage door opening mechanism. The system includes an emitter unit including a light source and a light sensor, the light sensor being adapted to actuate the light source to emit a directed beam of light to illuminate a reference position to guide the driver in optimally positioning their vehicle in the garage. The emitter unit is powered by a power source independent of the garage door opening mechanism. [0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a system for guiding a driver of a vehicle into a parking space of a parking structure. The system includes an emitter unit including a light source and a light sensor. The system also includes a mirror mountable to a portion of the parking structure. The light sensor is adapted to actuate the light source to emit a directed beam of light at the mirror to illuminate a reference position to guide the driver in optimally positioning their vehicle in the parking space [0007] In further preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for guiding the positioning of a vehicle within a parking structure. The method includes sensing an artificially generated light from either the vehicle or a garage door opener; and after sensing the artificially generated light, emitting a directed beam of light toward a predetermined reference position so that a driver of the vehicle may optimally position the vehicle in the parking structure. [0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. [0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0010] Fig. 1 is a partial side-elevation view of a garage door opener being used with an emitter and mirror to create a reference point to guide a driver in the positioning of a vehicle in a garage in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0011] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the emitter and mirror arrangement of Fig. 1 shown for use with a multiple-bay parking area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers, but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0014] Figs. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a system 100 for guiding a driver or operator of a vehicle into a parking space of a parking structure, such as a garage, the system having an emitter unit 102 and at least one mirror 104. In use, upon activation of a garage door mechanism, emitter unit 102 directs a beam of light at mirror 104, which is aimed at a location so that when a vehicle is correctly positioned, the beam will illuminate a spot on the dashboard of the vehicle. The preferred elements of the system and their interrelationship are described below. [0015] Referring to Fig. 1, emitter unit 102 preferably includes a light source 106, a light sensor 108 and a power source 110. Light source 106 is preferably a laser diode configured to emit a laser beam. The operation of laser diodes would be well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It will be appreciated that light source 106 may take other forms, for example only, a halogen light bulb, a standard light bulb, or other arrangements configured to emit a directed beam of light. [0016] Light sensor 108 is preferably a standard light sensor which will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art without further details. Preferably, light sensor 108 is positioned proximate a light source 12 on garage door opener 10 so that when light 12 of garage door opener 10 is activated, light sensor 108 detects the light emitted from light 12. [0017] Power source 110 is preferably an independent power source contained within emitter unit 102. For example only, power source 110 may be one or more batteries. The batteries may be disposable or rechargeable. It will be appreciated that the power source may be through the mains power, either through garage door opener 10, or independently of garage door opener 10. It is preferred that the power source of system 100 is not integrated with the garage door opener, but independent of the garage door opener. [0018] Mirror 104 is preferably positioned on the ceiling of the parking structure and mounted so that it is configured for adjustable movement. More preferably, mirror 104 is configured to rotate and/or swivel. [0019] As shown in Fig. 2, system 100 may be configured for multiple parking bays. Where the parking structure has multiple parking bays, a plurality of emitter units 102 may be positioned adjacent garage door opener 10 so that each emitter unit 102 emits a beam 112 at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis CLA of the garage door opener. Each mirror 104 may then be positioned so that the beam from the respective emitter unit 102 is directed parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the garage door opener. Where multiple emitters are used, they may be configured to be independently operable of one another. [0020] Having described the preferred components of system 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. In use, garage door opener 10 is activated so that motor 14 pulls door 16 along a set of rails. Activation of motor 14 activates light 12. Light sensor 108 of emitter unit 102 senses light emitted from garage light 12 and sends a signal which activates light source 106. Light source 106 emits a beam of light 112 at mirror 104, which is preferably fixed to a ceiling of the parking structure. Mirror 104 is preferably oriented so that beam 112 is redirected toward the floor of the parking structure at a desired reference position 114. As the vehicle is driven into the parking space, the end of beam 112 moves up the bonnet of the vehicle to help guide the driver in optimally positioning the vehicle within the parking area. [0021] Preferably, the vehicle includes an on-board light sensor 116 located on top of the dashboard, preferably centrally positioned along the length and width of the dashboard. Once beam 112 contacts on-board sensor 116, a signal is preferably provided alerting the driver that the vehicle is optimally positioned, whereupon the driver stops the vehicle. [0022] It will be appreciated that certain of the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the driver may use beam 112 to assist in positioning the vehicle without using any on-board sensor.

[0023] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. The emitter unit may be mountable from the ceiling of the parking structure and/or from a portion of the garage door opener. For example only, the emitter unit may be placed on a slide mount of a bracket fixed to the ceiling of the parking structure so that the emitter unit is adjustably positionable within the parking structure. Alternatively, the emitter unit may be fixed or detachably mounted to a fixed location proximate the garage door opener, such as shown in Fig. 1. The emitter unit may be positioned in a region other than a central ceiling region. For example, where a garage door opener is located in a corner proximate an end of the roller axis for the door, the emitter unit may be positioned near the corner proximate the garage door opener. [0024] Mirror 104 is preferably positioned on a portion of the parking structure, more preferably the ceiling of the parking structure. If desired, mirror 104 may be positioned on a wall of the parking structure. More than one mirror may be used to direct a single beam of light if desired. Alternatively, system 100 may be configured so that emitter unit 102 directs beam 112 at a desired reference position without any mirrors. [0025] On-board light sensor 116 is preferably configured to sense the type of light (e.g., white vs. laser) being emitted from light source 106. On-board light sensor 116 may provide the driver with a visual and/or audio indication that beam 112 has been detected. On-board light sensor 116 may be configured for placement on the dashboard and/or interior of the windshield. Alternatively, the on-board light sensor may be omitted if desired. For example, a crystal may be placed on the dashboard and/or interior of the windshield. The crystal may be configured to amplify or distort the beam to enhance visual detection thereof by the driver to indicate that the vehicle has reached the predetermined optimal parking position. In another variant, the driver may rely only on the position of the beam without any on-board sensors and/or audio/visual aid components. [0026] The system of the present invention may be configured for use with parking structures not having a garage door, and hence, no garage door opener. For example only, system 100 may be adapted for use with a carport or commercial parking garage. In this environment, the emitter unit may be placed on a wall of the parking structure so that a beam of light from a vehicle, such as from the vehicle's headlights, is sensed by the light sensor of the emitter unit, and the emitter unit emits a beam of light at a mirror mounted on the ceiling of the parking structure to redirect the beam in a downward direction to illuminate a reference position to guide the driver or operator of the vehicle. [0027] The system of the present invention may be used without an independent light source (and light sensor) if desired. For example only, emitter unit 102 may include an optical lens configured to focus light emitted from light source 12 of the garage door opener into a beam directed at mirror 104. An optical lens to focus the beam may be included where the emitter unit includes a light source. [0028] System 100 is preferably used without any motion detectors, and in a preferred embodiment, motion detectors are specifically excluded from the system. [0029] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0030] The present invention in a preferred form provides the ability to not only optimally longitudinally position a vehicle, but also optimally laterally position a vehicle, a feature often lacking in conventional systems. The ability to laterally position a vehicle relative to a reference position reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle from parking too close to an adjacent vehicle or portion of the parking structure. The risk of damage to the vehicle from the garage door scraping or colliding with a portion of the vehicle is also minimised. Additionally, the ability to optimally position the vehicle within a parking bay also permits a greater use of available storage areas such as shelves and/or floor space. [0031] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A system for guiding a driver of a vehicle into a parking space of a parking structure, the system including: an emitter unit including a light source and a light sensor; and a mirror mountable to a portion of the parking structure, said light sensor being adapted to actuate said light source to emit a directed beam of light at said mirror to illuminate a reference position to guide the driver in optimally positioning their vehicle in the parking space.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said emitter unit includes a laser diode.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said mirror is moveable while mounted to the portion of the parking structure.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said mirror is rotatable.

5. The system of either claim 3 or 4, wherein said mirror is configured to swivel.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said mirror is mountable from a ceiling of the parking structure.

7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, further including a vehicle-based light sensor mountable upon a surface of the interior of the vehicle, said vehicle-based light sensor being configured to provide an indication to the driver when the beam of light emitted from said light source hits said vehicle-based light sensor.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said vehicle-based light sensor is mountable on an interior portion of a windshield.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said vehicle-based light sensor is mountable on a dashboard of the vehicle.

10. The system of any one of claims 1-9, said system being configured to operate independently of a motion sensor to guide the driver in optimally positioning their vehicle in the parking structure.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said emitter unit is powered by at least one battery.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said parking structure is a carport.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said emitter unit is configured to be mounted on a wall of the parking structure.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said light sensor is positioned to intercept a beam of a headlight of the vehicle.

15. A method for guiding the positioning of a vehicle within a parking structure, the method including: sensing an artificially generated light from either the vehicle or a garage door opener; after sensing the artificially generated light, emitting a directed beam of light at a mirror; and redirecting the beam of light, with the mirror, toward a predetermined reference position so that a driver of the vehicle may optimally position the vehicle in the parking structure.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the beam of light is emitted at an angle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the garage door opener.

17. The method of either claim 15 or 16, wherein the reference position is towards a floor of the parking structure.

18. A system as substantially described herein with reference to any one of the figures.

19. A method as substantially described herein with reference to any one of the figures.