Apparatus and methods for parking a vehicle using position detection sensor
First Claim
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1. A method of positioning a vehicle within a defined space comprising the steps of:
- providing an ultrasonic sensor fixed at a predetermined location;
emitting ultrasonic energy signals within the defined space and receiving echoes reflected by the vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic energy signals are emitted at a first and second periodic rate;
sensing the proximity of the vehicle relative to the sensor as the vehicle enters the defined space; and
using the sensed proximity, indicating to a driver of the vehicle the proximity of the vehicle to a reference location thereby enabling the driver of the vehicle to position the vehicle within the defined space, whereinthe first periodic rate has a low frequency, as compared to the second periodic rate, and the first periodic rate is utilized while no echoes are sensed, and the second periodic rate, faster than the first, is utilized when an echo is sensed as the vehicle is moving.
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Abstract
A sensing and indicating device is mounted at a fixed location to determine the distance between the sensor and an approaching vehicle. The sensor provides visual and/or audible indication of the distance between the vehicle and the sensor. The driver of the vehicle uses that displayed or audible information to locate the vehicle within a defined space or envelope, e.g., within a garage. The sensor and indicator may also be located laterally with respect to the vehicle so that the distance between the vehicle side and the sensor can be determined whereby the vehicle can be located laterally within the defined space or envelope.
98 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of positioning a vehicle within a defined space comprising the steps of:
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providing an ultrasonic sensor fixed at a predetermined location; emitting ultrasonic energy signals within the defined space and receiving echoes reflected by the vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic energy signals are emitted at a first and second periodic rate; sensing the proximity of the vehicle relative to the sensor as the vehicle enters the defined space; and using the sensed proximity, indicating to a driver of the vehicle the proximity of the vehicle to a reference location thereby enabling the driver of the vehicle to position the vehicle within the defined space, wherein the first periodic rate has a low frequency, as compared to the second periodic rate, and the first periodic rate is utilized while no echoes are sensed, and the second periodic rate, faster than the first, is utilized when an echo is sensed as the vehicle is moving. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of positioning a vehicle within a defined space comprising the steps of:
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providing an ultrasonic sensor fixed at a predetermined location; emitting ultrasonic energy signals within the defined space and receiving echoes reflected by the vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic energy signals each have a predetermined time duration; sensing the proximity of the vehicle relative to the sensor as the vehicle enters the defined space; using the sensed proximity to determine whether the distance between the sensor and the vehicle is beyond a threshold distance, setting the time duration of the emitted ultrasonic energy signals to a first period, if the distance is beyond the threshold distance, and setting the duration to a second period, shorter than the first period, if the distance is shorter than the threshold distance, and indicating to a driver of the vehicle the proximity of the vehicle to a reference location thereby enabling the driver of the vehicle to position the vehicle within the defined space. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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Specification