Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle towing system that is capable of detecting incorrectly parked vehicles within a designated area and automatically initiates towing process through a configurable setup and also generates an electronic challan and logs the incident. In addition, the system marks indication over the location where the vehicle was towed, ensuring the owner receives a clear notification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In modern urban environments, the efficient management of parking spaces has become increasingly critical due to rising vehicle density and limited available land. Improper or unauthorized parking is a persistent issue that leads to traffic congestion, obstruction of emergency routes, inconvenience to property owners, and increased risk of accidents. Vehicles parked outside designated zones, on pedestrian walkways, or in restricted areas disrupt the smooth flow of traffic and often violate civic regulations. As cities grow, manual monitoring and enforcement of parking rules become less effective and more resource-intensive. This has created a strong need for an automated, systematic solution to identify, manage, and tow wrongly parked vehicles. Managing parking space effectively requires a combination of surveillance, accurate detection of violations, and efficient mechanisms for removal of default vehicles. The ability to tow such vehicles quickly not only restores order to congested areas but also acts as a deterrent for future violations. Additionally, integrating technology into parking management—such as automated surveillance systems, microcontroller-based control units, and mechanized towing solutions—enhances the speed, transparency, and accountability of the process. Thus, the need for intelligent parking space management and prompt removal of wrongly parked vehicles is essential to maintain urban mobility, safety, and compliance with traffic laws.

[0003] Managing parking spaces and dealing with wrongly parked vehicles involves the use of several key pieces of equipment such as tow trucks, wheel clamps, CCTV cameras, and parking sensors. Tow trucks are essential for physically removing vehicles that obstruct traffic or violate parking rules. Wheel clamps immobilize illegally parked vehicles, serving as both a penalty and a deterrent. CCTV cameras help monitor parking areas in real time, enabling authorities to identify and respond to violations quickly. Automated parking systems and license plate recognition software are also used in modern parking management to track vehicles and enforce rules more efficiently. Despite their usefulness, these tools come with drawbacks. Tow trucks require skilled operators and sometimes damage vehicles during removal, leading to complaints or legal issues. Wheel clamps, while effective, causes inconvenience to drivers and escalate tensions, especially in busy areas. CCTV systems involve high installation and maintenance costs and may raise privacy concerns. Additionally, false readings or delays in data processing from automated systems lead to wrongful towing or fines. Overall, while these tools are vital for enforcing parking regulations, their implementation must be handled carefully to avoid public dissatisfaction and operational challenges.

[0004] US5013209A discloses a towable dolly having a wheel lift mechanism for towing a vehicle by lifting the towed vehicle by its wheels so that contact with the vehicle's bumper, undercarriage, or axle is avoided and the vehicle rides on its own suspension system. The towing dolly is provided with an inclined rail carrying a carriage with a wheel lift mechanism extending generally horizontally and rearwardly therefrom as the carriage moves along the rail. An inflatable bag may be used to assist the wheel lift, or in lieu thereof.

[0005] US5560628A discloses a towing assembly includes a mounting member fixed to the frame of a towing vehicle. The mounting member includes two support bars in spaced relation that are fixed perpendicularly to two cross bars that are in turn fixed to the frame of the towing vehicle. Both the support bars and the cross bars take the form of angle irons, with the horizontal legs of the support bars fixed to the horizontal legs of the cross bars. A motion assembly is coupled to the vertical legs of the support bars. The motion assembly comprises a first vertical tube coupled to the support bars and a second vertical tube associated with the first vertical tube for uniform vertical translation. A pair of roller assemblies facilitate the uniform vertical translation of the second tube. The roller assemblies are offset from one another both in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. A horizontal tube is coupled to the second vertical tube and vertically translates therewith. A load bar that supports the towed vehicle is received within the horizontal tube and thus lifts the towed vehicle in response to vertical translation of the second vertical tube. The motion assembly is utilizing a motorized screw actuator that may be actuated from a remote location.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed in order to manage parking of vehicles, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to automatically identify and tow default vehicles parked in parking space.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is required to be capable of identifying wrongly parked vehicles in a parking space, and executes an automated towing procedure via equipped configurational support, along with issuing challan for the violating vehicle. In addition, the system places towing indication over the tow site, ensuring the owner is promptly informed of the vehicle's relocation.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of managing parking of vehicle by identifying wrongly parked default vehicle of a parking space.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of towing the default vehicle through a configurational support in an automated manner.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of generating challan for the default vehicle.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of marking indication over towed place for information to the owner of the vehicle.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle towing system that is capable of automatically identifying parking violations, initiating towing process through configurable support and generates a challan for the default vehicle. In addition, the system is capable of marking clear indication at the tow location to notify the vehicle owner of the towing of the vehicle.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated vehicle towing system comprises of a frame installed with one or more motorized wheels, a surveillance unit housed with an imaging unit to locate a vehicle and a parking boundary line, wherein on identification of the vehicle outside the boundary line, the vehicle is categorized as a default vehicle, a communication module configured with the surveillance unit, to fetch credentials of an owner of the default vehicle to generate a challan and transmit a notification to the owner, a loading unit, configured with the frame to systematically load the default vehicles within the frame, the loading unit comprising: a two axis slider arrangement installed over a top portion of the frame for accommodation of default vehicle over the frame.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of a plurality of platforms coupled with the two axis slider arrangement, wherein the two axis slider arrangement is configured for moving the platform(s) in between loading and holding position, a conveyer arrangement installed at the loading position via a motorized hinge joint, the hinge joint configured to position the conveyor at a ground surface level for moving the default vehicle over the platform, at least two walls installed along the length of conveyor arrangement, each wall configured with a robotic arm to clamp the default vehicle while being loaded over the platform, and a plurality of motorized clamps, integrated over the platform, to receive and hook one or more portions of the default vehicle.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated vehicle towing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle towing system that is capable of identifying incorrectly parked vehicles within a designated area and automatically initiates the towing process through a configurable setup and generates an electronic challan along with logging the incident.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated vehicle towing system is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 installed with one or more motorized wheels 102, a surveillance unit 103 housed with an imaging unit is installed over the frame 101, a loading unit 104 configured with the frame 101, the loading unit 104 comprises a two axis slider arrangement 105 installed over a top portion of the frame 101, a plurality platforms 106 coupled with the two axis slider arrangement 105, a conveyer arrangement 107 installed at a loading position 108 via a motorized hinge joint 109, at least two walls 110 installed along the length of conveyor, each wall configured with a robotic arm 111, a plurality of motorized clamps 112 integrated over the platform 106, a motorized three-grip finger 113 as an end effector with the conveyor arrangement, a container 114 integrated at a lateral portion of the frame 101 via a motorized slider 115, an electronic nozzle 116 connected with the container 114, and holding position 117 is configured at the frame to accommodate towed vehicle over the platforms 106.

[0024] The present invention includes a frame 101 preferably in portable rectangular shape incorporating various components associated with the system, developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a parking area for parking management. The bottom portion of the frame 101 are equipped with multiple motorized wheels 102 for locomotion of the frame 101 over the surface as per requirement.

[0025] A concerned official is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the frame 101 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0026] After the activation of the system, the concerned official accesses a user interface which is inbuilt in a computing unit linked with the microcontroller wirelessly by means of a communication module. The user interface enables the user to provide input regarding managing parking of vehicles (preferably two or three wheeler vehicles) around the parking space. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The Wi-Fi module contains transmitters and receivers that use radio frequency signals to transmit data wirelessly to the microcontroller. The wireless module typically includes components such as antennas, amplifiers, and processors to facilitate communication and further connected to networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, allowing systems to exchange information over short or long distances for communication of wireless commands to facilitate operations of the system.

[0027] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated on a surveillance unit 103 installed on the frame 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the parking area to locate a vehicle and a parking boundary line. The imaging unit incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to locate a vehicle and a parking boundary line.

[0028] The microcontroller evaluates the correct parking of the vehicle by comparing the vehicle location with respect to the boundary line. In case the microcontroller identifies the vehicle parked outside the boundary line, the vehicle is categorized as a default vehicle.

[0029] The surveillance unit 103 is integrated with an OCR module and that works in sync with the imaging unit to detect registration number of the vehicle. The OCR module analyzes the captures image of the alphabets/words and process that image on the basis of a pattern of black and white color intensity. After that OCR module compares the detected pattern with the pre-stored data of alphabets in order to find out the alphabets/words and send the detected alphabets/words to the microcontroller.

[0030] The microcontroller via the OCR module and the imaging unit determines the registration number of the vehicle. The microcontroller accordingly fetches the credentials of the default vehicle via accessing a linked database which stores the details of the vehicles. The microcontroller evaluates an amount of challan based upon the credentials of the vehicles. The microcontroller then generates a challan for penalizing the illegal parking of the vehicle and transmit a notification to the computing unit of the owner of the vehicle regarding challan and towing of the vehicle.

[0031] The frame 101 is configured with a loading unit 104 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to systematically load the default vehicles within the frame 101. The loading unit 104 comprising a two axis slider arrangement 105 installed over a top portion of the frame 101. The two axis slider arrangement 105 mounts plurality of platforms 106 for providing a facility of towing multiple vehicles. The two axis slider arrangement 105 is responsible for moving the platform 106 (s) over the frame 101 for accommodating default vehicles over the frame 101, during towing operation.

[0032] One end of the frame 101 is integrated with a conveyer arrangement 107 via a motorized hinge joint 109. The end at which the conveyer arrangement 107 is mounted is referred to as loading position 108. The length of the frame 101 accommodating the platforms 106 is referred to as holding position 117. For towing the vehicle from ground surface to the top of the frame 101, the microcontroller operates the conveyer arrangement 107.

[0033] In relation to execute the towing operation, the microcontroller then powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the wheels 102. The wheels 102 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel 102 that are powered by the motor, enabling the wheels 102 to move in required direction, which provide the frame 101 with the required movement for maneuvering over the surface in sync with the imaging unit. The wheels 102 position the frame 101 in conjunction to the vehicle to be towed.

[0034] Prior to towing of the vehicle, the microcontroller actuates the two axis slider arrangement 105 for moving the vacant platform 106 to the loading from the holding position 117. The two axis slider arrangement 105 facilitates the precise and efficient movement of platforms 106 between the holding and loading position 108 s. The slider arrangement 105 operates along two perpendicular axes typically horizontal (X-axis) and vertical or lateral (Y-axis) allowing multi-directional movement of the platforms 106.

[0035] When a default vehicle is detected and ready for loading, the microcontroller assesses platform 106 availability and identifies a vacant platform 106 in the holding position 117. Based on this assessment, the microcontroller activates the two axis slider arrangement 105 to relocate the selected vacant platform 106 to the loading position 108. Using motorized actuators or linear guides, the platform 106 is smoothly transferred along the defined path without manual intervention. This precise positioning ensures that the platform 106 aligns accurately with the conveyor arrangement, enabling seamless transfer of the default vehicle.

[0036] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the hinge joint 109 such that tilt the conveyor arrangement by revolving along the longitudinal axis. The tilting of the conveyor arrangement, deploys and position the conveyer arrangement 107 at a ground surface level for in proximity to the vehicle for towing.

[0037] The conveyor arrangement of the system is uniquely integrated with a two bar linkage mechanism, which plays a crucial role in handling and positioning default vehicles during the loading process. This linkage mechanism is equipped with a motorized three-grip finger 113 that serves as the end effector, designed specifically to uplift and maneuver a portion of the default vehicle such as a wheel, bumper, or chassis section with precision and stability.

[0038] The motorized operation of the three-grip finger 113 allows to adaptively grip various shapes and sizes of vehicle components, ensuring a firm and controlled hold. Once the portion of the default vehicle is securely gripped, the two bar linkage mechanism enables the end effector to lift and accurately position the vehicle onto the conveyor arrangement. From this point, the vehicle is smoothly transitioned and moved along the conveyor surface toward the designated platform 106 within the frame 101. This integrated mechanism ensures that even improperly parked or awkwardly positioned vehicles are effectively realigned, lifted, and placed onto the loading platform 106, enhancing the system's automation, efficiency, and safety in towing operations.

[0039] The microcontroller is pre-configured to operate the two axis slider arrangement 105 for relocating the platform 106 in between loading and holding position 117 as per vacancy over the platform 106. The sides of the conveyor arrangement are configured with at least two walls 110 such that are positioned along the length of the conveyor. The walls 110 are retractable in nature and are integrated with a pneumatic arrangement that enables extension and retraction of the walls 110.

[0040] The microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the walls 110. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the walls 110 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the walls 110 for lifting of the vehicle in secured manner. All the pneumatically operated components associated with the system comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0041] Each of the walls 110 are installed with a robotic arm 111 and that are actuated by the microcontroller to clamp 112 the default vehicle while being loaded over the platform 106. Each of the robotic arm 111 comprises, motor controllers, arm 111, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm 111 that allows the upper part of the arm 111 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 111 and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to clamp 112 the default vehicle while being loaded over the platform 106.

[0042] The microcontroller regulates the actuation of the robotic arm 111 s, conveyor arrangement and the two axis slider arrangement 105 works in tandem with the imaging unit to lift and tow the vehicle over the platform 106 of the frame 101. Once the vehicle is loaded, the platforms 106 are returned to the holding position 117 or moved to another location as needed via the slider arrangement 105. The two axis slider arrangement 105 thus plays a crucial role in automating platform 106 handling, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining system coordination during the vehicle towing and loading process.

[0043] Each of the platform 106 is integrated with plurality of motorized clamps 112 and that are actuated by the microcontroller to receive and hook one or more portions of the default vehicle over the platform 106. Each of the clamp 112 operates by utilizing a direct current electric motor to control the opening and closing of its jaws. When activated, the motor moves a threaded rod connected to one jaw, causing it to slide relative to the fixed jaw. This movement either opens or closes the clamp 112, allowing it to grip or release the vehicle with precision and force.

[0044] In addition, the lateral portion of the vehicle is integrated with a motorized slider 115 for mounting a container 114 with the frame 101. The working of the slider is similar to the slider arrangement 105 as mentioned above. The container 114 is stored with a color pigment for marking the towing place. The container 114 is connected with an electronic nozzle 116 via an electronic linkage.

[0045] The microcontroller actuates the slider 115 for translating and positioning the chamber at the side of the previously vehicle parked location. The microcontroller them actuates the nozzle 116 via the electronic linkage to dispense a color pigment over the place for marking the place with towed site indication to let the owner know that the vehicle is being towed.

[0046] The electronic nozzle 116, used herein, is a short tube with a taper integrated with fine-tuned valve or orifice that is electronically regulated to speed up or regulate the flow of the color pigment. The valve controls flow of color pigment by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from the microcontroller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, and color pigment level in view of dispensing the color pigment as per the determined requirement, for marking the indication over the place regarding the towing of the vehicle.

[0047] Post loading of the default vehicle, the microcontroller transmits a notification to the owner over the computing unit of the owner via the communication module, regarding the nearby authority from where the person is required to collect the vehicle.

[0048] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0049] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the frame 101 mounted on motorized wheels 102, enabling mobility, and is integrated with the surveillance unit 103 equipped with the imaging unit to identify vehicles parked outside the defined parking boundary line, thereby classifying them as default vehicles. Upon detection, the communication module, linked with the surveillance unit 103, retrieves the owner's credentials, generates the challan, and sends the notification. The loading unit 104 is mounted on the frame 101 to manage default vehicles, incorporating the two axis slider arrangement 105 on the top portion, which moves the plurality of platforms 106 between loading and holding position 117 s. The conveyor arrangement, installed at the loading position 108 through the motorized hinge joint 109, adjusts to ground level for smooth transfer of the default vehicle. Along the conveyor, two retractable walls 110 with robotic arm 111 s clamp 112 the vehicle securely during loading, while motorized clamps 112 on the platform 106 hold the vehicle in place. The surveillance unit 103 and two axis slider arrangement 105 are operatively connected to the microcontroller, which coordinates platform 106 relocation based on space availability. The conveyor also features the two bar linkage mechanism with the motorized three-grip finger 113 as the end effector for lifting and positioning vehicle parts. The container 114 is mounted laterally via the motorized slider 115, controlled by the microcontroller, to mark the towing location using the electronic nozzle 116 that dispenses pigment. After loading, the microcontroller notifies the vehicle owner with details of the nearby authority from which the vehicle can be reclaimed.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated vehicle towing system, comprising:

i) a frame 101 installed with one or more motorized wheels 102;

ii) a surveillance unit 103 housed with an imaging unit to locate a vehicle and a parking boundary line, wherein on identification of the vehicle outside the boundary line, the vehicle is categorized as a default vehicle;

iii) a communication module configured with the surveillance unit 103, to fetch credentials of an owner of the default vehicle to generate a challan and transmit a notification to the owner;

iv) a loading unit 104, configured with the frame 101 to systematically load the default vehicles within the frame 101, said loading unit 104 comprising:
a. a two axis slider arrangement 105 installed over a top portion of the frame 101;
b. a plurality of platforms 106 coupled with the two axis slider arrangement 105, wherein said two axis slider arrangement 105 is configured for moving the platform 106 (s) in between loading and holding position 117;
c. a conveyer arrangement 107 installed at the loading position 108 via a motorized hinge joint 109, said hinge joint 109 configured to position the conveyor at a ground surface level for moving the default vehicle over the platform 106;
d. at least two walls 110 installed along the length of conveyor arrangement, each wall 110 configured with a robotic arm 111 to clamp 112 the default vehicle while being loaded over the platform 106; and
e. a plurality of motorized clamps 112, integrated over the platform 106, to receive and hook one or more portions of the default vehicle.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surveillance unit 103 and two axis slider arrangement 105 is operatively coupled with a microcontroller.

3) The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said microcontroller is pre-configured to operate the two axis slider arrangement 105 for relocating the platform 106 in between loading and holding position 117 as per vacancy over the platform 106.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said walls 110 are retractable in nature and are integrated with pneumatic arrangement that enables extension and retraction of the walls 110.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyor arrangement is integrated with a two bar linkage mechanism having a motorized three-grip finger 113 as an end effector for uplifting and positioning a portion of default vehicle over the conveyor arrangement.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a container 114 is integrated at a lateral portion of said frame 101 via a motorized slider 115.

7) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said microcontroller is configured to translate the container 114 over the slider 115 to position the container 114 over a place from where the default vehicle is towed.

8) The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein an electronic nozzle 116 is connected with said container 114, having electronic linkage with said microcontroller to dispense a color pigment over the place.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein post loading of the default vehicle, the microcontroller transmits a notification to the owner regarding the nearby authority from where the person is required to collect the vehicle.