In 1987, Rudy Beckers installed the world’s first proximity sensor in his Mazda 323. This way, his wife would never again have to get out of the car to give directions.

He took a patent on his invention and was officially recognized as the inventor in 1988. From then on he had to pay 1,000 Belgian francs annually, which is now about 25 euros, to keep the exclusive right and the possibility to sell his invention later. However, at one point he forgot to pay, so others could use the patent free of charge. Rudy earned nothing from his invention, but he will remain know as the inventor of the parking sensors.