Device and method for assisting parking in an area without a parking line

Abstract

Device for assisting parking in an area without a parking line, comprising: a processor (110) intended to: Analyzing a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a first vehicle (10) to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the first vehicle (10); Detecting a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) based on a plurality of sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the first vehicle (10); Determining a possible parking area in the area without a parking line near the first vehicle (10) based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detection of the plurality of obstacles; Setting a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area; Providing a parking assistance service to the set parking area, wherein the processor (110) is further provided for: Displaying a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle (10) when the first vehicle (10) is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating and displaying the area around the vehicle (10) to represent whether a second vehicle can pass through the area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for assisting parking in an area without a parking line, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for guiding a vehicle to a possible parking area not marked with a parking line and providing a parking assistance service to a selected parking area. Description of related technology

[0002] Generally, many drivers have difficulty parking a vehicle within the parking lines designated as a parking area. Recently, a vehicle has been developed to include a parking assistance system that allows a driver to easily park a vehicle. The parking assistance system can help a driver detect the surroundings of a vehicle and park a vehicle in a specific parking space using the detected results.

[0003] A system for detecting a parking area by detecting edges and the like of a parking line using an imaging device during parking of a vehicle and searching a free parking area based on a shape of a parking line and the like has been developed to provide a parking assistance service for parking a vehicle in a corresponding parking area.

[0004] However, since most parking assistance systems search for a possible parking area based on a parking line and the like, the difficulty in parking a vehicle remains when a driver parks a vehicle in a parking space without a parking line, an undeveloped lot and the like.

[0005] From DE 601 05 684 T2, a device for assisting parking in an area without a parking line is known, comprising: a processor provided for the following: analyzing a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a first vehicle to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the first vehicle; detecting a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the first vehicle based on a plurality of sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the first vehicle; determining a possible parking area in the area without a parking line in the vicinity of the first vehicle based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detection of the plurality of obstacles; setting a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area; providing a parking assistance service to the set parking area.

[0006] DE 10 2005 028 956 A1 discloses a parking assistance system in which, during a period until a subject vehicle stops and reverses to be parked, detection distance data and advance distance data are derived using an ultrasonic sensor and a speed sensor. These data are both stored in mutual association. The detection distance data indicates a distance to a parked vehicle adjacent to the subject vehicle, and the advance distance data indicates a distance at which the subject vehicle is traveling ahead. When a height of the parked vehicle is calculated from the travel-direction distance data, the height of the parked vehicle is determined to be shorter than a summed distance corresponding to the advance distance data.This makes it possible to determine the size of the parked vehicle with an approximate actual size of the parked vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 60 2005 002 000 T2 shows a parking assistance system for providing parking assistance information, comprising: a first imaging camera configured to image a front side of a vehicle; a second imaging camera configured to image a left side of the vehicle; a third imaging camera configured to image a right side of the vehicle; a fourth imaging camera configured to image a rear side of the vehicle; and a signal processing part into which information about images from one or more of the imaging cameras is input, the parking assistance system further comprising: a first infrared laser camera configured to obtain information about a distance on the left side of the vehicle on a pixel-by-pixel basis;a second infrared laser camera configured to obtain information about a distance to the right side of the vehicle on a pixel-by-pixel basis; and a third infrared laser camera configured to obtain information about a distance to the rear of the vehicle on a pixel-by-pixel basis, wherein the information about the distances from one or more of the infrared laser cameras is input to the signal processing part; and wherein the parking assistance system provides the parking assistance information according to the information about the images from the one or more of the imaging cameras and the information about the distances for each pixel from the one or more of the infrared laser cameras. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for assisting parking in a no-parking-line area, which are capable of guiding a vehicle to a possible no-parking-line parking area and providing a parking assistance service to a selected parking area.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is intended to provide an apparatus and method for assisting parking in a no-parking-line area, which are capable of guiding a vehicle to a possible parking area without concern of disturbing neighboring vehicles in a no-parking-line area.

[0010] The object is achieved by a device for assisting parking in an area without a parking line having the features of claim 1 and a method for assisting parking without a parking line having the features of claim 4. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for assisting parking in an area without a parking line may include a plurality of units executed by a processor within a controller having a memory.The plurality of units may include: an image analysis unit that analyzes images obtained by photographing surroundings of a vehicle to acquire distance information based on a ground surface near the vehicle; an obstacle detection unit that detects obstacles near the vehicle based on sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the vehicle; a parking possible area determination unit that determines a parking possible area in an area without a parking line near the vehicle based on the analysis results of the surrounding images and the obstacle detection results; and a parking assistance processing unit that sets a selected area in the parking possible area as a parking area and provides a parking assistance service to the set parking area.The processor is further configured to display a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle when the first vehicle is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating and displaying the area around the vehicle to represent whether a second vehicle can pass through the area.

[0012] The parking possible area determination unit may estimate a movement path of nearby vehicles near the vehicle to exclude an area near the vehicle where part or all of the parking possible area overlaps the movement path. The parking assistance processing unit may further set an area selected by a driver within the parking possible area as the parking area.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for assisting parking in an area without a parking line may include: analyzing, by a processor, images obtained by photographing the surroundings of a vehicle to acquire distance information based on a ground surface near the vehicle; detecting, by the processor, obstacles near the vehicle based on sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the vehicle; determining, by the processor, a possible parking area in an area without a parking line near the vehicle based on the analysis results of the surrounding images and obstacle detection results; and setting, by the processor, a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area and providing a parking assistance service to the set parking area.The method comprises displaying a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle by the processor when the first vehicle is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating and displaying the area around the vehicle to represent whether a second vehicle can pass through the area.

[0014] When determining the possible parking area, a movement path of nearby vehicles near the vehicle may be estimated to exclude an area near the vehicle where part or all of the possible parking area overlaps the movement path.

[0015] When providing the parking assistance service, an area selected by a driver in the possible parking area can be set as a parking area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an apparatus for assisting parking without a parking line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a configuration of the parking-line-less parking support apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; the Fig. 3 to 8 are exemplary diagrams illustrating an operation of the parking-line-less assisting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 9 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for assisting parking without a parking line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] It is to be understood that the term “vehicle” or “vehicular” or other similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, which include off-road vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various business cars, watercraft which include a variety of boats and vessels, aircraft and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion, plug-in electric hybrid vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from raw materials other than petroleum).

[0018] While the exemplary embodiment is described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary process, it is understood that the exemplary processes may also be performed by one or a plurality of modules. Furthermore, it is understood that the term controller refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is provided for storing the modules, and the processor is specifically provided for executing the modules to perform one or more processes described below.

[0019] Additionally, the control logic of the present invention may be embodied as non-transitory, computer-readable media on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable mediums include, but are not limited to, read-only memory, random access memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROMs), magnetic tape, floppy disks, memory sticks, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed in network-coupled computer systems such that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0021] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an apparatus for assisting parking without a parking line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In relation to Fig. 1, a processor-implemented device (hereinafter referred to as a "parking aid device") for assisting parking in a no-parking-line area according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a possible parking area in a no-parking-line area using a display or navigation screen mounted in a vehicle 10 and provide a parking assistance service to a selected possible parking area. Specifically, a no-parking-line area means an area not marked with a parking line.

[0024] Furthermore, the parking assistance device can estimate a movement path of nearby vehicles in the area without a parking line to provide an area without concern of interference with the movement path of nearby vehicles as a possible parking area. As such, the parking assistance device according to the embodiment of the present invention can assist a driver to quickly and safely park a vehicle in an area without a parking line when no parking area is designated with a parking line or there is no vacant space in a parking area designated with a parking line.

[0025] Below is a detailed configuration of the parking assistance device with respect to an embodiment of the Fig. 2 are described.

[0026] Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a configuration of the apparatus for assisting parking on a surface without a parking line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In relation to Fig. 2, a parking assistance device 100 (e.g., a controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of units executed by a processor 110 within a controller 100 having a memory 150. The plurality of units may include an input and output interface 120, an image acquisition unit 130, a sensor value acquisition unit 140, an image analysis unit 160, an obstacle detection unit 170, a parking area determination unit 180, and a parking assistance processing unit 190. Furthermore, the processor 110 may control an operation of each unit of the parking assistance device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The input and output interface 120 is a unit that can receive a user's control command or output an operation state and result of the parking assistance device 100, and can be implemented by a device in which an input unit and output unit, such as a touch screen, are integrated, and a device in which the input unit and output unit are separately formed. Specifically, the input and output interface 120 can display a possible parking area or provide a parking assistance service when a driver parks a vehicle in an area without a parking line. Furthermore, the input and output interface 120 can receive the parking area selected by a driver.

[0029] The image acquisition unit 130 may be connected to a plurality of imaging devices mounted in a vehicle to obtain an image photographed by the plurality of imaging devices. For example, the image acquisition unit 130 may be connected to each imaging device mounted on a front, rear, left, and right side of a vehicle to acquire images of the front, rear, left, and right sides photographed by each imaging device. Furthermore, the image acquisition unit 130 may be connected to an AVM system for acquiring an AVM image used in the AVM system.

[0030] The sensor value acquisition unit 140 may be connected to a plurality of sensors mounted in a vehicle to obtain sensor values detected by a plurality of sensors. Here, the plurality of sensors may include a plurality of sensors mounted in a vehicle for detecting environmental information near a vehicle, and the like, such as a sensor that detects a location and distance of nearby vehicles, people, obstacles, and the like located in front of, behind, left, and right of the vehicle, a parking line detection sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the sensor values obtained by the respective sensors may be used to detect a possible parking area in an area without a parking line or to provide the parking assistance service.

[0031] The memory 150 can store information obtained by the image acquisition unit 130 and the sensor value acquisition unit 140. Furthermore, the memory 150 can store an initial setting value, operating data, and the like for the operation of the parking assistance device 100. For example, the memory 150 can store a state value set for determining the possible parking area, a setting value for providing a parking assistance service, and the like.

[0032] In addition, the memory 150 can store information about the vehicle. For example, the memory 150 can store information regarding the length and width of a vehicle. In particular, the information stored in the memory 150 can be used to later determine a possible parking area.

[0033] The image analysis unit 160 may analyze surrounding images obtained by the image acquisition unit 130. Furthermore, the image analysis unit 160 may analyze a plurality of images obtained by photographing the surroundings of a vehicle to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a surrounding of a vehicle. Specifically, the image analysis unit 160 may acquire coordinate information on a reference point of an area where a vehicle is parked.

[0034] An embodiment in which the image analysis unit 160 analyzes the distance information based on the ground surface of the surrounding image will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are described.

[0035] The obstacle detection unit 170 can detect a plurality of obstacles located near the vehicle based on the image analysis results by the image analysis unit 160 and sensor values obtained by the sensor value acquisition unit 140. Furthermore, the obstacle detection unit 170 can acquire the location and distance information, and the like, of the plurality of obstacles.

[0036] The parking potential area determination unit 180 can be used to determine the parking potential area based on the image analysis results by the image analysis unit 160 and the obstacle detection results by the obstacle detection unit 170. Furthermore, the parking potential area determination unit 180 can determine a parking potential area near a vehicle based on the analysis results of the surrounding images and the obstacle detection results. Specifically, the parking potential area determination unit 180 can determine the parking potential area near a vehicle in an area without a parking line.

[0037] Furthermore, the area without a parking line may not be a parking area bounded by a parking line, and may alternatively be a moving path of a second vehicle. Therefore, the possible parking area determining unit 180 may primarily search for the possible parking area near the first vehicle based on the analysis results of the surrounding images and the obstacle detection results, and estimate the moving path of the second vehicle to exclude an area where a portion of the possible parking area or the entire parking area overlaps the estimated moving path of the second vehicle from the previously searched possible parking area. Furthermore, the remaining possible parking area may be determined as the final possible parking area.

[0038] In addition, the possible parking area determining unit 180 may determine a possible parking area using vehicle information, such as the length and width information of a vehicle. Specifically, the possible parking area determining unit 180 may provide the driver with the information about the final possible parking area through a screen of the input and output interface 120. The embodiment that provides the driver with the information about the possible parking area will be described with reference to Fig. 5 are described.

[0039] Specifically, the driver can select a desired parking area based on the information about the possible parking area provided by the screen of the input and output interface 120. The parking assistance processing unit 190 can set the selected area in the possible parking area as the parking area. In other words, when a driver selects any area in the possible parking area, the parking assistance processing unit 190 can set the area selected by a driver as the parking area. Further, the parking assistance processing unit can provide a parking assistance service so that the vehicle can be parked in the set parking area.

[0040] The embodiment that provides the parking assistance service to the set parking area is described in relation to Fig. 7 are described.

[0041] Specifically, the parking assistance service may be a service that provides parking comfort and a parking guideline, a distance from surrounding obstacles, surrounding images, and the like during parking based on a set parking area, a location and direction of an actual vehicle, and the like, so that a driver can park a vehicle safely. The parking assistance service may use a conventionally used algorithm, and therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Furthermore, the parking assistance processing unit 190 may output a parking comprehensive guidance image through the input and output interface when a vehicle is parked in the set parking area. Specifically, the parking assistance processing unit 190 may display a virtual vehicle near the corresponding vehicle on the parking comprehensive guidance image output through the input and output interface 120, allowing a driver to view the estimated movement path of a nearby vehicle, and the like.

[0043] The Fig. 3 to 8 are exemplary diagrams illustrating an operation of the apparatus for assisting parking in an area without a parking line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrate an embodiment that can receive and analyze information in the vicinity of a first vehicle to search for a possible parking area. In particular, the parking assistance device, as shown in Fig. 3 illustrates, a plurality of images near the first vehicle photographed by the imaging devices and the sensor values acquired by the plurality of sensors are obtained to analyze the ground surface from the images near the first vehicle, thereby obtaining distance information based on the ground surface and the like. Furthermore, the parking assist device can analyze the acquired sensor values to acquire location and distance information and the like about obstacles near the first vehicle.

[0045] As in Fig. 4, the parking assist device can detect relative coordinates of each end of a parking line where a second vehicle is parked near a first vehicle. The parking assist device can detect the length and width of an area where no vehicle is parked by using the detected coordinate information and position information of the obstacles obtained from the information obtained by the plurality of sensors, as shown in Fig. 4 illustrates.

[0046] Furthermore, the parking assist device can not only search the space where a vehicle can be parked, but also estimate a moving path and the like according to the movement of a second vehicle and search the possible parking area taking into account the estimated moving path.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example in which the information about the possible parking area can be provided through the input and output interface screen. With regard to Fig. 5, the parking aid device can, if the parking aid device determines the possible parking area using the embodiments of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, provide the driver with the possible parking areas through the screen of the input and output interface to select a desired parking area.

[0048] If the possible parking area near the actual vehicle 10, for example, as in Fig. 5, the areas corresponding to P1, P2, and P3 may be displayed on the screen of the input and output interface. Furthermore, the searched possible parking area may be displayed as a top-down image of the vehicle 10, and a vehicle image based on the location of the actual vehicle 10 may also be displayed on the screen on which the searched possible parking area is provided.

[0049] Although it will not be Fig. 5, but detailed information about each possible parking area and detailed information about the possible parking area can be displayed on the screen of the input and output interface when the driver selects the possible parking area.

[0050] Fig. 6 illustrates an operation for selecting the possible parking area designated by a driver as a parking area among three possible parking areas shown in Fig. 5 are illustrated. With regard to Fig. 6, when the driver selects P1 from among the possible parking areas P1, P2, and P3, the selected P1 can be set as the parking area. Furthermore, the parking assist device can remove the unselected parking areas P2 and P3 from the screen of the input and output interface so that the selected P1 is displayed together with the image of the corresponding vehicle 10. The possible parking areas P1, P2, and P3 can be displayed in different colors, brightness, sizes, and the like on the input and output interface.

[0051] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of providing the parking assistance service to the Fig. 6 set parking area. Regarding Fig. 7, the parking assistance device can display the parking guideline and the like on the screen of the input and output interface so that the corresponding vehicle 10 can be parked in the parking area P1 set as the parking area, taking into account the detailed information of the parking area P1. In other words, the information such as a location, a longitude, a latitude, and the location of the actual vehicle 10 can be used as detailed information of the parking area P1, thereby enabling a user to park the vehicle quickly and conveniently. Furthermore, the parking assistance device can provide parking guidance information based on the real-time location of the corresponding vehicle 10 according to the movement or displacement of the location of the vehicle 10.

[0052] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of displaying a virtual vehicle image when a vehicle is parked in the set parking area. Fig. 8, when the vehicle 10 is parked in the P1 set as the parking area, the virtual vehicle image can be generated and displayed near the corresponding vehicle image so that a driver can view the movement path of another vehicle.

[0053] In other words, when the first vehicle 10 is parked in the parking area P1, the virtual vehicle image can generate and display the area around the vehicle to illustrate whether a second vehicle can pass through the area, thereby illustrating a more reliable parking position.

[0054] The method of the apparatus for assisting parking in an area without a parking line according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described in more detail.

[0055] Fig. 9 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for assisting parking in an area without a parking line according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 9 the operation for searching for the possible parking area in an area without a parking line and guiding to it when a first vehicle is parked in the area without a parking line which is not marked as a parking area.

[0056] In relation to Fig.9, the parking assist device according to the embodiment of the present invention may obtain, through the processor, a plurality of images and sensor values in the vicinity of a first vehicle (S100, S110) to search for the possible parking area when the first vehicle attempts to park in an area without a parking line. Furthermore, the surrounding images may be images in the vicinity of the first vehicle and images of a ground surface, and the sensor values may be the information about the surrounding environment acquired by the plurality of sensors mounted in a vehicle.

[0057] The parking assist device may analyze, through the processor, images near the first vehicle obtained at S100 and detect obstacles near the first vehicle based on the obtained sensor values. Furthermore, the parking assist device may determine, through the processor, a possible parking area in the area without a parking line near the first vehicle based on the analysis results of the surrounding images at S120 and the obstacle detection results at S130 (S140). When determining the possible parking area at S140, the moving path of a second vehicle may be estimated by the processor to confirm the area that does not interfere with the estimated moving path of a second vehicle in the possible parking area.

[0058] The information about the possible parking area confirmed at step 140 can be displayed to the user through a screen. When a driver selects a possible parking area, the parking assist device can also set the possible parking area selected by the driver as the parking area (step 150).

[0059] When the parking area is set at S150, the parking assist device may provide a parking assist service (S160) through the processor to allow the first vehicle to park in the set parking area. When the first vehicle is parked in the set parking area, the complete parking status of the corresponding vehicle may be displayed on the screen (S170). Further, when a driver intends to park a vehicle in the area without a parking line, the parking assist device may generate a virtual vehicle image and illustrate the area near the corresponding vehicle, thereby detecting an area that does not interfere with the movement path of a second vehicle.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention can automatically determine the possible parking area in a parking line-free area when a driver parks a first vehicle in the parking line-free area, and provide the parking assistance service to the selected parking area to assist in quick and safe parking. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can guide a vehicle to a possible parking area without worrying about interfering with the movement path of nearby vehicles in the parking line-free area, allowing the driver to park a vehicle safely. SYMBOL OF EACH ELEMENT IN THE FIGURES 10 vehicles 100 Control 110 processor 120 Input / Output Interface 130 Image acquisition unit 140 Sensor value acquisition unit 150 storage 160 image analysis unit 170 Obstacle detection unit 180 Unit for determining a possible parking area 190 Parking aid processing unit

Claims

[1] Device for assisting parking in an area without a parking line, comprising: a processor (110) intended to: Analyzing a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a first vehicle (10) to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the first vehicle (10); Detecting a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) based on a plurality of sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the first vehicle (10); Determining a possible parking area in the area without a parking line near the first vehicle (10) based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detection of the plurality of obstacles; Setting a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area; Providing a parking assistance service to the set parking area, wherein the processor (110) is further provided for: Displaying a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle (10) when the first vehicle (10) is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating and displaying the area around the vehicle (10) to represent whether a second vehicle can pass through the area. [2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor (110) is further configured to estimate a moving path of a second vehicle in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) to exclude an area in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) where a portion of the possible parking area overlaps the moving path of the second vehicle. [3] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the possible parking area is set as a parking area by a driver. [4] A method for assisting parking without a parking line, comprising: analyzing, by the processor (110), a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a first vehicle (10) to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the first vehicle (10); detecting, by the processor (110), a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the first vehicle based on a plurality of sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the first vehicle (10); Determining a potential parking area in the area without a parking line near the first vehicle (10) based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detected obstacles by the processor (110); Setting a selected area in the potential parking area as a parking area by the processor (110); Providing a parking assistance service to the set parking area by the processor (110), the method further comprising: Displaying a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle (10) by the processor (110) when the first vehicle (10) is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating the area around the vehicle and to indicate whether a second vehicle can pass through the area. [5] The method of claim 4, wherein determining the potential parking area further comprises estimating, by the processor (110), a path of travel of a second vehicle in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) to exclude an area in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) in which a portion of the potential parking area overlaps the path of travel of the second vehicle. [6] The method according to claim 4, wherein the possible parking area is set as a parking area by a driver. [7] A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions executed by a processor (110) or a controller (100), the computer-readable medium comprising: Program instructions that analyze a plurality of images obtained by photographing surroundings of a first vehicle (10) to acquire distance information based on a ground surface in a vicinity of the first vehicle (10); Program instructions that detect a plurality of obstacles in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) based on a plurality of sensor values obtained by a plurality of sensors mounted in the first vehicle (10); Program instructions that determine a potential parking area in an area without a parking line near the first vehicle (10) based on the analysis of the plurality of images and the detection of the plurality of obstacles; Program commands that set a selected area in the possible parking area as a parking area; Program commands that provide a parking assistance service to the set parking area, Displaying a virtual vehicle image of the vicinity of the first vehicle in a parking overall guidance image of the first vehicle (10) when the first vehicle (10) is parked in the parking area, the virtual vehicle image generating and displaying the area around the vehicle (10) to represent whether a second vehicle can pass through the area. [8] The computer-readable medium of claim 7, further comprising program instructions that estimate a path of travel of a second vehicle in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10) to exclude an area in which a portion of the possible parking area overlaps the path of travel of the second vehicle in the vicinity of the first vehicle (10). [9] The computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the possible parking area is set as a parking area by a driver.

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