Autonomous Parking Trajectory via Environmental Feature Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automatic and autonomous parking systems face challenges in accurately navigating vehicles to specific parking positions without relying on precise GPS coordinates or operator intervention, particularly in environments with varying obstacles and markings.
Innovation Solution
A method where characteristic environmental information of the target parking position, captured using a mobile device's digital camera and transmitted to the vehicle, is compared with current environmental data from onboard sensors to calculate a trajectory for autonomous parking, allowing the vehicle to adapt and avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS coordinates are used for autonomous parking, then the parking position can be specified, but accuracy deteriorates due to GPS inaccuracy (approx. 1 to 5m)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces environmental sensors (cameras, ultrasonic sensors, laser scanners) as intermediary devices between the GPS system and the parking position detection. These sensors capture local environmental features (walls, floor markings, objects) to precisely determine the vehicle's position relative to the target parking space, compensating for GPS inaccuracy at the final parking stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the parking process into multiple stages: coarse positioning using GPS for navigation to the general area, and fine positioning using environmental sensors for precise parking space identification. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal range, with GPS providing broad coverage and environmental sensors providing precision.
2Extent of automation
If the operator remains in the vehicle during parking, then safety can be monitored, but automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the autonomous parking system continuously monitors environmental sensors and automatically adjusts the parking trajectory without operator intervention. The system can independently detect obstacles, recalculate paths, and complete parking operations, with the operator able to intervene only when necessary through the remote interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous feedback loops where environmental sensors monitor the parking process in real-time, and the system automatically adjusts its actions based on sensor data. The operator receives status information through the mobile device interface and can provide corrective commands if needed, creating a layered feedback structure that maintains both automation and safety.
3Reliability
If environmental sensors are used to detect obstacles, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multi-functional environmental sensors that serve multiple purposes: cameras capture images for both obstacle detection and environmental feature recognition, ultrasonic sensors detect both obstacles and distance to parking space boundaries, and laser scanners provide both obstacle information and positioning data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each function.
4Ease of operation
If the vehicle autonomously navigates to parking position, then operator intervention is reduced, but adaptability to varying environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the autonomous parking system continuously adjusts its navigation parameters based on real-time environmental sensor data. The system can dynamically recalculate trajectories, adjust speeds, and modify parking maneuvers in response to unexpected obstacles or environmental changes, maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing environmental adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for carrying out an autonomous parking operation for a vehicle (10), wherein there exists between a mobile device (55) of an operator (50) located inside or outside the vehicle and the vehicle (10) a communication link by which at least one command to activate the autonomous parking operation for the vehicle (10) is transmitted, wherein the vehicle, after activation of the autonomous parking operation, moves autonomously from a start position to a target position (20). According to the invention, a) before starting the autonomous parking operation for the vehicle (10) characteristic surroundings information for the target position (20) is transmitted to the vehicle (10) via the communication link and is stored in a suitable device, and b) before and/or during the autonomous parking operation the surroundings information detected by a sensor system (14) of the vehicle (10) is compared with the characteristic surroundings information for the target position (20), and a trajectory (60) of the autonomous parking operation is calculated depending on the comparison.