Camera-Based Parking Exit Area Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parking assistance systems rely on ultrasonic sensors, which can only recognize three-dimensional objects and fail to clearly define the orientation of parking lanes, making it unclear whether a vehicle should be parked in the transverse or longitudinal direction, and the exit area from a parking space is not effectively determined.

Innovation Solution

A driver assistance system that uses a camera to provide images of the surrounding area, determines delimiting elements such as curb lines or parking markings, and compares them to reference elements to identify the exit area, allowing for accurate determination of the exit area based on regulations, such as perpendicular or parallel parking, and provides visual, acoustic, or haptic signals to guide the driver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect parking spaces, then the system can detect three-dimensional objects, but the orientation of parking lanes cannot be clearly defined and the exit area cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidorientation information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors with a camera-based optical system. The camera captures images of the surrounding area, and evaluation device determines delimiting elements (curbs, parking markings) and compares them with reference delimiting elements to identify the exit area. This optical substitution provides both detection accuracy and orientation information that ultrasonic sensors cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional object detection (ultrasonic sensors) to two-dimensional image analysis with spatial reasoning (camera). By analyzing the position and orientation of delimiting elements in the image and comparing them with reference elements, the system derives three-dimensional spatial information including lane orientation and exit area identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If a camera is used to capture images of the surrounding area, then delimiting elements and exit areas can be identified, but the system complexity increases compared to ultrasonic sensor systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system serves multiple functions: capturing images of the surrounding area, identifying delimiting elements (curbs, parking markings), determining their positions and orientations, comparing them with reference elements, and identifying the exit area. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors into a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation device automatically processes the captured images, identifies delimiting elements, compares them with stored reference elements, and determines the exit area without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-adjusts based on the image analysis, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2982572B1Method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle when driving out of a parking space, driver assistance system, and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2982572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2982572B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2982572B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle (1) when exiting a parking space (7, 14, 16). At least one image of an area (5) surrounding the motor vehicle (1) is provided by means of a camera (3) of the motor vehicle (1), and at least one boundary element (8, 9, 17, 18) delimiting the parking space (7, 14, 16) is determined from the image by means of an evaluation unit (4) of the motor vehicle (1). In addition, the at least one determined boundary element (8, 9, 17, 18) is compared with a predetermined reference boundary element (8, 9, 17, 18) by means of the evaluation unit (4), and an exit area (13) of the parking space (7, 14, 16) provided for the exit of the motor vehicle (1) from the parking space (7, 14, 16) is determined by means of the comparison by means of the evaluation unit (4).