Camera-Based Parking Gap Recognition with Priority Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor systems fail to accurately identify suitable parking spaces in complex parking situations, particularly due to low resolution and inability to recognize parking lot markings, leading to incorrect identification of adjacent spaces as parallel parking spaces, which hampers driver assistance in parking.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based method evaluates parking spaces using multiple selection criteria with assigned priorities, prioritizing spaces based on transverse space, longitudinal space, and parking space markings to identify the most suitable parking space, allowing for optimal alignment and orientation of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensor systems are used for parking space detection, then the system can detect parking spaces, but the resolution is low and parking lot markings cannot be recognized leading to incorrect identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensor systems with a camera-based optical system. The camera captures images of the parking environment, and image processing algorithms analyze the visual data to detect parking spaces and recognize parking lot markings. This substitution of mechanical/acoustic sensing with optical sensing enables both high-resolution detection and marking recognition simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera and the parking space detection function. These algorithms process the raw image data to extract features such as parking space boundaries, markings, and dimensions, thereby enabling the system to overcome the limitations of direct ultrasonic detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If camera-based methods are used for parking space detection, then parking spaces can be detected, but the system cannot evaluate and select optimal parking spaces from multiple options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary evaluation actions by establishing a set of selection criteria and priorities before the actual parking decision is made. The system pre-defines criteria such as parking space size, orientation, proximity to obstacles, and marking compliance, along with their relative priorities. When multiple parking spaces are detected, the system automatically evaluates each against these pre-established criteria to identify the optimal choice, eliminating the need for driver judgment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple selection criteria are applied to evaluate parking spaces, then optimal parking spaces can be identified, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages system complexity by parameterizing the evaluation process. Instead of implementing complex decision logic, the system uses a structured framework where parking spaces are scored based on multiple parameters (size, orientation, distance to obstacles, marking alignment). Each parameter contributes to an overall evaluation score, and the parking space with the highest score is selected. This parameter-based approach simplifies the control logic while maintaining high evaluation accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for selecting a parking gap in a complex car park situation carried out by a camera-based method, wherein the car park situation has at least one possible parking gap. Each possible parking gap is analysed with given selection criteria, selection criterion being allocated a priority which corresponds to the possible parking gap. The possible parking gap with the highest priority is selected as the optimal parking gap.