Semi-Autonomous Forward Parking Control Using Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems for parking in perpendicular spaces require complex and expensive environmental sensors, and do not effectively support drivers during forward parking maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A driver assistance device that uses sensor data to determine a parking lane and control the vehicle's steering and acceleration semi-autonomously or automatically, allowing the driver to focus on accelerating and braking while the system handles steering and positioning within a perpendicular parking space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex environmental sensors are used to detect parking spaces, then parking detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects both the presence of parking spaces and lateral obstacles using the same sensor array. The control device processes sensor data to determine both parking lane positions and obstacles, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor detection area is divided into multiple regions: a first region for detecting parking spaces and a second region for detecting lateral obstacles. This segmentation allows the system to process different types of information from the same sensor device, improving detection accuracy without adding complex specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If full autonomous parking control is implemented, then driver workload is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver workloadVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system offers graduated levels of assistance rather than forcing full autonomous operation. The driver can choose to receive partial support (parking lane detection and suggestions) or full support (automatic steering control), allowing the system to match complexity to user needs and preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The driver maintains ultimate control of the parking maneuver and can override or disengage the assistance system at any time. The system serves the driver's needs without taking complete control, preserving driver autonomy while providing support when desired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If forward parking is supported, then versatility of driver assistance is improved, but existing sensor configurations become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking maneuver supportVSAvoidenvironmental detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device and control system are designed to handle multiple parking scenarios (forward and reverse parking) using the same hardware configuration. The control device determines appropriate parking lanes and provides assistance based on the detected environmental conditions, adapting to different parking directions without requiring additional specialized sensors.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2289768B1Method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle when parking in a diagonal parking space, driver assistance device and motor vehicle with a driver assistance device
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2289768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2289768B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2289768B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle (1) when parking in a perpendicular parking space (14) by means of a driver assistance device, wherein environmental conditions of the motor vehicle (1) are detected by a sensor device (5, 6) of the driver assistance device and a parking path to be driven at least semi-autonomously by the motor vehicle (1) is determined depending on the environmental conditions by a control device (2) of the driver assistance device, wherein the motor vehicle (1) is parked forwards into the perpendicular parking space (14) and the determined parking path is driven through during forward parking.