Garage Detection Using Distance Sensor Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems face challenges in detecting and locating garages for parking due to variations in garage interiors, which lead to false detections and inability to align the vehicle correctly from a distance, preventing automatic parking.
Innovation Solution
The method uses distance sensor data to detect and locate a garage by evaluating changes in the environment indicative of an opening garage door, allowing for robust detection and alignment from various orientations and distances, without the need for camera image data, utilizing a 2D laser scanner for efficient scanning and classification of candidate structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a model of the garage interior is used to detect and localize a garage, then the garage can be recognized, but false detections occur due to large deviations in interior configurations and objects stored in garages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection task from the complex garage interior environment to the simpler garage door structure. By focusing on the garage door as a distinct, recognizable object with characteristic geometric features (parallel edges, right angles, typical dimensions), the system separates the detection problem from the variable interior contents, thereby reducing false detections while maintaining localization precision
Solution Approach 2:
The garage door serves as an intermediary object that mediates between the vehicle's sensors and the garage interior. Instead of directly modeling the variable interior space, the system uses the garage door as a stable reference structure to infer garage location and orientation, which then guides the parking maneuver without requiring direct visualization of the interior
2Reliability
If the motor vehicle is stopped close to the garage with the front pointing in the direction of the interior, then the garage can be detected, but automatic parking from greater distances and various orientations is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the detection capability from a single forward-facing viewpoint to a three-dimensional spatial understanding. By detecting the garage door's position, orientation, and dimensions, the system creates a spatial model that allows the vehicle to calculate appropriate target poses from any approach direction, effectively adding dimensional flexibility to the parking maneuver
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and localization of the garage door structure before the vehicle begins its parking maneuver. This advance identification of the garage's position, orientation, and dimensions allows the vehicle to plan and execute the parking approach from various distances and angles, rather than requiring precise pre-alignment
3Adaptability or versatility
If distance sensor data is used to detect the garage, then detection from greater distances and various orientations is enabled, but the system must evaluate changes in the environment indicative of an opening garage door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic evaluation of the environment by continuously monitoring changes in distance sensor data over time. Instead of attempting to recognize the garage door from a single static snapshot, the system detects the characteristic motion pattern of an opening door (changing distance measurements at specific angular positions), which provides a robust signal that distinguishes the garage door from static environmental features
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable detection and localization of garages from greater distances and various orientations, reducing false detections and ensuring safe alignment for automated parking, even in complex interior environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a 2D laser scanner for efficient scanning
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for detecting and localizing a garage (15) providing at least one parking space for a motor vehicle (2) in the motor vehicle (2), wherein the motor vehicle (2) has at least one distance sensor directed towards the surroundings of the motor vehicle (2), providing distance data (1) from object surfaces to the motor vehicle (2), and wherein, after detection and localization, a target pose for parking the motor vehicle (2) on at least one of the at least one parking space is determined based on garage information obtained in this process, wherein the distance data (1) are evaluated for the detection of an opening garage door (16) using an opening criterion, wherein, if the opening criterion is met, a garage (15) is detected and, based on the position of the garage door (16) derivable from the distance data (1), localization information of the garage (15) is determined as part of the garage information.