Occupancy Map Update Using Vehicle Environmental Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining and updating occupancy maps in parking areas, such as multi-storey car parks, are costly due to the need for individual parking space-specific occupancy sensors, which also provide limited information beyond simple occupancy status.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing environmental sensors already present in motor vehicles, such as cameras, radar, and lidar, to create and update occupancy maps, eliminating the need for additional sensors and enabling more detailed information about parking space occupancy, including vehicle position, dimensions, and attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If parking space-specific occupancy sensors are installed in each parking space, then occupancy information can be obtained, but the system becomes extremely costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes motor vehicles serve multiple functions: they are both the objects being monitored (parked cars) and the monitoring devices (sensors). The environmental sensors already present in vehicles are repurposed to detect occupancy status, eliminating the need for dedicated parking space sensors. This universal approach allows the same vehicle to be both a resource and a detection tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own environmental sensors to detect its parking status and transmit this information autonomously. Each vehicle essentially monitors itself and reports its state to the central computing device, eliminating the need for external monitoring infrastructure at each parking space.
2Loss of information
If traditional occupancy sensors are used, then occupancy status is detected, but no additional information about vehicles is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental sensors in vehicles, originally designed for driver assistance and safety functions, are utilized for the additional purpose of occupancy detection and vehicle characterization. This multi-functional use extracts maximum value from existing sensor hardware without requiring dedicated occupancy sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor vehicle acts as an intermediary between the parking space and the monitoring system. Instead of sensors directly measuring parking space occupancy, the vehicle's own sensors detect vehicle attributes and transmit this information through communication devices to the central system, using the vehicle as a data mediation platform.
3Reliability
If individual occupancy sensors are deployed throughout the parking area, then occupancy mapping is achieved, but maintenance costs and system complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
Each vehicle independently monitors and reports its own occupancy status using its built-in environmental sensors. This self-reporting mechanism eliminates the need for centralized sensor maintenance, as each vehicle is responsible for its own data generation and transmission, significantly reducing maintenance overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having fixed sensors monitor moving vehicles, the invention inverts the approach by having moving vehicles (equipped with sensors) monitor and report their own status. This inversion transforms the monitoring system from a static infrastructure requiring maintenance to a dynamic self-reporting system.
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 reduces costs and enhances the accuracy of occupancy maps, allowing for safer and more efficient automated parking and navigation by incorporating additional attributes like vehicle contours and position, facilitating fully automatic driving and vehicle location within the parking area.
Implementation Method 1
at least one imaging sensor, in particular a camera
Implementation Method 2
a distance-measuring sensor, in particular a radar sensor
Implementation Method 3
a lidar sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Method for determining and updating an occupancy map in a parking area (1) comprising a plurality of parking spaces (2), in particular a parking lot or parking garage, wherein the occupancy map is stored in a central computing device (7) comprising a communication device (10) designed for communication with motor vehicles (5, 6, 12) located in the parking area (1) and contains a data structure in or from which, for each parking space (2), at least its position and its occupancy status are contained or derivable as an additional attribute, wherein sensor data received via the communication device (10) from at least one environmental sensor of at least one motor vehicle (5, 6, 12) located in the parking area (1) are used to determine or update the occupancy map.