Parking Control System Using Ultrasonic and Camera Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking control systems require repeated manipulation of the parking mode selection switch and rely solely on ultrasonic sensors, leading to inaccuracies in obstacle recognition and safety issues, particularly in distinguishing between different types of obstacles and vehicle surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates ultrasonic sensors and cameras to automatically determine the parking mode by detecting the vehicle's surroundings upon a single activation of the parking control switch, allowing for accurate recognition of obstacles and selection of the appropriate parking mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a driver repeatedly manipulates the parking mode selection switch to select a desired parking mode, then the driver can choose from various parking modes, but this causes inconvenience and increases manipulation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The parking control system automatically detects the surrounding environment using ultrasonic sensors and cameras, then autonomously determines the most appropriate parking mode without requiring manual selection by the driver. The system serves itself by making the parking mode decision based on detected obstacles and available spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical switch manipulation is replaced by an automated electronic detection and decision-making system. The ultrasonic sensors and cameras capture environmental data, and the control unit processes this information to automatically select the parking mode, substituting the mechanical switch operation with an electronic automation system.
2Device complexity
If only ultrasonic sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the system structure is simple, but the accuracy and safety of parking control deteriorate due to inability to distinguish obstacle types and vehicle surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges ultrasonic sensors and cameras into a hybrid detection system. The ultrasonic sensors provide distance measurement and initial obstacle detection, while the cameras provide visual information for obstacle classification. The combination of these two different sensing modalities enables both simple structure and high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: ultrasonic sensors detect obstacle presence and distance, while cameras identify obstacle types (parked vehicles, columns, walls) and distinguish vehicle surfaces. This multi-functional approach allows a single integrated system to achieve both structural simplicity and measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors alone are used for detection, then the system is simple to implement, but the safety and accuracy of parking control are compromised due to restrictions in recognizing front and rear surfaces of parked vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines ultrasonic sensors for basic detection with cameras for detailed visual recognition. The ultrasonic sensors maintain system simplicity and provide reliable distance data, while the cameras enhance safety by accurately identifying obstacle types and vehicle surfaces, enabling the system to distinguish front and rear surfaces of parked vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple ultrasonic detection and complex obstacle understanding. While ultrasonic sensors provide basic presence detection, the camera mediates by providing visual confirmation of obstacle type and orientation, thereby enhancing reliability without significantly complicating the overall system implementation.
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 integration enables safer and more accurate parking control by eliminating the need for manual mode selection and enhancing obstacle recognition, ensuring precise determination of available parking areas and vehicle positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a left area and a right area are detected through a left ultrasonic sensor and a right ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a left image for the left area and a right image for the right area are photographed through at least one camera
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an a method, an apparatus, and a system for getting a peripheral situation to automatically determine a parking mode, and helping recognize an obstacle more accurately by using a camera in addition to an ultrasonic sensor, thereby allowing a safe and accurate parking control.