Parking Space Device Using Image Database for Vehicle Dimensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parking systems for autonomous valet parking require complex and expensive measurement systems to determine vehicle dimensions for optimal space allocation, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that uses a database to determine vehicle properties from recorded images, allowing for the determination of an optimal parking position based on vehicle characteristics such as dimensions, without the need for precise measurement systems, utilizing a simple photo or image comparison with reference images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a complex surveying system is used to measure vehicle dimensions precisely, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle dimension measurement precisionVSAvoidsurveying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reference images of vehicles with known dimensions as copies to determine vehicle properties. Instead of directly measuring the vehicle with complex surveying equipment, the system captures an image of the vehicle and compares it against stored reference images and corresponding dimension data, thereby obtaining accurate vehicle dimensions without requiring complex measurement hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using image processing and database comparison as a mediator between the captured vehicle image and the desired dimension data. The system uses reference images and a database of vehicle properties as intermediaries to translate visual information into accurate dimensional measurements, avoiding the need for direct complex surveying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a complex surveying system is used to determine optimal parking position, then parking space utilization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking space utilization efficiencyVSAvoidsurveying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses reference images and pre-stored vehicle dimension data as copies to determine optimal parking positions. By comparing the captured vehicle image against reference images and retrieving corresponding dimension information from the database, the system efficiently determines suitable parking spaces without requiring complex real-time surveying operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference images and vehicle dimension data in a database before the actual parking operation. This allows the system to quickly determine vehicle properties and optimal parking positions during operation by simply comparing the captured image against the pre-prepared reference data, significantly reducing the complexity of real-time processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If simple photograph is used to determine vehicle type, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidvehicle property determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses reference images of vehicles with known properties as copies to maintain high measurement precision. By capturing a photograph of the vehicle and comparing it against the reference images in the database, the system can accurately determine vehicle type and properties using a simple camera rather than complex measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the database of reference images and vehicle properties as an intermediary that bridges the simple photograph capture and accurate vehicle property determination. The reference data serves as a mediator that translates simple visual information into precise vehicle characteristic identification, maintaining accuracy while using minimal hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3213312B1Device and method for operating a parking space
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3213312B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3213312B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for operating a parking space, comprising the following: a database in which one or more vehicle characteristics are stored for different vehicle types; and a processor which is designed to ascertain a vehicle type of a vehicle on the basis of a captured image of the vehicle and to read the vehicle characteristic(s) corresponding to the ascertained vehicle type from the database. The processor is further designed to ascertain a parking position for the vehicle on the parking space on the basis of the read vehicle characteristics. The invention additionally relates to a method for operating a parking space, to a parking system for vehicles, and to a computer program.