In-Vehicle Parking Space Search Using Sensor-Based Space Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient parking processes due to the lack of infrastructure in parking lots, leading to increased time consumption and inconvenience for drivers, especially when the existing infrastructure is not constructed or communication is poor, and available parking spaces are often far from the driver's intended location.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing sensors like LiDAR, omnidirectional cameras, and ultrasonic sensors installed in vehicles to predict the distribution of available parking spaces using Gaussian process regression, allowing for autonomous parking with optimal route selection based on driver convenience, even in infrastructure-less parking lots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drivers use conventional methods to identify parking spaces using parking lot infrastructure or markers, then parking space identification is possible when infrastructure is available, but parking time increases significantly when infrastructure is not constructed or communication is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) mounted on the vehicle as intermediary devices to detect parking spaces. These sensors act as mediators between the driver and the parking environment, enabling accurate parking space identification without relying on external infrastructure or markers. The sensor data is processed to generate parking space information, allowing drivers to identify available spaces even in infrastructure-less environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/visual system of identifying parking spaces through markers and infrastructure with an electronic sensing and processing system. Instead of relying on physical markers on the ground or infrastructure elements, the system uses mounted sensors to detect and process environmental data, substituting passive visual cues with active electronic detection and image processing algorithms.
2Quantity of substance
If available parking spaces are located far from moving lines, then more parking spaces may be available, but driver convenience deteriorates due to mismatch with intended location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the parking space search from a one-dimensional path-following approach (along moving lines) to a two-dimensional area exploration approach. By using sensors to scan and analyze the entire parking lot environment, the system can identify parking spaces in any location regardless of proximity to moving lines. This dimensional expansion allows the system to consider both the quantity of available spaces and their optimal locations relative to the driver's intended destination.
3Productivity
If sensors mounted in the vehicle are utilized to search for parking spaces, then autonomous parking efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The same sensors (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) mounted on the vehicle serve multiple purposes: detecting parking spaces, identifying obstacles, measuring distances, and providing spatial awareness for autonomous parking. This universal use of sensors eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function, thereby improving autonomous parking efficiency while managing device complexity.
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
Enables efficient autonomous parking by predicting available parking space distribution and selecting optimal locations, reducing parking time and inconvenience by considering driver convenience and infrastructure availability.
Implementation Method 1
utilize a sensor mounted in the vehicle when searching for the available parking space, thereby efficiently performing the autonomous parking even in a parking lot where a parking lot infrastructure is not constructed
Implementation Method 2
searching the available parking space using an antero-lateral LiDar, an omnidirectional camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like installed in a vehicle during autonomous parking
Data Source
AI summary
A device for searching a parking space includes at least one space detection sensor mounted on a vehicle, and a controller that analyzes sensed information obtained through the space detection sensor to recognize space and object information within a parking lot, predicts a distribution of available parking spaces in the parking lot based on the recognized space and object information, and determines an optimal available parking space based on the distribution of the available parking spaces and characteristics of a driver.