Parking Space Type Identification Using Distance Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle parking systems struggle to accurately distinguish between parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, often misidentifying free areas as parking spaces due to limitations with ultrasonic sensors, which reduces the quality of parking space detection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using distance sensors to detect the environment and determine whether a parking space is parallel or perpendicular by considering criteria such as side object presence, boundary detection, and object distance, allowing the driver to pre-select the type of parking space, and using evaluation units to differentiate between the two based on these criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect parking spaces, then the detection range is extended, but the accuracy of distinguishing parallel and perpendicular parking spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit segments the detection task into multiple independent criteria: detecting objects on left and right sides, determining their relative positions, measuring distances, and identifying boundary characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between parallel and perpendicular parking spaces by evaluating multiple aspects simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between extended detection range and accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-dimensional distance measurement to multi-dimensional spatial analysis by considering the positions of objects relative to the vehicle in both lateral and longitudinal directions. By evaluating the two-dimensional arrangement of detected objects and their distances from the vehicle, the system achieves accurate parking space type identification while maintaining extended detection range.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically determines parking space type, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of detection deteriorates due to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating multiple detection criteria and making independent determination of parking space type without requiring driver input. The evaluation unit autonomously processes sensor data, applies logical criteria, and outputs reliable results, combining ease of operation with high reliability through automated multi-criteria assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the evaluation unit continuously monitors detection results against established criteria. When detected objects and their positions contradict the expected pattern for a given parking space type, the system adjusts its determination, ensuring reliability while maintaining automatic operation without driver intervention.
3Reliability
If multiple detection criteria are applied, then the reliability of parking space identification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection criteria and evaluation steps into a single integrated evaluation unit. By combining object detection, position determination, distance measurement, and pattern recognition into one unified processing unit, the system achieves high reliability through multi-criteria assessment while minimizing the apparent complexity through functional integration.
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 unambiguous identification of parking space types, reducing false positives and improving the accuracy of parking space detection, thereby enhancing the reliability of driver assistance systems during parking maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
distance sensors with which the distance to objects in the vicinity of the vehicle can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle during a parking maneuver, wherein the vehicle's surroundings are detected while driving, and the system determines, based on the detected environmental pattern, whether a parking space is available and whether the parking space is a parallel or perpendicular space. Before starting the parking maneuver, the driver indicates whether the parking space is a parallel or perpendicular space, or a parking space is recognized as a perpendicular space if an object is detected on at least one side of the parking space and no other stationary object is detected in the area of the potential parking space. The invention further relates to a device for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle during a parking maneuver.