Ultrasonic Sensor Corner Estimation for Parking Space Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart parking assist systems (SPAS) face challenges in accurately detecting parking spaces and obstacles due to limitations in ultrasonic sensor performance, and replacing these sensors is costly.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a signal pre-processing unit to filter reflection signals, combined with pattern-based, reflection angle-based, triangulation-based, and sensor map-based corner estimating units to improve the accuracy of corner section estimation of obstacles, allowing for enhanced parking space detection using existing ultrasonic sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used in the smart parking assist system, then the system can detect obstacles and parking spaces, but the measurement precision and accuracy of corner section detection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple specialized units: signal pre-processing unit, pattern-based corner estimating unit, reflection angle-based corner estimating unit, triangulation-based corner estimating unit, and sensor map-based corner estimating unit. Each unit handles specific aspects of corner detection, dividing the complex detection task into manageable segments that collectively improve precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple estimation dimensions by combining pattern-based estimation, reflection angle estimation, triangulation estimation, and sensor map estimation. This multi-dimensional approach compensates for the limitations of single-dimension ultrasonic detection, significantly improving corner section detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If existing ultrasonic sensors are used, then the system cost is controlled, but the detection accuracy and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters and algorithms rather than the physical sensors themselves. By implementing complex signal pre-processing and multiple corner estimation algorithms, the system extracts more information from the same ultrasonic signals, improving detection accuracy without changing the sensor hardware or increasing cost
3Measurement precision
If multiple estimation methods are combined, then the corner section estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex signal processing system is segmented into distinct functional units, each responsible for a specific estimation method. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing multiple estimation methods into separate, well-defined components that can be processed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple estimation results from different methods (pattern-based, reflection angle-based, triangulation-based, and sensor map-based) to produce a unified corner position estimation. This combination leverages the strengths of each method while managing overall system complexity through integrated processing
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 improves the accuracy of parking space detection and overall performance of the smart parking assist system by effectively estimating corner positions of obstacles, thereby enhancing the vehicle's parking trace generation and completion.
Implementation Method 1
reflection signals which are ultrasonic signals reflected and returned from a corner section of an obstacle, the ultrasonic signals being emitted from ultrasonic sensors
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic signals being emitted from ultrasonic sensors attached to a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting a parking space includes: a signal pre-processing unit configured to filter ultrasonic signals emitted from ultrasonic sensors attached to a vehicle, and reflected and returned from a corner section of an obstacle; a corner estimating unit configured to extract a crossing point of a plurality of circles each having a measurement distance as a radius, wherein the measurement distances are collected from the received ultrasonic signals according to a movement of the vehicle, estimate a reflection angle between a first line for bisecting a detection region of the ultrasonic sensor, which has an attachment position of the ultrasonic sensor as a reference point, and a second line for connecting the reference point and the crossing point, and estimate the corner section based on the estimated reflection angle; and a parking space detecting unit configured to detect a parking space according to the estimated corner section.