Parking Systems

Basic Description

Parking systems in a vehicle range from simple parking aids that detect objects and help the driver orient the vehicle to fully automatic systems capable of parallel parking in tight spots with little or no help from the driver. Parking systems generally employ acoustic and/or radar distance sensors that detect the presence or absence of other vehicles, walls or people in the vicinity of the vehicle. They may also employ imaging sensors that recognize curbs and painted lines on the pavement.

The figure above illustrates Ford's Active Park Assist. This system manipulates the steering automatically to assist the driver in parking. The parking system is activated by pressing a button on the instrument panel. It measures the distance between vehicles using ultrasonic sensors and determines if there is enough space for parking. It then operates the steering wheel automatically and the driver is asked to shift gears and operate the accelerator.

Fully automatic parking systems are capable of actuating the throttle, steering and brakes on a vehicle without driver input, so great care must be taken with the design of these systems to ensure safe operation in various situations.

Sensors

vehicle speed sensor, steering wheel position sensor, optical imaging devices, acoustic distance sensors

Actuators

throttle, steering, brakes

Data Communications

CAN, LIN, etc…

Manufacturers

Bosch, Denso, LaneFX, Valeo

For More Information

[1] Volkswagen demonstrates fully-automatic reverse parking system, Gizmag.com, Apr. 2008.

[2] Testing Ford’s Parallel Parking System, New York Times, Apr. 2009.

[3] Toyota Intelligent Parking Assist, YouTube, Feb. 2009.

[4] Mercedes-Benz Active Parking, YouTube, Feb. 2009.

[5] The Role of 24 GHz Short-Range Radar in Automotive Park Assist, Thomas Kjolsing, iSuppli website, Mar. 17, 2009.