Description:
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicle reversing systems, more particularly to a parking assistance system for vehicles and method of operation thereof.
Background
[002] Vehicle reversing is an act of moving a vehicle in a backward direction. Vehicle reversing may be typically used for parking, exiting, or reversing the vehicle while driving. Vehicle reversing may require careful coordination of steering, braking, and spatial awareness to avoid obstacles and ensure safety. Vehicle reversing may be challenging, especially for beginners. The challenges in vehicle reversing may include limited visibility and difficulty in analyzing distances around the vehicle.
[003] Modern vehicles may be equipped with a plurality of tools required to assist drivers while reversing the vehicle. The plurality of tools may include a rear-view mirror, a reversing camera, a plurality of parking sensors, or the like. In congested or crowded areas (for example, market areas), reversing may be very challenging, as a driver must monitor blind spots, while ensuring that there is no risk to pedestrians or other vehicles. Currently, in many vehicles, the reversing camera may provide a live video feed of the rear area, enhancing visibility and reducing blind spots. The plurality of parking sensors may also alert the driver to nearby objects with sound or visual cues, avoiding a collision.
[004] Despite technological advancements, vehicle reversing may remain a skill for the drivers to practice and master for safe and confident driving. However, such mastering of skills may take time and even for a driver who has mastered such skills there may be challenging scenarios that may lead to an accident or damage while reversing.
[005] Accordingly, there is a requirement for a parking assistance system for vehicles that may help solve the aforementioned challenges.
SUMMARY
[006] In an embodiment, a parking assistance system for vehicles is disclosed. In one example, the parking assistance system may include a processor and a memory communicably coupled to the processor. In one example, the memory stores processor-executable instructions, which, on execution, may cause the processor to iteratively calculate, in real time, a first distance of a first side of a vehicle from a first obstacle and a second distance of a second side of the vehicle from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, may further cause the processor to determine an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, may further cause, the processor may to determine, using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, a reverse pattern for the vehicle based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle.
[007] In another embodiment, a method for assisting vehicles with parking is disclosed. In one example, the method may include iteratively calculating, in real-time, a first distance of a first side of a vehicle from a first obstacle and a second distance of a second side of the vehicle from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor. Further, the method may include determining an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. Further, the method may include determining using an AI model, a reverse pattern for the vehicle based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle.
[008] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, the vehicle may include a parking assistance system for vehicles. The parking assistance system may include a processor. The vehicle may further include a memory communicably coupled to the processor. Further, the memory stores processor-executable instructions, which, on execution may cause the processor to iteratively calculate, in real-time, a first distance of a first side of a vehicle from a first obstacle and a second distance of a second side of the vehicle from a second obstacle using a first hybrid sensor. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, may further cause the processor to determine an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, may further cause the processor to determine, using an AI model, a reverse pattern for the vehicle based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle.
[009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary parking assistance system for vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of various modules within a memory of an exemplary parking assistance device for vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary scenario of reversing a vehicle out of a parking area using the parking assistance device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIGs. 4A – 4D illustrate an exemplary scenario of parking a vehicle in a parking area using the parking assistance device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process for assisting vehicles with parking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a detailed exemplary process for assisting vehicles with parking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[018] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter, which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, of its device or system, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[019] The terms “including”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprising of” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises… a” do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[020] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1 - 7. It is to be noted that the system may be employed in any vehicle, including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, heavy commercial vehicles, and any other transportable machinery.
[021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary parking assistance system 100 for vehicles is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the current embodiment, the parking assistance system 100 is depicted as being implemented in a vehicle 102. Examples of the vehicle 102 may include, but not limited to cars, buses, or trucks. However, it would be apparent that the parking assistance system 100 may be independent of the vehicle 102 and may not include the vehicle 102.
[022] The parking assistance system 100 may be configured to assist with specific movements of a vehicle 102 without hitting any obstacle. Such movements may include, but are not limited to parking the vehicle 102 in a car parking, parallel parking the vehicle 102, retrieving the vehicle 102 from a car parking, reversing the vehicle 102, or the like.
[023] As depicted in FIG.1, the vehicle 102 may include a parking assistance device 104, an external device 116, and a hybrid sensor 118. The parking assistance system 100 may further be communicably coupled to a data server 114 through a wireless communication network 112.
[024] As will be described in greater detail in conjunction with FIGs. 2 – 7, the parking assistance device 104 may iteratively calculate, in real-time, a first distance of a first side of a vehicle 102 from a first obstacle in real-time, and a second distance of a second side of the vehicle 102 from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor 118. The hybrid sensor 118 may include an imaging radar, a traditional radar, a stereo camera, or the like. The imaging radar may produce a two-dimensional (2D), image of surroundings of the vehicle 102. The traditional radar may detect distance between one or more obstacles and the vehicle 102. The stereo camera may include two or more cameras that may capture the surrounding environment around the vehicle 102.
[025] Based on the first distance and the second distance, the parking assistance device 104 may determine an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle 102. The parking assistance device 104 may then determine, using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, a reverse pattern for the vehicle 102 based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle 102. The reverse pattern may include, but is not limited to, a straight reverse pattern, an angled approach pattern, and a three-point turn pattern. The reverse pattern is determined based on the availability of the space at the left and right sides of the vehicle 102. Thus, the hybrid sensor 118 may be configured to provide a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of the surroundings of the vehicle 102, including object recognition and classification.
[026] The parking assistance device 104 may include a processor 106, a memory 108, and a user interface 110. In an embodiment, examples of the processor 106 may include but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, Nvidia®, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors.
[027] In some embodiments, the memory 108 may include a cache memory. The memory 108 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 106, cause the processor 106 to assist parking in a vehicle 102, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 108 may also store various data (for example, first distance, second distance, available space, and the like) that may be captured, processed, and/or required by the parking assistance device 104. The memory 108 may be a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory may include, but are not limited to, flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), and Electrically EPROM (EEPROM) memory. Further, examples of volatile memory may include but are not limited to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM).
[028] The user interface 110 in the parking assistance device 104 may comprise a variety of interfaces (s), for example, an interface for exchanging instructions between the user and the parking assistance device 104. The user interface 110 may be wirelessly connected to the parking assistance device 104 through wireless network interfaces, such as but not limited to Bluetooth®, infrared, or any other wireless radio communication known in the art. The user interface 110 may facilitate the exchange of instructions between the user and the parking assistance device 104. In a scenario, a user may instruct and provide input to the parking assistance device 104 via the user interface 110. The instructions, for example, may include, but are not limited to voice command, selecting an option via a display on a dashboard, or by providing inputs via a keypad. Similarly, in other scenarios, the user interface 110 may provide output to the user. The output may be in the form instructions displayed using the display in the dashboard, or the like.
[029] The parking assistance system 100 may also include the external device 116 communicably coupled with the parking assistance device 104. The external device 116 may include, but is not limited to, a remote server, a digital device, or another computing system. In some embodiments, the parking assistance device 104 may interact with the one or more external devices 116 over a communication network 112 for sending or receiving various data. In an embodiment, the external device 116 may be an image capturing device such as, but not limited to, digital cameras, webcams, scanners, stereo vision systems, surround view cameras, electronic mirrors, and in-cabin monitoring systems, or the like. In such case, the external device 116 may be configured to track view around and inside the vehicle 102. In some other embodiments, the external device 116 may be, but is not limited to a speaker, a warning display, a button, an audio system, a voice command user interface, a speaker, or the like.
[030] In an embodiment, the data server 114 may be enabled in a remote cloud server or a co-located server and may include a database to store a training dataset, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, and other data necessary for the parking assistance device 104 to perform assistance with parking vehicles. In an embodiment, the data server 114 may store image data input by the external device 116 (e.g., surrounding view, images) or instructions suggested by the parking assistance device 104 (e.g., reverse pattern instructions, warning signals, etc.). In an embodiment, the parking assistance device 104 may be communicably coupled with the data server 114 through the communication network 112.
[031] In some embodiments, the communication network 112 may be a wired or a wireless network or a combination thereof. The communication network 112 can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as but not limited to, ethernet IP network, intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, Wi-Fi, LTE network, CDMA network, 5G and the like. Further, the communication network 112 can either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network may represent an association of a different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further, the communication network 112 can include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
[032] In an embodiment, the parking assistance device 104 may be a computing system, including but not limited to a dashboard, an instrument panel, a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, a server, a portable computer, a handheld, or a mobile device.
[033] Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of various modules within the memory 108 of an exemplary parking assistance device 200 for vehicles is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The parking assistance device 200 may be analogous to the parking assistance device 104. In an embodiment, the parking assistance device 104 may include, within the memory 108, a distance calculating module 202, a reverse pattern determining module 204, a vehicle positioning module 206, and a guidance providing module 208. The reverse pattern determining module 204 may include an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model 210.
[034] The distance calculating module 202 may detect a plurality of obstacles around the vehicle 102 using the hybrid sensor 118. In an embodiment, the vehicle 102 may be an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or a non-autonomous vehicle. The plurality of obstacles may include a tree, a pole, a vehicle, a person, a wall, a barrier, an animal, or the like. The plurality of obstacles may cause a problem for safe parking of the vehicle 102 or retrieving the vehicle 102 from a parking area. The hybrid sensor 118 may include, but not limited to, a traditional radar, an imaging radar, and a stereo camera. The distance calculating module 202 may detect in real-time, a first obstacle and a second obstacle from the plurality of obstacles nearest to the vehicle 102. The first obstacle may be on a first side of the vehicle 102. The second obstacle may be on a second side of the vehicle 102. It should be noted that the second side may be opposite to the first side. By way of an example, the first side may be left side of a driver and the second side may be right side of the driver.
[035] Based on the first obstacle and the second obstacle detected, the distance calculating module 202 may iteratively calculate, in real-time, a first distance of the first side of the vehicle 102 from the first obstacle and a second distance of the second side of the vehicle 102 from a second obstacle using the hybrid sensor. Based on the first distance and the second distance, the distance calculating module 202 may determine an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle 102.
[036] Based on the available space determined, the reverse pattern determining module 204 may determine a reverse pattern for reversing the vehicle 102. The reverse pattern may include, but not be limited to, a straight reverse pattern, an angled approach pattern, and a three-point turn reverse pattern. To determine the reverse pattern, the reverse pattern determining module 204 may identify a larger of the first distance and the second distance. Further, the reverse pattern determining module 204 may analyse, by the AI model 210, the first distance and the second distance, the first obstacle and the second obstacle. In other words, the reverse pattern determining module 204 may compare the available space on the left side and the right side of the driver in real time. Based on the available space, the reverse pattern determining module 204 may suggest a reverse pattern.
[037] If the vehicle 102 is the autonomous vehicle, the vehicle positioning module 206 may iteratively position, via the AI model 210, the vehicle 102 based on the determined reverse pattern to avoid collision with the first obstacle and the second obstacle while reversing. If the vehicle 102 is the semi-autonomous vehicle or the non-autonomous vehicle, the guidance providing module 208 may render stepwise guidance to execute the determined reverse pattern. To render stepwise guidance, the guidance providing module 208 may provide at least one of an auditory stepwise guidance or a visual stepwise guidance. In an embodiment, the guidance providing module 208 may provide both the auditory stepwise guidance and the visual stepwise guidance.
[038] By way of an example, if the reverse pattern determining module 204 detects the reverse pattern to be the straight reverse pattern, the guidance providing module 208 may render visual stepwise guidance based on the straight reverse pattern on a display on a dashboard or on a rear view mirror of the vehicle 102. Alternatively, the guidance providing module 208 may render an auditory stepwise guidance.
[039] Upon non-adherence to the stepwise guidance while reversing the vehicle 102, the guidance providing module 208 may render a warning signal to the driver through the one or more external device 116. In continuation of the above example, while reversing the vehicle 102 in the straight reverse pattern, the distance between the vehicle 102 and the first obstacle or the second obstacle is less than a predefined distance, then, the guidance providing module 208 may render the warning signal on the external device 116 through the audio guidance or the visual guidance. To render the warning signal through the audio guidance, the external devices 116 may include, but is not limited to a speaker, a warning display, a button, an audio system, a voice command user interface, a speaker, or the like. The audio guidance may include an alarm to alert the driver. To render the warning signal through the video guidance, the external devices 116 may include, but is not limited to an electronic mirror, in-cabin monitoring systems, or the like, The visual guidance may display the warning signal to alert the driver.
[040] It should be noted that all such aforementioned modules 202 – 210 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules. Further, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the modules 202 – 210 may reside, in whole or in parts, on one device or multiple devices in communication with each other. In some embodiments, each of the modules 202 – 210 may be implemented as dedicated hardware circuit comprising custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. Each of the modules 202 – 210 may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable array logic, programmable logic device, and so forth. Alternatively, each of the modules 202 – 210 may be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors (e.g., processor 106). An identified module of executable code may, for instance, include one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, function, or other construct. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module or component need not be physically located together but may include disparate instructions stored in different locations, which, when joined logically together, include the module and achieve the stated purpose of the module. Indeed, a module of executable code could be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different applications, and across several memory devices.
[041] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of processes may be employed for parking assistance system for vehicles. For example, the parking assistance system 100 and the associated processor 106 may assist the vehicle with parking by the processes discussed herein. In particular, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, control logic and/or automated routines for performing the techniques and steps described herein may be implemented by the parking assistance system 100 and the associated parking assistance device 104 either by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, suitable code may be accessed and executed by one or more processors on the parking assistance system 100 to perform some or all of the techniques described herein. Similarly, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) configured to perform some, or all of the processes described herein may be included in the one or more processors on the parking assistance system 100.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary scenario of reversing the vehicle 102 out of a parking area 300 using the parking assistance device 104 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1 and 2. In the current embodiment, the vehicle 102 is represented as a car. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed in any vehicle where the parking assistance device 104 is similarly used.
[042] The parking area 300 may include the vehicle 102, a vehicle 302, a vehicle 304, and a vehicle 306. The parking area 300 may include an obstacle 308a, an obstacle 308b, an obstacle 308c, an obstacle 308d, an obstacle 308e, an obstacle 308f, an obstacle 308g, and an obstacle 308h. In an exemplary scenario, the driver of the vehicle 102 may want to retrieve the vehicle 102 from the parking area 300. It should be noted that, the vehicle 102 may be a non-autonomous vehicle that includes a parking assistance device 104. To assist the driver with retrieving the vehicle 102 from the parking area 300, the parking assistance device 104 may detect one or more obstacles near the vehicle 102 through the hybrid sensor 118 (for example, a traditional radar, an imaging radar, a stereo camera, etc.). The detected obstacles near the vehicle 102 may include the vehicle 302, the obstacle 308b, the obstacle 308g, and the obstacle 308h. Further, the parking assistance device 104 may iteratively calculate, in real-time, the first distance 310 of a first side 312 of the vehicle 102 from the vehicle 302 and a second distance 314 of a second side 316 of the vehicle 102 from the obstacle 308g using the hybrid sensor 118.
[043] The first distance 310 is calculated to be 2 meters Similarly, the second distance 314 is calculated to be 0.5 meters. Based on the first distance 310 and the second distance 314, the parking assistance device 104 may determine an available space on each of the first side 312 and the second side 316.
[044] It will be apparent that the parking assistance device 104 may identify the distance calculated on the second side 316 to be larger than the distance calculated on the first side 312. Further, the parking assistance device 104 may analyze the first distance 310, the second distance 314, the larger of the first distance 310 and the second distance 314 to determine the availability of space around the vehicle 102 using the AI model 210.
[045] Based on the determined available space, the parking assistance device 104 may determine, using the AI model 210, a reverse pattern 318 to be a three-point reverse pattern for the vehicle 102. In one configuration where the vehicle 102 is an non-autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, the parking assistance device 104 may assist the driver of the vehicle 102 through a stepwise guidance to execute the three-point reverse pattern. The stepwise guidance may be provided as at least one of auditory stepwise guidance or visual stepwise guidance. The stepwise guidance for the three-point reverse pattern in the vehicle 102 may be rendered on a rear-view mirror or a display on a dashboard. Initially, the stepwise guidance may include a direction to reverse the vehicle 102 along a path 318a. The path 318a may correspond to a backward direction from an initial position of the vehicle 102. It should be noted that the distance is iteratively calculated with the movement of the vehicle 102. Once the vehicle 102 starts moving, the distance between the obstacle 308b and the vehicle 102 is calculated to be 5m. Further, the distance between the obstacle 308c and the vehicle 102 is calculated to be 0.4m. Further, based on the distance calculated, the stepwise guidance may continuously include the direction to keep reversing the vehicle 102 along the path 318a.
[046] Once the distance between the vehicle 102 and the obstacle 308b is less than a predefined threshold distance, the parking assistance device 104 may render a warning signal to the driver through the display of the dashboard or the rear-view mirror. The warning signal may include “stop sign” or an alarm to stop the vehicle 102. Once the vehicle 102 stops, the stepwise guidance may further include the direction to move the vehicle 102 along a path 318b. Once the vehicle completes moving along the path 318b, the stepwise guidance may include the direction to reverse the vehicle 102 along a path 318c. Finally, the vehicle 102 may be retrieved from the parking area 300.
[047] In an alternate configuration, where the vehicle 102 is an autonomous vehicle, the parking assistance device 104 may not provide any stepwise guidance to execute the three-point reverse pattern.
[048] Referring now to FIGs. 4A – 4D, an exemplary scenario of parking the vehicle 102 in a parking area using the parking assistance device 104 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 4A – 4D is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1 - 3. The parking area 400 may include a vehicle 402 and a vehicle 404. The vehicle 102 may include the parking assistance device 104. As explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGs. 1 – 3, the parking assistance device 104 may detect the first obstacle i.e., the vehicle 402 and the second obstacle i.e., the vehicle 404 by the hybrid sensors 118. Upon detecting the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 404, the parking assistance device may iteratively calculate the distance between the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 102. The parking assistance device may also iteratively calculate the distance between the vehicle 404 and the vehicle 102. Based on the distance calculated, the parking assistance device 104 may identify the larger distance between the vehicle 102, the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 404 and also the reverse pattern to park the vehicle 102 on space available between the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 404.
[049] The parking assistance device 104 may display stepwise guidance to reverse the vehicle 102 on the display of the dashboard or the rear-view mirror. FIG. 4A may illustrate the stepwise guidance to move the vehicle 102 along a path 406a. The path 406a may correspond to a forward direction from an initial position of the vehicle 102. It should be noted that the distance between the vehicle 402, the vehicle 404, and the vehicle 102 is iteratively calculated as the vehicle 102 moves. The vehicle 102 may come in proximity with the vehicle 402 on completing the movement along the path 406a.
[050] FIG. 4B may illustrate the stepwise guidance to move the vehicle 102 along a path 406b, upon completing the movement along the path 406a. The vehicle 102 may start entering the available space between the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 404 upon completing the movement along the path 406b. Further, FIG. 4C may illustrate the stepwise guidance to move the vehicle 102 along a path 406c, upon completing the movement along the path 406b. The vehicle 102 may enter the available space between the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 406 upon completing the movement along the path 406c. Further, FIG. 4D may illustrate the stepwise guidance to move the vehicle 102 along a path 406d, upon completing the movement along the path 406c. Finally, the vehicle 102 may be successful parked between the vehicle 402 and the vehicle 404 without any collision.
[051] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram of an exemplary process 500 for assisting vehicles with parking is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1 – 4. It is to be noted that the process 500 may be implemented by the parking assistance device 104 of the parking assistance system 100. At step 502, the process 500 may include iteratively calculating, by a distance calculating module (for example, the distance calculating module 202), in real-time, a first distance (for example, the first distance 310) of a first side (for example, the first side 312) of a vehicle (for example, the vehicle 102) from a first obstacle (for example, the vehicle 302) and a second distance (for example, the second distance 314) of a second side (for example, the second side 316) of the vehicle from a second obstacle (for example, the obstacle 308g) using a hybrid sensor (for example, the hybrid sensor 118). The hybrid sensor may include at least one of an imaging radar, a traditional radar, or a stereo camera. At step 504, the process 500 may include determining, by a reverse pattern determining module (for example, the reverse pattern determining module 204), an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. Further, at step 506, the process 500 may include determining, using an AI model (for example, the AI model 210), a reverse pattern (for example, the reverse pattern 318) for the vehicle based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle.
[052] Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram of a detailed exemplary process 600 for assisting vehicles with parking is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1 – 5. The process 600 may be implemented by the parking assistance device 104 of the parking assistance system 100. At step 602, the process 600 may calculating, by a distance calculating module (for example, the distance calculating module 202), in real-time, a first distance (for example, the first distance 310) of a first side (for example, the first side 312) of a vehicle (for example, the vehicle 102) from a first obstacle (for example, the vehicle 302) using a hybrid sensor (for example, the hybrid sensor 118). At step 604, the process 600 may include calculating, by the distance calculating module, in real-time, a second distance (for example, the second distance 314) of a second side (for example, the second side 316) of the vehicle from a second obstacle (for example, the obstacle 308g) using the hybrid sensor. At step 606, the process 600 may include determining, by the distance calculating module, an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. At step 608, the process 600 may include checking, by a reverse pattern determining module (for example, the reverse pattern determining module 204), a greater distance from the first distance and the second distance. If the first distance is greater than the second distance, at step 610, the process 500 may include selecting, by the reverse pattern determining module, the first side to reverse the vehicle. If the second distance is greater than the first distance, at step 612, the process 600 may include selecting, by the reverse pattern determining module, the second side to reverse the vehicle.
[053] At step 614, the process 600 may include analysing, by the reverse pattern determining module via an AI model (for example, the AI model 210), the first distance, the second distance, the larger of the first distance and the second distance, the first obstacle, and the second obstacle to determine a reverse pattern (for example, the reverse pattern 318) for the vehicle. The reverse pattern may include a straight reverse pattern, an angled approach pattern, and a three-point turn pattern. For an autonomous vehicle, at step 616, the process 600 may include iteratively positioning, by a vehicle positioning module (for example, the vehicle positioning module 206) via the AI model, the vehicle based on the determined reverse pattern to avoid collision with the first obstacle and the second obstacle while reversing. For a non-autonomous vehicle or a semi-autonomous vehicle, at step 618, the process 600 may include rendering, by a guidance providing module (for example, the guidance providing module 208), stepwise guidance to execute the determined reverse pattern. The step 618 may include step 620 and step 622. Further, at step 620, the process 600 may include providing, by the guidance providing module, at least one of auditory stepwise guidance and visual stepwise guidance. Further, at step 622, the process 600 may include rendering, by the guidance providing module, a warning signal to a driver in response to non-adherence to the stepwise guidance while reversing the vehicle.
[054] As will be also appreciated, the above-described techniques may take the form of computer or controller implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The disclosure can also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, solid state drives, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer or controller, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The disclosure may also be embodied in the form of computer program code or signal, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer or controller, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.
[055] The disclosed methods and systems may be implemented on a conventional or a general-purpose computer system, such as a personal computer (PC) or server computer. Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary computing system 700 that may be employed to implement processing functionality for various embodiments (e.g., as a SIMD device, client device, server device, one or more processors, or the like) is illustrated. Those skilled in the relevant art will also recognize how to implement the invention using other computer systems or architectures. The computing system 700 may represent, for example, a user device such as a desktop, a laptop, a mobile phone, personal entertainment device, DVR, and so on, or any other type of special or general-purpose computing device as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. The computing system 700 may include one or more processors, such as a processor 702 that may be implemented using a general or special purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller or other control logic. In this example, the processor 702 is connected to a bus 704 or other communication medium. In some embodiments, the processor 702 may be an Artificial Intelligence (AI) processor, which may be implemented as a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Graphical Processor Unit, or a Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), or a custom programmable solution Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
[056] The computing system 700 may also include a memory 706 (main memory), for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor 702. The memory 706 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 702. The computing system 700 may likewise include a read only memory (“ROM”) or other static storage device coupled to bus 704 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 702.
[057] The computing system 700 may also include a storage devices 708, which may include, for example, a media drive 710 and a removable storage interface. The media drive 710 may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an SD card port, a USB port, a micro USB, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVD drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive. A storage media 712 may include, for example, a hard disk, magnetic tape, flash drive, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by and written to by the media drive 710. As these examples illustrate, the storage media 712 may include a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein particular computer software or data.
[058] In alternative embodiments, the storage devices 708 may include other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system 700. Such instrumentalities may include, for example, a removable storage unit 714 and a storage unit interface 716, such as a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory module) and memory slot, and other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 714 to the computing system 700.
[059] The computing system 700 may also include a communications interface 718. The communications interface 718 may be used to allow software and data to be transferred between the computing system 700 and external devices. Examples of the communications interface 718 may include a network interface (such as an Ethernet or other NIC card), a communications port (such as for example, a USB port, a micro USB port), Near field Communication (NFC), etc. Software and data transferred via the communications interface 718 are in the form of signals which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface 718. These signals are provided to the communications interface 718 via a channel 720. The channel 720 may carry signals and may be implemented using a wireless medium, wire or cable, fiber optics, or other communications medium. Some examples of the channel 720 may include a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, a Bluetooth link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other communications channels.
[060] The computing system 700 may further include Input/Output (I/O) devices 722. Examples may include, but are not limited to a display, keypad, microphone, audio speakers, vibrating motor, LED lights, etc. The I/O devices 722 may receive input from a user and also display an output of the computation performed by the processor 702. In this document, the terms “computer program product” and “computer-readable medium” may be used generally to refer to media such as, for example, the memory 706, the storage devices 708, the removable storage unit 714, or signal(s) on the channel 720. These and other forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providing one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor 702 for execution. Such instructions, generally referred to as “computer program code” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the computing system 700 to perform features or functions of embodiments of the present invention.
[061] In an embodiment where the elements are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer-readable medium and loaded into the computing system 700 using, for example, the removable storage unit 714, the media drive 710 or the communications interface 718. The control logic (in this example, software instructions or computer program code), when executed by the processor 702, causes the processor 702 to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.
[062] Thus, the disclosed method and system try to overcome the technical problem of parking assistance system for vehicles. The disclosed method and system may iteratively calculate, in real-time, a first distance of a first side of a vehicle from a first obstacle and a second distance of a second side of the vehicle from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor. Further, the disclosed method and system may determine an available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle based on the first distance and the second distance. Further, the disclosed method and system may determine, using an AI model, a reverse pattern for the vehicle based on the determined available space on each of the first side and the second side of the vehicle.
[063] The techniques described above relate to a parking assistance system. The techniques may reduce risk of collision with obstacles by providing real-time guidance on a safer side (for example, a left side or a right side), The techniques may further suggest an optimal reverse pattern. Further, the techniques may simplify reversing decisions for beginners by offering clear stepwise guidance and space comparisons, helping to learn and build confidence. The techniques may minimize trial-and-error process during reversing by analyzing the environment and surroundings of the vehicle and may suggest the simplest and most efficient reversing path.
[064] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.
[065] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[066] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[067] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A parking assistance system (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a processor (106); and
a memory (108) communicably coupled to the processor (106), wherein the memory (108) stores processor-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor (106), cause the processor (106) to:
iteratively calculate (502), in real-time, a first distance (310) of a first side (312) of a vehicle (102) from a first obstacle and a second distance (314) of a second side (316) of the vehicle (102) from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor (118);
determine (504) an available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102) based on the first distance (310) and the second distance (314);
and
determine (506), using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model (210), a reverse pattern (318) for the vehicle (102) based on the determined available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102).
2. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid sensor (118) comprises at least one of an imaging radar, a traditional radar, or a stereo camera.
3. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reverse pattern (318) comprises one of:
a straight reverse pattern;
an angled approach pattern; and
a three-point turn pattern.
4. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein to determine the reverse pattern (318), the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to:
identify a larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314); and
analyse, by the AI model (210), the first distance (310), the second distance (314), the larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314), the first obstacle, and the second obstacle, to determine the reverse pattern (318).
5. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to position iteratively, via the AI model (210), the vehicle (102) based on the determined reverse pattern (318) to avoid collision with the first obstacle and the second obstacle while reversing.
6. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to render stepwise guidance to execute the determined reverse pattern (318).
7. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein to render stepwise guidance, the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to provide at least one of auditory stepwise guidance and visual stepwise guidance.
8. The parking assistance system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to render a warning signal to a driver in response to non-adherence to the stepwise guidance while reversing the vehicle (102).
9. A method (500) for assisting a vehicle (102) with parking, comprising:
iteratively calculating (502), by a processor (106), in real-time, a first distance (310) of a first side (312) of a vehicle (102) from a first obstacle and a second distance (314) of a second side (316) of the vehicle (102) from a second obstacle using a hybrid sensor (118);
determining (504), by the processor (106), an available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102) based on the first distance (310) and the second distance (314); and
determining (506), by the processor (106), using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, a reverse pattern (318) for the vehicle (102) based on the determined available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102).
10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the hybrid sensor (118) comprises at least one of an imaging radar, a traditional radar, or a stereo camera.
11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reverse pattern (318) may comprise one of:
a straight reverse pattern;
an angled approach pattern; and
a three-point turn pattern.
12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, wherein determining the reverse pattern (318) comprises:
identifying, by the processor (106), the larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314); and
analysing, by the AI model (210), the first distance (310), the second distance (314), the larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314), the first obstacle, and the second obstacle, to determine the reverse pattern (318).
13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising iteratively positioning, via the AI model (210), the vehicle (102) based on the determined reverse pattern (318) to avoid collision with the first obstacle and the second obstacle while reversing.
14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 9, comprising rendering stepwise guidance to execute the determined reverse pattern (318).
15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 14, wherein rendering stepwise guidance comprises providing at least one of auditory stepwise guidance and visual stepwise guidance.
16. The method (500) as claimed in claim 14, comprising rendering a warning signal to a driver, in response to non-adherence to the stepwise guidance while reversing the vehicle (102).
17. A vehicle (102) comprising:
a parking assistance system (100) for vehicles, comprising:
a processor (106); and
a memory (108) communicably coupled to the processor (106), wherein the memory (108) stores processor-executable instructions, which when executed by the processor (106), cause the processor (106) to:
iteratively calculate (502), in real-time, a first distance (310) of a first side (312) of a vehicle (102) from a first obstacle and a second distance (314) of a second side (316) of the vehicle (102) from a second obstacle using a first hybrid sensor (118);
determine (504) an available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102) based on the first distance (310) and the second distance (314); and
determine (506), using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, a reverse pattern (318) for the vehicle (102) based on the determined available space on each of the first side (312) and the second side (316) of the vehicle (102).

18. The vehicle (102) as claimed in claim 17, wherein to determine the reverse pattern (318) the processor instructions cause the processor (106) to:
identify larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314) in response to the comparison; and
analyse, by the AI model (210), the first distance (310), the second distance (314), the larger of the first distance (310) and the second distance (314), the first obstacle, and the second obstacle, to determine the reverse pattern (318).
19. The vehicle (102) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor (106) instructions cause the processor (106) to position iteratively, via the AI model (210), the vehicle (102) based on the determined reverse pattern (318) to avoid collision with the first obstacle and the second obstacle while reversing.
20. The vehicle (102) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor (106) instructions cause the processor (106) to render stepwise guidance to execute the determined reverse pattern (318), wherein rendering stepwise guidance comprises providing at least one of auditory stepwise guidance and visual stepwise guidance.