Intelligent Parking Assist System

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Lexus backup camera system showing the parallel park setup screen Lexus Navigation advanced parking system.jpg
Lexus backup camera system showing the parallel park setup screen

Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS), also known as Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) for Toyota models in the United States, is the first production automatic parking system developed by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1999 initially for the Japanese market hybrid Prius models and Lexus models. The technology assists drivers in parking their vehicle. [1] [2] On vehicles equipped with the IPAS, via an in-dash screen and button controls, the car can steer itself into a parking space with little input from the user. The first version of the system was deployed on the Prius Hybrid sold in Japan in 2003. [3] In 2006, an upgraded version debuted for the first time outside Japan on the Lexus LS luxury sedan, [4] which featured the automatic parking technology among other brand new inventions from Toyota. In 2009, the system appeared on the third generation Prius sold in the U.S. In Asia and Europe, the parking technology is marketed as the Intelligent Park Assist System for both Lexus and Toyota models, while in the U.S. the Advanced Parking Guidance System name is only used for the Lexus system.

Contents

Development

The initial version of the Intelligent Parking Assist System, launched in 2003, was designed for reverse parallel parking. [3] Driver intervention was not required, as the system estimated the size of the parking space and maneuvered the vehicle appropriately. This was done by an onboard computer which used a camera built into the forward and rear of the car. Sensors located at similar locations detected the proximity of nearby vehicles. The dashboard displayed an image of the lot, and the driver would then have to determine the exact position that the vehicle in the lot via the arrows which appeared on the screen. Using the arrows, the user would set the location of the vehicle in the space. When satisfied, the user pressed the "Set" button, which then activated the IPAS. The system then took over steering control to maneuver the vehicle. [5]

Early versions of this system had difficulty detecting objects, including cats, baby prams and pedestrians. Secondly when the driver activated the system in a too small a space, the system constantly flashed warning signals to inform the user of the danger of hitting the vehicle. User assistance is required in such situations. In 2005, an upgraded version added recognition capability for parking stripes. [5] A later version of this parking technology, launched in 2006, added integration with parking sensors. [5] This latest version could calculate the steering maneuvers needed for parallel or reverse parking, and help determine that the car has enough clearance for a particular space with colored screen displays which indicated adequate or inadequate space.

How it works

Technology

Demonstration of the parallel parking system on a Toyota Prius Self-parking Prius.jpg
Demonstration of the parallel parking system on a Toyota Prius

The IPAS/APGS use computer processors which are tied to the vehicle's sonar warning system feature, backup camera, and two additional forward sensors on the front side fenders. The sonar park sensors, known as "Intuitive Parking Assist" or "Lexus Park Assist", include multiple sensors on the forward and rear bumpers which detect obstacles, allowing the vehicle to sound warnings and calculate optimum steering angles during regular parking. [5] These sensors plus the two additional parking sensors are tied to a central computer processor, which in turn is integrated with the backup camera system to provide the driver parking information. [6]

When the sonar park sensors feature is used, the processor(s) calculate steering angle data which are displayed on the navigation/camera touchscreen along with obstacle information. The Intelligent Parking Assist System expands on this capability and is accessible when the vehicle is shifted to reverse (which automatically activates the backup camera). When in reverse, the backup camera screen features parking buttons which can be used to activate automated parking procedures. When the Intelligent Parking Assist System is activated, the central processor calculates the optimum parallel or reverse park steering angles and then interfaces with the Electric Power Steering systems of the vehicle to guide the car into the parking spot. [6]

Functions

Newer versions of the system allow parallel or reverse parking. [7] When parallel parking with the system, drivers first pull up alongside the parking space. They move forward until the vehicle's rear bumper passes the rear wheel of the car parked in front of the open space. Then, shifting to reverse automatically activates the backup camera system, and the car's rear view appears on dash navigation/camera display. [7] The driver's selection of the parallel park guidance button on the navigation/camera touchscreen causes a grid to appear (with green or red lines, a flag symbol representing the corner of the parking spot, and adjustment arrows). [8]

Demonstration of the automatic parking system on a Lexus LS Lexus-LS600hL self parking.jpg
Demonstration of the automatic parking system on a Lexus LS

The driver is responsible for checking to see if the representative box on the screen correctly identifies the parking space; if the space is large enough to park, the box will be green in color; if the box is incorrectly placed, or lined in red, using the arrow buttons moves the box until it turns green. [8] Once the parking space is correctly identified, the driver presses OK and takes his/her hands off the steering wheel, while keeping the foot on the brake pedal. When the driver slowly releases the brake, while keeping the foot on the brake pedal, the car will then begin to back up and steer itself into the parking space. [7]

The reverse parking procedure is virtually identical to the parallel parking procedure. [7] The driver approaches the parking space, moving forward and turning, positioning the car in place for backing into the reverse parking spot. The vehicle rear has to be facing the reverse parking spot, allowing the backup camera to 'see' the parking area. Shifting to reverse automatically activates the backup camera system, and the driver selects the reverse park guidance button on the navigation/camera touchscreen (the grid appears with green or red lines, a flag symbol representing the corner of the parking spot, and adjustment arrows; reverse parking adds rotation selection). [7] After checking the parking space and engaging the reverse park procedure, the same exact parking process occurs as the car reverse parks into the spot.

The system is set up so that at any time the steering wheel is touched or the brake firmly pressed, the automatic parking will disengage. [7] The vehicle also cannot exceed a set speed, or the system will deactivate. [7] When the car's computer voice issues the statement "The guidance is finished", the system has finished parking the car. The driver can then shift to drive and make adjustments in the space if necessary.

Media coverage

Press reports

The debut of the parking technology in the United States in 2006 received widespread media attention, with demonstrations performed on television shows ranging from cable news programming [9] to The Oprah Winfrey Show . [10] In automotive publications, the feature garnered mixed reviews, with opinions on its utility varying from useful to impractical, depending on the parking situation and driver. [4] [11]

A video from CNBC showed the system working "quite effectively" with a first-time user [12] and other reviewers found that the system worked smoothly. [13] [14] A video produced by Automobile Magazine demonstrates how the system makes parking more difficult, due to some complexity to the touchscreen. [15]

Advertising

Lexus capitalized on the debut of the parking system in the U.S. with its LS flagship with two ads. The first, "Pyramid," depicted a driver parking a car between two stacks of glasses using the system. A second ad showing a montage of different technologies, followed finally by a demonstration of the parallel park feature, and a man stating that he never thought this technology could possibly exist.

The system was also referenced by competitors Audi and Hyundai in their own advertisements. Audi marketed their 2007 A4 as "the luxury car for people who can park themselves," and showed a professional driver swing into a tight parallel parking space. [16] Hyundai's advertisement for the 2007 Azera listed a side-by-side feature comparison between the Azera and the LS460, reaching a conclusion that although the Azera lacks the style, luxury, performance, class, and comfort of the LS, its savings can pay for valet. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

Parallel parking Parking a vehicle parallel to the road

Parallel parking is a method of parking a vehicle parallel to the road, in line with other parked vehicles. Parallel parking usually requires initially driving slightly past the parking space, parallel to the parked vehicle in front of that space, keeping a safe distance, then followed by reversing into that space. Subsequent position adjustment may require the use of forward and reverse gears.

Lexus LS Motor vehicle

The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.

Advanced driver-assistance system Electronic systems that help the vehicle driver while driving or during parking

An advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) is any of a groups of electronic technologies that assist drivers in driving and parking functions. Through a safe human-machine interface, ADAS increase car and road safety. ADAS use automated technology, such as sensors and cameras, to detect nearby obstacles or driver errors, and respond accordingly. ADAS can enable various levels of autonomous driving, depending on the features installed in the car.

Lane departure warning system Mechanism designed to warn a driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane

In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane on freeways and arterial roads. These systems are designed to minimize accidents by addressing the main causes of collisions: driver error, distractions and drowsiness. In 2009 the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began studying whether to mandate lane departure warning systems and frontal collision warning systems on automobiles.

Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), also known as Toyota Hybrid System II, is the brand name of Toyota Motor Corporation for the hybrid car drive train technology used in vehicles with the Toyota and Lexus marques. First introduced on the Prius, the technology is an option on several other Toyota and Lexus vehicles and has been adapted for the electric drive system of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, and for a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius. Previously, Toyota also licensed its HSD technology to Nissan for use in its Nissan Altima Hybrid. Its parts supplier Aisin Seiki Co. offers similar hybrid transmissions to other car companies.

Lexus LX Full-size luxury SUV model from Lexus

The Lexus LX is a full-size luxury SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota since January 1996, having entered manufacturing in November 1995. It is Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury SUV. Four generations have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs. The first-generation LX 450 started production in 1995 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was manufactured until 2007. The third-generation LX debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. The fourth-generation LX debuted in October 2021.

Blind spot monitor

The blind spot monitor or blind-spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile.

Parking sensor Proximity sensor

Parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles designed to alert the driver of obstacles while parking. These systems use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors.

Automatic parking Autonomous car-maneuvering system

Automatic parking is an autonomous car-maneuvering system that moves a vehicle from a traffic lane into a parking spot to perform parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking. The automatic parking system aims to enhance the comfort and safety of driving in constrained environments where much attention and experience is required to steer the car. The parking maneuver is achieved by means of coordinated control of the steering angle and speed which takes into account the actual situation in the environment to ensure collision-free motion within the available space.

Backup camera

A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up, and to alleviate the rear blind spot. It is specifically designed to avoid a backup collision. The area directly behind vehicles has been described as a "killing zone" due to associated accidents. Backup cameras are usually connected to the vehicle head unit display.

Adaptive cruise control Cruise control advanced driver-assistance system

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an available cruise control advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As of 2019, it is also called by 20 unique names that describe that basic functionality. This is also known as Dynamic cruise control.

Driver monitoring system

The driver monitoring system, also known as driver attention monitor, is a vehicle safety system to assess the driver's alertness and warn the driver if needed and eventually apply the brakes. It was first introduced by Toyota in 2006 for its and Lexus' latest models. It was first offered in Japan on the GS 450h. The system's functions co-operate with the pre-collision system (PCS). The system uses infrared sensors to monitor driver attentiveness. Specifically, the driver monitoring system includes a CCD camera placed on the steering column which tracks the face, via infrared LED detectors. If the driver is not paying attention to the road ahead and a dangerous situation is detected, the system will warn the driver by flashing lights, warning sounds. If no action is taken, the vehicle will apply the brakes. This system is said to be the first of its kind.

Collision avoidance system Motorcar safety system

A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system, or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In its basic form, a forward collision warning system monitors a vehicle's speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the vehicles, so that it can provide a warning to the driver if the vehicles get too close, potentially helping to avoid a crash. Various technologies and sensors that are used include radar (all-weather) and sometimes laser (LIDAR) and cameras to detect an imminent crash. GPS sensors can detect fixed dangers such as approaching stop signs through a location database. Pedestrian detection can also be a feature of these types of systems.

Lexus LS (XF40) Motor vehicle

The Lexus LS (XF40) is the fourth generation of the Lexus LS line of full-size luxury sedans. Lexus debuted the model line at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, with variants including the standard wheelbase LS 460 (USF40) and long wheelbase LS 460 L (USF41); the chassis codes (USF40/USF41) are derived from the fourth generation XF40 platform code and UR series engine designation. In development from 2001, the final design was selected for the V8 models in late 2003, with the hybrid variant's design finalized in 2004. Introduced at the 2006 New York International Auto Show, all-wheel drive hybrid models, the standard wheelbase LS 600h (UVF45) and long wheelbase LS 600h L (UVF46), joined the lineup in the 2008 model year. The LS 460 and LS 460 L models feature a 4.6 L UR series V8 and an 8-speed automatic transmission, while hybrid models are powered by a 5.0 L UR series V8 engine equipped with electric motors, with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions of the non-hybrid LS 460 (USF45) and LS 460 L (USF46) models were introduced at the 2008 Moscow International Automobile Salon. The XF40 received updates for the 2010 and 2013 model years.

Back-up collision

Back-up collisions happen when a driver reverses the car into an object, person, or other car. Although most cars come equipped with rear view mirrors which are adequate for detecting vehicles behind a car, they are inadequate on many vehicles for detecting small children or objects close to the ground, which fall in the car's blind spot, particularly directly aft. That area has been called a "killing zone." Large trucks have much larger blind spots that can hide entire vehicles and large adults.

Electronically controlled brake

Electronically controlled brake (ECB) developed by Toyota Motor Corporation initially for its hybrid and Lexus models, is the world's first production brake-by-wire braking system. The ECB went on sale in Japan in June 2001, first appearing on the Toyota Estima hybrid, and making its North American debut with the launch of the Lexus RX 400h SUV in April 2005. The ECB is an integral part of the company's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability control system, by allowing for automatic brake adjustments, which work in conjunction with variable gear-ratio electric power steering systems.

Automotive night vision

An automotive night vision system uses a thermographic camera to increase a driver's perception and seeing distance in darkness or poor weather beyond the reach of the vehicle's headlights. Such systems are offered as optional equipment on certain premium vehicles. The technology was first introduced in the year 2000 on the Cadillac Deville. This technology is based on the night vision devices (NVD), which generally denotes any electronically enhanced optical devices operate in three modes: image enhancement, thermal imaging, and active illumination. The automotive night vision system is a combination of NVDs such as infrared cameras, GPS, Lidar, and Radar, among others to sense and detect objects.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an integrated vehicle handling and software control system developed by Toyota. It involves an omnibus computer linkage of traction control, electronic stability control, electronic steering, and other systems, with the intent of improving responsiveness to driver input, performance, and overall safety. The system was first introduced in the Japanese domestic market in July 2004, when Toyota debuted VDIM on the Toyota Crown Majesta. This was followed by the VDIM's export debut on the third generation Lexus GS, which was launched in 2005. VDIM integrates the company's Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) systems which previously worked independently using proprietary software. This way all the systems function together rather than the ECU prioritizing which is the most important. VDIM was initially designed for rear-wheel drive cars.

Toyota Entune Multimedia system for Toyota automobiles

Toyota Entune is an integrated multimedia navigation and telematics system for Toyota automobiles, providing satellite-based information on traffic, weather, sports scores, stocks, and fuel prices via subscription through SiriusXM. When connected to a compatible cellular phone running the Entune app, via radio or USB cable, the system provides a browser and other apps, including those from music services such as iHeartRadio, Pandora and XM Satellite Radio. The cell phone app has iOS, Android, and Blackberry versions; to use this feature, a cell phone data plan is required. The system can be controlled with voice recognition, and may include the “Safety Connect” personalization system.

Omniview technology

Omniview technology is a vehicle parking assistant technology that first became available in vehicle electronic products in 2007. It is designed to help drivers in parking a vehicle in small space.

References

  1. ↑ "Self-parking car hits the shops". BBC News. 2003-09-01. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  2. ↑ "Toyota unveils car that parks itself". CNN. September 2003. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  3. 1 2 "Coolest Inventions 2003, Toyota's Hybrid Car, the Prius". Time.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2003. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  4. 1 2 "Motorweek Lexus LS 460 test drive" (FLV). MotorWeek. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-09.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Development of Intelligent Parking Assist". Science Links Japan. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  6. 1 2 "Lexus LS 460 Parking System Grabs the Wheel". Design News. 2007-02-07. Archived from the original on 2010-01-27. Retrieved 2009-07-28.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The Lexus LS460: It Really Does Park Itself". KickingTires. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  8. 1 2 "Deep Drive: 2007 Lexus LS". Consumer Guide. Archived from the original on 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  9. ↑ "Video: Lexus' automatic parking tested on live TV". Leftlane News. September 2006. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  10. ↑ "How'd They Do That?". The Oprah Winfrey Show . Season 22. 2007-01-02. approx. 35 minutes in.
  11. ↑ Selingo, Jeffrey (2007-10-24). "How Well Can a Lexus Park Itself?". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-02-22.
  12. ↑ "Lexus CNBC video". LeftLaneNews. 2006-09-25. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  13. ↑ "Cars.com Lexus Parking". Blogs.cars.com. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  14. ↑ "Arizona Republic video". Azcentral.com. 2006-11-25. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  15. ↑ "Automobile Magazine video". Fquick.com. 2006-11-07. Archived from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  16. ↑ "YouTube parking commercial". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
  17. ↑ "YouTube parking commercial". Youtube.com. 2007-06-06. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2011-07-20.
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