Benefits, challenges of surround-view tech for automated parking systems

Park-assist and automated parking functions make mundane tasks like parallel parking, parking in a crowded garage or a narrow parking space, or simply finding an available space easier for drivers. 

Surveys of drivers consistently show parallel parking to be among the most anxiety inducing experiences we have behind the wheel. Moreover, low speed car accidents, such as those that occur in parking manoeuvres, can be a source of serious injuries that include whiplash, concussions and other soft tissue injuries. Parking assist features can help avoid these accidents and consumers love the convenience and peace of mind that these capabilities provide. 

Basic surround-view systems use multiple cameras to give drivers an overhead view of the environment, along with visual cues that show the position of the car relative to objects nearby. More advanced systems add features like an animated 3D model of the car, the ability to change the vantage point, visibility through the bottom of the car, and analytics such as distance and proximity warnings and driving-path estimation.

The most advanced systems automate the parking process, from finding an open space to performing the steering, acceleration and breaking of the vehicle without driver intervention.

This variety of use cases has a corresponding range of requirements, including the number and types of cameras used; additional radar and ultrasound sensors to complement visual data from the cameras; and processing to produce visualization, analytic and automation capabilities. Let’s explore each type of system and its corresponding processing needs.