Object Detection Description and Operation (Parking Assist)
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Object Detection Description and Operation (Parking Assist)
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The ultrasonic parking assist system is designed to identify and notify the driver of an object in the vehicle's path when moving forward or reversing at speeds of less than 8 km/h (5 MPH). The distance and location of the object is determined by eight object sensors: four located in the rear bumper and four located in the front bumper. The parking assist system will notify the driver using an audible beep signal through the radio.
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Object Detection Components
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The parking assist system is made up of the following components:
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Parking assist control module
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Front object alarm sensors
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Rear object alarm sensors
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Parking assist switch indicator
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Parking Assist Control Module
The parking assist control module provides an 8 V reference and a low reference to the eight object alarm sensors. The parking assist control module receives individual signals from each of the eight sensors and determines the location and distance of an object based on these inputs. When an object is detected, the parking assist control module will send a data message via CAN-Bus to the radio requesting an audible alert.
Object Alarm Sensors
The object alarm sensors are located in the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle. The sensors are used to determine the distance between an object and the bumper. Each sensor emits an ultrasonic frequency which is reflected off any object located in front of or behind the vehicle. These reflections are received by the sensors. The time difference between the emission of the frequency and when the reflection is received is known as sensor echo time, it is used to determine the distance to the object. The sensors report this information to the parking assist control module.
Parking assist switch
The parking assist can be activated and deactivated by pressing the parking assist switch. By engaging the reverse gear the parking assist can also be activated. By subsequently pressing the parking assist switch the parking assist can be disabled again.
Parking assist switch indicator
The indicator in the parking assist switch shows the status of the parking assist. If the lamp is ON, the parking assist is activated.
When an object is within the measuring range of the sensor, the ultrasonic pulse is reflected and is received by the sending or a neighboring sensor. The sensor converts this signal into a voltage signal and sends this signal to the parking assist control module. The parking assist control module evaluates the received sensor signals. As soon as an object is within the measuring range, the parking assist control module sends a message via CAN-Bus to the radio in order to give out the acoustic distance signal.
The measuring range of the front object alarm sensors is between 30-120 cm (11.8-47.2 in). From a distance of 120 cm (47.2 in), the acoustic signal is active. The frequency of the beep sound increases with decreasing distance. From a distance less than 30 cm (11.8 in), the sound becomes continuous.
The measuring range of the rear object alarm sensors is between 30-250 cm (11.8-98.4 in). From a distance of 250 cm (98.4 in), the acoustic signal is active. The frequency of the beep sound increases with decreasing distance. From a distance less than 30 cm (11.8 in), the sound becomes continuous.
The parking assist can be activated and deactivated by pressing the parking assist switch. By engaging the reverse gear the parking assist can also be activated. By subsequently pressing the parking assist switch the parking assist can be disabled again.
The parking assist control module carries out a self test and monitors the sensors for electrical and mechanical faults. Monitored is the power supply of each sensor and the sensor signals, which need to alter when the vehicle moves. If this is not the case, the sensor is acoustically blocked or faulty. Mud, ice and snow may cause obstruction of the function of the sensors. Besides that the parking assist control module checks whether the correct type of sensor is installed. If any of these tests fails, a DTC with corresponding symptom is set, the parking assist is deactivated and the driver information center displays SERVICE PARK ASSIST.
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Parking Assist System Driver Information Center Messages
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SERVICE PARK ASSIST
The driver information center displays SERVICE PARK ASSIST when the parking assist control module detects a malfunction in the parking assist system and the system is disabled. The driver information center also displays SERVICE PARK ASSIST when a loss of communication occurs with the parking assist control module.
PARK ASSIST OFF
The PARK ASSIST OFF message is displayed in the driver information center when the parking assist system is disabled due to conditions that disable or inhibit the system. The parking assist control module requests the driver information center display PARK ASSIST OFF when it detects that one of the following conditions:
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The parking assist system is manually disabled using the park assist switch or through the audio system personalization menu.
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An object is attached to the vehicle which is interfering with the park assist system field of view. Example items are a trailer, bicycle rack, trailer hitch receiver, tow bar, aftermarket front license plate frame, or a bent front license plate.
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The parking assist sensors are covered by snow, mud, dirt or ice.
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The vehicle bumper is damaged.
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Excessive paint thickness on a replacement parking assist sensor.
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The parking assist sensors are disrupted by vibrations, like those caused by a large nearby vehicle or from heavy equipment such as a jackhammer.
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