Parking Sensor
A parking sensor is a short-range distance sensor that helps the driver judge nearby obstacles while parking or maneuvering. Most systems use ultrasonic sensors embedded in the front and rear bumpers.
What it does
The sensor emits an ultrasonic pulse and measures the reflected echo to estimate distance. The vehicle presents progressive tones, a visual graphic, or both as an obstacle gets closer. Coverage depends on the number and placement of sensors, and the system may also support automatic parking or low-speed braking.
Ultrasonic sensors can miss very low, thin, soft, angled, or moving objects. Dirt, ice, heavy rain, nearby noise sources, bumper damage, and objects outside the sensing cones can affect results. A continuous tone is not an exact clearance measurement. The driver must still use mirrors, cameras, and direct observation.
For operating principles, ranges, and sensor layouts, see Ultrasonic Sensors.