Intelligent Parking Assist System

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Intelligent Parking Assist System (IPAS) is Toyota’s automatic parking help. In the United States it is sold as Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) for Lexus models. IPAS was Toyota’s first production auto-parking system, introduced in 1999 for Japan’s Prius hybrids and Lexus cars. It guides drivers to park with little input and can steer the car into a space using an in-dash screen and controls. The first version appeared on the Japanese Prius in 2003. A 2006 upgrade debuted outside Japan on the Lexus LS, and in 2009 the system reached the third-generation Prius in the U.S. In Asia and Europe the tech is called Intelligent Park Assist System; in the U.S. the Lexus version uses the APGS name.

How it works
- The early IPAS could perform reverse parallel parking with minimal driver input. It estimated space size using cameras at the front and rear and used sensors to detect nearby obstructions. The dashboard showed a map of the lot, and the driver used arrows to set the car’s position. After pressing Set, IPAS steered the car into the space. Early versions sometimes failed to detect objects like pets, prams, or pedestrians, and would warn the driver if the space was too small.

- In 2005, IPAS gained the ability to recognize parking stripes. In 2006 it added parking sensors and could calculate steering for parallel or reverse parking, displaying whether the space was adequate with green or red indicators.

- The system uses processors linked to the car’s sonar sensors, backup camera, and front sensors. The “Intuitive Parking Assist” or Lexus Park Assist sensors detect obstacles and help calculate the best steering.

Using IPAS
- The system comes into play when you shift to reverse and the backup camera is active. If you activate IPAS, the processor calculates the best steering for parallel or reverse parking and works with the electric power steering.

- Parallel parking: you approach the space, line up, then shift to reverse to activate the camera. A grid appears on the screen with green or red lines and adjustment arrows. If the space looks right (green), you press OK, keep your foot on the brake, and gradually release the brake as the car backs itself in.

- Reverse parking: you align the car with the spot, then start the reverse procedure. The same grid and guidance apply, with any rotation options shown as needed.

Safety and limitations
- At any time, touching the steering wheel or pressing the brake disengages the system. The car also won’t use IPAS if it would exceed a set speed.

Reception
- The U.S. debut in 2006 drew a lot of media attention. Reviews were mixed: some praised its usefulness and smooth operation, while others found the touchscreen workflow confusing or impractical in tight spots.

Advertising and impact
- Lexus ran ads showing the parking assist in action, while competitors referenced the technology in their campaigns.