Car park space locating system and related methods

Abstract

Locating a unoccupied parking space in a (e.g. open-air) parking lot comprises dividing the lot into multiple zones 110, each zone divided into lanes 210, each lane further divided into parking spaces

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention pertains to the field of parking management systems, specifically to a system for locating available parking spaces in open-air or covered car parks. Background to the invention It is well-known that locating an available parking space at open-air or covered car parks can be extremely frustrating. The driver looking for an available parking space doesn't have a bird's eye view of the car park he or she is at the level of the car park and cannot see where an available space exists without driving from lane to lane until he / she finds one. Summary of the invention Certain embodiments of the invention involve the use of a computer system, sensors, and light indicators to guide drivers to available parking spaces. The system is designed to manage large car parks, such as those found at airports and shopping centres, by partitioning the car park into zones, lanes, and spaces. In certain embodiments, the computer system is configured to direct drivers to specific zones, rows, and spaces, and to keep track of which spaces are available. This may be achieved by using sensors placed on poles between adjacent parking spaces. These sensors detect the presence or absence of vehicles in the spaces and control the activation of light indicators on the poles. In preferred embodiments, the light indicators are mounted on top of poles and are designed to assist drivers in locating available spaces. When a space is occupied, the corresponding light indicator is turned off. When a space is unoccupied, the corresponding light indicator is turned on, and the computer system is informed of the availability of the space. In certain embodiments, the system is designed to operate with a wired electrical system or with solar panels for powering the sensors and lights. The computer software is designed to hold information about the occupancy status of all the spaces in each parking zone, allowing drivers to be directed sequentially to available spaces. In further embodiments, the system is designed to continue functioning in the event of a light failure, as long as the corresponding sensor is still operational. In one embodiment, the invention includes a parking space locating system for open-air or covered car parks. This system provides a bird's eye view of a car park by providing beacons that show the driver where available parking spaces exist. In some embodiments, the system is suitable for large car parks such as at airports and shopping centres. The system preferably partitions the carpark into zones, the zones into lanes and the lanes into spaces. As a motorist enters the car park, the computer system directs him to a specific zone, row, and space. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include further assistance in locating the available space in the form of a flashing green light at the designated space. A computer system is configured to know which space is available. In yet another embodiment, the system includes a 2 meter or higher pole placed in the middle of the border between contiguous spaces on adjacent rows. A sensor is built into the pole, facing each parking space, at a height of for example 20 centimetres (maybe 20 cm to 50 cm preferably around 30 cm) from the ground. These sensors control the flashing green lights mounted atop the poles. In some embodiments, the system includes two lights at the top of each pole, one light facing each parking space. When a car is on a space, the sensor facing it picks up the presence of the vehicle and turns off the green light at the top of the pole. If the parking space is unoccupied, the sensor doesn't pick up the presence of an object there, turns on the green light and conveys this information to the computer system. In another embodiment, the computer system holds in its memory all the available parking spaces and releases them one at a time as drivers arrive to park. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a wired electrical system for open-air car parks, with solar panels provided to power the sensors and the lights secured to the poles. In yet another embodiment, the computer software is capable of holding the information about all the spaces in each parking zone, namely, whether a parking space is occupied or available so that motorist would be able to be directed, sequentially, to the available spaces. In some embodiments, the system is designed to continue functioning even if a light fails but the sensor connected to it is still serviceable, the computer system would still be able to direct drivers on arrival to available spaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1: A bird's eye view of the car park partitioned into zones, lanes, and spaces. This figure shows the overall layout of the car park, including the placement of the zones, lanes, and spaces. Elements include 100 (car park), 110 (zones), 120 (lanes), and 130 (spaces). Figure 2: Detailed view of a single zone, showing the arrangement of lanes and spaces within the zone. Elements include 200 (single zone), 210 (lanes within the zone), and 220 (spaces within the lane). Figure 3: Detailed view of a single lane, showing the arrangement of spaces within the lane and the placement of a pole between spaces. The pole may be of 2.4 meters in heights. Elements include 300 (single lane), 310 (spaces within the lane), and 320 (a pole of 2.4 meters in height). Figure 4: Detailed view of a single space, showing the placement of the sensor and the flashing green light. Elements include 400 (single space), 410 (sensor), and 420 (flashing green light). Figure 5: Schematic of the sensor and light system, showing how the sensor detects the presence of a vehicle and controls the light. Elements include 500 (sensor), 510 (light), and 520 (vehicle). Figure 6: Schematic of the computer system, showing how it receives information from the sensors and controls the release of available spaces. Elements include 600 (computer system), 610 (input from sensors), and 620 (output to lights). Figure 7: Schematic of the power system, showing how the solar panels power the sensors and lights. Elements include 700 (solar panels), 710 (power to sensors), and 720 (power to lights). Figure 8: Flowchart of the software algorithm, showing how it holds information about all the spaces and directs drivers to available spaces. Elements include 800 (software algorithm), 810 (input of space availability), 820 (directions to drivers). DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a parking space locating system for open-air or covered car parks. This system provides a bird's eye view of a car park by providing beacons that show the driver where available parking spaces exist. This system could be suitable for large car parks such as at airports and shopping centres. In an example embodiment, the proposed system would require a car park to be partitioned into zones, the zones into lanes and the lanes into spaces. As a motorist enters the car park, the computer system directs him to, for example, Zone A, Row 4, Space 11. Further assistance in locating the available space would take the form of a flashing green light at space 11 on row 4 of zone A. The computer system is configured to know which space is available. In the middle of the border between contiguous spaces on adjacent rows such as space 9 on row 4 and space 9 on row 5 is placed a pole having a considerable height of over 2 meters. In certain embodiments, the pole may be of 2 to 4 meters in height to ensure its wide visibility. A sensor is built into the pole, facing each parking space, at a height of about 30 centimetres from the ground. These sensors control the flashing green lights mounted on the top of the poles. There will be two such lights at the top of each pole, one light facing each parking space. When a car is on a space, the sensor facing it picks up the presence of the vehicle and turns off the green light at the top of the pole. If the parking space is unoccupied, the sensor doesn't pick up the presence of an object there, turns on the green light and conveys this information to the computer system. The computer system holds in its memory all the available parking spaces and releases them one at a time as drivers arrive to park. It would thus be possible for drivers to be directed as they arrive to say zone A, Row 5, space 11 followed by zone A, row 4 and space 9. A wired electrical system would be appropriate for the purposes of certain car parks. For open air car park, solar panels could be provided and secured to the pole to power the sensors and the lights secured to the poles. The computer software would need to be able to hold the information about all the spaces in each parking zone namely, whether a parking space is occupied or available so that motorist would be able to be directed, sequentially, to the available spaces. If a light fails but the sensor connected to it is still serviceable, the computer system would still be able to direct drivers on arrival to available spaces. Figure 1 shows a bird's eye view of the car park, showcasing its overall layout. The car park (100) is partitioned into various zones (110), lanes (120), and spaces (130). The car park (100) is the entire area where vehicles are parked. It can be an open-air or covered car park and is typically found in large establishments like airports and shopping centres. The zones (110) are specific sections within the car park. They are created to organize the car park and make it easier for drivers to locate available parking spaces. Each zone is further divided into lanes. The lanes (120) are rows within each zone. They are designed to guide the drivers towards their designated parking space. Each lane consists of multiple parking spaces. The spaces (130) are individual parking spots where vehicles are parked. Each space is equipped with a sensor and a flashing green light mounted on top of a two meter pole, preferably a pole of 2.4 meters in height or higer. The sensor detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in the space and controls the light accordingly. The light flashes green when the space is available and turns off when it is occupied. The status of each space is communicated to a computer system which directs incoming drivers to available spaces. In case of open-air car parks, the sensors and lights are powered by solar panels which are secured to the pole itself. The computer system holds information about the occupancy status of all spaces and releases them sequentially to incoming drivers. Even if a light fails, as long as the sensor is functional, the computer system can still direct drivers to available spaces. Figure 2 provides a detailed view of a single zone within the parking space locating system. The figure is divided into three main elements: Element 200 represents a single zone within the car park. This zone is a partitioned area within the car park that is designated for parking. The zone is further divided into lanes and spaces to organize the parking area and make it easier for drivers to locate available parking spaces. Element 210 represents the lanes within the zone. These lanes are pathways that guide the drivers through the zone to their designated parking space. Each lane is numbered and contains a certain number of parking spaces. Element 220 represents the spaces within the lane. These are the individual parking spaces where drivers can park their vehicles. Each space is numbered and equipped with a sensor and a flashing green light. The sensor detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in the space and controls the light accordingly. If a space is occupied, the sensor turns off the light. If a space is unoccupied, the sensor turns on the light and communicates this information to the computer system. The computer system uses this information to direct drivers to available parking spaces within the zone. The system can also handle light failures, as long as the sensor connected to the light is still functional. Figure 3 provides a detailed view of a single lane within the parking system. The elements include the single lane (300), the individual parking spaces within the lane (310), and 2.4 meter poles (320) placed between the spaces. The single lane (300) is a part of the parking zone, which is divided into several lanes for better organization and ease of locating available parking spaces. The spaces within the lane (310) are the individual parking slots where vehicles can be parked. Each space is monitored by a sensor attached to a pole of 2.4 meters in height. The sensor detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in the space, which helps in determining the availability of the parking space. The 2.4 meter poles (320) are strategically placed between the parking spaces. Each pole has two sensors, one facing each adjacent parking space, and two lights at the top which are preferably green lights. If appropriate another lighting colour may be employed. The sensors detect the presence of a vehicle and control the lights accordingly. If a space is occupied, the corresponding light is turned off or maybe changed to a different colour. If the space is unoccupied, the light is turned on, indicating the availability of the space. The poles are also equipped with solar panels to power the sensors and lights. The information from the sensors is relayed to the computer system, which keeps track of the available spaces and directs incoming drivers to the next available space. The system is designed to continue functioning even if a light fails, as long as the sensor is still operational. Figure 4 provides a detailed view of a single parking space (400) within the parking space locating system. The parking space is equipped with a sensor (410) and a flashing green light (420). The sensor (410) is strategically placed at a height of about 30 centimetres from the ground on a pole of at least 2.4 meters that borders the parking space. This sensor is designed to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space. When a vehicle is present, the sensor communicates this information to the computer system, which then turns off the flashing green light (420). Conversely, when the parking space is unoccupied, the sensor does not detect any object, which triggers the computer system to turn on the flashing green light (420). The flashing green light (420) is mounted at the top of the pole, facing the parking space. This light serves as a visual indicator for drivers, helping them locate available parking spaces. When the light is on, it signifies that the parking space is available. The computer system, which is not shown in the figure, holds the information about the occupancy status of all parking spaces and releases this information sequentially to incoming drivers. This system is designed to efficiently direct drivers to available parking spaces, thereby optimizing the use of the car park. In the event of a light failure, as long as the sensor is still functional, the computer system can still direct drivers to available spaces. Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of the sensor and light system that is integral to the parking space locating system. The figure includes three main elements: Element 500: This is the sensor that is built into a pole of 2.4 meters placed in the middle of the border between contiguous spaces on adjacent rows. The sensor is positioned at a height of one foot from the ground and is designed to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. Element 510: This is the light that is mounted atop the pole. There are two such lights on each pole, each facing a parking space. The light is controlled by the sensor (Element 500). When a car occupies a space, the sensor detects its presence and turns off the light. Conversely, if the parking space is unoccupied, the sensor does not detect any object, and thus, turns on the light. Element 520: This represents a vehicle. The presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space is detected by the sensor (Element 500), which in turn controls the light (Element 510). The function of these elements is to provide real-time information about the occupancy status of each parking space in the car park. This information is conveyed to a computer system, which holds in its memory all the available parking spaces and releases them one at a time as drivers arrive to park. The system thus enables drivers to be directed sequentially to available spaces, improving the efficiency of parking in large car parks. In preferred embodiments, if there is only one car in the car park, there is only one light on and indications to find that particular space. This therefore allows the system to focus and only light up the required available space rather than having lights for indicating that a space is taken and lights to indicate each one of the available spaces. This allows the system to optimise the sequential filling of the car park. Figure 6 represents a schematic of the computer system that is integral to the functioning of the parking space locating system. The computer system (600) is the central processing unit that receives, stores, and manages all the information related to the parking spaces. Element 600: This is the computer system that serves as the brain of the parking space locating system. It is configured to receive inputs from the sensors, process this information, and control the release of available parking spaces. It holds in its memory all the available parking spaces and releases them one at a time as drivers arrive to park. Element 610: These are the inputs from the sensors placed on the poles between the parking spaces. The sensors detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. When a car is on a space, the sensor facing it picks up the presence of the vehicle and conveys this information to the computer system. If the parking space is unoccupied, the sensor doesn't pick up the presence of an object there and conveys this information to the computer system. Element 620: This is the output to the lights. Based on the information received from the sensors, the computer system controls the lights. If a parking space is occupied, the corresponding light is turned off. If a parking space is unoccupied, the corresponding light is turned on, indicating to the driver that the space is available. In case of a light failure, if the sensor connected to it is still serviceable, the computer system would still be able to direct drivers on arrival to available spaces. Figure 7 provides a schematic representation of the power system used in the parking space locating system. The main elements include: 700 - Solar Panels: These are the primary source of power for the system. They harness solar energy and convert it into electricity. This eco-friendly power source is particularly suitable for open-air car parks. 710 - Power to Sensors: This element represents the flow of power from the solar panels to the sensors. The sensors are crucial components of the system as they detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. When a space is unoccupied, the sensor activates a green light to signal its availability. 720 - Power to Lights: This element shows the power supply from the solar panels to the lights. The lights, mounted atop the poles, are controlled by the sensors. They flash green when a parking space is available and turn off when a space is occupied. The solar panels (700) provide a sustainable power source for the system, powering both the sensors (710) and the lights (720). The sensors and lights work in tandem to provide real-time information about parking space availability, which is then communicated to the driver by the computer system. This communication may be through wireless communication means such as an antenna. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the software algorithm that is integral to the functioning of the parking space locating system. The flowchart illustrates how the software algorithm holds information about all the parking spaces and directs drivers to available spaces. Element 800: This element represents the software algorithm itself. The algorithm is designed to keep track of the availability of parking spaces in real-time. It receives inputs about the occupancy status of each parking space and processes this information to provide accurate directions to drivers. Element 810: This element represents the input of space availability. The sensors placed in each parking space feed information to this element about whether a space is occupied or available. This data is then processed by the software algorithm (Element 800). Element 820: This element represents the directions given to drivers. Based on the input of space availability (Element 810), the software algorithm (Element 800) provides drivers with precise directions to available parking spaces. This element ensures efficient utilization of parking spaces and minimizes the time drivers spend searching for an available spot.

Claims

1. A parking space locating system, comprising: a plurality of zones, each zone divided into lanes, each lane further divided into parking spaces; a computer system configured to assign available parking spaces to incoming vehicles; a plurality of beacons, each beacon associated with a parking space and configured to indicate the availability of the parking space; and a plurality of sensors, each sensor associated with a parking space and configured to detect the presence of a vehicle in the parking space and communicate the occupancy status to the computer system.

2. The parking space locating system of claim 1, wherein each beacon comprises a light mounted atop a pole, the light configured to light up when the associated parking space is available.

3. The parking space locating system of claim 2, wherein each pole is positioned between two adjacent parking spaces and comprises two lights, each light facing one of the two adjacent parking spaces.

4. The parking space locating system any one of the preceding claims, wherein each sensor is mounted on a pole at a sufficient height to detect the presence of a vehicle.

5. The parking space locating system according to claim 4, wherein said sensor is located at a height of between 0.20 meters and 1 meter from the ground.

6. The parking space locating system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the computer system is configured to sequentially assign available parking spaces to incoming vehicles.

7. The parking space locating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer system is configured to continue assigning available parking spaces in the event of a beacon failure, provided the associated sensor remains operational.

8. The parking space locating system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source for the beacons and sensors which is charged by solar panels provided on the beacon itself.

9. The parking space locating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured for use in open-air car parks.

10. A method of locating a parking space in a parking lot, the method comprising: dividing the parking lot into a plurality of zones, each zone divided into lanes, each lane further divided into parking spaces; assigning available parking spaces to incoming vehicles using a computer system; indicating the availability of each parking space using a beacon; and detecting the presence of a vehicle in each parking space using a sensor.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of lighting up a light associated with a beacon when the associated parking space is available.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising the further step of flashing a light associated with each beacon when the associated parking space is available.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising the step of mounting each sensor on a pole at a sufficient height to detect the presence of a vehicle.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising sequentially assigning available parking spaces to incoming vehicles using the computer system.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising continuing to assign available parking spaces in the event of a beacon failure, provided the associated sensor remains operational.

16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising providing a power source for the beacons and sensors which is charged by a solar panel which is itself secured to said beacon.

17. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising storing information about the occupancy status of each parking space in the computer system.

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