Computer Vision Parking-Space Monitoring for Automatic Fee Payment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and automating fee payments for short parking durations, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience, while lacking effective data collection and presentation for regulatory and planning purposes.
Innovation Solution
A computer vision-assisted system with dual sensors and a processing unit monitors parking spaces, tracks vehicle ingress and egress, and automatically charges users based on pre-registered accounts, using a computer vision pipeline to detect and identify vehicles, track their presence, and generate invoices without user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional parking monitoring systems are used, then basic parking space monitoring is achieved, but automated fee calculation and payment for short parking durations is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors parking spaces using computer vision, calculates fees based on detected parking duration, and processes payments without requiring driver intervention. The automated system serves itself by detecting vehicle entry/exit, computing charges, and executing transactions autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical parking meters and manual monitoring are replaced with computer vision-based automated detection and electronic payment systems. The patent uses image processing, machine learning models, and digital transaction processing to substitute physical monitoring mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If manual parking monitoring is used, then system complexity is reduced, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring monitoring parameters, pre-calculating fee structures, and pre-establishing payment methods before actual parking events occur. This preparation enables seamless automated operation during actual parking transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that bridges camera detection, fee calculation, and payment processing. This intermediate system layer coordinates the complexity of multiple subsystems while presenting a simple automated interface to users.
3Loss of information
If camera-based parking space monitoring is implemented, then data collection capability is improved, but data presentation and utilization for regulatory purposes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that process collected parking data into actionable insights for regulatory purposes. The feedback loop transforms raw camera data into summarized statistics, violation reports, and planning recommendations that stakeholders can utilize effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors parking durations for fee calculation, detects violations for enforcement, gathers traffic flow data for planning, and provides statistical summaries for policy-making. This multi-functional approach maximizes the utility of collected data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for computer vision assisted parking space monitoring, vehicle identification, transactionable event determination, calculation of parking fees, automated transaction processing, invoice generation, user communication, and automated payment processing from a registered user via a registered user account with prior user authorization and providing traffic and parking data to interested users and third parties.