Digital License Plate Integration for Automated Parking Payment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking payment systems require manual payment for vehicles, lacking an efficient and automated solution for handling parking fees and fines, which can be inconvenient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A digital license plate system that integrates with a payment and information handling system, using wireless communication to automate payment processing and display vehicle identification, registration, and advertisements, while also providing alerts and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual payment systems are used for parking fees, then users can pay parking fees, but the process is inconvenient and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The digital license plate system enables automatic self-service payment for parking fees. The system automatically detects parking events, calculates fees, and processes payments without requiring manual user intervention, thereby improving convenience and reducing human error in the payment process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical payment processes with automated electronic systems. The digital license plate integrates with payment processing systems to automatically handle fee calculation and payment, substituting the manual cash or card payment process with an automated electronic transaction system
2Extent of automation
If digital license plate systems are implemented, then automated payment processing is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital license plate is designed as a multi-functional device that not only displays vehicle identification information but also serves as a payment terminal, communication device, and data storage unit. By consolidating multiple functions into a single device, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the license plate display function with payment processing, communication, and data storage capabilities into an integrated system. The digital license plate unit combines multiple subsystems (display, payment terminal, wireless communication module) into a single consolidated device, reducing the number of separate components needed
3Loss of information
If digital license plate displays are used, then vehicle identification information can be displayed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital license plate display operates using periodic updating rather than continuous display. The system refreshes information at intervals rather than maintaining constant illumination, significantly reducing energy consumption while ensuring information remains visible and up-to-date for enforcement monitoring purposes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless, automated payment for parking fees and fines, enhancing convenience and reducing manual errors, while also providing additional functionalities like vehicle information display and alerts.
Implementation Method 1
A communication module may be included that allows for wireless communication with other devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A digital license plate with an associated payment and information handling system is described. The payment system allows for automated payment for parking that includes sending authorization to pay parking related payments to a payment authority, with authorization at least partially incorporating information stored in the digital license plate.