Dynamic Parking Platform Using Mobile Self-Service and E-Ticket Beacons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking fee payment systems are labor-intensive, costly, and inconvenient for both municipalities and private parking providers, as they require manual collection and processing, which hinders efficient management and revenue generation.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic parking management platform utilizing mobile communication devices, backend servers, and auxiliary E-Ticket devices for secure, paperless parking fee payments, enabling dynamic pricing and time settings, and integrating with existing infrastructure to streamline transactions without requiring significant changes to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual collection of parking permit tickets and fee payments is used, then parking fee collection can be performed, but labor intensity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables drivers to self-service parking payment through mobile devices. Drivers automatically initiate parking sessions, receive notifications about parking status and fees, and complete payments without attendant intervention. The mobile application handles the entire payment workflow, eliminating the need for manual ticket collection and payment processing by attendants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical ticket handling, cash collection, and manual record-keeping) with electronic and mobile computing systems. The mechanical system of attendants physically collecting tickets and payments is substituted by an automated mobile application that communicates with backend servers to process payments electronically and manage parking records digitally.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical or electronic parking meters are deployed, then parking fee collection is automated, but installation and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate infrastructure components. A single mobile device performs parking session initiation, time tracking, payment processing, and receipt generation, replacing the need for dedicated parking meters, ticket dispensers, and payment terminals at each parking location.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application acts as an intermediary between the driver and the parking management system. Instead of requiring physical parking meters at each location, the mobile device communicates with backend servers to manage parking sessions, eliminating the need for expensive on-site electronic meter infrastructure while maintaining automated payment capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional parking management systems are used, then parking fees can be collected, but transaction processing time and driver inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring payment methods in the mobile application and pre-calculating parking fees based on location and duration. When a driver needs to pay, the system has already prepared the payment interface and processed the transaction in the background, eliminating the need for manual payment handling and reducing transaction time to a simple confirmation action.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application maintains continuous communication with the backend server throughout the parking session, automatically tracking time and managing payment status. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions and manual intervention, allowing transactions to be processed seamlessly in the background while the driver continues with other activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic parking management platform (10) includes a mobile communication device (20), a parking server (12), and an electronic ticket device (30) that cooperate to enable a vehicle driver to effect electronically a secure parking fee payment transaction. The electronic ticket device emits a beacon signal to enable transmission of vehicle parking time and other information to a wireless communication device (40) carried by a parking service provider officer or attendant walking past a parked vehicle and not having to view a display surface on the electronic ticket device. A lock and key capability enables secure parking fee payments and prevents unauthorized parking fee transactions. The parking management platform configured to induce vehicle drivers to purchase a product or service by parking discount inducement or advertisement information from merchants whose stores are located nearby the vehicle parking area.