Dynamic Parking Sign System Reduces Traffic Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking systems on public roads operate on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to traffic congestion, frustration, and pollution as drivers search for available parking spaces, which can discourage visits to areas with difficult parking.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system using dynamic street signs to direct users to available parking spaces by determining occupancy and displaying directions to nearest available spaces, incorporating factors like proximity, cost, and duration, to reduce search time and congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If first-come, first-served parking control is used, then parking regulation simplicity is maintained, but traffic congestion and driver frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining parking space availability and calculating directions before drivers need to search for parking. The computer system proactively identifies available spaces and computes navigation instructions, allowing drivers to be directed to parking locations in advance rather than searching reactively after entering an area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computer system that mediates between drivers and parking spaces. Instead of drivers directly searching for parking through manual observation and trial-and-error, the intermediary system processes requests, determines availability, calculates optimal directions, and provides guidance, thereby reducing search time and frustration.
2Device complexity
If drivers search for available parking spaces manually, then no additional infrastructure is needed, but time and fuel are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manual search process with an automated computer-based system. Instead of drivers physically searching for parking through visual inspection and trial parking attempts, the system uses computational algorithms to determine availability and calculate directions, substituting mechanical search actions with electronic processing and information delivery.
3Ease of operation
If dynamic signs display parking directions, then driver frustration is reduced, but sign complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic signs that can change their display content based on real-time conditions. Rather than static parking signs, the system uses signs that dynamically update available parking information and directions as parking spaces become occupied or become available, adapting the sign content to current system state and driver needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method for providing directions to available parking spaces via dynamic signs is provided. A plurality of available parking spaces is determined. Two or more parking signs in a proximate location are identified. One sign is located prior to the other sign. At least one of the available parking spaces is selected from the plurality of parking spaces for providing directions via the identified signs. A direction of the available parking space is determined for each of the parking signs in relation to that parking sign. The direction of the available parking space from each parking sign is displayed on that parking sign.