Embedded Light Source Parking Lot Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for promoting parking lot utilization are limited in effectively managing low demand periods and optimizing space usage for events.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that determines low demand for parking by comparing a demand score with a threshold value, sets a part of the parking lot to a parking prohibited state, and instructs vehicles to move to another area, while also selecting and managing events based on popularity and space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the parking fee is set high when demand is high and low when demand is low, then parking lot utilization is promoted, but the parking lot remains underutilized during low demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking lot utilizationVSAvoidspace waste during low demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The parking lot system dynamically changes the functional state of parking spaces based on real-time demand conditions. When demand is low, previously static parking spaces are converted into event spaces, creating a dynamic multi-functional environment that adapts to varying utilization needs throughout the day

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Parking spaces are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be used for vehicle parking during high demand periods and transformed into event spaces during low demand periods. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to support both parking and event activities, eliminating space waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If a light source is embedded in the road surface to display parking status, then real-time information is provided to users, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking status information availabilityVSAvoidlight source embedding system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded light source system operates autonomously, automatically detecting parking space occupancy and displaying status information without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the information display function, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while providing real-time visibility of parking availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the first area is set to parking prohibited state during low demand, then event spaces can be created, but vehicles currently in the area must be relocated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace functional conversionVSAvoidvehicle relocation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of low demand conditions and proactively notifies drivers before the area is converted to event space. This advance notice allows vehicles to be relocated in advance or at convenient times, reducing the disruption and time loss associated with forced relocation after conversion begins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12315305B2Information processing apparatus, method, and non-transitory storage medium thereof for controlling light source embedded in parking lot
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12315305B2 patent drawing
  • US12315305B2 patent drawing
  • US12315305B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control unit of an information processing apparatus determines, upon determining that a demand for parking in a parking lot is low based on a comparison between a score indicating the demand and a predetermined first threshold value, to set a first area to a parking prohibited state. The first area is at least a part of the parking lot.