Intelligent Imaging Parking Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking lot management systems fail to guide customers to available spaces, do not allow preferential pricing based on location, do not integrate with illumination and ventilation systems for energy efficiency, cannot detect vehicle types or unique vehicle features, and lack remote monitoring and security integration.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses cameras to acquire occupancy and identity images of parking spaces, directing customers to their vehicles, controlling environmental aspects based on occupancy, and integrating with security systems for real-time monitoring and targeted advertising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional sensor technologies are used to determine occupancy, then occupancy detection is achieved, but guidance to available spaces and vehicle location is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (ultrasonic sensors for occupancy detection, cameras for vehicle identification and location) into an integrated system. The camera system captures images of vehicles and their locations, while ultrasonic sensors detect occupancy status. This merging allows the system to provide both occupancy detection and detailed vehicle location information, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it identifies vehicle locations, captures vehicle images for recognition, and provides visual data for occupancy verification. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address multiple information needs (space availability, vehicle location, vehicle identification) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If basic occupancy detection is implemented, then parking space status is monitored, but preferential pricing based on location cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from simple binary occupancy detection to multi-dimensional monitoring by capturing spatial coordinates and visual characteristics of vehicles. Cameras provide not just occupancy status but precise location data, vehicle type, and visual identification. This dimensional expansion enables differentiated pricing strategies based on specific parking space locations, vehicle categories, and other variables that were previously unavailable.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If separate systems are used for parking control and illumination, then parking management is achieved, but energy consumption is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the illumination control system with the parking management system. The central controller receives occupancy data from ultrasonic sensors and camera systems, then automatically controls illumination in parking spaces based on real-time occupancy status. This merging eliminates the need for separate independent control systems while optimizing energy consumption through coordinated management of parking and lighting functions.
4Measurement precision
If simple occupancy sensors are used, then occupancy status is detected, but vehicle type and unique features cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system acts as an intermediary between the simple ultrasonic occupancy sensors and the detailed vehicle identification requirements. The cameras capture images of vehicles in occupied spaces, and image processing algorithms extract vehicle type, color, and other identifying features. This intermediary approach enables precise vehicle identification without requiring complex specialized sensors, as the camera technology serves as a versatile intermediate detection medium.
5Ease of operation
If local monitoring only is implemented, then real-time occupancy data is available, but remote viewing and intervention are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of the physical parking environment by capturing images with cameras and transmitting them to remote locations. These image copies allow remote users to view parking space occupancy and vehicle locations in real-time without being physically present. The digital replication of the parking lot visual state enables remote monitoring, verification, and intervention capabilities while maintaining complete information about the physical environment.
Data Source
AI summary
To manage a plurality of parking spaces, one or more images are acquired, with each parking space appearing in at least one image. Periodically acquired images of occupancy and identity are used in directing a customer to a parked vehicle. Periodically acquired mages of just occupancy are used in controlling respective environmental aspects, such as illumination and ventilation, of the parking spaces. For these purposes, the images are classified automatically as “vacant” or “occupied”, and are displayed along with their classifications so that the classifications can be corrected manually.