Magnetic Field Sensor Parking Detection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting parked vehicles in paid parking areas are inefficient, requiring manual ticketing and manual verification by parking authorities, and existing sensor systems may provide insufficient updates on occupancy status due to potential faults.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing magnetic field sensors embedded in parking lot floor coverings to detect vehicle movement and determine if a vehicle is parked by comparing movement information with sensor measurements, enabling automatic detection and communication of parking status to vehicles and billing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual ticketing and manual verification methods are used, then drivers can obtain parking tickets and parking providers can verify them, but both processes require significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical ticketing and verification processes with an automated sensor-based detection system. Magnetic field sensors embedded in the parking lot floor automatically detect vehicle presence and movement, eliminating the need for manual ticket issuance and verification by parking authorities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service parking detection where vehicles automatically trigger sensor detection when entering parking spaces. The magnetic field sensors autonomously monitor vehicle presence and communicate occupancy status without requiring driver action or manual intervention from parking providers.
2Reliability
If a single information source updates occupancy status, then the data processing station receives updates, but the information may be insufficient or faulty leading to inaccurate occupancy status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parking lot into multiple zones with individual magnetic field sensors embedded in the floor covering. Each sensor independently monitors its specific parking space, providing distributed and redundant occupancy information that improves reliability compared to a single information source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where magnetic field sensors continuously monitor vehicle presence and communicate occupancy status to the data processing station. The system cross-validates sensor data with vehicle movement information to ensure accurate occupancy status updates.
3Productivity
If magnetic field sensors are embedded in the floor covering, then vehicle movement can be detected automatically, but the installation complexity and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field sensors with the existing floor covering structure of the parking lot. By integrating sensors into the floor during construction or renovation, the system achieves automated vehicle detection without requiring separate, complex installation processes.
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
This approach allows for efficient, automated detection and billing of parked vehicles, reducing manual effort for both drivers and parking providers, and enhances the accuracy of occupancy status updates, enabling semi-automatic billing and unauthorized parking detection.
Implementation Method 1
receiving measured values from at least one magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor is embedded in a floor covering of the parking lot or arranged on the floor covering of the parking lot. The measured values reflect absolute values or relative changes in the earth's magnetic field measured by the magnetic field sensor.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for assigning a vehicle to a parking space. The method includes receiving motion information from the vehicle. This motion information contains details about the vehicle's movement. Furthermore, the method includes receiving measured values from at least one sensor assigned to the parking space. The method also includes comparing the motion information with the measured values.