Micro-Radar Calibration and Vehicle Identification in Parking Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking detection systems cannot identify specific vehicles in parking spots, leading to issues with generating parking tickets for illegally parked vehicles, managing parking fees, and confirming reservations, as they lack the ability to determine vehicle identity and position accurately. Additionally, micro-radar technology faces calibration challenges, small micro-power antennas struggle with direction detection, and wireless sensor networks experience interference and power management issues.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates an On-Board Device (OBD) with sensors to identify vehicles and their parking spots, using micro-radar technology with calibration circuits and directional microwave antennas, and implements a localized communication protocol to manage message collisions and power efficiently within wireless sensor networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based parking detection systems are used, then parking spot occupancy detection is improved, but vehicle identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (sensors, micro-radar, cameras) into an integrated system that simultaneously achieves occupancy detection and vehicle identification. The sensor detects presence while the micro-radar and camera capture vehicle-specific data for identification, merging these functions into a unified parking management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking detection system is designed with multi-functional capabilities beyond simple occupancy detection. It incorporates vehicle identification, parking fee management, reservation confirmation, and enforcement ticket generation, making the system universal and applicable to various parking management scenarios.
2Measurement precision
If micro-radar technology is used, then vehicle detection capability is improved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-radar system incorporates self-calibration capabilities that automatically adjust and optimize its parameters without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces calibration complexity while maintaining high vehicle detection precision through automated feedback loops and adaptive tuning.
3Volume of moving object
If small micro-power antennas are used, then device size is reduced, but direction detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric antenna designs and non-uniform element distributions in the micro-radar array that compensate for the size reduction. By strategically placing antenna elements with varying spacing and orientations, the system maintains direction detection capability despite using compact micro-power antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional antenna arrays to three-dimensional configurations or uses vertical stacking of antenna elements. This dimensional approach allows small antennas to achieve adequate direction detection by utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions rather than relying on large planar arrays.
4Area of stationary object
If wireless sensor networks are used, then network coverage is improved, but interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor network implements periodic transmission and sleep cycles where sensors activate only when needed for detection or data transmission, then enter low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation pattern extends battery life and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining adequate network coverage through coordinated sensor activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network dynamically adjusts transmission power, data sampling rates, and sensor activation based on real-time conditions such as vehicle presence, traffic density, and battery status. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between network coverage and power consumption, reducing energy usage when full coverage is not required.
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
Enables accurate identification and tracking of vehicles in parking spots, efficient calibration of micro-radar units, and effective management of parking sessions and fees, while minimizing power consumption and addressing interference in wireless networks.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell adapted to charge the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery does not have sufficient electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a microwave antenna coupled to a transceiver adapted to transmit a microwave signal that reflects off of the vehicle to create a radio frequency reflection received by the micro-radar
Implementation Method 3
The sensor uses the received RF reflection to at least partly create a distance and a direction from the sensor to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The following are disclosed: Vehicle parking detection, sensors and an On-Board Device (OBD) to create a parking session. Radars, microwave antennas, rechargeable power supplies and their power management circuits. A localized communications protocol between the wireless nodes and repeaters within a wireless network is disclosed. Wireless sensors and wireline sensors. The networks and/or systems may support parking spot management/monitoring, vehicle traffic analysis and/or management of stationary and/or moving vehicles, monitor storage areas and/or manage production facilities. These networks and/or systems may be operated to generate reports of incorrectly parked vehicles, such as reserved parking spots for other vehicles, vehicles parked in multiple parking spots and/or overstaying the time they are permitted to park.