Mobile Device Parking Detection via Distributed Sensor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
In city environments, users face difficulties in accessing services due to lack of real-time information for intelligent transportation decisions, particularly regarding parking and integration with other transportation modes, leading to stress, inefficiency, and health issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising mobile devices, sensor nodes, and remote servers that provide real-time information on parking availability and other services, allowing users to locate and purchase parking through a mobile application, integrating with other transportation modes and service information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time parking and transportation information is provided through a sensor network and mobile devices, then user decision-making quality and service accessibility are improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the city into multiple zones with distributed sensor nodes that independently monitor parking spaces and transportation services. Each sensor node operates autonomously to detect and report local conditions, while mobile devices receive and process information relevant to their current location. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by distributing functions across multiple independent components rather than requiring a centralized complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor nodes are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting parking space availability, monitoring transportation service status, and communicating with mobile devices. The mobile application similarly provides integrated information for both parking and transportation planning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive real-time information coverage.
2Loss of time
If users search for parking spaces without real-time information, then no additional infrastructure is required, but time is wasted and congestion and pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network continuously and proactively monitors parking space availability and transportation service status before users need this information. The system pre-processes and makes this data available to mobile devices in advance, allowing users to plan their trips efficiently without needing to physically search for parking or services. This preliminary provision of information eliminates wasted time and reduces unnecessary vehicle movement, thereby reducing congestion and pollution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated information for multiple transportation modes and services is provided, then transportation solution quality is improved, but information integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application serves as an intermediary that integrates information from multiple sources including sensor nodes, parking systems, and transportation services. Rather than requiring users to manually gather and synthesize information from disparate systems, the application consolidates this data and presents it in a unified, easy-to-understand format. This intermediary approach manages information integration complexity centrally in the software layer while maintaining high adaptability and versatility for users.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. A mobile device can be configured to receive information from local sensor nodes, such as parking sensor nodes, in the vicinity of the mobile device. In a parking application, the mobile device located in a moving vehicle can be configured to locate available parking based upon the information received from the parking sensor nodes. After an available parking space is obtained, the mobile device can be configured to initiate a purchase of parking and receive information related to parking enforcement. The mobile device can be configured to receive other types of information from local sensor nodes, such as transportation related sensor nodes and merchant provided sensor nodes. Based upon the information received from the local sensor nodes, a transportation application executing on the mobile device can be utilized to formulate a transportation solution involving one or more transportation modes.