NFC Parking Meter Reservation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking meter systems are inefficient and costly, as they require manual payment and time slot estimates, leading to potential over or underuse, lost revenue, and high maintenance costs for authorities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing NFC-enabled devices and parking meters that allow consumers to reserve and pay for parking spaces using near-field communications, enabling efficient time tracking and payment processing through a single tap, with options for prepayment and alerts for time lapse, and allowing remote payment and space release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical parking meters are used, then payment collection is simple, but tracking usage and collection information is difficult and maintenance is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical parking meters with electronic systems that use NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The mechanical dial and coin slot are substituted with an NFC reader, display screen, and electronic payment processing system. This allows digital tracking of usage and collection information while reducing physical maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary NFC communication system between the user and the parking meter. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the system uses NFC-enabled devices (mobile phones, cards) as intermediaries to transfer payment information and trigger electronic payment processing, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Extent of automation
If electronic parking meters with power connections are used, then payment processing is automated, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service parking meter system that operates independently without external power connections. The meter uses energy harvesting from the NFC communication itself and stores payment information locally. Users can make payments by simply tapping their NFC-enabled device, and the system automatically processes payment, calculates time slots, and provides confirmation without requiring external power or complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable or replaceable battery packs instead of permanent power connections. The battery can be easily replaced when depleted, eliminating the need for complex wired power infrastructure while maintaining automation capabilities. This approach reduces system complexity and installation requirements.
3Ease of operation
If pre-defined time slot reservations are used, then payment processing is simplified, but consumers may over or underuse the time slot leading to lost revenue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors actual parking duration and compares it with the reserved time slot. The display shows real-time information about remaining time and usage. If the consumer exceeds the reserved time, the system automatically calculates additional charges and prompts for extended payment, ensuring accurate revenue collection while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the time slot allocation dynamic rather than static. The system can adjust the reserved time based on actual usage patterns, demand, and payment status. If a consumer uses more time than reserved, the system dynamically extends the time slot upon additional payment. This dynamic adjustment ensures both operational simplicity and revenue accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If manual payment at the meter is required, then consumers can make payment, but convenience is reduced and time is lost traveling to the meter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the consumer's own NFC-enabled device (mobile phone, smart card) as an intermediary for payment. The payment function is transferred from the parking meter to the consumer's personal device. The consumer can initiate and complete payment by simply tapping their device against the meter, eliminating the need to manually insert coins or bills and reducing the time and effort required for payment.
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 solution enhances consumer convenience, reduces lost revenue for authorities, and lowers maintenance costs by providing efficient and accurate payment processing and space management.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transceiver disposed in the parking meter housing. The wireless transceiver can be configured to receive and transmit a signal from and to an NFC-enabled device regarding a parking space
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer readable media for facilitating reservation for a parking space with a near field communications (NFC)-enabled device are provided. A system can include an NFC-enabled parking meter associated with a parking space and a controller in communication with the NFC-enabled parking meter for measuring time and processing payment. A system can include an NFC-enabled device that upon interfacing with the NFC-enabled parking meter communicates with the controller to create a reservation of a parking space.