Parking Management System Using Optical Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking management systems fail to provide accurate on-street parking space detection, unique vehicle identification, motorist guidance, violation detection, and enforcement automation, leading to inefficiencies and citizen dissatisfaction in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising occupancy detection sensors, reservations indicators, and mobile applications that use battery-operated time-of-flight ranging tags and voice-controlled interfaces to manage parking reservations, detect vehicle occupancy, and enforce parking rules, integrating with central parking management systems and dynamic message signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electro-mechanical stoppers are used in each parking space, then parking space occupancy can be detected, but devices may damage vehicles and cause motorist confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electro-mechanical stoppers with optical sensors (cameras, image processing systems) to detect vehicle occupancy. This substitution eliminates physical contact between detection devices and vehicles, removing the risk of vehicle damage while maintaining occupancy detection capability through visual field analysis.
2Loss of information
If passive RFID tags or beacons are used to uniquely identify vehicles, then vehicle identification is enabled, but high powered transponders are required which are not compatible with battery operated parking devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image processing to create a digital copy of the vehicle's license plate or visual identifier. Instead of requiring active RFID transponders in each vehicle, the system captures visual information through cameras and processes images to extract identification data, eliminating the need for powered identification devices in vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual identifier (license plate or vehicle markings) that can be captured by external cameras. This intermediary allows vehicle identification without requiring direct communication between powered transponders and parking devices, enabling battery-operated systems to identify vehicles passively.
3Loss of information
If GPS based vehicle location is used, then vehicle position can be tracked, but spatial accuracy is poor especially in dense urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based location tracking with optical field-based detection using cameras and image processing. This substitution provides higher spatial accuracy by directly visualizing vehicle position within parking spaces, overcoming GPS limitations in dense urban areas where satellite signals are blocked or reflected.
4Loss of information
If applications require extensive hands-on interfaces, then parking reservations can be made, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated parking management where the system itself performs detection, identification, and enforcement functions without requiring extensive user interaction. Users can make reservations through simplified interfaces, and the system automatically monitors occupancy, validates reservations, and enforces parking rules, reducing the need for hands-on user operation.
5Productivity
If current parking management technology is used, then basic parking operations can be performed, but accurate space occupancy detection and violation detection are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous visual monitoring through cameras that provide real-time feedback on parking space occupancy and vehicle compliance. The system processes image data to detect violations, validate reservations, and update parking status, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that improves both management efficiency and detection accuracy compared to passive or periodic monitoring systems.
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
The system enables accurate and efficient parking space management, reducing traffic congestion, improving user experience, and generating revenue by providing real-time data and automated enforcement, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
battery-operated time-of-flight ranging tags
Data Source
AI summary
A parking management system includes a roadside unit having a vehicle occupancy sensor with a zone of detection that corresponds to a parking space. The roadside unit includes an imaging camera with an image processor to image a vehicle in the parking space the imaging camera being triggered based on a change in occupancy condition determined by the vehicle occupancy sensor, a solar panel charging a battery configured to provide at least a portion of energy needed for the roadside unit, and a wireless transceiver configured to communicate data from the roadside unit to a parking management system central computer. The imaging camera changes quickly from a low power mode to an active mode so as to image a vehicle entering or exiting the parking space.