Automated Parking System Using Camera-Based Number Plate Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated parking systems are not applicable to on-street or roadside parking areas due to high traffic throughput, making it impractical to use barriers for fee enforcement, and existing solutions do not effectively monitor and charge users for parking fees without staffed patrols.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle parking system that uses camera means for number plate recognition, coupled with CCTV cameras for visual coverage, and a processing arrangement to track vehicle entry and exit times, calculate fees, and accept payments, distinguishing between parked and passing vehicles, and allowing various payment methods including phone, internet, or voucher systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barriers are used to enforce parking fees in automated systems, then fee collection is improved, but traffic throughput is blocked and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the barrier function from the automated parking system, recognizing that barriers block traffic flow in on-street parking. Instead, the system uses camera-based identification and processing arrangements to enforce fees without physical obstacles, maintaining traffic throughput while ensuring fee collection through alternative means such as number plate recognition and automated enforcement.
2Reliability
If staffed patrols are used to monitor parking, then fee enforcement is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the parking monitoring system operates autonomously without staffed patrols. Camera means automatically capture images of vehicles, the processing arrangement identifies and tracks vehicles, calculates parking fees, and enforces collection automatically. This eliminates the need for human operators while maintaining effective fee enforcement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human patrol system with an automated electronic system comprising camera means for visual detection, processing arrangements for data analysis and fee calculation, and automated payment collection mechanisms. This substitution eliminates operational costs associated with staffed patrols while maintaining or improving enforcement effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional automated parking systems are used in on-street areas, then fee collection is improved, but adaptability to high traffic throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic processing arrangements that continuously monitor traffic flow and adapt to varying conditions. The system dynamically identifies vehicles entering and leaving parking areas, calculates appropriate fees based on parking duration and type, and adjusts enforcement actions accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains effectiveness in high-traffic on-street environments where static barrier systems would fail.
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
Automates the monitoring and charging process for on-street parking, reducing the need for staffed patrols, accurately tracking vehicle stays and payments, and enabling efficient enforcement of parking fees and penalties, while providing evidence for disputes.
Implementation Method 1
camera means arranged to sense and record the numberplate of any vehicle entering the area
Implementation Method 2
an automatic number plate recognition engine arranged to capture an identifiable image of a vehicle or vehicle numberplate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle parking system for use at an on-street or other roadside parking area having provision for parking at least one vehicle at said area, the system comprising: a) primary camera means (1,4) arranged to sense and record the numberplate of any vehicle entering the area and entry time; b) data input means (5) for the user of a vehicle parking at the site to identify their vehicle and/or parking space; c) payment receiving means (5) coupled to a processing arrangement arranged to calculate a fee due and to accept payment and optionally to issue a receipt; d) secondary camera means (1,4) arranged to sense and record the numberplate of any vehicle leaving the area and an exit time, wherein the processing arrangement is arranged to record vehicles entering the parking area and parking their vehicles, and so distinguish them from vehides travelling on the road or street not using a parking space within said parking area.