Parking Guidance System for Real-Time Spot Tracking and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Finding and managing parking spaces is a time-consuming and complicated process, especially in urban areas where parking is scarce, as existing GPS navigation systems do not effectively guide users to available parking spots or facilitate easy retrieval of their vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a mobile device application or GPS navigation system to track and guide users to vacant parking spots, mark them as occupied, and provide guidance back to the user's vehicle, utilizing data from various sources and sensors to manage parking availability and implement peer-to-peer communication for real-time updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional GPS navigation systems are used for destination guidance, then users can receive navigation to their destination, but users must spend additional time searching for parking spots manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines destination navigation and parking spot guidance into a single integrated system. The GPS navigation system not only guides users to their destination but also automatically identifies, tracks, and guides users to available parking spots in the same vicinity, eliminating the need for separate manual parking searches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively searching for and identifying available parking spots before the user arrives at the destination. The system tracks parking spot availability in advance and prepares guidance information, so that when the user reaches the destination area, parking options are already identified and ready for immediate navigation.
2Productivity
If manual parking search methods are used, then users can find parking spots, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming especially in cities with scarce parking
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where users simply activate the parking feature in the navigation application, and the system automatically performs all subsequent tasks including identifying available spots, tracking occupancy status, providing turn-by-turn guidance to the spot, and notifying the user when the vehicle has been passed. This eliminates the need for manual parking search efforts while maintaining system simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where parking spot occupancy status is monitored and updated in real-time. When a parking spot transitions from available to occupied, the system receives feedback and automatically provides alternative parking options. The system also provides feedback to the user throughout the journey, confirming arrival at the parking spot and detecting when the user has retrieved their vehicle.
3Loss of information
If GPS navigation guides users to destination, then users arrive at destination, but users lose track of parking spot location making vehicle retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the parking spot location information and stores it in the navigation system's memory. Instead of relying on the user's memory, the system records the exact GPS coordinates and visual characteristics of the parking spot, then uses this stored information to provide accurate guidance back to the vehicle when the user needs to retrieve it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical human memory function with an electronic information storage and retrieval system. The navigation application automatically captures, stores, and manages parking spot location data, eliminating the need for users to manually remember or record where they parked. The system substitutes human cognitive effort with automated digital information processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing a parking system comprising receiving a request for a parking location from a user of a mobile device, selecting an available spot, and guiding the user to the available spot. The method in on embodiment further comprises marking the parking location. In one embodiment, the user may also be given guidance back to the marked parking location.