Parking Tariff Display Delay Module for Dynamic Rate Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

In parking systems with dynamic tariffs, users may unknowingly enter a parking facility based on initial tariff rates displayed at the access section, only to face increased costs due to changes in tariffs while driving in, leading to potential dissatisfaction and discomfort, especially in longer access sections where users cannot easily reverse their decision once inside.

Innovation Solution

A parking system with a delay module that controls the display of changed tariff rates on the first display adjacent to the access device, ensuring it matches the second display's rates only after a predetermined delay, allowing users to enter based on initial tariff information and avoiding sudden increases in costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dynamic tariffing is implemented with real-time display updates, then the parking system can reflect current tariff rates accurately, but users may face increased costs after entering the access section due to tariff changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetariff information accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines a delay period before updating the first display after detecting a tariff change request. This preliminary delay allows users who have already entered the access section to complete their entry without being confronted with suddenly increased costs, while still ensuring that the display eventually reflects accurate current tariff rates for future users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the first display is updated immediately with changed tariff rates, then the parking system maintains current information accuracy, but users entering the access section may experience dissatisfaction due to unexpected cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetariff data currencyVSAvoiduser dissatisfaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The delay module provides a cushioning period that protects users from the harmful effect of sudden tariff changes after they have committed to entering the parking facility. This cushioning delay prevents user dissatisfaction while ensuring that tariff information is eventually updated to reflect current rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a delay is introduced before updating the first display, then user comfort is improved by avoiding sudden cost increases, but the parking system takes longer to reflect current tariff rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidinformation update delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The delay period is not fixed but is dynamically determined based on the distance of the access section. The delay module calculates an appropriate delay time that corresponds to the time required for a vehicle to traverse the access section, ensuring that the delay is sufficient to protect entering users while minimizing unnecessary delays for the information update.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3809379B1Parking system for a parking device
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 SCHEIDT & BACHMANN GMBH
  • EP3809379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3809379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3809379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to a parking system (100, 200) comprising at least one access arrangement (101, 201) with at least one access device (104, 204) configured to control passage from a first area (107, 207) with an access section (112, 212) into a further area (109, 209), at least one first display (108, 208) arranged at least adjacent to the access device (104, 204) and configured to display a parking rate data record, at least one second display (110, 210) arranged remotely from the access device (104, 204) and on the access section (112, 212) and configured to display the parking rate data record, and at least one parking rate control device (114, 214) configured to control the at least one first display (108, 208) and the at least one second display (110, 210) in the case of a request to change at least one parking tariff parameter, such asthat the display of the amended parking rate record is effected by at least one first display (108, 208) and at least one second display (110, 210), and includes at least one delay module (120, 220) configured to delay the display of the amended parking rate record by the at least one first display (108, 208) compared to the display of the amended parking rate record by the at least one second display (110, 210) by a delay duration.