Reflector Antenna Beacon Positioning for Ticketless Parking Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for vehicle entry and exit in parking facilities face challenges such as ticketing system inefficiencies, inaccurate positioning, and the need for dedicated identification devices, leading to distractions, lost tickets, and long queues, especially in busy environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of transmitters with reflector antennas to determine a mobile device's location within a detection area based on signal strengths, allowing for automated entry and exit without the need for physical tickets or dedicated identification devices, using Bluetooth Low Energy devices and a mobile app to manage access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical ticketing system is used for vehicle entry and exit monitoring, then access control can be implemented, but drivers experience distractions, lost tickets, and long queues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from physical tickets and dedicated devices, using the mobile device's existing capabilities (camera, processor, communication interfaces) to perform access control. The mobile device captures images, processes them locally, and communicates results without requiring external ticketing infrastructure, thereby eliminating queues and ticket handling time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access control where the mobile device autonomously captures images, processes them through machine learning models, and communicates access decisions without requiring interaction with ticket machines or dedicated identification devices. The mobile device serves itself as both the identification carrier and the processing unit
2Measurement precision
If satellite positioning systems are used for location detection, then outdoor positioning can be achieved, but accuracy is limited to 3.5-10 meters which is insufficient for precise entry/exit detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual markers as intermediary objects between the mobile device and the entry/exit points. These markers serve as detectable intermediaries that the mobile device's camera can capture and identify, providing precise location information without relying on satellite positioning. The markers act as mediators that bridge the gap between the mobile device and the controlled access points
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from satellite-based coordinate positioning to visual marker recognition. By detecting the presence, absence, or sequence of visual markers, the system achieves higher precision location detection suitable for entry/exit control, transforming the positioning approach from GPS coordinates to visual field-based detection
3Measurement precision
If Bluetooth beacon systems are used for positioning, then indoor location can be detected, but signal interference causes varying detection distances and reduced accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based Bluetooth positioning system with a visual-based detection system using the mobile device's camera. Instead of relying on radio frequency signals that are susceptible to interference, the system uses optical detection of visual markers, which are not affected by electromagnetic interference or signal attenuation issues
4Reliability
If dedicated identification devices such as proximity cards or radio transmitters are used for access control, then secure access can be implemented, but users must carry additional devices which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by using it for multiple functions: communication, photography, machine learning processing, and access control identification. The mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities are leveraged to perform access control functions, eliminating the need for dedicated identification devices while maintaining security through image-based recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the identification function with the mobile device that users already carry for communication purposes. Instead of requiring separate proximity cards or radio transmitters, the access control functionality is combined with the mobile device's existing capabilities, particularly its camera and image processing abilities
5Reliability
If ticket machines are used for entry and exit monitoring, then access control can be implemented, but drivers must exit vehicles to collect or insert tickets which causes safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the access control function from physical ticket machines and relocates it to the mobile device. The mobile device captures images at entry and exit points, processes them locally, and communicates results without requiring the driver to interact with external machines or exit the vehicle, thereby eliminating the safety hazards associated with ticket handling
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 reduces distractions, eliminates the need for physical tickets, and minimizes queues by providing accurate and efficient vehicle monitoring and access control, enhancing safety and convenience in parking facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to a mobile device
Implementation Method 2
a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect signal transmission toward a detection area
Implementation Method 3
receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters from the plurality of transmitters; and determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on received signal strengths
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system, method, mobile communication device and one or more computer programs for a monitoring system. In one aspect, the system includes a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having associated therewith a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect signal transmission toward a detection area; and a mobile device configured to: receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters from the plurality of transmitters; and determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on received signal strengths of the at least some of the transmitter signals.