Remote Parking Reservation via Geo-Location Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking space reservation systems require fixed physical indicators and sensors, which are cumbersome and inefficient, especially in cities transitioning to reduce car traffic and pollution by promoting bike usage, making it difficult for drivers to find and manage parking spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing geo-location information stored in a parking database, combined with web-enabled computing devices and vehicle positioning systems, allows users to reserve parking spaces remotely without the need for physical indicators or sensors, providing real-time status updates and enabling efficient management of parking space availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed physical indicators and sensors are installed for each parking space, then parking space status can be determined, but the system becomes complex and costly to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of parking space information stored in a database instead of physical indicators. The system creates a digital representation of parking space status that can be accessed remotely, eliminating the need for physical sensors and indicators at each parking location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical sensors and indicators with an information-based system using web-enabled devices and database storage. The determination of parking space status is achieved through data retrieval and processing rather than physical detection mechanisms.
2Productivity
If users physically search for parking spaces, then they can find available spaces, but it consumes time and contributes to traffic congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform preliminary actions by remotely checking parking space availability and making reservations before arriving at the destination. This advance planning eliminates the need for time-consuming physical searches and reduces unnecessary traffic from vehicles circling looking for parking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a web server and database as intermediaries between users and parking spaces. Users interact with the system through web-enabled devices to obtain parking information and make reservations, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with parking spaces.
3Measurement precision
If physical sensors are installed to detect occupancy, then accurate status information is obtained, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of occupancy detection from physical sensors and implements it through information-based methods. The system determines occupancy status by processing data from web-enabled devices and comparing it with database information, removing the need for physical sensing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where web-enabled devices serve multiple functions: providing parking information, enabling reservations, and determining occupancy status. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized physical sensors and indicators at each parking location.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method for reserving a parking space for a vehicle using a web-enabled computing device and its positioning system. The method comprises:requesting, while the mobile computing device is at a present location, an unreserved and/or unoccupied parking space thereby defining a selected parking space;computing an estimated travel time from the present location of the mobile computing device to the selected parking space;based on the estimated travel time, automatically calculating, an initial reservation period for the selected parking space;accepting the initial reservation period; andupon the accepting, generating and transmitting a reservation signal to the parking system database, the reservation signal comprising an ID of, and the initial reservation period for, the selected parking space and instructions for changing the status of the selected parking space from unreserved to reserved.