Portable RF Enforcement Device for Parking Violations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parking management systems lack accurate vehicle identification, motorist guidance, and enforcement automation, particularly in on-street urban areas, due to limitations in power consumption, infrastructure dependence, and inefficiencies in surveillance and enforcement technologies.

Innovation Solution

A parking management system incorporating a roadside unit with a vehicle occupancy sensor, RF transceiver, imaging camera system, and in-vehicle device with battery-operated RF transceiver, enabling unique vehicle identification, dynamic signage, and automated enforcement processes, while reducing power consumption and infrastructure requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed infrastructure cameras are used for photo enforcement, then enforcement capability is provided, but power consumption is high and location flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenforcement capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed infrastructure cameras to portable, mobile enforcement devices that can be dynamically deployed to different locations based on traffic engineering needs and accident-prone areas, eliminating the constraint of fixed power infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/power-dependent fixed camera systems with battery-operated portable devices that use modern low-power electronics and wireless communication, substituting the need for fixed power infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If fixed infrastructure cameras are used, then enforcement is provided, but location flexibility and adaptability to traffic needs are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenforcement capabilityVSAvoidlocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic deployment of enforcement cameras to various locations based on emerging surveillance needs and evolving threat scenarios, allowing rapid response to changing traffic conditions and accident-prone areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The portable enforcement devices serve multiple functions including photo enforcement, traffic monitoring, and surveillance across various locations, making the system versatile and adaptable to different traffic engineering needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual vehicle clamps with electronic keypads are used, then enforcement is provided, but vulnerability to elements and theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenforcement capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical clamps with automated electronic enforcement systems that can be remotely operated and monitored, eliminating the need for physical keypads that are vulnerable to dirt and weather

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated clamp system includes self-diagnostic capabilities and can be remotely monitored and controlled, reducing the need for manual intervention and protection against environmental damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If functional wireless clamps are created, then remote monitoring is enabled, but power consumption increases due to modem requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs low-power wireless communication technologies and optimizes modem operation parameters to enable remote monitoring functionality while maintaining acceptable power consumption levels for battery-operated devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system provides efficient vehicle identification, motorist guidance, and automated enforcement, reducing capital and operating expenses, enhancing enforcement capabilities, and improving motorist behavior modification, while being adaptable and efficient in power usage.

Implementation Method 1

a vehicle occupancy sensor with a zone of detection that corresponds to a parking space being monitored

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

a radio frequency (RF) transceiver with a first antenna that radiates towards the parking space to communicate with an in-vehicle transceiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11699346B1Advanced parking management system

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 SUBRAMANYA BALU

AI summary

A parking management system that facilitates motorist guidance, payment, violation detection, and enforcement using highly accurate space occupancy detection, unique vehicle identification, guidance displays, payment acceptance, violation detection, enforcement data generation, electronic booting, and towing management is described. The system enables reduced time to find parking, congestion mitigation, accurate violation detection, and easier enforcement, and increased payment and enforcement revenues to cities.