Solar Parking Sensor Detecting Occupancy to Reduce Search Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating an available parking space in crowded parking lots is challenging, leading to frustration for drivers and contributing to pollution due to increased search times and congestion.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered parking assist system that uses a sensor device with a camera to detect parking space occupancy and transmit data to a post device, which communicates the availability to drivers using a light-emitter, allowing for efficient identification of open spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If drivers manually search for parking spaces in crowded parking lots, then they can locate available spaces, but it takes 10 or more minutes per driver causing frustration and increased congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, processors, and display devices that mediate between the parking spaces and drivers. Sensors detect occupancy status, processors analyze the data, and display devices provide real-time visual guidance to drivers, eliminating the need for manual searching and significantly reducing parking search time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring parking space occupancy through sensors and providing real-time updates to drivers via display devices. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows drivers to immediately know the status of parking spaces and navigate directly to available spots, transforming the manual trial-and-error search process into an efficient guided navigation system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drivers spend extended time searching for parking spaces, then they can eventually find available spaces, but this contributes to pollution and increased carbon dioxide emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of parking space occupancy before drivers arrive at the parking lot. Sensors continuously monitor and processors pre-analyze the status of all parking spaces, so when drivers arrive, they receive immediate guidance to available spots. This preliminary action eliminates unnecessary driving loops and idling, directly reducing pollution emissions.
3Productivity
If a parking assist system is implemented, then parking search efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to sensors, processors, and display devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parking assist system into three independent functional segments: detection segment (sensors that monitor occupancy), processing segment (processors that analyze data), and display segment (devices that provide visual guidance). Each segment operates independently but communicates through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to achieve high productivity while managing complexity through modular architecture.
4Ease of operation
If real-time parking space data is provided to drivers, then frustration is reduced and parking lot usage is optimized, but energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring rather than continuous operation. Sensors detect occupancy changes at predetermined intervals or when triggered by vehicle presence, processors analyze data periodically, and display devices update information at scheduled times. This periodic action provides real-time guidance to drivers while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
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 significantly reduces the time drivers spend searching for parking spaces, decreases frustration, and minimizes pollution by providing real-time information on available spaces, thereby optimizing parking lot usage.
Implementation Method 1
A solar-powered parking assist system that uses a sensor device with a camera
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device configured to detect parking space data as a function of a camera
Implementation Method 3
which communicates the availability to drivers using a light-emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A parking assist system wherein the system includes a sensor device configured to detect parking space data and transmit it to a post device, wherein the sensor device includes an energy storage device, and a communication device. The communication device may include a camera. The system includes a post device in communication with the sensor device, the system configured to collect parking space data transmitted from a sensor device and communicate parking space occupancy to a driver, wherein the post device includes a vertical post, an energy storage device, a communication device, and a light-emitter. The system may utilize one or more machine-learning algorithms and generate one or more machine-learning models to detect parking space occupancy.