In-Vehicle Parking Payment Control for Hands-Free Time Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking solutions require user interaction for payment, whether through mobile apps, attendants, or parking meters, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses in-vehicle and parking facility devices to monitor vehicle presence and duration within a parking facility, enabling hands-free payment based on actual parking time and location, using sensors and wireless communication to track and calculate charges without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional parking payment methods (mobile app, attendant, parking meter) are used, then payment can be processed, but user interaction is required which reduces convenience and increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service parking payment by having the vehicle's controller automatically monitor its own status, measure parking duration, and communicate payment information without requiring user interaction. The vehicle serves itself by detecting entry/exit events and calculating charges autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical user interaction systems (manual payment at meters or attendants) with an automated electronic system using wireless communication interfaces and controllers that automatically exchange payment information between the vehicle and parking facility devices.
2Ease of operation
If automated monitoring systems are deployed to eliminate user interaction, then convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle controller performs multiple functions: it monitors vehicle status, measures parking duration, detects entry/exit events, and communicates with parking facility devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware at the parking facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle controller acts as an intermediary between the driver and the parking facility system. It receives interrogating signals from the parking facility, processes parking information, and transmits payment data, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing intelligence in the vehicle.
3Extent of automation
If hands-free monitoring is implemented using sensors and wireless communication, then user interaction is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from wireless communication signals to verify vehicle presence and status. The controller continuously monitors vehicle status and adjusts measurements based on feedback from sensors and communication signals, ensuring accurate parking duration and location tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication protocols and sensor calibration before actual parking monitoring begins. The controller is pre-programmed with parking facility boundaries and measurement parameters to ensure precise automated tracking from the start.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus are described that enable a serial bus to be operated in one or more modes that employ additional wires for communicating data. A method includes a method includes providing a first interrogating signal configured to cause a controller in a vehicle that is entering the parking facility to monitor status of the vehicle while the vehicle is present within the parking facility, and measure a duration of time in which the vehicle is parked within the parking facility. The method further incudes providing a second interrogating signal when the vehicle is exiting the parking facility, the second interrogating signal being configured to cause the controller to transmit information that includes the duration of time in which the vehicle was parked within the parking facility.