Wireless Parking Occupancy System Using Beacon-Based Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking management systems are inefficient and inaccurate, leading to frustration for commuters in finding vacant parking spaces, especially in crowded areas, as they rely on manual updates and are difficult to navigate due to complex parking garage architectures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmission system that includes transmitters and receivers, a server, and a database to accurately identify and communicate the occupancy status of parking spaces, using unique identifiers and beacons to provide real-time information to users through a graphical user interface, allowing for efficient navigation to available spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updates are used to maintain parking space information, then the system is simple to implement, but the accuracy and real-time reliability of parking space occupancy data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated sensors and transmitters at parking spaces that self-report occupancy status to the server without requiring manual intervention. The receiving device automatically queries and updates parking space information, eliminating the need for manual data entry while maintaining system simplicity through automated self-service mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical updating processes with electronic wireless communication systems. Transmitters, receivers, and servers use electronic data exchange to automatically track and report parking space occupancy, substituting the manual mechanical system with an automated electronic information management system.
2Loss of time
If drivers search for parking spaces manually by driving around, then no additional system complexity is introduced, but the time required to locate vacant spaces increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and storing the locations of vacant parking spaces before drivers arrive. The server maintains an up-to-date database of occupancy status, allowing drivers to query available spaces in advance and navigate directly to them, eliminating the need to drive around searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of transmitters, receivers, and a server that mediates between parking spaces and drivers. This intermediary automatically tracks occupancy and provides information to drivers, reducing their search time while managing system complexity through centralized automated mediation.
3Productivity
If complex parking garage architectures are used to maximize space utilization, then parking capacity increases, but the difficulty of navigating to vacant spaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously provides updated occupancy information to drivers based on their location and preferences. This feedback loop allows drivers to make informed navigation decisions in complex parking structures, knowing which specific spaces are available and accessible, thereby easing navigation despite complex architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing customized parking space information based on specific location contexts within the parking structure. The system considers the driver's current position, vehicle type, and preferences to recommend specific local parking spaces, making navigation easier in complex multi-level or multi-zone parking garages by tailoring information to local conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless transmission system includes a server in communication with one or more receiving devices. The server generates a query to a user associated with a receiving device regarding a parking-space preference. The server receive the parking-space preference along with the unique identifier and a receiving device identifier from the receiving device. The server determines a current location associated with the receiving device based on the received unique identifier, and generate an instruction to receive attributes associated with one or more parking spaces corresponding to the parking-space preferences. The server upon transmitting the instructions to the database, receive one or more parking spaces corresponding to the parking-space preferences. The server generates a graphical user interface to display instructions to reach parking spaces corresponding to the parking-space preferences in relation to the current location of the receiving device, and then transmits the graphical user interface to the receiving device.