Wireless Sensor Network for Indoor Parking Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking guide systems fail to provide precise and cost-effective solutions for guiding drivers to available parking spaces and searching for parked cars, especially in indoor locations, as they rely on expensive video camera installations and GPS technology that is limited to outdoor spaces.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor network system comprising mobile apparatus, network nodes, and a processing apparatus that uses a plurality of network nodes to transmit and receive signals to guide users to available or previously occupied positions within a space, allowing for efficient parking guide and car searching services without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video cameras are installed above parking spaces to detect empty parking spaces, then the parking guide system can provide information about available spaces, but the implementation cost becomes considerably higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive video cameras with inexpensive wireless sensor nodes that can be deployed throughout the parking space. Each node contains simple sensors, signal generators, and transmitters that work together as a distributed network, dramatically reducing the cost per detection point while maintaining reliable detection of parking space availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the parking area into multiple zones monitored by distributed wireless sensor nodes. Each node independently monitors its local area and communicates with a central processing apparatus, allowing the system to scale cost-effectively by adding only the necessary number of nodes for the given space size
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPS technology is used to provide parking guide services, then drivers can be informed of parking lot locations, but the service is limited to outdoor areas where GPS signals can be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS satellite-based electromagnetic signal reception with a local wireless sensor network that generates its own positioning signals. The system uses a distributed network of sensor nodes that create a localized coordinate system, allowing accurate indoor positioning without dependence on external satellite signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless sensor nodes as intermediary devices between the user's mobile apparatus and the parking space environment. These nodes act as local signal sources that mediate positioning and guidance functions, enabling service continuity from outdoor to indoor environments without signal loss
3Loss of information
If conventional parking guide systems only inform drivers of empty parking space locations, then the system is simple to implement, but drivers cannot know the precise position or traveling direction to reach those spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless sensor network continuously monitors parking space availability and provides real-time updates to drivers. The system not only informs drivers of available spaces but also provides dynamic guidance information including precise position and traveling direction, with the capability to update guidance as drivers move through the parking area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless sensor nodes multi-functional by combining parking space detection, position tracking, and directional guidance capabilities in a single distributed network. Each node serves multiple purposes: detecting occupancy, providing position references, and contributing to overall system localization, thereby providing comprehensive driver information without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for deciding a traveling direction in a space are provided. After receiving a starting signal from a mobile apparatus, a network node of a network apparatus generates a request signal and sends it to a processing apparatus. Then the processing apparatus decides the traveling direction and sends a direction signal comprising the traveling direction to the nearest network node to instruct a moving apparatus to move. The method, and apparatus are more convenient and more cost-effective system than those in the prior art.