Intelligent Transportation Systems - Parking Systems Technologies

Advanced Parking Systems obtain information about available parking spaces, process it and then present it to drivers by means of variable message signs (VMS). APS is used in two ways: to guide drivers in congested areas to the nearest parking facility with empty parking spaces and to guide drivers within parking facilities to empty spaces. Although the former function is more common, guidance systems within parking lots are becoming more common. This growing number of guidance systems addresses drivers' need for more information about the position and number of the spaces that are actually available within a parking structure. These systems reduce time and fuel otherwise wasted while searching for empty spaces and helps the car park operate more efficiently.

The need for APS is most prominent in highly dense areas, where the search for parking facilities congests and interrupts traffic flows. While European cities have shown the most interest in APS, having implemented it since the late 1970’s, American cities have only begun testing APS in the past decade. See our Telecommunications Diagram on Parking Management for more information.

Parking Guidance and Information (PGI) systems, or Car Park Guidance Systems systems are based primarily on the use of message signs to give drivers information regarding parking availability. The systems combine traffic monitoring, communication, processing and variable-message sign technologies to provide the service. PGI systems are designed to aid the in the search for vacant parking spaces by directing drivers to car parks where occupancy levels are low.

The availability of parking spaces in each facility is obtained from sensors that count the number of cars entering and exiting or, in other cases, by comparing the tickets issued at machines or cash registers to the capacity of the facility. This information is sent to a central or main computer that processes it, determining the locations of available parking. Availability is generally expressed in terms of "full" or "empty," but in some cases the actual number of spaces is given.

A problem with showing actual numbers is that when the number is small, drivers tend not to enter because they think that all of the spaces will be taken by cars already in the facility. This would not actually happen because the availability takes into account cars that have already entered the facility. The systems include VMS that show parking availability and nearest parking facilities. In some cases static signs guide drivers to the facilities. Other means of providing availability information are via roadside radio terminals, where small static VMS show the frequency at which it is being broadcast; by phone, where automated answering machines can give information on congestion and parking availability; via the Internet, where one of the main services is to provide information and parking reservations; and via in-vehicle navigation systems.

System design

Monitoring equipment must be installed at parking areas to establish the flow into and out of the car parks in order to calculate the number of available spaces. Vehicles entering and exiting car parks are often monitored through activation of existing barrier equipment, infrared, radar detector or by underground inductive loop. Real-time vehicle counts within car parks are held on count-stations or out-stations made up of firmware apable of handling the count data.

Car park count data are transmitted back to a central location or in-station, and processed through PGI software on a standard PC. PGI software is often capable of producing occupancy statistic and flow rates for traffic analysis. Variable-message signs are located at suitable decision points on the network present the information, so that a driver’s journey time to a vacant space is minimised. VMS generally show the number of vacant spaces or information such as “Spaces”, “Full” and “Closed”. Car parks are often grouped into zones to reduce the information that has to be presented on a single sign.

Communication systems between out-station and in-station, and then in-station to VMS also required. Systems can be hard-wired, however, for city wide projects wireless communication includingGPRS may be suitable.

Integrated systems allow the user to exchange information between applications more easily avoiding duplication and potentially reducing communication costs. The UTMC Specifications offer a means of achieving integration efficiently, while allowing the adoption of the latest technological developments.

Multi-storey car parks

As well as city-wide applications, PGI systems can also be used for internal multi-story car park applications with entrance signs and level-by level signs.

Parking Guidance and Information Systems have been used within protective parking schemes. These schemes are designed to minimise disruption and discourage visitors driving to major events in residential areas. Under such schemes, only eligible residents, their visitors and local businesses would be able to hold Event Day Permits, allowing them to park in the roads in the Event Day Zone when major sporting or music events are held. One such scheme is now employed by Brent Council at Wembley Stadium. This means any visitors driving to events at Wembley Stadium without a pre-booked parking space, will not be able to park in the surrounding streets. A Parking Information System consisting of VMS and a control in-station is used to inform residents and visitors alike of the Event Days when parking restrictions apply.

St. Paul, MN
The system in St. Paul was designed to improve traffic and ease the search of parking in downtown. It interconnects 10 different parking facilities in the downtown area. A central computer system obtains information from each facility, processes it, and sends it to LED-based VMS. It uses 56 signs to provide information on parking availability. From these, 46 are static signs, used as "wayfinders" to guide drivers to the facilities.

Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a "wayfinder" system that consists of a series of linked signs that guide drivers not only to parking facilities but also to special attractions in the area. This system divides Pittsburgh into five color-coded areas. Most of the signs are static, but some are dynamic, showing text like "open" or "full" to describe the status of the facility.

Case Overview: Hoboken Garage Automatic Parking System, NJ, USA
(Excerpted, Reference below)

The Hoboken Garden Street Garage Automated Parking System opened in October 2002 (although operating fully automated since May 2002). The Hoboken Parking Authority spent $6.2m on this facility.

The Robotic Parking System accommodates 312 cars; a conventional ramp style garage accomodates 90 cars. The automated parking system facilitates the movement of cars throughout a 312-position, seven storey residential parking garage. The development is on a 100ft² lot, standing 56ft high (7.5ft from level to level). It allocates parking spaces for the incoming cars, retrieves parked cars as requested and monitors the whole system for preventive maintenance. Using the same methodology, just in reverse, the system retrieves the pallet and the vehicle. Notably, the vehicle never leaves the pallet to which it is initially assigned at any time.

Robotic Parking™ Automated Parking System is an advancement on the original mechanical models. The automated parking process offers a patented Modular Automated Parking System (MAPS). This system uses the latest electronic and automation technology. The system is extremely safe and convenient for users. The risk of any vehicle damage is minimal, and theft and the risk of personal injury or robbery that occur in regular parking lots is non-existent; drivers remain safely outside the building at all times.

A GE Fanuc integrated motion control system manages 35 independently operating robots. These robots transport vehicles from an entrance bay into an open parking space, utilising the automated system to move pallets, lifts and carriers. Notably, each axis of motion employs a pair of servo systems sharing the load. Either motor can independently supply adequate power to move vehicles during required maintenance, due to the servos being sized to accommodate this.

The GE Fanuc hardware is linked to CIMPLICITY software, an open system framework that provides a powerful, graphical environment to monitor and control the automation system. Additionally, CIMPLICITY collects and compiles data from the parking system and provides a graphical interface with real time displays. CIMPLICITY generates maintenance and diagnostics reports to increase troubleshooting, efficiency and to enable a quick response to system problems.

Benefits of the automatic parking system include: optimisation of space utilisation, security (vehicle and personal), convenience (all ground level access), lower garage owner's liability insurance, greater depreciation schedule, lower lighting and ventilation requirements (no cars driving around inside; no people go inside), and lower emissions and less pollution (clean parking system).

The Hoboken Garage is a monthly garage only for local residents. Each patron has a card, similar to an E-Z pass. As the patron drives to the garage, the card (positioned in their windshield) is detected by the sensor and signals to the computer that a patron is approaching. A green light at an available bay indicates entrance for the patron. They proceed into the open bay, position their car, get out and push a button to initiate the parking process. The central computer system guides a carrier on steel rails along an open aisle-way to a position adjacent to the arrival station and the pallet. An additional rack entry module moves above the upper surface of the carrier and is inserted beneath the pallet; the pallet and the vehicle are then transferred to the carrier. Under the direction of the computer, the carrier (with the pallet and the vehicle inside) is moved from the arrival station to a multilevel lifting device; the pallet and the vehicle are then transferred to the lift. When the lift reaches the designated parking level, the pallet and the vehicle are transferred to another carrier. This carrier transports the pallet and the vehicle to the designated parking slot. Lastly, the pallet and the vehicle are transferred into the parking slot by the rack entry module. This system design enables multiple independent motions simultaneously thus dramatically increasing reliability and speed of transactions. When retrieving their car, the patron goes to the lobby and enters a pin number into a keypad. Their car is automatically located and retrieved – in a forward drive position – to an available bay. The patron's name is displayed on a marquee indicating which bay their car will be brought to. The vehicle is retrieved and is placed in the bay in one and half to two minutes. Once the car arrives, the patron can simply drive away.

"The City of New Jersey contracted an Israeli company Unitronics to replace and fix mechanical and electrical problems and replace the software that controls the 314-space garage." Robotic Parking was contracted to provide a modular, fully automated parking system. GE Fanuc provided an integrated motion control system that manages 35 independently operating robots. CIMPLICITY software is linked to the GE Fanuc hardware.

In August 2006 the robotic parking garage encountered a problem. It was not a mechanical problem but instead a contractual disagreement between Robotic Parking (the owners of the software running the garage) and the City of New Jersey who own and operate the garage but refused to pay what they saw as an exorbitant rise in software licence and maintenance fees (increase from $2,600 per month to over $9,000 per month) and also accused Robotic Parking of not maintaining the garage correctly so that it malfunctioned.

The City was not allowed to operate the garage without a software license and the result was a court case which lasted two weeks and trapped resident’s cars in the parking garage over that period since there was no manual way to remove vehicles. The court case seemed to temporarily solve the dispute by suggesting that a more reasonable fee would be $5,500 per month over a three year period to licences the necessary software.

Later in 2006 the City of New Jersey contracted an Israeli company Unitronics ($2m) to replace and fix mechanical and electrical problems and replace the software that controls the 314-space garage. City Parking Utility officials have drawn up specifications detailing the work needing to be done, including writing new software to control the robotic platforms and installing new mechanical parts. When the work is completed the garage will be expected to operate as it was originally designed, without a full-time attendant. The maintenance contract for the first year will be $10,000 a month. After a year the Parking Utility will take over maintenance.

In December 2006 Parking Utility closed the garage to install temporary software. Once this has been completed the city hopes to sever ties with Robotic Parking Inc. The Unitronics contract will be carried out in phases to keep the garage open, with the entire project to be completed by the end of March 2007. Unitronics was hired at an earlier stage to replace Robotic Parking, but this was short-lived as Robotic Parking successfully sued to prevent them from using its copyrighted software. Now it appears that the City of New Jersey means business and Robotic Parking is out. Excerpted

The Seattle Center Advanced Parking Information System, in Seattle, Washington, provides information and routing directions to three major parking centers via variable message signs (VMS). This information is also available via the Internet, phone, and pagers to travelers prior to leaving for an event as well as travelers en route. Detection technology is used to monitor parking availability.

The system costs were $925,265 and included hardware, installation, and consulting fees. Detailed costs of components are provided in the table below. Operations and maintenance (O&M) costs were $50,523. Maintenance costs of hardware (signs, computers, and communication equipment) were estimated at 7% of the hardware capital costs. Parking management staff is assumed to be 0.25 full time equivalent per year.

Equipment Description (Parking Information System)

Non-Recurring Cost

Recurring Cost

Central Computer System, Hardware and Software
$11,540

VMS Controllers & Cabinets (Quantity: 2)
$99,675

VMS Structures & Installation (Quantity: 2)
$70,000

5th Ave. Monitoring System (Groundhog System)
$21,250

Mercer Garage Monitoring System Hardware
$38,300

Mercer Garage Monitoring System Installation Labor
$8,000

1st Ave. Garage Monitoring System Hardware
$12,000

1st Ave. Garage Monitoring System Installation Labor
$2,000

Communications System Hardware
$5,900

Communications System Labor
$3,600

Software Development
$95,000

Core Consultant Services
$146,000

IBI Consulting Services
$412,000

Maintenance @ 7% of Hardware Costs
$18,973

Telephone Line Cost/Year
$300

Parking Management Staff
$31,250

TOTAL
$925,265

$50,523

e-PARKING is a parking management system that relies upon mobile phone technology. It enables drivers to obtain early information on available parking spaces so that they can reserve spots at desired times. e-PARKING will also integrate the currently discrete parking administration systems (i.e. billing applications, parking site occupancy control systems, etc.) into a single platform.

The conveniences of e-PARKING will be achieved through a parking space optimization service (PSOS). The PSOS can:

Bristol, UK.
The Bristol system guides drivers to empty spaces within parking structures. The system includes 3 multistory parking facilities, with a combined total of 2,645 spaces. Infrared vehicle sensors detect empty spaces, and this information is transmitted to a main computer that controls VMS, which in turn show the number of available spaces on each floor and guide drivers to them. The system software has the ability to learn from the data so that it can forecast at what times of day a particular facility will be full and accordingly divert drivers to other facilities.

Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Frankfurt was one of the first cities to have installed APS for parking management. In the late 1970’s they implemented the concept of guiding drivers to parking facilities. In 1992 they updated their system. It has three phases: first, guiding drivers to 1 of 5 areas; second, guiding them to a more specific sub-area; finally, guiding them to parking facilities. Guidance is provided by VMS, which display information provided by the parking facilities’ main computer.

Ghent, Belgium
The parking guidance system in Ghent is divided into four parts: detection and local processing; central processing; control and checks; and dynamic signs and data transmission. Each facility has a reporting terminal that receives data from sensors and sends it to the central processing unit that processes the data and sends it to the display signs via phone line, cable network, TV signal or radio network. The Ghent systems uses the TV transport network to send the data, and connects car parks with the central processing unit. It also tests the connection and has to make simulation of everyday parking traffic, that is, it makes constant checks on the interconnections between car parks, a central processing unit and TV distribution network, so that if one fails, the program will provide information on parking status based on previous occasions. The signs used to show availability are mainly static with some dynamic.

Koeln, Germany
Koeln has a Parking Guidance System as a component of its Urban Traffic Control System. It uses VMS on access roads to provide information on parking availability in park and ride lots.

Case overview: Cesena Automatic Underground Parking System, Italy
(Excerpted, Reference below)

The late 1990s saw the first commercial installation of a brand new, completely automated parking system. TREVIPARK was a new construction and engineering development that provided an alternative parking system ideally suited for use in inner city and urban settings. The TREVIPARK system solves many of the traditional problems associated with urban parking; congestion, pollution, land space, security; through the installation of compact, circular, underground silos that optimise space, are easily installed, and are completely automatic.

The first installation of this modular, automated parking system was in Cesena, Italy. The local authorities sought a parking solution that would minimize interference in the surrounding area, both to underground utilities and existing overland structures. The compact TREVIPARK system offered a number of features that led to its approval by the Italian authorities. These included automatic parking without the driver; vehicle parking utilising a 360° vertical, rotating lift placing vehicles directly into a parking bay; average parking and retrieval time of 50 seconds; and high security. Due to its compact design it could be placed in close proximity to existing buildings in the town centre. The garage holds up to 108 vehicles.

AUTOMATED, UNDERGROUND PARKING SYSTEM: Cesena Automatic Underground Parking System, Italy

The design for Cesena was chosen for it innovative use of space and its structural strength; the circular nature of the TREVIPARK system is integral to the vertical lifting device which operates under uniform dimensions throughout, gives optimal area containment, and creates an extremely strong structure that will resist deformation under stress.

Drivers stop their vehicles on a parking lane. After exiting the vehicle and inserting a card at an automatic telling machine the system, through multiple sensors, performs various security and height checks and then conveys the vehicle to the lift. From here the lift descends, rotates and transfers the vehicle into an available parking bay. Drivers can retrieve their vehicles using the same card at the exit point.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION: Cesena Automatic Underground Parking System, Italy

The underground parking 'silo' is a reinforced concrete cylinder. This continuous concrete diaphragm wall is 18.8m internal diameter. The silo is up to nine levels deep.

Each level is 2.3m in height. The internal parking stalls are constructed from pre-cast reinforced concrete. They are radially placed around the perimeter of the cylinder to receive 12 vehicles on each tier.

The lift structure occupies the centre of the cylinder. It features a rotating steel tower with car-lift and an automated trolley for vehicle deposit and retrieval. The lift moves vertically while rotating simultaneously to deliver vehicles to the parking stalls. Electro-mechanical and electronic devices and sensors are an important feature to check for movement of any cars during transit. The only above ground construction is a pylon for receiving magnetic parking cards.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND SAFETY: Cesena Automatic Underground Parking System, Italy

Due to its reduced entry and exit bay sizes and automatic operation TREVIPARK offers a number of environmental advantages over conventional parking systems. This includes reduced energy consumption, air and noise pollution. Its compact construction allows for minimal impact on existing architecture and road systems. It fits in with existing structures without being a concrete eyesore.

The system is very user friendly and safety is heightened by its automatic operation. There is no reason for anybody but system technicians to enter the underground levels. The system also features advanced fire-fighting, anti-flood, ventilation and security systems that are computer controlled and constantly monitored by a control centre.

To date there are nine systems that are operational across Europe. Currently systems are being constructed in Stockholm, Turin and Rome. Systems are subject to planning permission in London and Copenhagen. Following the initial Cesena installation of two silos, four subsequent silos have been installed with a total of 312 spaces.

Design features are also variable; underground levels range from one to nine, optional kiosks for sheltered and secure waiting areas can also be incorporated into any design. The underground structure can also be used as part of the foundation system for any above ground structures built on top of the car park. TREVIPARK can also be built as an over ground car-parking facility.

Toyota, Japan
Advanced Parking Information Systems are used to maximize the utilization of parking facilities in this city is of 340,000. Information is provided in six ways:

Yokohama, Japan
This dense city of 3 million has introduced a system that provides drivers with the current status on parking and guides them to parking facilities. It includes 16 parking lots with 4,400 parking spaces.

This project was a joint effort by the government and private parking facility Operators. The system divides the city in four concentric zones. In the first zone, drivers enter the city and are notified of parking availability via detailed information on boards. When entering zone three, a board shows directions to parking facilities. Finally, a board at the entrance displays the name of facility and space availability.

Prompted by their winning bid for the 2008 World Olympic Games, China has begun exploring implementing an integrated advanced parking system.

The city of Beijing installed the first dynamic parking guidance system in China in 2001. It can inform drivers the number of real-time available vacant spaces. The system links fourteen parking garages (two thousand nine hundred and ninety five spaces) by using dynamic and static signs. Since then, some studies have been performed to reveal both the traffic-related effect and economic effect of the system. The results of these studies showed that the annual saving is about
1.2 million USD. Parking Guidance System (PGS) is being developed in China for reducing parking difficulty and solving traffic congestion. The content of study presented in this paper are parking information items that are needed, and the key technologies for impmving the effectiveness of PGS.

VI PARKING INFORMATION
Basically, the parking information items can be classified into static information and dynamic information[". The static information includes (I) Facility's name, address, and phone number, (2) Location on a map, (3) Direction to the facility, (4) Capacity of the parking facility, (5) Fee structure, (6) Hours of operation, (7) Self park or' attendant park. The dynamic information includes (I)N umber of spaces available at the time of inquiring, (2) Possibility ofa space being available when you get there, (3) the best route and the estimated travel time for you
to get to the parking location, (4) the M i c conditions in the 1178 area of facility, (5) whether or not to reserve a parking space before you start your trip.

As a survey result, considering the limited space available, the most needed parking information to be shown on roadside display is the number of parking spaces available and direction to the facility. So parking facility in garages must include vehicle counting equipment and a controller interface unit. Vehicle counting is accomplished with loop detectors, ticket spiners or cash registers. The controller interface unit contains the computer processing equipment that is necessary to calculate the number of available parking spaces and transmit
this information to the central computer.

ITS can potentially enhance the operation of the surface transportation system through accurate, real-time information dissemination. Several technologies which are currently used in distributing traveler information to commuters have been identified as possible mediums for disseminating parking guidance information. These technologies include (I) variable message signs, (2) static signs, (3) advisory radio. (4) lntemet service, (5) telephone information service, (6) commercial radio, (7) in-vehicle navigation system and (8) commercial television broadcasts.

Congestion is a problem not only on urban streets, but also inside parking facilities. Therefore, some parking facilities use VMS to guide drivers to empty parking spaces. This requires sensors in each parking space to determine its occupancy status, communications to a central computer that determines how to guide drivers to empty spaces, and communications to the VMS.

Baltimore, MA
The “BWI Smart Park” system is an automated parking guidance system intended to make finding a parking space quick and hassle free at the Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI Expansion). The system is currently available in all spaces in the new Daily A Garage and on Level 2 of the BWI Hourly Garage. Ultrasonic sensors mounted over each parking space monitor the vacancy status of each space and illuminated electronic “way-finding” signs, located at the ends of each parking row, display the number of spaces available in each row. Green arrows direct patrons to lanes with vacant spaces. Red Xs indicate lanes where no spaces are available. Blue lights direct disabled patrons to accessible parking areas. Once fully deployed, electronic signs at both the hourly and daily garage entrance plazas will reflect the status of vacant parking spaces on each level. Take a virtual tour of the Smart Park at BWI.

Humphrey Terminal Parking Ramp Phase I at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
Since August 2002, phase 1 of this parking facility has offered wayfinding signage and real-time parking status information to parking lot users. This facility uses overhead LED signs to inform drivers of which levels are available in the structure; the message "CLOSED" appears when a level is reaching capacity. Parking status is provided at two advanced locations and at the entrance to each parking choice. This parking facility also features pedestrian orientation and directions to crosswalks and elevators on each level, as well as memory retentive devices to help drivers remember where they parked (i.e. a sign might read "REMEMBER YOUR LEVEL: HUMPHREY RAMP/LEVEL 2").

Houston International Airport
This advanced parking facility has a computerized system that uses wires embedded in the garage floor to act as sensors when cars enter and exit each level. The data obtained is sent to a main computer, which analyzes it and calculates the number of spaces available. This system controls 19 entry gates and 22 exit gates. Large information boards at each entrance and red and green lights at each space indicate the availability of parking. 47 signs provide information regarding availability on each floor.

Toulouse, France
A new multistory parking garage was constructed at the Blagnac Airport near Toulouse, France. Ultrasonic sensors monitor individual parking spaces and indicate occupancy status via green (vacant space) or red (occupied space) lights. A system of LED signs placed at each junction in the garage flash arrows that indicate to drivers which way they should drive to find an empty space. The parking garage control center provides a visualization of the whole multistory car park and allows the control center to intervene in the parking space management. Vehicle count information is easily obtained (this includes the number of vehicles and the frequency of parking space occupancy.) A similar system is at work in Turkey at the TEPE NAUTILUS shopping mall in Istanbul.

Phone systems use automated answering machines to assist callers in locating available parking places or pre-pay for parking. In this way, drivers can obtain information on parking availability and directions to parking facilities or pay for parking in advance, while reserving a parking space. Information on parking locations, costs, space reservation, and regulations can be obtained via the Internet.

Some 30% of parking payments at some Great Western stations are now via mobile phone. Cobalt Telephone Technologies and APCOA Parking (UK) have been exploring the benefits of integrating mobile phone parking into the parking enforcement process. Attendants can enforce from their existing Spur handhelds while the back office is able to access information about the payments and PCNs.

The Pay by Phone pilot is claimed to have achieved the first completely cashless parking environment in the UK. The council has been able to remove traditional parking meters, which were costly to maintain and only offered coin payment. The new system offers both Chip & PIN pay & display and mobile phone payment.

Automated Parking systems are designed to save space. These systems have mainly been used in Japan. Older systems operate with a rotating wheel with buckets that stores automobiles. These are mechanically simple but not as space efficient as newer systems where automobiles are stored and then moved in four axes (XYZ and rotation).

These systems have the added advantage of eliminating the need for the driver to maneuver into and out of a parking space.

A robotic parking system opened at the Hoboken Garden Street Garage in October 2002. This garage, designed for local residents, is seven stories high and accommodates 312 cars. When a driver enters that garage, a sensor detects their access card (similar to an automatic vehicle identification card) and signals to the computer that a driver is approaching. The driver proceeds into the open bay, gets out of their car, and pushes a button to instigate the automated parking process. Once the driver has left their vehicle, an integrated motion control system takes over, managing 35 independently operating robots that transport the vehicle from the entrance bay into an open parking space. Here is a detailed description of the automated parking process from Road Traffic Technology: Industry Projects:

The central computer system guides a carrier on steel rails along an open aisle-way to a position adjacent to the arrival station and the pallet. An additional rack entry module moves above the upper surface of the carrier and is inserted beneath the pallet; the pallet and the vehicle are then transferred to the carrier. Under the direction of the computer, the carrier (with the pallet and the vehicle inside) is moved from the arrival station to a multilevel lifting device; the pallet and the vehicle are then transferred to the lift. When the lift reaches the designated parking level, the pallet and the vehicle are transferred to another carrier. This carrier transports the pallet and the vehicle to the designated parking slot. Lastly, the pallet and the vehicle are transferred into the parking slot by the rack entry module. This system design enables multiple independent motions simultaneously thus dramatically increasing reliability and speed of transactions.

Vancouver, British Columbia
The system used in Vancouver is for a lot of 33 feet wide, which is not sufficient for underground parking. A north Vancouver firm designed and built an electro-mechanical, computer-controlled system.

This system has the following components: pallets and storage bays, lift, turntable, vehicle transport assembly, standby operation, electrical description, motion control, host computer, control logic and an operator interface.

One of the major problems of cash-based parking payment systems has been the time spent in queues waiting to obtain a ticket or to pay a cashier. Queues can cause congestion in areas within and outside of parking facilities. Electronic payment can eliminate the need to stop when getting a ticket or paying. For a description of electronic payment and its different technologies, please go to the Fare Payment Technologies section of the site. Advanced fare payment systems are also used in advanced parking, and one of the most widely used technology is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

The use of RFID or Transponders is surging throughout the world because they permit fast and easy access to parking facilities. RFID is a wireless process that recognizes an object by detecting and reading a unique radio-signal. The signal conveys information regarding the user; when it is within five feet of the entrance, the transponder emits a signal that the main computer then verifies. This system permits hands-free, nonstop parking access. People need not loose time searching for money or cards when paying.

One emerging parking payment technology falls under the rubric of m-commerce, which refers to the wireless payment of services (or products) like parking. An m-commerce parking lot allows drivers to use their mobile phones to wirelessly "deposit" money towards time in a parking space and remain updated via SMS messaging on the time remaining. Drivers usually have to register their license plate and credit card number in order to use the wireless metering. These virtual parking systems exist in various stages of development around the world but have made the most progress in Asia and Europe.

Mobile phones pay for parking in Singapore
Beginning in 2002, drivers in Singapore have been able to pay their parking lot fees using their mobile phones. This program was launched by Suntec City, one of the largest shopping malls in the city-state. To use their mobile phones as an electronic purse, drivers first register their credit card with Telemoney (a free service that allows users to pay wirelessly for certain products--including taxi fares). Before leaving Suntec City, drivers call Telemoney and enter their parking ticket number and Telemoney PIN into their phone to make the payment.

M-commerce applied to parking in Vienna, Austria
In January 2003, Vienna began experimenting with a wireless parking payment system called m-parking. Thus far it has been restricted to 1000 field test participants. Drivers register their mobile phone and license plate as well as their credit card details to sign up for a virtual parking ticket account. When they want to park, the customer sends an SMS (short message service) message with the license number of the car, the location code of the parking area, and the number of minutes they wish to park (i.e. 30, 60, or 90) to a designated number. The customer then receives a confirmation and the parking expiration time via text message. Ten minutes before the customer’s parking time is up, a reminder is sent to their phone, allowing them to return to their vehicle or pay again. The fee subsequently appears on the driver’s phone bill. More information m-parking.

M-commerce at parking meters in Melbourne, Australia
Beginning in September 2002, an Australian mobile phone company launched an m-commerce test project for parking meters in Melbourne and Sydney. In Melbourne, the test involves 12 multi-bay parking meters located on both sides of La Trobe Street between William Street and King Street and on the west side of William Street between La Trobe Street and A’Beckett Street. The meters are available in Sydney at Bronte Beach via Waverley Council. Drivers are able to use their cell phones to pay for parking spaces using qualified phones; they can also receive an SMS message in advance of the expiry time that alerts them that 10 minutes remain at their space. A study conducted in the spring of 2003 found mixed responses to the wireless parking meters. While many pilot test participants enjoyed the convenience of not having to worry about carrying correct change, some found the meters difficult to use. Twenty percent of people polled said they were unable to complete the transaction by phone, and others complained that the SMS messages were hard to read because of the small font size. Prospects are good for m-commerce applications like this one, but cell phone display technology might need to become more user-friendly before it is widely accepted. More information on paying for parking using m-commerce.

One way to increase public revenue from public parking spaces is by improving the way parking meters gather data. Improved parking meters have evolved that increase car park revenue as well as efficiency in service and operations. It provides parking meters with the capacity to provide real-time information. This information consist primarily of the status of parking spaces (it indicates which expired metered spaces have parked vehicles.) The technology consists of sensors located at meters that report on their condition (i.e. whether it is working or if it is expired). This information is processed by a microprocessor and then sent via an internal wireless modem to the server. This server then processes the information from all the parking meters and sends it to the public institution in charge of them. This system also provides verification of parking permits. For example, disabled people with special license plates can be automatically approved for parking in designated places.

On both its DVLA and TfL Congestion Charge enforcement contracts, NCP deploys enforcement offers to track down persistent evaders. The teams now use a van equipped with four roof-mounted cameras which can check the numberplates of street parked cars against a PE database on an on-board PC. The van can call up clamping and removal crews as it recognises hot-listed cars.

Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) is an automatic parking system first developed by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2004 for its latest Lexus models and also the Japanese market hybrid Prius models. In Europe, the APGS is marketed as the Intelligent Park Assist system. On vehicles equipped with the APGS, via an in-dash screen and button controls, the car can steer itself into a parking space with little input from the user. The latest version of APGS helps determine that the car has enough clearance for a particular space, and calculates the steering manueuvers needed for parallel or reverse parking. In 2006, the APGS debuted for the first time on a luxury vehicle with the new Lexus LS, which featured the automatic parking technology among other brand new inventions from Toyota. This was the first appearance of the APGS in the United States and other countries.

Demonstration of the APGS on a Lexus LS. Demonstration of the APGS on a Lexus LS. On the Lexus LS, the Advanced Parking Guidance System uses computer processors which are tied to the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist (sonar warning system) feature, backup camera, and two additional forward sensors on the front side fenders. The Intuitive Park Assist feature includes multiple sensors on the forward and rear bumpers which detect obstacles, allowing the system to sound warnings and calculate optimum steering angles during regular parking. These sensors plus the two additional APGS sensors are tied to a central computer processor, which in turn is integrated with the backup camera system to provide the driver parking information. When the Intuitive Park Assist feature is used, the processor(s) calculate steering angle data which are displayed on the navigation/camera touchscreen along with obstacle information. The Advanced Parking Guidance System expands on this capability and is accessible when the vehicle is shifted to reverse (which automatically activates the backup camera). When in reverse, the backup camera screen features APGS buttons which can be used to activate automated parking procedures. When the Advanced Parking Guidance System is activated, the central processor calculates the optimum parallel or reverse park steering angles and then interfaces with the Electric Power Steering systems of the vehicle to guide the car into the parking spot.

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