Automatic parking system: how it works
Automatic parking system: how it works
Anonim

Parking is one of the basic techniques that a modern motorist must master. From the point of view of execution technique, this maneuver is not difficult, but it requires concentration, accuracy and, of course, some time reserve. Since it can be difficult to comply with these conditions in the modern rhythm of life on the roads, experts regularly come up with ways to facilitate this task. The result is a variety of automatic parking systems (EPS) that increase the efficiency and safety of car operation.

Main types of SAP

car parking
car parking

The parking procedure can be considered from two points of view - administrative and legal and purely technical. Before proceeding directly to placing the car at the place of temporary residence, in public parking lotsthe driver must be licensed. At the same time, we are talking not so much about payment as such, but about the technological organization of the process. In the classical system of organizing parking management, a person is in charge of a facility - a controller, a security guard, an operator, etc.

He monitors the configuration of the distribution of free places, thinks over the optimal ways of entry and exit, directly registers cars, manages barriers and traffic lights. As part of the automatic parking system, all of the above functions are transferred to the software and hardware complex, which controls entire groups of executive bodies and mechanisms that organize the work of parking.

The second type of SAP, as already noted, refers to the technical part of the maneuver. In this case, we are talking about an electronic car assistant that helps the driver directly park the car when, for example, all organizational issues are left behind.

Parking process with sensors
Parking process with sensors

How does the automatic parking system work in the parking lot?

The infrastructure of the software and hardware complex is focused on ensuring the automation of the processes of accounting for the stay of a vehicle in the parking lot, entry and exit, calculation of the amount of payment, etc. How is this set of tasks solved without human intervention? Specialized electronic modules are dispersed along the perimeter of the parking lot, each of which performs its own function. In particular, these devices include:

  • Mechanics that regulate workbarrier and signal equipment.
  • The parking status visualization system, in particular, demonstrates a diagram showing occupied and free spaces.
  • The microcontroller that regulates the interaction of automatic parking systems, since most of the modules are logically dependent on each other.
  • License plate identification tools.
  • Security systems with intelligent video surveillance cameras.

In the complex, the listed technical and electronic means ensure the full operation of autonomous parking, but this only applies to the main functionality without auxiliary communication systems to maintain the facility's performance.

Automatic parking
Automatic parking

Cash registers in SAP infrastructure

According to various estimates of experts, the time to complete the registration and payment for services within the framework of SAP should be 10-15 seconds in the flow mode. This is a realizable task when it comes to the simplest and the same type of operations, for which it is enough to install the simplest cash register that works with contactless cards.

Based on a similar principle of serial execution of one operating scheme, the automatic parking system on tokens works, but even with a common developed infrastructure, this approach limits the driver's ability to use the services.

Multi-tasking cash register equipment

A more modern and promising solution is the use of multi-tasking cash equipment associated immediately withseveral functional units of SAP. Firstly, the module itself implements several different operations at the basic level, among which are tracking service and privileged passes, dynamic fare accounting, barcode scanning, VIP seat reservation, maintaining a database of different customer groups, etc.

Secondly, information is directly sent from the settlement and cash module to the central controller of the automatic parking system, from which part of the information is sent to the information board. In particular, it displays data on free parking spaces, their cost, possible parking time, etc.

Flaws of BRT in parking management system

Intelligent parking system
Intelligent parking system

Along with the large number of advantages that parking automation systems provide, it is worth emphasizing a number of difficulties in implementing such an infrastructure. Since autonomy is achieved through a whole array of main executive and auxiliary elements, appropriate support from energy sources is required.

In addition, the installation of an automatic car parking system itself provides not only installation, but also construction activities related to the laying of communication routes. Even in a wireless infrastructure, one cannot do without a connection to the central transformers and backup power supplies, which will provide parking with energy resources in the event of a failure of the main equipment.

What is Smart SAP?

Automatic parking system
Automatic parking system

This is a complex of devices, the function of which is aimed at helping the driver when parking. In the process of making a maneuver, a group of control and executive operations is implemented, partly coordinating and correcting actions during parallel or perpendicular parking.

In particular, this type of intelligent automatic parking system monitors the speed of the car and the position of the corner when turning the steering wheel in a coordinated manner. Significant assistance in obtaining information about the parking process is provided by sensors located in the bumper area. As a rule, they are represented by ultrasonic detectors that fix the distance to the nearest object. In case of overcoming a critical distance, they give an appropriate signal.

SAP in Kia Optima cars

An extended version of the electronic valet considered in the previous case, which has a wider range of functions. We are talking about the SPAS system, which has a number of fundamental differences from classic parking sensors:

  • Wider coverage of sensors: range - about 5 m.
  • Interaction with almost all vehicle active safety features.
  • Closer interaction with authorities.

The above differences indicate that the automatic car parking system has received more freedom of action and has become less dependent on the person. Suffice it to say that SPAS in the process of maneuvering can take control of the elements of the braking system,throttle valve, gearbox, engine control unit, stability control, power steering, etc.

Kia Optima
Kia Optima

Stages of the SPAS system

From the moment the decision to park is made, the function of sensors is activated, which no longer act just as indicators of a dangerous approach, but as devices that comprehensively scan the surrounding space. It is this function that makes it possible to choose the right parking place, and then start maneuvering. At the second stage, the SPAS intelligent automatic parking system switches the sensors to a different mode of operation, focused on obtaining accurate information about approaching objects.

Also actuating units and assemblies that have a direct impact on the movement process come into play. By the way, parking assistance is not limited to sensors and working mechanics. Video monitoring devices can also be used in the process, which give a “picture” from the rear of the car from different angles.

Conclusion

Operation of parking sensors
Operation of parking sensors

The key problem that the largest auto giants and corporations are working on today, interested in the development of the road transport system as a whole, is the integration of several infrastructures into a communication-connected network. In particular, the intelligent automatic parking system "Kia Optima" and "smart" parking separately represent high-tech optimized platforms. However, to make further progress towards the development of principlescomfortable maneuvering will only be possible when these systems are paired.

And this problem is solved by more advanced communication technologies, moreover, with the connection of GPS / GLONASS satellite navigation tools. Already today, road surface concepts are being developed that use fundamentally new infrared and magnetoelectric sensors, RFID tags and radars. This infrastructure, with proper optimization in the future, will make it possible to organize completely automated processes for managing car traffic, and parking, as one of the most difficult maneuvers, can become a trial ground in this respect for testing various operational nuances of implementing an intelligent road transport system.

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