Intelligent Parking Management System

ePARK developed by CDAC helps motorists find convenient parking space quickly in a multi-level parking area. Satheesh G, Joint Director – Intelligent Transportation and Networking Section, C-DAC explains how the system helps in reducing frustration and enhance the overall travel experience.

ePark has recently been put in place at a multi-level parking by Pune Municipal Corporation. The system includes elements ranging from traditional traveller information systems to quick and automated gate control systems, individual bay monitoring electronics, advanced parking management applications, pre-trip web-based information systems, VMS display boards, driver guidance and navigation systems that provide directions all the way to an individual parking space. The system provides parking space availability information to the general public / drivers well in advance before reaching the parking place.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

The ePark entry gate system supports both unmanned and manned operation. The vehicle sensors are installed before and after the entry gate boom barrier. An IP camera is mounted well before the gate control so as to focus the rear view of the vehicle including the license plate. A web cam is also suitably mounted to capture the driver’s image. At the entry gate, a cabin is constructed for the gate operator. At the entry gate cabin, a hardware controller, barcode scanner & token printer are installed. A VMS (Variable Messaging System) display board installed at the entry gate informs the availability status of the parking lot in each floor.

The driver decides to enter the parking area based on the summary vacancy display provided in front of the entry gate. On ensuring the availability of the parking space, the driver enters the complex and stops in front of the gate control (boom barrier). During this time, the entry gate application senses the presence of the vehicle and triggers the IP camera at the entrance to take the rear view image of the vehicle and the webcam to take the driver image. On stopping the vehicle in front of the gate, the driver presses a push button provided (for unmanned operation) in front of the in gate cabin. A token is printed with a unique barcode, date of entry & time stamp. The bar code generated for each vehicle entry along with the vehicle rear view image and the driver image is updated to the central database of the ePARK server by the application software. The token is collected and retained by the driver for verification at exit. For manned operation, the vehicle number is entered by the operator and the token generated is manually handed over to the driver. Once the token is collected, the boom barrier opens and allows the vehicle to enter the parking area. The boom barrier closes once the vehicle leaves the detection area.