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Vehicle Parking Space Counter Using Image Processing

Abstract: The invention aims to address the challenges of parking management in urban environments through the integration of advanced image processing techniques and computational intelligence. The proposed method leverages a network of strategically positioned cameras to capture real-time images of parking lots. These images undergo sophisticated processing pipelines to detect and classify vehicles, delineate parking spaces, and provide accurate occupancy. The core functionality of the system revolves around accurate and rapid occupancy detection. By applying computer vision techniques, the system can promptly identify available and occupied parking spaces, ensuring drivers can easily locate vacant spots without unnecessary circling or delays. These interfaces offer real-time information on parking availability, guiding drivers to the nearest open spots, and significantly reducing the time spent searching for parking. The security aspect of the system is reinforced by integrating surveillance cameras with the image processing pipeline. This enables real-time monitoring of the parking lot, promptly identifying any suspicious activities or vehicles, thus enhancing safety and preventing potential theft or vandalism. 4 Claims & 1 Figure

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
10 October 2023
Publication Number
47/2023
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
ELECTRONICS
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

MLR Institute of Technology
Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043

Inventors

1. Mr. VS. Pavan kumar
Department of Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, MLR Institute of Technology, Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043
2. Mr. J. Varshith
Department of Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, MLR Institute of Technology, Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043
3. Ms. J. Sree Vaishnavi
Department Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning MLR Institute of Technology, Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043
4. Ms. J. Aruna Priya
Department Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning MLR Institute of Technology, Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043
5. Mr. K. Mahesh Raju
Department Computer Science and Engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning MLR Institute of Technology, Laxman Reddy Avenue, Dundigal – 500 043

Specification

Description:Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to a vehicle parking space counter for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle vision system that utilizes one or more cameras at a vehicle.
Background of the Invention
In this study, a proposed plan for a smart parking system based on image processing has been effectively tried and run with a few videos taken from indoor parking garages. The system works precisely in deciding regardless of whether the parking slots are occupied or not by showing a red outline if a vehicle is inside or consuming a parking spot and afterward turns green when it is unoccupied. To develop this vehicle parking space counter, various patents have been referenced to incorporate innovative features and ensure comprehensive safety guidelines. Three notable patents, ( JP6531832B2 ), (CN102431551B), and (US10078789B2), have inspired and contributed to the development of the application.(JP6531832B2) presents a solution relates to a parking space detection method and device. As a parking detection device for detecting empty cars and parking in the parking space, the imaging means installed in the parking lot images the parking space, and among white lines of the parking space, whether the white line far from the imaging means is detected or not By the way, what detects empty car and parking in a parking space is known . Based on this analysis, A parking space detection method for detecting an idle parking space from parking status information acquired by a parking status detecting device for detecting a parking status .(CN102431551B) A kind of parking space's detection method and parking space's detection system. This invention belongs to automobile control technology field, be specifically related to a kind of parking space detection method and parking space's detection system.(US10078789B2) includes a camera that, when disposed at the vehicle, has a field of view exterior of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to detect parking space markers indicative of a parking space and to identify empty or available parking spaces. It relates generally to a vehicle vision system for a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle vision system that utilizes one or more cameras at a vehicle.

Based on the concepts and innovations presented in these patents, would involve leveraging technology to improve efficiency, organization, and convenience for both parking operators and users. The system will be designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. It will be accessible via a web interface, and users will be able to view real-time data on the number of cars parked in the area. The system will also be able to store data on past parking activity, which can be used to analyze trends and improve the overall parking experience. The invention will require a range of skills, including software development, data analysis, and hardware engineering. It is expected to take several months to complete, and will require collaboration between a team of developers and other experts.
Summary of the Invention
Image Processing is very crucial for extracting any information from an image. In this study, a proposed plan for a smart parking system based on image processing has been effectively tried and run with a few videos taken from indoor parking garages. The system works precisely in deciding regardless of whether the parking slots are occupied or not by showing a red outline if a vehicle is inside or consuming a parking spot and afterward turns green when it is unoccupied. In the number plate detection, we first applied image processing algorithms to images and afterward those images were utilized in Tesseract software to acquire the text from the images. There are many automated car parking systems already available using technologies such as GSM, wireless transmitter, etc. This system was especially chosen for the purpose of learning more about image processing, as it is one of the most relevant technologies of our times and used in numerous other applications. The parking space detection system based on image processing in MATLAB was designed and tested. It is possible to manage large area by just using several CCTV. It is consistent in detecting incoming cars because it uses actual car images. It is cheap and easy-installed because of the simple equipment. Drivers can get useful real-time parking lot information from this system by the guidance information display. Future researchers can focus on allocation specific location to customers already registered from online parking management system Different images have distinctive text styles, length, width and font, so different images require different levels of digital image processing techniques. Out of these image results for a single image the most appropriate image is then applied to Tesseract for obtaining the text from an image. Therefore, after digitally processing the image we have accomplished better and near to perfection outputs.
Brief Description of Drawings
In the figure which are illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 Pictorial representation of Process of Proposed System
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention discloses a detailed description of a vehicle parking counter would involve leveraging technology to improve efficiency, organization, and convenience for both parking operators and users. The system will be designed to be user-friendly and easy to use. It will be accessible via a web interface, and users will be able to view real-time data on the number of cars parked in the area.
The system will also be able to store data on past parking activity, which can be used to analyze trends and improve the overall parking experience. The invention will require a range of skills, including software development, data analysis, and hardware engineering. It is expected to take several months to complete, and will require collaboration between a team of developers and other experts.
The system includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera or cameras, such as for detecting objects or other vehicles or pedestrians or the like in the field of view of one or more of the cameras. For example, the image processor may comprise an EyeQ2 or EyeQ3 image processing chip available from Mobile eye Vision Technologies Ltd. of Jerusalem, Israel, and may include object detection software (such as the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,855,755; 7,720,580 and/or 7,038,577, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties), and may analyze image data to detect vehicles and/or other objects. Responsive to such image processing, and when an object or other vehicle is detected, the system may generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle and/or may generate an overlay at the displayed image to highlight or enhance display of the detected object or vehicle, in order to enhance the driver's awareness of the detected object or vehicle or hazardous condition during a driving maneuver of the equipped vehicle. A parking space detection method for detecting an idle parking space from parking status information acquired by a parking status detecting device for detecting a parking status comprising: acquiring image data in real time on line by using a camera, correcting the image data, generating an aerial view, and segmenting the aerial view.
The proposed invention methodology involves a series of interconnected steps, each contributing to the overall functionality of the vehicle parking space counter:
Camera Setup and Image Capture: Multiple cameras are strategically placed to cover the entire parking lot. These cameras capture images at regular intervals, forming the basis for subsequent processing.
Vehicle Detection: Advanced object detection algorithms, such as YOLO (You Only Look Once) or Faster R-CNN (Region Convolutional Neural Network), are employed to identify vehicles within the captured images.
Vehicle Classification: A vehicle classification model distinguishes between different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This information enhances the accuracy of occupancy detection.
Parking Space Segmentation: The parking lot is divided into individual parking spaces using image segmentation techniques. Each parking space is mapped to a unique identifier.
Parking Space Occupancy Detection: Based on the presence or absence of vehicles in each parking space, the occupancy status is determined. This step provides real-time information on available parking spaces.
GUI Development: A user-friendly GUI is designed to visualize the parking lot layout. Occupied and vacant parking spaces are visually highlighted on the GUI, providing users with immediate information.
Statistical Analysis and Reporting: The system generates comprehensive statistics, including the total number of parking spaces, occupancy rates, and historical trends. This data assists parking lot management in making informed decisions.
Implementation and Technical Details
The invention requires a synergy of hardware and software components. Cameras are selected and positioned to achieve optimal coverage of the parking lot.
For vehicle detection and classification, pretrained deep learning models are fine-tuned on relevant datasets to accurately identify and categorize vehicles. Image segmentation techniques, possibly employing semantic segmentation networks, are used for parking space division.
The GUI development involves creating an interactive interface that displays the parking lot layout. Occupied and vacant parking spaces are color-coded, and the GUI updates in real time as vehicles enter or exit.
Expected Outcomes
Upon successful implementation, the system is expected to yield several outcomes:
Real-Time Parking Monitoring: The GUI provides users with an intuitive visual representation of parking space occupancy, enabling efficient decision-making regarding parking.
Optimized Parking Space Utilization: By accurately counting available parking spaces, the system helps drivers quickly identify vacant spots, reducing congestion and search time.
Data-Driven Insights: The generated statistics and reports offer parking lot managers insights into occupancy trends, enabling effective resource allocation and planning.
Enhanced User Experience: Drivers benefit from a streamlined parking experience, while parking lot operators can make informed decisions to improve efficiency.
4 Claims & 1 Figure , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:

Claim:
1. A vehicle parking system comprising:
a) A image processing-based parking system can efficiently manage parking spaces in real-time, automatically identifying available and occupied spots. This maximizes the utilization of parking space, reducing congestion and improving overall parking efficiency.
b) A image processing technology is implemented, the parking system can provide users with a seamless and hassle-free experience. Drivers can easily locate available parking spots through a mobile app or electronic displays, minimizing the time spent searching for a parking space.
2. According to claim 1, with an intelligent parking system, drivers can quickly find parking spaces, leading to reduced traffic congestion around parking lots and nearby roads. This contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem.
3. According to claim 1, The system can offer real-time monitoring of the parking lot, enhancing security and safety. Surveillance cameras can be integrated with the image processing system to detect suspicious activities and prevent theft or vandalism.
4. According to claim 1, Image processing-based systems can be relatively low-maintenance compared to traditional parking management methods. With proper implementation and regular updates, the system can offer reliable performance at a reduced operational cost

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202341067760-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
2 202341067760-FORM-9 [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
3 202341067760-FORM FOR STARTUP [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
4 202341067760-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
5 202341067760-FORM 1 [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
6 202341067760-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
7 202341067760-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
8 202341067760-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
9 202341067760-DRAWINGS [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10
10 202341067760-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [10-10-2023(online)].pdf 2023-10-10