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In recent years, the rapid pace of urban development has exacerbated the challenge of finding parking, leading some drivers to park illegally in public areas such as green belts and fire lanes. This behavior not only violates traffic rules but also severely damages the urban public natural environment.
One of the main reasons for the problem above is the low utilization rate of parking lots. Due to the mismatch and information asymmetry between the supply and demand of parking resources, some areas experience a shortage of parking facilities. In contrast, other areas may have a large number of vacant parking spaces.
To address the current parking difficulties, utilizing the small LiDAR sensor to create an intelligent parking lot is an effective solution. Small LiDAR sensor has the advantages of high accuracy and high reliability, which can detect the occupancy of parking spaces in real-time and transmit the data to the management center. Based on this data, the management center can publish real-time parking space information, guiding drivers to find vacant parking spaces quickly, thereby improving the utilization rate of parking lots.
What is Smart Parking with the Small LiDAR Sensor
The intelligent parking management system is a parking management and operation system based on the Internet of Things, cloud computing services, and intelligent sensor technology. When vehicles enter the managed area, the management system uses integrated LiDAR and camera sensors to track and statistically monitor the parking status of all parking spaces in real time. It enables remote data inquiries, electronic map-based parking space status monitoring, parameter settings, and rate adjustments. It also provides data interfaces to furnish basic data for a broader range of vehicle navigation and parking guidance systems, optimizing the operational status of parking spaces within the parking lot.
Drawbacks of Ultrasonic and Microwave Radars
While traditional technologies like ultrasonic and microwave radars have been used in parking detection, they come with several drawbacks:
- False Alarms: Ultrasonic sensors can generate false alarms due to excessive acoustic waves bouncing off surrounding objects. This often leads to unnecessary alerts and confusion for users.
- High Power Consumption: Many ultrasonic and microwave devices consume significant energy, leading to higher operational costs over time.
Applications of the Small LiDAR Sensor in Smart Parking Scenarios
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Indoor Parking Space Detection
The small LiDAR sensor can be installed on the lighting system rails in the aisles of parking lots. It can detect the distance from the LiDAR to each parking space in real time, accurately identifying whether a vehicle is parked in the space. By integrating the small LiDAR sensor, controller, and indicator lights on a single rail, the renovation effort and overall costs for the parking facility are significantly reduced.
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Curb-Mounted Parking Space Detection
Incorporating the small LiDAR sensor into curb-mounted parking systems enables the determination of vehicle presence within each bay. Upon detection, the system promptly activates the camera to capture the vehicle’s license plate and initiates timing. This setup enables real-time surveillance of parking status and license plate recognition, enhancing operational efficiency and service quality.
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Roadside Smart Meter Parking Space Detection
Dual LiDAR modules within roadside self-service parking meters can monitor adjacent spaces by facing opposite directions. These small LiDAR sensors accurately track vehicle space occupancy and provide real-time updates, logging the entry and exit times of vehicles. This approach enhances the precision of parking space monitoring and offers solid data for automated billing systems, streamlining the calculation and payment process for parking fees.
Benewake LiDAR
Benewake LiDAR sensors provide substantial benefits for intelligent parking applications. They are compact and lightweight. Their ultra-low power consumption not only reduces operational expenses but also extends battery life in portable settings. These compact and lightweight sensors are easily integrated into various environments.
Most importantly, designed for exceptional LiDAR accuracy and precision up to 99.99%, these small LiDAR sensors excel at recognizing even black objects and ensuring reliable performance. They accurately detect the smallest details in complex environments, thereby minimizing false alarms.
Let’s have a look at their top two high-precision LiDARs:
The TF-Luna LiDAR sensor utilizes Time-of-Flight (TOF) technology to deliver stable and accurate distance measurements. With a compact design measuring 35×21.25×13.5 mm and weighing less than 5 grams, it seamlessly integrates into various applications. This small LiDAR sensor operates with an ultra-low power consumption of less than 0.35W.
It offers a range of 0.2m to 8m and has a remarkable resolution of 1cm, with LiDAR accuracy of ±6cm within the 0.2m to 3m range. The TF-Luna LiDAR also includes adaptive algorithms that adjust based on environmental conditions, along with customizable configuration options, so that the LiDAR can work perfectly in diverse smart parking scenarios.
The TF02-Pro enables impressive range capabilities from 0.1m to 40m at 90% reflectivity, with a minimal blind zone of just 10cm. This small LiDAR sensor captures data rapidly by operating at a maximum frequency of 1000Hz, ensuring precise measurements and effective vehicle detection. Engineered for durability, the TF02-Pro comes with a resilient housing that withstands harsh conditions and impacts. Its unique optical system and fusion algorithms enhance performance in bright environments and allow for reliable operation even under high ambient light conditions.
Wrapping-Up
Small LiDAR sensors are demonstrating their potential in the field of smart parking technology. As a leader in this domain, Benewake has a team of over 200 experts and holds hundreds of patents. Their small LiDAR sensors can offer stable and precise distance measurements, helping alleviate the parking difficulties in the process of urbanization and contributing to the construction of smarter and more efficient urban environments.
