In today’s fast-paced era, the car parking management system must be updated just like everything else. The innovation required that the cars are parked quickly and parked in sequence. So why are innovation and upgradation needed in the car parking systems? The answer to this question is simple! People often get frustrated with manual parking and ticketing system because it results in a waste of time!
This article talks about the latest RFID parking system, how it works, its requirements and alternative options!
What is RFID Parking System?
The RFID parking system is simple yet efficient and offers car parking management with RFID technology. In addition to offering sequenced and quick parking, the RFID parking system is widely used in malls and offices.
The RFID parking system helps with tickets, issuing tokens, recording check-in and check-out timing, calculating fares and collecting amounts at the end of the day. Recording check-in, check-out, and payment systems work with the sensor technology in the RFID management system.
How does RFID Parking System work?
As discussed earlier, the RFID parking system uses sensory technology to record the entry and exit of cars developed by Samaritan-technologies. A microcontroller is attached to the sensory system that operates clockwise and anticlockwise for opening and closing.
As the car swipes through, a buzzer sound is made to record that. The number of parking spots automatically increases when a car leaves and decreases when a car enters the parking. Another fantastic feature of the RFID system is that it allows cars to pass only when the card is swiped for payments.
Furthermore, a display system indicates the amount of parking, spots available etc.
Usage of RFID Parking System in Management
Apart from controlling the entry and exit of the parking systems, there are many more reasons why the RFID parking system is used in a broader range. RFID parking system works in a wide range of reading distance and access speed.
Gate readers in the RFID parking system vary depending on the requirements of the parking facility they are used in. Some systems have one gate reader, and others have multiple gate readers. The range at which the RFID parking system access speed of cars also varies from 6mph to 100mph.
Requirements of an RFID Parking System
There are specific hardware requirements to install an RFID parking management system, as follows:
Embedded systems:
An embedded system is not purely hardware. It is a combination of both hardware and software. They are designed so that once installed, they don’t require human intervention and are expected to respond to the events. One classic example of an embedded system is a microprocessor that is supposed to control a car’s engine.
H-Bridge
- As the name suggests, H-Bridge works as a bridge and provides connections and power to the motor. The bridge has two sides, the upper or high side and the lower side.
- The high side, known as sources, operates like PNP transistors and P-channel EFTs.
- Whereas the lower side of the bridge is known as the sink and works just like the PNP transistors and N-Channel EFTs.
- Turning either the upper or lower side has an effective breaking mechanism.
- A voltage is generated when the upper or lower side is turned on.
LED
LEDs are made out of silicon and act as semiconductor devices. As the current passes through the LED, photons are emitted. LEDs are preferable over traditional light bulbs for many good reasons. One of them is that traditional bulbs will produce light only when the filament is hot, while LEDs will not do so. Additionally, LEDs consume low energy, have a longer lifetime, and are smaller in size.
DC Motor
DC in DC motor stands for direct current, so a DC motor operates on direct current. The operation in a DC motor is based on electromagnetism.
IR LED
IR LEDs are LEDs with a particular IR transmitter. The purpose of these is to transmit infrared rays at the range of 760nm wavelength. The composition of IR LEDs involves two elements, namely gallium arsenide and aluminum gallium arsenide. The primary function of IR LEDs is to act as sensors in the RFID parking system.
Due to its similar appearance to LED, it is difficult for ordinary people to differentiate between LEDs and IR LEDs as infrared rays are not visible to the naked eye.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
LCD is used in the PFID parking system for display purposes. Usually, 16 x 2 or 20 x 2 sized displays are used in RFID parking systems .
Pros & Cons of the RFID Parking System
Pros of the RFID Parking System
No Human Intervention Required
One of the biggest reasons companies and malls opt for an RFID parking system is that it is contactless and quick to access. With an RFID system, there is no need for ticketing, PIN readers, human parking attendants etc.
Furthermore, the RFID parking system is quick as it just takes a few seconds to read and scan your card credentials at entry and exit points.
Easily Transferable
Users can quickly transfer the credentials for an RFID parking system if they want to bring a vehicle different from what is already registered on the RFID system.
Perfect Record Keeping
The RFID systems assign a unique code to each person and maintain a unique record per code. This feature of the RFID system makes it easier for the operators to track and monitor each individual and spot suspicious activities quickly.
Guaranteed Security
As discussed above, the RFID systems work on sensors; this feature makes them highly sensitive to read codes, thus reducing the chances for errors resulting in high-security standards.
Cons of the RFID Parking System
Risks Associated With Security
- Where the easy transfer of credentials associated with RFID is a huge advantage, it can become a risk when the credentials get into the wrong hands.
- Another risk associated with the RFID parking system is known as RFID Skimming: Anyone can illegally obtain the sensitive information associated with unique RFID tags.
Expensive Systems
RFID systems can be expensive. The system requires many components, such as security gates, readers, checking stations, inventory equipment, sorting equipment, parking software configuration, and an investment of at least $70,000.
In addition to these, each RFID tag has a separate cost ranging from $0.50 to $ 1.50.
Lastly, each RFID system needs installation, which implies further expense.
RFID Parking System-Alternatives
Although there is a long list of benefits associated with the RFID parking system, it can be costly for some. In addition to the high cost, RFID technology is still developing, which means some users would have to wait for the perfect time to go for the RFID system. Meanwhile, they can go for alternative options.
Here are a few alternative options to the RFID management system:
Parking Management Software
Many parking management software available in the market in the form of web applications or mobile apps that are affordable while combining the benefits that users enjoy with an RFID management system.
License Plate Recognition Cameras
Also known as LPR Cameras, license plate recognition cameras utilize a license plate in place of the ab RFID tag. The LPR cameras are high-definition cameras integrated with infrared sensors and optical character recognition technology to monitor a vehicle’s license plate.
Although these systems are highly accurate, their efficiency can be compromised in extreme weather conditions such as fog, snow, or heavy rain. The efficiency can also be compromised if a vehicle’s license plate is not in good condition.
Final Thoughts
The RFID parking systems are advanced car parking systems offering automated and quick car parking facilities. With its long list of benefits, there are some cons of the RFID parking system, with the high cost at the top of the list. With the emergence of the RFID parking system, there are many alternative and affordable systems as well.
FAQs
Which algorithm is used in the intelligent parking system?
Round Robin algorithm is used in innovative parking systems.
What are the different types of parking systems?
Different types of parking systems include park lifts, tri and quad lifts, car lofts and pit parking systems.
