parking Sensors
Parking sensors are battery powered devices that are installed on each parking spot. They can accurately detect changes in the earth magnetic field generated by a car parking event and send the information through a wireless network as data to be collected by a processor. Since they are powered by batteries the cost of installation is very low compared to other technologies like induction loops or ultrasonic sensors. The battery lifetime estimation is more than 10 years. Nevertheless, the sensors are replaceable without road work being necessary.
Based on the mounting technique there are two types of sensors:
In-pavement mounted parking sensor (S-01)
Dimensions (d x h): 102,6 mm x 34 mm
Mounted flush with the ground, it enables classic winter service including snow-plowing.
Surface mounted parking sensor (S-02)
Dimensions (d x h): 180 mm x 30 mm
Requires minimal work for installation – it can be screw mounted or glued directly to the pavement. It is usually preferred in quick demo installations or indoor where drilling the pavement is not an option.
Both types of sensors share the same functional characteristics:
- Wireless connected to the network;
- Optimized network protocol, low power, self adaptive duty cycle, multi-hop, self healing, maintenance free;
- Battery powered with an estimated battery lifetime of 10 years;
- Rugged construction, they can be used to detect cars, trucks, etc;
- Easy replaceable capsule in case of electronics failure without road work needed;
- IP68 ingress protection;
- -40° C to +85° C operating temperature
ACTUATORS
Senstreet provides a programmable wireless board (generic actuator) that can be used to drive different devices like LED/Neon displays, parking barriers, custom automated products.
Due to their versatility LED displays are commonly used to enable dynamic signage of parking zones or to advertise parking spaces availability.
LED displays are modular, they can be customized for different text sizes, the energy consumption is low (solar power is a good option) and the messages can be configured easily in the Senstreet Console application.
Examples of LED displays in different configurations:
Custom configuration:
The display has adequate mechanical protection to withstand demanding environmental conditions and automatic regulation of LED luminance to optimally adapt to surrounding conditions.
The innovative design of the display extends operation time, reduces service and maintenance and lowers the total cost of the maintenance.
Network infrastructure
A multi-hop, self configured, mesh type wireless network is used to send data from sensors to the data processor service and to feed the actuators.
Sensors transmit data, either directly or in the case of a long distance in between – through one or more relays (repeaters), to a gateway type device called Access Point. The Access Point is able to receive data from any device in the network and forward it to the data processing service.
AP-01. Access Point
Dimensions without antenna (L x l x h):
123 mm x 112.2 mm x 29.5 mm
Mounted in a technical cabinet, forwards the information received from the network to a data processor service.
Other specifications:
- Wireless connected to the sensor network;
- Dual data forwarding module, Ethernet and (optional) GPRS. When available, the GPRS module can be configured as the main forwarding module or as an automatic backup to the Ethernet module;
- Low power consumption, it can be powered by a solar panel;
- Easy to use web based setup interface;
- Senstreet cloud ready;
- -40° C to +85° C operating temperature ;
RP-01. Repeater
Dimensions (L x l x h):
80 mm x 80.5 mm x 240 mm
Used to extend the range of the sensor network. Can be mounted on poles, buildings, etc.
Other specifications:
- Wireless connected to the sensor network;
- Optimized network protocol, low power self adaptive duty cycle, multi-hop, self healing, maintenance free;
- Neutral design, easy to integrate in urban environments;
- Long range: up to 27Km in line of sight from repeater to repeater.
- Battery powered with an estimated battery lifetime of 10 years. Replaceable battery;
- IP68 ingress protection;
- -40° C to +85° C operating temperature;
Data processor
The data processor is a computing platform used to collect, process and disseminate parking information.
The information received from the parking sensors, consisting of a series of magnetic field measurements, is analyzed by using sophisticated algorithms and for each spot an occupancy status is determined.
The processor forwards the occupancy status changes as parking events to third party applications by using HTTP REST calls. It also send messages back in the network in order to update the actuators.
For small, isolated deployments a mini-PC type computer (the picture is illustrative only – the actual computer characteristics depends on the number of parking spots being monitored) with the necessary software already installed is provided. The setup requires a few steps and can be completed by using a smart phone.
A cloud based solution for data processing service is also provided. It gives the convenience of scalability, automatic software updates, hassle free maintenance and easy exposure of the REST API to other internet participants. The platform can be accessed at the following link:
https://webconsole.senstreet.com