Application Solution of Ultrasonic Parking Space Sensing Light Technology in Smart Underground Parking Lots

I. Project Background​

With the acceleration of urbanization and the continuous growth of vehicle ownership, the usage frequency of underground parking lots is increasing. However, traditional underground parking lots face issues such as non-transparent parking space information, time-consuming searches for drivers, and low space utilization rates. These problems not only inconvenience drivers but also constrain the operational efficiency of parking facilities. To address these challenges, the introduction of ultrasonic parking space sensor light technology for intelligent retrofitting of underground parking lots has become a key measure to enhance service quality and management efficiency.​

II. Project Requirements Analysis​

1. Driver Requirements: Drivers expect to quickly and accurately find available parking spaces upon entering the lot, reducing search time and improving the parking experience. Additionally, they wish to check real-time parking space availability via a mobile application (APP) and reserve spaces in advance.​
2. Parking Management Requirements: Management needs real-time visibility of parking space occupancy to allocate and manage resources effectively, thereby increasing utilization rates. They require data analysis reports generated by the system to optimize operational strategies. Implementing intelligent management reduces labor costs and enhances the competitiveness and image of the parking facility.​

III. Technical Advantages​

Ultrasonic parking space sensor light technology, with its high-precision detection capability, quickly and accurately identifies vehicle presence in parking spaces. Paired with clear red (occupied) and green (vacant) indicator lights, it provides drivers with instant status recognition. Node controllers efficiently collect and process space information, disseminating it through indoor/outdoor guidance screens and mobile APPs, enabling comprehensive parking guidance. This significantly improves parking efficiency while enhancing the intelligent image and competitiveness of the parking facility.

IV. System Design​

(I) System Architecture​

This system employs a distributed architecture, primarily consisting of Ultrasonic Parking Space Sensor Lights WE-DPK12, Node Controllers WE-DPK200, Indoor Guidance Screens WE-DPK525, Outdoor Guidance Screens WE-DPK500, a cloud server, and a mobile APP working in coordination.​

1. Ultrasonic Parking Space Sensor Light WE-DPK12: Installed above the front of each parking space, it uses ultrasonic detection technology to monitor vehicle presence in real-time. When a vehicle is detected, the built-in indicator shows red; when vacant, it shows green, providing drivers with an intuitive visual status.​
2. Node Controller WE-DPK200: Responsible for aggregating parking status information from all sensor lights within its designated area. After processing, it generates guidance information transmitted to Indoor Guidance Screens WE-DPK525 and Outdoor Guidance Screens WE-DPK500, while also uploading data to the cloud server.​
3. Indoor Guidance Screen WE-DPK525: Installed at key points inside parking lanes, it receives guidance information from the node controller, displaying the number and direction of available spaces via text and arrows to guide drivers efficiently.​
4. Outdoor Guidance Screen WE-DPK500: Installed at parking lot entrances/exits, it receives data from the node controller, displaying the total number of available spaces in large digits, informing drivers of availability before entry.​
5. Cloud Server: Serves as the data storage and processing center, receiving and storing status information uploaded by node controllers for in-depth analysis and management. It provides data support for the mobile APP, ensuring users receive accurate, real-time parking information.​
6. Mobile Application APP: Users can remotely view real-time parking availability, reserve spaces in advance, and receive precise navigation to their chosen space upon arrival.​

(II) Network Communication​

1. Communication between Sensor Lights and Node Controller: Utilizes low-power, high-stability ZigBee wireless technology for efficient data transmission, ensuring timely reporting of space status.​
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3. Communication between Node Controller and Cloud Server: Node controllers communicate with the cloud server via the Internet (e.g., 4G/5G or wired networks), uploading processed data and receiving commands/configuration updates for remote management and upgrades.​
4. Communication between Mobile APP and Cloud Server: The APP interacts with the cloud server via mobile networks (4G/5G) or Wi-Fi, enabling real-time data synchronization for checking availability, reserving spaces, and receiving navigation services.​

V. System Functions​

1. Real-time Parking Space Monitoring: Sensor lights continuously monitor space status. Upon vehicle entry/exit, the indicator updates immediately, synchronizing information with the node controller, guidance screens, and cloud server, ensuring accurate and timely data for all parties.​
2. Multi-dimensional Parking Guidance: Indoor and outdoor guidance screens work together to provide seamless guidance from the entrance to internal zones. The mobile APP offers personalized space query and navigation, significantly reducing search time.​
3. Space Reservation Management: Users can view parking lot layouts via the APP, select and reserve preferred spaces. The system automatically reserves the space and provides exclusive guidance via the APP and indoor screens upon user arrival, enhancing the parking experience.​
4. Data Analysis and Decision Support: The cloud server performs in-depth analysis of parking data, generating reports on utilization rates, peak/off-peak hours, and traffic flow, providing management with data-driven insights for optimizing operations and adjusting pricing.​
5. Remote Management and Maintenance: Parking management can remotely configure parameters, perform software upgrades, diagnose faults, and conduct repairs via the cloud platform, reducing maintenance costs and improving management efficiency.

VI. Equipment Selection and Installation​

(I) Equipment Selection​

1. Ultrasonic Parking Space Sensor Light WE-DPK12: Selected for high sensitivity, wide detection angle, and strong anti-interference capability, suitable for complex underground environments; features IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring long-term stable operation.​
2. Node Controller WE-DPK200: Utilizes high-performance processors, supports large-capacity data processing and storage; equipped with multiple communication interfaces compatible with various network environments, ensuring stable and reliable data transmission.​
3. Indoor Guidance Screen: Uses high-brightness LED displays for clear visibility and wide viewing angles; features intelligent dimming that automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light, saving energy.​
4. Outdoor Guidance Screen: Selected high-brightness, weather-resistant LED screens suitable for outdoor high-light conditions; features waterproof, sunproof, and anti-corrosion properties for long-term stable display.
5. Cloud Server: Selected based on parking lot scale and data processing needs to ensure system stability and data security. Offers good scalability for flexible upgrades as business grows.​

(II) Installation Plan​

1. Ultrasonic Sensor Light Installation: Installed on the ceiling or bridge above the front of each parking space, ideally centered above the front border line (adjustable within 30cm). Optimal installation height is 2-3.5 meters (vertical distance from bridge underside to ground), with 3 meters being ideal. Ensure the detection area is unobstructed for accurate sensing.​
2. Node Controller Installation: Installed in suitable locations within the parking lot, such as electrical rooms or weak current wells. Ensure communication distance with sensor lights is within effective range and allow for easy maintenance. Implement proper grounding and lightning protection measures for safe operation.​
3. Guidance Screen Installation: Indoor screens installed 2.5 – 3 meters above parking lanes, ensuring clear driver sightlines; outdoor screens installed at conspicuous locations at entrances/exits, height determined by site conditions for clear visibility to passing vehicles.​

VII. Project Implementation Plan​

(I) Preliminary Preparation (15 days)​

1. Communicate thoroughly with the client to understand current parking lot conditions, retrofit requirements, and expected goals, developing a detailed project plan.​
2. Organize technical team for site survey, measuring dimensions, layout, pipeline distribution, etc., and draft construction drawings.​
3. Finalize equipment procurement list, sign purchase contracts, ensuring timely delivery.​

(II) Equipment Installation (10 days)​

1. Proceed with installation of sensor lights, node controllers, guidance screens, etc., according to drawings, strictly adhering to electrical installation standards and safety codes.​
2. Complete wiring, connections, and debugging between devices, ensuring normal communication.​

(III) System Debugging (3 days)​

1. Conduct functional tests on individual devices: verify accurate detection and indicator status for sensor lights, correct data processing/transmission for node controllers, clear and accurate display for guidance screens.​
2. Perform system integration testing, validate collaborative performance between devices, optimize system parameters, ensure stable operation of guidance and data upload functions.​

(IV) Trial Operation and Acceptance (7 days)​

1. Initiate trial operation, assign personnel to monitor performance, collect user feedback, and promptly address issues.​
2. Upon trial completion, organize client acceptance, demonstrate system functions and performance, submit project documentation, ensure project acceptance.​

VIII. After-Sales Service​

1. Warranty Service: Provide a 1-year equipment warranty, covering free repair or replacement of faulty devices (excluding human damage).​
2. Technical Support: 7x24-hour technical hotline for immediate response and remote fault resolution; onsite technical support within 72 hours for emergencies.​
3. System Upgrades: Regularly provide software upgrade packages to optimize functionality and performance, including free upgrade services and operational training.​
4. Regular Inspections: Quarterly onsite inspections by technicians for cleaning, maintenance, and performance checks, ensuring long-term stable system operation.

IX. Implementation Results​

1. Significant Improvement in Parking Efficiency: Post-retrofit, drivers can quickly find available spaces using guidance screens and APP navigation. Statistics show average search time reduced from 15 minutes to under 5 minutes, increasing overall parking efficiency by approximately 67%, greatly reducing unnecessary driving and congestion within the lot.​
2. Notable Increase in Space Utilization: Real-time monitoring and data analysis enable management to clearly understand usage patterns. By optimizing allocation strategies, utilization rates increased from 60% to 85%, effectively unlocking the parking lot's potential.​
3. Marked Enhancement in User Experience: Drivers can check availability and reserve spaces via the APP beforehand, park quickly upon arrival, and enjoy convenient payment upon exit, making the process smoother and more efficient. Post-implementation surveys indicate over 90% user satisfaction with the intelligent retrofit, significantly improving their parking experience and increasing their willingness to patronize the associated commercial complex.​
4. Reduction in Parking Management Costs: Remote management via the cloud platform reduces the need for onsite patrols and manual intervention. Staff required for daily management decreased from 3-4 to 2 persons, reducing labor costs by approximately 50%. Timely remote fault detection and repair also lower maintenance costs.
5. Significant Growth in Commercial Benefits: Improved parking experience has increased foot traffic to the commercial complex. Statistics show a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue within six months post-retrofit, demonstrating a positive interaction between intelligent parking upgrades and commercial operations.