Research Reading: Smart Parking Applications Using RFID Technology

Smart Parking Applications Using RFID Technology

Abstract

There has been a considerable amount of reduction in transaction costs and decrease in stock shortage with the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in automation. Most of the RFID networks include a wide range of automation technologies. These technologies are RFID readers, RFID writers, RFID barcode scanners, RFID smart sensors and RFID controllers. In this study, a solution has been provided for the problems encountered in parking-lot management systems via RFID technology. RFID readers, RFID labels, computers, barriers and software are used as for the main components of the RFID technology. The software has been handled for the management, controlling, transaction reporting and operation tasks for parking lots located on various parts of the city. Check-ins and check-outs of the parking-lots will be under control with RFID readers, labels and barriers. Personnel costs will be reduced considerably using this technology. It will be possible to see unmanned, secure, automized parking-lots functioning with RFID technology in the future. Check-ins and check-outs will be handled in a fast manner without having to stop the cars so that traffic jam problem will be avoided during these processes. Drivers will not have to stop at the circulation points and parking tickets will be out of usage during check-ins and check-outs. It will be avoided ticketjamming problems for the ticket processing machines as well. Vehicle owners will not have to make any payments at each check-out thus a faster traffic flow will be possible. Since there won't be any waiting during check-ins and check-outs the formation of emission gas as a result of such waiting will be avoided. An automized income tracking system, a car tracking system for charging and a central parking-car tracking system have been developed and utilized. Instead of cars' parking on streets, a more modern and a fast operating parking-lot system have been developed.

这篇文章总结了无线射频识别（RFID）技术在自动化中的应用及其在停车场管理系统中的解决方案。文章提到，RFID技术在自动化中可以降低交易成本，减少库存短缺。RFID网络包括各种自动化技术，如RFID读写器、RFID条码扫描仪、RFID智能传感器和RFID控制器。

在停车场管理系统中，RFID技术的主要组成部分包括RFID读写器、RFID标签、计算机、道闸和软件。软件用于停车场的管理、控制、交易报告和操作任务。通过RFID读写器、标签和道闸，可以控制停车场的进出口情况。使用这项技术可以大大减少人员成本。未来可能会看到使用RFID技术的无人化、安全、自动化的停车场。

使用RFID技术，可以快速办理进出停车场手续，而不必停车等候，从而避免交通堵塞。驾驶员不需要在流通点停车，进出停车场时也不需要停车券。这也可以避免停车券处理机器的卡纸问题。车主在每次离开时不需要支付费用，这样可以实现更快的交通流动。由于进出停车场不需要等待，因此可以避免因等待而产生的废气排放。文章还提到，开发和应用了自动化的收入跟踪系统、充电车辆跟踪系统和中央停车车辆跟踪系统。相比停在街上，开发了更现代化、快速运行的停车场系统。

综上所述，RFID技术在自动化中的应用可以降低交易成本、减少库存短缺。在停车场管理系统中，使用RFID技术可以实现快速办理进出停车场手续，减少交通堵塞，并实现自动化、安全的停车场运营。

I. INTRODUCTION RFID

is a technology that helps to identify the animate or inanimate through radio waves. RFID is one of the most fundamental technologies that enables wireless data transmission. Although it has been known for a long time, has not been very often used in industry. Because it was expensive and there was no standardization among the manufacturing companies. It took a long time to be widely utilized. The intentions of the utilization of the RFID technology have been encouraged in the following ways: by the use of RFID technology, manually achieved workloads will be decreased considerably [1]. RFID technology is universal, useful and efficient [2]. RFID technology increases company efficiency and provides advantages on both company and client-wise [3]. RFID technology is much more secure compared to other networks [4]. RFID labels play an important role as an inventory tracking technology [5]. RFID technology is an automized vehicle identification system that is useful and requires no personnel. Vehicles are identified and parking-lot fees are collected automatically via this system [6]. RFID system enables vehicles to check-in and check-out under fast, secure and convenient conditions. Most of the gate controlling systems includes barriers. The timing of the gates and additional sensors enables a one by one parking-lot circulation thus preventing multi check-ins or check-outs at a time [7]. RFID readers control check-in and check-out barriers. RFID is a technology that collects parking fees without having to stop vehicles [8]. It is the sole purpose of this study to utilize such an important technology with an application. In this study, via RFID technology, some solutions are provided for the problems encountered in parking lot management systems to the present and some important results have been gathered. In this study, the main components of RFID technology which are RFID readers, RFID labels, a barrier to control the gate and software have been utilized. The software aimed to handle the management, controlling, transaction reporting and operation tasks for parking lots located on various parts of the city. As for the hardware requirements, by the utilization of RFID readers, barriers and labels, parking-lot check-in and check-out controls have been achieved. In that way, as an alternative to personnel-controlled traditional parking-lot operations, an unmanned, automized vehicle control and identification system has been developed. Necessary precautions have been taken programmatically just in case of a parking-lot's running out of parking space problem during the process of this application. That way vehicles that are about to check-in will not be let in, thus, there will not be any time-loss to look for parking space. Another problem is the application's disconnection to the central database during its operation. This is basically the result of the internet infrastructure breakdown. To avoid such a problem, necessary precautions were taken to run the database on both a local and a remote server simultaneously.

RFID（射频识别）是一种通过无线电波来识别生物和非生物物体的技术。

尽管RFID技术已经存在很长时间，但由于价格昂贵且制造公司之间没有标准化，它在工业中并没有被广泛使用。随着时间的推移，RFID技术开始得到广泛应用。

利用RFID技术有以下几个好处：

1. 通过使用RFID技术，可以大幅度减少手动工作量。
2. RFID技术是通用、有用和高效的。
3. RFID技术提高了公司的效率，并为公司和客户提供了各种优势。
4. 与其他网络相比，RFID技术更安全。
5. RFID标签作为库存追踪技术发挥着重要作用。
6. RFID技术是一种无需人员的自动化车辆识别系统。该系统可以自动识别车辆并自动收取停车费用。
7. RFID系统可以在快速、安全和便利的条件下对车辆进行出入场检查。
8. 大多数门控系统包括道闸。通过合理的门控时间和额外的传感器，可以实现一个一个车辆进出停车场，防止同时多次进出。
9. RFID读卡器控制入场和出场的道闸。RFID技术可以在不停车的情况下收取停车费用。

本研究旨在利用RFID技术开发一个应用程序来解决停车场管理系统中的问题，并收集了一些重要的结果。在本研究中，使用了RFID技术的主要组成部分，包括RFID读卡器、RFID标签、控制门的道闸和软件。该软件旨在处理城市不同部分的停车场管理、控制、交易报告和操作任务。

至于硬件要求，通过使用RFID读卡器、道闸和标签，实现了停车场的入场和出场控制。通过这种方式，可以开发一种无人化、自动化的车辆控制和识别系统，作为人员控制的传统停车场运营的替代方案。

在应用程序的运行过程中，通过编程采取了必要的预防措施，以防止停车场没有停车位的问题。这样，即将入场的车辆将不会被放行，从而避免了寻找停车位的时间损失。

另一个问题是应用程序在运行过程中与中央数据库的断开连接。这基本上是因为互联网基础设施的故障。为了避免这样的问题，采取了必要的预防措施，同时在本地和远程服务器上运行数据库。

II. GENERAL STURUCTURE AND DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM

In this study, controlling of three parking-lot check-ins and check-outs has been achieved by using a central database system. The parking-lots are located on various parts of the city (Fig 1).

While using hardware for the central management of the parking lots, software to control the hardware has been used as well. RFID readers, labels, USB cables, toy cars, barriers with USB port connection and laptop computers have been utilized for hardware requirements. To store and manage the vehicle tracking data, a database management system has been used as software requirements. A visual programming language has been used for operating the parking-lots and to reach the collected data. The utilized RFID reader is a Phidget branded board operating with USB port and EM Manrin Protocol (EM4 102). EM Manrin is a protocol that is read-only and works on a 125 kHz low frequency. By using the above mentioned RFID reader, RFID labels were managed to be read from approximately 7.62 cm distance. The read data was a 40-bit identification data. The reader did not have a read-and-write property. The utilized RFID readers are considerably small with circular shapes. That way they could easily be attached to the vehicles. The computers used in this application were connected over the internet. A database titled as RFIDDATA was used to store data coming from the parking-lots in the city. In the database, as the main table, "Vehiclelnformation" and as a sub table "VehicleCirculationlnfo" tables were created. The general information about a vehicle is stored on the main table and its circulation information is kept on the sub table. The main table consists of the fields such as vehiclelD, platenumber, type, and model. To monitor a vehicle's inner city parking-lot movements, its check-in and check-out attempts, the dates, the time, the parking-lot information and total parking fee, "VehicleCirculationlnfo" table was used. These two tables were prepared by a database management system and administered via the software developed. RFID reader was connected to the computer's USB port by the USB cable to provide communication between the developed software and RFID reader. Another USB connection was established for the barrier as well. For each of the parkinglots, one barrier and one RFID reader were utilized.

设计和实现一个使用中央数据库系统控制三个停车场进出的系统。该系统使用了硬件设备和软件来管理停车场。硬件设备包括RFID读卡器、标签、USB电缆、玩具车以及带有USB接口的道闸和笔记本电脑。软件方面，使用了数据库管理系统来存储和管理车辆追踪数据，同时使用了视觉化编程语言来操作停车场和获取收集到的数据。

RFID读卡器采用了Phidget品牌的板载设备，通过USB接口和EM Manrin协议（EM4 102）进行操作。EM Manrin是一个只读协议，工作在125kHz的低频率上。通过使用这款RFID读卡器，可以在大约7.62厘米的距离内读取RFID标签。

读取的数据是一个40位的身份识别数据。这个读卡器没有读写功能。所使用的RFID读卡器体积相对较小，呈圆形，便于安装在车辆上。

在该应用中使用的计算机通过互联网连接。使用一个名为RFIDDATA的数据库来存储来自城市各停车场的数据。在数据库中创建了“Vehiclelnformation”作为主表和“VehicleCirculationlnfo”作为子表。主表存储了关于车辆的一般信息，而子表则记录了车辆的进出时间、日期、停车场信息和总停车费用。这两个表是通过数据库管理系统创建的，并通过开发的软件进行管理。

RFID读卡器通过USB电缆连接到计算机的USB接口，以实现开发的软件和RFID读卡器之间的通信。道闸也通过另一个USB连接进行了连接。每个停车场都使用了一个道闸和一个RFID读卡器。

A. How does the system work?

The system stores all the necessary information about the vehicle, which explained at the time of the purchase process of the RFID labels, to the "VehicleInformation" table of RFIDDATA in database. In that way, all the information about a vehicle possessing an RFID label will be accessible through the system. When a registered vehicle comes to any parking-lot to check-in, the system checks whether it is registered to the system or not. If it is registered, and it doesn't have any check-in or check-out records available, the check-in information is stored in the database and the barrier will lift off for the vehicle to drive in (Fig 2).

系统将所有关于车辆的必要信息存储在数据库的"VehicleInformation"表中，这些信息在购买RFID标签的过程中进行了解释。通过这种方式，系统可以访问与RFID标签关联的车辆的所有信息。

当一个注册的车辆来到任何停车场办理登记手续时，系统会检查它是否已注册到系统中。如果已注册，并且没有任何登记或离开记录可用，系统会将登记信息存储在数据库中，并解除车辆通行栏杆（如图2）。

 A checking-out vehicle's identification information is searched on the database first. If it is a registered vehicle and it didn't have an unauthorized access the system will allow its check-out. During the check-out, the system finds its check-in date and time and updates it with the check-out date and time (Fig 3). 

首先，我们会在数据库中搜索一个正在结账的车辆的身份信息。如果这辆车是注册过的，并且没有未经授权的访问记录，系统将允许完成结账操作。在结账过程中，系统会找到它的入库日期和时间，并将其更新为结账的日期和时间（见图3）。

解决方案的关键步骤：

1. 连接数据库并进行身份信息搜索。
2. 检查车辆是否是注册过的。
3. 检查车辆是否有未经授权的访问记录。
4. 如果车辆是注册过的且没有未经授权的访问记录，允许进行结账操作。
5. 在结账过程中，找到车辆的入库日期和时间。
6. 更新入库日期和时间为结账的日期和时间。
7. 完成结账操作。

通过按照以上步骤进行操作，我们可以确保只有注册过且没有未经授权访问记录的车辆才能被允许结账。

 III. DISCUSSION AND RESULTS

A. Discussion

In this application, a vehicle's identification information is searched on the central database first, if a vehicle doesn't have any previous records registered to the database, the initial entry level information of a vehicle is stored in the database. If a vehicle has a previous record stored on the system, there won't be any secondary information entries thus duplicate entries will be avoided. Under normal circumstances, if a vehicle checks-in to a parking-lot without RFID notification, that vehicle will not be able to check-out afterwards. In that way, unauthorized entries will be avoided. If a checked-in vehicle does not get checked-out, it won't be able to check-in to any of the parking lots in the city. Only the administrator of the central database could bring a solution to this problem. Identification information of the registered vehicles within the coverage area of an RFID reader will constantly be read. If in this process, a vehicle's information is recorded into the database there will be duplicate entries and this will cause problems within the system. To avoid this problem, reading task is done when the vehicles gets out of the range of the RFID reader. If two vehicles enter a parking-lot side by side, being within the range of the RFID reader, the system will not read their identification information and process it. To avoid such problems, parking-lot entrances should be designed to enable passage for one vehicle at a time. Spot lights directly connected to the RFID reader to be located at the entrances of parking-lots to notify drivers about the availability of parking space in the lot will provide great convenience. In that way, there will not be any waste of time looking for park space. Internet disconnection during the processes will shut down the connection to the central database as well. In such cases, a local database system will be enabled. Upon the internet connection is restored, the system will switch back to the remote database again.

在这个应用程序中，首先在中央数据库上搜索车辆的身份信息，如果车辆没有任何先前注册到数据库的记录，就会将车辆的初始录入级别信息存储在数据库中。如果车辆在系统上有先前的记录，就不会进行任何次要信息的录入，从而避免重复的录入。

在正常情况下，如果车辆在没有RFID通知的情况下进入停车场，那么该车辆将无法在之后离开停车场。这样可以避免未经授权的进入。

如果一个已经进入停车场的车辆没有进行离开操作，那么它将无法再次进入城市中的任何停车场。只有中央数据库的管理员才能解决这个问题。

在RFID读取器覆盖范围内的已注册车辆的身份信息将被持续读取。如果在这个过程中，车辆的信息被记录到数据库中，就会出现重复的记录，这会在系统内引起问题。为了避免这个问题，读取任务在车辆离开RFID读取器的范围时执行。

如果两辆车并排进入停车场，处于RFID读取器的范围内，系统将不会读取它们的身份信息并进行处理。为了避免这种问题，停车场入口应该设计成只允许一辆车通过。

在停车场入口直接连接到RFID读取器的聚光灯，用于通知驾驶员停车场中是否有空位，将提供极大的便利。这样，就不会浪费时间寻找停车位。

在处理过程中如果因为网络断开而导致与中央数据库的连接中断，这种情况下将启用本地数据库系统。在恢复网络连接后，系统将切换回远程数据库。

B. Results

In this project, it is proven that by utilizing RFID readers and RFID labels with a centralized database system, all the parking-lots in a city could be operated in an economical and fast way. This prototype will provide an automized operation and controlling ability for all of the parking-lots in a city by using standardized devices. At the end of each month, the total fees for each of the parking-lot member drivers will be calculated. Then these fees could be drawn from their bank accounts and transferred to the parking-lots' accounts automatically, issuing an invoice for each transaction. Thanks to the system's easy installation and operation, automized data gathering and reporting will be possible. With By a centralized database system, a remote access and administration of the system will also be possible. Over the internet, administrators will be able to view identification and dept information of any vehicle and monitor the efficiency and functionality of RFID-enabled parking-lots. Via such a system, personnel costs will be cut off. As is in the case of ATM machines, realization of unmanned, completely automized parking-lots will be possible in the future. Without having to stop vehicles, check-ins and check-outs will be possible. In that way, there won't be any traffic jam problems. As is in the traditional parking lot systems, drivers will not have to take and process parking tickets during check-ins and check-outs. Moreover there won't be any ticket-jamming problems either. Vehicle owners will not have to make payments upon every check-out. This will provide a smooth traffic flow within the parking-lot thus preventing the emission gas formation. With this system an automized income reporting and a centralized vehicle monitorization will be possible. A predetermined price-range will both relieve the city traffic and provide security for vehicles. In that way, cities will have a more modem look. Instead of parking vehicles on streets and put them into risk, drivers will be able to leave their vehicles to these parking-lots with contentment.

在这个项目中，通过利用RFID读写器和RFID标签与一个集中式数据库系统，可以以经济和快速的方式运营城市的所有停车场。

这个原型将通过使用标准化设备为城市的所有停车场提供自动化操作和控制能力。在每个月的最后，将计算每个停车场会员驾驶员的总费用。然后，这些费用可以自动从他们的银行账户中提取，并转入停车场的账户，为每笔交易开具发票。

由于该系统的易于安装和操作，将实现自动化的数据收集和报告。通过一个集中式的数据库系统，将可以远程访问和管理系统。管理员将能够通过互联网查看任何车辆的身份和欠款信息，并监控RFID启用的停车场的效率和功能性。

通过这样的系统，人员成本将减少。就像自动取款机一样，未来将实现无人化完全自动化的停车场。

不需要停车车辆，在不停车的情况下进行入场和出场是可能的。以这种方式，就不会出现交通堵塞问题。驾驶员在入场和出场时不需要拿取和处理停车票，也不会出现卡纸问题。

车主不需要在每次出场时支付费用。这将在停车场内提供流畅的交通流动，从而防止废气排放。

通过这个系统，可以实现自动化的收入报告和集中式的车辆监控。一个预定的价格范围将减轻城市交通负担，并为车辆提供安全保障。这样，城市的外观将更加现代化。

驾驶员将能够安心地将他们的车辆停放在这些停车场，而不是将车辆停放在街上，从而将车辆置于风险中。

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