A camera system is installed on light poles which are looking at the parking spaces in the lot. The system detects which spots are open and transmits that information to the in-car receivers that everyone installs (or phone). So if you are looking for a spot, you simply turn on your receiver and it will give you a listing of the open spots sorted based on the building entrance or whatever that you need to go into.

I don't know about anyone else, but it really sucks when you have to drive around for 5-10 minutes looking for parking spots in some lots. Then you also get cars zooming in and out of rows dangerously trying to find the only open spot before the other guy.

Alternatively, the system could be implemented with in-ground sensors.... or lasers. Lasers would be cool.
-- toodles, Aug 07 2009

Smart Parking http://www.spectrum...ind-a-parking-space
Except for the transmission to phone, this is baked. [MechE, Aug 07 2009]

There are other solutions to this problem on the 'bakery. Somebody will be along in a while to point them out to you.

Needs a better category.

But I'm with you on the danger factor. Competitive parking is a rough sport.
-- normzone, Aug 07 2009


[admin] suggested category "Car: Parking: Free Spot"
-- 8th of 7, Aug 07 2009


//other solutions// so ? that's why we have categories...

speaking of which...

vehicle:car:parking, an already existing category, seems to be a good spot to umm "park" this post.
-- FlyingToaster, Aug 07 2009


I was referring specifcally to the section on BWI airport in the link.
-- MechE, Aug 07 2009



random, halfbakery