Prototype Implementation of an IoT Based Smart Parking System with a Centralized Web Interface

Abstract

In rapidly growing metropolitan areas, more individuals are opting for private vehicles over public transportation, largely due to demanding work routines and the need for flexibility. However, limited time and congested environments make it difficult for drivers to find available parking spots efficiently. To address this issue, our research, an automated digital parking system is proposed in this paper to detect and display real-time parking availability. Our research is capable of gathering data from multiple nearby parking zones and consolidating it into a single, unified platform. It uses cost-effective and easy-to-integrate transceiver modules for wireless communication. The objective of this research work was to accurately determine and display the location of free parking spaces within a designated area. At the entrance of the parking lot, a camera module scans the vehicle's number plate, and available slots are shown on both an LCD screen and the associated parking website. Upon exit, the vehicle's number plate is scanned again for tracking and verification purposes. The system comprises an LCD display, sensors, antennas, a CMOS camera, a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a centralized web interface to ensure smooth operation and user convenience. The developed prototype was successfully validated using scaled car models, integrated display units, and web-based interfaces, thereby demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed smart indoor parking system