An Autonomous Car Parking Space Location System

Abstract

Locating a parking spot in big cities, especially during peak hours, is always a big challenge. A lot of productive time can often be spent searching for spots which could be a source of stress. To address this issue, this work explores the idea of an intelligent car parking management system which helps to provide real-time detection of parking space occupancy via sensors and guidance system within parking facilities. To achieve this smart car park we used LCD displays, motors, sensors, keypads, microcontrollers (Arduino and ESP WiFi Module) amongst other devices. The system is also linked to a mobile app that will provide direct services to users such as reserving car slots, providing OTPs for each user, electronic payment/billing and parking duration limit reminder.

Introduction

Overview

With rising urban populations, pressure on resources like parking spaces is increasing. This intelligent car park system helps manage limited parking efficiently by directing users to available spaces, reducing traffic and search time. It uses IR sensors, Arduino microcontrollers, keypads, servo motors, and a mobile app to automate parking space detection, access control, slot booking, and payment.

Key Features and Functions

1. Real-Time Slot Detection:

   • IR sensors detect vehicle presence at entry/exit and in each slot.

   • LCD displays current parking availability.

2. Access Control:

   • Users are issued a One-Time Password (OTP) via the app for gate access.

   • A keypad and servo motor system controls entry/exit based on OTP validation.

3. Mobile App Integration:

   • Users can register, log in, book slots, and make payments.

   • The app updates slot availability and generates invoices.

4. System Modules:

   • Access Control Module: Gate control via keypad and sensors.

   • User Module: Manages user interaction and bookings.

   • Administrator Module: Maintains slot status, pricing, and user database.

   • Booking Module: Handles reservations and invoice generation.

5. Slot Allocation Workflow:

   • Users check availability and request a slot via the app.

   • Slot is reserved after successful payment.

   • Timer tracks duration of parking, and cost is calculated upon exit.

System Implementation and Hardware

• Microcontroller (Arduino) connects to IR sensors, LCD, keypad, and servo motors.

• Powered through regulated DC supply (6–12V preferred for stability).

• The hardware reliably updates slot status in the app in 2–5 seconds via a WiFi module.

• Minor lag observed only at the exit when OTP is entered manually.

Performance and Reliability

• Minimal delay from microcontroller and sensors.

• Real-time synchronization between hardware and app.

• High reliability and efficient performance during operation.

Conclusion

This work has presented the design and implementation of an automated car parking system which is aimed at saving time wasted in searching for parking spaces. The system utilized a microcontroller which attached peripheral devices to enable indication of available parting slots as well as booking and payment for these slots. To further improve the system, a reliable security system and a vehicle type and vehicle registration number detection system can be added to it.

References

[1] Migration Data Portal - The Bigger Picture, “Urbanization and Migration.” Accessed: Mar. 27, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.migrationdataportal.org/themes/urbanization-and-migration [2] H. E.-D. Ibrahim, “Car Parking Problem in Urban Areas, Causes and Solutions,” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2017, doi: 10.2139/ssrn.3163473. [3] Y. Geng and C. G. Cassandras, “New ‘Smart Parking’ System Based on Resource Allocation and Reservations,” IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 1129–1139, Sep. 2013, doi: 10.1109/TITS.2013.2252428.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 E. M. Mowarin, T. C. Nwaudah, B. I. Waya, D. O. Oyeka. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.