Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a pair of sensors in each space which combine to provide highly reliable information regarding whether spaces in the facility are occupied or not. The information is gathered by a series of aisle controllers, which communicate with a central computer. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization. Information regarding the occupancy status of each space may also be used as a check on receipts of parking fees and to identify abandoned vehicles.

Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a video image sensing system wherein each space in the facility is monitored by a camera to determine whether or not it is occupied. A single camera may be used to determine the status of a plurality of spaces. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. Revenues generated by the sale of advertising can be used by the facility operator to defray the purchase and/or maintenance cost of the guidance and management system. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization.