System and method for estimation of available parking space through intersection traffic counting

摘要

A method and structure for estimating parking occupancy within an area of interest can include the use of at least two image capture devices and a processor (e.g., a computer) which form at least part of a network. A method for estimating the parking occupancy within the area of interest can include the use of vehicle entry and exit data from the area of interest, as well as an estimated transit time for vehicles transiting through the area of interest without parking.

主权项

1. A method for estimating parking occupancy within an area of interest, comprising:
measuring initialization data for a beginning of a measurement cycle (time t=0), where the initialization data comprises:
a count of vehicles parked within the area of interest; anda count of vehicles transiting through the area of interest; beginning the measurement cycle at time t=0; detecting entry of one or more vehicles into the area of interest using a first image capture device subsequent to t=0; detecting exit of one or more vehicles out of the area of interest using a second image capture device different from the first image capture device subsequent to t=0; and estimating the parking occupancy for the area of interest at a time t using the initialization data, the number of vehicles entering the area of interest only from a time t=0 to a time t−Δt, Δt being an estimated transit time for any vehicle from the start of the area of interest to an end of the area of interest, and the number of vehicles exiting the area of interest, wherein: the area of interest comprises a street segment of a first street; the street segment is located between a first intersection and a second intersection; the first intersection is an intersection of the first street and a second street; the second intersection is an intersection of the first street and a third street; and the count of vehicles transiting through the area of interest comprises a count of vehicles transiting the street segment between the first intersection and the second intersection without parking.