WINDSHIELD COVERING SYSTEM FOR ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES

Abstract

A windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles comprises a frame 101 developed to be positioned by a traffic personnel on windshield of a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, plurality of motorized suction unit 102 arranged underneath the frame 101 to securely affix the frame 101 with the windshield. an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 detect dimensions of the windshield, a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within the frame 101 for increasing/decreasing dimensions, a GPS module integrated within the microcontroller for determining location coordinate of the vehicle, a motorized roller 105 arranged on the frame 101 for rotating on its to unwind a cover sheet, multiple motorized hinge joints 106 arranged on the frame 101 multiple motorized hinge joints 106 arranged on the frame 101, and a touch interactive display panel 108 arranged on the frame 101 for displaying an amount to be paid by the user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles that is capable of covering illegally parked vehicles in no-parking zone by detecting location of the vehicle to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen. Further, the system is capable of detecting dimensions of windshield of the car in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Illegal car parking is a major problem that affects traffic flow, safety, and commuters' quality of life in urban and suburban locations across the globe. Unauthorized parking in designated areas, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, fire lanes, and spaces designated for people with disabilities, impedes emergency response times, blocks pedestrian paths, and adds to traffic congestion. Illegal parking also makes fewer parking places accessible for authorized users, such as locals, customers, and tourists, which irritates and inconveniences people who are looking for parking. Illegal parking can have more serious repercussions than only the immediate effects on traffic and mobility. These include making locations less accessible to people with disabilities, lowering property prices in the impacted regions, and increasing pollution and environmental degradation from idle automobiles.

[0003] In order to address illegal parking, efforts frequently include infrastructure upgrades to improve parking availability and compliance with legislation, public education campaigns, and enforcement tactics like ticketing and towing. Illegal parking persists in many places despite these measures, underscoring the continuous need for comprehensive solutions to regulate parking properly and encourage responsible vehicle ownership and usage. In order to combat unlawful parking, technology-based solutions including automated enforcement systems, parking applications, and meters are being used more frequently. Although these tools have benefits like accuracy and efficiency, some communities may not be able to afford them, and they may present issues with data security and privacy. However, traditional methods of preventing illegal car parking are essential to enforcement operations, they have limitations that may reduce their accessibility or efficacy. Implementing a combination of enforcement actions, public education programs, and infrastructure upgrades catered to the unique requirements and difficulties of each community is crucial for addressing unlawful parking holistically.

[0004] KR100677910B1 discloses an invention relates to technology for cracking down on illegal parking, and in particular, technology for cracking down on illegally parked vehicles in remote locations. The illegal parking enforcement system according to one aspect of the present invention controls a web camera to sequentially monitor a plurality of zones according to information on a plurality of zones belonging to the illegal parking enforcement area, and detects whether there is an illegally parked vehicle from the surveillance video. When an illegally parked vehicle is recognized, the image of the vehicle is acquired and converted into a database for crackdown purposes. In this way, the illegal parking enforcement system according to the present invention not only automatically controls the web camera according to zone information, but also automatically recognizes illegally parked vehicles in the zone and obtains the video, so that the administrator from a remote location can It eliminates the need to manually control the movement of the web camera and also eliminates the need to continuously monitor for illegally parked vehicles. In other words, the illegal parking enforcement system according to the present invention provides the effect of enabling unmanned illegal vehicle enforcement without the need for manager management. Although KR'910 relates to a keeping system for illegal parking vehicle, however, the cited art has limitation in detecting dimensions of windshield of vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0005] CN204189305U discloses an illegal parking intelligent snapshot system is composed of a center management system, an illegal parking snapshot server and a camera. The center management system comprises a server and a client side. When an illegal parking vehicle is detected, the illegal parking server automatically controls the camera to achieve automatic amplification for the peccancy vehicle, performs positioning close-up snapshot for a license plate and transmits information to the center management server through an advance intelligent analysis algorithm, and the center management server automatically generates a peccancy alarm record through analysis processing and outputs the peccancy alarm record to the client side. At the same time, the center management server automatically contrasts stolen vehicles in a preset stored information base with monitored vehicles and performs automatic alarm. After the snapshot is completed, the camera automatically returns to a preset position, and the system continues to detect other illegal parking vehicles. Though CN'305 relates to an illegal parking intelligent snapshot system, however, the cited art has limitation in detecting dimensions of windshield of the car in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to take care of illegal parking, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to detecting dimensions of windshield of the car in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle and further, displaying a penalty amount to be paid by the user for parking in the no-parking zone.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that needs to be capable of blocking view of an illegally parked vehicle in no parking zone and restricting further movement of vehicle and further, displaying a penalty amount to be paid by the user for parking in the no-parking zone.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of covering illegally parked vehicles in no-parking zone by detecting location of the vehicle to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting dimensions of windshield of the car in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of displaying a penalty amount to be paid by the user for parking in the no-parking zone.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles that is capable of detecting dimensions of windshield of vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles, comprises of a frame developed to be positioned by a traffic personnel on windshield of a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, plurality of motorized suction unit are arranged underneath the frame to securely affix the frame outer peripheral portion of the windshield, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of the windshield, based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the frame to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame in order to secure the frame with the windshield, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module integrated within the microcontroller for determining location coordinate of the vehicle in order to verify whether the car is parked on a non-parking space to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen, and upon successful detection the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller arranged on the frame for rotating on its to unwind a cover sheet, multiple motorized hinge joints arranged on the frame that are simultaneously actuated by the microcontroller for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links attached with each of the joints in order to deploy the sheet over the windshield, thereby blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a touch interactive display panel arranged on the frame for displaying an amount to be paid by the user, along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by the user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit accessed by the user, upon successful payment of the fine amount, the microcontroller releases vacuum of the suction cups for allowing the user to access the vehicle, a gyroscope is mapped on the frame for detecting misbalancing of the frame, corresponding to unauthorized/ forceful removal of the frame from the windshield, and upon successful detection the microcontroller sends a wireless alert on a server of concerned authorities regarding the unauthorized/ forceful removal, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module linked with the microcontroller fetching location coordinates of the vehicle that are further transmitted to the server, a communication module is paired with the microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and the server of concerned authorities, and a battery is associated with the system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the system.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles in stowed state; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the present system in deployed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles that is capable of covering a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone by detecting dimensions of windshield of vehicle is in order to cover the vehicle for blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles in stowed state and in deployed state is illustrated, respectively, comprises of a frame 101 having plurality of motorized suction unit 102 arranged underneath the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the frame 101, a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within the frame 101, a motorized roller 105 arranged on the frame 101, multiple motorized hinge joints 106 arranged on the frame 101 providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links 107 attached with each of the joints 106, and a touch interactive display panel 108 arranged on the frame 101.

[0023] The present invention includes a frame 101 developed to be positioned by a traffic personnel on windshield of a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone. The frame 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal, woods, plastic and alike. The frame 101 is configured with plurality of motorized suction unit 102 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) are arranged underneath the frame 101 to securely affix the frame 101 outer peripheral portion of the windshield.

[0024] The suction unit 102 works by atmospheric pressure such that when the piston is raised, creating a partial vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces air into the cylinder, whence it is permitted to escape by an outlet valve. The suction cup is supplied with a motor that creates a vacuum continuously and affix the frame 101 outer peripheral portion of the windshield tightly.

[0025] Now, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 comprises of a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol and a camera which upon actuation captures multiple images of the surroundings for detecting dimensions of the windshield.

[0026] The camera of the imaging unit 103 comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor of the imaging unit 103, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on the digital camera sensor, creates a digital image and the processor performs various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which are then transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller (not shown in figure) for further processing.

[0027] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller is paired with a communication module for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and the server of concerned authorities. The microcontroller then, processes the received signal from the imaging unit 103 in order to detect dimensions of the windshield.

[0028] Thereafter, based on detect dimensions of the windshield, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within the frame 101 to extend/retract in view of increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 with the windshield.

[0029] The drawer arrangement 104 consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the frame 101.

[0030] Further, the microcontroller activates a GPS (Global Positioning System) module integrated within the microcontroller for determining location coordinate of the vehicle in order to verify whether the car is parked on a non-parking space in order to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module is linked with the microcontroller for fetching location coordinates of the vehicle that are further transmitted to the server.

[0031] The GPS (Global Positioning System) module working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the vehicle. The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the vehicle. The GPS module receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS module and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS module determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates.

[0032] The magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS module determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS module. The outputs of the GPS module and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the microcontroller in order to determine location coordinate of the vehicle in order to verify whether the car is parked on a non-parking space.

[0033] Now, based upon successful detection of the location coordinate of the vehicle, the microcontroller activates a motorized roller 105 arranged on the frame 101 for rotating on its to unwind a cover sheet. The motorized roller 105 is integrated with a hub motor in its hub powered by a direct current (DC) motor that rotates the roller 105 for unwinding the sheet.

[0034] Further, multiple motorized hinge joints 106 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) are arranged on the frame 101. The hinge joints 106 are simultaneously activated by the microcontroller for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links 107 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) attached with each of the joints 106 in view of deploying the sheet over the windshield, thereby blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle.

[0035] The motorized hinge joints 106 used herein, are piece of metal that joins two sides or items together and allows it to be opened or closed by revolving along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a DC motor, thereby the hinge joints 106 providing movement to the links 107 for deploying the sheet over the windshield.

[0036] Thereafter, the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display panel 108 arranged on the frame 101 for displaying an amount to be paid by the user.

[0037] The touch interactive display panel 108 is used for displaying images. The panel 108 is made of insulating material but surface of the panel 108 is coated with thin layer of electrically conducting material that helps in creating a low intensity electric discharge conducted towards the internal circuitry of the panel 108.

[0038] The panel 108 displays an amount to be paid by the user along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by the user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit and that is accessed by the user. Now, based upon successful payment of the fine amount, the microcontroller releases vacuum of the suction cups for allowing the user to access the vehicle.

[0039] Moreover, the microcontroller activates a gyroscope mapped on the frame 101 for detecting misbalancing of the frame 101 corresponding to unauthorized/ forceful removal of the frame 101 from the windshield. The gyroscope disclosed herein, (not shown in figure) is mapped on the frame 101 that is activated by the microcontroller for detecting misbalancing of the frame 101.

[0040] The gyroscope consists of a spinning rotor that maintains its axis of rotation regardless of the orientation of the system. When the frame 101 tilts or changes its inclination, the gyroscope's rotor tends to resist this change due to its angular momentum. The resistance to changes in orientation allows the gyroscope to detect the inclination level of the frame 101. By measuring the forces applied as the rotor resists the changes in orientation, the signals are sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal of the gyroscope in order to detect unauthorized/ forceful removal of the frame 101 from the windshield.

[0041] Further, in case the microcontroller detects unauthorized/ forceful removal of the frame 101 from the windshield, the microcontroller sends a wireless alert on a server of concerned authorities regarding the unauthorized/ forceful removal.

[0042] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the frame 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned by a traffic personnel on windshield of a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone. The frame 101 is arranged with plurality of motorized suction unit 102 to securely affix the frame 101 outer peripheral portion of the windshield. Then, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed detects dimensions of the windshield, accordingly a motorized drawer arrangement 104 extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 with the windshield, followed by a GPS (Global Positioning System) module determining location coordinate of the vehicle in order to verify whether the car is parked on a non-parking space to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen. Now based upon successful detection the motorized roller 105 rotates on its to unwind a cover sheet. Further multiple motorized hinge joints 106 providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links 107 attached with each of the joints 106 in order to deploy the sheet over the windshield, thereby blocking view of the vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle. Thereafter, the touch interactive display panel 108 displays an amount to be paid by the user, along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by the user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit accessed by the user, and upon successful payment of the fine amount, the microcontroller releases vacuum of the suction cups for allowing the user to access the vehicle. Moreover, the gyroscope detects misbalancing of the frame 101, corresponding to unauthorized/ forceful removal of the frame 101 from the windshield, and upon successful detection the microcontroller sends a wireless alert on a server of concerned authorities regarding the unauthorized/ forceful removal.

[0044] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A windshield covering system for illegally parked vehicles, comprising:

i) a frame 101 developed to be positioned by a traffic personnel on windshield of a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone, wherein plurality of motorized suction unit 102 is arranged underneath said frame 101 to securely affix said frame 101 outer peripheral portion of said windshield;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of said windshield, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 104 integrated within said frame 101 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of said frame 101 in order to secure said frame 101 with said windshield;
iii) a GPS (Global Positioning System) module integrated within said microcontroller for determining location coordinate of said vehicle in order to verify whether said car is parked on a non-parking space to ensure unnecessary deployment does not happen, and upon successful detection said microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 105 arranged on said frame 101 for rotating on its to unwind a cover sheet;
iv) multiple motorized hinge joints 106 arranged on said frame 101 that are simultaneously actuated by said microcontroller for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links 107 attached with each of said joints 106 in order to deploy said sheet over said windshield, thereby blocking view of said vehicle and restricting further movement of vehicle; and
v) a touch interactive display panel 108 arranged on said frame 101 for displaying an amount to be paid by said user, along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by said user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit accessed by said user, wherein upon successful payment of said fine amount, said microcontroller releases vacuum of said suction cups for allowing said user to access said vehicle.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gyroscope is mapped on said frame 101 for detecting misbalancing of said frame 101, corresponding to unauthorized/ forceful removal of said frame 101 from said windshield, and upon successful detection said microcontroller sends a wireless alert on a server of concerned authorities regarding said unauthorized/ forceful removal.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said GPS (Global Positioning System) module linked with said microcontroller fetching location coordinates of said vehicle that are further transmitted to said server.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module is paired with said microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between said microcontroller and said server of concerned authorities.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.

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