Build a Smart Car Parking System Using Arduino

Build a Smart Car Parking System Using Arduino

Nitin Thakkar

Introduction:

With increasing vehicle usage, parking management is a growing challenge. An automated Smart Car Parking System can solve this issue by efficiently monitoring and controlling the availability of parking spaces. In this project, we’ll build a smart parking prototype using an Arduino Uno, IR sensors, a servo motor, and an LCD. The goal is to detect vehicles entering and exiting, count available slots, and display real-time feedback to users.

Required Components:

  1. Arduino Uno
  2. IR Sensors
  3. Servo Motor (SG90)
  4. I2C 16x2 LCD Display
  5. Breadboard and jumper wires
  6. USB Cable / External 5v power source

Circuit Connections:

Component Arduino Pin Description
IR Sensor (Entry) D2 Detects a vehicle at the entry point
IR Sensor (Exit) D3 Detects a vehicle at an exit point
Servo Signal D9 Controls the gate barrier
LCD SDA A4 I2C Data Line
LCD SCL A5 I2C Clock Line
LCD VCC 5V Power
LCD GND GND Ground

How It Works:

  • IR Sensors detect when a car enters or exits.
  • The Servo Motor (SG90) acts as a gate and opens/closes based on slot availability.
  • The slot count is updated and displayed on the LCD.
  • The system prevents additional cars when no slots are available.

Arduino Code:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
#include <Servo.h>

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);
Servo gate;

const int irEntry = 2;
const int irExit = 3;
const int servoPin = 9;

int slotCount = 3;
const int maxSlots = 3;

bool entryFlag = false;
bool exitFlag = false;

void setup() {
  pinMode(irEntry, INPUT);
  pinMode(irExit, INPUT);
  gate.attach(servoPin);
  gate.write(0);

  lcd.begin();
  lcd.backlight();
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Smart Parking");
  delay(2000);
  lcd.clear();
}

void loop() {
  lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
  lcd.print("Slots Avail: ");
  lcd.print(slotCount);
  lcd.print(" ");

  if (digitalRead(irEntry) == LOW && !entryFlag) {
    entryFlag = true;
    if (slotCount > 0) {
      openGate();
      delay(1000);
      closeGate();
      slotCount--;
      lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
      lcd.print("Car Entered ");
    } else {
      lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
      lcd.print(" No Slot Left ");
    }
  }
  if (digitalRead(irEntry) == HIGH) entryFlag = false;

  if (digitalRead(irExit) == LOW && !exitFlag) {
    exitFlag = true;
    if (slotCount < maxSlots) {
      openGate();
      delay(1000);
      closeGate();
      slotCount++;
      lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
      lcd.print("Car Exited ");
    }
  }
  if (digitalRead(irExit) == HIGH) exitFlag = false;
}

void openGate() {
  for (int pos = 0; pos <= 90; pos++) {
    gate.write(pos);
    delay(15);
  }
}

void closeGate() {
  for (int pos = 90; pos >= 0; pos--) {
    gate.write(pos);
    delay(15);
  }
}

LCD Display Output:

Slots Avail: 2
Car Entered
Slots Avail: 3
Car Exited
Slots Avail: 0
Slot Not Avail

Benefits of the System:

  • Automated: No human supervision needed.
  • Real-time Updates: Accurate slot tracking via LCD.
  • Cost-Efficient: Uses budget-friendly components.
  • User-Friendly: Clear gate control and display interface.

Future Improvements:

  • Integrate with IoT for mobile app control and live updates.
  • Add RFID or license plate recognition for logging vehicles.
  • Solar power support for outdoor deployments.
  • Introduce payment options for monetized parking.

Conclusion:

This Smart Parking System is a great hands-on project for beginners and hobbyists. It introduces automation using sensors, servo motors, and microcontrollers. You’ll gain experience with real-world embedded system applications and problem-solving through hardware-software integration.

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