Smart Parking System

A simulation project for a Smart Parking System integrating Mobile App, ESP32 microcontroller, and Firebase Realtime Database to optimize parking space management.

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Table of Contents

• Smart Parking System
  • Table of Contents
  • Overview
  • Features
  • System Architecture
  • Tools and Technologies
    • IoT Hardware
    • Mobile Application
    • Development Tools
  • How It Works
  • Future Enhancements
  • Contributors
  • Contributing

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Overview

The Smart Parking System aims to address urban parking challenges by providing real-time updates on parking slot availability. Using ESP32 and ultrasonic sensors, the system dynamically updates a Firebase Realtime Database, which communicates with a mobile app to notify users of parking availability and automate gate operations.

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Features

• Real-Time Slot Availability:
  • Displays the availability of parking slots through a mobile app interface.
• Automated Gate Operation:
  • Opens only when a slot is available.
  • Prevents entry when the parking is full.
• Ultrasonic-Based Detection:
  • Detects vehicle presence in parking slots and updates the system.
• Firebase Integration:
  • Ensures live synchronization between the parking lot hardware and the mobile app.
• Mobile App GUI:
  • Provides an intuitive interface for users to view parking slot statuses.

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System Architecture

The system comprises three key components:

1. IoT Hardware:
   • ESP32 microcontroller for communication and control.
   • Ultrasonic sensors for detecting parking slot occupancy.
   • Servo motor for gate automation.
2. Backend:
   • Firebase Realtime Database to store and manage parking data.
3. Frontend:
   • Mobile application built with Java, integrated with Firebase to display real-time data.

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Tools and Technologies

IoT Hardware

• ESP32 Microcontroller
• Ultrasonic Sensors
• Servo Motor
• Jumper Wires
• Power Supply

Mobile Application

• Language: Java
• Database: Firebase Realtime Database
• IDE: Android Studio

Development Tools

• Arduino IDE for programming the ESP32
• Firebase Console for managing the database
• Android Studio for mobile app development

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How It Works

1. Slot Availability Check:
   • Ultrasonic sensors detect the presence or absence of vehicles in parking slots.
   • Data is sent to the ESP32 microcontroller, which updates Firebase.
2. Gate Automation:
   • If a slot is available, the gate opens automatically upon vehicle detection at the entry.
   • If no slots are available, the gate remains closed, and a notification is displayed.
3. Mobile App Updates:
   • Firebase pushes real-time data to the mobile app.
   • The app GUI updates to show the current parking slot status.
4. Dynamic Parking Slot Management:
   • When a vehicle parks in a slot, the system marks it as occupied, updating both the database and the app.

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Future Enhancements

• Payment Integration:
  • Add automated billing and payment for parking.
• Advanced Sensors:
  • Upgrade to image-based sensors for enhanced accuracy.
• Navigation Assistance:
  • Provide directions to the nearest available slot.
• Scalability:
  • Expand the system to manage multi-level parking lots.

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Contributors

This project was collaboratively developed by the following team members:

• [Lakmal]SEU_IS_18_ICT_026
• [Sandun]SEU_IS_18_ICT_004
• [Muditha]SEU_IS_18_ICT_69
• [Kavindu]SEU_IS_18_ICT_068

Contributing

We welcome contributions to enhance the Smart Parking System. To contribute:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or fix.
3. Commit your changes and push them to your fork.
4. Submit a pull request with a detailed explanation.

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Thank you for exploring the Smart Parking System project. For any queries or feedback, feel free to open an issue or contact us.