Smart parking has become a practical and innovative response to challenges arising from rapid urban growth, the surge in vehicle ownership, and the ongoing shortage of convenient parking options in cities. This project, titled “RFID-Based Smart Parking,” introduces an Internet of Things (IoT)-driven parking management system designed to automate, streamline, and secure the parking process. By combining multiple technologies, the system addresses common urban problems such as congestion, inefficient use of space, and driver dissatisfaction. The solution integrates components including Infrared (IR) sensors, RFID readers and tags, servo motors, LEDs, and a microcontroller like Arduino Uno to manage real-time entry, exit, and slot allocation. At its core, IR sensors detect whether individual spaces are occupied or vacant and transmit this information to the microcontroller, which updates slot availability. LEDs act as indicators—green for available and red for occupied—guiding drivers directly to open spaces. This reduces the time spent searching for parking, thereby lowering on-site traffic flow, fuel use, and emissions. A key feature of the project is its use of RFID technology for vehicle authentication. Each authorized vehicle carries an RFID tag, which is scanned at entry and exit points. If validated, the microcontroller signals the servo motor to lift the barrier, allowing access only to approved users. This not only speeds up vehicle movement but also ensures security by restricting unauthorized entry. Additional features such as an LCD display and potential mobile application support provide real-time updates on slot status and access messages like “Granted” or “Denied,” further enhancing user experience. The system is designed with efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in mind.
S.R. et al. (Fri,) studied this question.