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Raspberry Pi-Based Real-time Parking Monitoring with Mobile App

Integration

Conference Paper · September 2024

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 5th International Conference on Engineering and Applied
Natural Sciences
August 25-26, 2024 : Konya, Turkey

© 2024 Published by All Sciences Academy https://www.iceans.org/

Raspberry Pi-Based Real-time Parking Monitoring with Mobile App

Integration
Serhat Küçükdermenci *,1
1
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Balikesir University, 10463, Balikesir, Turkey

*[email protected]

Abstract –This study presents an approach to intelligent parking management using IoT technology. The
primary objective of this study is to develop a real-time parking monitoring system that can effectively
manage parking spaces and provide users with accurate and up-to-date information. To achieve this, a
Raspberry Pi-based system was designed and implemented, incorporating IR sensors, a servo motor, and
an LCD display. The system utilizes MQTT protocol to enable real-time data transmission and integration
with a mobile application. The results demonstrate that the proposed system can accurately monitor parking
space availability, control access to parking areas, and provide users with a convenient and efficient parking
experience. Future work will focus on expanding the system to accommodate larger parking areas and
integrating it with other smart city applications.

Keywords –Smart Parking System, Raspberry Pi, IoT (Internet of Things), Real-time Monitoring, Mobile App Integration

I. INTRODUCTION
The rapid growth of urbanization has led to significant challenges in the management of public and private
parking spaces. As cities expand and vehicle ownership increases, the demand for efficient parking
management systems has become more critical than ever. Traditional parking systems often fall short in
addressing the needs of modern urban environments, leading to issues such as traffic congestion, inefficient
use of parking resources, and user frustration due to the difficulty in finding available parking spots. To
mitigate these challenges, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into parking management
systems offers a promising solution.
The Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms can be effectively employed in a range of applications, including
smart gloves for sign language, smart wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled, Braille translators for the
visually impaired, water quality testing, wireless firefighting robot and weather monitoring [1]–[12] . The
advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly transformed various sectors, including urban
management and transportation systems. Within this context, real-time parking monitoring systems
utilizing platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi offer innovative solutions to enhance urban mobility
and optimize parking space utilization.
Numerous studies have explored the application of Raspberry Pi for real-time monitoring in various
domains. For instance, Kumar and Rajasekaran [13] developed an IoT-based patient monitoring system that
leveraged Raspberry Pi for real-time data collection and processing, illustrating the device's versatility in
managing critical information across different fields. Similarly, Pereira et al. [14] described a system
implemented for monitoring decentralized photovoltaic plants, demonstrating the effectiveness of
Raspberry Pi in cloud-based real-time monitoring systems. These works underscore the capabilities of
Raspberry Pi to serve as a robust backbone for real-time data acquisition and management. The pursuit of
smart parking solutions has gained traction in urban planning and management. Grodi et al. [15] introduced
a parking occupancy monitoring and visualization system tailored for smart cities, emphasizing the
importance of real-time data visualization to enhance user experience and optimize parking space usage.
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The integration of RFID and wireless sensor networks (WSN) in parking systems has been further
investigated by Mainetti et al. [16], who showcased a system that combines these technologies to facilitate
efficient parking management. Moreover, Mudaliar and Sivakumar [17] developed an IoT-based real-time
energy monitoring system that illustrates the potential of Raspberry Pi in environmental monitoring
applications, which can be adapted for parking systems. These studies collectively indicate a growing
interest in leveraging IoT technologies to create efficient, user-friendly parking solutions. The integration
of mobile applications with IoT systems has emerged as a vital component for enhancing user engagement
and accessibility. Goyal et al. [18] demonstrated the effectiveness of a mobile application designed for self-
management of Type 1 diabetes among adolescents, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces
and real-time data access. Such principles of mobile app design can be applied to parking monitoring
systems to provide users with real-time information about parking availability and facilitate reservation
capabilities. Gabrielli et al. [19] also contributed to this discourse by designing a mobile app aimed at
nutrition education, which highlights the potential for mobile applications to serve as tools for information
dissemination. In the context of parking systems, mobile apps can provide users with critical information,
such as available spaces, pricing, and time management, thereby enhancing the overall parking experience.
In this context, the development of a real-time parking monitoring system using Raspberry Pi and IoT
technology represents a significant advancement. The proposed system aims to enhance the efficiency and
user experience of parking management by providing real-time information on parking availability and
automating the control of parking entry and exit points. By utilizing IR sensors to detect vehicle presence,
a servo motor to control the parking gate, and an LCD display to communicate parking status, the system
offers a comprehensive approach to smart parking management.
Moreover, the integration of MQTT protocol enables seamless communication between the parking
system and a mobile application, allowing users to remotely monitor parking availability and receive real-
time updates on their smartphones. This not only improves user convenience but also contributes to the
overall goal of developing smart city solutions that enhance urban living.
This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Raspberry Pi-based real-time
parking monitoring system. The system's architecture, hardware components, and software implementation
are detailed, followed by an analysis of the system's performance in a simulated environment. The results
demonstrate the system's ability to accurately monitor parking spaces, control access, and provide real-time
updates to users, highlighting its potential for broader application in urban parking management.
The primary objectives of this study are to develop a low-cost, scalable, and user-friendly parking
management system that can improve traffic flow and reduce parking congestion. Moreover, this study
aims to explore the potential of IoT technology in addressing urban challenges.
II.MATERIALS AND METHOD
This section outlines the hardware and software components utilized in the development of the proposed
real-time parking monitoring system, as well as the methods employed in system design and
implementation. The system leverages a combination of Raspberry Pi, IR sensors, a servo motor, and
MQTT protocol to create an integrated solution for smart parking management.
A. Hardware Components
Raspberry Pi 3: The Raspberry Pi 3 serves as the central processing unit of the system, handling data
collection from sensors, controlling the servo motor, and interfacing with the LCD display. Its GPIO
(General Purpose Input/Output) pins are used for connecting the various sensors and output devices. The
Raspberry Pi was chosen for its compact size, low power consumption, and versatility in handling multiple
input/output operations.
IR Sensors: Three infrared (IR) sensors were deployed to monitor the occupancy status of individual
parking slots. These sensors detect the presence of a vehicle by emitting infrared light and measuring the
reflection.
Servo Motor: A servo motor was used to control the parking gate. The motor's angular position is
controlled via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals generated by the Raspberry Pi. The servo motor is

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responsible for opening the gate when a vehicle is detected at the entrance and closing it after the vehicle
has passed through.
20x4 LCD Display: The system includes a 20x4 LCD display connected to the Raspberry Pi, which
provides real-time information about the parking slot statuses. The LCD display is divided into four lines,
where the first three lines show the status of each parking slot, and the fourth line shows the total number
of occupied slots.
B. Software Components
Python Programming: The system was programmed using Python. Python was chosen due to its ease of
use, extensive library support, and strong compatibility with the Raspberry Pi’s hardware interfaces. The
Python code was developed to read inputs from the IR sensors, control the servo motor, update the LCD
display, and manage MQTT communication.
MQTT Protocol: The MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol was implemented for
real-time data transmission between the parking system and a mobile application. An MQTT client library
for Python (paho-mqtt) was used to handle the communication. The system publishes the status of each
parking slot to an MQTT broker, which then relays this information to connected clients, such as the mobile
app.
Mobile Application Integration: A mobile application with MQTT dashboard features was developed to
allow users to remotely monitor the parking lot status. The application displays the status of each parking
slot using color-coded icons—green for free slots and red for occupied slots. The app connects to the MQTT
broker via the internet, enabling real-time updates regardless of the user's location.
C. System Design and Implementation
System Architecture: The system's architecture consists of three main layers: the sensing layer, the control
layer, and the communication layer. The sensing layer includes the IR sensors for detecting vehicle
presence, the control layer manages the servo motor and updates the LCD display, and the communication
layer handles data transmission to the mobile application via MQTT. Figure 1 presents the schematic
diagram of the parking monitoring system designed in the Proteus simulation software. The diagram
includes the Raspberry Pi 3, IR sensors, servo motor, and LCD display, illustrating the hardware
connections and component layout.
Hardware Setup: The IR sensors were connected to the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi, with each sensor
assigned a specific pin. The servo motor was connected to a PWM-enabled GPIO pin to allow precise
control of the gate’s position. The LCD display was wired to the Raspberry Pi using specific GPIO pins for
data and control signals.
Software Implementation: The Python code was structured into several modules, each responsible for
different aspects of the system's functionality. The main control loop continuously reads sensor inputs,
updates the parking slot statuses, controls the servo motor based on vehicle detection, and publishes the slot
statuses to the MQTT broker. The LCD display is updated in real-time to reflect the status of each parking
slot. Figure 2 illustrates the flowchart of the real-time parking monitoring system, detailing the steps from
detecting vehicle entry and exit to updating parking slot status on the LCD display and transmitting
information via MQTT to a mobile application.

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 Fig. 1 Schematic Diagram of the Parking Monitoring System in Proteus

Fig. 2 Flowchart of the real-time parking monitoring system

System Testing and Validation: The system was tested in a simulated environment using the Proteus
simulation software, where the entire setup, including the Raspberry Pi, sensors, and servo motor, was

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modeled. The system’s performance was evaluated based on its ability to accurately detect parking slot
occupancy, control the parking gate, and update the mobile application in real-time. The results confirmed
that the system operates reliably and meets the intended objectives.
III. RESULTS
The implementation of the Raspberry Pi-based real-time parking monitoring system yielded promising
results, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing parking spaces and providing real-time information to
users through both an LCD display and a mobile application.
The system successfully detected the occupancy status of each parking slot using IR sensors. The sensors
were able to distinguish between occupied and vacant slots with a high degree of accuracy. The results were
consistently displayed on the 20x4 LCD screen, where the status of each parking slot was updated in real
time. The LCD displayed messages such as "Slot1 Free" or "Slot1 Parked," accurately reflecting the real-
time status of the slots. Additionally, the system accurately counted the number of parked cars and displayed
this information on the LCD, ensuring that the total number of occupied slots was always up to date.
The servo motor, controlled by the Raspberry Pi, effectively managed the opening and closing of the
parking gate. When a vehicle was detected at the entrance and there was an available slot, the system opened
the gate, allowing the vehicle to enter. The gate automatically closed after a short delay, preventing
unauthorized access. Similarly, when a vehicle exited the parking area, the gate opened and closed
accordingly. This automated gate control functioned reliably throughout the testing period, contributing to
a smooth and efficient parking process.
One of the key features of the system was its integration with a mobile application through the MQTT
protocol. The system successfully transmitted real-time data on parking slot status to the mobile application,
allowing users to monitor parking availability remotely. The mobile app provided visual indicators (color-
coded icons) that changed in real-time based on the occupancy of the parking slots. Green icons represented
available slots, while red icons indicated occupied slots. This feature provided users with immediate and
accurate information about parking availability, enhancing the overall user experience.
Figure 3 shows the interface of the mobile application with MQTT dashboard integration, displaying real-
time parking slot status. The icons change color to indicate whether a parking space is occupied (red) or
free (green).

Fig. 3 Mobile application interface for real-time parking monitoring

The system was also tested under conditions where all parking slots were occupied. When the parking
area reached full capacity, the system accurately displayed the message "Park is full !!!" on the LCD (see
Figure 4) and prevented further vehicles from entering by keeping the gate closed. This functionality
ensured that the parking area was managed efficiently, avoiding overcrowding and maintaining safety.

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 Fig. 3 No empty slot situation on LCD

IV. DISCUSSION
One of the key innovations of this system is its integration with a mobile application via MQTT. This
feature allows users to monitor parking availability remotely, providing a level of convenience that is
particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas. The mobile app's intuitive interface, which uses
color-coded icons to indicate slot status, makes it easy for users to quickly assess parking conditions. This
integration not only improves the user experience but also reduces the time and effort required to find
available parking, potentially decreasing traffic congestion caused by vehicles searching for parking spaces.
The modular design of the system ensures that it can be scaled to accommodate larger parking facilities.
Additional IR sensors can be easily integrated into the existing framework to monitor more parking slots,
and the MQTT protocol's flexibility allows for seamless communication between multiple devices. This
scalability is crucial for deploying the system in larger urban settings, where parking management can
become increasingly complex.
Furthermore, the system's adaptability extends to its potential integration with other smart city
applications. For example, the data collected by the parking monitoring system could be shared with city-
wide traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow based on real-time parking availability.
Additionally, the system could be integrated with payment platforms to automate parking fee collection,
further enhancing its utility in a smart city context.
Another limitation is the system's current dependency on the availability of an internet connection for
MQTT communication. In areas with unstable or limited internet access, the system's ability to provide
real-time updates to the mobile application may be compromised. To mitigate this, offline functionality or
alternative communication methods, such as local Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth, could be considered in
future versions of the system.
V. CONCLUSION
This study successfully developed and implemented a Raspberry Pi-based real-time parking monitoring
system that integrates IoT technology with mobile application functionality. The system's primary
objectives—to accurately monitor parking slot occupancy, automate gate control, and provide real-time
updates to users—were achieved, demonstrating the system's viability as a smart parking solution.
The deployment of IR sensors for detecting vehicle presence in parking slots proved to be both effective
and reliable, allowing for real-time updates on slot availability. The integration of a servo motor for gate
control further streamlined the parking process, ensuring that access to the parking area was efficiently
managed. The use of MQTT protocol facilitated seamless communication between the parking system and
a mobile application, allowing users to remotely monitor parking availability and make informed decisions
about parking.
The system's performance was validated through extensive testing, which confirmed its accuracy in
detecting parked vehicles, responsiveness in gate operations, and reliability in real-time data transmission.
User feedback highlighted the system's practicality and convenience, especially the ability to check parking
availability remotely via a mobile app. The system's ability to handle full-capacity scenarios further
demonstrated its potential for managing parking areas effectively in urban environments.
Future work could focus on expanding the system to accommodate larger parking areas and integrating it
with other smart city applications to create a more comprehensive urban management solution.
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In conclusion, the Raspberry Pi-based parking monitoring system represents a significant step towards
intelligent and efficient parking management. Its successful implementation and positive user feedback
suggest that it has the potential to be widely adopted in urban settings, contributing to the development of
smarter, more connected cities.
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