Smart Parking Slot Detection System

Problem statement

Drivers waste time circulating in parking areas searching for empty slots, especially in malls and campuses.

Abstract

This project uses ultrasonic sensors or IR pairs installed in each parking slot to detect the presence of a vehicle. A NodeMCU/ESP controller collects sensor data and updates an indicator board showing free/occupied slots. Optionally, data can be uploaded to the cloud so users can check slot availability on a mobile app.

Components required

• Multiple ultrasonic or IR sensors (one per slot)
• NodeMCU/ESP8266 or ESP32 controller
• LED indicator board or small LCD
• Resistors and wiring harness
• Power supply and mounting frame
• Optional IoT platform for remote view

Block diagram

Working

Each sensor checks whether a vehicle is present in its slot and sends a digital signal to the controller. The firmware periodically reads all inputs, counts free and occupied slots, and updates the display board with arrows or numbers. If connected to the internet, the same data is uploaded to the cloud to be viewed on a mobile app.

Applications

• College or office parking lots
• Malls and multiplexes
• Smart city parking guidance
• IoT sensing and aggregation demo