A specially developed detector, equipped with pilot lights, is installed above each parking space. It constantly checks if a vehicle is present, or not, and immediately sends it’s observations to a central computer. The computer processes this data in order to update the information supplied to the drivers by easy to understand informational and directional signs, which are installed on each level.

The computer terminal in the control center indicates, in real time, the occupation rate of the parking garage by level and by zone. If required, the central control can count the number of places reserved for regular customers and deduct them from the total vacant places. The data centralization enables the operator to selectively control certain critical zones. When an entrance detector indicates that a new vehicle is entering a section that is almost full, the central control can bar further access (with advanced FULL display) for a time sufficient for parking. After this delay, the control verifies whether there are still vacant places. If there are, the next vehicle is allowed in.

Several statistics are possible, such as the number of occupied places, the number of entrances and exits open, and the number of vehicles present during any designated time frame. All data is available on a file that can be monitored via network. A written log can be produced of various events, such as the date and the time of an alarm and its acknowledgement, the general parking lot situation for statistical analyses, a list of spots where the authorized occupation time has been exceeded, and so forth.

The SIGNAL-PARK network is very economical on cabling. The nearest detector actuates the display signs operated by the central control. A special unit controls signs with displays grouped on different levels. When linked to the network, this unit is capable of operating a dozen relays.