There are Zigbee device distributed over the parking station. It can detect and calculate the location of the driver. IR sensors are also installed at each parking space, thus the driver will know which space is available, and to transmit the information to the Bee parking card via Zigbee network protocol. Then the card will display information, as well as indicate the direction of available space or exit.

The flexible display on the parking card will show an arrow, with function of indicating the location of available parking space. With the parking card, there is more useful information to be shown such as parking space number, entry time and parking fee. These aims to help the users to manage and avoided to forget where is his/her vehicle.

After you paid the parking fee, the arrow will become direction to the exit.

Designer : Jacky Wu

Text from David:
Transportation is a key factor in our urban environments and most of our cities are now developed to match the scale and needs of cars, and car users. This reality raises issues regarding sustainability and environment, energy consumption and quality of life.

So, “How can public and personal transports be redefined in a sustainable way, delivering a sense of personal space and independence to its users?” This was the title of my Master of Science in Design and Transport Thesis, concluded in Coventry University, UK, with Distinction, in September 2008.

In other words, the aim of this project was to develop guidelines and a holistic solution for a new system of urban transport, composed of vehicle and infrastructure, in a sustainable way and adaptable to various urban environments.

To develop the project I needed information about: user’s behaviors and explanations for them; main trends; analysis of existing solutions and identification of their problems; definition of applicable technologies in a sustainable manner in a near future. This information was gathered through an online questionnaire, statistical data from several sources, literary research, internet articles, pictures, video and expert interviews and then compiled in my final report.

Preliminary research indicated that several attempts to tackle the issue of mass transportation are being tested and implemented throughout the biggest cities on Earth. Several solutions exist already, but people always seem to give preference to a personal vehicle of some kind to move, commute or make quick trips. Only when there is no other choice, people seem to engage in public transportation. Personal transport is the preferred mode of use and this is a trend that keeps increasing.

The conclusion of the thesis report was composed of guidelines and design specifications that served as basis for the development of a new type of transportation that is truly sustainable and that meets people’s requirements. This generic solution was exemplified through a typical design project that will act as future reference and that goes by the name of “SCARAB”.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
VEHICLE:
- The vehicle allows users to have freedom of use much like a motorcycle but with the convenience of having an enclosed private space and luggage compartments.
- The vehicle can be operated in several different positions depending on speed. It is parked vertically for easy ingress and egress and optimization of public space. When in speed position, the vehicle also tilts when curving or changing direction.
- When circulating in dedicated pathways, the SCARAB is controlled by a centralized computer or by a traffic management centre. Outside of the dedicated pathways the SCARAB is controlled by the user just like any other vehicle.

VEHICLE SPECS:
-The vehicle is composed of interchangeable modules that can be customized by the potential buyer/user.
-Powerpack module composed of a permanent battery plus 3 options for the main energy pack (battery, biofuel ICE or a fuel cell).
-4 wheel drive through electric brushless in-wheel motors with directdrive.
-Wheels with regenerative braking through EW Brakes.
-Drive by wire and tactile HUD embedded in the Lexan canopy.
-Structural elements in Carbon-Aramid composite.
-Embedded sensors, Lidar, radar, transponders, GPS. These serve to exchange information with the system, with other drivers and to have precise location data.

INFRASTRUCTURE:
-Communication nodes spread through roadways and traffic management centres in major conurbations.
-Dedicated paths with electromagnetic transponders embedded in the road.
-Parking facilities with solar/wind power generators.
-High speed/long distance travel provided through a railroad interface (not yet developed).

SYSTEM:
-Renting of the vehicle or modules that allows for a private/public/mixed utilization and transport access for people with less financial resources.
-Doesn’t need new infrastructures (uses the existing roads).
-Is backward compatible with current transport systems and uses current day technologies.

Designer : David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves

Capca is space-saving car to serve as an alternative to public and private city transport. Capca vehicles are environment-friendly. Their parkings are innovative, compact and attractive. They can function as recharging stations, solar energy storage batteries and oxygen generators (optionally). Its design is inspired by nature: you can observe clear outlines of petals, shells, flowers, animals and insects as well as medieval knightly armor.

Technical Features :
The electro-engines are located in the back wheels. The car glasses are made of transparent solar batteries and in addition there is a transparent monitor built into the windscreen. The car is equipped with sensors and panoramic view cameras, with navigation and auto-parking systems. It’s important that wheel-engines are shifted together when parked, that will make the back of the car smaller. There are two accumulators in the car: the first is for a chassis and the second is for electronics.

The maximum speed of the vehicle is 90 km/h, fuel distance at one battery charge is approximately 180 km, full charge time from solar batteries is approximately 10 hours under average sun activity. Vehicle dimensions: length 2230 mm, width 1590 mm, height 1530 mm. Wheel base: 1540 mm longways, 1270 mm edgewise.

Target Group :
Large city residents, large companies, recreation centers, amusement parks, universities and public offices.

Designer : Anatoly Shikhov

Coming to the safety, you don’t have to worry, it has all what it needs. A solid tubular skeleton, a well balanced engine, armor at the crashes at the side windows and an electric motor that prevents collision. Cheerful, safe, economic environmental friendly, surely the VFV will not let you indifferent…Although small, the VFV combines an attractive design with wide glass surfaces, being therefore extremely less claustrophobic, joyful and sportive. It also consists of parking sensors, airbags, ESC, presenting you with an excellent solution for everyone who cares about the car-city interaction.
A perfect look for a sports lover.

Designer : Nuno Teixeira