The combination of the parking spaces emergence response and IoT technology - Using flood as an example

The development of the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates a variety of smart applications based upon the fast growing information infrastructure. Sensor web is a critical component in IoT, which enables citizens to build a better understanding about how world changes and make correct decisions with the wide coverage of sensors and built-in application knowledge. For example, a smart navigation system can guide drivers away from heavy traffic road, a smart parking system can reduce the time for finding available parking space. Such smart applications require not only a clearly defined data flow from the sensors to the users, but also application knowledge that can react to the continuously changing situations. This paper uses the flood in parking lot as an example to explore the integration strategies of IoT and sensors. After drivers leave their cars in the parking lot, unexpected disaster like flood or fire may cause damage to the cars while drivers may not know. A system prototype based upon water sensors, RFID, automatic warning, web-based platform and mobile device is proposed. We deploy Arduino-based water sensors in the parking lot and use RFID technology to identify individual drivers. When the sensors detect possible flood near the cars, a warning is automatically issued to the drivers and control systems. Managers can inspect the whole situation via web-based interface and make immediate decisions, while drivers can rush to the parking lot to move their cars after receiving warning. As more types of sensors can be added, this IoT-based approach can successfully enable more smart applications and improve the quality of human lives.