According to international studies, around 30% of traffic in cities is generated by the search for parking spaces. The Croatian company Mobilisis, based in Varaždin, therefore began developing sensors to detect moving and stationary traffic three years ago. The result is the 'Magsense' system, which enables the detection of parked vehicles in parking lots, multi-storey and underground parking lots.

The 'Magsense' sensor can precisely measure the earth's magnetic field and evaluate even the smallest changes.

© Jumo

The system is based on magnetic field measurement. The Magsense sensor is able to precisely measure the earth's magnetic field and evaluate even the smallest changes. In the vehicle and traffic data acquisition applications implemented to date, the sensor initially measures the 'undisturbed' earth's magnetic field. This is influenced by ferromagnetic substances, which are present in all vehicles. As soon as a vehicle enters the measuring range of a sensor, it can detect and measure the changes in the earth's magnetic field. The measured values are read out and evaluated in a targeted manner. In addition to ferromagnetic materials, the sensors also detect influences on the earth's magnetic field caused by aggregates and eddy currents.

For parking and moving traffic

The sensors record the occupancy of the parking spaces and send this information wirelessly to corresponding display devices in the parking garage. In addition, the current occupancy can be forwarded directly to mobile devices or websites.

© Jumo

The magnetic field sensors detect the occupancy of individual car parking spaces with a detection rate of over 99%. The real-time data of each parking process is forwarded to a parking guidance system or an external server. The system also allows individual parking spaces to be detected, which enables direct guidance to free parking spaces. The system is also being used at a major German airport.

In flowing traffic, the technology can be used to count and classify vehicles such as cars and trucks, for example at entrances and exits as well as on federal highways and freeways to determine the traffic load. The magnetic field sensors are also suitable for use in signal control systems and for checking access authorizations. For example, access control for long-term parkers with a monthly billing system can be implemented at entrances and exits or at assigned parking spaces.

The electronic assemblies of the sensors are manufactured at Jumo in Fulda according to customer specifications and then programmed, tested and soldered by Mobilisis. Mobilisis also benefits from Jumo's complete service and manufacturing expertise. Three SMD assembly lines, which can assemble up to 100,000 components per hour, are at the heart of the Fulda-based company's electronic component production; the annual capacity for SMD assembly is currently 140 million components. In addition, ten semi-automatic placement machines are available for THT placement. The maximum annual capacity here is 14 million components.

Author:
Michael Brosig is press officer at Jumo in Fulda.