September 2023

Embarking on the journey to patent your invention can be a daunting task. The patent process can be time-consuming, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success and minimize delays.

Evaluate the Feasibility of your Idea

Before diving into the patenting process, take a moment to assess the feasibility of your invention. Consider these factors:

Market viability: Does your invention solve a problem or meet a need in the market? Is there a demand for it? Who would be the potential customers?
Technical feasibility: Is your invention technically sound? Can it be made or used as intended?
Cost-effectiveness: Is the invention cost-effective to manufacture or produce? Would the production cost be viable for market prices?
Unique Selling Point (USP): What sets your invention apart from other competing products or solutions?

Conduct a Patent Search

A thorough patent search is critical to ensuring your invention is genuinely novel and non-obvious. A patent search involves examining existing patents, patent applications, and published literature to confirm that your invention has not already been patented.

This step can be time-consuming, but it is crucial in avoiding wasted efforts on an invention that cannot be patented. You can conduct a patent search yourself, but it is often helpful to seek the assistance of a patent professional or use specialized patent search databases.

Keep Detailed Records

As you prepare your invention for patenting, be sure to document everything. Maintain accurate records of the development process, including:

Drawings and sketches of your invention (with dates)
Descriptions of the novel aspects or features
Evidence of initial concept and subsequent modifications or improvements
Test results or prototypes demonstrating the invention’s functionality
Dates and descriptions of discussions with others regarding your invention

These records can be invaluable when drafting your patent application and providing evidence to support your claims.

Determine the Type of Patent

It is important to identify the appropriate type of patent for your invention. Patents are generally categorized into three types:

Utility patent: This type of patent covers new and useful processes, machines, articles of manufacture, compositions of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.
Design patent: A design patent protects the unique visual appearance, shape, or configuration of an object, rather than its function or utility.
Plant patent: This type of patent covers a distinct and new variety of asexually reproducing plants.

Understanding which type of patent applies to your invention will help streamline the application process.

Work with a Patent Professional

While it’s possible to navigate the patent process on your own, it can be immensely beneficial to work with a patent professional, such as InventHelp.

InventHelp professionals can:

Offer guidance and recommendations for your invention’s development and patenting
Conduct or assist with patent searches
Prepare and file the patent application on your behalf
Address any questions or concerns raised by the patent examiner
Ensure your patent claims are drafted to adequately protect your invention

Hiring a patent professional can significantly increase the likelihood of securing a patent and help avoid costly mistakes.

What should I prepare before contacting InventHelp? In order to better assist you, InventHelp professionals will need certain information about your invention. Some of this information can be obtained from third parties, but it’s important that you provide as much detail as possible.

Be Prepared for a Lengthy Process

Patenting an invention isn’t a quick process. It generally takes between 1 to 3 years (or longer, in complex cases) from the initial application to the granting of the patent. Be prepared for a lengthy journey and have realistic expectations about the time it will take to secure your patent.

Can I just sell my invention idea? It’s possible to sell your invention idea, but it’s not recommended. If you do decide to sell your idea, be sure that you have a written contract stating the terms and conditions of the sale.

Summary

Preparation is crucial when it comes to invention patenting. By evaluating your invention’s feasibility, conducting a thorough patent search, keeping detailed records, determining the right type of patent, working with a patent professional, and setting realistic expectations about the time it will take, you’ll be well on your way to successfully patenting your invention.

Components of a Parking Management System

Automatic Entry and Exit System: The first point of interaction between a driver and a parking management system is often at the entry and exit points. Here, automatic systems can make use of license plate recognition technology or RFID tags to identify vehicles, marking entry times and granting access or exit accordingly.

Parking Lot Equipment: This includes boom barriers, parking gates, ticketing machines and more. Working alongside other technology, this equipment helps maintain order, control access and log important data within the parking lot.

Parking Guidance System: To maximize parking efficiency, modern parking systems often employ signage or other notification methods, guiding drivers to available parking spots quickly and effortlessly.

Parking Bay Monitoring: Sensors or cameras can monitor individual parking spots in real-time, providing accurate data on space occupancy. This information feeds into the parking guidance system, enabling precise navigation.

Payment Systems: Without reliable and versatile options for processing parking fees, any parking management system would be incomplete. To provide convenience to the user, these systems often accept various forms of payment: cash, credit, or even mobile payments. In some cases, there might be digital pay stations, automated kiosks, or mobile applications for payments.

Management Software: This software forms the backbone of the entire parking management system. It handles data collection, system operations monitoring, reporting, and overall management.

How Does it Work?

In a comprehensive parking management system, these components interact seamlessly to facilitate a straightforward and stress-free parking experience.

Vehicle Entry: Upon a vehicle’s approach, sensors trigger the barrier gate to open after the automated system verifies the vehicle (either via a token, card, RFID tag, or license plate recognition). It then logs the entry time.

Spot Allocation: Once inside, the vehicle would be guided to an available spot via signage or an announcement system.

Vehicle Parking: The driver parks in the designated spot, which is then registered as occupied in the system.

Payment Calculation: The system automatically calculates the parking fees based on the duration of the stay and the rate applicable.

Payment: The driver makes payment at the automated payment stations or via a mobile app.

Exit: Upon successful payment, the system communicates with the exit gate to allow the vehicle to leave.

Benefits

Parking management systems offer numerous benefits at a number of levels. For facility managers, they simplify operations and streamline administrative workload. They secure and maximize revenue, provide important usage data, and enhance security.

For users, these systems reduce the time spent looking for a parking spot, offer diverse payment methods, and often provide receipt tracking for convenience. Furthermore, effective management of parking resources can lead to appreciable improvements in traffic flow and the overall user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parking management systems operate by dint of several technologies and strategies working in unison. The user-friendly and efficient nature of these systems benefits everyone involved, making them a valuable innovation in our increasingly urbanized world.