The Japanese company, a leader in sensing technologies, leverages its expertise to offer a range of parking solutions that are gaining popularity across the globe, including in Asia.
Japanese company OPTEX is a leader in sensing technologies. The company leverages its expertise to offer a range of parking solutions that are gaining popularity across the globe, including in Asia. This article looks at OPTEX’s parking solutions and how the company views the smart parking market in the APAC region.
OPTEX, based in Japan, offers advanced, cutting-edge sensing solutions that the company has continuously refined since its establishment. For over 45 years, OPTEX has won the business and trust of global customers with the accuracy and reliability of their sensing technologies, which have a range of applications, from security to factory automation.
Challenges with conventional solutions
OPTEX provides a range of vehicle sensors for parking applications. These sensors address certain pain points and difficulties associated with conventional solutions. For a long time, vehicle detection at parking entrances or gates has leveraged induction loops, which are buried underground and create challenge for parking operators.
“These include the need to dig into asphalt or concrete for installation. This requires special skills or expertise as not everyone can easily do it. It takes time to complete the installation. Further, there are sites where civil engineering work or ground work is not permitted,” said Ken Arimura, MD of OPTEX Thailand.
He adds: “Maintenance is not easy once installed, as the sensor cannot be repositioned. And once it is damaged, it is a hassle to reinstall the induction loops. Sometimes it requires a couple of days to install, and the lane has to be closed, which slows down the business for the facility. Due to all of above reasons, a tremendous amount of time and cost will be required.”
OPTEX advantages over traditional solutions
OPTEX solutions effectively address the aforementioned challenges and difficulties. The OPTEX OVS-series vehicle sensors, for example, can be a great solution for sites where induction loops cannot be installed. These include road surfaces that are damaged or unsealed, have cobble stones, or are above drains or pipes. Moreover, the sensors, which work by way of microwaves, can detect the presence of small or large stationary or moving vehicles within 8 meters while ignoring human traffic, reducing false alarms.
“The sensors are easy to install; unlike ground loops, no civil works are required, and the device is mounted 500 mm from the ground,” Arimura said. “OPTEX OVS-series vehicle sensors are basically a replacement of induction loop – we refer to it as virtual induction loop – and are used for these purposes: to trigger ticket machine at parking entrance, to trigger LPR system, and to protect barriers/bars from falling when vehicles are passing through.”
“OPTEX OVS-series vehicle sensors are mounted on poles or parking systems, and it can solve the problems/concerns/potential needs associated with traditional sensors. As a result, because of its easiness of installation and maintenance, it will bring quite high economic benefits for the installers and end users,” Arimura added.
Asia smart parking potential strong
According to Arimura, OPTEX had focused on America, Europe and Japan when they first introduced the sensors, which are now well-received by these markets. Now, OPTEX has started to also focus on the Asia (APAC) region to expand the business.
“The smart parking market or trends are increasing in Asia. In terms of population and income growth, many people started to own cars, and more parking spaces are required. Due to rising of IoT business, people are seeking smart systems more and more at the same time. We believe that as long as there is parking market, chances to expand our vehicle sensor business keep increasing. Especially in Asia, the labor cost has been increasing, and in order to reduce the cost, our solution will be suitable,” Arimura said.
Product Adopted:Transportation