The Nortech IdentiPark Data Concentrator (DC) makes use of a high-speed ethernet connection to transfer information from IdentiPark software and the IntelliBooster (IB). The DC then switches its communications format to the Nortech Proprietary Can (NPC) bus when sending commands to its IB’s. Although the DC has no intelligence capabilities, it enables the IdentiPark network to be expanded to a maximum of 31 IB’s per DC. As the IB is able to support 31 devices, this allows for up to 961 devices to be controlled by each DC.

The Nortech IdentiPark IntelliBooster (IB) provides power and communications to equipment on its sensory bus distributing commands from the Data Concentrator among the 31 possible sensory or visual devices that can be linked to it. It is microprocessor-based and has the intelligence capacity to maintain commands to sensory equipment such as the Bay Monitoring Sensors (BMS) and the Bay Occupancy Display (BOD), even if the link to the Data Concentrator or system computer is lost.

The IdentiPark Mini IVC is designed purely for overhead counting solutions, utilizing the IdentiPark Overhead Counters instead of inductive loop technology. The Mini IVC can only count via AB logic and requires two IdentiPark Overhead Counter units to function in a pair when counting vehicles. The Mini IVC is perfect for smaller applications where the bigger IVC is not required and is an attractive option in applications where less-intrusive technology is required.

The IdentiPark OR Module is a device used for combining multiple IOC sensors into a single output, typically for use with an IdentiPark Mini IVC. The module can accommodate two groups of sensors, each comprising three sensors in a particular group. The module converts the signal from the three connected sensors into a single output and gives a detect signal if any of the three input signals are in detect. The OR Module receives power from the first IOC and then is distributed via the “daisy chain” configuration to the rest of the IOC’s in the group.

The IdentiPark Vehicle Counter (IVC) is employed as the vehicle counting platform within the IdentiPark system via a maximum of four 4-Channel input cards. The IdentiPark Vehicle Counter facilitates two methods of counting: AB logic, which is used in lanes that accommodate bi-directional vehicle flow. The other is N+1 logic which is used in lanes that adhere to only one, fixed direction. These counters are available in 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-channel variations. Each incorporating their own processors with power supplied from the IdentiPark Sensor Bus.

The IdentiPark Overhead Counter (IOC) units utilize the same hardware as the Bay Monitoring Sensor but have been optimized to count vehicles within the parking facility from an overhead vantage point. These units are connected in pairs and provide an alternative detection method in lieu of the more intrusive IdentiPark Vehicle Counter. These units are integral to IdentiPark’s Flux Counting, which determines the number of vehicles milling around in lanes looking for vacant bays. In doing so, these vehicles are not guided to an area that become fully occupied in the interim. In doing so, driver frustration levels and vehicle emissions are drastically reduced.

IdentiPark software manages the guidance system, ensuring the information from every device in the network is received, controlled, stored and disseminated correctly. The information is made available in real-time and presented in a user friendly, graphical representation of the site. The use of a central database allows for easy and quick generation of reports. The fact that the software is in constant communication with each device on the network allows for easy configuration of devices as well as diagnostics via the intuitive user interface.