Vehicle Detection with the CarSonar-WR

As you're developing your application, one of the most important components to your success is a reliable sensor. Our ultrasonic sensors are used in a variety of applications, and we're currently being integrated in several vehicle profiling use cases and other vehicle detection applications. Capability to reliably detect vehicles enables asset management, resource allocation, and traffic management. Knowing which technology is best for your vehicle detection application can be challenging, and many factors must be considered, including the task, the target size, the detection range, the mounting of the sensors, and the application's environment, whether indoors or exposed to elements outdoors. In this brief guide, we'll be discussing our sensors used in these applications and how you can successfully implement them in your solution.

Our Sensors Used in Vehicle Detection Applications:

MB8450 The MB8450 is a great sensor solution when you want an easy-to-use solution that works via USB connection. It was the first vehicle detect sensor we released for the following use cases. mb8450 car sensor
MB8460 The MB8460 is our RS232 version of this sensor solution. It has the same sensor design and will also work in applications such as vehicle kiosks, ATMs, and bank drive throughs.
MB8480 The MB8480 is our TTL version of this sensor solution. Just like the other sensor solutions, it is used in those same vehicle profiling applications.

Vehicle Detection Sensors in Parking

Product developers often use ultrasonic sensors in smart parking applications. Our sensors have successfully been used in several vehicle detection applications in several regions. We've covered in another article:
  • How Parking Sensors are Used in Vehicle Detection
  • Using Multiple Sensors in an Application
  • Mounting notes
You can read more about this solution on our article here. In smart parking applications, our sensors will generally be used as an overhead indicator when used in a parking bay. Additionally, we'll also be used at the point of entrance and exit of a parking structure for accurate car counting. Parking garages will generally want to track the occupancy of a parking space as well as the entrance and exit of vehicles, to better optimize those parts of their business.

Vehicle Detection Sensors for Self Serve Car Washes

In the car wash industry, vehicle detection sensors have many uses. A sensor placed at the tunnel entrance uses sound waves to profile the vehicle’s exterior as it enters and proceeds through the tunnel. These ultrasonic sensors measure the time taken for waves to return and then use that information to calculate distance. Analyzing data from the sensors and conveyor speed as well as the height of the sensor above ground, the controller’s software builds a profile of the vehicle as it passes beneath the sensor. This industry needs a solution to accurately detect a vehicle’s presence for the duration of the wash and relay that information to the timer. Wireless ultrasonic sensors are generally an ideal solution for covered parking use cases. Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect objects. As previously stated, these sensors can be mounted on the ceiling in a parking garage to detect the presence or absence of vehicles in a parking space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sensor is used to detect vehicles? We currently have a few different types of sensors used in vehicle detection applications. We have our Car detection sensors you can review here: https://www.maxbotix.com/product-category/all-environments/car-detection-sensor And we also have our parking sensors, specifically used in smart parking solutions, which you can review here: https://www.maxbotix.com/product-category/parksonar-ez-products You can discuss with our team which is the best choice for your use case by emailing us at techsupport@maxbotix.com How are ultrasonic sensors used? Ultrasonic distance sensors are used by transmitting sound waves towards a target and determines the distance by measuring the time it took for the reflected ways to reach the receiver. At that point the reflected sound is converted into an electric signal. You'll likely use these sensors in an application where you'll need to sense proximity or detect levels. How would you mount the ultrasonic sensor?
  • Best target detection is achieved when the sensor is mounted perpendicular to the target surface.
  • Sensors should be installed in a location where the air path directly to the target is unobstructed.
  • Mount the sensor above the highest expected target level.
Mounting the CarSonar-WR for Vehicle Profiling When mounting the CarSonar-WR, the recommended place for the transducer is between 50cm and 70.5cm above ground level. This mounting height allows the sensor to be pointed at the side panel of nearly all vehicle makes and models for more accurate detection information. Mountings lower than 50-cm may cause the sensor to fail to detect vehicles with high ground clearance such as trucks, and mountings that place the transducer higher than 71-cm may cause the sensor to fail to detect lower profile vehicles such as sports cars.

Not Sure Which Sensor You Need For Your Application?

Click the button below to get started in the sensor selection process.

Back to blog