Method and system for managing parking by dual location verification

Abstract

A computerized system for managing a parking lot includes: a beacon in one-way, or location sensor in two-way, communication with a smart device for locating the smart device without it having to determine its own location, a vehicle sensor for sensing the presence of a vehicle, and a computer-implemented server operable to determine from the beacon's identification or receive from the location sensor the location of the smart device. The server authorizes entry or exit of the vehicle when a smart device status indicates acceptance, and the smart device and the vehicle are both at a same appropriate location. The server updates the smart device status after a payment transaction. Entry or exit may be authorized by opening a barrier, displaying an authorization message, communicating a message to the smart device, and / or not issuing a non-authorization alert. The server may receive reservations, and may communicate lot occupancy to third-party systems.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]This invention relates to the management of vehicle parking sessions and, in particular, to a method and system for managing parking by dual location verification.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Managing the parking of vehicles involves granting to selected vehicles access to parking stalls and receiving payment for parking from the vehicle operators.[0005]In conventional parking management systems, human intervention is involved in many aspects of vehicle parking management.[0006]Some automated parking systems reduce the amount of human intervention required, but do not eliminate the need for human intervention. For example, in controlled parking lots human intervention is often needed to operate an access gate to ensure payment is received for parking. In uncontrolled parking lots without a human-operated gate, human intervention is often needed to patrol the parking lot to locate instances of unpaid parking.[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a computer-implemented method for managing a parking lot using a smart device. The method involves authorizing the entry of a vehicle and opening the entry barrier based on the vehicle's location and the smart device's identification. The method also involves determining the parking fee based on the parking rate and duration of time spent parking. The smart device can be a telephone number, device identification code, licence plate number, or financial card number. The method can also involve communicating a notification to the smart device when the vehicle enters or exits the parking lot. The technical effect of the patent text is to provide a more efficient and automated method for managing parking lots, making it easier for drivers to enter and exit the lot and for the parking controller to manage the inventory of vehicles.

Problems solved by technology

Some automated parking systems reduce the amount of human intervention required, but do not eliminate the need for human intervention.

However, the in-vehicle display device must be obtained in advance by the vehicle owner and, once obtained, it is vulnerable to tampering, other damage, and theft.

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