Method and system for controlling occupancy of a geospatial using a software application

Abstract

The present application relates to a method and system for controlling occupancy of a geospatial using a software application. Apparatus and methods for controlling occupancy of a geospatial. The method includes identifying, via a software application, an object for performing an action for a vehicle, the action involving occupying a space for the vehicle; transmitting a target request to the object to perform the action; receiving, in response to transmitting the target request, a notification that the space is occupied by the object; and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to controlling occupancy of geospatial in an environment, and more particularly, to enabling reservation and occupancy of geospatial by using a software application that connects multiple users and devices to each other. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional devices and systems utilize one or more external devices, such as motion sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, etc., to identify availability of various geospatial (e.g., parking spaces) for potential occupancy by vehicles. In particular, these devices can be configured to detect when a particular vehicle approaches and departs a parking space, e.g., using one or more motion sensors, to determine when a particular parking spot is occupied or vacant. However, conventional devices and systems do not enable users to connect with other users to enable occupancy of geospatial.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a system that enables connection between users to facilitate occupancy of geospatial. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a device is provided that operates in conjunction with a software application to facilitate occupancy of geospatial. The device includes a processor that operates in conjunction with the software application. The processor is configured to identify, via the software application, an object for performing an action for a vehicle, the action involving occupying a space for the vehicle; transmit a target request to the object to perform the action; receive, in response to transmitting the target request, a notification that the space is occupied by the object; and determine that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method is provided that facilitates occupancy of geospatial. The method includes identifying, via a software application, an object for performing an action for a vehicle, the action involving occupying a space for the vehicle; transmitting a target request to the object to perform the action; receiving, in response to transmitting the target request, a notification that the space is occupied by the object; and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

[0006] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in connection with the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The embodiments set forth in the attached drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature, and are not intended to limit the subject matter, as defined by the claims. The following detailed description, when considered in connection with the figures, can enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the inventive embodiments and to realize and obtain the advantages sought. The discussion of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the subject matter and is not intended to be limiting.

[0008] Figure 1 An example operational environment for facilitating occupancy of geospatial in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein is schematically depicted;

[0009] Figure 2 Non-limiting components of vehicles and devices of the present disclosure are schematically depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein;

[0010] Figure 3 Flowcharts in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are depicted, which recite steps for enabling connection between one or more devices and / or users to facilitate occupancy of a geospatial;

[0011] Figure 4A Example operations in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are schematically depicted, in which a user initiates communication with a plurality of connected users to perform a particular action;

[0012] Figure 4B Example operations in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are depicted, in which a user transmits a target request to another user, which performs an action and transmits a response notification to the user;

[0013] Figure 5A Example operations in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are schematically depicted, in which a user initiates communication with a plurality of connected other users to perform another action; and

[0014] Figure 5B Example operations in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are depicted, in which a user transmits another target request to another user, which performs an action and transmits a response notification to the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As described above, conventional devices and systems utilize one or more external devices to determine availability of parking spaces. Specifically, these devices and systems can detect when a particular vehicle approaches and departs a parking space, e.g., using one or more motion sensors, proximity sensors, etc., to determine when a particular parking spot is occupied or vacated. However, conventional devices and systems do not enable users to connect with other users and request that users perform one or more actions for a particular vehicle to facilitate occupancy of a geospatial.

[0016] The methods and apparatus described in this disclosure address and overcome these deficiencies. In particular, the methods and apparatus are directed to facilitating occupancy of a geographic space by connecting users and enabling the users to request, via a software application accessible via their respective devices, other users to perform various tasks, e.g., reserving a parking spot, transporting a user's vehicle from one location to another, identifying the hours of operation of a store, etc. In embodiments, a particular user can access a software application as described in this disclosure, communicate a goal request to perform an action (e.g., with respect to the user's vehicle), receive a notification that the action has been performed, and determine that the action has been completed, e.g., upon arrival at a geographic space or location, such as a parking spot.

[0017] Reference is now made to the drawings, Figure 1 An example operational environment for facilitating occupancy of a geographic space is schematically depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein;

[0018] As shown, Figure 1 Users 100, 104 are depicted, each of which can be associated with respective devices 102, 106. In embodiments, devices 102, 106 can be smartphones configured to communicate various types of data to each other and to server 114 via communication network 112. In embodiments, devices 102, 106 can also be laptops, smartphones, desktops, etc. In some embodiments, users 100, 104 can also be associated with vehicles 116 and 118, e.g., the owners of vehicles 116, 118.

[0019] In some embodiments, user 100 can access a software application via device 102, e.g., by selecting an icon associated with the software application output on a display of device 102. In embodiments, user 100 can select a particular action to be performed, e.g., reserving a parking spot at a particular location for a particular time range, transporting vehicle 116, determining the exact hours of operation of a store, business, etc. Other actions are also contemplated. User 100 can transmit a message to devices of a plurality of other users associated with the software application via communication network 112. The message can include a task that user 100 would like to be performed. In embodiments, the message can be a broadcast signal sent to a plurality of users in a geographic area, e.g., in a predetermined neighborhood where one or more actions can need to be performed.

[0020] Thereafter, the user 100 can identify and select, via the software application, a particular user to perform an action. In embodiments, the user 100 can select the user 104 to perform an action, such as, for example, reserving a parking spot at a parking lot at a particular time. The user 100 can transmit a target request 108 to the device 106 of the user 104 to perform the action of reserving a parking spot. In response to the target request 108, the user 104 can drive the vehicle 118 to a particular parking spot at a location specified by the user 100 in the target request 108 and transmit a response 110 to the device 102 of the user 100 via the device 106. The response can manifest as a notification output in real-time on a display of the device 102. Based on the notification, the software application can automatically determine, without user intervention, that the action of reserving a parking spot for the vehicle 116 has been completed. In embodiments, in return for receiving the notification, the user 100 can process and transmit a payment of an amount of money from the device 102 to the device 106.

[0021] Further, other types of actions can include requesting a valet located near a location where the user 100 has parked the vehicle 116 to transport the vehicle 116 to another location, requesting one or more users to provide information regarding the hours of operation of a store, for example, which can involve the user going to the location of the store, identifying the hours of operation of the store, and transmitting the hours of operation from the device 106 to the device 102 via the communication network 112. As previously mentioned, various other types of actions are contemplated. In this manner, the system described in the present disclosure can enable one or more users to utilize their respective devices to connect and communicate with the devices of other users to perform various actions, such as, for example, controlling the occupancy of a geographic space, transporting a vehicle from one location to another location, and the like.

[0022] It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the software application described above can be accessible via a processor included within a vehicle, such as the vehicles 116, 118. The types and operations of the components included within the vehicles 116, 118 and the devices 102, 106 will be described in detail in Figure 2 .

[0023] Figure 2 Non-limiting components of vehicles and devices of the present disclosure in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein are schematically depicted.

[0024] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 include processors 202 and 222. The mobile device system 200 can be included within the devices 102, 106 and the vehicle system 220 can be included within the vehicles 116, 118. The processors 202, 222 can be any device capable of executing machine-readable and executable instructions. Thus, the processors 202, 222 can be controllers, integrated circuits, microchips, computers, or any other computing device. The processors 202, 222 can be coupled to communication paths 204, 224, respectively, that provide signal interconnections between the various modules of the systems 200, 220. Thus, the communication paths 204, 224 can communicatively couple any number of processors (e.g., comparable to the processors 202, 222) to one another and allow modules coupled to the communication paths 204, 224 to operate in a distributed computing environment. In particular, each module can operate as a node that can send and / or receive data. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that the coupled components are capable of exchanging data signals with one another, such as, for example, electrical signals via an electrically conductive medium, electromagnetic signals via air, optical signals via an optical waveguide, etc.

[0025] Accordingly, the communication paths 204, 224 can be formed of any medium capable of transmitting signals, such as, for example, electrically conductive wires, electrically conductive traces, optical waveguides, etc. In some embodiments, the communication paths 204 can facilitate the transmission of wireless signals, such as WiFi, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, Z-Wave®, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. Moreover, the communication paths 204, 224 can be formed of a combination of mediums capable of transmitting signals. In one embodiment, the communication paths 204, 224 include a combination of electrically conductive traces, electrically conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to allow the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Accordingly, the communication paths 204, 224 can include a vehicle bus, such as, for example, a LIN bus, a CAN bus, a VAN bus, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that the term "signal" refers to a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic) capable of being propagated through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine waves, triangle waves, square waves, vibrations, etc.

[0026] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 also include one or more memory modules 206, 226 coupled to the communication paths 204, 224, respectively. The one or more memory modules 206, 226 can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard drives, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by the processors 202, 222. The machine-readable and executable instructions can include logic or algorithm(s) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL), such as, for example, machine language that can be directly executed by the processors 202, 222, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc. that can be compiled or assembled into machine-readable and executable instructions and stored on the one or more memory modules 206, 226. Alternatively, the machine-readable and executable instructions can be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein can be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components. In some embodiments, the one or more memory modules 206, 226 can store data related to state and operating condition information related to one or more vehicle components (e.g., brakes, airbags, cruise control, electric power steering, battery conditions, etc.).

[0027] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 can include one or more sensors 208, 228. Each of the one or more sensors 208, 228 is coupled to the communication paths 204, 224 and communicatively coupled to the processors 202, 222. The one or more sensors 208 can include one or more motion sensors for detecting and measuring motion and changes in motion of the vehicle. The motion sensors can include an inertial measurement unit. Each of the one or more motion sensors can include one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes. Each of the one or more motion sensors converts sensed physical movement of the vehicle into signals indicative of the vehicle’s orientation, rotation, velocity, or acceleration.

[0028] Still referring to Figure 2The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 optionally include satellite antennas 210, 230 coupled to the communication paths 204, 224 such that the communication paths 204, 224 communicatively couple the satellite antennas 210, 230 to other modules of the vehicle system 220. The satellite antennas 210, 230 are configured to receive signals from global positioning system satellites. In particular, in one embodiment, the satellite antennas 210, 230 include one or more electrically conductive elements that interact with electromagnetic signals transmitted by global positioning system satellites. The processors 202, 222 transform the received signals into data signals indicative of a position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the satellite antennas 210, 230 or an object positioned proximate to the satellite antennas 210, 230.

[0029] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 can include network interface hardware 212, 234 for communicatively coupling the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 with the server 114, e.g., via the communication network 112. The network interface hardware 212, 234 is coupled to the communication paths 204, 224 such that the communication paths 204 communicatively couple the network interface hardware 212, 234 to other modules of the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220. The network interface hardware 212, 234 can be any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data via a wireless network, e.g., the communication network 112. Accordingly, the network interface hardware 212, 234 can include a communication transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving data according to any wireless communication standard. For example, the network interface hardware 212, 234 can include a chipset (e.g., antenna, processor, machine-readable instructions, etc.) to communicate over a wireless computer network such as, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), WiMax, Bluetooth, IrDA, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, etc. In some embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 includes a Bluetooth transceiver that enables the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 to exchange information with the server 114 via Bluetooth.

[0030] The network interface hardware 212, 234 can utilize various communication protocols to establish connections between multiple mobile devices and / or vehicles. For example, in embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 can utilize a communication protocol that enables communication between vehicles and various other devices, e.g., vehicle-to-everything (V2X). Further, in other embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 can utilize a communication protocol that is specific to dedicated short-range communications (DSRC). Compatibility with other comparable communication protocols is also contemplated.

[0031] Note that communication protocols include multiple layers defined by the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model), which defines telecommunication protocols as having multiple layers, e.g., application, presentation, session, transport, network, data link, and physical layers. For proper functioning, each communication protocol includes a top layer protocol and one or more underlying protocols. Examples of top layer protocols (e.g., application layer protocols) include HTTP, HTTP2 (SPDY), and HTTP3 (QUIC), which are suitable for transmitting and exchanging data in general formats. Application layer protocols such as RTP and RTCP can be suitable for various real-time communications, such as, e.g., telephony and messaging. Further, SSH and SFTP can be suitable for secure maintenance, MQTT and AMQP can be suitable for state notification and wake-up triggering, and MPEG-DASH / HLS can be suitable for live video streaming with user end systems. Examples of transport layer protocols selected by the various application layer protocols listed above include, e.g., TCP, QUIC / SPDY, SCTP, DCCP, UDP, and RUDP.

[0032] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 include cameras 214, 232. The cameras 214, 232 can have any resolution. In some embodiments, one or more optical components, such as mirrors, fisheye lenses, or any other type of lens, can be optically coupled to the cameras 214, 232. In embodiments, the cameras can have wide-angle features that enable capturing digital content within a range of 150 degrees to 180 degrees of arc. Alternatively, the cameras 214, 232 can have narrow-angle features that enable capturing digital content within a narrow range of arc, e.g., 60 degrees to 90 degrees of arc. In embodiments, one or more cameras can be capable of capturing high-definition images at 720 pixel resolution, 1080 pixel resolution, and the like.

[0033] In embodiments, the mobile device system 200 can include a display 216 for providing visual output. The display 216 can output images and / or live video streams of various types of data. The display 216 is coupled to the communication path 204. Accordingly, the communication path 204 communicatively couples the display 216 to other modules of the mobile device system 200, including but not limited to the processor 202 and / or one or more memory modules 206.

[0034] Figure 3 A flow diagram is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein, which recites steps for enabling a connection between one or more devices and / or users to facilitate occupancy of a geospatial.

[0035] In embodiments, in block 310, the processor 202, which can be included within a user's device, can identify, via a software application, an object (e.g., other users) for performing an action for a vehicle. The action can relate to occupying space for a vehicle. In embodiments, the device, as described in this disclosure, can include a smartphone, laptop, etc. The user can download the software application using the device (e.g., via an app store) and create a corresponding user account, which can include various details about the users, such as name, location, preferences, etc.

[0036] In embodiments, as described above, the users can access the software application via their respective user devices, for example, by selecting an icon output on a display of the user device. Thereafter, in embodiments, the user can select a particular action that he or she wants to perform (e.g., reserve a parking spot, transport his or her vehicle, determine the hours of a store, etc.) and broadcast a message to a plurality of other users that have registered with the software application. In embodiments, the broadcast message can be transmitted by the user to the plurality of users via a communication network 112 via, for example, TCP / IP, UDP, or another communication protocol. The broadcast message can describe the action that the user wants to perform.

[0037] In some embodiments, the user that transmitted the broadcast message can then receive a list of a plurality of other users that can be able to perform the action. For example, the list of users can include registered users within a certain proximity of a location where the action needs to be performed, registered users within a certain proximity of the user that sent the broadcast message, etc. In embodiments, the user that sent the broadcast message can identify and select a particular registered user (e.g., object) to perform the action, for example, reserve a parking spot, transport his or her vehicle, determine the hours of a store, etc. The identification can include the user selecting an icon adjacent to the registered user's information that is output on a display of the user device. Note that the object can also be a vehicle, device, etc., and the communication can be automatically made between two or more devices without user intervention. Further, in embodiments, the identification and selection of a registered user and / or registered device can be automatically performed by other devices without user intervention.

[0038] In embodiments, in block 320, a user can transmit a target request to an object to perform an action via a device associated with the user. For example, a particular user can determine that a certain registered user is well suited to perform a particular action. In embodiments, if the user wants to reserve a parking spot in a parking lot adjacent to his place of business, he can determine that a registered user located within a certain distance (e.g., within a few miles) of the place of business is well suited to perform the action, and accordingly, can transmit a target request to the user via the communication network 112. In embodiments, a software application can automatically transmit a target request to a registered user that can be suited to perform an action without user intervention. In some embodiments, the identification and selection of a user and the transmission of a target request to the user can be performed using a combination of one or more artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. In embodiments, a particular registered user that receives a target request can accept the request to perform an action and communicate the acceptance in the form of a message transmitted via the communication network 112. The registered user can perform the action. For example, if the action relates to reserving a geospatial space (e.g., a parking spot), then the registered user can drive his vehicle to the parking lot, park his vehicle at the parking spot, and transmit a notification that the action has been completed in the form of a message from his device to the requesting user's device via the communication network 112.

[0039] In some embodiments, the device 102 can automatically transmit a target request to a user based on a status or designation of the user as saved in the software application (e.g., a status or designation of a "preferred user") via the software application and without user intervention. In some embodiments, the processor 202 can determine a particular user as a preferred user (e.g., a status or designation) based on a score computed in association with the particular user. In embodiments, the score can be computed based on analyzing various factors, such as historical data related to past interactions with the preferred user, positive and / or negative feedback associated with the preferred user (which can be stored and tracked by the software application, for example, as a satisfaction point), a distance between the preferred user and a location where the action is to be performed, consistency of the preferred user in completing actions, and the like. Note that in embodiments, a particular preferred user can be matched with a particular user more frequently based on a score associated with the preferred user.

[0040] In embodiments, in block 330, in response to transmitting the target request, the action requesting user can receive a notification that the geospatial space (e.g., the parking spot) is occupied by an object (e.g., another user). For example, the notification can be output in real-time on a display of a device associated with the requesting user. In embodiments, the notification can be manually initiated and transmitted by a registered user, or transmitted automatically without user intervention.

[0041] In embodiments, in block 340, the processor 202 included in the device of the action-requesting user can determine that the action is complete upon the device reaching the geospatial. For example, in embodiments, the processor 202 can automatically determine that the action is complete without user intervention when the user's device is located within a certain proximity of the parking spot. For example, in embodiments, the user's device can include a camera that captures one or more images of the geospatial when within a certain proximity of the geospatial. Thereafter, the processor 202 can analyze the captured one or more images and determine whether the action has been completed, e.g., that the particular geospatial is occupied by the user to whom the target request was transmitted. In embodiments, the processor 202 can analyze the captured images, extract data related to the user (facial recognition) and the user's vehicle (e.g., license plate information), and confirm that the user to whom the target request was transmitted is the user occupying the geospatial. In this manner, in embodiments, the captured images can be analyzed to determine the status of the geospatial.

[0042] Further, in other embodiments, the action-requesting user can transmit a request to other users to determine status information associated with a location (e.g., a mall, a grocery store, a gas station, etc.). In response, the user can receive updates from the devices of other users that can capture one or more images of the location (e.g., a mall, a grocery store, a gas station, etc.). In embodiments, these images can be analyzed to determine status information associated with the location, such as hours of operation, availability of parking spots in a parking lot, etc. Further, in embodiments, these images can be analyzed to determine a total number of people within the location and generate an occupancy status associated with the location, e.g., "crowded," "not crowded," etc. Such status can be transmitted as a message to the action-requesting user.

[0043] In embodiments, in response to completing the action, payment processing operations can be automatically performed without user intervention, such that a payment can be made to the user that performed the action.

[0044] Figure 4A Example operations are illustratively depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein, in which a user initiates a communication with a plurality of registered users to perform a particular action. In particular, as Figure 4AAs shown in FIG. 1, user 100 can access the software application of the present disclosure from device 102 associated with user 100. Further, user 100 can transmit a broadcast signal to a plurality of other users, such as users 104, 404, 410. Each of these users can be associated with devices 106, 402, 408, respectively. Further, users 104, 404, 410 can also be associated with vehicles 118, 406, 412, respectively. As noted, the broadcast signal can be transmitted by user 100 to each of the plurality of users via communication network 112 using any of a variety of communication protocols, such as TCP / IP, UDP, etc. In some embodiments, it should be noted that the broadcast signal can be transmitted automatically by device 102 without user intervention, i.e., automatically after user 100 selects an action that he wants to perform (e.g., reserve a parking spot).

[0045] Figure 4B An example operation is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein, in which a user transmits a target request to another user, the other user performs an action and transmits a response notification to the user.

[0046] For example, as Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 4, user 100 can transmit a target request 414 to device 402 associated with user 404, as user 100 can determine that user 404 is well suited to reserve a parking spot at a particular location. In particular, in embodiments, user 100 can determine that user 404 is closest to a range near the parking lot, user 404 is a preferred user of user 100, etc. Various other factors can be utilized to identify and select a particular user to perform an action. In some embodiments, target request 414 can include various types of data, such as a name of the action requester, a time range in which the action is to be performed, a location in which the action is to be performed, and a payment amount associated with the action. In some embodiments, user 404 can review and confirm that user 404 agrees to the requested conditions and transmit a confirmation message from device 402 to device 102 via communication network 112.

[0047] Thereafter, as Figure 4BAs shown in FIG. 4, user 404 can drive vehicle 406 (additional vehicle) associated with user 404 to parking spot 418 within a certain time frame, e.g., until Monday afternoon 12:30 PM Eastern Time, in accordance with embodiments. Further, in embodiments, user 404 can park vehicle 406 in the parking spot for a time frame of the parking spot reservation and transmit a notification (e.g., response 416) from device 402 to device 102 via communication network 112. In some embodiments, after user 404 parks vehicle 406, device 402 can automatically transmit a message (e.g., response 416) to device 102 without user intervention. For example, device 402 can access a software application, identify the location of user 404 and vehicle 406 (e.g., using GPS), and determine that the action has been performed based on the location determination.

[0048] Figure 5A Example operations are illustratively depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein, in which a user initiates a communication with a plurality of registered or connected users to perform another action. In particular, as Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 4, user 404 can drive vehicle 406 (additional vehicle) associated with user 404 to parking spot 418 within a certain time frame, e.g., until Monday afternoon 12:30 PM Eastern Time, in accordance with embodiments. Further, in embodiments, user 404 can park vehicle 406 in the parking spot for a time frame of the parking spot reservation and transmit a notification (e.g., response 416) from device 402 to device 102 via communication network 112. In some embodiments, after user 404 parks vehicle 406, device 402 can automatically transmit a message (e.g., response 416) to device 102 without user intervention. For example, device 402 can access a software application, identify the location of user 404 and vehicle 406 (e.g., using GPS), and determine that the action has been performed based on the location determination.

[0049] Figure 5B Example operations are illustratively depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein, in which a user initiates a communication with a plurality of registered or connected users to perform another action. In particular, as

[0050] For example, as Figure 5BAs shown in FIG. 5, user 100 can transmit a target request to device 502 associated with user 504 because user 100 can determine that user 504 (e.g., an additional subject) is well suited to transport vehicle 116 to a particular location, such as from a location associated with user 100 (e.g., a first location) to a different location (e.g., a second location). In particular, in embodiments, user 100 can determine that user 504 is proximate to a proximity range in which user 100 is located, such as a block or several blocks away from the location of user 100. In some embodiments, the target request (e.g., an additional target request) can include various types of data, such as a name of a requestor of an action (e.g., an additional action), a time range in which the action is to be performed, a location in which the action is to be performed, and a payment amount associated with the action. In some embodiments, user 504 can review and confirm that user 504 agrees to the conditions of the request and transmit a confirmation message from device 502 to device 102 via communication network 112.

[0051] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, user 504 can travel to the location in which user 100 is located and transport vehicle 116 to the particular location (parking spot 512) within a certain time. In some embodiments, after user 504 parks vehicle 116, device 502 can automatically transmit a message to device 102 via communication network 112 without user intervention. For example, device 502 can access a software application, identify the location of user 504 and vehicle 116 (e.g., using GPS coordinates), and transmit a message to device 102. Figure 5B

[0052] It should now be appreciated that embodiments described herein relate to a method for controlling occupancy of a geospatial space via a software application. The method includes identifying, via the software application, a subject for performing an action for a vehicle, the action related to occupying a space for the vehicle; transmitting a target request to perform the action to the subject; receiving, in response to transmitting the target request, a notification that the space is occupied by the subject; and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

[0053] ​The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, including "at least one," unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," or "includes" and / or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "or combinations thereof" means a combination of any of the foregoing elements.

[0054] It should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" can be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation can vary from a stated reference, and that such variations are not to be construed as a departure from the scope of the subject matter recited.

[0055] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be utilized in combination. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims encompass all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: The processor that operates in conjunction with software applications is configured as follows: The software application identifies objects for performing actions on the vehicle, the actions involving occupying space for the vehicle. A target request to perform the action is transmitted to the object, wherein the target request is to have the object drive to a specific parking space at a location specified in the target request, and the target request includes a time range in which the object occupies the specific parking space; In response to transmitting the target request, receive a notification that the space is occupied by the object; It is determined that the action is completed upon arrival at the space; as well as Send another target request to a valet parking service located near the vehicle to transport the vehicle to the specific parking space, wherein the specific parking space is occupied by the vehicle for the vehicle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit an additional target request to an additional object to perform an additional action, the additional action involving identifying data related to business hours associated with the location.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to process payment to the object in response to determining in real time that the action has been completed.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the notification that the space is occupied includes a message indicating that the parking space has been reserved by the object for the vehicle.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the object is an additional vehicle different from the vehicle.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to identify, via the software application, an additional object for transporting the vehicle from a first location to a second location, the first location and the second location being locations different from the specific parking space.

7. A method comprising: The software application identifies objects used to perform actions for the vehicle, the actions involving occupying space for the vehicle; A target request to perform the action is transmitted to the object, wherein the target request is to have the object drive to a specific parking space at a location specified in the target request, and the target request includes a time range in which the object occupies the specific parking space; In response to transmitting the target request, receive a notification that the space is occupied by the object; as well as It is determined that the action is completed upon arrival at the space; as well as Send another target request to a valet parking service located near the vehicle to transport the vehicle to the specific parking space, wherein the specific parking space is occupied by the vehicle for the vehicle.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising transmitting to an additional object an additional target request for performing an additional action, the additional action involving identifying data related to business hours associated with the location.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising processing a payment to the object in response to determining in real time that the action has been completed.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the notification that the space is occupied includes a message indicating that the parking space has been reserved by the object for the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the object is an additional vehicle different from the vehicle.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising identifying, via the software application, an additional object for transporting the vehicle from the first location to the second location.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: Analyze historical data of one or more interactions involving the object; Based on the analysis, a score specific to the object is calculated; as well as The state of the object is determined based on the score.

Images