A method and system for scenario recognition and reminder for time-limited parking

Abstract

A method and system for scenario recognition and reminder for timed parking is described. The method includes recognizing a current parking scenario of a vehicle, determining a parking time limit duration corresponding to the recognized parking scenario, determining a start time of a parking timer of the vehicle, initiating a countdown based on the start time and the parking time limit duration, and providing a reminder to a user of the vehicle regarding the timed parking based on the countdown. The application also includes a system for scenario recognition and reminder for timed parking, and numerous other aspects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the automotive field, and in particular to a method and system for scene recognition and reminders for time-limited parking. Background Technology

[0002] In reality, many scenarios only allow temporary parking, such as high-speed rail stations, airport entrances and exits, or road sections with "temporary parking" signs. Some scenarios also allow free parking for short periods, such as some paid parking lots that allow 15 minutes of free parking. However, the permitted parking time varies depending on the scenario; some allow 5 minutes, others 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or longer. Drivers may illegally park due to ignorance or failure to notice time-limited signs, and even if they notice, it's sometimes difficult to determine the permitted parking time in the current scenario. Furthermore, drivers cannot clearly remember how long they have parked. Therefore, violations or fines frequently occur due to breaches of temporary or time-limited parking rules.

[0003] In some special circumstances, such as when there are infants, elderly people with mobility difficulties, or disabled people in the car, longer parking is required. In these cases, appeals are usually allowed afterward. However, there is currently no system or function that can support applications for longer parking or facilitate appeals afterward. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify the key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a method and system for scene recognition and reminders related to time-limited parking. This system accurately records the start time of vehicle parking, initiates a free parking countdown based on the time-limited parking scenario, and provides a reminder to the vehicle user of the free parking countdown, effectively preventing traffic violations and parking fees. Furthermore, this method and system can record parking information associated with specific parking scenarios, providing evidence for applications for longer parking periods or subsequent appeals.

[0006] In one aspect, this application describes a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder method, comprising: identifying the current parking scenario of a vehicle; determining the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario; determining the start time of the vehicle's parking timer; starting a countdown based on the start time and the parking time limit; and providing a reminder about the time-limited parking to the user of the vehicle based on the countdown.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, identifying a parking scenario includes identifying the parking scenario through one or more of the following methods: identifying the parking scenario based on visual recognition; obtaining the current location of the vehicle through a positioning system and map services, and determining the parking scenario based on the current location; and obtaining site information through V2X communication with the site, and determining the parking scenario based on the site information.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the parking scenario includes one of the following scenarios: an area where only temporary parking is allowed, or a paid parking lot.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, determining the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario includes determining the parking time limit of the parking scenario by at least one of the following methods: querying a scenario parking time limit query table that maintains the parking time limit of each parking scenario; identifying information indicating the parking time limit in the parking scenario through visual recognition technology; and obtaining information about the parking time limit of the current parking scenario through V2X.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, determining the start time of the vehicle parking timer includes determining the start time as the moment when at least one of the following conditions is met: the vehicle speed is detected to be lower than a preset speed threshold; the vehicle's camera captures the lifting action of the parking lot entrance barrier; and the vehicle is placed in parking mode.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the present invention, starting the countdown includes: starting the countdown locally by the vehicle's onboard system; or notifying a vehicle intelligent connectivity server communicatively coupled to the vehicle to start the countdown on the vehicle intelligent connectivity server.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present invention, providing a reminder about the time-limited parking to the user of the vehicle based on the countdown includes: determining whether the user is inside the vehicle; in response to the user being inside the vehicle, providing the reminder to the user through the vehicle's in-vehicle display unit; and in response to the user being outside the vehicle, providing the reminder to the user through the vehicle's corresponding mobile application.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method further includes identifying a pre-defined special parking scenario, wherein the special parking scenario is a situation in which extended parking time is permitted; and recording parking information associated with the special parking scenario.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the present invention, special parking scenarios include: a baby in the car, an elderly person with mobility difficulties in the car, a disabled person in the car who needs to get in or out of the car, a vehicle accident or malfunction, or external factors that prevent the vehicle from leaving.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, recording parking information associated with the specific parking scenario includes recording one or more of the following: passenger boarding and alighting, vehicle location, environmental data captured around the vehicle, parking start time, and vehicle departure time.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention describes a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system, comprising: a parking scenario identification unit configured to identify the current parking scenario of a vehicle; a parking time limit determination unit configured to determine a parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario; a timing unit configured to determine the start time of the vehicle's parking timer and start a countdown based on the start time and the parking time limit; and a reminder unit configured to provide a reminder about the time-limited parking to the user of the vehicle based on the countdown.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the parking time limit determination unit is configured to determine the parking time limit of a parking scenario by at least one of the following methods: querying a scenario parking time limit query table that maintains the parking time limit of each parking scenario; identifying information indicating the parking time limit in the parking scenario through visual recognition technology; and obtaining information about the parking time limit of the current parking scenario through V2X.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the timing unit is further configured to determine the start time as the moment when at least one of the following conditions is met: the vehicle speed is detected to be lower than a preset speed threshold; the vehicle's camera captures the lifting action of the parking lot entrance barrier; and the vehicle is placed in parking mode.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the identification unit is further configured to identify special parking scenarios, which are situations where extended parking time is permitted, and the time-limited parking reminder system further includes a recording unit configured to record parking information associated with the special parking scenario.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention describes a vehicle including the scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system described herein.

[0021] Compared with existing solutions, the scenario-based time-limited parking reminder solution provided by this invention has at least the following advantages:

[0022] 1. It can identify time-limited parking scenarios and promptly provide vehicle users with free parking countdown reminders to avoid violations or charges.

[0023] 2. It can record parking information associated with special parking scenarios, providing evidence for applications for longer parking times or subsequent appeals.

[0024] These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To gain a more detailed understanding of the manner in which the features of the present invention are described above, reference can be made to various embodiments to provide a more specific description of the above-briefly summarized aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as this description may allow for other equivalent and effective aspects.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a vehicle including the scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system described in this invention, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder method according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and its features will become further apparent from the following specific description. The detailed description and accompanying drawings of the following embodiments are provided to illustrate the principles of the invention, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention; that is, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the present invention. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 may include a parking scenario recognition unit 102, a parking time limit determination unit 104, a timing unit 106, and a reminder unit 108.

[0034] The parking scene recognition unit 102 can identify parking scenes based on visual recognition vehicle-mounted sensors. These vehicle-mounted sensors may include, but are not limited to, cameras. According to one example of the invention, the parking scene recognition unit 102 can be configured to identify parking scenes based on visual recognition. The camera can detect features of the parking scene to determine the type of parking scene, such as an indoor parking lot, an outdoor area allowing temporary parking, or a no-parking area.

[0035] Alternatively, the parking scene recognition unit 102 may also recognize the parking scene based on an onboard positioning system. The onboard positioning system may include, but is not limited to, GPS positioning systems, BeiDou positioning systems, systems that locate via mobile communication base station signals, and inertial navigation systems (INS). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the parking scene recognition unit 102 can be configured to obtain the vehicle's current location through a positioning system and map services, and determine the parking scene based on the current location. The vehicle can activate the receiver of the corresponding onboard positioning system, calculate the vehicle's preliminary location information by receiving signals, and further improve the accuracy and reliability of the positioning through multi-sensor data fusion. Finally, the fused positioning data is matched with a high-precision map to obtain the vehicle's accurate location information. The parking scene in which the vehicle is currently located can be determined through this accurate location information.

[0036] Alternatively, the parking scene recognition unit 102 can also recognize parking scenes based on a vehicle proximity communication system. The vehicle proximity communication system may include, but is not limited to, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the parking scene recognition unit 102 can be configured to communicate with the site via V2X to obtain site information and determine the parking scene based on the site information. The vehicle can send a request to the roadside unit (RSU) via a V2X communication module to request site information. The RSU can send the collected site information to the vehicle via the V2X communication module. The parsed site information can be matched with the vehicle's high-precision map to further improve positioning accuracy and information accuracy, thereby obtaining the current parking scene of the vehicle.

[0037] In embodiments of the present invention, the parking scenario can be an area where temporary parking is only permitted, such as airport entrances and exits, train station entrances and exits, ground surfaces with "No Parking" signs, or roadsides with fire hydrants. In areas where only temporary parking is permitted, there are usually clear time limits for temporary parking, such as 10 minutes or 15 minutes. Exceeding this time limit may result in a penalty, and there will be clear signage, such as prominent temporary parking signs, "No Long-Term Parking" signs, and penalty notices for exceeding the time limit. The parking scenario can also be a paid parking lot. Paid parking lots generally set up clear fee standards and payment methods at the parking lot entrance, near the toll booth, at the parking lot exit, or on the main access road of the parking lot, etc.

[0038] The parking time limit determination unit 104 can be configured to determine the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario. According to one embodiment of the invention, the parking time limit can be determined by identifying information indicating the parking time limit in a parking scenario using visual recognition technology. Specifically, by capturing information such as temporary parking time limits and specific charging standards through an onboard camera, the parking time limit for the corresponding parking scenario can be determined. In another embodiment of the invention, the parking time limit can be determined by querying a scenario parking time limit lookup table that maintains the parking time limits for each parking scenario. Specifically, vehicles can query real-time parking information nationwide through a parking lot real-time data query API interface, including detailed information such as parking lot name, address, fees, and parking time limit. Alternatively or additionally, the parking time limit for the current parking scenario can also be determined by obtaining information about the parking time limit through V2X. Vehicles can communicate in real-time with the RSU to obtain parking time limit information. The RSU can also broadcast the parking time limit information to nearby vehicles, which can receive this information through a V2X communication module.

[0039] The timing unit 106 can be configured to determine the start time of vehicle parking timing and start a countdown based on that start time and the parking time limit. It is understood that the start time for determining vehicle parking timing will differ depending on the parking scenario. When a vehicle enters a parking lot, the moment the vehicle's camera captures the lifting of the barrier at the parking lot entrance is the start time for vehicle parking timing. When a vehicle is preparing to park in a designated temporary parking area, the start time for vehicle parking timing can be determined by detecting the vehicle's speed. A speed threshold, such as 3 km / h, can be preset; when the vehicle speed is below this preset threshold, the start time for vehicle parking timing can be determined. Additionally, or alternatively, vehicle parking can also be determined by judging the vehicle's state; for example, when the vehicle is in parking mode, it can be determined that the vehicle has stopped, and this moment can be determined as the start time for vehicle parking timing.

[0040] Starting a vehicle parking countdown can be done locally via the vehicle's onboard system or by notifying the vehicle's connected server to start the countdown on the server side. The local or server-side timer can update the countdown time and format it in a more readable format, such as "HH (hours):MM (minutes):SS (seconds)". The timer can also have pause and resume functionality to pause the countdown when needed.

[0041] The reminder unit 108 can be configured to provide a reminder about time-limited parking to the vehicle user based on the countdown. It is understood that the user may leave the vehicle after parking or remain inside. If the user leaves the vehicle, the time-limited parking reminder can be sent to the user via a mobile application associated with the vehicle (e.g., the MyBMW App). If the user remains inside the vehicle, the time-limited parking reminder can be displayed on the vehicle's in-vehicle display or related instrument panel. Sound, vibration, or push notifications can all be used to remind the user that the parking countdown is about to end. In this way, the method and system described in this invention can promptly provide free parking countdown reminders to the vehicle user, preventing the user from violating parking regulations or incurring charges.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, the parking scenario can also be a special parking scenario. A special parking scenario is a situation in which the parking time is allowed to be extended. The extension of parking time for a vehicle in a special parking scenario can include either on-site confirmation that the parking time can be extended or subsequent confirmation that the parking time can be extended. As a non-limiting example, a special parking scenario may include, but is not limited to, a situation where there is an infant in the vehicle, an elderly person with limited mobility in the vehicle, a disabled person in the vehicle, a vehicle accident or malfunction, or external reasons preventing the vehicle from leaving.

[0043] In cases where a vehicle's parking time is confirmed to be extended on the spot, the vehicle can still park for free within the extended parking time or be exempt from illegal parking penalties. In cases where a vehicle's parking time is confirmed to be extended afterward, the vehicle may have already been charged a fee or notified of an illegal parking penalty in the specific parking scenario. The scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 of the present invention may further include a recording unit. This recording unit can be configured to record parking conditions associated with the specific parking scenario. Parking conditions may include one or more of the following: passenger boarding and alighting, vehicle location, environmental data captured around the vehicle, parking start time, and vehicle departure time, thereby proving that there is an objective need to extend the parking time. Based on the record of parking conditions associated with the specific parking scenario, the vehicle's user can subsequently file an appeal with the parking management or traffic-related departments, requesting a refund of the fees charged or cancellation of the illegal penalty issued at that time. In this way, the methods and systems described in the present invention can provide evidentiary support for applications for longer parking times or subsequent appeals.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an example structural diagram of a vehicle 200 according to one aspect of the present invention. In the context of the present invention, "vehicle" can refer to any type of vehicle, such as a small passenger vehicle, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a bus, a van, etc., and also includes any type of vehicle driven, including gasoline vehicles, natural gas vehicles, pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 200 may include a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system, such as the combination of the above. Figure 1 The scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 is described. It is understood that the scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 can be installed as a standalone system in the vehicle 200, or it can be integrated with the existing hardware of the vehicle 200. For example, the parking scenario recognition unit 102 can be based on the sensing system of the vehicle 200, the parking time limit determination unit 104 and the reminder unit 108 can be integrated with the control unit of the vehicle 200 or as a program executed by the control unit, and the timing unit 106 can also be a function of the vehicle 200 itself.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder method 300 according to one aspect of the present invention. Method 300 can be, for example, combined with... Figure 1 The described scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system 100 is executed. For example... Figure 3As shown, method 300 begins at step 302, identifying the vehicle's current parking scenario. As previously described, the parking scenario can be identified based on visual recognition; the vehicle's current location can be obtained through a positioning system and map services, and the parking scenario can be determined based on the current location; or site information can be obtained through vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication with the site, and the parking scenario can be determined based on the site information. As previously described, the parking scenario can include areas where temporary parking is only permitted or paid parking lots. As previously described, pre-defined special parking scenarios can also be identified, and parking information associated with the special parking scenario can be recorded. A special parking scenario is a situation where extended parking time is permitted. Special parking scenarios can include: a baby in the vehicle, an elderly person with mobility issues in the vehicle, a disabled person needing to get in or out of the vehicle, a vehicle accident or malfunction, or external factors preventing the vehicle from leaving. Recording parking information associated with a special parking scenario can include recording one or more of the following: passenger boarding / alighting, vehicle location, environmental data captured around the vehicle, parking start time, and vehicle departure time.

[0047] Subsequently, in step 304, the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario is determined. As described previously, the corresponding parking time limit can be determined by querying a scenario parking time limit lookup table that maintains the parking time limit for each parking scenario; the corresponding parking time limit can be determined by identifying the information indicating the parking time limit in the parking scenario using visual recognition technology; or the corresponding parking time limit can be determined by obtaining information about the parking time limit for the current parking scenario through V2X.

[0048] Then, in step 306, the start time of the vehicle parking timer is determined. As described previously, the start time can be determined as the moment when the vehicle speed is detected to be below a preset speed threshold; the start time can be determined as the moment when the vehicle's camera captures the lifting action of the parking lot entrance barrier; or the start time can be determined as the moment when the vehicle is placed in parking mode.

[0049] Then, in step 308, a countdown is started based on the start time and the parking time limit. As previously described, the countdown can be started locally by the vehicle's onboard system; alternatively, a vehicle connectivity server coupled to the vehicle can be notified to start the countdown on the vehicle connectivity server side.

[0050] Finally, in step 310, a reminder regarding the time-limited parking is provided to the vehicle user based on a countdown. As described previously, it can be determined whether the user is inside the vehicle. If the user is inside the vehicle, a reminder is provided to the user via the vehicle's in-vehicle display unit; if the user is outside the vehicle, a reminder is provided to the user via the vehicle's corresponding mobile application.

[0051] The foregoing description includes examples of various aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is certainly impossible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of depicting the claimed subject matter, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and arrangements of the claimed subject matter are possible. Thus, the disclosed subject matter is intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A scenario-based time-limited parking reminder method, the method comprising: Identify the current parking scenario of the vehicle; Determine the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario; Determine the start time of the vehicle's parking timer; The countdown is started based on the start time and the parking time limit. as well as The vehicle's user is given a reminder about the time-limited parking based on the countdown.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Identifying parking scenarios includes identifying parking scenarios through one or more of the following methods: Identifying parking scenarios based on visual recognition; The vehicle's current location is obtained through a positioning system and map services, and the parking scenario is determined based on the current location; as well as The system communicates with the site via V2X to obtain site information and determines the parking scenario based on that information.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The parking scenarios include one of the following: areas where only temporary parking is allowed, and paid parking lots.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario includes determining the parking time limit for the parking scenario by at least one of the following methods: Query and maintain the scenario parking time limit query table for each parking scenario; The visual recognition technology is used to identify information indicating the parking time limit in the parking scenario. as well as Obtain the parking time limit for the current parking scenario via V2X.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the start time of the vehicle parking timer includes setting the start time as the moment when at least one of the following conditions is met: The vehicle's speed was detected to be lower than a preset speed threshold; The vehicle's camera captured the raising of the barrier at the parking lot entrance; and The vehicle was placed in parking mode.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The start countdown includes: The countdown is started locally by the vehicle's onboard system; or The system notifies the vehicle intelligent connectivity server, which is communicatively coupled to the vehicle, to start a countdown on the vehicle intelligent connectivity server side.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Providing reminders about the time-limited parking to the vehicle's user based on the countdown includes: Determine whether the user is inside the vehicle; In response to the user being inside the vehicle, the reminder is provided to the user via the vehicle's in-vehicle display unit, and In response to the user being outside the vehicle, the alert is provided to the user via the vehicle's mobile application.

8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Identify pre-defined special parking scenarios, wherein the special parking scenario is a situation where extended parking time is permitted; and Record parking information associated with the specific parking scenario.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The special parking scenarios include: there is an infant in the car, an elderly person with mobility difficulties in the car, a disabled person in the car who needs to get in or out of the car, a vehicle accident or malfunction, or external factors that prevent the vehicle from leaving.

10. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Recording parking information associated with the specific parking scenario includes recording one or more of the following: passenger boarding and alighting, vehicle location, environmental data captured around the vehicle, parking start time, and vehicle departure time.

11. A scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system, the system comprising: A parking scene recognition unit, configured to recognize the current parking scene of the vehicle; A parking time limit determination unit is configured to determine a parking time limit corresponding to the identified parking scenario. A timing unit configured to determine the start time of the vehicle parking timer and to start a countdown based on the start time and the parking time limit; as well as A reminder unit is configured to provide a reminder about time-limited parking to the user of the vehicle based on the countdown.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The parking time limit determination unit is configured to determine the parking time limit of the parking scenario by at least one of the following methods: Query and maintain the scenario parking time limit query table for each parking scenario; The visual recognition technology is used to identify information indicating the parking time limit in the parking scenario. as well as Obtain the parking time limit for the current parking scenario via V2X.

13. The system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The timing unit is further configured to determine the start time as the moment when at least one of the following conditions is met: The vehicle's speed was detected to be lower than a preset speed threshold; The vehicle's camera captured the raising of the barrier at the parking lot entrance; and The vehicle was placed in parking mode.

14. The system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The identification unit is further configured to identify special parking scenarios, which are situations where extended parking time is permitted, and the system further includes: A recording unit configured to record parking conditions associated with the specific parking scenario.

15. A vehicle comprising a scenario-based time-limited parking reminder system as described in any one of claims 11-14.

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