Method and device for parking assistance of a vehicle

Abstract

Method for assisting the parking of a vehicle, wherein the parking of this first vehicle in a parking space at least partially occupied by a second vehicle is assisted by transmitting a maneuvering request to the second vehicle, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Assigning a priority level to the driver of the first vehicle, whereby this priority level classifies that driver to what extent the driver is entitled to priority use of the parking space; and Transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle based on this priority level, characterized by the fact that The parking space is automatically selected from a plurality of at least partially occupied parking spaces, and that This automatic selection is made taking into account at least one of the following criteria: - Dimensions of the respective partially occupied parking spaces; - Distance of the respective partially occupied parking spaces from the destination of the driver of the first vehicle; - Ability of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces to drive away independently and search for another parking space; - Energy expenditure of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces for searching for a new parking space; and - remaining fuel or energy supply of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for parking assistance of a vehicle.

[0002] Due to a lack of available parking spaces in areas such as city centers, drivers often cannot find a parking space at their desired location. This is not only annoying because of the additional time lost, but can also be particularly critical for certain groups of people (e.g., people with reduced mobility or health problems, pregnant women, etc.).

[0003] Furthermore, the lack of nearby parking spaces causes stress for the driver, requires additional energy, results in increased air pollution, and can lead to critical health problems for certain drivers (such as an elderly person with leg pain or a pregnant woman who has to walk a long distance between her home and parking space due to the lack of available parking). Even so-called resident parking zones do not guarantee the availability of a free parking space at all times of day.

[0004] From DE 10 2009 057 647 A1, a method and a device for arranging the parking positions of at least two motor vehicles are known, wherein one of the motor vehicles has an interface for communication with another motor vehicle that has a corresponding additional interface. Furthermore, a unit for autonomous maneuvering of the motor vehicle is provided in each motor vehicle. In response to receiving, for example, a parking or exit request from the other motor vehicle via the interface, a maneuvering operation is carried out depending on the maneuvering request, thus contributing to cooperative parking space optimization.

[0005] WO 2013 / 006 549 A2 discloses, among other things, a method and a device for the dynamic allocation of parking spaces in city centers, whereby an efficient and intelligent use of the total available parking capacity is to be ensured.

[0006] CN 1 01 739 810 A discloses a parking space management system that identifies the owner of a specific parking space upon approach and, in the event of unauthorized occupancy, sends a request to the blocking vehicle to vacate the parking space.

[0007] DE 10 2009 051 463 A1 discloses a method for remotely controlled, automatic parking of a motor vehicle out of a parking space, wherein the parking process can be initiated by an external control device (e.g. a mobile phone) and controlled taking into account the position of the driver.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for parking assistance for a vehicle, which avoid or at least reduce the burdens caused by the search for a parking space for drivers who are particularly affected by this.

[0009] This problem is solved by the method according to the features of independent claim 1 and the device according to the features of dependent claim 8.

[0010] An inventive method for parking assistance of a vehicle, wherein the parking of this first vehicle in a parking space at least partially occupied by a second vehicle is supported by transmitting a maneuvering request to the second vehicle, comprises the following steps: - Assigning a priority level to the driver of the first vehicle, whereby this priority level classifies that driver to what extent the driver is entitled to priority use of the parking space; and - Transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle based on this priority level.

[0011] The present invention is based in particular on the concept of registering or identifying specific drivers who are authorized to occupy a parking space with priority over other road users in certain areas (e.g., a specific street). If such drivers are searching for a parking space in a specific target area and no free parking space is available, the invention allows the most suitable parking space to be searched for, taking into account, for example, vehicle dimensions, energy costs, and the parking arrangement of other parked vehicles. Subsequently, one of the parked vehicles can be remotely instructed to move and find or go to another parking space.

[0012] To minimize the risk of inconvenience or annoyance to other road users, the implementation and activation of the function described above, according to the invention, can be on a voluntary basis. In particular, vehicle owners who allow their vehicles to be moved automatically or remotely to another location can be rewarded for this service.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the shunting request is a request to the second vehicle to leave the parking space and find a new parking space.

[0014] The procedure may also include the step of automatically parking the second vehicle.

[0015] According to the invention, the parking space is automatically selected from a plurality of parking spaces that are at least partially occupied. This automatic selection is made, in particular, taking into account at least one of the following criteria: - Dimensions of the respective partially occupied parking spaces; - Distance of the respective partially occupied parking spaces from the destination of the driver of the first vehicle; - Ability of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces to drive away independently and search for another parking space; - Energy expenditure of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces for searching for a new parking space; and - remaining fuel or energy supply of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: determining the current state of the driver of the first vehicle, and transmitting the shunting request to the second vehicle based on the determined state.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle is further based on the current location of the first vehicle.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the assignment of a priority grade to the driver of the first vehicle is based at least partially on information that is automatically retrieved from a database.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the assignment of a priority grade to the driver of the first vehicle is based at least partially on information relating to the driver's state of health.

[0020] The invention further relates to a device for parking assistance of a vehicle, wherein the parking of this first vehicle in a parking space at least partially occupied by a second vehicle is assisted by transmitting a maneuvering request to the second vehicle, wherein the device is designed to carry out a method with the features described above.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device has: - a driver identification module configured to determine the priority level of the driver of the first vehicle; - a vehicle localization module configured to determine if the first vehicle is in a local area where the driver of the first vehicle is entitled to priority parking; - a parking space selection module configured to analyze the spatial arrangement of already parked vehicles in order to determine the most suitable parking space for the first vehicle; and - a vehicle communication unit configured to communicate with parked vehicles and request them to move away and find a new parking space.

[0022] Further embodiments of the invention can be found in the description and the dependent claims. The invention is explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying illustrations.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram to illustrate the structure of a device according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment; Fig.2 a flowchart to illustrate a possible sequence of the method according to the invention or the functioning of the device Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a schematic diagram to illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0024] In the following, the construction of a device according to the invention and a possible sequence of the method according to the invention will be described using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the schematic overview diagram of Fig. 1 and the flowchart of Fig. 2 described.

[0025] The device according to the invention, with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a driver identification module 10 which is capable of or configured to identify the driver of a specific motor vehicle (step S10 in Fig.2) and to determine whether this person is entitled to use a parking priority function.

[0026] Furthermore, the device according to the invention includes a driver condition monitoring module 20, which is capable of analyzing the health status of the respective driver in a step S20. Preferably, it is determined whether the driver is in a particularly stressful situation, is fatigued, or is suffering from pain. This can be achieved, for example, using camera-based facial monitoring (mouth, facial expressions, eyes, etc.), by directly monitoring the driver's actions and reactions, or even (given a corresponding connection or communication capability) by direct vehicle-side access to information concerning the driver's health status. This allows, for example, the determination of whether a female driver is pregnant, whether a driver suffers from a specific illness, or whether their mobility is temporarily restricted. This driver condition monitoring corresponds to the flowchart of Fig. 2 the step S20.

[0027] A vehicle localization module 30 is used to determine, when searching for a parking space (step S30), whether the vehicle is located in a local area where the driver is authorized to use the priority parking function, for example, using GPS-based localization (step S40). A parking space selection module 40 is capable of analyzing the spatial arrangement of already parked vehicles in order to determine the most suitable parking space for the user's own vehicle (step S60). This includes determining the parking space dimensions as well as the dimensions of the already parked vehicles. The selection of the most suitable parking space can be achieved, in particular, by finding the best possible compromise considering the respective parking space dimensions and the distance between the parking space and the destination (e.g.,own apartment), the energy expenditure of a parked vehicle for leaving the parking space and for independently finding a new parking space, and the difficulty level of the parking maneuver required in each case.

[0028] An HMI module 50 allows the driver to activate the parking priority mode and can also inform the driver about the actions currently being performed by the system.

[0029] A vehicle communication unit 60 is responsible for data exchange between the respective vehicle and the outside world. In particular, the vehicle communication unit 60 can be used to communicate with parked vehicles and to request that one of the parked vehicles move away and find a new parking space.

[0030] A central control and coordination unit 70 serves to control and coordinate the modules or units 10 to 60 described above. Furthermore, communication with an external database 80 (e.g., concerning drivers with priority authorizations) or an internal data storage device 90 (e.g., containing vehicle data) is also possible.

[0031] The external database 80 can, for example, contain an archive that includes the identification data of specific drivers as well as the local areas in which these drivers are authorized to use the priority parking function. This database 80 can be located on a remote server, perhaps centrally managed by an authority or similar entity, or it can be stored within the vehicle itself, in which case the storage might contain only information about the driver in question. If the database 80 is located on a server, communication with the server can take place via the vehicle communication unit 60. Using the driver identification module 10 and the driver status monitoring module 20, a classification can be made to determine whether the respective driver is authorized to use a specific parking space within a more or less extensive geographical area.

[0032] The data storage unit 90 can contain basic data needed to determine the most suitable parking space for the vehicle in question, e.g. vehicle dimensions, information about an electric vehicle which requires a parking space with a charging station, etc. Table 1: Driver class Local area (identifiable via address, GPS) Degree of access Example I (Normal) Home address, workplace, ... Priority in critical driver condition Young drivers who only want priority for a parking space near their home because they are very tired, because it is very late, or because they are feeling unwell... II (Medium) Home address, workplace, shops, authorities,... priority Drivers who are temporarily suffering from nausea, disability, or pain. III (High) Everywhere priority Pregnant women, elderly people,...

[0033] Table 1 shows only one example of a possible classification of drivers and their respective level of access.

[0034] The following refers to Fig. 3 an exemplary scenario in the operation of the device according to the invention is described.

[0035] In the Fig. In the situation shown in 3, for example, the driver of vehicle “A” wants to return home (= apartment or home location 300), but unfortunately there is no free parking space available near his apartment.

[0036] The driver of vehicle “A” is identified as an elderly person and, according to Table 1 above, belongs to class “III”. Persons belonging to this class III are entitled to use the parking priority function everywhere. In the present example, the driver of vehicle “A” activates the parking priority function. The device according to the invention begins to detect the surroundings, which can be done, for example, using (e.g., ultrasound-based) parking assistance sensors, radar sensors, cameras, or via communication or direct data exchange “from vehicle to vehicle”.

[0037] In addition, supplementary information can be requested from the parked vehicles, such as their ability to drive away independently and search for another parking space, the remaining fuel or energy supply of the parked vehicles (which must be sufficient to carry out the parking maneuver), etc. Once this information has been collected, the most suitable parking space is calculated according to the invention, preferably by minimizing the energy and time expenditure associated with the maneuver, minimizing the distance between the parking space and the home location, and optimizing the utilization of the available parking space.

[0038] In the specific example of Fig.3. Five vehicles are contacted by vehicle “A”, with a response only being received from vehicles “B”, “C” and “D”, and with only these vehicles (“B”, “C” and “D”) being able to perform an independent parking maneuver (i.e. the drivers of vehicles “B”, “C” and “D” have agreed that their vehicles may be asked to perform such a maneuver).

[0039] In this example, all three parking spaces occupied by these vehicles would be sufficiently large for vehicle "A". However, since vehicle "D" is the smallest, it is easier for vehicle "D" to perform the maneuver and search for a new parking space. Furthermore, moving such a comparatively small vehicle requires less energy compared to moving vehicle "C" or "B". Additionally, moving vehicle "D" would allow a larger vehicle to better utilize the available parking space. The maneuver is therefore carried out after vehicle "D" has selected parking space S70 as a suitable option and a parking request (S80) has been sent to vehicle "D" (step S90).The owner of vehicle "D" will be notified of their vehicle's new parking position (S100) and may be rewarded for enabling the process described above. Furthermore, statistics on completed parking transactions may be updated (S110).

Claims

[1] Method for assisting a vehicle in parking, wherein the parking of this first vehicle in a parking space at least partially occupied by a second vehicle is assisted by transmitting a maneuvering request to the second vehicle, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Assigning a priority level to the driver of the first vehicle, whereby this priority level classifies that driver to what extent the driver is entitled to priority use of the parking space; and Transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle based on this priority level, characterized by , that The parking space is automatically selected from a plurality of at least partially occupied parking spaces, and that This automatic selection is made taking into account at least one of the following criteria: - Dimensions of the respective partially occupied parking spaces; - Distance of the respective partially occupied parking spaces from the destination of the driver of the first vehicle; - Ability of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces to drive away independently and search for another parking space; - Energy expenditure of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces for searching for a new parking space; and - remaining fuel or energy supply of the vehicles occupying the respective parking spaces. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that as a shunting request, a request is transmitted to the second vehicle to seek a new parking space by leaving the parking space. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the procedure further includes the step: Automatic parking of the second vehicle. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure further comprises the following steps: Determining the current condition of the driver of the first vehicle; and Transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle based on the determined condition. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the transmission of the shunting request to the second vehicle is furthermore based on the current location of the first vehicle. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the assignment of a priority level to the driver of the first vehicle is at least partially based on information that is automatically retrieved from a database. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the assignment of a priority grade to the driver of the first vehicle is based, at least in part, on information relating to the driver's state of health. [8] Device for assisting the parking of a vehicle, wherein the parking of this first vehicle in a parking space at least partially occupied by a second vehicle is assisted by transmitting a maneuvering request to the second vehicle, characterized by that the device is designed to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by , that the device has: a driver identification module (10) configured to determine the priority level of the driver of the first vehicle; a vehicle localization module (30) configured to determine whether the first vehicle is in a local area where the driver of the first vehicle is entitled to priority parking; a parking space selection module (40) configured to analyze the spatial arrangement of already parked vehicles in order to determine the most suitable parking space for the first vehicle; and a vehicle communication unit (60) configured to communicate with parked vehicles and request them to move away and find a new parking space.

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