Method, device, computer program and computer program product for parking a first vehicle

Abstract

Method for parking a first vehicle (101), in which - data on a network quality (NQ) are recorded which are representative of a quality of a mobile network in a predetermined area (301), wherein the predetermined area (301) is an area in which the first vehicle (101) is to be parked, - depending on the acquired data on the network quality (NQ), a parking signal (P) is determined which is representative of a possible parking position (X) of the first vehicle (101), wherein the vehicle is parked at the edge of the transmission range of another vehicle (103a-103e); - the determined parking signal (P) is provided to a mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle (101) for parking the first vehicle (101).

Description

The invention relates to a method, an apparatus, a computer program and a computer program product for parking a first vehicle, in which the first vehicle is intended to be parked depending on a network quality.By means of car-to-X or car-to-car communication, vehicles can exchange data with further vehicles or with their environment.DE 10 2008 052 382 A1 describes a method for optimally forwarding messages in a space which is restricted in terms of radio engineering, in particular in the case of so-called car-to-X communication. In this case, messages are forwarded by stations, the stations being both transmitters and receivers of messages. In this case, a respective position within the range of the transmitting station is automatically determined by each receiving station, which is situated within a range of the transmitting station, from a signal strength of the received messages. The received messages are then to be forwarded only by that receiving station which is determined to be located at the edge of the range of the transmitting station. This is because this station, which is located at the edge of the range of the transmitting station, is the best candidate for forwarding a message quickly and reliably, wherein, in addition, a blockage of a radio channel is avoided and resources are saved.DE 10 2015 202 471 A1 discloses in methods for operating a parking facility within which a plurality of base stations are arranged, a) wherein a minimum data set of data required by a vehicle for its travel in the parking facility is determined in such a way that the vehicle can leave a radio range of a first base station and can travel in radio range of a second base station based on the data corresponding to the minimum data set, b) wherein the first base station sends the determined minimum data set of data to the vehicle located in radio range of the first base station, such that the vehicle can leave the radio range of the first base station based on the data and can travel in radio range of the second base station.DE 10 2012 224 452 A1 discloses a system and a method for providing information about a parking area by means of inter-vehicle communication, the method including: broadcasting, by a controller, a parking area information request message within a predetermined area when a request signal is input from the driver; receiving, by the controller, information about an available parking area received by unicast communication in response to the broadcast-communicated request message; and outputting, by the controller, the information about an available parking area to the driver.The object on which the invention is based is to provide a method for parking a first vehicle and a corresponding device, a computer program and a computer program product which contributes to enabling mobile radio signals to be received in radio-technically restricted areas and autonomous vehicle to be controlled during parking and unparking.The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are characterized in the dependent claims.According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for parking a first vehicle. In the method, data relating to a network quality are acquired which are representative of a quality of a mobile radio network in a predefined area. The predetermined range is a range in which the first vehicle is to be parked. Depending on the recorded data on the network quality, a parking signal is determined which is representative of a possible parking position of the first vehicle, wherein the vehicle is parked at the edge of the transmission area of a further vehicle. The ascertained parking signal is provided to a mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle for parking the first vehicle.The predefined area is, for example, an area which is restricted by radio technology, such as a low-rise garage or a parking garage. The mobile radio network comprises, for example, a technical infrastructure on which the transmission of signals for a mobile radio takes place. The mobile radio network can be, for example, a mobile radio network based on LTE standard. The parking signal contains, for example, information about a possible parking position of the first vehicle in the predefined range in which reception of mobile radio signals is possible. The provision of the parking signal to a mobile radio station assigned to the first vehicle enables the first vehicle to be parked in a parking position in the predefined area, where the first vehicle can receive and forward a mobile radio signal. The mobile radio interface can be embodied, for example, in the vehicle or in a mobile unit, for example a smartphone. The mobile radio interface is designed to transmit data via the mobile radio network. The first vehicle can contribute, for example, to expanding the mobile radio network in the predefined area. Receiving mobile radio signals in areas that are restricted in terms of radio technology makes it possible, for example, to control autonomous vehicles during parking and unparking.In an advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the first vehicle is parked automatically as a function of the ascertained parking signal.The provision of the ascertained parking signal to the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle enables automated parking of the first vehicle taking into account the network quality. The first vehicle may be, for example, an autonomous vehicle. Vehicles may operate autonomously in a parking lot. A free parking space can be selected by a central parking space controller in cooperation with the vehicle and the vehicle can travel to the parking space and park there. In this case, communication takes place between vehicles and between vehicle and stationary infrastructure (car-to-x communication). If the vehicle is to be parked in an area which is restricted in terms of radio, for example without taking into account the network quality, reliable control of the vehicle cannot take place. Taking into account the network quality when parking the vehicle in an area which is restricted in terms of radio technology not only enables reliable control of the vehicle when parking and unparking, but also contributes to expanding the mobile radio network in the predefined area.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the data on the network quality are provided by a database. The network quality data is representative of a quality of the mobile radio network in the predetermined range, which was measured in advance.The network quality in the predetermined area may be measured in advance, and the network quality data may be stored in a database. If the vehicle is to be parked in the predefined area, the data on the network quality can be retrieved from the database and used for the determination of the parking signal. This is relevant, for example, for the parking of the first vehicle in a predefined area in which no further vehicles are parked.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, a signal reception quality in the environment of the further vehicle is determined by means of at least one further vehicle parked in the predefined area. The signal reception quality is representative of the network quality in the environment of the further vehicle. Furthermore, depending on the signal reception quality in the environment of the further vehicle, the data on the network quality are ascertained.If at least one further vehicle is parked in the predefined area, the further vehicle can ascertain a signal reception quality in its environment and forward it by car-to-X communication.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, a current occupancy status of the predefined area is provided. The current occupancy status of the predefined area is representative of a current number of vehicles parked in the predefined area. Furthermore, the parking signal is ascertained as a function of the current occupancy status of the predefined area.If, for example, a few further vehicles have been parked in the predefined area, the first vehicle is to be parked in order to extend the mobile radio network in the predefined area. The first vehicle is parked at the edge of the transmission range of a further vehicle. The transmission range of the further vehicle is, for example, a range in which a mobile radio signal transmitted by the further vehicle can be received by the first vehicle or another further vehicle. If, for example, a plurality of further vehicles have been parked in the predefined area, these further vehicles can expand the mobile radio network and enable the reception of mobile radio signals in the entire predefined area. The first vehicle can then be parked in a parking position with a good network quality, for example within the transmission range of a further vehicle. The current occupancy status of the predefined area is relevant, for example, when the first vehicle is located in the vicinity of the predefined area.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, an expected occupancy status of the predefined area is provided. The expected occupancy status of the predetermined area is representative of an expected number of vehicles to be parked in the predetermined area. Furthermore, the parking signal is ascertained as a function of the expected occupancy status of the predefined area.If, for example, a few further vehicles are to be parked in the predefined area at an expected time of parking of the first vehicle, the first vehicle is to be parked in order to expand the mobile radio network in the predefined area. The first vehicle is parked at the edge of the transmission range of a further vehicle. If, for example, a plurality of further vehicles are to be parked in the predefined area at the expected time of the parking of the first vehicle, the first vehicle can be parked in a parking position with a good network quality, for example within the transmission area of a further vehicle. The expected occupancy status of the predefined area is relevant, for example, if the first vehicle is to be parked in the predefined area at a later point in time.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle communicates at least with a further vehicle for parking or unparking the first vehicle and / or a further vehicle.If the first vehicle is parked in the predefined area, the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle can communicate, for example, by means of car-to-car communication with at least one further vehicle parked in the predefined area. The first vehicle may receive a cellular signal from another vehicle and forward the received cellular signal to another other vehicle. Thus, all vehicles parked in the predetermined area may receive a cellular signal. This can enable, for example, a control of the vehicles for automated parking or parking-space removal.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle forwards a received mobile radio signal for parking or unparking in an amplification and forwarding relay operation, which can also be referred to as amplification and forward relay operation, to the further vehicle.The amplified-and-forward-relay operation comprises, in particular, that the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle is designed to receive, amplify and forward narrowband signals from a further vehicle. In the amplified-and-forward-relay operation, the data to be transmitted do not have to be decoded and encoded again and this results in a reduction in computing time and latency.In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle opens a local mobile radio cell for communicating with the further vehicle and assumes control over sending a mobile radio signal for parking or unparking to the further vehicle.The mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle can open a local mobile radio cell, similar to a base station in the mobile radio network, and take over control of connections to further vehicles. This has the advantage that the transmission parameters such as transmission power, modulation and channel coding can be optimized locally.According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for parking a first vehicle, wherein the device is designed to carry out the method according to the first aspect. The device comprises, for example, a data processing device which is coupled signal-wise to the first vehicle and the further vehicles.According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program for parking a first vehicle. The computer program is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect.According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising executable program code, wherein the program code, when executed by a data processing device, carries out the method according to the first aspect.The computer program product comprises, in particular, a medium readable by the data processing device, on which the program code is stored.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a program for parking a first vehicle; and FIG. 2 shows a system for parking a first vehicle.Elements of the same construction or function are identified with the same reference numerals across the figures.FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a program for parking a first vehicle 101 (see FIG. 2 ).A device 201 (see FIG. 2 ) is designed, for example, to execute the program. For this purpose, device 201 has, in particular, a computing unit, a program and data memory, as well as, for example, one or more communication interfaces. The program and data memory and / or the computing unit and / or the communication interfaces can be formed in one structural unit and / or distributed over a plurality of structural units.The device 201 may also be referred to as a device for parking a first vehicle 101.The device 201 is embodied, for example, in a fleet management system. The fleet management system may represent, for example, a back end that may communicate with the first vehicle 101 and the further vehicles 103 a- 103 e.Alternatively or additionally, the device 201 is embodied in a first vehicle 101 and / or in a mobile unit, such as a smartphone.In particular, the program for parking a first vehicle 101 is stored on the program and data memory of the device 201.The flow chart of FIG. 1 is explained in more detail below.The program is started in a step S 1, in which, for example, variables are initialized. The program is then continued in a step S 3.In step S 3, data on the network quality NQ are acquired. The data on the network quality NQ are representative of the quality of the mobile radio network in the predefined area 301, wherein the predefined area 301 is, for example, a low-level garage 301 having different levels. Parking spaces can be located in a space which is restricted by radio technology, for example in a low-rise garage. However, trouble-free and good reception of mobile radio signals is important for functioning fleet management and autonomous vehicles.The network quality in the low-level garage 301 can be measured in advance, for example. The network quality data NQ can be stored in a database. If, for example, no further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare parked in the low-level garage 301, the data on the network quality NQ can be provided by the database. If at least one further vehicle 103 a- 103 eis parked in the low-ground garage 301, the further vehicle 103 a- 103 emay ascertain a signal reception quality in its environment. Depending on the signal quality in the environment of the further vehicle 103 a- 103 e, the data on the network quality NQ can be determined. By car-to-x communication, the network quality can be determined in real time in the low-level garage 301. The program can continue in a step S 5.In step S 5, a current occupancy status ABS of the predefined area 301 is provided. The current occupancy status ABS is representative of a current number of vehicles parked in the low-level garage 301. For example, if many other vehicles 103 a- 103 eare parked in the low-level garage 301, the first vehicle 101 may be parked in a parking position with a good network quality. If, for example, a few further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare parked in the low-level garage 301, the first vehicle 101 is parked at the edge of the transmission range of a further vehicle 103 a- 103 ein order to expand the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301. The program is then continued in a step S 7.In step S 7, an expected occupancy status EBS of the predefined area 301 is provided. The expected occupancy status EBS is representative of an expected number of vehicles to be parked in the predetermined area 301. If many further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare to be parked in the low-ground garage 301, the first vehicle 101 can be parked in a possible parking position x with a good network quality. If a few further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare to be parked in the low-level garage 301, the first vehicle can be caused 101 to be parked at the edge of the transmission range of a further vehicle 105 a- 105 ein order to expand the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301. The program is then continued in a step S 9.In step S 9, a parking signal P for the first vehicle 101 is determined. The parking signal P is representative of a possible parking position of the first vehicle 101 in the low-ground garage 301. The parking signal P can be determined as a function of the data on the network quality NQ. The parking signal P can comprise, for example, information about a possible parking position X in which the first vehicle 101 can receive a mobile radio signal S. The possible parking position X can be, for example, a parking position in which the first vehicle 101 forms a continuous chain with further parked vehicles 103 a- 103 ein order to expand the mobile network in the low-level garage 301. If the possible parking position X is, for example, in the transmission range of the further vehicle 103 d105 d, the first vehicle 101 can expand the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301 in the direction of the arrow 17. For a better determination of the parking signal P, the current occupancy status ABS of the predefined area 301 can be used. If, for example, a few further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare parked in the low-level garage 301, the possible parking position of the first vehicle X should lie at the edge of the transmission range of a further vehicle 105 a- 105 ein order to expand the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301. For a better determination of the parking signal P, the expected occupancy status EBS of the predefined area 301 can be used. If a plurality of further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare intended to be parked in the low-level garage 301, for example, so that reception of mobile radio signals S in the entire low-level garage 301 becomes possible, the first vehicle 101 can be parked in a possible parking position X with a good network quality. The possible parking position X can be within the transmission range of a further vehicle 105 a- 105 e. The program then continues in a step S11.In step S 11, the parking signal P is provided to a mobile station assigned to the first vehicle 101 for parking the first vehicle 101. The provision of the parking signal P to a mobile radio station assigned to the first vehicle 101 enables the first vehicle 101 to be parked in a possible parking position X in order to extend the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301. Depending on the parking signal P, the first vehicle 101 can be parked in an automated manner, for example. The first vehicle 101 and the further vehicles 103 a- 103 eare, for example, autonomous vehicles. The program then continues in a step S13.In step S 13, the mobile radio interface assigned to first vehicle 101 for parking or unparking first vehicle 101 and / or a further vehicle 103 a- 103 ecommunicates at least with a further vehicle 103 a- 103 e. If the first vehicle 101 is parked, for example, in the possible parking position X in the transmission range of the further vehicle 103 d105 d, the further vehicle 103 dmay be caused to transmit a mobile radio signal S to the first vehicle 101. The first vehicle 101 can be caused, for example, to forward the received mobile radio signal S in the amplified-and-forward-relay mode. In the amplified-and-forward-relay operation, the data to be transmitted do not have to be decoded and encoded again and this results in a reduction in computing time and latency. The first vehicle 101 can receive mobile radio signals S, for example, from a further vehicle 103 a- 103 eand / or a base station and / or a smartphone and forward them, for example, to a further vehicle 103 a- 103 eand / or a base station and / or a smartphone. Alternatively, the first vehicle 101 can open a local mobile radio cell, for example, and take over control of the connections to further vehicles 103 a- 103 e. This has the advantage that the transmission parameters such as transmission power, modulation and channel coding can be optimized locally. The first vehicle 101 forms a continuous chain with the further vehicles 103 a- 103 eand contributes to expanding the mobile radio network in the low-level garage 301. Thus, the first vehicle 101 and the further vehicles 103 a- 103 ein the low-level garage 301 can receive mobile radio signals S without interference. Then, for example, automated parking and unparking of first vehicle 101 and of further vehicles 103 a- 103 emay be controlled by device 201. The device 201 can also control, for example, the data exchange between the first vehicle 101 and the further vehicles 103 a- 103 ein order to form a continuous mobile radio network and to avoid redundancy.In a step S 15, the program is ended and can be restarted in the step S 1, if appropriate.List of reference numbers:101 First vehicle 103 a- 103 e Weiteres vehicle 105 a- 105 e Sende area of the further vehicle 103 a- 103 e 107Part of the area in which reception of a mobile radio signal is possible 201 Device 301 Predefined area X Possible parking position of the first vehicle S Mobile radio signal P Parking signal NQ Data on network quality ABS Current occupancy status of the predefined area EBS Expected occupancy status of the predefined area 17 Arrow

Claims

Method for parking a first vehicle (101), in which - data relating to a network quality (NQ) are acquired, which data are representative of a quality of a mobile radio network in a predefined area (301), wherein the predefined area (301) is an area in which the first vehicle (101) is to be parked, - a parking signal (P) is ascertained as a function of the acquired data relating to the network quality (NQ), which parking signal is representative of a possible parking position (X) of the first vehicle (101), wherein the vehicle is parked at the edge of the transmission area of a further vehicle (103a-103e); - the ascertained parking signal (P) is provided to a mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle (101), for parking the first vehicle (101).Method according to Claim 1, in which, as a function of the ascertained parking signal (P), the first vehicle (101) is parked in an automated manner.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the data on the network quality (NQ) are provided by a database and are representative of a quality of the mobile radio network in the predefined area (301) which has been measured in advance.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a signal reception quality in the environment of the further vehicle (103a-103e), which is representative of the network quality in the environment of the further vehicle (103a-103e), is determined by means of at least one further vehicle (103a-103e) parked in the predefined area (301), - the data on the network quality (NQ) are determined as a function of the signal reception quality in the environment of the further vehicle (103a-103e).Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a current occupancy status (ABS) of the predefined area (301) is provided, which is representative of a current number of vehicles parked in the predefined area (301), - the parking signal (P) is ascertained as a function of the current occupancy status (ABS) of the predefined area (301).Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which - an expected occupancy status (EBS) of the predefined area (301) is provided, which is representative of an expected number of vehicles which are to be parked in the predefined area (301), and - the parking signal (P) is determined as a function of the expected occupancy status (EBS) of the predefined area (301).Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle (101) communicates at least with a further vehicle (103a-103e) for parking or unparking the first vehicle (101) and / or a further vehicle.Method according to Claim 7, in which the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle (101) forwards a received mobile radio signal (S) for parking or unparking in an amplification and forwarding relay operation to the further vehicle (103a-103e).Method according to Claim 7, in which the mobile radio interface assigned to the first vehicle (101) opens a local mobile radio cell for communicating with the further vehicle (103a-103e) and assumes control over sending a mobile radio signal (S) for parking or unparking to the further vehicle (103a-103e).Device (201) for parking a first vehicle (101), wherein the device (201) is designed to carry out the method according to Claims 1 to 9.Computer program for parking a first vehicle (101), wherein the computer program is designed to carry out a method according to Claims 1 to 9 when it is executed.A computer program product comprising executable program code, wherein the program code, when executed, performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

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