System and procedure for displaying vehicle information

Abstract

System for displaying vehicle information, the system encompassing: a data center encompassing: a storage device configured to store one or more car-sharing records that include car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and / or vehicle return expectation information; a long-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a long-range communication channel; a server configured to communicate with the storage and long-range transmitter-receiver, wherein the server configured to operate the long-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the car-sharing data records that record data transmissions over the long-range communication channel; a vehicle encompassing: a communication device configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a telematics unit configured to transmit with the communication device, wherein the telematics unit is configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions via the long-range communication channel, and wherein the telematics unit is configured to operate the communication device to transmit one or more transmissions via the short-range communication channel; a parking sign that is assigned to a parking space, including: a short-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a graphic display in the form of an LCD, LED or OLED display, configured to display information; and a processor module configured to communicate with the short-range transmitter-receiver and the graphic display, wherein the processor module is configured to receive one or more data transmissions from the short-range transmitter-receiver, wherein the processor module is configured to generate a notification when the processor module determines that the one or more data transmissions include car-sharing record information sufficient to generate the notification, wherein the notification includes, depending on the one or more car-sharing records, car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and vehicle return expectation information, and wherein the processor module is further configured to operate the graphic display to show the notification.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for displaying vehicle information. BACKGROUND

[0002] Car-sharing and self-service car rental services allow customers to reserve location-based vehicle usage, especially in urban environments. These rental vehicles are often located in reserved parking spaces, which are marked with permanently installed signs or markings. Ideally, a user picks up a vehicle from a reserved space and returns it to the same or a similarly designated space. However, since these parking spaces are frequently found in public parking lots, users have limited options for determining a vehicle's status. This can be frustrating for users and prevent them from renting a vehicle in a timely manner. Therefore, it is desirable to implement a system and procedures for identifying vehicle rental status information.

[0003] Furthermore, US 9 293 042 B1 shows a road display board on which a wide variety of information can be displayed. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, a system with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 8 for displaying vehicle information are presented.

[0005] The vehicle includes a communication device, a server, and a telematics unit. The communication device is configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel. The telematics unit is configured to communicate with the communication device. The telematics unit is also configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over the long-range communication channel. Furthermore, the telematics unit is configured to operate the communication device to transmit one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel.

[0006] The sign includes a short-range transmitter / receiver, a display, and a processor module. The short-range transmitter / receiver is configured to transmit and receive one or more data messages over the short-range communication channel. The display is configured to show information. The processor module is configured to communicate with the short-range transmitter / receiver. The processor module is further configured to receive the one or more data messages from the short-range transmitter / receiver. Additionally, the processor module is configured to generate a notification when it determines that the one or more data messages contain car-sharing record information. The processor module is also configured to operate the display to show the notification.

[0007] The system can include a second memory on the sign. This second memory is configured to store car-sharing record information, notifications, or both. Furthermore, the short-range transmitter-receiver is configured to transmit the stored car-sharing record information, notifications, or both as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel.

[0008] The system may also include a mobile computing device that incorporates a second long-range transceiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over the long-range communication channel. Furthermore, the mobile computing device is configured to receive data transmissions from the second long-range transceiver. The mobile computing device is also configured to generate modified car-sharing records if it determines that one or more data transmissions contain car-sharing record information. Finally, the mobile computing device is configured to operate the second long-range transceiver to transmit the modified car-sharing records as one or more data transmissions over the long-range communication channel.

[0009] The mobile computing device may further include a second short-range transmitter-receiver configured to communicate one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel. In addition, the mobile computing device may also be configured to operate the second short-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the modified car-sharing data sets as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel. The short-range communication channel may be a near-field communication channel. In such a case, the mobile computing device is configured to detect that it is in close proximity to the short-range transmitter-receiver.In addition, the mobile computer device can also be configured to operate the second short-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the modified car-sharing data sets as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel while in close proximity.

[0010] The communication device can also be configured to transmit a vehicle identification key via the short-range communication channel. Additionally, the short-range transmitter-receiver can also be configured to receive a vehicle identification key via a short-range communication channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the notification can include a warning if, during a determination of the vehicle identification key status of the processor module, it is determined that an unauthorized vehicle is located in the parking space.

[0012] The vehicle may also include a sensor configured to perform vehicle diagnostics and generate diagnostic data, with the sensor configured to communicate with the telematics unit. Furthermore, the telematics unit may be configured to operate the communication device to transmit the diagnostic data as one or more data transmissions via the short-range communication channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sign may also include a motion sensor and a camera. The motion sensor may be configured to detect movement at the parking space and transmit motion data; the camera, on the other hand, may be configured to record images of the parking space. The processor module may be configured to communicate with the motion sensor and the camera. The processor module may also be configured to receive the motion data and then operate the camera to record images of the parking space.

[0014] In one or more other embodiments, the sign may further include a camera configured to record images of the parking space. In these embodiments, the parking space may include a ground sensor configured to detect an object on the parking space and communicate object data. Furthermore, the processor module may be configured to communicate with the ground sensor and the camera. The processor module may also be configured to receive the object data and subsequently operate the camera to record images of the parking space.

[0015] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages of the present teachings, can easily be derived from the following detailed description of how to carry out the teachings when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present disclosure is described below in conjunction with the drawing figures below, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements and where: Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a communication system according to one aspect of the system and the method presented herein; Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sign for displaying vehicle information at a parking space according to one aspect of the system and the method presented herein; and Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary flowchart representation of a procedure to display vehicle information according to one aspect of the procedure presented herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following detailed description serves only as an example. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory explicitly or implicitly presented in the preceding technical section, background, summary, or the following detailed description. The term "module" as used herein refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group processor), and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs or code segments, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0018] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 is an example of a communication system 10, of a type substantially known from US 2009 / 0 325 612 A1, which can be used together with examples of the device / system disclosed herein or can be used to implement examples of the methods disclosed herein. The communication system 10 generally includes a vehicle 12, a wireless carrier system 14, a fixed-line network 16, and a data center 18. It should be noted that the architecture, structure, operation, and individual components of the illustrated system are merely exemplary, and that differently configured communication systems can also be used to implement the examples of the methods disclosed herein. Thus, the following paragraphs provide a brief overview of the illustrated communication system 10.

[0019] The vehicle 12 can be any type of mobile vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck, recreational vehicle (SV), boat, aircraft, etc., and is equipped with suitable hardware and software that allows it to communicate via the communication system 10. Some of the vehicle's hardware 20 is generally located in Fig. Figure 1 shows a telematics unit 24, a short-range wireless communication device 26, a microphone 26, a loudspeaker 28, and buttons and / or controls 30 connected to the telematics unit 24. A network connection or vehicle bus 32 is operationally connected to the telematics unit 24. Examples of suitable network connections include a CAN bus, a Media-oriented System Transfer (MOST), a Local Area Link Network (LIN), Ethernet, and other suitable connections, such as those conforming to known ISO (International Organization for Standardization), SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards and specifications.

[0020] The telematics unit 24 is a vehicle-integrated device that provides a variety of services through its long-range communication with the data center 18 and generally includes an electronic processing device 38, one or more types of electronic storage 40, a mobile phone chipset / component 34, a wireless modem 36, a dual-mode antenna 70, and a navigation unit with a GNSS chipset / component 42. In one example, the wireless modem 36 includes a computer program and / or a code segment adapted to be executed in the electronic processing device 38.

[0021] The telematics unit 24 can provide various services, including: precise directions and other navigation-related services provided in conjunction with the GNSS chipset / component 42; airbag deployment notification and other emergency or breakdown-related services provided in conjunction with various crash and / or collision sensor interface modules 66 and collision sensors 68 distributed throughout the vehicle; and / or infotainment-related services, whereby music, internet websites, movies, television programs, video games, and / or other content are downloaded from an infotainment center 46 operationally connected to the telematics unit 24 via a vehicle bus 32 and an audio bus 22. In one example, the downloaded content is stored for immediate or later playback.The services listed above do not constitute a complete list of all functions of the Telematics Unit 24, but merely an enumeration of some of the services that the Telematics Unit 24 has to offer. It is assumed that the Telematics Unit 24 may include a number of additional components besides and / or different components from those mentioned above.

[0022] Vehicle communication can use cellular communication to establish a voice channel with the wireless carrier system 14, enabling both voice and data transmission over the voice channel. Vehicle communications are enabled via the long-range transmitter-receiver, which includes both a mobile phone chipset / component 34 for voice communication and the wireless modem 36 for data transmission. Any suitable coding or modulation method can be used with the examples provided, including digital transmission technologies such as TDMA (time-division multiplexing), CDMA (code-division multiplexing), W-CDMA (wideband CDMA), FDMA (frequency-division multiplexing), OFDMA (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing), etc.

[0023] The dual-mode antenna 70 serves the GNSS chipset / component 42 and the mobile phone chipset / component 34. The GNSS chipset / component 42 can receive radio signals from a constellation 60 of GPS satellites. From these signals, the GNSS chipset / component 42 can determine the vehicle's position, which is used to provide navigation and other position-related services to the driver. Navigation information can be displayed on the vehicle's own instrument cluster (or another display within the vehicle) or presented verbally, such as in turn-by-turn navigation.

[0024] The microphone 26 provides the driver or other vehicle occupants with a means of inputting verbal or other acoustic commands and can be equipped with an embedded speech processing unit using a human-machine interface (HMI) technology as known in the art. Conversely, the loudspeaker 28 provides verbal output for the occupants and can be either a standalone loudspeaker specifically for use with the telematics unit 24 or part of the vehicle's audio component 64. In either case, the microphone 26 and the loudspeaker 28 enable the vehicle's hardware 20 and the data center 18 to communicate with the occupants via audible speech. The vehicle hardware also includes one or more buttons and / or controls 30 for enabling the activation or adjustment of one or more of the vehicle's hardware components 20.For example, one of the buttons and / or controls 30 could be an electronic push button to initiate voice communication with the data center 18 (be it a live advisor, such as an assistant 58, or an automated call response system). In another example, one of the buttons and / or controls 30 could be used to initiate emergency services.

[0025] The audio component 64 is functionally connected to the vehicle bus 32 and the audio bus 22. The audio component 64 receives analog information and reproduces it as sound via the audio bus 22. Digital information is received via the vehicle bus 32. The audio component 64 provides AM (amplitude modulated) and FM (frequency modulated) radio, CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Video Disc), and multimedia functions independently of the infotainment center 46. The audio component 64 can include a speaker system or can use a speaker 28 via arbitration on the vehicle bus 32 and / or the audio bus 22.

[0026] The vehicle accident and / or impact detection sensor interface 66 is functionally connected to the vehicle bus 32. The impact sensors 68 of the telematics unit provide information regarding the severity of a vehicle collision, such as the impact angle and the magnitude of the force exerted, via the accident and / or impact detection sensor interface 66.

[0027] Vehicle sensors 72 are connected to various sensor interface modules 44 (VSMs) in the form of electronic hardware components located throughout the vehicle. These sensors use the detected input to perform diagnostic, monitoring, control, monitoring, reporting, and / or other functions. Each VSM 44 is preferably connected to the other VSMs and the telematics unit 24 via the vehicle bus 32 and can be programmed to perform vehicle system and subsystem diagnostic tests. For example, one VSM 44 may be an engine control module (ECM) that controls various aspects of engine operation, such as fuel injection and ignition timing, and another VSM 44 may be a powertrain control module that controls the operation of one or more components of the vehicle powertrain.Another VSM 44 can be a body control module (BCM) that controls various electrical components in the vehicle, such as the central locking system, engine ignition, and headlights. According to one embodiment, the engine control unit is equipped with integrated on-board diagnostic (OBD) functions that provide a wealth of real-time data, such as data obtained from various sensors, including vehicle emission sensors, and deliver a standardized set of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that enable a technician to quickly identify and rectify malfunctions within the vehicle.

[0028] A Passive Start Input Module (PEPS) is another type of VSM 44 that can be connected to the vehicle bus 32 and enables passive detection of the absence or presence of a passive physical key or a virtual vehicle key. When the passive physical key or the mobile computing device 57 carrying the virtual vehicle key approaches, the PEPS module 44 can determine whether the passive physical key belongs to the vehicle 12 and / or (in some embodiments) determine whether the virtual vehicle key is authorized / authentic. If the virtual vehicle key is authentic, the PEPS module 44 can send a command to the BCM and allow access to the vehicle 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the aforementioned VSMs are only examples of some of the modules that can be used in the vehicle 12, but numerous other modules are also possible.

[0029] The wireless carrier system 14 can be a long-range wireless channel, such as, but is not limited to, a mobile phone system or any other suitable wireless system that transmits signals between the vehicle's hardware 20 and the fixed network 16. According to one example, the wireless carrier system 14 includes one or more cell towers 48.

[0030] In addition to using the wireless carrier system 14, another long-range wireless channel in the form of satellite communication can also be used to provide unidirectional or bidirectional communication with the vehicle. This can be achieved using one or more telecommunications satellites 62 and an up-facing transmitting station 64. Unidirectional communication could, for example, involve satellite radio services, where programmed content data (news, music, etc.) is received from the transmitting station 64, packaged for uploading, and then sent to satellite 62, which transmits the programming to the subscribers. Bidirectional communication could, for example, involve satellite telephony services using the satellites 62 to relay telephone communications between the vehicle 12 and station 64.When in use, this satellite telephone can be used either in addition to or instead of the wireless carrier system 14.

[0031] The fixed network 16 can be a conventional telecommunications fixed network connected to one or more landline telephones and linking the wireless carrier system 14 to the data center 18. For example, the fixed network 16 can include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and / or an Internet Protocol (IP) network, as recognized by experts. Naturally, one or more segments of the fixed network 16 can be implemented as a standard wired network, a fiber optic or other optical network, a cable network, other wireless networks such as wireless networks (WLAN), or networks providing broadband wireless access (BWA), or any combination thereof.

[0032] One of the network devices that can communicate with the telematics unit 24 is a mobile computing device 57, such as a smartphone, a personal laptop computer, or a tablet computer with two-way communication capabilities, a wearable computer such as a smartwatch or glasses, or any suitable combination thereof. The mobile computing device 57 may include computing capabilities, a transmitter-receiver 53 capable of communicating with the wireless carrier system 14 or satellites 62, a camera 55, a visual display 59, and / or a GPS module capable of receiving GPS satellite signals and generating GPS coordinates based on those signals. In some implementations, the display 59 also includes an interactive touchscreen as a graphical user interface.The digital camera 55 may include the ability to produce digital images, which are bitmap data representations of concrete objects, captured and stored by the processes of the camera 55. Examples of the mobile computing device 57 include the iPhone™, manufactured by Apple Inc., and the Droid™ smartphone, manufactured by Motorola Inc., among others.

[0033] The mobile device 57 can be installed inside or outside the vehicle (such as the one in Fig. The mobile device can be used with the vehicle 12 shown in Figure 1 and can be connected to the vehicle via a wired or wireless connection. The mobile device can also be configured to provide services under a subscription agreement with a third-party provider or a mobile / telephone service provider. It should be recognized that different service providers can use the wireless carrier system 14 and that the service provider of the telematics unit 30 is not necessarily the same as the service provider of the mobile devices 57.

[0034] When using a short-range wireless communication channel (e.g., low-power Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), the mobile computing device 57 and the telematics unit 24 can connect (or link) to each other on a case-by-case basis when within wireless range. This unique pairing can also allow the mobile computing device 57 to function as a key fob to operate the vehicle 12 via the telematics unit 24. To enable this pairing, a set of unique encryption codes can be sent to both the mobile computing device 57 and the telematics unit 24. The data center 20 can also participate. For example, the data center 20 can generate the encryption codes and a corresponding access token for both the telematics unit 24 and the mobile computing device 57.

[0035] The data center 18 is designed such that the vehicle's hardware 20 is supported by a number of different back-end functions of the system and, according to the example shown here, generally includes one or more switches 52, servers 54, databases 56, dispatchers 58, and a variety of telecommunications / computer equipment 60. These various data center components are appropriately coupled to one another via a network connection or bus 62, such as the one(s) previously described in connection with the vehicle's hardware 20. Switch 52, which may be a private branch exchange (PBX) switch, forwards incoming signals so that voice transmissions are generally sent either to the live operator 58 or to an automated response system, and data transmissions are routed to a modem or other components of the telecommunications / computer equipment 60 for demodulation and further signal processing.The modem or other telecommunications / computer equipment 60 may, for example, include an encoder as explained above and may be connected to various devices, such as a server 54 and a database 56. The server 54 may integrate a data controller to manage its functions. The server 82 may control data information as well as telecommunications / computer equipment 60 to send and / or receive data information (i.e., data transmissions) from one or more of the databases 56, the telematics unit 24, and the mobile computing device 57. The database 56 could be designed as a storage device to hold one or more car-sharing service records (i.e., vehicle reservation information) containing information such as car-sharing service reservation account records, car-sharing vehicle records, reservation profile records (e.g.,to store a reservation calendar, tenant behavior pattern data records, or any other relevant car-sharing service information. This stored and generated backend information could also be written in SQL (Structured Query Language). One implementation of the backend information can be created so that each data record is organized in a tabular form (spreadsheet).

[0036] For example, the user of mobile computing device 57 can create their own personalized reservation account for the car-sharing services (“Reservation Account”), which is stored in database 56. The user can perform tasks to create this account through a variety of devices, such as remote computer 18 and mobile computing device 57, or through the live instructor 86 in data center 20. The user account can be accessed on server 82 (e.g., to support backend functions). Data center 20 can also access one or more additional remote servers and / or remote databases (e.g., Department of Motor Vehicles databases) to obtain information for user account support.

[0037] The user account may contain validation data to check and / or validate whether future login attempts are secure (e.g., granting access only to the user). This validation data may include a username and account password, as well as user information (e.g., driver's license number) and information about mobile data processing devices, such as the unique identifier for mobile devices (e.g., serial number). The user account may also store a variety of user preferences.

[0038] Although the illustrated example was described as being used in conjunction with a manned version of Data Center 18, it is understood that Data Center 18 can be a variety of suitable centralized or decentralized facilities, manned or unmanned, mobile or fixed, for which it is desirable to exchange voice and data. PARKING SPACE SIGN

[0039] The sign 100 for displaying vehicle information of a vehicle 12 parked in parking space 110 generally includes a motion sensor 120, a camera 121, a short-range transmitter-receiver 130, a processor module 140, and a display 142. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, sensor 120 is configured to monitor movement occurring at parking space 110 and to generate sensor data after movement is detected. Camera 121 is configured to record digital images of parking space 110. The short-range transmitter-receiver 130 is configured to transmit and receive data via a short-range communication channel 132. A separate, but corresponding, ground sensor 123, located on the ground of parking space 110, is configured to detect an object in the parking space and communicate object data.

[0040] The processor module 140 is communicatively coupled to the display 142, the memory module 160, and the short-range transmitter-receiver 130. The processor module 140 is also configured to receive data transmissions from the short-range transmitter-receiver 130. Furthermore, the processor module 140 is configured to generate notification information 143 when it determines that the data transmissions contain car-sharing record information (discussed above). The processor module 140 is also configured to operate the display 142 to show this generated notification information 143.

[0041] A communication device 152 is positioned on board a vehicle 12, which includes a short-range transmitter-receiver 156 for the vehicle to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions via a short-range communication channel 132 (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Power, Wi-Fi, etc.). The communication device 152 also transmits and is operated by the telematics unit 24 ( Fig. 1) and may, in certain cases, also include the vehicle identification key 154.

[0042] One or more VSMs 44 are positioned inside the vehicle 12 and, as discussed above, perform vehicle diagnostics and generate diagnostic data. These VSMs 44 can also communicate with the communication device 152 via the telematics unit 24. This allows the diagnostic sensor data to be transmitted via the short-range communication channel 132.

[0043] Sign 100 can be affixed to a signpost 102, a wall (not shown), or otherwise as required to monitor parking space 110. Reserved parking spaces are often marked with a sign, plaque, or marker to indicate that parking space 110 is reserved and not available for public use. Although not shown here, sign 100 may, for example, bear a company logo or other symbol associated with a car rental company. Sign 100 may also resemble a standard parking sign, such as one without the monitoring capabilities mentioned herein. In this way, sign 100 is indistinguishable from a conventional parking sign and does not allow any obvious inferences about its monitoring capabilities; therefore, sign 100 can discreetly monitor parking space 110.

[0044] Display 142 is visible to a vehicle 12 in parking space 110 or to a pedestrian in the immediate vicinity of sign 100. Display 142 is configured to display or otherwise transmit notification information 143 generated by the processor module. Display 142 thus displays information regarding the car-sharing data records. Display 142 is a graphic display, such as an LCD, LED, or OLED, that can display information about sign 100 and is large enough to make the information visible to a person in vehicle 12 or a pedestrian in the vicinity of parking space 110.

[0045] The short-range transmitter-receiver 130 is configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions via the short-range communication channel 132 and, in certain cases, to receive the vehicle identification key 154. For example, the short-range transmitter-receiver 130 receives one or more data transmissions from the communication device 152 when the vehicle 12 is within the transmission range of the short-range communication channel 132.

[0046] Only authorized vehicles are equipped with communication devices 152, which include the vehicle identification key 154 and the short-range transmitter-receiver 156. The short-range transmitter-receiver 130 can therefore also receive the vehicle identification key 154 when the authorized vehicle is parked in parking space 110 or when an authorized vehicle approaches sign 100. If an unauthorized vehicle is in parking space 110, the processor module can determine that the vehicle identification key 154 exists and, in turn, generate a notification, thus issuing a warning that an unauthorized vehicle is in parking space 110.

[0047] The sign 100 can further include a memory module 160 configured to store the car-sharing data record information sent by the communication device 152 and / or to generate notification information 143 from the processor module 140. The memory module 160 enables the sign 100 to display information on the display 142 after the authorized vehicle 12 has left the parking space 110.

[0048] The processor module 140 is additionally coupled to the sensor 120, the camera 121, and the remote ground sensor 123. The processor module 140 is configured to determine whether a data transmission from a vehicle 12 at parking space 110 contains vehicle recording information. The term "module" as used herein refers to a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. The processor module 140 includes an integrated circuit that is connected to a non-volatile medium for storing code executed by the integrated circuit.

[0049] Sensor 120 is installed in sign 100 to monitor parking space 110 and generate sensor data. Sensor 120 can be a motion sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a combination of both. Additionally, sensor 120 and camera 121 can be used in combination within sign 100. This allows the camera to record video or images only when the motion sensor detects movement or a change in the area of ​​parking space 110. External parts of sensor 120 and camera 121 (e.g., the lens) can be concealed or hidden within the design or markings on the outside of sign 100 to prevent both sensor 120 and camera 121 from being easily visible. Such an arrangement facilitates discreet monitoring of parking space 110 by sign 100.

[0050] The ground sensor 123 lies flat on parking space 110 to monitor objects on parking space 110 (i.e., their movement) and generate object data. The ground sensor 123 can consist of a pair of wired magnetic loops and a force sensor. For example, the magnetic loops detect objects (e.g., vehicles) and can estimate their speed. Furthermore, the force sensors can be, for example, piezoelectric plates, load cells, or bending plate sensors that measure the instantaneous force applied by a section of the object (e.g., a vehicle tire). Additionally, the ground sensor 123 and camera 121 can be used in combination. For example, camera 121 can only record video or images when the ground sensor 123 detects an object on parking space 110.The outer sections of the ground sensor 120 can be concealed or hidden within the design or markings on parking space 110 to prevent the ground sensor 123 from being easily visible. Such camouflage facilitates discreet monitoring of parking space 110 by the sign 100.

[0051] The shield 100 can also have a power source 170, such as a battery, to power the shield 100. The power source 170 can also include a solar panel or a hardwired power source.

[0052] The shield 100 can include a long-range transmitter-receiver 134 configured to receive and transmit data over a long-range communication channel 136. The long-range communication channel 136 is a wireless data channel, such as that used by mobile phones for internet access, although the specific protocol is not addressed in this disclosure. Long-range communication can be established, for example, via wireless carrier systems 14 or telecommunications satellites 62 (discussed above).

[0053] The long-range transmitter-receiver 134 is configured to communicate with server 54 of data center 18. The long-range transmitter-receiver 134 is additionally configured to transmit at least one of the sensor data, object data, notification 143, and any information from storage module 160 to remote server 54. Remote server 54 can wait for the sensor data, object data, notification 143, and all information from storage module 160 of sign 100. Remote server 54 then transmits the information from sign 100 using a (second) long-range transmitter-receiver 200, which is located in the user's mobile device 57 or the authorized vehicle.

[0054] The mobile device 57 can be configured to modify the car-sharing record information if the mobile device 57 determines that the data transmissions from server 54 contain car-sharing record information. Using the mobile transmitter-receiver 200, the mobile device 57 can transmit the modified car-sharing records to the sign 100 via the long-range communication channel. The mobile device 57 can also include a short-range transmitter-receiver 201. This second short-range transmitter-receiver 201 allows the mobile device 57 to transmit the modified car-sharing records to the sign 100 via the short-range communication channel, for example, within the transmission range of the short-range communication channel 132.

[0055] In certain cases, the short-range communication channel 132 can be a near-field communication channel. In this way, the mobile device 57 is configured to detect that it is in close proximity to a short-range transmitter-receiver, for example, within one meter or when it is pressed against a selected section on the sign 100. The mobile computer device 57 can then operate the second short-range transmitter-receiver 201 to transmit the modified carsharing data sets as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel 132. PROCEDURE

[0056] With reference to Fig.Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a method 300 for displaying vehicle information on and around a parking space. The method 300 is supported by a telematics unit 24, which is configured to communicate with the communication device 156. This configuration can be performed by a vehicle manufacturer at or around the time of installation or after-sale of the telematics unit. In at least one implementation, one or more instructions are provided to the telematics unit 30 and stored on a non-volatile, computer-readable medium (e.g., on the storage device 54). The method 300 is further supported by pre-configuring the data center 20 to store the one or more car-sharing data records in the database 84 and to make them accessible via the server 82.Method 300 is further supported by pre-configuring the processor module to generate notification information from received data transmissions containing car-sharing records or equivalent information. This configuration can be performed by a sign manufacturer at or around the time of installation. In at least one implementation, one or more instructions for the processor module 140 are provided and stored on a non-volatile, computer-readable medium (e.g., on memory module 160).

[0057] In step 310, server 54 in data center 18 supplies the operation of the long-range transmitter-receiver 170, which is located within its boundaries, and starts its functions. In step 320, server 54 implements the long-range transmitter-receiver 190 to transmit the car-sharing data records via the long-range communication channel 136. In step 330, the data transmissions are received at the telematics unit 24. If, in this step, the vehicle 12 is not located at parking space 110, the information within the data transmissions, for example, the car-sharing data records, can be stored indefinitely in the electronic memory 40.

[0058] In step 340, the telematics unit 24 can activate and start functions of the communication device 156. When, in step 350, the vehicle 12 reaches the limits of the short-range communication channel 132, the telematics unit 24 implements the communication device 156 to transmit the car-sharing data records via the short-range communication channel 136.

[0059] In step 360, the data transmissions of the car-sharing data record information are received at the short-range transmitter-receiver 130. In step 370, the data transmissions are transmitted to the processor module 140. In step 380, the processor module 140 analyzes the data transmissions to verify and determine that the car-sharing data records are sufficient to generate a notification 143. If the data records are sufficient, the processor module 140 generates a notification 143 in step 390. Otherwise, the processor module 140 will use the data transmission information for its respective function (not discussed herein), and the procedure 300 ends.

[0060] In step 400, the processor module 140 activates and starts the functions of the display 142 to show information. In step 410, the processor module 140 displays the notification 143 via the display 142. In either step 400 or step 410, the processor module 140 can optionally transmit the car-sharing record information to the storage module 160 to be saved for later use.

[0061] Optionally, the procedure can include 300 additional steps to display further vehicle information at and around parking space 110. Such steps involve the sign 100 transmitting car-sharing data record information via the short-range transmitter-receiver 130. Such short-range transmissions can, for example, be sent to computer devices, such as the mobile device 57. Thus, a further additional step could involve the second short-range transmitter-receiver 201 receiving such data transmissions. Furthermore, the mobile device 57 can determine whether the data transmissions contain car-sharing data records and also allow modifications to such data records. The modified data records can then be transmitted back to the sign 100 (which can be implemented as a near-field communication channel) via the short-range communication channel 132.Furthermore, the mobile device 57 can operate the long-range transmitter-receiver 200 and transmit the car-sharing data sets to the data center 18 and the server 54.

[0062] In certain embodiments of this method, the communication device 156 can integrate the vehicle identification key 154. As such, optional steps may include the processor module 140 determining whether data transmissions contain the vehicle identification key 154 and generating an alarm 143 when an unauthorized vehicle is identified in parking space 110, as discussed above. In further embodiments, vehicle 12 includes one or more VSMs 44. As such, optional steps may include transmitting the diagnostic data via the communication device 156 over the short-range communication channel 132. In further embodiments, the sign 100 can include a motion sensor 120 and a camera 121. Thus, optional steps may include the sensor 120 detecting movement, generating motion data, and receiving this motion data at the processor module 140.Furthermore, in these steps the processor module can operate camera 121 to record images of parking space 110.

[0063] The processes, methods, or algorithms disclosed herein may be provided and / or implemented by a processing device, controller, or computer, which may include any existing programmable electronic control unit or a dedicated electronic control unit. Likewise, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored by a controller or computer as data or executable instructions in a variety of ways, including, without limitation, permanent storage on non-writable storage media such as ROM, and as modifiable information on writable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM, and other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods, or algorithms may also be implemented in a software-executable object.Alternatively, the processes, procedures or algorithms can be embodied wholly or partially with suitable hardware components, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), state machines, controllers or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, software and firmware components.

Claims

[1] System for displaying vehicle information, the system comprising: a data center encompassing: a storage device configured to store one or more car-sharing records that include car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and / or vehicle return expectation information; a long-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a long-range communication channel; a server configured to communicate with the storage and long-range transmitter-receiver, wherein the server configured to operate the long-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the car-sharing data records that record data transmissions over the long-range communication channel; a vehicle encompassing: a communication device configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a telematics unit configured to transmit with the communication device, wherein the telematics unit is configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions via the long-range communication channel, and wherein the telematics unit is configured to operate the communication device to transmit one or more transmissions via the short-range communication channel; a parking sign that is assigned to a parking space, including: a short-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a graphic display in the form of an LCD, LED or OLED display, configured to display information; and a processor module configured to communicate with the short-range transmitter-receiver and the graphic display, wherein the processor module is configured to receive one or more data transmissions from the short-range transmitter-receiver, wherein the processor module is configured to generate a notification when the processor module determines that the one or more data transmissions include car-sharing record information sufficient to generate the notification, wherein the notification includes, depending on the one or more car-sharing records, car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and vehicle return expectation information, and wherein the processor module is further configured to operate the graphic display to show the notification. [2] System according to claim 1, further comprising a second memory on the parking sign, wherein the second memory is configured to store car-sharing record information or the notification or both the car-sharing record information and the notification, wherein the short-range transmitter-receiver is further configured to transmit the stored car-sharing record information or the notification or both the car-sharing record information and the notification as one or more data transmissions via the short-range communication channel. [3] System according to claim 1, further comprising: a mobile computing device comprising a second long-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over the long-range communication channel; and wherein the mobile computing device is configured to receive one or more data transmissions from the second long-range transmitter-receiver, wherein the mobile computing device is configured to generate modified car-sharing data records when the mobile computing device determines that the one or more data transmissions include car-sharing data record information, and wherein the mobile computing device is configured to operate the second long-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the modified car-sharing data records as one or more data transmissions over the long-range communication channel. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein: The mobile computing device further comprises a second short-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel; and wherein the mobile computer device is configured to operate the second short-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the modified car-sharing data sets as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the short-range communication channel is a near-field communication channel and wherein the mobile computer device is configured to detect that it is in close proximity to the short-range transmitter-receiver and wherein the mobile computer device is configured to operate the second short-range transmitter-receiver to transmit the modified car-sharing data sets as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel while in close proximity. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein: the communication device, which is further configured to transmit a vehicle identification key via the short-range communication channel; a short-range transmitter-receiver is further configured to receive a vehicle identification key via a short-range communication channel; and the notification includes a warning if, during a determination of the vehicle identification key status of the processor module, it is determined that an unauthorized vehicle is present in the parking space. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein: The parking sign also includes a camera configured to record images of the parking space; the parking space includes a ground sensor configured to detect an object in the parking space and transmit object data; and the processor module, which is configured to communicate with the ground sensor and the camera, wherein the processor module is configured to receive the object data and subsequently operate the camera to record images of the parking space. [8] Method for displaying vehicle information, the method comprising: the provision of a data center, including: a storage device configured to store one or more car-sharing records that include car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and / or vehicle return expectation information; a long-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a long-range communication channel; a server configured to communicate with the storage and long-range transmitter-receiver; the provision of a vehicle, including: a communication device configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a telematics unit configured to transmit with the communication device, wherein the telematics unit is configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions via the long-range communication channel, and wherein the telematics unit is configured to operate the communication device to transmit the data transmissions via the short-range communication channel; The provision of a parking sign assigned to a parking space includes: a short-range transmitter-receiver configured to transmit and receive one or more data transmissions over a short-range communication channel; a graphic display in the form of an LCD, LED or OLED display, configured to display information; and a processor module configured to communicate with the short-range transmitter-receiver and the graphic display, wherein the processor module is configured to receive one or more data transmissions from the short-range transmitter-receiver; Operating the transmitter-receiver with a long range via the server to transmit data; the transmission of data via the long-range transmitter-receiver, including the car-sharing data sets via the long-range communication channel; Receiving data transmissions via the telematics unit; Operating the communication device via the telematics unit to transmit data over the short-range communication channel; the transmission of one or more data transmissions via the communication device over the short-range communication channel; Receiving data transmissions via the short-range transmitter-receiver; the transmission of data via the short-range transmitter-receiver to the processor module; Determining, via the processor module, whether the data transfers include car-sharing record information; Generating a notification via the processor module when it is determined that the data transmissions include car-sharing record information sufficient to generate the notification, wherein the notification includes, depending on the one or more car-sharing records, car-sharing service reservation account information, reservation time-sharing information, and vehicle return expectation information; Operating the graphics display via the processor module to display information; and Displaying the notification via the graphics display. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising: Providing a second storage location on the parking sign, wherein the second storage location is configured to store the car-sharing record information or the notification, or both the car-sharing record information and the notification; the provision of the short-range transmitter-receiver to be further configured to transmit the stored car-sharing record information or the notification, or both the car-sharing record information and the notification, as one or more data transmissions over the short-range communication channel; Storing the car-sharing record information or the notification, or both the car-sharing record information and the notification, in the second memory; and the transmission of data via the short-range transmitter-receiver, which includes the stored car-sharing record information or the notification, or both the car-sharing record information and the notification, via the short-range communication channel.

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