Method for improving the occupancy of a parking space, computer program, device and vehicle

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method 100 for improving the occupancy of a parking area. The method 100 comprises obtaining 110 weight information indicative of a vehicle's weight and determining 120 the vehicle's weight based on this weight information. Furthermore, the method 100 comprises obtaining 130 parking space information about an available parking space in the parking area and determining 140 whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle. Determining 140 whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle is based on the parking space information and the determined weight. If the parking space is suitable, the method 100 further comprises sending 150 information to park the vehicle in the suitable parking space.

Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for improving occupancy of a parking area, a computer program, an apparatus and a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a concept for determining whether a parking space is suitable for a vehicle.In the load of parking areas, various influencing variables play a role, for example a charging infrastructure, a width of a parking area, a height of a parking area, a current load of the parking areas. Depending on these parameters, a free parking space can be assigned to a vehicle. These parameters cannot cover every use of the parking area.There is therefore a need to provide an improved method for occupying a parking area. This need is addressed by the method, the apparatus, the computer program, and the vehicle according to the independent claims.Exemplary embodiments are based on the core idea that a method for improving occupancy of a parking area can be carried out based on weight information of the vehicle. As a result, the selection of a parking space for a vehicle can be adapted to a weight of the vehicle and thus to a static of the parking area.Exemplary embodiments relate to a method for improving occupancy of a parking area. The method comprises obtaining weight information indicative of a weight of a vehicle and determining a weight of the vehicle based on the weight information. Further, the method includes obtaining parking space information about an available parking space of the parking area and determining whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle. The determination of whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle is carried out on the basis of the parking space information and the determined weight. If the parking space is suitable, the method further comprises transmitting information for parking the vehicle in the suitable parking space. Obtaining the weight information and obtaining the parking space information allows determination as to whether the parking space is suitable for a weight of the vehicle. For example, a parking space may be suitable only for a vehicle having a maximum weight. Accordingly, overloading may occur by the vehicle, which could impair static of the parking area. Using the weight information can therefore reduce a load on the statics of the parking area. In particular, critical exceeding of the statics of the parking area can be prevented.In one exemplary embodiment, the parking space information can be indicative of a current weight distribution by vehicles on the parking area. For example, a plurality of heavy vehicles may be parked in an area of the parking area. As a result, a load in this region of the parking area can be increased. Accordingly, another area of the parking area may be assigned to another heavy vehicle. For example, only light vehicles can be assigned to the area of the parking area with an increased load.In one exemplary embodiment, the method may further comprise determining movement information indicative of an allowed movement of the vehicle on the parking area based on the current weight distribution by the vehicles on the parking area. Further, the method may further include transmitting information for moving the vehicle in the parking area. The information for moving the vehicle can be in particular indicative of a trajectory for the vehicle or a control command. For example, an area of the parking area may be subject to increased loading by parked vehicles. Accordingly, a trajectory for a heavy vehicle could pass this area. Thereby, a load on the range of the parking area can be reduced.In an exemplary embodiment, the current weight distribution may be a dynamic weight distribution of the vehicles, such that an allowed movement of the vehicle is dependent on a movement of other vehicles on the parking area. By considering a dynamic weight distribution of the vehicles, the load on the parking area can be monitored in real time. As a result, utilization of the parking area with respect to load capacity can be improved.In an embodiment, obtaining the weight information may include receiving a camera image and determining the weight of the vehicle may include determining a vehicle type based on the camera image. By using a camera image, weight information of the vehicle can be determined in a simplified manner.In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission of information for parking the vehicle may include a transmission of a control signal to a display device of the parking area. As a result, a free parking area can be displayed to a user of the parking area in a suitable manner.In one embodiment, obtaining parking space information may include receiving at least one other vehicle. The other vehicle is parked in the parking area. By receiving the parking space information from another vehicle, up-to-dateness of the parking space information can be ensured. Furthermore, obtaining the parking space information can be simplified.Embodiments also provide a computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.A further exemplary embodiment is a device for improving occupancy of a parking area. The device comprises an interface, e.g. for communication with another communication device (e.g. a display device of the parking area, a control unit of the parking area and / or a device of a vehicle) and a data processing circuit which is designed to carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Embodiments also provide a vehicle having an apparatus as described herein.Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the enclosed figures. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a method for improving occupancy of a parking area; and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device for improving occupancy of a parking area.Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a method 100 for improving occupancy of a parking area. The method comprises obtaining 110 weight information indicative of a weight of a vehicle. The obtaining may be receiving from a vehicle. For example, a vehicle type or weight of the vehicle may be received from a vehicle. That is, the weight information may include a numerical value for the weight of the vehicle, a range of the weight of the vehicle (e.g., heavier than 2.5 t), or information for determining the weight of the vehicle. If the information is for determining the weight of the vehicle, obtaining 110 can thus comprise determining the weight of the vehicle. Optionally or alternatively, the obtaining may comprise measuring with or receiving from a camera. For example, a vehicle type can be determined based on a camera image. Based on the type of vehicle, a weight of the vehicle may be determined. Alternatively or optionally, a license plate of the vehicle can be recognized based on the camera image. Based on the number plate, a weight of the vehicle can be determined, for example by reading from a database.The method 100 further comprises determining 120 a weight of the vehicle based on the weight information. The weight of the vehicle may be a numerical value or a weight range, e.g., heavier than 2.5 t, lighter than 2 t. That is, the obtained weight information may be used to determine an accurate weight of the vehicle or estimate a weight of the vehicle. Alternatively, the obtained weight information may directly include the numerical value or the weight range. In this case, the determination 120 can be a reading out of the weight information obtained.Furthermore, the method 100 comprises obtaining 130 parking space information about an available parking space of the parking area. An available parking space may be a free parking space of the parking area. That is, an available parking space may be a parking space on which a vehicle can be parked. The parking space information may comprise a maximum load or an advisable load of the parking space. For example, a parking space can have a maximum load of 3 t or an advisable load of 2.5 t. In particular, an advisable load can make it possible to arrange a maximum number of vehicles in the area of the parking space. That is, an advisable load may be adjusted to an environment of the parking space. For example, an advisable load may depend on a load of adjacent parking spaces by parked vehicles or vehicles parked in the future.Obtaining 130 the parking space information may include or be receiving from a vehicle. For example, a vehicle parked on the parking area may transmit a signal to a device of the parking area. As a result, the device of the parking area can receive data about the position of the vehicle on the parking area. Optionally or alternatively, a device of the parking area may be communicatively connected to a camera. The device may receive a camera image from the camera. The camera image can show an occupancy of parking spaces of the parking area. Accordingly, the apparatus may determine the parking space information based on the camera image. That is to say that obtaining 130 the parking space information can comprise or be a determination based on surrounding data of the parking area.A device which executes method 100 may alternatively also be a component of the vehicle. In this case, the device can receive the parking space information from the parking area or a server, for example. Accordingly, a device of the vehicle may already determine a suitable parking space before reaching a parking area. Accordingly, a user of the vehicle may determine a suitable parking space of various parking areas. This allows a preferred parking space to be selected.Further, the method 100 includes determining 140 whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle. The determination 140 of whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle is carried out on the basis of the parking space information and the determined weight. Determining 140 a suitability of the parking space may make it possible to determine a parking space for the vehicle taking account of a static of the parking area. Accordingly, a vehicle can be parked in a parking space of the parking area, the static of which is suitable for parking the weight of the vehicle. In principle, a division of a plurality of vehicles into parking spaces of the parking area based on a suitability of a parking space for a vehicle for more uniform loading of the parking area and / or for higher loading of the parking area in an area with better static can be used.If the parking space is suitable, the method 100 further comprises transmitting 150 information for parking the vehicle in the suitable parking space. The information can allow a user of the vehicle to recognize a suitable parking space for parking the vehicle. For example, the information can be sent to a device, for example a central control unit, of the vehicle. The central control unit can trigger a display on a display device of the vehicle on the basis of the information. By displaying on the display device of the vehicle, the user can be informed about the suitable parking space. Optionally or alternatively, the information can be sent to a display device of the parking area. For example, a display device of the parking area can display a user of the vehicle to a position of the suitable parking space. Alternatively, the information for parking the vehicle may also be indicative of a control command (e.g., a steering command and / or an acceleration command). That is, the information for parking the vehicle may be used for automated control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle can be automatically parked in a suitable parking space.The method 100 makes it possible to provide a simple, in practice scalable system for steering vehicles on a parking area, for example a parking garage or a parking deck, in accordance with different context parameters, in particular the vehicle weight. Modern vehicles, in particular electric vehicles, can on average be substantially heavier than older vehicles. In particular, electric vehicles may be heavier on average than conventional combustor vehicles. Parking areas are usually not statically designed to accommodate a large number of heavy vehicles, for example with a vehicle weight>2.5 t. This can lead to static problems, particularly in older parking garages. Accordingly, static problems may occur in parking areas, for example parking garages, in the future. Method 100 enables a static load capacity of the parking area to be taken into account. By determining 120 the weight of the vehicle and obtaining 130 the parking space information, a loading of the parking area can take place depending on the weight of the vehicle. For example, areas with a lower static load capacity can only be exposed for cars with a lower weight. For example, if there are already a plurality of heavy-weight cars in one area, use by another heavy-weight vehicle may not be allowed. Accordingly, an allowable weight of a vehicle for a parking space may be determined depending on a current use of the area of the parking space.In one exemplary embodiment, the parking space information can be indicative of a current weight distribution by vehicles on the parking area. The current weight distribution of the vehicles on the parking area can result in a dynamic assignment of a parking space to a vehicle. For example, an admissible load on the parking space can be determined on the basis of the current weight distribution. That is to say, a (maximum) permissible vehicle weight for the parking space can be determined. As a result, overloading of a region of the parking area can be avoided.The current weight distribution may be determined by vehicles parked in the parking area. That is, the current weight distribution may result from a static load of the parking area by parked vehicles.In one exemplary embodiment, the method may further comprise determining movement information indicative of an allowed movement of the vehicle on the parking area based on the current weight distribution by the vehicles on the parking area. Further, the method may include transmitting information for moving the vehicle in the parking area. The information for moving the vehicle may be sent to a parking area display and / or the vehicle. The information for moving the vehicle may include a possible or permitted trajectory of the vehicle on the parking area. For example, a plurality of heavy vehicles may be parked in an area of the parking area, such that this area may be unsuitable for passing a heavy vehicle. Accordingly, the information for moving may include a trajectory for redirecting the vehicle around the unsuitable area. As a result, a further weight load in a region with an already increased weight load can be avoided. This can reduce the load on the statics of the parking area.In an exemplary embodiment, the current weight distribution may be a dynamic weight distribution of the vehicles, such that an allowed movement of the vehicle is dependent on a movement of other vehicles on the parking area. A dynamic weight distribution can comprise, in particular, a static weight distribution of parked vehicles on the parking area and a weight of further non-parked vehicles on the parking area. That is to say that the dynamic weight distribution can also comprise vehicles which move on the parking area or are not parked on a parking area of the parking area. The dynamic weight distribution can improve, in particular, a determination of a movement of the vehicle. This can reduce a load on the parking area.In an embodiment, obtaining the weight information may include receiving a camera image and determining the weight of the vehicle may include determining a vehicle type based on the camera image. By using a camera image, weight information of the vehicle can be determined in a simplified manner.For example, the method may be performed by a device for managing the parking area. The apparatus for managing the parking area may be communicatively coupled to a camera-based sensor system. At an entrance to the parking area, for example an entrance of a parking garage, a camera-based sensor system can record an image of the vehicle. Based on the image of the vehicle, a type or a concrete configuration of the vehicle can be determined. The determination can be made on the basis of image recognition and / or a classification. The determination of the type or the specific configuration can be carried out by the camera-based sensor system. In this case, the device may receive a numerical value or weight range from the camera-based sensor system. Alternatively, the device may receive the image of the vehicle. In this case, the image of the vehicle may be the weight information.For example, the device may determine the type or specific configuration of the vehicle. Based on the specific type or the specific configuration of the vehicle, the device can read relevant vehicle parameters from a database. The database may be stored on a storage device of the device, for example. Alternatively, the device may access an external database, for example a server. All relevant vehicle parameters relating to the types or configurations of vehicles can be stored in the database, for example weight or weight range, length, width, height, if appropriate. Reversing circle, drive type, etc.Furthermore, information on conditions for occupancy of the parking spaces of the parking area by vehicles, for example a total weight for a parking deck, a degree of utilization, a specific release of electric vehicles, for example on the basis of fire protection regulations, handicapped parking spaces, parking spaces with special widths / lengths, for example for meetings, etc., can be stored in a database. The device can read out the parking space information from the database, i.e. for example a total weight for a parking space or for an area of the parking area. Optionally, as described above, parking space information may also be obtained from vehicles. That is, parking space information read out from the database can be combined with received parking space information.For example, the parking space information may include a plurality of free parking spaces. Accordingly, the method 100 may include determining an optimal parking location or a closest parking location. That is, a device may determine a parking space for the vehicle from a plurality of parking spaces based on the weight information and the parking space information. For example, an optimization algorithm can assign a specific parking space or an area on the parking area to the vehicle on the basis of the weight information and the parking space information.As described above, the information for parking the vehicle in the appropriate parking space may be sent 150 to a display of the parking area. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission of information for parking the vehicle may include a transmission of a control signal to a display device of the parking area. As a result, a free parking area can be displayed to a user of the parking area in a suitable manner. The display device, for example a corresponding guiding system, can point the vehicle (or the driver of the vehicle) the path to the assigned area or suitable parking space. The display device can comprise or be, for example, an electronic information sign for displaying the parking area to be approached (for example parking decks 3- 5). The display device can comprise or be, for example, signal lights / arrows along the route (similar to taxis ways at airport). Alternatively, the display device can be part of the vehicle. For example, the information for parking the vehicle can be transmitted digitally to the vehicle, for example a control device of the vehicle, by radio. The control device of the vehicle may control a display device of the vehicle or a display device located in the vehicle, for example a user terminal, for displaying the information for parking the vehicle. The information for parking the vehicle can be an indoor map of a parking garage comprising a guide to the parking area.Optionally, in addition to the determination of the weight of the vehicle, an unambiguous identification of the vehicle can also be carried out. For example, a license plate of the vehicle can be recognized based on the camera image. Accordingly, the camera-based sensor system may be configured, in particular, for capturing an image of the vehicle for license plate recognition. Based on the unique identification of the vehicle, a comparison can be made as to whether the vehicle has actually controlled the parking space assigned to it. That is, the method 100 may include checking whether the vehicle has been parked in the appropriate parking space. By checking whether the vehicle has been parked in the suitable parking space, parking space information can be determined, for example. Accordingly, correctness of the parking space information can be improved. Optionally, an automatic billing of the parking process or the parking duration can take place taking into account when pricing whether the vehicle has actually controlled the assigned area. For example, a discount may be granted if the vehicle has been parked in the appropriate parking space or an increased fee may be charged if the vehicle has not been parked in the appropriate parking space.Optionally, the method 100 can comprise restricting an entry to or an entry into the parking area. For example, the dynamic weight distribution may result in a temporary entry restriction for the vehicle. Accordingly, a red traffic light, or a barrier, if the maximum permissibility of a weight is exceeded in a region of the parking area, can prevent access for the vehicle.Optionally, the method 100 may include generating a warning signal. For example, in a region of the parking area, a permissible maximum load due to incorrectly parked vehicles may be exceeded. The warning signal can be used to alert responsible care or safety personnel in the event of critical exceeding of the maximum load. Accordingly, the method 100 may comprise transmitting the warning signal for information about an exceeding of an admissible maximum load.Further, the method 100 may include reserving the appropriate parking space. For example, the method 100 may be performed by an apparatus in a vehicle. A user of the vehicle may receive information for parking the vehicle in the appropriate parking space. Based on the information, a user can reserve the appropriate parking space. As a result, the user can ensure that the parking space is also available to him when the parking space is reached. For example, the user can reserve the parking space already before reaching the parking area. The apparatus on the vehicle may receive weight information of a plurality of parking areas and determine an appropriate parking area of a parking area of the plurality of parking areas. The user can then reserve the suitable footprint in advance, so that a user experience can be improved.The transmission 150 of the information for parking the vehicle on the appropriate parking space may be, as described above, transmission for information output to a user. Alternatively, in the case of an automated parking area (also known as automated valve parking), the transmission 150 of the information for parking the vehicle on the suitable parking area can lead to automated parking of the vehicle. That is, the information for parking the vehicle on the appropriate parking space may be processed by a device of the vehicle. Based on the processing, a control command (e.g., a steering command and / or an acceleration command) for the vehicle may be generated. In this case, the vehicle can be parked on the parking area in an automated manner. Alternatively, the device of the vehicle may also directly receive the control commands from an external device, for example a device of the parking area. In this case, the control commands of the vehicle may be calculated by a device external to the vehicle. Accordingly, the information for parking the vehicle on the appropriate parking space may be indicative of a control command of the vehicle.Optionally, the method 100 may include improving or optimizing for maximum freedom for future (possibly unknown) vehicles to be packaged. For example, heavy vehicles can be positioned in areas of the parking area with a high stability, for example in the ground floor of a parking garage. For example, heavy vehicles can also be positioned closer to supporting structures of the parking area. Light vehicles, on the other hand, can be positioned in areas with a lower stability, for example in a higher floor of the parking garage. Optionally, light vehicles can be distributed as uniformly as possible, so that positioning of future heavy vehicles to be parked can take place without exceeding a permissible static of the parking area.Optionally, the method may comprise providing availability information of the parking area. The availability information, for example a load of an area of the parking area, can be determined based on the parking space information (for example, a total of 104 spaces, wherein for vehicles having a weight>2.5 t=25 spaces). Optionally, an area of the parking area that is likely to be allocated to a vehicle (e.g., a parking deck number) may also be determined.In one embodiment, obtaining parking space information may include receiving at least one other vehicle. The other vehicle is parked in the parking area. By receiving the parking space information from another vehicle, up-to-dateness of the parking space information can be ensured. Furthermore, obtaining the parking space information can be simplified.Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the exemplary embodiments described below. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may comprise one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or one or more embodiments described below (e.g. FIG. 2 ).FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device 30 for improving occupancy of a parking area. The apparatus 30 comprises an interface 32 for communication, e.g. for communication with other communication devices (e.g. a display device of the parking area, a control unit of the parking area). The device 30 further comprises a data processing circuit 34 configured to perform at least one of the methods described herein, for example the method described with reference to FIG. 1 for a device of a vehicle or a device in the parking area. Further exemplary embodiments are a vehicle 40 having a device 30.The device 30 can be communicatively connected to a sensor system for detecting a weight of a vehicle or for estimating a range of specific vehicle parameters, preferably in particular the vehicle weight, or can comprise this. In particular, the device 30 may be configured to perform storage of specific determinations or restrictions on different areas of the parking area. Further, the apparatus 30 may be configured to improve the assignment of vehicles to these areas of the parking area.The device 30 may further be communicatively connected to or include a guidance system to communicate the appropriate parking space to or guide the vehicle or driver of the vehicle. The device 30 can furthermore be communicatively connected to a sensor system for monitoring the actual parking position and for adjusting the actual parking position with the suitable parking space or can comprise this. The device 30 can furthermore be configured to monitor the limiting parameters, i.e. in particular the weight load of the parking area, and to alert a driver of the vehicle or operating and safety personnel. The device 30 can be further configured for adaptive billing of the parking process on the basis of compliance with the assigned parking area.The interface 32 shown in FIG. 2 may correspond to, for example, one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, such as in digital bit values based on code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The interface 32 can be designed, for example, to communicate with other network components via a (radio) network or a local connection network.In embodiments, the data processing circuit 34 may correspond to any controller or processor or programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 34 can also be realized as software that is programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the data processing circuit 34 can be implemented as programmable hardware with correspondingly adapted software. Any processors, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), may be used. Embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processors or even a plurality of processors are conceivable for implementing the data processing circuit 34.As shown in FIG. 2, the interface 32 may be coupled to the respective data processing circuit 34 of the apparatus 30. In examples, the apparatus 30 may be implemented by one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any means for processing, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component, which may be operated with appropriately adapted software. Likewise, the described functions of data processing circuit 34 may also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may be a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc. The data processing circuit 34 may be capable of controlling the interface 32 such that any data transfer occurring via the interface 32 and / or any interaction in which the interface 32 may be involved may be controlled by the data processing circuit 34.In one embodiment, the apparatus 30 may include a memory and at least one data processing circuit 34 operatively coupled to the memory and configured to perform the one of the methods described above.In examples, the interface 32 may correspond to any means for obtaining, receiving, transmitting, or providing analog or digital signals or information, e.g., any terminal, contact, pin, register, input terminal, output terminal, conductor, trace, etc., that enables the provision or obtaining of a signal or information. The interface 32 may be wireless or wired and may be configured to communicate with other internal or external components, e.g., transmit or receive signals or information.In at least some exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 40 can correspond, for example, to a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, a car, a bus, a motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, a motor vehicle, or a truck. The device 30 may be, for example, a part or may be a control unit of the vehicle 40.Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the exemplary embodiments described above. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may comprise one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or one or more embodiments described above (e.g. FIGS. 1-2 ).Further exemplary embodiments are computer programs for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard disk or another magnetic or optical memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored, which can cooperate or cooperate with a programmable hardware component such that the respective method is carried out.A programmable hardware component may be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU= C Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU= Graph Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC= Appli-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC= Integr Circuit), a system-on-chip (SOC=System on Chip), a programmable logic element, or a field programmable gate array including a microprocessor (FPGA=Field Programmable Gate Array).The digital storage medium can therefore be machine- or computer-readable. Some exemplary embodiments thus comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals which are capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component in such a way that one of the methods described herein is carried out. An embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is recorded.In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program or computer program product having a program code or as data, wherein the program code or the data is operative to perform one of the methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable hardware component. The program code or the data can, for example, also be stored on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier. The program code or the data can be present, inter alia, as source code, machine code or bytecode and as another intermediate code.List of reference characters30 Device 32 Interface 34 Data processing circuit 40 Vehicle 100 Method for improving occupancy of a parking area 110 Obtaining weight information 120 Determining weight of the vehicle 130 Obtaining parking space information 140 Determining whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle 150 Transmitting information for parking

Claims

A method (100) for improving occupancy of a parking area, comprising: obtaining (110) weight information indicative of a weight of a vehicle, determining (120) a weight of the vehicle based on the weight information; obtaining (130) parking space information about an available parking space of the parking area; determining (140), based on the parking space information and the determined weight, whether the parking space is suitable for the vehicle; and if the parking space is suitable, transmitting (150) information for parking the vehicle in the suitable parking space.The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the parking space information is indicative of a current weight distribution by vehicles on the parking area.The method (100) of claim 2, further comprising: determining motion information indicative of an allowed motion of the vehicle on the parking area based on the current weight distribution by the vehicles of the parking area; and transmitting information for moving the vehicle on the parking area.The method (100) of claim 3, wherein the current weight distribution is a dynamic weight distribution of the vehicles such that an allowed movement of the vehicle is dependent on a movement of other vehicles on the parking area.The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein obtaining the weight information comprises receiving a camera image, and determining the weight of the vehicle comprises determining a vehicle type based on the camera image.The method (100) of any preceding claim, wherein transmitting information for parking the vehicle comprises transmitting a control signal to a display of the parking area.The method (100) of any preceding claim, wherein obtaining parking space information comprises receiving at least one other vehicle, the other vehicle parked in the parking area.A computer program for performing one of the methods (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.An apparatus (30) for improving occupancy of a parking area, comprising: an interface (32); and a data processing circuit (34) configured to perform at least one of the methods (100) according to any one of claims 1-7.A vehicle (40) comprising an apparatus (30) according to claim 9.

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