AVAILABLE PARKING SPACE DETECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for detecting free parking spaces, comprising at least one strip (2) intended to be fixed to the ground and an electronic box, the strip (2) comprising: - a longitudinal plate (10) made of an electrically conductive material and arranged inside the strip (2); - a plurality of wires (12) made of an electrically conductive material, said wires (12) being arranged inside the strip (2) opposite the longitudinal plate (10), each wire (12) being connected to the electronic box;- a mechanical mask (18) arranged inside the strip (2), between the longitudinal plate (10) and the plurality of wires (12), and comprising a plurality of portions (22), each configured to permit selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate (10) and a subset of the plurality of wires (12) when the strip (2) is subjected to a predetermined compressive mechanical stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with a portion of the strip and generating a binary digital code specific to that portion. Abstract figure: Figure 2;

Description

Title of the invention: FREE PARKING SPACE DETECTION SYSTEM technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting available parking spaces. The invention relates in particular to the field of systems for detecting the availability of one or more spaces among a set of vehicle parking spaces, typically parking spaces marked on the ground by visual markers. Such systems then allow, in particular, the transmission of availability information to one or more server computers. This makes it possible to obtain, in near real-time, an overview of available parking spaces in a parking lot, for example, to inform users about space availability.

[0002] The invention also relates to the use of such a system in a parking lot comprising several parking spaces configured in parallel and / or perpendicular and / or angled. State of the art

[0003] Systems for detecting vacant parking spaces using individual detectors are known. Each detector is, for example, positioned in the center of a parking space, at ground level, and is configured to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle. Each detector may, for example, consist of a magnetic sensor capable of measuring a change in the Earth's magnetic field, or of an ultrasonic transceiver (also called a rangefinder).

[0004] However, such detection systems based on individual detectors have several drawbacks. First, this type of system is expensive due to the unit cost of the electronics within each detector. Furthermore, while such systems are suitable for detecting the availability of parking spaces arranged perpendicularly or at an angle, they lack precision when it comes to detecting the availability of spaces configured in parallel and / or delimited by solid lines. Typically, depending on the configuration of the parking row and the arrangement of the vehicles, these sensors may fail to detect an empty space longer than 5 meters located between two vehicles slightly overlapping the magnetic sensors at the ends of the empty space.

[0005] Another known solution for detecting available parking spaces involves the use of cameras or radar systems that scan with electromagnetic waves. Each camera or radar system is mounted high up, for example on a public lighting element, and is generally assigned to detecting the availability of several parking spaces.

[0006] However, a drawback of such a prior art solution is that it does not allow for reliable detection when an obstacle such as a tree is present in the field of view or scanning. This necessitates increasing the number of cameras or radar systems to multiply the field of view or scanning angles. In addition to suboptimal detection reliability, such systems consequently have a high installation cost. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention therefore aims to provide a free parking space detection system that is inexpensive to produce and install, while being reliable and accurate and able to detect the availability of any type of parking space configuration.

[0008] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a system for detecting available parking spaces, comprising at least one strip intended to be fixed to the ground and an electronic housing, the strip comprising: - a longitudinal plate made of an electrically conductive material, the longitudinal plate being arranged inside the strip; - a plurality of wires made of an electrically conductive material, said wires being arranged inside the strip opposite the longitudinal plate, being arranged parallel to each other and extending substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the strip, each wire being connected to the electronic housing; - a mechanical mask arranged inside the tape, between the longitudinal plate and the plurality of wires, said mask comprising a plurality of portions, each portion of the mask corresponding to a portion of the tape and being configured to permit selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and a subset of the plurality of wires when said portion of the tape is subjected to a predetermined mechanical compression stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with said portion of the tape concerned and generating a binary digital code specific to that portion.

[0009] The creation of such an electrical contact, via the mechanical mask, generates one or more corresponding electrical detection signals. The predetermined compression stress is typically generated by the passage of a vehicle wheel over the strip. Thus, the detection system according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows for reliable and precise detection of the release or occupancy of one or more parking spaces. Indeed, the system according to the invention makes it easy to determine the direction in which the vehicle wheel crushes the strip. Depending on the direction in which the wheel crushes the strip, the conductive wires on one side of the strip will be crushed and emit an electrical signal before those on the other side. By measuring which conductive wires were crushed and then released first, the system according to the invention makes it possible to determine the direction in which the wheel passed over the strip, and thus deduce whether a parking space is being occupied or vacated. Furthermore, the production and installation costs of such a system are reduced compared to prior art detection systems. Moreover, such a detection system is equally suitable for detecting the availability of parallel, perpendicular, and / or angled parking spaces by adjusting the position and orientation of the strip relative to the space demarcation lines.Finally, the presence of the mechanical mask in the detection system according to the invention makes it possible to know precisely the location of the strip that has been subjected to a compressive stress, in particular the portion of the strip over which a vehicle wheel has just rolled when the compressive stress is generated by the passage of such a wheel. This is particularly advantageous when the system according to the invention is intended for detecting the availability of at least two parking spaces. The system according to the invention then makes it possible to precisely detect which parking space is occupied or vacated by a vehicle.

[0010] According to a particular technical feature of the invention, each portion of the mask is perforated so as to permit said selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and a subset of the plurality of wires, and, for each portion of the mask, the perforation patterns of said portion of the mask are specific to that portion and are distinct from the perforation patterns of the other portions of the mask.

[0011] Advantageously, the mechanical mask consists of a perforated deformable foam strip, in particular an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam strip, said perforated deformable foam strip being capable of returning to its original shape in the absence of any mechanical stress. Such a perforated deformable foam strip acts both as a mechanical mask and as a spacer separating the wires from the longitudinal plate. The deformable foam strip is perforated at the locations where selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and the subset of the plurality of wires must be possible.

[0012] Preferably, the perforated deformable foam strip has a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm.

[0013] Advantageously, each mask portion comprises several rows of perforations, the perforations in the same row being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the strip and parallel to the ground, each row of perforations in a given mask portion being configured to permit selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and a subset of the plurality of wires when said row of perforations is subjected to a predetermined mechanical compressive stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with said row of perforations concerned and generating a binary digital code specific to that row of perforations, the rows of perforations of a given portion of mask defining perforation patterns which repeat on said portion of mask according to a spatial period of N rows, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to two, preferably between two and four, preferably also equal to four.This allows the system to differentiate the type of vehicle generating the compressive mechanical stress on the belt, based on the width of its wheel (the wheel width being measured here along the same dimension as the belt length, in other words, along the belt's principal extension direction). Indeed, the vehicle's wheel generates a different binary digital code depending on whether it compresses only one row of perforations (and therefore corresponding electrical wires) in a given portion of the mask, or two or three rows simultaneously. The system can thus measure the width of the wheel compressing the belt (in the number of rows of perforations compressed at the same time), and deduce, for example, whether it is a vehicle tire, a bicycle wheel, or a pedestrian's footstep. The alignment direction of the perforations in the same row (i.e.The direction that is perpendicular to the main extension direction of the strip and parallel to the ground corresponds to the direction along which the width of the strip is measured.

[0014] According to a particular technical feature of the invention, the strip further comprises a deformable envelope encapsulating the longitudinal plate, the plurality of wires and the mechanical mask.

[0015] Advantageously, the deformable sheath is made of a plastic material, in particular a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic material. This provides a good compromise between the rigidity required for the entire strip to resist abrasion and crushing from vehicle wheels, and the deformability necessary for electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and the conductive wires. In particular, the use of a polyvinyl chloride plastic material for the deformable sheath reduces costs and facilitates molding the sheath into a specific shape. Furthermore, such a PVC plastic material allows the sheath to solidify while remaining flexible enough to deform when a vehicle wheel passes over it and transmit the applied pressure to enable electrical contact.

[0016] According to a particular technical feature of the invention, the strip further comprises elastically deformable means, said means being arranged inside the strip, above the longitudinal plate, said means being configured to deform under a predetermined compressive stress. Preferably, elastically deformable means are also electrical insulation means.

[0017] Advantageously, the deformable means consist of a deformable foam strip, in particular an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam strip, said deformable foam strip being capable of returning to its initial shape in the absence of any mechanical stress. Such a deformable foam strip makes it possible to homogenize the pressure exerted by the wheel over the entire width of the strip. The electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and the wires concerned is thus optimized over the entire width of the strip.

[0018] Preferably, the deformable foam strip has a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0019] Advantageously, the detection system comprises a longitudinal strip and at least one transverse strip arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip. This makes it possible to reliably detect a situation where a vehicle enters or exits from the front or rear of the system, but without driving on the longitudinal strip (this can be advantageous, for example, for parking spaces configured in parallel, in the case where there is no transverse curb or bollard at the entrance and / or exit of the parking area).

[0020] According to a particular technical feature of the invention, the detection system comprises a longitudinal strip and at least one element forming an obstacle to a vehicle, in particular a stud-type element, the element or elements being arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip. Such an element prevents vehicles from entering or exiting the parking area on which the detection system is installed without driving over the detection strip.

[0021] According to another particular technical feature of the invention, the electronic housing comprises a microcontroller connected to each of the wires made of an electrically conductive material, and signal transmission means connected to the microcontroller. This allows for the processing of the generated electrical signals to deduce the availability of the parking space(s), as well as remote transmission of the space availability information, for example to one or more server computers.

[0022] Advantageously, the electronic unit is equipped with a photovoltaic solar panel to provide its power supply, thus offering energy autonomy to the free parking space detection system. Indeed, because the electronic unit is now located away from the parking spaces, to the side of the detection system and at one end of the strip (unlike individual detectors of the prior art, in particular), it becomes possible to equip The electronic control unit of such a photovoltaic solar panel enables the system to operate autonomously. The photovoltaic solar panel is typically connected to an electrical energy storage device within the electronic control unit, which is itself connected to the microcontroller.

[0023] For this purpose, the invention also relates to the use of a free parking space detection system as described above, in a parking lot comprising several parking spaces configured in parallel and / or perpendicular and / or angled.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for detecting available parking spaces, the method comprising an initial step of providing a system for detecting available parking spaces, comprising at least one strip fixed to the ground and an electronic housing, the strip comprising: - a longitudinal plate made of an electrically conductive material, the longitudinal plate being arranged inside the strip; - a plurality of wires made of an electrically conductive material, said wires being arranged inside the strip opposite the longitudinal plate, being arranged parallel to each other and extending substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the strip, each wire being connected to the electronic housing; And - a mechanical mask arranged inside the strip, between the longitudinal plate and the plurality of wires, said mask comprising a plurality of portions, each portion of the mask corresponding to a portion of the strip and being configured to permit selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate and a subset of the plurality of wires when said portion of the strip is subjected to a predetermined mechanical compressive stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with said portion of the strip concerned and generating a binary digital code specific to that portion;

[0025] the method further comprising:

[0026] a step of receiving, by the electronic unit, a binary digital code generated by at least one of said mask portions; and

[0027] a step of detecting, by the electronic control unit, the occupancy or vacancy of one of the parking spaces, said space being associated with the portion of the band corresponding to said portion of the mask that generated the received binary digital code. Brief description of the figures

[0028] The purposes, advantages and features of the free parking space detection system according to the invention will become clearer in the following description based on at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings on which:

[0029] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a free parking space detection system according to the invention, the system comprising a strip and an electronic box;

[0030] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view, taken along a section plane II-II, of the strip of [Fig.1], according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.3] is a view analogous to that of [Fig.2], showing the band close to a situation of partial compression due to the passage of a vehicle wheel over the band;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the top of the band of [Fig.1], according to another particular embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.5] is a schematic top view of a free parking space detection system according to the invention, illustrating a time sequence where a vehicle parked in a parallel parking space leaves that space;

[0034] [Fig.6] is a view analogous to [Fig.5], illustrating a time sequence where a vehicle parked in a angled parking space leaves that space; and

[0035] [Fig. 7] is a view analogous to [Fig. 5], illustrating a time sequence where a vehicle parked in a perpendicular parking space leaves that space. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for detecting available parking spaces 3. The system 1 comprises at least one strip 2 and an electronic housing 4. In the illustrative example in Figure 1, the system 1 comprises a single longitudinal strip 2. In an alternative not shown, the system 1 may include a longitudinal strip 2 and at least one transverse strip arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip 2. According to this alternative, the system preferably comprises two transverse strips, each transverse strip being arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip 2 so as to extend substantially perpendicularly to it. The longitudinal strip 2 and the transverse strips, for example, form a single piece of material, the longitudinal strip 2 being folded at its ends so as to form a substantially perpendicular angle, the portions of the longitudinal strip 2 thus folded then forming the transverse strips.The length of each transverse strip is then less than the length of the longitudinal strip 2, the length being taken as the largest extension dimension of the strip. The length of each transverse strip is, for example, approximately 1 m. This embodiment reliably detects a situation where a vehicle 6 enters or exits the system 1 from the front or rear, but without driving on the longitudinal strip 2. This is advantageous, for example, for parking spaces 3 configured in a parallel layout, in cases where there is no transverse curb. or a bollard at the entrance and / or exit of the parking area, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 5. In an alternative not shown, system 1 may also include, in addition to a longitudinal strip 2, at least one element forming an obstacle to a vehicle 6, in particular a bollard-type element, typically a plastic bollard. The element(s) are then arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip 2.

[0037] The strip 2 is typically fixed to the ground, for example by gluing. The strip 2 is arranged on a predetermined parking area, the latter typically being divided into parking spaces 3 by means of boundary lines 8 on the ground. The location and orientation of the strip 2 with respect to the boundary lines 8 depend on the configuration of the spaces 3 in the parking area, as will be detailed later with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the strip 2 comprises a longitudinal plate 10, several wires 12 made of an electrically conductive material, and a mechanical mask 18. By way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the strip 2 may comprise fourteen conductive wires 12. In an alternative shown in [Fig. 4], the strip 2 may, for example, comprise twenty conductive wires 12.

[0039] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the strip 2 further comprises elastically deformable means 14. Preferably still, the strip 2 further comprises a deformable envelope 16 encapsulating the longitudinal plate 10, the wires 12 and the mechanical mask 18. Preferably still, the strip 2 further comprises a sub-envelope 19 (shown in Figures 2 and 3), for example made of plastic, which encapsulates the longitudinal plate 10, the wires 12 and the mechanical mask 18. The sub-envelope 19 is then itself encapsulated in the deformable envelope 6. The sub-envelope 19 has, for example, a total height of approximately 0.4 mm, the height being measured in the same direction as the thickness.

[0040] The strip 2 has a length that can range from several meters to several hundred meters, without this being a limitation within the scope of the present invention. The strip 2 has a width, for example, substantially equal to 6 cm, without this being a limitation within the scope of the present invention, the width being taken as the dimension perpendicular to the length in a plane tangent to the upper surface of the strip 2 and parallel to the ground.

[0041] The longitudinal plate 10 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example, metal, typically steel, or aluminum foil. The aluminum foil constituting the longitudinal plate 10 has, for example, a thickness approximately equal to 12 pm, the thickness being taken as the dimension perpendicular to the length and width. The longitudinal plate 10 is arranged inside the strip 2 and extends along the largest extension dimension of the strip 2, along its entire length. When strip 2 has a deformable envelope 16, as is the case in the illustrative example of figures 2 to 4, the longitudinal plate 10 is arranged inside the deformable envelope 16.

[0042] The electrically conductive material from which the wires 12 are made is, for example, metal, typically stainless steel. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the wires 12 are arranged inside the strip 2 opposite the longitudinal plate 10, are parallel to each other, and extend substantially parallel to the largest extension dimension of the strip 2, along its entire length. When the strip 2 has a deformable sheath 16, as in the illustrative example in Figures 2 to 4, the wires 12 are arranged inside the deformable sheath 16. Each of the wires 12 made of an electrically conductive material is connected to the electronic housing 4, for example, via a wire connection not shown in the figures.

[0043] The elastically deformable means 14 are arranged inside the strip 2, above the longitudinal plate 10. When the strip 2 has a deformable envelope 16, as in the illustrative example of Figures 2 to 4, the elastically deformable means 14 are arranged inside the deformable envelope 16. The elastically deformable means 14 are configured to deform under the effect of a predetermined compressive stress. The elastically deformable means 14 are further configured to return to their initial shape when the compressive stress is no longer applied. Preferably, the elastically deformable means 14 are also electrically insulating means. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the elastically deformable means 14 consist of a deformable foam strip, in particular an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam strip.Preferably, the deformable foam strip 14 has a thickness of approximately 1 mm. The deformable foam strip 14 extends, for example, over the entire length (and surface) of the sub-envelope 19, and is capable of returning to its original shape in the absence of any mechanical stress, and in particular when the compressive stress as described above is no longer applied. This capability and configuration of the deformable foam strip 14 are illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3]. The predetermined compressive stress is then generated by the passage of a wheel 20 of a vehicle over the strip 2, the vehicle traveling from right to left in the figure, in the direction of arrow Fl, as will be described later.

[0044] Preferably, the deformable casing 16 is made of a plastic material. The plastic material is typically a polyvinyl chloride (also called PVC) plastic material, without this being limiting within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the mechanical mask 18 is arranged inside of the band 2, more particularly inside the deformable envelope 16 when the band 2 has one. The mechanical mask 18 is interposed between the longitudinal plate 10 and the wires 12 made of an electrically conductive material.

[0046] The mechanical mask 18 comprises several mask portions 22. Preferably, the mask portions 22 have identical dimensions. Each mask portion 22 has, for example, a length on the order of a few meters (typically, and by way of example, a length on the order of 5 meters for a parallel parking space, and 2.5 meters for a angled or perpendicular parking space). Each mask portion 22 corresponds to a portion of the strip 2 and is configured to allow selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and a subset of the set of conductive wires 12, when this portion is subjected to a predetermined mechanical stress, typically a compressive stress as described above.To achieve this, each mask segment 22 is, for example, perforated to allow selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and some of the conductive wires 12 (those wires not masked by the mechanical mask 18), for example, when a vehicle wheel 20 rolls across the corresponding strip segment 2. For each mask segment 22, the perforation patterns are unique to that segment and distinct from the perforation patterns of other mask segments 22. Such selective electrical contact is thus associated with the relevant strip segment 2 and generates a binary digital code specific to that segment. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mask segment 22 allows contact only for some of the conductive wires 12.Thus, when a vehicle wheel 20 crushes this portion 22 of the mask, only the unmasked conductive wires 12 come into contact with the longitudinal plate 10 and consequently generate an electrical signal, which corresponds to a bit in the state 1. The masked conductive wires 12 do not generate an electrical signal, because they do not come into contact with the longitudinal plate 10, which corresponds to a bit in the state 0. The binary digital code generated by this particular portion 22 of the mask, when it is crushed from right to left in the figures, is then: 01000010010000.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the mechanical mask 18 consists of a perforated deformable foam strip, in particular an ethylene-vinyl acetate foam strip. Preferably, the perforated deformable foam strip 18 has a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm. The perforated deformable foam strip 18 extends, for example, over the entire length (and the entire surface) of the longitudinal plate 10, and is capable of returning to its initial shape in the absence of any mechanical stress, and in particular when the compressive stress as described above is no longer applied. This ability and this configuration of the perforated deformable foam strip 18 are illustrated in particular on [Fig.3].

[0048] As shown in [Fig. 3], when the vehicle's wheel 20 rolls on the track 2, the pressure exerted by the vehicle's weight creates contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and some of the wires 12 made of an electrically conductive material. The space between the longitudinal plate 10 and the conductive wires 12, initially created by the perforated deformable foam strip 18, is reduced by compression and elastic deformation of the foam strip 18, causing contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and some of the conductive wires 12 (at the locations corresponding to the perforations in the foam strip 18). This mechanical contact results in the generation of a corresponding electrical signal for each of the conductive wires 12 in contact with the longitudinal plate 10.The compression of the perforated deformable foam strip 18 (and of the deformable foam strip 14), and the generation of contact and therefore of an associated electrical signal, is progressive and sequential according to the direction of travel of the wheel 20 on the strip 2 (the direction of the arrow Fl in the example of [Fig.3]), which allows the system 1 to deduce the direction in which the wheel 20 has passed over the strip 2. Indeed, depending on the direction in which the wheel 20 compresses the strip 2, the conductive wires 12 on one side of the strip 2 are compressed and emit an electrical signal before those on the other side of the strip 2. When the wheel 20 leaves the strip 2, the perforated deformable foam strip 18 returns to its initial shape, which again prevents contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and the conductive wires 12.

[0049] Each mask portion 22 corresponds to a portion of the strip 2 and is configured so as to generate, when subjected to a predetermined mechanical stress, a binary digital code specific to that portion. In the illustrative example of [Fig. 4], the strip 2 is thus divided into two portions: a first portion 2a and a second portion 2b. The mechanical mask 18 is also divided into two corresponding mask portions: a first portion 22a and a second portion 22b. Each of the mask portions 22a, 22b allows contact with the longitudinal plate 10 only for some of the conductive wires 12. The binary digital code generated by the first mask portion 22a, when it is crushed from bottom to top in the figure (along the entire length of the portion 22a), is 10000100001000010000, and is specific to the first portion of the strip 2a.The binary numeric code generated by the second portion of mask 22b, when squashed from bottom to top on the figure (along the entire length of portion 22b), is 01000001000100001000, and is specific to the second portion of strip 2b.

[0050] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], each mask portion 22a, 22b comprises several rows 22ab, 22a2, 22a; ; 22b, 22b2, 22b; of perforations (the per perforations corresponding to the white rectangles in the figure). The perforations of the same row 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22bb 22b2, 22b; are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the strip 2 and parallel to the ground, which corresponds to the direction in which the width of the strip 2 is measured. Each row 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22bb 22b2, 22b; of perforations in a given mask portion 22a, 22b is configured to allow selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate 10 and a subset of the plurality of wires 12 when that row of perforations is subjected to a predetermined compressive mechanical stress, typically a compressive stress as described previously.When all rows 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22b b 22b2, 22b; of perforations in the same portion of mask 22a, 22b are compressed simultaneously, the mask portion 22a, 22b in question generates the binary digital code as previously described. Furthermore, for each row 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22b b 22b2, 22b; of perforations, the selective electrical contact associated with that row of perforations generates a binary digital code specific to that row of perforations. In other words, if only one row 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22b b 22b2, 22b; of perforations of a given portion of mask 22a, 22b is compressed, the portion of mask 22a, 22b in question generates the binary digital code specific to that row of perforations (for example the binary digital code 01000000000100000000 in the example of [Fig.4] in which a step 23 of an individual only crushes the row 22b2 of the second portion of mask 22b).The rows of perforations 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22b b 22b2, 22b; of the same portion of mask 22a, 22b are typically spaced a few centimeters apart, for example by a distance approximately equal to 2 cm. .

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the rows of perforations 22ab, 22a2, 22a; 22bb, 22b2, 22bi of the same portion of mask 22a, 22b define perforation patterns that repeat on this portion of mask 22a, 22b according to a spatial period of four rows. In this way, the corresponding portion of mask 22a, 22b (and therefore of strip 2a, 2b) generates a different binary digital code depending on whether a single row of perforations in the portion of mask 22a, 22b is crushed, or two or three rows at the same time. This allows the detection system 1 to differentiate the type of vehicle generating the mechanical compression stress on the band 2, according to the width of its wheel (the width of the wheel being measured here according to the same dimension as the length of the band 2, in other words according to the main extension direction of the band 2).The detection system 1 can thus measure the width of the wheel that crushes the strip (in number of rows of perforations compressed simultaneously), and deduce, for example, whether it is a vehicle tire, a bicycle wheel, or a pedestrian's footprint. In the example of [Fig. 4], a vehicle wheel 20 simultaneously crushes rows 22b5, 22b6, 22b7 of the second section of the strip. mask 22b, the generated binary numeric code is: 01000001000100001000 (which is the same as that of the second portion of mask 22b when all its rows of perforations are crushed simultaneously). In an unshown variant, the rows of perforations 22ab 22a2, 22a; ; 22bb 22b2, 22b; of the same portion of mask 22a, 22b define perforation patterns that repeat on this portion of mask 22a, 22b according to a spatial period of N rows, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to two and distinct from four, preferably equal to two or three.

[0052] The electronic unit 4 is, for example, arranged at one end of the lane 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The electronic unit 4 includes, for example, a microcontroller and signal transmission means connected to the microcontroller. Each pin of the microcontroller is then connected to one of the conductive wires 12. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, in which the lane 2 has fourteen conductive wires 12, the microcontroller is thus equipped with at least fourteen pins. The microcontroller is thus able to receive, process, and interpret the signals emitted by the conductive wires 12 when a vehicle 6 travels on the lane 2, in particular to deduce information on the availability of parking spaces 3, as will be explained later. The signal transmission means are advantageously wireless transmission means, typically by radio transmission.This allows information to be transmitted remotely, for example to one or more server computers or over the internet. Such information typically relates to the availability of parking spaces 3, enabling a near real-time overview of available parking spaces 3 in a parking lot, for example, to inform users about space availability or to make this information accessible for various uses. Preferably, the electronic unit 4 is also equipped with a photovoltaic solar panel (not shown in the figures for clarity) to provide its power supply. The presence of such a photovoltaic solar panel on the electronic unit 4 thus provides energy autonomy to the parking space 3 detection system 1.The photovoltaic solar panel is typically connected to an electrical energy storage device (not shown) within the electronic box 4, which is itself connected to the microcontroller.

[0053] Three examples of use of the detection system 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to figures 5 to 7.

[0054] Figure 5 represents the detection system 1 according to the invention, installed in a parking lot 24 comprising four parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d configured in a parallel layout. The strip 2 of the detection system 1 is then positioned in the direction of the lane, parallel to it, between the right and left wheels of the vehicles. Initially, four vehicles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are parked, which means that All parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are considered occupied by system 1. During a first phase I, a vehicle 6b decides to leave the parking space 3b it occupies, moving forward. During a subsequent phase II, the front left wheel 20Ag of vehicle 6b rolls from left to right along lane 2. This direction of rolling along lane 2 is detected by the electronic control unit 4 of system 1, via the progressive rolling of the mechanical mask 18 and the sequential generation of the corresponding electrical signals. During a subsequent phase III, the rear left wheel 20ag of vehicle 6b rolls from left to right along lane 2, this direction of rolling again being detected by system 1.This temporal sequence of the crushing of strip 2, along with the detection of the points on strip 2 affected by the crushing, allows the electronic control unit 4 of system 1 to deduce that a vehicle has left parking space 3b at the points where the vehicle's wheels 20Ag, 20ag intersect strip 2. The detection system 1 then deduces, during a subsequent phase IV, that parking space 3b is now free. It should be noted that a similar process applies when a vehicle enters one of the parking spaces 3a - 3d, with system 1 detecting a direction of crushing of strip 2 from right to left, twice consecutively (corresponding to the crushing of strip 2 by two wheels of the vehicle located on the same side). System 1 then deduces that the parking space in question is occupied.

[0055] Figure 6 represents the detection system 1 according to the invention, installed in a parking lot 24 comprising four angled parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. The strip 2 of the detection system 1 is positioned parallel to the roadway, behind the vehicles, it being understood that the vehicles can only exit their parking spaces from front to back (the roadway being located in front of the vehicles, opposite strip 2). Initially, four vehicles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are parked, which means that all parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are considered occupied by the system 1. During a first phase I, a vehicle 6b decides to leave the parking space 3b it occupies, by reversing out of it. During a subsequent phase II, the left rear wheel 20ag of the vehicle 6b thus rolls back and forth on the band 2.This direction of compression of strip 2 is detected by the electronic control unit 4 of system 1. During a subsequent phase III, the right rear wheel 20ad, then the left front wheel 20Ag of vehicle 6b roll back and forth on strip 2, this direction of compression again being detected by system 1. During a subsequent phase not shown in the figures, the right front wheel 20Ad of vehicle 6b rolls back and forth on strip 2, this direction of compression again being detected by system 1. This temporal sequence of compression of strip 2, as well as the detection of the locations of strip 2. The detection of the vehicle being crushed allows the electronic control unit 4 of system 1 to deduce that a vehicle has left parking space 3b at the points where the vehicle's wheels 20ag, 20ad, 20Ag, and 20Ad intersect strip 2. The detection system 1 then deduces, in a subsequent phase IV, that parking space 3b is now free. It should be noted that a similar process is applied when a vehicle enters one of the parking spaces 3a-3d. In this case, system 1 detects a crushing direction of strip 2 from rear to front, four times consecutively (corresponding to the crushing of strip 2 by all four wheels of the vehicle). System 1 then deduces that the parking space in question is occupied.

[0056] Figure 7 represents the detection system 1 according to the invention, installed in a parking lot 24 comprising four parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d configured perpendicularly. The strip 2 of the detection system 1 is positioned parallel to the roadway, behind the vehicles, it being understood that the vehicles can only exit their parking spaces from front to back (the roadway being located in front of the vehicles, opposite strip 2). Initially, four vehicles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are parked, which means that all parking spaces 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are considered occupied by the system 1. During a first phase I, a vehicle 6b decides to leave the parking space 3b it occupies, by reversing out of it. During a subsequent phase II, the left rear wheel 20ag and the right rear wheel 20ad of the vehicle 6b thus roll simultaneously back and forth on the band 2.This direction of rolling of lane 2 is detected by the electronic control unit 4 of system 1. During a subsequent phase not shown in the figures, the front left wheel 20Ag and the front right wheel 20Ad of vehicle 6b roll simultaneously back and forth on lane 2, this direction of rolling being again detected by system 1. This temporal sequence of rolling of lane 2, as well as the detection of the points on lane 2 affected by the rolling, allows the electronic control unit 4 of system 1 to deduce that a vehicle has left parking space 3b at the points of intersection of the wheels 20ag, 20ad, 20Ag, 20Ad of the vehicle with lane 2. The detection system 1 then deduces, during a subsequent phase III, that parking space 3b is now free.It should be noted that a similar process applies when a vehicle enters one of the parking spaces 3a - 3d. System 1 detects, in this case, a direction of compression of strip 2 from rear to front, twice consecutively (corresponding to the compression of strip 2 by both pairs of the vehicle's wheels). System 1 then deduces that the parking space in question is occupied.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for detecting free parking spaces (3; 3a-3d), comprising at least one strip (2) intended to be fixed to the ground and an electronic box (4), the strip (2) comprising: - a longitudinal plate (10) made of an electrically conductive material, the longitudinal plate (10) being arranged inside the strip (2); - a plurality of wires (12) made of an electrically conductive material, said wires (12) being arranged inside the strip (2) opposite the longitudinal plate (10), being arranged parallel to each other and extending substantially parallel to the main direction of extension of the strip (2), each wire (12) being connected to the electronic box (4); - a mechanical mask (18) arranged inside the strip (2), between the longitudinal plate (10) and the plurality of wires (12), said mask (18) comprising a plurality of portions (22; 22a, 22b), each mask portion (22;22a, 22b) corresponding to a portion (2a, 2b) of the strip and being configured to allow selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate (10) and a subset of the plurality of wires (12) when said strip portion (2a, 2b) is subjected to a predetermined mechanical compressive stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with said strip portion (2a, 2b) concerned and generating a binary digital code specific to this portion.;

2. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each mask portion (22; 22a, 22b) is perforated so as to allow said selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate (10) and a subset of the plurality of wires (12), and in that, for each mask portion (22; 22a, 22b), the perforation patterns of said mask portion (22; 22a, 22b) are specific to this portion and are distinct from the perforation patterns of the other mask portions.

3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanical mask (18) consists of a strip of perforated deformable foam, in particular a strip of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, said strip of perforated deformable foam (18) being capable of returning to its initial shape in the absence of any mechanical stress.

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, ca- characterized in that each mask portion (22; 22a, 22b) comprises several rows of perforations, the perforations of the same row being aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main extension direction of the strip (2) and parallel to the ground, each row of perforations of a given mask portion (22; 22a, 22b) being configured to allow selective electrical contact between the longitudinal plate (10) and a subset of the plurality of wires (12) when said row of perforations is subjected to a predetermined mechanical compressive stress, said selective electrical contact being associated with said row of perforations concerned and generating a binary digital code specific to this row of perforations, the rows of perforations of a given mask portion (22; 22a, 22b) defining perforation patterns which are repeated on said mask portion (22;22a, 22b) according to a spatial period of N rows, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to two, preferably between two and four, preferably equal to four.;

5. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip (2) further comprises a deformable envelope (16) encapsulating the longitudinal plate (10), the plurality of wires (12) and the mechanical mask (18).

6. System (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the deformable envelope (16) is made of a plastic material, in particular a polyvinyl chloride plastic material.

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip (2) further comprises elastically deformable means (14) arranged inside the strip (2), above the longitudinal plate (10), said means (14) being configured to deform under the effect of a predetermined compressive stress.

8. System (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the deformable means (14) consist of a strip of deformable foam, in particular a strip of ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, said strip of deformable foam (14) being capable of returning to its initial shape in the absence of any mechanical stress.

9. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a longitudinal strip (2) and at least one transverse strip arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip (2).

10. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a longitudinal strip (2) and at least one element forming an obstacle to a vehicle, in particular a stud-type element, the or each element being arranged at one end of the longitudinal strip (2).

11. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic box (4) comprises a microcontroller connected to each of the wires (12) made of an electrically conductive material, and signal transmission means connected to the microcontroller.

12. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic box (4) is provided with a photovoltaic solar panel.

13. Use of a system (1) for detecting free parking spaces (3; 3a-3d) in a parking lot (24) comprising several parking spaces (3; 3a-3d) configured in a bay and / or in a battle and / or in an herringbone pattern, characterized in that the system (1) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

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