System to help locate a parking space in a mapped area for parking a motor vehicle

Abstract

System to assist in locating a parking space in a mapped area for parking a motor vehicle. System (100) to assist in locating at least one parking space (12) in a mapped area (10) for parking a motor vehicle (1) circulating in said mapped area (10), the system (100) being characterized in that it comprises: - a geolocation system (110) configured to locate the position of said vehicle (1) in the mapped area (10); - a data acquisition means (120) configured to collect data on the parking spaces (12) in the mapped area (10); - a central unit (130) configured to process the collected data in order to determine the number and / or location of one or more available spaces (12);- a communication system (140) configured to transmit information between the central unit (130), at least one data acquisition means (120) and the motor vehicle (1). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig.1;

Description

Title of the invention: System to assist in locating a parking space in a mapped area for parking a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of parking space location assistance systems. The invention also relates to a method for locating at least one parking space in a mapped area using such a system.

[0002] To park a vehicle, an available parking space must be identified. Various technologies exist that allow autonomous or at least partially automated vehicles to park automatically in designated parking spaces within a infrastructure designed for this purpose. Some vehicles, for example, are equipped with a sensor system comprising one or more sensors, or even a variety of sensors, such as cameras, LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, or others.While these sensors can assist a driver in a parking maneuver to park a motor vehicle in a parking space, they generally cannot assist the driver in searching for a parking space in a large geographical area, such as a large parking lot, because the range of these sensors is generally too limited to locate a parking space located far from the vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, not all users of such infrastructure have a vehicle equipped with a sensor system. Users who do not have such a vehicle must then find an available parking space and park their vehicle in that space, without using a maneuvering and parking assistance system.

[0004] Some parking facilities are equipped with information systems that can exchange a variety of data with drivers to assist them in finding an available parking space. However, a large number of sensors are required for this type of infrastructure to function properly. Furthermore, these sensors can lack precision: for example, a parking space may be indicated as available, but its dimensions may not always allow a driver to park there, particularly when vehicles parked in neighboring spaces encroach on the space indicated as free, or when the Parking maneuvers present a high risk of collision between the vehicle and its surroundings.

[0005] Finding a parking space can then be laborious, especially when parking spaces are narrow or poorly defined, or even undefined at all, and when traffic lanes are congested by multiple users. This can lead to parking accidents caused by inexperienced drivers, such as scratches on the vehicle if it is too close to another vehicle, for example, or poor management of the available space, particularly when a vehicle simultaneously and partially occupies two separate adjacent parking spaces.

[0006] The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks described above by enabling a large number of users of various vehicles to receive real-time information on the location of available parking spaces in a given geographical area. The objective of the invention is to provide a system for locating parking spaces not only in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle using this system, but throughout an entire mapped area.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a system for assisting in the location of at least one parking space in a mapped area for parking a motor vehicle circulating in said mapped area, the system being characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] - a geolocation system configured to locate the position of said vehicle automobile in the mapped area, and in particular on a map of the mapped area;

[0009] - at least one data acquisition means configured to collect data, particularly in real time, on parking spaces in the mapped area;

[0010] - a central unit configured to process the collected data in order to determine the number and / or location of one or more free parking spaces in the mapped area;

[0011] - a communication system configured to transmit information between the central unit, at least one means of data acquisition and the motor vehicle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the at least one data acquisition means comprises at least one sensor system integrated into another vehicle present in the mapped area, and preferably a set of sensor systems integrated into a plurality of vehicles present in the mapped area.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the central unit is configured to update location data from data collected by at least one data acquisition means and / or configured to provide, in particular in real time, the processed data to a system user via the communication system.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the central unit has access to a map which lists all the parking spaces in the mapped area.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the central unit is configured to synthesize a graphic object representing the available locations on the map of the mapped area and the communication system is configured to transfer this map to a driver of a motor vehicle traveling in the mapped area.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one data acquisition means comprises a drone configured to fly over the mapped area along a predefined trajectory, the drone being equipped with two image acquisition means configured to acquire images of parking locations in the mapped area.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the two image acquisition means of the drone and the data acquisition means are oriented towards the ground.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for locating at least one parking space in a mapped area using a system as described above, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - the system receives a signal from a driver of a vehicle traveling in a mapped area, the signal indicates that the driver is looking for a place to park their vehicle; - the geolocation system locates the position of said vehicle in the mapped area; - thanks to the means of data acquisition, the central unit retrieves the acquired data, in particular in real time, on the parking locations in the mapped area; - the central unit identifies at least one parking space from the data and determines the status of the parking space; - if the state of a location identified by the central unit is determined to be occupied or unavailable, the central unit continues its search; - if the identified location is determined to be free, the central unit identifies the position of this location in the mapped area; - the central unit transmits the positioning coordinates of the free space to the vehicle driver via the communication system.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one additional step in the case where the central unit identifies a multitude of available locations in the mapped area: - for each of the available locations identified, the central unit evaluates the path between the current position of the vehicle that emitted the signal and the identified location, - then the central unit transmits the coordinates of the location closest to the vehicle to the driver via the communication system.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises at least one additional step in the case where the central unit detects a multitude of available locations in the mapped area: - the vehicle driver enters their final destination into the central unit; - for each of the available locations identified, the central unit evaluates the route between the position of the final destination and the identified parking location, - then the central unit transmits to the vehicle driver the coordinates of the location closest to the final destination via the communication system.

[0021] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a parking area equipped with a system to help locate a parking space in said area.

[0023] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with a sensor system.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a map of the parking area.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 traveling in a geographical area 10 with at least one traffic lane 11 and a set of parking spaces 12 for motor vehicles 1. This geographical area 10 is a mapped area 10 in the sense that each element dedicated to motor vehicle traffic in this area is broken down into segments, and each segment is characterized by a number of attributes. These attributes indicate, among other things, the length, width, and shape of the segment, the number of lanes 11 dedicated to motor vehicle traffic, the direction of travel, the presence of a traffic sign, the type of sign, etc.

[0026] Parking spaces 12 in such a geographical area 10 can, for example, be indicated by markings on the ground. These spaces are generally quadrilateral in shape. The parking spaces 12 are also mapped: each of the four corners of a space 12 is, for example, identified by positioning coordinates, such as GPS coordinates. The center of a parking space 12 can also be identified by Positioning coordinates. A unique identifier can be assigned to each location.

[0027] Each parking space 12 can also be qualified by various attributes, such as the type of parking (parallel, perpendicular, angled). Each parking space 12 is also qualified by its state: a parking space 12 is, for example, "free" or "available," meaning that this parking space 12 is unoccupied and can serve as a destination for a vehicle driven by a driver who is looking for a parking space 12 in the mapped area 10. Conversely, the state of a parking space 12 can be "occupied" or "unavailable," in which case another vehicle is already parked in the space in question. Optionally, a parking space 12 can be qualified as a reserved space, such as a private space, a space reserved for people with reduced mobility, or a space specifically designated for delivery purposes.

[0028] To assist a user of a motor vehicle 1 in locating a suitable parking space within the mapped area, a system 100 is provided to assist in locating at least one parking space 12 within that mapped area 10. This system 100 makes it possible to locate at least one parking space 12, preferably an unoccupied parking space 12 of adequate size, within the mapped area 10, based on data collected in real time within that area 10. This system 100 also makes it possible to transmit information about the identified spaces 12 to the driver of the vehicle 1 who is searching for such a space 12.

[0029] To do this, the system 100 for assisting in the location of at least one parking space includes various elements, including a geolocation system 110, at least one means of data acquisition 120; a central unit 130 and a communication system 140.

[0030] The central unit 130 of the assistance system 100 can be located within the mapped area 10, in particular at the center of the mapped area 10, or outside the mapped area 10. In all the embodiments described here, the central unit 130 gathers all the information concerning the mapped area 10. This information relates more specifically to at least one traffic lane 11 in the mapped area 10 and the parking space(s) 12 in this same mapped area 10. The central unit 130 can, for example, have access to a map 50 that lists all the parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10. This map 50 can also list the various segments of the mapped area 10.

[0031] As an alternative or in addition, the central unit 130 may have access to a database which lists information on all parking locations 12 in the mapped area 10. This information corresponds, for example, to the number of parking spaces in the mapped area 10 and the attributes associated with each of the spaces.

[0032] The geolocation system 110 of the system 100 for locating at least one parking space 12 is configured to locate the position of a motor vehicle 1 traveling within the mapped area 10. The geolocation system 110 allows the motor vehicle 1 to be located using positioning coordinates, such as GPS coordinates. These positioning coordinates provide, for example, the position of a reference frame (0, Xv, Yv, Zv) specific to the vehicle 1 throughout the vehicle's journey within the mapped area 10. The vehicle reference frame (0, Xv, Yv, Zv), visible in [Fig. 2], is in particular an orthonormal reference frame whose origin 0 can be located at the center of the vehicle 1, or elsewhere relative to the vehicle 1, for example, at the center of the front axle, or at the center of the rear axle.A longitudinal axis (OXv) of this orthonormal coordinate system is oriented towards the front of vehicle 1, a transverse axis (OYv) is oriented towards the left of vehicle 1, and a vertical axis (OZy) is oriented upwards. Geolocation systems other than GPS can be considered within the framework of this system for assisting in locating a parking space, such as Galileo, for example.

[0033] Thanks to the geolocation system 110, the central unit 130 can, in particular, mark the position of a vehicle 1 traveling within the mapped area 10 on the map 50 to which said unit 130 has access. Furthermore, the geolocation system 110 allows the position of the vehicle 1 to be updated at regular intervals during its journey within the mapped area 10. In addition, the geolocation system 110 can simultaneously detect a multitude of vehicles traveling within the mapped area 10 and regularly update the positions of these vehicles. Thus, the geolocation system 110 makes it possible to determine the number of vehicles traveling within a specific segment of the mapped area 10.

[0034] The system 100 for assisting in locating at least one parking space 12 further includes a communication system 140 configured to transmit information between the central unit 130 and the vehicle 1 motor vehicle circulating in the mapped area 10. Thanks to the communication system 140, the central unit 130 can in particular transmit information on parking spaces 12 to the driver of the vehicle 1 motor vehicle.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the communication system 140 is a wireless network that allows for the exchange of real-time data. This network can, for example taking the form of a GSM network (3G, 4G, or even 5G). Thanks to its high speed and versatility, such a communication system allows for a complete and regular, or even near-continuous, update of data concerning the parking locations in the mapped area.

[0036] In order to transmit reliable information to the driver of a vehicle 1 searching for a parking space 12 in the mapped area 10, the system 100 also includes at least one data acquisition means 12 configured to collect data, including real-time data, on the parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10. This data may take the form of images, including images of one or more parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10 and their surroundings. This data may also take the form of measurements, including distance measurements. Other types of data may be considered for such data collection by the data acquisition means 120 of the system 100. The data collected by the at least one data acquisition means 120 is then sent to the central unit 130 via the communication system 140.Thus, the communication system 140 allows information to be transmitted between the central unit 130, at least one data acquisition means 120 and the vehicle 1 automobile.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the data acquisition means 120 comprises, for example, at least one sensor system 121 integrated into another vehicle present in the mapped area 1, and preferably a set of sensor systems 121 integrated into a plurality of vehicles present in the mapped area 10.

[0038] A sensor system 121 for a motor vehicle generally comprises one or more sensors, or even a variety of sensors, such as optical sensors or cameras, LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors, or others. Optical sensors are each configured to capture an image of a respective area of ​​the vehicle's environment and to output this image as an optical sensor signal. Ultrasonic sensors are designed to detect a distance to objects located in the vehicle's environment and are configured to output one or more corresponding sensor signals.

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a motor vehicle 1 equipped with a sensor system 121 comprising at least one image acquisition means 21, 22, 23, 24, and preferably a multitude of image acquisition means 21, 22, 23, 24 enabling the generation of a peripheral view of the surroundings of said vehicle 1. These image acquisition means 21, 22, 23, 24 are, for example, cameras with a wide-angle lens (“fish-eye”), which makes it possible to acquire images with a horizontal viewing angle close to 180°, or even greater than 180°.

[0040] The automotive sensor system illustrated in [Fig. 2] includes, for example, a front camera 21, two side cameras 22, 23, and a rear camera 24. The number and location of these cameras 21, 22, 23, 24 are not limited to those shown in [Fig. 2]. Thus, one or more embodiments can be envisaged in which a camera with a peripheral field of view is arranged on the roof of the vehicle 1. Each camera has a field of view. The front camera 21 has a frontal field of view enabling it to acquire images of the environment in front of the vehicle 1. The side cameras 22 and 23 are associated with a field of view oriented to the left or to the right, the terms "left" and "right" being relative to the top-down view of the vehicle 1 illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Finally, the rear-facing camera 24 has a rear-facing field of view to acquire images of the environment behind the vehicle 1.The fields of view of cameras 21, 22, 23, 24 can partially overlap so that the entire environment of vehicle 1 is acquired.

[0041] The sensor system 121 illustrated in [Fig. 2] also includes a multitude of rangefinders 25, such as ultrasonic sensors, which are arranged at various locations on the vehicle 1. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], these rangefinders 25 are arranged on the front of the vehicle 1, on its rear, at the corners of the vehicle 1, and on the sides of the vehicle 1. These rangefinders 25 make it possible to measure the distance between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle detected in the vicinity of said vehicle 1. The ranges of the rangefinders 25 may differ from one rangefinder to another. The range of the rangefinders 25 may, in particular, depend on their location on the vehicle 1.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the parking space locating system 100, data collection on parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10 is carried out by a multitude of sensor systems 121 integrated into a plurality of vehicles present in the mapped area 10. Thus, all vehicles equipped with a sensor system 121 circulating in the mapped area 10 can participate in the data collection on their surroundings and contribute to updating the information processed by the central unit 130. Using the sensor systems 121 integrated into a plurality of vehicles present in the mapped area 10 as a means of acquiring data 120 makes it possible to limit the number of permanent sensors, such as cameras installed at a distance from the ground, particularly on a mast, in the mapped area 10, or even to eliminate the need for these permanent sensors.

[0043] One can also imagine an embodiment in which a stationary vehicle, for example parked in a parking space 12, also participates in data collection. In this embodiment, the sensor system 121 of the A stationary vehicle is, for example, in a standby state, but it can be reactivated if a significant change occurs in the vicinity of the motor vehicle to which it is attached, for example, if another vehicle parked in front of, behind, or beside it vacates the parking space 12 in which it was parked. The sensor system 121 of the stationary vehicle can then collect the corresponding data and transmit it to the central unit, which then updates the information and can subsequently signal the vacancy of the parking space to a driver of a vehicle 1 who is looking for a parking space.

[0044] The sensor systems 121 can be different from one vehicle to another and provide different and / or complementary data. This embodiment of the system 100 is therefore particularly suitable for assisting drivers of motor vehicles 1 in finding a parking space 12 in a geographical area 10 with heavy traffic. Such a system 100 makes it possible to use data on traffic conditions and the availability of parking spaces 12 without resorting to fixed sensors permanently installed in the geographical area 10 in question.

[0045] The greater the number of vehicles 1 equipped with sensor systems 121 circulating in the mapped area 10, the more data is collected by said sensor systems 121. Such data collection by at least one data acquisition means 120 also allows for timely updates of the information.

[0046] In addition, or alternatively, the data acquisition means 120 of the system 100 for locating at least one parking space 12 in the mapped area 10 includes, for example, a drone 125 configured to fly over the mapped area 10. The drone 125 can, for example, fly over the mapped area 10 at a height between 3 meters and 10 meters.

[0047] The drone 125 is, for example, remotely controlled by the central unit 130. More specifically, the drone 125 can be configured to follow a predetermined trajectory, that is, it is configured to go to specific locations within the mapped area 10, in a defined order. These locations are identified by positioning coordinates. The trajectory of the drone 125 can, for example, be defined so that it travels through all the segments of the mapped area 10, or at least all the segments relevant for parking a motor vehicle within the mapped area 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drone 125 is equipped with two image acquisition means 127 that are configured to acquire images of the surroundings of the drone 125. In particular, the two image acquisition means 127 of the drone 125 are oriented towards the ground. The height at which the drone 125 flies over the mapped area 10 can The drone 125's image acquisition means 127 should be chosen so that the fields of view of the two image acquisition means 127 cover at least one parking space 12 in the mapped area 10 and a portion of a traffic lane 11. Preferably, the height at which the drone 125 flies over the mapped area 10 is chosen so as to cover a plurality of parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10. In this way, the drone 125 makes it possible to acquire images of the parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10.

[0049] The drone 125 can also be equipped with a rangefinder. According to a particular embodiment, at least one of the two image acquisition means 127 of the drone 125 can be a time-of-flight camera.

[0050] Advantageously, this embodiment makes it possible to collect data on parking locations 12 in the mapped area 10 even if there are few or no vehicles equipped with sensor systems 121 circulating in the mapped area 10.

[0051] Furthermore, an embodiment can be envisaged in which the drone 125 is sent to fly over segments of the mapped area 10 for which little or no data has been acquired. This allows the information available on these segments to be updated at the central unit 130.

[0052] The central unit 130 is configured to process the collected data in order to determine the number and / or location of one or more free parking spaces 12 in the mapped area 10. In particular, the central unit 130 is configured to update the information concerning the spaces 12 from the data collected by at least one data acquisition means 120. Furthermore, the central unit 130 can be configured to provide, in particular in real time, the processed data to a user of the system 100 via the communication system 140.

[0053] A method for locating at least one parking space 12 in a mapped area 10 from a system 100 such as those described above comprises a series of steps. An example of a series of steps is shown below.

[0054] In a first step, the system 100 receives a signal from a driver of a vehicle 1 travelling in the mapped area 10, the signal indicates that the driver is looking for a free space 12 to park his vehicle 1. The signal can, for example, be sent from the vehicle 1 or from a user interface of vehicle 1 to the system 100. The signal can more particularly be sent to the central unit 130 via the communication system 140.

[0055] The signal sent may be supplemented by other information, such as the type of vehicle 1, the dimensions of vehicle 1, in particular its length Lv and / or its width Iv, the registration number, or any other useful information on the vehicle 1. The signal sent can also indicate a final destination that the driver of vehicle 1 wishes to reach.

[0056] Next, the geolocation system 110 locates the position of said vehicle 1 within the mapped area 10. The central unit 130 can, for example, mark the position of the vehicle 1 on a map 50 of the mapped area 10. Thanks to the geolocation system 110, the system 100 also knows the position of other vehicles present in the mapped area 10. Some of these vehicles are equipped with sensor systems 121. When these vehicles equipped with sensor systems 121 travel within the mapped area 10, these sensor systems 121 collect data on the surroundings of the vehicles 1 they equip. This data relates more specifically to the parking spaces 12 within the mapped area 10.

[0057] Furthermore, a vehicle equipped with a sensor system 121 which is already parked in a parking space 12 at the time the signal is emitted will have already collected data during its journey in the mapped area 10.

[0058] By means of at least one data acquisition means 120, the central unit 130 retrieves the acquired data, in particular in real time, on the parking locations 12 in the mapped area 10.

[0059] With the acquired data, the central unit 130 can locate at least one parking space 12 and determine the status of the parking space 12. In particular, the central unit is configured to determine whether the located parking space 12 is free or occupied.

[0060] In particular, if the status of a location 12 identified by the central unit 130 is determined to be occupied or unavailable, the central unit 130 continues its search. Conversely, if the identified location 12 is determined to be free, the central unit 130 locates the position of this location 12 in the mapped area 10.

[0061] Optionally, the central unit 130 can be configured to calculate the dimensions of the identified free parking space 12, in particular its length Lp and width lp. The central unit 130 can then transmit this information to the vehicle 1 via the communication system 140. Information regarding the dimensions of a free parking space 12 can be useful in determining whether the identified parking space 12 is suitable for the vehicle 1. Indeed, not all vehicles 1 have the same dimensions; some vehicles 1 are longer and / or wider and / or taller than others. Thus, if the dimensions (length Lv and width Iv) of the vehicle 1 have been previously transmitted to the central unit 130, the latter can determine, based on the data concerning the identified free parking space 12, whether it is of a suitable size for the vehicle. 1. This can prevent the driver from making unnecessary maneuvers in case the intended location 12 is not suitable for the vehicle 1, or even prevent a parking accident in case the space around the intended location 12 is too narrow.

[0062] Finally, the central unit 130 transmits the positioning coordinates of the identified free space 12 to the driver via the communication system 140. In order to visually provide the driver of vehicle 1 with information concerning unoccupied parking spaces 12, the central unit 130 can, for example, generate a graphic object representing the available spaces on the map 50 of the mapped area. To do this, the communication system 140 is configured, in particular, to transmit the map 50 to a user of the system 100, specifically to a user of a motor vehicle 1 traveling in the mapped area 10 in search of a parking space 12. An example of such a map 50 is illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In this same [Fig.[3] Adequately sized available parking spaces are indicated with an image of a ticked box, while too narrow available parking spaces are indicated with a cross. Adequately sized available parking spaces have a length Lp and a width Ip greater than the dimensions (length Lv and width Iv) of vehicle 1, to allow vehicle 1 to park there.

[0063] Furthermore, the central unit 130 can also calculate the trajectory or trajectories that lead to at least one of the free parking spaces 12, and communicate these trajectories to the vehicle 1 via the communication system 140.

[0064] Furthermore, the central unit 130 can inform the driver of the vehicle 1, who is looking for a parking space 12, of the various attributes associated with the available spaces 12 identified. Thus, the driver can, for example, learn the type of parking (parallel, perpendicular, angled) and choose a specific space 12 according to their parking preferences.

[0065] In the case where the central unit 130 identifies a multitude of available locations in the mapped area 10, the method may include at least one additional step: for each of the available locations 12 identified, the central unit 130 evaluates the path between the current position of the vehicle 1 that emitted the signal and the identified location, then the central unit 130 transmits the coordinates of the location 12 closest to the vehicle 1 to the driver via the communication system 140.

[0066] Alternatively, if the central unit 130 detects a multitude of available locations 12 in the mapped area 10 and the driver informs the central unit 130 of their final destination, the central unit 130 can be configured to evaluate the route between the position of the final destination and the identified parking space 12, and this for each of the identified available spaces 12, then the central unit 130 transmits to the driver the positioning coordinates of the space 12 closest to the final destination via the communication system 140.

[0067] Optionally, the central unit 130 can inform the user of the system 100 whether there are specific regulations related to the parking space. In particular, the central unit 130 can inform the user whether the identified space 12 is free or paid parking and / or whether there is a time limit for parking and / or whether a blue disc (or any other accessory) is required to use this parking space. It can also indicate whether the parking space 12 is reserved for a certain type of vehicle, for example, whether it is a parking space 12 specifically reserved for electric vehicles for charging, or whether it is a parking space 12 usable only for delivery purposes, or whether the parking space 12 is private.

Claims

Demands

1. System (100) for assisting in locating at least one parking space (12) in a mapped area (10) for parking a motor vehicle (1) circulating in said mapped area (10), the system (100) being characterized in that it comprises: - a geolocation system (110) configured to locate the position of said motor vehicle (1) in the mapped area (10), and in particular on a map (50) of the mapped area (10); - at least one data acquisition means (120) configured to collect data, in particular in real time, on the parking spaces (12) in the mapped area (10); - a central unit (130) configured to process the collected data in order to determine the number and / or location of one or more free parking spaces (12) in the mapped area (10);- a communication system (140) configured to transmit information between the central unit (130), at least one data acquisition means (120) and the motor vehicle (1).

2. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one data acquisition means (120) comprises at least one sensor system (121) integrated into another vehicle present in the mapped area (10), and preferably a set of sensor systems (121) integrated into a plurality of vehicles present in the mapped area (10).

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central unit (130) is configured to update the data concerning the locations (12) from the data collected by at least one data acquisition means (120) and / or configured to inform, in particular in real time, the processed data to a user of the system (100) via the communication system (140).

4. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central unit (130) has access to a map (50) which lists all the parking locations (12) in the mapped area (10).

5. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central unit (130) is configured to synthesize a graphic object representing the locations (12) available on the map (50) of the mapped area (10) and in that the communication system (140) is configured to transfer this map (50) to a driver of a motor vehicle (1) traveling in the mapped area (10).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one data acquisition means (120) comprises a drone (125) configured to fly over the mapped area (10) along a predefined trajectory, the drone (125) being equipped with two image acquisition means (127) configured to acquire images of parking locations (12) in the mapped area (10).

7. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two image acquisition means (127) of the drone (125) of the data acquisition means are oriented towards the ground.

8. A method for locating at least one parking space (12) in a mapped area (10) from a system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - the system (100) receives a signal from a driver of a vehicle (1) travelling in a mapped area (10), the signal indicating that the driver is looking for a space (12) to park his vehicle (1); - the geolocation system (110) locates the position of said vehicle (1) in the mapped area (10); - by means of the data acquisition means (120), the central unit (130) retrieves the acquired data, in particular in real time, on the parking spaces (12) in the mapped area (10); - the central unit (130) identifies at least one parking space (12) from the data and determines the state of the parking space (12);- if the state of a location (12) located by the central unit (130) is determined to be occupied or unavailable, the central unit (130) continues its search; - if the location (12) identified is determined to be free, the central unit (130) identifies the position of this location (12) in the mapped area (10); - the central unit (130) transmits the positioning coordinates of the free location (12) to the driver of the vehicle (1) via the communication system (140).

9. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional step in the case where the central unit (130) identifies a multitude of available locations (12) in the mapped area (10): - for each of the available locations (12) identified, the central unit (130) evaluates the path between the current position of the vehicle (1) that emitted the signal and the identified location (12), - then the central unit (130) transmits the coordinates of the location (12) closest to the vehicle (1) to the driver via the communication system (140).

10. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional step in the case where the central unit (130) identifies a multitude of available locations (12) in the mapped area (10): - the driver of the vehicle (1) informs the central unit (130) of his final destination; - for each of the available locations (12) identified, the central unit (130) evaluates the route between the position of the final destination and the identified parking location (12), - then the central unit (130) transmits to the driver of the vehicle (1) the coordinates of the location (12) closest to the final destination via the communication system (140).

Images