Management system for parking spaces and method

Abstract

A management system 10 for at least one parking space 11a, 11b for parking a vehicle 14 comprises at least one parking meter 13 with detection device 16 for detecting signals 22 transmitted by the par

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a management system for parking spaces according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method, a vehicle, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Dense urban areas are increasingly transitioning from free to paid street parking. This transition has several benefits. Most notably, it generates revenue for the municipality. It also increases parking availability by increasing vehicle turnover. Lastly, it can divert traffic to less congested areas, particularly if the congestion pricing is dynamic and advertised.

[0003] The objective of this invention is to create a management system for parking spaces and a method for overseeing vehicles in the parking spaces, conducting periodic checks thereof, and improving management, capacity management and organization.

[0004] This objective is accomplished by a management system for parking spaces with the features of claim 1 and through a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be derived from the figures and from the description as well as from the dependent claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a (parking) management system for at least one parking space for parking a vehicle, comprising at least one parking meter, that may comprise a first detection device for detecting the parked vehicle in the parking space and comprises a second detection device for detecting signals transmitted by the parked vehicle, wherein the respective signals build up an incremental value, and the value is transmittable to the vehicle in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle upon leaving the parking space. In other words, it is intended that the optional first detection device will detect the parked vehicle in the parking space, and the second detection device will detect signals transmitted wirelessly by the parked vehicle, eliminating the need for physical connections such as cables. This allows for flexible and easy installation as well as smooth operation. This may be used to detect the presence of a vehicle, to secure a communication channel, and authorize each other's identity.

[0006] It is therefore also possible to apply this management system to the payment of parking fees, thus making street parking more convenient for drivers. Drivers must spend time paying the parking meter directly or through one of the many possible mobile applications. Drivers must estimate their parking time accurately or extend their session when time runs out. This problem is further exacerbated by multiple short trips to different locations. And finally, the absence of an automatic payment process prevents driverless (i.e., autonomous) vehicles from parking in paid spots.

[0007] Therefore, this invention provides a management system and method for wirelessly paying parking fees directly from the vehicle. This means that the driver does not have to exit the vehicle to walk to the parking meter and then pay cash. Instead, they can conveniently remain seated in the vehicle and accept the payment using their mobile phone or another mobile device with internet access or wireless communication to the management system. By accepting the incremental value corresponding to the time parked, they accept the payment I commit to paying and can then simply drive away. The exact payment process depends on the service provider of the management system. The management comprises at least one parking meter with the detection device or is the detection device. The payment itself can then also be fully automated, for example, if the required data and authorizations are known and provided.

[0008] The vehicle and parking meter (detection device) can communicate with each other via a local wireless connection. This wireless communication may be used to detect the presence of a vehicle and authorize its identity. They may use WiFi, Bluetooth, V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure), V2X (vehicle-to-everything), or similar communication protocols. They also can authenticate each other to establish a secure communication channel. This process may mirror the ISO 15118 standard for establishing a secure connection between electric vehicles and charging stations, here the second detection device. Specifically, public key certificates are exchanged to establish a secure TLS connection.

[0009] The vehicle may pass on its user’s payment information to automatically pay the parking meter (second detection device). The payment information is exchanged on the secure wireless communication channel. In the typical implementation, the user’s payment accounts (e.g. credit cards) are linked to their vehicle account. The user can sign into their vehicle account from their vehicle’s infotainment device. Thus, the vehicle can pass on this payment information.

[0010] In this context, for example, the incremental value may be considered as a parking duration that can be acknowledged by the driver, and the driver confirms this time by transmitting confirmation information in exchange. This confirmation information may, for instance, be a confirmation of the amount of money billed for this time. The driver may confirm this invoice, they may also confirm it by making a payment, they may confirm it by accepting a charge, they may confirm it later and leave an acceptance message beforehand. In other implementations of the invention, it is possible for the driver to simply confirm the parking fee rate, for example, if no time limit is specified. In another implementation, the management system is given permission to automatically accept the parking fee rate for the time parked (up to a preset limit).

[0011] This procedure may apply similarly to processes for users to automatically pay for electric vehicle charging stations by simply plugging in their vehicles. Thus, this invention differs because it depends on wireless, not wired, connections. Furthermore, it depends on connections to parking meters, not charging stations. While this invention focuses on street parking meters but could also apply to parking lots and pay stations at gated parking garages / lots.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the signals are transmitted at a predetermined interval. This interval allows for better management of times; for example, a signal can be transmitted and received every 5 minutes, alternatively, longer intervals can be used for reduced signal transmission or shorter intervals for more accurate time tracking, thereby improving the precision of activities such as paying for parking time

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the first detection device is designed as an optical detection device for optically detecting the vehicles. This allows vehicles to be easily detected, for example, by their license plate or vehicle identification number, enabling straightforward detection without the need for complex systems. As a result, this management system can be easily implemented anywhere.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the exchange is wireless, utilizing a secure communication channel, where a node of the vehicle and a second node of the second detection device authenticate each other, e.g. by exchanging public key certificates. Furthermore communication protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, V21 (vehicle-to-infrastructure), V2X (vehicle-to-everything), or similar may be used. Payment systems can also be conducted through well-known secure wireless methods, including credit card readers with wireless capabilities, PayPal, online payments, invoice acceptance for later payment, and so on.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to another management system for a parking lot for parking vehicles, comprising at least one station with a first detection device for detecting a parked vehicle in an area of the parking lot, and with another second detection device for detecting signals transmitted by the at least one parked vehicle, wherein the respective signals build up an incremental value, and the value is transmittable to the vehicle in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle upon leaving the area of the parking lot.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that an entry barrier and / or an exit barrier of a parking lot comprising the at least one parking space for the at least one vehicle may be activated depending on whether the exchange has been carried out or not. Thus, for example, in the case of non-payment, a barrier may be activated. Alternatively, only a notice indicating that payment may be effected immediately or later may be issued. Furthermore, an entry barrier can be provided, which, upon detecting a vehicle that has already given the authorizations for wireless payment or if these are known, will open when the vehicle arrives.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one electronic computing device for providing the signals for transmission of these signals as well as for transmitting confirmation information regarding the acceptance of an incremental value to a management system according the first aspect.

[0018] The following implementations may expand upon this management system in the following ways, wherein the management system is capable of detecting all signals sent by vehicles:

[0019] The vehicle may only broadcast over this wireless communication channel when it determines that it is prudent. For example, it may only broadcast when the vehicle entered into the parking space, or when its onboard perception system detects that it is parked somewhere besides the user’s typical locations (e.g. home, work, etc.), or when the onboard perception system detects a possible parking scenario (e.g. meters, spots, signs, etc.), or when the vehicle arrives at its destination, or when requested by the user. Selective broadcasts improve data privacy and security.

[0020] The vehicle may determine the direction and range of nearby detection devices of different management systems or of the same management system (parking meters). This may be based on data transmitted by parking meter’s signal (e.g. global locations or transmission timestamps), inherent properties of the perceived signals (e.g. phase shifts), or associations with onboard perception systems (e.g. parking meters detected in camera images).

[0021] The vehicle may establish associations between parking spots and their corresponding parking meters. This may be based on data transmitted by the parking meter (e.g. global coordinates of their corresponding spots) or based on onboard perception (e.g. parking spots and meters detected in camera images).

[0022] The vehicle may check that its global pose is consistent with the information gathered about nearby parking spots and parking meters. This can help to confirm that the parking meter is correct and authentic before effecting payment.

[0023] The vehicle may be selective about the direction of its transmitted signal. It may accomplish this via beamforming techniques or the selective activation of onboard transmitters.

[0024] The vehicle may pass on parking meter information and choices to its infotainment unit or the user’s mobile device. The user’s mobile device may be connected to the vehicle via another wireless communication network. Alternatively, it may connect via global wireless networks and the vehicle’s mobile application or account.

[0025] The management system (or the parking meter) may report whether its spot is occupied. The vehicle may reserve a spot as it begins the payment process. The vehicle may report when it has left the spot.

[0026] The management system (or the parking meter) may report possible parking durations and the vehicle may choose accordingly.

[0027] All choices may be based on (possibly user-selected) defaults. Alternatively, the vehicle may pass this information and choice to the user (e.g. via infotainment or mobile device interfaces).

[0028] The vehicle may automatically pay to extend its parking duration if it detects that this is necessary. This extension may be automatic or based on user confirmation (e.g. via infotainment or mobile device interfaces).

[0029] The management system (or the parking meter) may report its current payment rates to the vehicle.

[0030] The management system (or the parking meter) may report the time remaining for other vehicles.

[0031] The management system (or the parking meter) share information about other meters in its vicinity or network. This may be a local wired or wireless network. Alternatively, the meters may be connected to a global network or online database.

[0032] Vehicles may use the provided information to determine the optimal parking spot. For example, a vehicle could use a multivariate optimization algorithm to determine the spot with the minimal combination of distance and cost. Vehicles may present this information to a user. Automated vehicles may autonomously select, drive to, and park at the optimal spot.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for receiving confirmation information from a vehicle departing from a previously used parking space, by a management system, wherein initially signals transmitted by the at least one parked vehicle during parking are detected by a detection device and the signals are built up to an incremental value, and the value is transmitted to the vehicle in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle for accepting the value.

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0035] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0036] The drawing shows in:

[0037] Fig. 1 a parking management system according to the invention; and

[0038] Fig. 2 an alternative parking management system according to the invention.

[0039] In the figure the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0041] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0042] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0043] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates the components of a possible configuration of a management system 10 designed for overseeing two parking spaces 11 a, 11 b next to a street 11 designated for vehicle 14 parking. One vehicle 14 is parked on the parking space 11b. The management system 10 includes a parking meter 13 equipped with two detection devices: a first detection device 15 responsible for identifying the presence of the parked vehicle 14 within the parking space 11a, and a second detection device 16 designed to capture signals 22 emitted by the parked vehicle 14. These signals 22 contribute to the increment of an incremental value, representing the duration of the vehicle's stay in the parking space 11a. Upon exiting the parking space 11a, the vehicle 14 transmits confirmation information wirelessly using a wireless communication device 17 and / or mobile device, accepting the transfer of the incremental value to the vehicle 14. By accepting this, a commitment to payment is acknowledged, which is then provided via a wireless platform.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows an alternative parking management system 10. The vehicle 14 is currently exiting a parking lot 12 onto a street 11. The vehicle’s 14 path as it exits the parking lot 12 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0046] At its core is the parking lot 12 with different parking areas 12a -12d, designated for vehicle 14 parking. Within this parking lot 12, multiple parking areas 12a - 12d are positioned. Each parking area 12a -12d is equipped with a detection device 15 (optical detection devices such as camera systems) to identify the parked vehicle and a detection device 16 to identify sent signals 22 by the vehicles 14. These detection devices 15, 16 may transmit those signals 22 or some information about those signals 22 to the central management system 10, responsible for coordinating all parking areas 12a - 12d of the parking lot 12.

[0047] The management system 10 receives signals 22 from the detection devices 12, 16 and is capable of processing payments and sending notifications to vehicles 14 or corresponding drivers.

[0048] The vehicles 14 entering the parking lot 12 are equipped with electronic computing devices 14a to transmit signals 22 and confirmation information to the detection devices 16. This information is transmitted via a wireless communication channel 18 between the vehicles 14 and the detection devices 16 of the management system 10.

[0049] Accordingly, the management system 10 is implemented to include detection devices 16 for detecting signals 22 transmitted by electronic computing devices 14a of at least one parked vehicle 14, wherein the respective signals 22 build up an incremental value. This value can be transmitted to the vehicle 14 in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle upon leaving the area of the parking areas 12a -12d. For example, an exit barrier 20 for the at least one vehicle 14 may be activated depending on whether the exchange has been carried out or not.

[0050] In particular, the management system 10 is intended to provide a payment system for parking usage. After a predetermined time, represented by the signals 22 at intervals and thus by the incremental value, a price can be calculated, which can be paid wirelessly by the user or driver of the vehicles 14.

[0051] This Fig. 2 description illustrates the components and their interactions within the parking management system 10. List of reference signs: management system street parking space parking lot parking areas parking meter vehicle electronic computing device detection device detection device mobile device channel exit barrier signals

Claims

1. Management system (10) for at least one parking space (11a, 11 b) for parking a vehicle (14), comprising at least one parking meter (13) with a detection device (16) for detecting signals (22) transmitted by the parked vehicle (14), wherein the respective signals (22) build up an incremental value, and the value is transmittable to the vehicle (14) in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle (14) upon leaving the parking space (11a, 11b).

2. Management system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in thatanother detection device (15) for detecting the parked vehicle (14) in the parking space (11a, 11b) is arranged.

3. Management system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe signals (22) are transmitted at a predetermined interval.

4. Management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatan entry barrier and / or an exit barrier (20) of a parking lot comprising the at least one parking space (11a, 11b) for the at least one vehicle (14) may be activated depending on whether the exchange has been carried out or not.

5. Management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first detection device (15) is designed as an optical detection device (16) for optically detecting the vehicles (14).

6. Management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe exchange is wireless, utilizing a secure communication channel, where a node of the vehicle and a second node of the second detection device authenticate each other.

7. Vehicle (14) with at least one electronic computing device (14a) for providing signals (22) and for transmission of these signals (22) as well as for transmitting confirmation information regarding the acceptance of an incremental value to a management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6.

8. Method for receiving confirmation information from a vehicle (14) departing from a previously used parking space (11a, 11b), by a management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein initially signals (22) transmitted by the at least one parked vehicle (14) during parking are detected by a detection device (16) and the signals (22) are built up to an incremental value, and the value is transmitted to the vehicle (14) in exchange for confirmation information transmitted by the vehicle (14) for accepting the value.

9. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 8.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 9.

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