Method and system for controlling geographic space occupancy using software applications

Abstract

To provide a device and method.SOLUTION: There is provided a device and method for controlling occupation of a geographic space. The method comprises the steps of: specifying an object for executing an action regarding a vehicle and related to occupation of a space regarding the vehicle via a software application; transmitting a target request to the object for executing the action; receiving notification that the space is occupied by the object in response to transmission of the target request; and determining that the action is completed at a point of time when the vehicle arrives at the space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to controlling the occupancy of geographic space within an environment, and more specifically to enabling the reservation and occupancy of geographic space through the use of software applications that interconnect multiple users and multiple devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, devices and systems have utilized one or more external devices, such as motion sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, and the like, to identify the availability of various geographic spaces (e.g., parking spots) for potential occupancy by vehicles. Specifically, these devices may be configured to detect, for example, using one or more motion sensors, when a particular vehicle approaches or exits a parking space, thereby determining when a particular parking spot is occupied or vacant. However, traditional devices and systems do not enable users to connect with other users for the purpose of enabling occupancy of the geographic space.

[0003] Therefore, a need exists for a system that allows connections between users to facilitate the occupation of geographic space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an apparatus (device) operating in cooperation with a software application to facilitate occupancy of a geographic space is provided. The device includes a processor operating in cooperation with the software application. The processor is configured, via the software application, to identify an object to perform an action with respect to the vehicle, the action being related to occupying a space with respect to the vehicle, to send a targeting request to the object to perform the action, to receive a notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the targeting request, and to determine that the action has been completed upon arrival at the space.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for facilitating occupancy of a geographic space is provided, the method including identifying, via a software application, an object to perform an action with respect to a vehicle, the action being related to occupying a space with respect to the vehicle, further associating the action with occupying the space with the vehicle, sending a targeting request to the object to perform the action, receiving notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the targeting request, and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

[0006] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0007] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is designated with like reference numerals and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary operating environment for facilitating occupancy of geographic space, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates non-limiting components of the vehicles and devices of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart enumerating steps for enabling connections between one or more devices and / or one or more users to facilitate occupancy of a geographic space, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates a simplified example of an operation in which a user initiates communication with multiple connected users to perform a particular action, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates an example operation in which a user sends a target request to another user, who then performs an action and sends a response notification to the user, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic example of an operation in which a user initiates communication with multiple other connected users to perform another action, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B illustrates an example operation in which a user sends another targeted request to another user, who then performs an action and sends a response notification to the user, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As described above, conventional devices and systems utilize one or more external devices to determine the availability of a parking space. Specifically, these devices and systems may use, for example, one or more motion sensors, proximity sensors, etc., to detect when a particular vehicle approaches or exits a parking space, thereby determining whether a particular parking spot is occupied or vacant. However, conventional devices and systems do not allow a user to connect with other users or request a user to perform one or more actions with respect to a particular vehicle to facilitate occupancy of geographic space.

[0010] The methods and devices described in this disclosure address and overcome these shortcomings. Specifically, these methods and devices facilitate the occupation of geographic space by connecting users via software applications accessible through each user's device and by enabling users to request various tasks from other users via the software applications, such as, for example, reserving parking spaces, moving the user's vehicle from one location to another, identifying store hours, and the like. In embodiments, a particular user may access the software applications described in this disclosure, communicate a target request to perform an action (e.g., with respect to the user's vehicle), receive notification that the action has been performed, and determine that the action is complete upon arrival at a geographic space or location, such as a parking spot.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary operating environment for facilitating occupancy of geographic space, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0012] 1 illustrates users 100, 104, each of which may be associated with a respective device 102, 106. In embodiments, devices 102, 106 may be smartphones configured to communicate various types of data with each other and with a server 114 over a communications network 112. In embodiments, devices 102, 106 may also be laptops, smartphones, desktops, and the like. In some embodiments, users 100, 104 may also be associated with vehicles 116, 118, e.g., may be the owners of vehicles 116, 118.

[0013] In some embodiments, user 100 may access a software application via device 102, for example, by selecting an icon associated with the software application and output on the display of device 102. In embodiments, user 100 may select a particular action to be performed, such as reserving a parking spot at a particular location for a particular time slot, moving vehicle 116, determining the exact operating hours of a store or business, and / or the like. Other actions are also contemplated. User 100 may send a message via communications network 112 to multiple other users' devices associated with the software application. The message may include a task that user 100 wants performed. In embodiments, the message may be a broadcast signal transmitted to multiple users within a geographic area, such as a vicinity of a predetermined location where one or more actions may need to be performed.

[0014] The user 100 may then identify and select a particular user to perform an action via the software application. In embodiments, the user 100 may select the user 104 to perform an action, such as reserving a parking spot in a parking lot for a particular time. The user 100 may send a target request 108 to the device 106 of the user 104 to perform the action of reserving the parking spot. In response to the target request 108, the user 104 may drive the vehicle 118 to the particular parking spot at the location specified by the user 100 in the target request 108 and communicate a response 110 via the device 106 to the device 102 of the user 100. The response may appear as a notification output in real time on the display of the device 102. Based on the notification, the software application may automatically and without user intervention determine that the action of reserving the parking spot for the vehicle 116 has been completed. In embodiments, in return for receiving the notification, the user 100 may process and send a payment of a certain amount from the device 102 to the device 106.

[0015] Additionally, other types of actions may include requesting an attendant near where user 100 parked vehicle 116 to move vehicle 116 to another location, including, for example, having the user move to a store location, requesting one or more users to provide information regarding store hours, identifying the store hours, and communicating the hours from device 106 to device 102 via communications network 112. As noted above, various other types of actions are also contemplated. In this manner, the systems described in this disclosure may enable one or more users, utilizing their respective devices, to connect and communicate with other users' devices to perform various actions, such as, for example, controlling the occupancy of a geographic space, moving a vehicle from one location to another, and / or the like.

[0016] Additionally, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the software applications described above may be accessible via a processor contained within a vehicle, such as vehicles 116, 118. The types and operation of components contained within vehicles 116, 118 and devices 102, 106 are described in detail in FIG.

[0017] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates non-limiting components of the vehicles and devices of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0018] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 include processors 202 and 222. The mobile device system 200 may be included in the devices 102 and 106, and the vehicle system 220 may be included in the vehicles 116 and 118. The processors 202 and 222 may be any device capable of executing machine-readable and executable instructions. Thus, the processors 202 and 222 may be a controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The processors 202 and 222 may be coupled to communication paths 204 and 224, respectively, that provide signal interconnectivity between various modules of the systems 200 and 220. Thus, the communication paths 204 and 224 may communicatively couple any number of processors (e.g., equivalent to the processors 202 and 222) to each other and may enable the modules coupled to the communication paths 204 and 224 to operate in a distributed computing environment. Specifically, each module may operate as a node that may transmit and / or receive data. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that the coupled components may exchange data signals with each other, such as, for example, electrical signals over conductive media, electromagnetic signals over air, optical signals over optical waveguides, and the like.

[0019] Thus, the communication paths 204, 224 may be formed from any medium capable of transmitting signals, such as, for example, conductive wires, conductive traces, optical waveguides, or the like. In some embodiments, the communication paths 204 may facilitate the transmission of wireless signals, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), and the like. Moreover, the communication paths 204, 224 may be formed from a combination of media capable of transmitting signals. In one embodiment, the communication paths 204, 224 include a combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to enable the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Thus, the communication paths 204, 224 may include, for example, vehicle buses, such as LIN buses, CAN buses, VAN buses, and the like. Additionally, it should be noted that the term "signal" refers to a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic) that can travel through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, vibration, and the like.

[0020] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 also include one or more memory modules 206, 226 coupled to the communication paths 204, 224, respectively. The one or more memory modules 206, 226 may include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any device capable of storing machine-readable and executable instructions such that the machine-readable and executable instructions can be accessed by the processors 202, 222. The machine-readable and executable instructions may include one or more algorithms or logic written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL), such as, for example, a machine language that can be executed directly by the processors 202, 222, or that can be compiled or assembled into machine-readable and executable instructions and stored on the one or more memory modules 206, 226. Alternatively, the machine-readable and executable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via a field programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any of their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware components, or as a combination of hardware and software components. In some embodiments, one or more memory modules 206, 226 may store data regarding status and operating condition information associated with one or more vehicle components, such as, for example, brakes, airbags, cruise control, electric power steering, battery status, and the like.

[0021] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 may include one or more sensors 208, 228. Each of the one or more sensors 208, 228 is coupled to the communication paths 204, 224 and communicatively coupled to the processors 202, 222. The one or more sensors 208 may include one or more motion sensors for detecting and measuring vehicle movement and changes in movement. The motion sensors may include an inertial measurement unit. Each of the one or more motion sensors may include one or more accelerometers and one or more gyroscopes. Each of the one or more motion sensors converts sensed physical movement of the vehicle into a signal indicative of the vehicle's orientation, rotation, velocity, or acceleration.

[0022] 2 , mobile device system 200 and vehicle system 220 optionally include satellite antennas 210, 230 coupled to communication paths 204, 224 such that communication paths 204, 224 communicatively couple satellite antennas 210, 230 to other modules of vehicle system 220. Satellite antennas 210, 230 are configured to receive signals from Global Positioning System satellites. Specifically, in one embodiment, satellite antennas 210, 230 include one or more conductive elements that interact with electromagnetic signals transmitted by Global Positioning System satellites. The received signals are converted by processors 202, 222 into data signals indicative of the position of satellite antennas 210, 230 or the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of objects located near satellite antennas 210, 230.

[0023] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 may include network interface hardware 212, 234 for communicatively coupling the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 to the server 114, for example, via the communication network 112. The network interface hardware 212, 234 is coupled to the communication path 204, 224 such that the communication path 204 communicatively couples the network interface hardware 212, 234 to other modules of the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220. The network interface hardware 212, 234 may be any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data over a wireless network, such as the communication network 112. Accordingly, the network interface hardware 212, 234 may include a communication transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving data according to any wireless communication standard. For example, the network interface hardware 212, 234 may include a chipset (e.g., antenna, processor, machine-readable instructions, etc.) for communicating over a wireless computer network, such as, for example, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), WiMax, Bluetooth, IrDA, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, or the like. In some embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 includes a Bluetooth transceiver that enables the mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 to exchange information with the server 114 via Bluetooth.

[0024] The network interface hardware 212, 234 may utilize various communication protocols to establish connections between multiple mobile devices and / or vehicles. For example, in embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 may utilize a communication protocol that enables communication between vehicles and various other devices, such as vehicle-to-thing (V2X) communication. Additionally, in other embodiments, the network interface hardware 212, 234 may utilize a communication protocol that is specific to short-range communications (DSRC). Compatibility with other equivalent communication protocols is also contemplated.

[0025] It should be noted that communication protocols include multiple layers, as defined by the Open Systems Interconnection Model (OSI model), which defines communication protocols as having multiple layers, such as an application layer, a presentation layer, a session layer, a transport layer, a network layer, a data link layer, and a physical layer. To function correctly, each communication protocol includes a top-layer protocol and one or more bottom-layer protocols. Examples of top-layer protocols (e.g., application layer protocols) include HTTP, HTTP2 (SPDY), and HTTP3 (QUIC), which are suitable for transmitting and exchanging data in a common format. Application layer protocols such as RTP and RTCP may be suitable for various real-time communications, such as telephony and messaging. In addition, SSH and SFTP may be suitable for maintenance and inspection, MQTT and AMQP may be suitable for status notifications and wake-up triggers, and MPEG-DASH / HLS may be suitable for live video streaming with user end systems. Examples of transport layer protocols that may be selected by the various application layer protocols mentioned above include, for example, TCP, QUIC / SPDY, SCTP, DCCP, UDP, and RUDP.

[0026] The mobile device system 200 and the vehicle system 220 include cameras 214, 232. The cameras 214, 232 may have any resolution. In some embodiments, one or more optical components, such as a mirror, a fisheye lens, or any other type of lens, may be optically coupled to the cameras 214, 232. In embodiments, the cameras may have wide-angle capabilities that may capture digital content within an arc range of 150 degrees to 180 degrees. Alternatively, the cameras 214, 232 may have narrow-angle capabilities that may capture digital content within a narrower arc range, such as within an arc range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees. In embodiments, one or more cameras may be capable of capturing high-resolution images, such as 720-pixel resolution, 1080-pixel resolution, and the like.

[0027] In embodiments, mobile device system 200 may include a display 216 for providing visual output. Display 216 may output images and / or live video streams of various types of data. Display 216 is coupled to communication path 204. Thus, communication path 204 communicatively couples display 216 to other modules of mobile device system 200, including, but not limited to, processor 202 and / or one or more memory modules 206.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart enumerating steps for enabling connections between one or more devices and / or one or more users to facilitate occupancy of a geographic space, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0029] In an embodiment, in block 310, the processor 202, which may be included in the user's device, may identify an object (e.g., another user) to perform an action relative to the vehicle via a software application. The action may relate to occupying space relative to the vehicle. In an embodiment, the devices described in this disclosure may include smartphones, laptops, and the like. Using the device, users may download software applications (e.g., via an application store) and create their own user accounts, which may include various details about the user, such as, for example, name, location, preferences, and the like.

[0030] In embodiments, as described above, a user may access the software application via their respective user device, for example, by selecting an icon displayed on the display of the user device. In embodiments, the user may then select a particular action to be performed (e.g., reserving a parking space, moving their vehicle, determining store hours, etc.) and may further broadcast a message to multiple other users who have registered with the software application. In embodiments, the broadcast message may be communicated by the user to multiple users via communications network 112, for example, via TCP / IP, UDP, or other communications protocols. The broadcast message may describe the action the user wants to perform.

[0031] In some embodiments, a user who communicates a broadcast message may then receive a list of multiple other users who may potentially perform an action. For example, the list of users may include registered users within a predetermined vicinity of the location where the action needs to be performed, registered users within a predetermined vicinity of the user who sent the broadcast message, etc. In embodiments, the user who sent the broadcast message may identify and select a particular registered user (e.g., an object) to perform an action, such as reserving a parking space, moving their vehicle, determining store hours, etc. Identification may include the user selecting an icon adjacent to the registered user whose information is output on the display of the user device. Note that the object may also be a vehicle, a device, and / or the like, and communication may occur automatically and without user intervention between two or more devices. Additionally, in embodiments, identification and selection of registered users and / or registered devices may be performed automatically and without user intervention by other devices.

[0032] In embodiments, in block 320, a user may transmit a target request to an object that performs an action via a device associated with the user. For example, a particular user may determine a particular registered user that is suitable to perform a particular action. In embodiments, if a user wants to reserve a parking spot in a parking lot adjacent to their business, the user may determine that a registered user located within a predetermined distance (e.g., within a few miles) of the business is suitable to perform this action and may thereby transmit a target request to this user via communications network 112. In embodiments, a software application may automatically and without user intervention transmit the target request to a registered user that may be suitable to perform the action. In some embodiments, the identification and selection of a user and the transmission of the target request to this user may be performed using a combination of one or more artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. In embodiments, the particular registered user that receives the target request may accept the request to perform the action and may further communicate the acceptance in the form of a message transmitted via communications network 112. The registered user may perform the action. For example, if the action relates to reserving a geographic space (e.g., a parking spot), the registered user may drive their vehicle to the parking lot, park their vehicle in the parking lot, and send notification that the action has been completed in the form of a message from their device to the requesting user's device via communications network 112.

[0033] In some embodiments, device 102, via a software application, may automatically and without user intervention send targeted requests to a user based on the user's status or designation stored within the software application, such as, for example, a status or designation of "preferred user." In some embodiments, a particular user may be determined as a preferred user (e.g., status or designation) by processor 202 based on a score calculated in association with the user. In embodiments, the score may be calculated based on analyzing various factors, such as, for example, historical data related to past interactions with the preferred user, positive and / or negative feedback associated with the preferred user (which the software application may store and track, for example, as a satisfaction score), the distance between the preferred user and the location where the action is performed, the consistency with which the preferred user completes the action, and the like. Note that in embodiments, a particular preferred user may be matched more frequently with a particular user based on the score associated with the preferred user.

[0034] In embodiments, at block 330, the action-requesting user may receive a notification that the geographic space (e.g., a parking spot) has been occupied by an object (e.g., another user) in response to submitting the target request. For example, the notification may be output in real time on a display of a device associated with the requesting user. In embodiments, the notification may be manually initiated and sent by a registered user, or may be sent automatically and without user intervention by the user.

[0035] In embodiments, in block 340, processor 202, which may be included in the device of the action-requesting user, may determine that the action is complete when the device arrives in the geographic space. For example, in embodiments, processor 202 may automatically, and without user intervention, determine that the action is complete when the user's device is located within a predetermined vicinity of a parking spot. For example, in embodiments, the user's device may include a camera that captures one or more images of the geographic space when it arrives within a predetermined vicinity of the geographic space. Processor 202 may then analyze the captured image or images to determine whether the action is complete, such as whether the particular geographic space is occupied by the user to whom the target request was sent. In embodiments, processor 202 may analyze the captured images and extract data associated with the user (e.g., facial recognition) and the user's vehicle (e.g., license plate information), and may confirm that the user to whom the target request was sent is the user occupying the geographic space. In this manner, in embodiments, the status of the geographic space may be determined by analyzing the captured images.

[0036] Additionally, in other embodiments, an action-requesting user may send a request to another user to determine status information associated with a location, such as, for example, a mall, grocery store, gas station, etc. In response, the user may receive updates from the other user's device, which may capture one or more images of the location, such as, for example, the mall, grocery store, gas station, etc. In embodiments, these images may be analyzed to determine status information associated with the location, such as, for example, hours of operation, availability of parking spots in a parking lot, and the like. Additionally, in embodiments, these images may be analyzed to determine the total number of people in the location and generate an occupancy status associated with the location, such as, for example, "busy," "not busy," and the like. Such status may be transmitted as a message to the action-requesting user.

[0037] In embodiments, in response to completing an action, a payment processing operation may be performed automatically and without user intervention so that payment may be made to the user who performed the action.

[0038] 4A schematically illustrates an example operation in which a user initiates communication with multiple registered users to perform a particular action, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A , user 100 may access a software application of the present disclosure from device 102 associated with user 100. In addition, user 100 may transmit a broadcast signal to multiple other users, such as users 104, 404, and 410. Each of these users may be associated with devices 106, 402, and 408. Furthermore, users 104, 404, and 410 may also be associated with vehicles 118, 406, and 412, respectively. As described above, the broadcast signal may be transmitted by user 100 to each of the multiple users via communication network 112 using any of a variety of communication protocols, such as TCP / IP, UDP, etc. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the broadcast signal may be transmitted by the device 102 automatically and without user intervention, at the time the user 100 selects an action they wish to perform, such as reserving a parking spot, among other things.

[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates an example operation in which a user sends a target request to another user, who then performs an action and sends a response notification to the user, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0040] For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , when user 100 may determine that user 404 is suitable to reserve a parking spot at a particular location, user 100 may transmit a target request 414 to device 402 associated with user 404. Specifically, in embodiments, user 100 may determine that user 404 is closest to the parking lot, that user 404 is a preferred user for user 100, and the like. Various other factors may be utilized to identify and select a particular user to perform the action. In some embodiments, target request 414 may include various types of data, such as, for example, the name of the action requester, the time frame in which the action should be performed, the location in which the action should be performed, and a payment amount associated with the action. In some embodiments, user 404 may display and confirm that the requested conditions are acceptable to user 404, and a confirmation message may be transmitted from device 402 to device 102 via communications network 112.

[0041] 4B , user 404 may drive a vehicle 406 (e.g., an additional vehicle) associated with user 404 to parking spot 418 within a specific time frame, such as by 12:30 PM EST on Monday. Additionally, in embodiments, user 404 may park vehicle 406 in the parking spot for a predetermined time frame and may send a notification (e.g., response 416) from device 402 to device 102 via communications network 112. In some embodiments, once user 404 has parked vehicle 406, device 402 may send a message (e.g., response 416) to device 102 automatically and without user intervention. For example, device 402 may access a software application and locate user 404 and vehicle 406 (e.g., using GPS) and may determine that an action has been performed based on the location determination.

[0042] 5A schematically illustrates an example of a user initiating communication with multiple other registered or connected users to perform different actions, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A , user 100 may access a software application of the present disclosure from device 102. User 100 may then transmit a broadcast signal to multiple other users, such as users 104, 504, and 508, each of which may be associated with devices 106, 502, and 506. The broadcast signal may be transmitted by user 100 to each of multiple users 104, 504, and 508 over communications network 112 using any of a variety of communications protocols, such as TCP / IP, UDP, and the like. Note that in some embodiments, the broadcast signal may be transmitted automatically and without user intervention by device 102 upon user 100 selecting an action to be performed, such as, among other things, requesting that the user perform an action, such as moving vehicle 116 to a specific location.

[0043] FIG. 5B illustrates an example operation in which a user sends another targeted request to another user, who then performs an action and sends a response notification to the user, according to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 5B , when user 100 may determine that user 504 (e.g., an additional object) is suitable to move vehicle 116 to a particular location, such as from a location associated with user 100 (e.g., a first location) to a different location (e.g., a second location), user 100 may transmit a goal request to device 502 associated with user 504. Specifically, in embodiments, user 100 may determine that user 504 is closest to the location where user 100 was located, such as across the street or a few blocks from user 100's location. In some embodiments, the goal request (e.g., an additional goal request) may include various types of data, such as, for example, the name of the requester of the action (e.g., the additional action), the time frame in which the action should be performed, the location in which the action should be performed, and a payment amount associated with the action. In some embodiments, the user 504 may display and confirm that the requirements are acceptable to the user 504, and a confirmation message may be sent from the device 502 to the device 102 via the communications network 112.

[0045] 5B, the user 504 may then drive to the location where the user 100 is located and may drive the vehicle 116 to a specific location (parking spot 512) within a predetermined time. In some embodiments, once the user 504 parks the vehicle 116, the device 502 may automatically and without user intervention send a message to the device 102 over the communications network 112. For example, the device 502 may access a software application that may determine the location of the user 504 and the vehicle 116 (e.g., using GPS coordinates) and may further send a message to the device 102.

[0046] It should be appreciated that embodiments described herein relate to a method for controlling occupancy of a geographic space via a software application, including identifying, via the software application, an object to perform an action with respect to a vehicle, the action being related to occupying a space with respect to the vehicle, sending a target request to the object to perform the action, receiving notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the target request, and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural, including "at least one," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is also understood that as used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" or "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or ingredients, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, regions, integers, steps, operations, components, ingredients, and / or groups thereof. The term "or combinations thereof" means combinations including at least one of the aforementioned elements.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may be used herein to express the inherent degree of uncertainty that may result in any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other expression. These terms are also used herein to express the extent to which a quantitative expression may vary from the stated standard without resulting in a change in the basic functionality of the subject matter at issue.

[0049] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, those aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present disclosure includes the following aspects. Example 1. 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor operating in cooperation with the software application, the processor comprising: identifying, via the software application, an object to perform an action with respect to the vehicle, the action being related to occupying space with respect to the vehicle; sending a target request to the object to perform the action; receiving a notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the target request; determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space; The device being configured. Example 2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to send an additional target request to an additional object to perform an additional action, the additional action being related to identifying data related to operating hours associated with the location. Example 3. 10. The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the processor is configured to process payment for the object in response to determining that the action is completed in real time. Example 4. 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the notification that the space is occupied includes a message indicating that a parking spot has been reserved by the object for the vehicle. Example 5. 10. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the object is an additional vehicle different from the vehicle. Example 6. 10. The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the processor is further configured to identify, via the software application, an additional object that causes the vehicle to move from a first location to a second location. Example 7. 1. A method comprising: Identifying, via a software application, an object to perform an action with respect to the vehicle, the action being related to occupying space with respect to the vehicle; sending a target request to the object to perform the action; receiving notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the target request; and determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space. Example 8. 8. The method of Example 7, further comprising sending an additional targeted request to an additional object to perform an additional action, the additional action being related to identifying data related to operating hours associated with the location. Example 9. 8. The method of Example 7, further comprising: processing payment for the object in response to determining that the action is completed in real time. Example 10. 8. The method of example 7, wherein the notification that the space is occupied includes a message indicating that a parking spot for the vehicle has been reserved by the object. Example 11. 8. The method of example 7, wherein the object is an additional vehicle different from the vehicle. Example 12. 8. The method of Example 7, further comprising identifying, via the software application, an additional object that will cause the vehicle to move from a first location to a second location. Example 13. analyzing historical data associated with one or more interactions of the object; calculating a score specific to the object based on the analysis; and and determining a status of the object based on the score. Example 14. 1. A method comprising: Identifying, via a software application, an object for which status information associated with a location is to be determined; sending a target request to the object to determine the status information; receiving a notification regarding the status information associated with the location. Example 15. acquiring one or more images of the location by a component associated with the object; analyzing the one or more images with respect to the location; 15. The method of example 14, further comprising: determining an occupancy level associated with the location based on the analysis. Example 16. 16. The method of example 15, further comprising determining operating hours associated with the location based on the analysis.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: a processor operating in cooperation with the software application, the processor comprising: and identifying, via the software application, with user intervention or automatically, an object to perform an action with respect to the vehicle, the action being related to occupying space with respect to the vehicle. sending a target request to the object to perform the action; It is composed of the goal request is for the object to drive a vehicle associated with the object to a particular parking spot at a location specified in the goal request; the target request includes a time period during which the object will occupy the particular parking spot with a vehicle associated with the object; The processor further comprises: receiving notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the target request; determining that the action is complete upon arrival at the space; sending another target request to move the vehicle to the particular parking spot to an attendant located near the vehicle and different from the object; It is composed of The particular parking spot is occupied by the object for the vehicle using a vehicle associated with the object.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to send an additional target request to an additional object to perform an additional action, the additional action being related to identifying data related to operating hours associated with the location.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to process payment for the object in response to determining that the action is completed in real time.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the notification that the space is occupied comprises a message indicating that a parking spot has been reserved by the object for the vehicle.

5. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured, via the software application, to identify an additional object that performs an additional action to move the vehicle from a first location to a second location before the vehicle moves to the specific parking spot, the first location and the second location being different locations from the specific parking spot.

6. 1. A method comprising: Identifying, via a software application, an object with user intervention or automatically, that performs an action with respect to the vehicle related to occupying space with respect to the vehicle; sending a target request to the object to perform the action; the goal request is for the object to drive a vehicle associated with the object to a particular parking spot at a location specified in the goal request; the target request includes a time period during which the object will occupy the particular parking spot with a vehicle associated with the object; moreover, receiving notification that the space has been occupied by the object in response to sending the target request; determining that the action is complete upon reaching the space; and sending another target request to move the vehicle to the particular parking spot to an attendant located near the vehicle and different from the object; Including, The particular parking spot is occupied by the object for the vehicle using a vehicle associated with the object.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising sending an additional targeted request to an additional object to perform an additional action, the additional action being related to identifying data related to operating hours associated with the location.

8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising processing payment for the object in response to determining that the action is completed in real time.

9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the notification that the space is occupied comprises a message announcing that a parking spot for the vehicle has been reserved by the object.

10. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising identifying, via the software application, an additional object that performs an additional action to move the vehicle from a first location to a second location before the vehicle moves to the specific parking spot, the first location and the second location being different locations from the specific parking spot.

11. analyzing historical data associated with one or more interactions of the object; calculating a score specific to the object based on the analysis; and and determining a status of the object based on the score.

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