Methods, computer program products, parking assistance systems, and parking devices
The method optimizes parking facility usage by adjusting handover times based on usage parameters and thresholds, addressing congestion and energy inefficiency in parking assistance systems, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing parking assistance systems face limitations in managing vehicle traffic within parking facilities, leading to congestion, energy inefficiency, and increased waiting times due to uneven distribution of vehicle handover and retrieval times.
A method and system that optimizes parking facility usage by determining alternative handover times based on usage parameters and thresholds, ensuring that the expected usage remains below a specified threshold to prevent congestion, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving traffic flow.
The proposed method and system enhance the efficiency of parking facility operations by evenly distributing vehicle handovers, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing the risk of collisions, while providing users with optimized delivery times that improve the overall user experience.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a computer program product, a parking assistance system, and a parking facility for operating a parking assistance system.
Summary of the Invention
[0002] Vehicles with an automatic parking function are known, and these are particularly configured for automatic parking of a vehicle in a suitable parking facility or in a suitable parking space. Such systems are, for example, called automatic valet parking systems. A distinction is made between these two types. In the first type, the vehicle controls itself, and for example, the parking facility has a suitable function for orienting the vehicle, such as an ARUCO code. In the second type, the vehicle is remotely controllable, and for example, the parking facility has sensors and route planning means for controlling the vehicle. There may be various intermediate stages between these two types, and the functions are distributed differently between the vehicle and the parking facility in these various intermediate stages.
[0003] The advantage of such a parking assistance system is that the user of the corresponding vehicle does not need to drive the vehicle to the parking space himself / herself. For example, the vehicle can be placed at the entrance of a parking facility or a parking lot, and then the vehicle autonomously drives to the parking space or is remotely operated. This is convenient for the user and saves the user's time. Even when retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle autonomously drives to the exit in response to a request or is remotely operated, so the user does not need to look for the vehicle in the first place, which can be a problem in a large parking lot or a large parking facility.
[0004] DE 10 2017 222 658 A1 discloses a method for supporting driverless driving of an automobile in a parking facility having multiple parking spaces, wherein the occupancy status of parking spaces is monitored, and based on this information, a parking space for an individual vehicle is determined. Then, a route to the parking space is determined, and the vehicle is remotely guided to the determined parking space.
[0005] However, there is a limit to the capacity of parking lots or parking facilities; in particular, there is a limit to the number of vehicles that can move in a parking lot or parking facility at the same time. If too many vehicles are moving in a parking lot or parking facility at the same time, they can block each other, causing congestion. Congestion is uneconomical because vehicles in congestion consume energy without any benefit. Furthermore, traffic congestion can result in unexpected waiting times for users to get out of or retrieve their vehicles, which can make such systems unacceptable and frustrate users.
[0006] Against this backdrop, the objective of the present invention is to improve the operation of the parking assistance system.
[0007] According to the first aspect, a method for operating a parking assistance system for a parking facility is proposed. The parking facility provides multiple parking spaces for autonomously driving vehicles in a predetermined area and includes a handover area for handing over a vehicle from a user to the parking assistance system, or vice versa. The method includes the following steps: The company receives requests from vehicle users regarding the use of parking facilities at specific time intervals, and these requests must include at least the handover time. Based on multiple usage parameters, determine the first expected use of the parking facilities at the time of handover. Comparing the first expected usage to be determined with a specific usage threshold, An alternative delivery time is determined in accordance with that comparison, and the alternative delivery time is determined such that the second expected use at the alternative delivery time is lower than the first expected use and / or below the usage threshold, and Send a message to the user including an alternative delivery time.
[0008] This parking assistance system has the advantage of making parking facility use more uniform overall, as it proposes appropriate alternative handover times to users of the parking facilities, which they can then accept. It can also be said that the use of the parking assistance system and parking facilities is optimized through user cooperation. The requirements for this are the determination of the expected usage in handover and alternative handover times as accurately as possible, and the determination of usage thresholds. By balancing overall usage, the average speed of vehicles in a given area increases, and traffic congestion in that area can be avoided in particular. This has the advantage of reducing the energy consumption of vehicles for movement within or through a given area. Furthermore, this is advantageous because a decrease in traffic density in a given area reduces the risk of collisions.
[0009] Parking facilities operated using a parking assistance system include, for example, a designated area comprising a parking lot or parking facilities. The designated area includes multiple parking spaces for autonomously driven vehicles and additionally multiple parking spaces for manually controlled vehicles. When the designated area provides parking spaces for both autonomously controlled and manually controlled vehicles, this may also be referred to as mixed operation.
[0010] With respect to autonomously controlled vehicles, a handover area is provided where the user hands over the vehicle to a parking assistance system or receives the vehicle from it. The fact that the user hands over the vehicle to the parking assistance system or receives the vehicle from it is understood that the user is handing over control of the vehicle to the parking assistance system or a driver assistance system configured to autonomously control the vehicle in a parking facility, or that the user is taking over control of the vehicle again. Thus, the autonomous control process begins and ends in the handover area. The handover area may include multiple handover locations. A handover location is, for example, a parking space where the vehicle is parked for the purpose of handover. This has the advantage that the user is not subjected to time pressure when handing over the vehicle, and can, for example, take personal belongings out of the vehicle before handing it over. On the other hand, when retrieving the vehicle, the user can position themselves in the vehicle, for example, put children in child seats, load purchased goods, and / or plan a route, and the user can do so as long as the vehicle is at a handover location. In the case of multiple handover locations, multiple vehicles can be handed over in parallel accordingly, so that no single vehicle interferes with the operation of the parking assist system or blocks the parking facilities.
[0011] Autonomously controlled vehicles may have their own autonomous control systems, and / or the vehicles may be remotely controlled by a parking assist system. Their own autonomous control systems provide the vehicle with appropriate sensor systems for environmental detection, such as ultrasonic, camera, radar, and lidar, as well as route planning tools and control units for controlling the vehicle along a planned trajectory. In the case of remotely controlled vehicles, the vehicle has at least a control unit that controls the vehicle according to remote control commands from the parking assist system. In this case, the parking assist system uses external sensors to detect the vehicle's position and location and plans its path based on this, so the vehicle's own sensor system for environmental detection is not required.
[0012] A request to use a parking facility at a specific time interval includes at least one handover time, which may be either a drop-off time or a pick-up time. The request may optionally include both drop-off and pick-up times, and / or include both the drop-off time and the planned parking period. Furthermore, the request may include additional information such as the vehicle type and / or technical configuration, urgency, and information regarding the reservation of services related to the vehicle to be performed during the parking period. For example, urgency may be a statement indicating the importance to the user of handing over or picking up the vehicle at a particular time. Urgency can be determined by the user themselves and / or can be automatically determined based on scheduling items such as a doctor's appointment.
[0013] The request is received, for example, via a communication network, particularly a wireless data network such as WLAN or a mobile network. In particular, the request can be sent over the Internet.
[0014] A specific time interval is determined, in particular, by the delivery time. For example, a specific time interval includes a delivery time with some buffer before and after the delivery time.
[0015] Based on the handover time, the first expected use of the parking facility at the handover time or at specified time intervals is determined according to several usage parameters. These usage parameters include, for example, experience, the number of vehicles already reserved, known limits on the handover time, and other similar factors. Usage can be determined differently with respect to vehicle handover and vehicle retrieval. For example, usage can be determined as a percentage. However, usage can also be determined by several different values that influence various characteristics of usage and characterize the overall usage. Alternatively or additionally, the use of different areas of the parking facility can be determined separately, for example, the use of the handover area, the use of the provided parking spaces, and the use of lanes.
[0016] The first expected usage determined in this manner is compared to a specific usage threshold. The usage threshold can be a value that is characteristic of each parking facility. The usage threshold may be a predetermined fixed value, or it may be determined based on specific information about the parking facility and / or the vehicles using the parking facility or the vehicles located in a given area. In particular, when the usage threshold is determined based on specific information, it is expected that exceeding the usage threshold will cause a sharp deterioration in traffic flow at the parking facility. For example, the average speed of vehicles at the parking facility will decrease disproportionately compared to the increase in usage. This can lead to the formation of traffic congestion in a given area.
[0017] If usage is defined by multiple values, each of these values may have its own usage threshold. Furthermore, usage thresholds can be related to and / or influence each other by various values.
[0018] The first expected usage to be determined is compared to a specific usage threshold. In this case, for example, the comparison result is determined. This comparison result can be specified here in binary form, meaning that it is determined whether the usage is above or below the threshold (optionally, if the usage is equal to the threshold, it can be assigned to one of the two options). Alternatively or additionally, the magnitude of the difference between the expected usage and the threshold can be determined as the comparison result.
[0019] The alternative delivery time is determined based on the comparison or the comparison result. If the first expected usage determined exceeds a specific usage threshold, the alternative delivery time is determined. If the first expected usage determined falls below the specific usage threshold, but is, for example, within a predetermined variation interval, the alternative delivery time is also preferably determined. In the embodiment, if the first expected usage determined falls significantly below the specific usage threshold, the determination of the alternative delivery time can be omitted.
[0020] If usage is determined by multiple values, it may suffice if one of those values is above a usage threshold specified with respect to that value or within a corresponding predetermined variation interval. The alternative delivery time is determined such that the second expected usage at the alternative delivery time is lower than the first expected usage. Particularly preferably, the alternative delivery time is determined such that the second expected usage is below the usage threshold. It should be noted that it is also possible to determine several alternative delivery times that satisfy these criteria. If the user's request additionally includes a statement indicating that the user is willing to accept an alternative delivery time before or after the desired delivery time, the alternative delivery time can be determined according to this statement.
[0021] It should be noted that the alternative delivery time can include not only an exact time but also a time interval. For example, the alternative delivery time could be the period between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning, if the second expected use falls below the usage threshold during this period.
[0022] An alternative pick-up time is sent to the user via message. The user can then accept the alternative pick-up time, which, for example, balances the use of parking facilities. If the user does not accept the alternative pick-up time, for example, because it is inconvenient for them, they may be provided with an indication of the expected waiting time, due to the parking facility usage exceeding the usage threshold during the pick-up time selected by the user.
[0023] If multiple alternative delivery times are determined, all of them can be sent to the user via message, for example, in the form of a list. This gives the user the opportunity to choose the alternative delivery time that best suits their needs.
[0024] Overall, the proposed method enables the equal distribution of the use of parking facilities, including users, and in particular, it enables avoiding the use exceeding the usage threshold. Thus, the operation of parking facilities is overall improved by the parking assistance system, which advantageously brings about a reduction in energy consumption and an improved user experience. The proposed method can achieve energy savings and has the technical effect of improving traffic flow by promoting the as-equal-as-possible use of parking facilities, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the method, it includes the following: Determine an expected handover period, which is an expected period for handing over a vehicle from a user to a parking assistance system or vice versa at the handover time according to a first expected usage, and the message additionally includes the determined expected handover period.
[0026] The expected handover time can also be called the expected waiting time.
[0027] According to a further embodiment of the method, it includes the following: Determine an alternative expected handover period, which is an expected period for handing over a vehicle from a user to a parking assistance system or vice versa at a determined alternative handover time according to a determined second expected usage, and the message additionally includes the determined alternative expected handover period.
[0028] According to a further embodiment of the method, it includes the following: Determine the difference between the determined expected handover period and the determined alternative expected handover period, and the message additionally includes the determined difference or includes only the alternative handover time and the determined difference.
[0029] In the embodiments, for example, the expected delivery period at the delivery time, the expected delivery period at the alternative delivery time, and the difference between them are determined. The message to the user includes the alternative delivery time and the determined difference, or the message includes the alternative delivery time, the determined delivery period, and the determined difference, or the message includes the alternative delivery time, the determined alternative delivery period, and the determined difference. These embodiments differ, in particular, in the information included in the message to the user.
[0030] According to a further embodiment of the method, the utilization parameters for determining the expected use of the parking facility include: the expected number of vehicles that will use the parking facility and / or travel through a given area in an hourly interval or a partial hourly interval; and / or at least one further received request for use of the parking facility by another user; and / or information regarding the type and / or configuration of further vehicles that will use the parking facility and / or travel through a given area in an hourly interval; and / or time slots for handover; and / or weather forecasts related to a particular period; and / or public or private events planned within the given period; and / or services reserved by other users of the parking facility within an hourly interval; and / or learned statistics regarding utilization.
[0031] Expected usage can be estimated with great accuracy based on the aforementioned usage parameters.
[0032] The expected number of vehicles using the parking facilities and / or moving through a designated area during a given time interval or partial interval is one of the most important utilization parameters in this case, because that number ultimately determines the traffic density in the designated area and therefore has a significant impact on the risk of traffic congestion.
[0033] Further information regarding the type and / or technical configuration of the vehicle can be determined, for example, based on the chassis number or vehicle identification number. This information may be received by the vehicle, for example, in connection with a request from a user of the vehicle. The type and / or technical configuration of the vehicle can affect how quickly the vehicle can move within a given area, especially when it is operating in a confined space. For example, the maximum steering angle, minimum turning radius, presence of rear-wheel steering, and existing sensor systems can play a role here.
[0034] Depending on the location of parking facilities, weather forecasts can influence expected traffic volume. In bad weather, city traffic, and consequently the demand for parking spaces, may increase. Conversely, in recreational areas, increased traffic can be expected if the weather is favorable.
[0035] Planned events such as sporting events and cultural events can also lead to increased demand for parking spaces. The specified period used as a basis here may be before the handover time, after the handover time, or include the handover time.
[0036] The parking facility may provide certain services performed while a vehicle is parked, such as vehicle cleaning, general inspection, exhaust gas testing, repairs, and wheel replacement. The use of these services increases the utilization of the parking facility because the vehicle must travel through a designated area to reach the location where the services are being provided.
[0037] According to a further embodiment of the method, the utilization threshold is dynamically determined according to parameters defined by the infrastructure of the parking facility, according to the type and / or technical configuration of at least one other vehicle that uses the parking facility and / or is located in a given area during a time interval, and / or according to the current and / or limitations of the parking facility planned for a given period.
[0038] This is advantageous because the usage threshold is not strictly fixed but can be determined dynamically. Parameters determined by the parking facility infrastructure include, for example, lane width, dimensions of parking spaces, the degree to which a given area is "angled," and the number of existing handover locations. Current restrictions and / or restrictions planned for a given period of the parking facility include, for example, planned construction or repair work in the given area, immobile vehicles, etc.
[0039] For example, dynamically determining the usage threshold is understood to mean that it is determined each time a request is received, and / or that it is determined periodically, such as daily, hourly, or minutely, and / or that it is re-determined in a way that is driven by events, such as when a new event is scheduled, when the weather forecast changes, or when congestion is detected in a given area.
[0040] According to a further embodiment of the method, the usage threshold corresponds to the use of a parking facility where the average speed of vehicles using the parking facility and / or moving through a predetermined area is lower than a predetermined speed.
[0041] Alternatively, the utilization threshold may be determined in relation to the average duration of the parking operation.
[0042] To determine the usage thresholds described above, the infrastructure can perform simulations for specific parking facilities. These simulations, for example, simulate traffic flow in the presence of different types of vehicles and vehicles with different technical configurations at different traffic densities.
[0043] According to a further embodiment of the method, a request for the use of parking facilities includes at least one drop-off time and parking period or drop-off time and retrieval time.
[0044] According to a further embodiment of the method, a request for use of parking facilities includes information regarding the type of vehicle and / or information regarding the technical configuration of the vehicle.
[0045] This information includes, for example, a list of vehicle chassis numbers and / or configuration codes.
[0046] According to a further embodiment of the method, it includes: In response to sending a message to the user, a new request is received from the user, and this new request includes a different delivery time than the first request.
[0047] These different delivery times correspond, in particular, to the alternative delivery time that will be determined.
[0048] According to the second aspect, the proposed computer program product includes a command which, when the program is executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect.
[0049] Computer program products, such as computer program means, may be provided or transmitted, for example, as storage media such as memory cards, USB memory sticks, CD-ROMs, or DVDs, or in the form of files downloadable from a server on a network. This may be done, for example, by transmitting a corresponding file containing the computer program product or computer program means over a wireless communication network.
[0050] According to a third embodiment, a parking assistance system for a parking facility is proposed. The parking facility provides a plurality of parking spaces for autonomously driving vehicles in a predetermined area and includes a handover area for handing over a vehicle from the user to the parking assistance system or vice versa. The parking assistance system includes: A receiving unit for receiving requests from vehicle users regarding the use of parking facilities at specific time intervals, wherein the request includes at least one handover time, A decision unit for determining the first expected use of the parking facility at the time of handover, based on multiple usage parameters. A comparison unit for comparing a first expected usage to a specified usage threshold, A comparison unit, wherein the decision unit is further configured to determine an alternative travel time in accordance with its comparison, and the alternative travel time is determined such that the second expected use in the alternative travel time is lower than the first expected use and / or below an use threshold, and A sending unit for sending a message to a user that includes alternative travel time.
[0051] This parking assistance system has the same advantages as those described in the first embodiment. The embodiments and features described in accordance with the first embodiment of the proposed method are also applicable to the proposed parking assistance system as appropriate. The parking assistance system preferably operates in conjunction with parking equipment and the method of the first embodiment.
[0052] Each unit of the parking assistance system may be implemented in hardware and / or software. In hardware implementation, each unit may take the form of, for example, a computer or microprocessor. In software implementation, each unit may take the form of a computer program product, function, routine, algorithm, part of program code, or executable object.
[0053] According to the fourth aspect, a parking facility is provided which provides a plurality of parking spaces for autonomously driving vehicles in a predetermined area and includes a handover area for handing over a vehicle from a user to a parking assistance system or vice versa, wherein the parking assistance system is designed according to the third aspect.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the parking equipment, the parking assistance system is designed as a Type 2 valet parking assistance system and comprises a plurality of sensor units positioned in a given area to detect vehicles present in that area and to output respective sensor signals. The parking assistance system comprises a control unit configured for remote control of the vehicles based on the sensor signals output by the sensor units.
[0055] In this case, the term "Type 2 valet parking assistance system" is understood to mean that the parking assistance system comprises a sensor system and route planning means deployed in the infrastructure and is configured to remotely control vehicles within a given area. Type 2 valet parking systems are advantageous because the vehicles using them do not need to have any complex sensor technology or control logic, and only need to be configured to be remotely operated.
[0056] Sensor units include, for example, cameras, LiDAR, radar, etc.
[0057] According to a further embodiment of the parking equipment, the parking assistance system is designed as a Type 1 valet parking assistance system and comprises a plurality of optically detectable and clearly distinguishable markers positioned in a given area, which can be used by a vehicle autonomously controlled for positioning while autonomously driving within the given area.
[0058] In this case, the term "Type 1 valet parking assistance system" is understood to mean that the parking assistance system itself does not include any sensor system, or at least does not include a sensor system sufficient to safely remotely control the vehicle, but the vehicle has a corresponding sensor system and automatically moves through a designated area based on optical markers. For example, the optical markers include ARUCO codes.
[0059] In an embodiment of the parking facility, the parking assistance system is designed simultaneously as both a Type 2 valet parking assistance system and a Type 1 valet parking assistance system.
[0060] This means the parking assist system possesses features of both a Type 2 valet parking assist system and a Type 1 valet parking assist system. Furthermore, this parking assist system can be used by both remotely operated vehicles that lack their complex proprietary sensor systems and control logic, and autonomous vehicles that possess appropriate sensor systems and control logic for autonomously controlled driving based on optical features.
[0061] According to the fifth aspect, a method for operating a parking assistance system for a parking facility is proposed. The parking facility provides multiple parking spaces for autonomously driving vehicles in a predetermined area and includes a handover area for handing over a vehicle from a user to the parking assistance system or vice versa. The method includes the following steps: The system receives requests from vehicle users regarding the use of parking facilities at specific time intervals, and each request includes at least one drop-off time. Based on multiple usage parameters, the first expected use of the parking facilities at the time of handover is determined. Determine the expected delivery period, which is the estimated period during which the vehicle is handed over from the user to the parking assistance system or vice versa at the time of delivery, depending on the first expected use determined, and Send a message to the user including the expected delivery period.
[0062] This has the advantage of informing the user of the expected delivery period at the desired delivery time. The user can then, for example, propose an alternative delivery time themselves, or request an alternative delivery time from the parking assistance system. The parking assistance system may be configured to determine the alternative delivery time, for example, as described based on the first embodiment. Embodiments and features of the proposed method described according to the first embodiment are also applicable to the proposed method according to the fourth embodiment as appropriate.
[0063] Further possible embodiments of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described or described above or below with respect to exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. Those skilled in the art will, in this case as well, add individual embodiments as improvements or additions to each basic form of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0064] Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the invention are subject to the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be described in more detail below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a parking facility with a parking assistance system and its user. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a further schematic diagram of a parking facility equipped with a low-utilization parking assistance system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the parking facilities in Figure 2 with high utilization. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic example of an alternative delivery time. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a parking assistance system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0065] Unless otherwise specified, identical or functionally identical elements in the drawings are given the same reference numeral.
[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the parking assistance system 100 for user 300 and parking equipment 101. The parking assistance system 100 includes, for example, a computing unit, which is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3. The parking equipment 101 comprises a predetermined area 110 (see Figure 2 or 3) containing a plurality of parking spaces 120 (see Figure 2 or 3) and a handover area 130 (see Figure 2 or 3). The parking assistance system 100 is a Type 1 and / or Type 2 valet parking assistance system configured for use by autonomous vehicles or remotely operated vehicles. The parking assistance system 100 can be configured for mixed operation in which both autonomous and / or remotely operated vehicles and manually operated vehicles use the parking equipment 101 simultaneously.
[0067] User 300 wishes to use the parking facility 101 at certain time intervals. For this purpose, User 300 submits a corresponding Request REQ to the parking assistance system 100. In this example, User 300 uses a mobile device 301, such as a smartphone, for this purpose. The receiving unit 102 of the parking assistance system 100 (see Figure 2 or 3) can be integrated into the processing unit and receives the Request REQ. For example, the Request REQ is transmitted via a mobile radio network. The Request REQ includes at least one desired handover time at which User 300 wishes to get out of or retrieve their vehicle. If the Request REQ includes a handover time, this preferably additionally includes a planned parking period or retrieval time. The specific time interval is determined in particular by the handover time. For example, the specific time interval includes the handover time, along with buffers before and after the handover time. The buffers include, for example, the period necessary to control the vehicle from the handover area 130 to the parking space 120 or vice versa. Parking space 120 can be determined here so that the trajectory that the vehicle must move can also be determined, which greatly affects the duration.
[0068] The decision unit 104 of the parking assistance system 100 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3) uses the handover time as the basis for determining the first expected use of the parking facility 101 at the handover time, and the decision unit can be integrated into a calculation unit. This is done based on usage parameters, which are particularly time-dependent. The usage parameters include the expected number of vehicles that will use the parking facility 101 and / or move through a designated area 110 in a time interval or a partial interval of a time interval; and / or at least one further received request for use of the parking facility 101 by other users; and / or information regarding the type and / or configuration of further vehicles that will use the parking facility 101 and / or move through a designated area 110 in a time interval; and / or time zone of the handover time; and / or weather forecast related to a particular period; and / or public or private events planned within a given period; and / or services reserved by other users of the parking facility 101 within a time interval; and / or learned statistics regarding usage.
[0069] The decision unit 104 may be additionally configured to determine a specific utilization threshold for the parking facility 101 at a given time interval. This is done, for example, by parameters determined by the infrastructure of the parking facility 101, such as lane width and parking space size, depending on the type and / or technical configuration of at least one other vehicle using the parking facility 101 and / or located in a given area 110 at the time interval to be determined, and / or depending on current restrictions and / or planned restrictions for the parking facility 101 over a given period. The utilization threshold can also be said to be determined dynamically. Alternatively, a specific utilization threshold can be fixed.
[0070] A comparison unit 106 of the parking assistance system 100 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3) is configured to compare a first expected usage to a specified usage threshold, and this comparison unit can be integrated into the calculation unit 101. The comparison result can be defined here in binary format, i.e., it is determined whether the usage is above or below the threshold (if the usage is equal to the threshold, it can optionally be assigned to one of two options). Alternatively or additionally, the magnitude of the difference between the expected usage and the threshold can be determined as the comparison result.
[0071] The decision unit 104 is also configured to determine the alternative delivery time in accordance with the comparison. If the first expected use to be determined exceeds a specific use threshold, the alternative delivery time is determined. If the first expected use to be determined falls below a specific use threshold, but is within a predetermined variation interval, for example, with respect to it, the alternative delivery time is also preferably determined.
[0072] The alternative delivery time is determined such that the second expected use at the alternative delivery time is lower than the first expected use. Particularly preferably, the alternative delivery time is determined such that the second expected use is below or equal to the use threshold.
[0073] The alternative handover time determined in this manner is sent to user 300 by message MSG. Figure 4 shows an example of user 300's mobile device 301, which outputs the corresponding message to user 300 on a display device along with the alternative handover time. In this example, user 300 sent a request REQ to get out of the vehicle at 8:00 AM (drop-off time) and to retrieve the vehicle at 4:00 PM (retrieval time). The drop-off time and retrieve time represent the handover time, respectively. During these times, the parking facility 101 is subjected to increased usage in each case, which is reflected in the expected increased waiting time. The expected waiting time is shown after the corresponding handover time in each case. It is 10 minutes at 8:00 AM and 15 minutes at 4:00 PM. Therefore, the parking assistance system 100 determines the alternative handover time and the corresponding expected waiting time and sends them to user 300 using message MSG. In this example, an alternative drop-off time was determined to be 8:30 AM, with only a 2-minute wait expected. Two alternative periods were determined for the pick-up time. The first alternative period, from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, is expected to have a 5-minute wait, and the second alternative period, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, is expected to have a 2-minute wait. In response to this message MSG, user 300 may select one of the alternative pick-up times for drop-off and / or pick-up time, and / or request a different pick-up time, and / or insist on the original pick-up time, in which case user 300 must expect the respective increased wait time at pick-up.
[0074] The representation of alternative delivery times and / or corresponding waiting times may be favorably highlighted with color. For example, shorter waiting times may be shown in green, and longer waiting times in red. This makes it easier for user 300 to register the potential benefits of changing the delivery time.
[0075] It should be noted that Figure 4 represents only an advantageous embodiment. In particular, it is not necessary to determine absolute waiting times and send them using messages. Advantageously, time savings when choosing an alternative delivery time instead of the desired delivery time, and / or a qualitative indication of the expected waiting time ("long," "medium," "short"), may be determined and sent using messages (for example, "8 minutes" when changing from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM).
[0076] Figure 2 shows a further schematic diagram of the parking assistance system 100 when the parking facility 101 is under low utilization, and Figure 3 shows the same parking assistance system 100 when the parking facility 101 is under high utilization or overload.
[0077] The parking assistance system 100 includes a calculation unit 101 which includes a receiving unit 102, a decision unit 104, a comparison unit 106, and a transmission unit 108. These are configured as described above with reference to Figure 1. The parking facility 101 includes a predetermined area 110, which includes a parking space 120 and a handover area 130. In this example, the handover area 130 of the parking facility 101 is divided into a drop-off area and a retrieval area. Each of these areas has four respective handover positions 132 (indicated as "A"). The handover position 132 is, for example, a parking space where the vehicle 202 is parked for handover. This has the advantage that the user 300 (see Figure 1) can retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle 202 before handing it over, without feeling time pressure when handing it over. On the other hand, when retrieving vehicle 202, user 300 can make adjustments to the vehicle, such as securing a child in a child seat, loading shopping, and / or executing a route plan, and can do so as long as vehicle 202 is at the handover location 132. In this case, there is enough space left on the side of the handover location 132 so that further vehicles 201 can pass and the parking facility 101 is not blocked.
[0078] As an example, seven vehicles 201-203 are shown. In the illustrated situation, two vehicles 201 are in motion; one is about to enter parking facility 101, and the other is about to leave parking facility 101. One vehicle 202 is located at the handover position 132, and user 300 hands over vehicle 202 to the parking assistance system 100. Four vehicles 203 are parked in their respective parking spaces in parking facility 101.
[0079] The situation shown in Figure 2 corresponds to low utilization of the parking facility 101. This does not affect the operation of the parking facility 101, and additional vehicles may be present in all areas of the parking facility 101. "All areas" include, for example, the drop-off and pick-up area 132, the parking space 120, and the lanes passing through the designated area 110. In other words, additional vehicle 201 may be currently in transit, additional vehicle 202 may be currently being handed over, and additional vehicle 203 may be parked.
[0080] Vehicles 201, 202, 203, and 204 (see Figure 3) are, for example, passenger cars, emergency vehicles, trucks, etc. Each vehicle 202 handed over to the parking assistance system 100 by a user 300 is an autonomously driven vehicle, and the autonomously driven vehicle has multiple sensor units installed to detect the vehicle's driving state and the vehicle's environment. Examples of such sensor units on a vehicle are image acquisition devices such as cameras, radar (radio wave detection and ranging) or lidar (light detection and ranging), ultrasonic sensors, position sensors, wheel angle sensors and / or wheel speed sensors. Each sensor unit is configured to output a sensor signal, which is output to a driver assistance system that performs semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving based on the detected sensor signal. Alternatively or additionally, vehicle 202 may be configured to be remotely controlled by the parking assistance system 100, if the parking assistance system 100 is configured accordingly (Type 2 valet parking assistance system).
[0081] The situation shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the extremely high utilization of the parking facility 101, where almost all parking spaces 120 are occupied. As a result, more vehicles 201 are moving within the designated area 110, partially blocking each other in the process, causing traffic congestion, and almost all handover positions 132 are occupied by vehicles 202. Furthermore, several additional vehicles 204 are already lined up in front of the entrance to the parking facility 101.
[0082] The expected use of the parking facility 101 at a given time interval can be estimated based on usage parameters. These usage parameters are particularly time-dependent, allowing for the determination of different expected usage rates for different periods. For example, some usage parameters are periodic, where the period can be a day (time period), a week (day of the week), or a year. Other usage parameters are event-dependent, with examples including holidays, vacations, and scheduled events.
[0083] To avoid situations like the one shown in Figure 3 as much as possible, as described above with reference to Figures 1 and 4, an alternative delivery time can be offered to the user, particularly when the expected usage at the desired delivery time exceeds a certain usage threshold.
[0084] Furthermore, the usage threshold can be variable with respect to time. In particular, the usage threshold may depend on limitations on the parking facility 101 due to planned construction measures and / or repairs. Separate usage thresholds can be determined for each area of the parking facility 101 (e.g., the drop-off and pick-up area 132, the parking spaces 120, and the lanes passing through the designated area 110), and the expected usage for each of these areas can also be determined separately. In particular, each expected usage is compared with the corresponding usage threshold.
[0085] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a parking assistance system 100 for a parking facility 101, for example, the parking assistance system 100 is from one of Figures 1 to 3, and the parking facility is shown in Figure 2. In a first step S1, a request REQ (see Figure 1) for the use of the parking facility 101 is received at a time interval from a user 300 of a vehicle 202 (see Figure 2 or Figure 3), and the request REQ includes at least one handover time. In a second step S2, a first expected use of the parking facility 101 is determined at the handover time, depending on several use parameters. In a third step S3, the determined first estimated use is compared with a specific use threshold. In a fourth step S4, an alternative handover time is determined in accordance with the comparison, and the alternative handover time is determined such that the second expected use at the alternative handover time is lower than the first expected use and / or is lower than or equal to a specified use threshold. In the fifth step S5, a message MSG (see Figure 1) containing the alternative delivery time is sent to user 300.
[0086] The present invention has been described based on exemplary embodiments, but can be modified in a variety of ways.
[0087] List of reference symbols 100 Parking Assist System 101 Parking facilities 102 Receiving Unit 104 Decision Unit 106 comparison units 108 Transmitter Unit 110 Designated area 120 parking spaces 130 Delivery Area 132 Handover location 201 vehicles 202 vehicles 203 vehicles 204 vehicles 300 users 301 Mobile Devices MSG Message REQ Request S1 Method Step S2 Method Steps S3 Method Steps S4 Method Steps S5 Method Steps
Claims
1. A method for operating a parking assistance system (100) for a parking facility (101), wherein the parking facility (101) provides a plurality of parking spaces (120) for an autonomously driving vehicle (202) in a predetermined area (110), and includes a handover area (130) for handing over the vehicle (202) from a user (300) to the parking assistance system (100) or vice versa. Step (S1) the parking assistance system (100) receives a request (REF) from the user (300) of the vehicle (202) regarding the use of the parking equipment (101) at specific time intervals, wherein the request (REF) includes at least one handover time. The parking assistance system (100) includes the step (S2) of determining a first expected usage state of the parking facility (101) at the handover time according to a plurality of usage parameters, The parking assistance system (100) includes the step (S3) of comparing the first expected usage state that is determined with a specific usage threshold, The parking assistance system (100) includes the step (S4) of determining an alternative handover time in accordance with the comparison, wherein the alternative handover time is determined such that a second expected usage state at the alternative handover time is lower than the first expected usage state and / or is lower than or equal to the specific usage threshold. The parking assistance system (100) sends a message (MSG) including the alternative handover time to the user (300) (S5), Includes, Depending on the parameters determined by the infrastructure of the parking facility (101), depending on the type and / or technical configuration of at least one other vehicle (201-203) that uses the parking facility (101) and / or is located in the predetermined area (110) during the particular time interval, and / or depending on the limitations of the parking facility (101) planned for a predetermined period and / or current limitations, the usage threshold is dynamically determined. The method for determining the usage threshold corresponds to the use of the parking facility (101) when the average speed of vehicles (201-203) using the parking facility (101) and / or moving through the predetermined area (110) is lower than a predetermined speed.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the parking assistance system (100) determines an expected handover period, the expected handover period being the expected period for handing over the vehicle (202) from the user (300) to the parking assistance system (100) or vice versa at the handover time corresponding to the first expected usage state determined, and the message (MSG) additionally includes the expected handover period determined.
3. The method according to 2, wherein the parking assistance system (100) determines an expected alternative handover period, the expected alternative handover period being the expected period for handing over the vehicle (202) from the user (300) to the parking assistance system (100) or vice versa at the determined alternative handover time corresponding to the second expected usage state determined, and the message (MSG) additionally includes the determined expected alternative handover period.
4. The method according to 3, characterized in that the parking assistance system (100) determines the difference between the determined expected delivery period and the determined alternative expected delivery period, and the message (MSG) additionally includes the determined difference or includes only the alternative delivery time and the determined difference.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the usage parameters include: the expected number of vehicles (201-204) that will use the parking facility (101) and / or travel through the designated area (110) during the time interval or a partial interval of the time interval; and / or at least one further request received by another user regarding the use of the parking facility (101); and / or information regarding the type and / or configuration of further vehicles (201-203) that will use the parking facility (101) and / or travel through the designated area (110) during the time interval; and / or the time of the handover time; and / or the weather forecast for a particular period; and / or public or private events scheduled within the designated period; and / or services reserved by other users of the parking facility (101) within the time interval; and / or learned statistics regarding the usage.
6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the request (REQ) for the use of the parking facility (101) includes at least one drop-off time and parking period or drop-off time and retrieval time.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the request (REF) for the use of the parking facility (101) includes information relating to the type of vehicle (202) and / or information relating to its technical configuration.
8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parking assistance system (100) receives a new request (REF) from the user (300) in response to the transmission of the message (MSG) to the user (300), and the new request (REF) includes a different delivery time than the first request (REF) received by the parking assistance system (100) prior to the new request (REF).
9. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein, when the program is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. A parking assistance system (100) for a parking facility (101), wherein the parking facility (101) provides a plurality of parking spaces (120) for an autonomously driving vehicle (202) in a predetermined area (110), and includes a handover area (130) for handing over the vehicle (202) from a user (300) to the parking assistance system (100) or vice versa. A receiving unit (102) for receiving requests (REF) from the user (300) of the vehicle (202) regarding the use of the parking facility (101) at specific time intervals, wherein the request (REF) includes at least one handover time, A determination unit (104) for determining a first expected usage state of the parking facility (101) at the handover time according to multiple usage parameters, A comparison unit (106) for comparing the first expected usage state determined with a specific usage threshold, The determination unit (104) is further configured to determine an alternative delivery time in accordance with the comparison, and the alternative delivery time is determined such that a second expected utilization state at the alternative delivery time is lower than the first expected utilization state and / or lower than or equal to the utilization threshold, and a comparison unit (106) is also configured to determine an alternative delivery time such that, A transmission unit (108) for sending a message (MSG) including the alternative delivery time to the user (300), Equipped with, Depending on the parameters determined by the infrastructure of the parking facility (101), depending on the type and / or technical configuration of at least one other vehicle (201-203) that uses the parking facility (101) and / or is located in the predetermined area (110) during the particular time interval, and / or depending on the limitations of the parking facility (101) planned for a predetermined period and / or current limitations, the usage threshold is dynamically determined. The aforementioned usage threshold corresponds to the use of the parking facility (101) when the average speed of vehicles (201-203) using the parking facility (101) and / or moving through the predetermined area (110) is lower than the predetermined speed. Parking assist system (100).
11. A parking facility (101) that provides a plurality of parking spaces (120) for an autonomously driving vehicle (202) in a predetermined area (110), and includes a handover area (130) for handing over the vehicle (202) from a user (300) to a parking assistance system (100) or vice versa, wherein the parking assistance system (100) is designed as described in claim 10.
12. The parking assistance system (100) is designed as a Type 2 valet parking assistance system and comprises a plurality of sensor units arranged in the predetermined area (110) to detect the vehicles (201-203) present in the predetermined area (110) and to output respective sensor signals, and the parking assistance system (100) comprises a control unit configured for remote control of the vehicles (201-203) based on the sensor signals output by the sensor units, as described in 11.
13. The parking assistance system (100) is designed as a Type 1 valet parking assistance system and comprises a plurality of optically detectable and clearly distinguishable markers positioned at certain locations in the predetermined area (110), the markers being usable by an autonomously moving vehicle for position determination during autonomous driving within the predetermined area (110), as described in claim 11 or 12.