Method and apparatus for providing mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service

Abstract

A server providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service can receive parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space. Based on the parking status data, the server can map the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to a parking lot floor plan. The server can update the occupancy status of each parking space. Based on the updated occupancy status of each parking space, the server can generate parking lot floor plan data that visualizes the real-time occupancy status of each parking space. The server can provide the parking lot floor plan data to a user terminal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present specification relates to parking space guidance technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service that enables a user terminal to check real-time available parking areas based on information collected from a parking guidance system installed in a parking lot within an apartment or complex facility complex.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a technology that improves the user's parking convenience by visualizing real-time available parking locations through a smartphone application. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, due to the increasing urban density and rising vehicle ownership rates, the problem of parking space shortages within apartment complexes and mixed-use facilities is intensifying. To address this, parking guidance systems, which include parking sensors that detect vehicle occupancy, omnidirectional cameras, and LED indicators, are being installed and operated in numerous parking facilities. Typically, these systems provide visual information via guidance lights or electronic displays so that drivers can directly check the availability of specific parking spaces on-site.

[0004] However, existing parking guidance systems have a limitation in that they can only determine the availability of empty spaces after entering the parking lot. In particular, for complex-type parking lots such as apartment complexes, users face the inconvenience of having to enter a space close to their unit first and then travel a long distance if no space is found. This process can result in unnecessary time consumption and energy waste due to vehicle movement, and the risk of collisions or congestion increases when multiple vehicles search for parking spaces simultaneously.

[0005] Furthermore, existing systems suffer from the problem of remaining significant psychological and physical burdens in locating actual parking spaces due to a lack of proactive guidance features based on the user's location or parking intention. Accordingly, technology capable of verifying parking spaces in advance is required. The problem to be solved

[0006] The objective of the present specification to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a technology that enables a user to check real-time parking availability information for the entire parking lot via a mobile terminal before entering the parking lot, and to quickly move to an area where an empty space exists.

[0007] Another objective of this specification to solve the aforementioned problems is to provide a technology that enables users to intuitively recognize available parking spaces by converting sensor and camera-based parking status information collected from existing parking guidance systems into a format suitable for mobile environments and providing it visually.

[0008] Another objective of the present specification to solve the above-mentioned problems is to implement a real-time parking space guidance service that can reduce wasted time searching for parking spaces and minimize the possibility of vehicle congestion and collisions by updating information on available parking spaces on an entire parking lot map at regular intervals and reflecting this in a user's smartphone app. means of solving the problem

[0009] A method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to an embodiment of the present specification for achieving the above objective may include: receiving parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space; mapping the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to a parking lot diagram based on the parking status data; updating the occupancy status of each parking space; generating parking lot diagram data that visualizes the real-time occupancy status of each parking space based on the updated occupancy status of each parking space; and providing the parking lot diagram data to a user terminal.

[0010] Here, the parking lot drawing data may be configured to indicate whether it is occupied using a color or icon corresponding to the location of each parking space, and to be capable of being enlarged, reduced, or scrolled on the screen of a user terminal.

[0011] Here, the server receives GPS location information of the user terminal and, based on the location information, generates guidance parking lot diagram data including the parking space closest to the current location of the user terminal, and after configuring the guidance parking lot diagram data to include floor information, space number, and area identification information corresponding to the available parking space, can provide it to the user terminal.

[0012] Here, the server receives vehicle entry information from a vehicle license plate recognition camera installed at the building entrance, and based on receiving the vehicle entry information, can provide the parking lot floor plan data to the user terminal.

[0013] Here, the parking status data is transmitted to a server from a master node that collects vehicle occupancy status from a plurality of sensors installed in each parking building or zone, and the vehicle occupancy status data can be transmitted from each sensor to the master node only when the vehicle occupancy status changes.

[0014] Here, when the server receives vehicle entry information from the license plate recognition camera, it requests parking status data from the master node corresponding to the parking lot area where the vehicle entered, and can receive the parking status data received as a response from the master node.

[0015] Here, when a user terminal selects one of the empty parking spaces on the parking lot floor plan data, the server can analyze competitive vehicle information, including the number of other user terminals that similarly selected the same parking space during that time period and vehicle identification information, for the selected parking space, and provide this information to the user terminal. Along with this, real-time location information of competitive vehicles or recommendation information for parking spaces with a relatively low number of competitive vehicles may also be provided.

[0016] Here, the server allocates transmittable time slots to each master node and expects the reception of data from the master node for each allocated time slot; additionally, it can control the master node corresponding to a parking garage with a high volume of vehicle entry to perform periodic status reporting for a certain period via a separate signal. The server can be configured to increase the transmission bandwidth of the data transmission channel allocated to each master node.

[0017] A device for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to another embodiment of the present specification for achieving the above objective includes a processor and a memory for storing at least one command executed by the processor, wherein the at least one command may be configured to receive parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space, map the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to a parking lot diagram based on the parking status data, update the occupancy status of each parking space, generate parking lot diagram data visualizing the real-time occupancy status of each parking space based on the updated occupancy status, and provide the parking lot diagram data to a user terminal.

[0018] Here, the at least one command may be configured to display whether the parking lot drawing data is occupied using a color or icon corresponding to the location of each parking space, and to be configured in a form that allows for zooming in, zooming out, or scrolling on the screen of the user terminal.

[0019] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive GPS location information of a user terminal, generate guidance parking lot drawing data including the parking space closest to the user terminal's current location based on the location information, include floor information, space number, and area identification information in the guidance drawing, and provide the guidance drawing data to the user terminal.

[0020] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive vehicle entry information from a vehicle license plate recognition camera installed at the building entrance and to provide parking lot floor plan data to a user terminal based on the vehicle entry information.

[0021] Here, the at least one command may be configured to request parking status data from a master node corresponding to the parking area of ​​the entering vehicle based on the vehicle entry information, and to receive parking status data received from the master node.

[0022] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive empty parking space selection information on a drawing from a user terminal, analyze competitive vehicle information including the number of other user terminals that selected the selected parking space at the same time and vehicle identification information, and provide competitive vehicle information, real-time location information of the competitive vehicles, or recommendation information for a space with fewer competitive vehicles to the user terminal.

[0023] Here, the at least one command may be configured to allocate a transmittable time slot for each master node and to receive week status data from the master node for each time slot.

[0024] Here, the at least one command may be configured to transmit a control signal instructing the corresponding master node to periodically report status data for a certain period of time for a parking building where the vehicle entry volume is greater than or equal to a set standard, and to increase the transmission bandwidth of the data channel allocated to the corresponding master node. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present specification, by providing parking lot floor plan data that visualizes the occupancy status of each parking space in real time to a user terminal, the user can intuitively identify available parking spaces before entering the complex and significantly reduce waiting and search times for parking. In particular, through an approach location determination function utilizing a GPS-based or license plate recognition system, parking information optimized for the actual entry situation of the user can be provided.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present specification, by aggregating data generated from parking sensors at a master node and controlling communication between the master node and the server based on events or server requests, the communication load of the entire system can be reduced and the efficiency of server resource utilization can be improved. Furthermore, for congested parking areas, situation-adaptive real-time performance and traffic control are possible by updating parking status data at a high frequency or adjusting data channel bandwidth.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present specification, a user-centric interactive guidance service can be realized by providing information on competing vehicles for a specific parking space or recommending an alternative space by analyzing congestion levels after receiving input selecting a specific parking space from a user terminal. This prevents competition between vehicles, maximizes the efficiency of parking space allocation, and ultimately significantly improves the usability of smart parking infrastructure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a system diagram including a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing server according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to one embodiment of the present specification. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] As the present specification is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present specification to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present specification. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0030] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights of this specification, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0031] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0032] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this specification. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this specification pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate overall understanding in describing the present specification, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a system diagram including a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing server according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to an embodiment of the present specification may be performed on a computing device that is equipped with storage space and connected to the Internet, such as a PC (Personal Computer), and is not easily portable, or on a portable terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service may be executed after an application implementing the method is downloaded from an App Store, etc., and installed on the portable terminal.

[0037] In addition, the above method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service may be performed by inserting it into a computing device such as a PC while it is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and executing it through an access operation of said computing device, or by storing it from said recording medium into the storage space of said computing device and then executing it through an access operation of said computing device.

[0038] Meanwhile, if the above computing device or portable terminal can access a server connected to the Internet, the method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service may also be executed on the server in response to a request from the computing device or portable terminal.

[0039] In the following, a computing device, portable terminal, or server, etc., on which the above-mentioned mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service provision method is executed may be collectively referred to as a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service provision device.

[0040] The above mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing device may have the same configuration as the mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing device exemplified in FIG. 2, and the above mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing device may not be limited to the mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0041] A system according to one embodiment may include a user terminal (110), a user terminal (120), a master node (130), and a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service providing server (140) (hereinafter, server (140)). The network may include an internet portal site server, an SNS server, a server operating a blog, etc.

[0042] The user terminal (110), user terminal (120), and master node (130) may be, but are not limited to, automobiles, mobility devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, PCs, mobile phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), laptops, media players, micro servers, GPS (global positioning system) devices, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. Additionally, the user terminal (110), user terminal (120), and master node (130) may be wearable devices equipped with communication functions and data processing functions. However, they are not limited to these.

[0043] The server (140) may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that communicate with the user terminal (110), user terminal (120), and master node (130) through a network to provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc.

[0044] For example, the server (140) can provide a file for installing an application to a user terminal (110), a user terminal (120), and a master node (130) connected via a network. In this case, the user terminal (110), the user terminal (120), and the master node (130) can install the application using the file provided by the server (140).

[0045] Additionally, the user terminal (110), user terminal (120), and master node (130) can connect to the server (140) under the control of an operating system (OS) and at least one program (e.g., a browser or an installed application) to receive services or content provided by the server (140).

[0046] As another example, the server (140) may establish a communication session for data transmission and reception and route data transmission and reception between the user terminal (110), the user terminal (120), and the master node (130) through the established communication session.

[0047] A user terminal (110), a user terminal (120), a master node (130), and a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service provider server (140) can communicate using a network. For example, the network includes a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Value Added Network (VAN), a mobile radio communication network, a satellite communication network, and combinations thereof, and is a data communication network in a comprehensive sense that enables each network constituent entity shown in FIG. 1 to communicate smoothly with one another, and may include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. In addition, wireless communication may include, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRaWAN, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Near Field Communication (NFC), but is not limited thereto.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, a server (200) (hereinafter, server (200)) providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service may include a communication unit (210), a processor (220), and a DB (230). Only components related to the embodiment are shown in the server (200) of FIG. 2. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The communication unit (210) may include one or more components that enable wired / wireless communication with a user terminal and a work provider terminal. For example, the communication unit (210) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit (not shown), a mobile communication unit (not shown), and a broadcast receiving unit (not shown).

[0051] For example, a request generated according to program code stored in a recording device such as a DB (230) can be transmitted to a user terminal and a work provider terminal via a network under the control of the communication unit (210). Conversely, control signals, commands, content, files, etc. provided under the control of the processors of the user terminal and the work provider terminal can be received by the server (200) via the communication unit (210) through the network. For example, control signals, commands, content, files, etc. of the server (200) received through the communication unit (210) can be transmitted to the processor (220) or transmitted to the DB (230) for storage.

[0052] DB (230) is hardware that stores various data processed within the server (200) and can store programs for processing and controlling the processor (220).

[0053] DB (230) may include RAM (random access memory), such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray or other optical disc storage, HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or flash memory. DB (230) may also be referred to as memory.

[0054] The processor (220) controls the overall operation of the server (200). For example, the processor (220) can control the input unit (not shown), display (not shown), communication unit (210), DB (230), etc., by executing programs stored in the DB (230). The processor (220) can control the operation of the external server (200) by executing programs stored in the DB (230).

[0055] The processor (220) may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0056] The DB (230) may store at least one command executed through the processor (220). The at least one command may be configured to receive parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space, map the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to a parking lot diagram based on the parking status data, update the occupancy status of each parking space, generate parking lot diagram data that visualizes the real-time occupancy status of each parking space based on the updated occupancy status, and provide the parking lot diagram data to a user terminal.

[0057] Here, the at least one command may be configured to display whether the parking lot drawing data is occupied using a color or icon corresponding to the location of each parking space, and to be configured in a form that allows for zooming in, zooming out, or scrolling on the screen of the user terminal.

[0058] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive GPS location information of a user terminal, generate guidance parking lot drawing data including the parking space closest to the user terminal's current location based on the location information, include floor information, space number, and area identification information in the guidance drawing, and provide the guidance drawing data to the user terminal.

[0059] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive vehicle entry information from a vehicle license plate recognition camera installed at the building entrance and to provide parking lot floor plan data to a user terminal based on the vehicle entry information.

[0060] Here, the at least one command may be configured to request parking status data from a master node corresponding to the parking area of ​​the entering vehicle based on the vehicle entry information, and to receive parking status data received from the master node.

[0061] Here, the at least one command may be configured to receive empty parking space selection information on a drawing from a user terminal, analyze competitive vehicle information including the number of other user terminals that selected the selected parking space at the same time and vehicle identification information, and provide competitive vehicle information, real-time location information of the competitive vehicles, or recommendation information for a space with fewer competitive vehicles to the user terminal.

[0062] Here, the at least one command may be configured to allocate a transmittable time slot for each master node and to receive week status data from the master node for each time slot.

[0063] Here, the at least one command may be configured to transmit a control signal instructing the corresponding master node to periodically report status data for a certain period of time for a parking building where the vehicle entry volume is greater than or equal to a set standard, and to increase the transmission bandwidth of the data channel allocated to the corresponding master node.

[0064] The present invention relates to a technology for providing real-time guidance on the occupancy status of a parking space to a mobile terminal user, and can support the user in efficiently searching for an empty parking space through a parking space guidance service performed by at least one server.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the server can acquire parking status data (S300). For example, the server can receive parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space. Here, the parking status data can be acquired through a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or an image-based recognition device, and may include occupancy information indicating whether a vehicle is present in each parking space. Such sensor data is not transmitted directly to the server individually, but can be aggregated by a master node configured at the building unit or parking lot unit level and then transmitted to the server.

[0067] The server can map the occupancy status for each parking space (S310). For example, the server can map the occupancy status for each parking space corresponding to a parking lot drawing based on received parking status data. In this process, the server can logically map the occupancy status to a specific space on the drawing by linking the unique identifier or location information of each parking space with the occupancy information received from the sensor.

[0068] The server can update the occupancy status for each parking space (S320). For example, the server can update the occupancy status for each parking space. This update can be performed in real-time or periodically, and preferably, it can be configured to be triggered only when a change in state is detected, such as a vehicle entering or leaving the corresponding space. This reduces the consumption of unnecessary communication resources and increases the efficiency of the system.

[0069] The server can visualize real-time occupancy status (S330). For example, the server can generate parking lot floor plan data that visualizes real-time occupancy status for each parking space by reflecting the updated occupancy status. Visualization can be implemented, for instance, by displaying occupied spaces in red and empty spaces in green, or by using icons representing vehicles or empty spaces. The visualized floor plan can be configured to be displayed in a form similar to the actual parking lot layout so that the user can intuitively recognize whether parking is available.

[0070] The server can provide drawing data (S340). For example, the server can provide generated parking lot drawing data to a user terminal. The user can receive the drawing data through a mobile device such as a smartphone and check it on an application or web interface, thereby quickly finding an empty parking space near their current location or near their destination.

[0071] The server can visually display the real-time occupancy status of each parking space in the generated parking lot floor plan data using colors or icons. For example, the server can represent occupied spaces in red and empty spaces in green, or visualize the space status by utilizing intuitive shapes or graphic symbols such as vehicle icons and 'X' marks. This visual representation can help users identify parking availability at a glance.

[0072] The server can be configured to accurately place parking lot drawing data on the drawing so that it corresponds to the actual location of each parking space. The location information of the parking spaces can be based on GPS coordinates, a relative coordinate system within the parking lot, or a predefined drawing template, and through this placement, the drawing takes on a form that reflects the physical structure of the actual parking lot.

[0073] In addition, the server can provide the generated parking lot floor plan data in a format that allows zooming in, zooming out, or scrolling on the user terminal. This enables users to grasp the general overview of the entire parking lot or examine specific areas in detail, and allows for efficient navigation of visual information even in the case of multi-story parking lots or large-scale parking spaces.

[0074] In this way, the server can generate visually intuitive drawing data and be configured to allow free operation on the screen of the user terminal, thereby further improving the user's information recognition speed and parking efficiency.

[0075] The server can receive GPS location information from the user terminal. This GPS location information can be obtained through satellite signals or network-based location estimation techniques and can be used to identify the coordinates or nearby areas where the user terminal is located.

[0076] The server can generate guidance parking lot floor plan data including the parking space closest to the user terminal's current location based on received location information. To this end, the server can store the locations of multiple parking lots and the coordinate information of each parking space in advance or manage them in real time, and can select the optimal guidance target by calculating the distance between the user's location and each parking lot. As a result, floor plan data centered on the parking lot closest to the user or the space within that parking lot that is closest to the user's location can be generated.

[0077] The server can be configured to include floor information, section numbers, and area identification information corresponding to available parking spaces in the generated guidance parking lot floor data. For example, in the case of a multi-story parking lot, by specifying which floor a particular section is located on or additionally indicating which area within the parking lot the section belongs to, such as Zone A or Zone B, it can help users quickly identify and access parking locations. The section number can be linked to a number marked on the actual floor or a serial number managed by the system.

[0078] The server can provide guidance parking lot floor plan data configured in this manner to the user terminal. Through the floor plan, the user can comprehensively check information regarding the distance to an empty parking space, location, floor, and zone relative to their current location, and based on this, make intuitive and rapid parking decisions.

[0079] This configuration goes beyond simply displaying the overall status of the parking lot and can perform the parking guidance function more effectively by providing customized guidance information based on the user's location.

[0080] The vehicle can receive vehicle entry information from a license plate recognition camera installed at the building entrance. License plate recognition cameras generally utilize image-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to capture the license plates of entering vehicles and convert them into character data to generate vehicle identification information.

[0081] These cameras can be installed at the entrance of a building's parking lot, near barriers, or on top of gates, and can automatically recognize license plates when a vehicle passes a certain point. The server can receive information such as the corresponding license plate number and time of entry in real time through a network connected to the camera system.

[0082] When the server receives vehicle entry information, it determines based on this that the vehicle is attempting to park and can accordingly provide parking lot floor plan data to the user terminal. In this case, the server can match the vehicle number information with the user terminal's account information or reservation information to automatically transmit the parking lot floor plan data to the vehicle user. Alternatively, even in cases where there is no direct link between the vehicle number and the terminal, the server can generally provide the full floor plan data to users within the parking lot to help them search for a parking space immediately after entry.

[0083] This configuration can enhance the user experience by automatically providing parking information as soon as a vehicle enters, without the user having to separately launch an application or activate location-based services. In particular, since parking guidance can be initiated quickly from the entrance, it can reduce confusion during the initial entry phase and minimize response times for guidance.

[0084] The server can receive parking status data from master nodes installed in each parking building or zone. The master node can function as an intermediate processing unit that aggregates vehicle occupancy status data collected from multiple sensors and transmits it to the server. This master node can be installed at the parking lot level or at the specific zone level to enhance network efficiency and ease of maintenance.

[0085] Individual sensors are installed in each parking space to detect the presence of a vehicle and can determine the occupancy status through changes in magnetic field, ultrasonic reflection, infrared blocking, or image analysis. These sensors are connected to a master node via short-range wireless communication or a wired network to transmit data, but they do not communicate constantly; instead, transmission is performed only under specific conditions.

[0086] In particular, each sensor can transmit data to the master node only when the vehicle's occupancy status changes. That is, a state change event occurs only when the vehicle enters or exits a parking space, at which point the sensor transmits new state information to the master node. Since this method prevents communication when the parking space's state remains fixed for an extended period, it can significantly reduce the communication load of the entire system and minimize battery consumption at the sensor level.

[0087] The master node can organize received sensor data according to specific internal rules or formats and then transmit it to the server periodically or on an event-based basis. Based on this data, the server can update the occupancy status on the parking lot floor plan and provide information to user terminals in real time.

[0088] This structure is configured with a stepwise delivery method of sensor → master node → server, offering high scalability and the advantage of enabling stable data collection and service provision even in large-scale parking lot environments.

[0089] When the server receives vehicle entry information from a license plate recognition camera installed at the entrance of an apartment complex, it can identify the parking area into which the vehicle entered and request parking status data from the corresponding master node. The license plate recognition information may include identification information regarding the vehicle number, time of entry, and entry point; based on this, the server can identify the parking building or zone connected to the point where the vehicle entered.

[0090] Based on the specified area information, the server can request parking status data from the master node installed in the corresponding area. This request can be performed only when real-time data updates are required; for instance, by sending a query to the master node only when existing stored information has elapsed for a certain period of time or when there is no cached drawing information, the system load can be reduced.

[0091] The master node can transmit currently collected parking status data in response to a server request. This data includes the latest occupancy status information stored within the master node and may include additional information such as occupancy status, the last update time, and vehicle number for each parking space.

[0092] Based on parking status data received from the master node, the server can generate updated floor plan data for the area the vehicle has entered and provide it to the user terminal. This allows the server to perform parking guidance based on the most reliable and up-to-date information at the time the vehicle actually enters, thereby improving the user's perceived accuracy.

[0093] This configuration allows the entire system to be designed with a structure that reflects the latest parking status only at the time of vehicle entry, without unnecessarily performing periodic status data collection. This enables the simultaneous assurance of communication efficiency and guidance accuracy.

[0094] The server can obtain selection information regarding one of a plurality of empty parking spaces displayed on parking lot floor data provided by the user terminal. This selection information may be generated by touching an empty parking space on the screen of the user terminal or by transmitting the identifier (ID) of the selected space through a specific button. The selection information may include, for example, a space number, location coordinates, a floor number, or an area code.

[0095] For a selected parking space, the server can obtain competitive vehicle information including the number of other user terminals that have selected the same space and vehicle identification information corresponding to those terminals. To this end, the server can determine whether duplicate selections have occurred for a specific parking space based on selection requests received in real time from multiple user terminals, and can identify competing vehicles through vehicle numbers or unique user IDs associated with each user terminal.

[0096] The server may provide such competitive vehicle information to the user terminal. The provided information may include, for example, the total number of vehicles currently selected for the parking space, and identification information of some of these vehicles (e.g., license plate numbers with the last digit masked or vehicle types). Additionally, it may include information on the current location or distance of the competing vehicles to help the user determine the availability of the space and readjust their selection to another space.

[0097] This configuration goes beyond simply guiding users to available spaces; by identifying and providing real-time competitive conditions for specific areas, it enhances the user experience and decision-making accuracy regarding parking space acquisition. This allows for the prevention of confusion and user dissatisfaction caused by frequent duplicate entries.

[0098] The server can provide real-time location information of each vehicle included in the competitor vehicle information to the user terminal. Real-time location information can be obtained through telematics devices installed in competitor vehicles, in-vehicle mobile apps, or GPS data from a driver terminal connected to the vehicle. The server collects this location information in real time and can calculate the estimated distance or time required for each vehicle to reach the selected parking space.

[0099] Based on the relevant real-time location information, the server can visually provide the user terminal with information regarding the current location, movement path, or relative distance of competing vehicles approaching the parking space selected by the user. For example, by displaying competing vehicles as icons on the map screen of the user terminal or providing the distance to each vehicle or the estimated time of arrival, the server can help the user independently assess the likelihood of successful parking.

[0100] This real-time location information provision feature enables more precise decision-making than simply displaying the number of competing vehicles, and can provide a basis for users to rationally determine whether to maintain their zone selection or change to another zone.

[0101] Consequently, this configuration can reduce unnecessary duplicate entries and waiting phenomena in situations of competition for parking spaces among users, and increase overall parking efficiency. Furthermore, it can enhance user satisfaction and secure reliability and differentiation as a real-time intelligent parking guidance system.

[0102] After receiving selection information for a specific parking space from a user terminal, the server can determine the density of competing vehicles based on the number of other user terminals that have selected the same space. This competition information can be accumulated and managed in real time on the server, allowing for the identification of how many vehicles are currently selected or approaching each empty parking space.

[0103] Based on the competition information calculated in this way, the server can search for other empty parking spaces with relatively fewer competing vehicles than the parking space currently selected by the user. In this case, the server can generate multiple alternative space candidates by considering not only the occupancy status of each parking space but also the number of competing users, access distance, floor or area information, etc.

[0104] The server can select the empty parking space with the lowest level of competition among these candidates and provide it to the user terminal as recommendation information. The recommendation information may be provided in the form of messages such as "There is only one competitor in this space" or "The probability of successful entry is higher compared to other spaces," or the corresponding space may be highlighted on the map screen of the user terminal.

[0105] This configuration can increase the overall utilization rate of the parking lot by preventing users from unconsciously and repeatedly selecting only specific sections where many vehicles congregate, and by guiding them to sections with less competition. Furthermore, from the user's perspective, satisfaction with the parking process can be enhanced as the possibility of making a wrong choice is reduced and they can find a section to park in more quickly.

[0106] The server can allocate transmittable time slots to each master node. Here, a time slot refers to a time-based transmission interval and can be controlled by the server to prevent collisions, interference, or network bottlenecks that may occur when multiple master nodes transmit data to the server simultaneously.

[0107] The server can allocate unique time slots to each master node within the entire parking system, or partition time slots based on region or priority, to schedule each master node to transmit data to the server only during its corresponding time slot. This configuration can be operated similarly to the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) method and is particularly effective in structures where multiple master nodes communicate with a central server via a public network.

[0108] For each allocated time slot, the server can expect to receive data from the master node corresponding to that time interval. In other words, the server maintains a state of waiting for data received from a specific master node during each time interval and can process data packets arriving within that time slot. Conversely, if the expected data does not arrive within a specific time slot, the server may determine the cause to be a network error, node malfunction, or invariant occupancy status, and may re-request the data or log the status.

[0109] This time-slot-based communication method effectively prevents data transmission collisions among all master nodes and can improve the server's data processing predictability and reception reliability. In particular, it enables the configuration of a stable and scalable communication structure even in large-scale parking systems with a large number of sensors and master nodes.

[0110] The server can calculate the volume of vehicle entry into each parking garage based on vehicle entry information received from license plate recognition cameras. The vehicle entry information includes details on which parking garage or zone individual vehicles entered within a specific time period, and each entry event may include vehicle number, entry time, and entry location information. By aggregating this information, the server can quantitatively calculate the number of vehicles that entered a specific parking garage within a short period.

[0111] The server can determine that the number of vehicles entering a specific parking garage within a certain time interval (e.g., the last 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.) exceeds a pre-set threshold. The threshold may be set differently depending on the size of the parking garage, average entry rate, or management policy, and whether the threshold is exceeded can be used as an indicator to indirectly indicate congestion or increased demand.

[0112] In this manner, when an entry volume exceeding a threshold value is detected, the server may send a signal to the master node corresponding to the parking building, instructing it to periodically transmit parking status data to the server for a certain period, even without a separate request signal. This signal can temporarily change the communication policy of the master node, thereby inducing the automatic collection of parking status data at regular intervals, which normally operates only on an event-based basis.

[0113] For example, after receiving a command from the server to transmit parking status data at 10-second intervals for a certain period, the master node can periodically collect occupancy status from sensors and continuously transmit it to the server. Subsequently, when the congestion is resolved, the server can issue a command to stop periodic transmission again.

[0114] This configuration enables the server to detect real-time demand increases during surges in user traffic and proactively strengthen the data collection cycle accordingly, thereby enhancing system responsiveness and providing users with more accurate real-time parking information. Furthermore, it realizes a flexible architecture capable of responding immediately to changing conditions while minimizing the communication load on sensors and master nodes during normal operation.

[0115] The server can calculate the number of vehicles entering each parking garage based on vehicle entry information received from license plate recognition cameras. The vehicle entry information includes details such as license plate number, time of entry, and entry location, and the server can calculate the real-time entry volume for a specific parking garage by aggregating this data on an hourly basis.

[0116] The server can be configured to increase the transmission bandwidth for the data transmission channel of the master node installed in the building if this inflow exceeds a preset threshold. Here, the data transmission channel is a network path through which communication takes place between the master node and the server; wired or wireless connections may be used, and the number of allocated logical or physical channels, transmission speed, power priority, etc., can be adjusted depending on the communication infrastructure.

[0117] If the server determines that the number of vehicles entering the parking lot within a certain period exceeds a threshold value, it may allocate a wider communication bandwidth to the corresponding master node or update transmission settings to transmit data at a faster transmission cycle. For example, in an LTE-M, NB-IoT, or Wi-Fi-based network environment, the server may control or request the number of channels allocated to the master node or the width of the available frequency band.

[0118] This increase in bandwidth is intended to enhance data responsiveness for congested parking lots, enabling the master node to transmit data to the server more quickly and allowing for the rapid updating of parking space occupancy information. Through this, the server can provide more accurate and real-time guidance information to user terminals even during parking lot congestion, and actively adjust the Quality of Service (QoS) of the entire system.

[0119] Consequently, the configuration of the present invention provides higher data processing capacity for specific parking buildings where traffic is concentrated through the dynamic allocation of network resources, and enables the stability and scalability of parking guidance services.

[0120] The operation according to the embodiments of this specification may be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable programs or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0121] When the embodiment is implemented in software, the above-described technique may be implemented as a module (process, function, etc.) that performs the above-described function. The module may be stored in memory and executed by a processor. The memory may be located inside or outside the processor and may be connected to the processor by various well-known means.

[0122] In addition, computer-readable recording media may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Program instructions may include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0123] Some aspects of this specification have been described in the context of a device, but may also be described according to a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described according to a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0124] In the embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In the embodiments, the field-programmable gate array may operate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, it is preferable that the methods be performed by some hardware device.

[0125] Although the foregoing has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service performed by at least one server, comprising: receiving parking status data including whether a vehicle is present in each parking space from a master node that collects vehicle occupancy status data from a plurality of sensors installed in each parking building or zone; mapping the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to a parking lot diagram based on the parking status data; updating the occupancy status of each parking space; generating parking lot diagram data that visualizes the real-time occupancy status of each parking space based on the updated occupancy status of each parking space; and providing the parking lot diagram data to a user terminal.The method includes a step of calculating the vehicle entry volume of the parking building based on vehicle entry information received from a vehicle license plate recognition camera installed at the building entrance, and the step of receiving the parking status data comprises: each of the plurality of sensors omitting communication when the state of the parking space is fixed, and transmitting new status information to the master node only when a state change event occurs in which a vehicle enters or leaves the parking space and the occupancy status changes; the server allocates a unique time slot to each of the plurality of master nodes to prevent data transmission collisions and schedules the reception of the parking status data from the master node only within the corresponding time slot interval; if the expected data does not arrive within the allocated specific time slot, it determines that there is a network error, node malfunction, or invariant occupancy status and requests a re-request or leaves a status log; normally, it receives event-based parking status data generated only when the vehicle occupancy status changes from the master node; and if the calculated vehicle entry volume is determined to be in a congested state exceeding a preset threshold value, it transmits a control signal to the master node to control it to periodically report parking status data for a certain period of time, and the data transmission allocated to the master node The method includes a process of increasing transmission bandwidth by adjusting the number of allocated logical or physical channels for a channel, and when vehicle entry information is received from the vehicle license plate recognition camera, identifying the parking lot area of ​​the entering vehicle based on the vehicle entry information, and requesting and receiving a real-time update of the parking status data from a specific master node corresponding to the identified parking lot area only under conditions where previously stored information has elapsed for a certain period of time or there is no cached drawing information; a step of mapping the occupancy status of each parking space corresponding to the parking lot drawing based on the parking status data; and a step of updating the occupancy status of each parking space.The method comprises the steps of: generating parking lot diagram data that visualizes the real-time occupancy status of each parking space based on the updated occupancy status of each parking space, wherein occupied parking spaces are represented by shapes including red and an 'X' mark, and empty spaces are represented by green to visualize the space status; and providing the parking lot diagram data to a user terminal; and, after the step of providing the parking lot diagram data to the user terminal, obtaining selection information selected by a user for one of a plurality of empty parking spaces displayed on the parking lot diagram data from the user terminal; identifying competitive vehicle information for the selected parking space, including the number of other user terminals that selected the space at the same time and identification information of the other vehicle consisting of a vehicle number or vehicle type with the last digit masked; collecting real-time location information of each competitive vehicle included in the competitive vehicle information to calculate the estimated distance and time required for each competitive vehicle to reach the selected parking space, and displaying the current locations of the competitive vehicles as icons on the parking lot diagram screen of the user terminal while simultaneously visually providing the calculated distance to each competitive vehicle and the estimated time of arrival.A method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service, further comprising the step of calculating the degree of competition based on the number of other user terminals that have selected the same section, calculating a plurality of alternative section candidates by comprehensively calculating the calculated degree of competition, the occupancy status of each parking section, the approach distance, and floor or area information, and selecting the empty parking section with the lowest calculated degree of competition among the plurality of alternative section candidates and providing it as recommendation information to the user terminal, wherein the recommendation information is provided in the form of a message regarding the number of competitors and the probability of successful entry, and at the same time, the corresponding alternative section is provided to be visually highlighted on the map screen of the user terminal. Claim 2 A method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to claim 1, wherein the parking lot drawing data indicates whether it is occupied by using a color or an icon corresponding to the location of each parking space, and is configured in a form that allows for zooming in, zooming out, or scrolling on the screen of a user terminal. Claim 3 A method for providing a mobile-based real-time parking space guidance service according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving GPS location information of the user terminal; generating guidance parking lot diagram data including the parking space closest to the current location of the user terminal based on the location information; configuring the guidance parking lot diagram data to include floor information, a space number, and area identification information corresponding to the parking space; and providing the guidance parking lot diagram data to the user terminal.

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