Robotic parking assistance system with smart interaction and advanced safety functions

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated digital parking management system with continuous interaction using a smart bot. The system comprises: - an entry module at the entrance, formed by cameras; a guidance and server module corresponding to an administrator of a database of vehicles, payments made and users, which is connected to the entry module and to other modules of the system to receive the images captured when a vehicle enters and to collate or store information on servers for subsequent processing, the module comprising cameras for locating and guiding vehicles; - an information point module, the information points being elements for providing information to clients, which points are physical elements or spaces distributed throughout the facility in which the parking lot is located, or correspond to functionalities of a virtual bot assistant on a mobile device; - a payment and auto-payment module managed for online payment by means of a banking application or for in person payment at an information point; - monitoring points, which are workstations connected to all the system components; - and an exit module, formed by cameras for taking images of the vehicle and / or the user.

Description

[0001] Robotic Parking Assistance System with Intelligent Interaction and Advanced Safety Features

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to an intelligent, automated, and digital parking system that enables continuous interaction via an intelligent bot. This system aims to facilitate typical parking service operations and includes features that maximize vehicle protection and security while the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, the system allows for identity verification using data from integrated and reliable sources, such as public or private databases, entities like National Registries, transportation registration systems containing driver and vehicle data, or specialized applications for identity verification, facial recognition, and background checks, without limitations.The system of the present invention uses facial and biometric recognition of users (parking attendants and administrators) at cashiers, entry / exit kiosks, telephones, mobile devices, etc., to facilitate security functions, enhance the user experience (personalized interactions such as greetings, promotional benefits, etc.), redeem offers, and access loyalty and advertising campaigns. Thus, the system utilizes a set of components and integrations to provide a more secure experience and offers a tool that facilitates access to benefits and agreements with brands in general, while also enabling the integration of general functions that allow predictive behavior through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and interactive chatbots. These tools extend user accessibility from common media such as touchscreens and parking kiosks to their mobile devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

[0004] Parking lots have played a fundamental role in our urban lives for decades. Their importance lies in providing a safe and convenient space to park vehicles, which helps reduce street congestion and improve urban mobility. Over the years, we have witnessed a significant evolution in how these spaces are managed and used, and much of this transformation is due to technological tools.

[0005] In the early days, parking lots were usually simple paved areas with painted lines to delineate parking spaces. However, with the growth of cities and the increase in the number of vehicles, the need for more efficient management became evident. This led to the development of automated parking systems that used signage and physical barriers to guide drivers to available spaces.

[0006] In the digital age, technology has played a crucial role in the evolution of parking facilities. Occupancy sensors, mobile apps, and surveillance cameras have become commonplace tools for enhancing the parking experience. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken this evolution a step further by enabling smart parking systems that can predict space availability, optimize parking allocation, and provide managers with real-time occupancy data.

[0007] Advanced parking systems can provide drivers with real-time recommendations on the best parking spots, manage traffic flow more effectively, and reduce the time spent searching for a space. Furthermore, these systems can help managers make informed decisions about facility maintenance and expansion.

[0008] In this sense, it is well known that in the state of the art there is a plurality of disclosures related to parking or systems that use technology to help users and administrators in their functions, allowing for a better experience when using parking lots or parking facilities.

[0009] One of the disclosures pertains to document CN 1 12950796, which describes a digital parking automation management system and method. The system comprises a server and a client. The server is internally equipped with a license plate recognition module, a vehicle owner identification module, a user type recognition module, a parking module, a space number recognition module, a communication module, a parking fee payment module, and an information management module. The client includes a license plate linking module, an inactive parking space search module, a parking space number reservation module, a second communication module, a parking fee payment configuration module, and a parking time reminder module.According to the invention, the same person is guaranteed to be able to contact the vehicle owner the first time an event occurs. Automatic digital management is implemented, the vehicle owner's privacy is protected, and intelligent management is carried out. Parking spaces can be reserved, inactive parking spaces can be searched for, and the vehicle owner's privacy is protected. The vehicle owner can also be contacted through communication. However, the invention defined in the aforementioned prior art has the disadvantage that, although it defines a parking management system that includes multiple modules, such as license plate recognition, vehicle owner identification, user type, and space recognition, it does not have the necessary features.The system, where these modules communicate with each other and there is a central server or recognition agent, does not mention or suggest the use of a SmartBot or Intelligent Bot (like WhatsApp) to manage parking, such as payment, discount validation, etc. Furthermore, it does not define the location of the interaction points that are essential for the proper functioning of the parking facility. Similarly, the system focuses on reservation management and lacks any interactive elements or provisions for real-time demand management.

[0010] On the other hand, there is document CN 213934996 which discloses an intelligent parking management system comprising a management platform, passage mechanisms and a ground induction coil, an output and an input are respectively fixedly arranged on two sides of the management platform, two passage mechanisms are respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the upper surface of the management platform, and each passage mechanism comprises a car stop, an electrical control box and a ticket booth.The two parking stops are fixed at opposite ends of the top surface of the management table. A mounting base is fixed near the parking stops, a support column is fixed to the top surface of the mounting base, an electrical control box is fixed to the top of the support column, and a ticket box is fixed near the electrical control box. Parking fees are collected via the ticket box and scanner. Payment is completed by placing a parking card or mobile phone in front of the scanner, after which the barrier gate is raised to allow vehicles to pass.

[0011] However, the aforementioned defines a physical system that has a series of limit or boundary elements for the location of vehicles, which presents a series of disadvantages with respect to more evolved systems and in accordance with current technological requirements, since it does not have global management of functions associated with vehicle safety, user identity validation, among others.

[0012] Now, there is also document CN 1 14715141 relating to an unmanned parking system and method based on automatic driving, where the system comprises an automatic parking system comprising a parking management server, a vehicle management server and a smart mobile terminal.The parking management server further comprises a data acquisition unit, a central processing unit, a parking space guidance unit, and a vehicle control unit. The data acquisition unit comprises an environmental information acquisition module and a panoramic camera module. The environmental information acquisition module is used to acquire distance data and image information of surrounding obstacles; the panoramic camera module is used to collect data and image information of a vehicle. The vehicle management server comprises a communication unit, a vehicle control unit, an electronic compass unit, an ultrasonic rangefinder unit, and a brake unit.

[0013] However, the invention of this prior defines an automated parking system. This automation is based on the automatic parking of a vehicle, that is, without requiring a driver. This can be very advanced but can also present a series of drawbacks and problems, since all control of the vehicles is being left in an automated system that can fail at any time and be catastrophic. This demonstrates that there is a focus on autonomous driving and no management of processes associated with a user's stay in an urban parking lot.

[0014] Also included is document CN 1 15817456, which describes a non-inductive intelligent parking method and system comprising a vehicle end and a mobile end. The method comprises the following steps: after a vehicle is driven into a parking space, the vehicle end automatically collects and records information about the parking space that meets the parking condition; a user parks according to the vehicle end's request and selects a parking space from the spaces displayed by the vehicle end; after the user exits the vehicle, the vehicle end automatically begins to park the vehicle; and the vehicle end judges whether the parking is successful or not. If successful, a parking success signal is sent to the mobile end; if not, a takeover signal is sent to the mobile end.The system can solve the problems of the previous technique where the system process is long, multiple operations are needed from a user, the degree of intelligence is low, the time spent on automatic parking is long and the feeling of user experience is poor.

[0015] However, as with the previously mentioned document, the invention described herein presents a system that allows for automatic parking of a vehicle, more specifically allowing for alignment and improvement of the parking performed, which may have certain drawbacks when a camera or some electronic component fails or may even be subject to cyberattacks, as defined in other priors where there is a clear focus on autonomous driving.Finally, there is document CN 1 15830726 which discloses a method for automatic deduction of open-type parking fees based on ETC and license plate recognition, where the method comprises the steps of: obtaining vehicle information through an ETC read-write antenna when a vehicle is detected at an entrance and exit of a parking lot; on the other hand, the image of a target vehicle is taken through a camera, the vehicle's license plate information is recognized, finally, a final license plate number is determined by combining the measurement information with the vehicle's license plate information recognized by the camera, whether the vehicle is an entering vehicle or an exiting vehicle is judged based on the final license plate number and the information stored in a database, and the entering vehicle is registered; and performing the settlement of fees for the exiting vehicle.The method may be very suitable for open parking lots; on the one hand, intelligent fee settlement can be carried out, and on the other hand, the situation in which the fee deduction is unsuccessful under the condition of bad weather and the result of the license plate recognition is poor can be largely avoided by the flexible application of ETC in combination with license plate image recognition technology.

[0016] However, this invention has the disadvantage of lacking any component that allows for vehicle owner verification in databases or user interaction management, such as payment and other transactions accessible through stations at the business where the parking lot is located. Furthermore, the invention described therein appears to be limited solely to calculating the parking fee based on detection using a radio frequency signal emitting device, such as RFID.

[0017] Based on the information above, the documents found in the state of the art correspond to a series of parking management systems and methods, which allow for the automation of vehicle parking systems. In some specific cases, elements are even defined that enable parking to be fully automated, meaning without requiring drivers or personnel to interact with the vehicle. Likewise, all systems include some type of management unit or module for collecting fees, checking for available spaces, assisting users in finding parking spaces, and so on.

[0018] However, all the previously defined documents present some kind of drawback and do not meet the current needs of the parking market, especially regarding the definition of virtual assistants or Intelligent Bots to help users with payment management, as well as the inclusion of modules or components that allow direct access to official transportation databases to check the data of the vehicle being parked, all based on artificial intelligence.

[0019] Additionally, it should be noted that current state-of-the-art parking systems rely on direct human interaction through screens, totems, kiosks, and, in general, information points that are part of the parking solution. Consequently, operations that depend on interaction between the solution and the user require the latter to queue or move and wait at specific designated points, and human error may occur.

[0020] Similarly, no current parking system has features that allow it to know and validate in advance the information of users entering a parking lot; that is, data such as who is driving the vehicle, their preferences, what other vehicles they use, and what mobile devices or email accounts are associated with their security records. Consequently, this problem primarily results in limitations in the overall solution's functionality, making it impossible to know who is driving the vehicle, and there are no automatic verification mechanisms.

[0021] Thus, an expert in the field can clearly see the need to design and implement an automated and intelligent parking management system. This system should include elements or modules that allow for database review of information on drivers and vehicles entering the parking lot, while also providing multiple user interaction options to facilitate simple and easy payment processing, as well as user identity verification and validation. Furthermore, the parking system must utilize artificial intelligence to enhance its interaction and make it more efficient than existing systems. Likewise, there is a need for a parking assistance system that can adapt to third-party technologies, mechanisms, functions, and developments.while also allowing for other additional functionalities, such as access to agreements and benefits.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The present invention is more clearly understood from the following figures, which show the parts or components associated with the present apparatus, device, or system, which are novel with respect to the prior art. The figures are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is solely defined by the attached claims, where:

[0024] Figure 1 corresponds to a general block diagram representing the intelligent parking management system of the present invention, where each of the modules or subsystems involved are defined.

[0025] Figure 2 corresponds to a general scheme of the combination of hardware subsystems and operating subsystem that allow the system of the present invention to function properly and obtain the desired result.

[0026] Figure 3 corresponds to a flowchart showing each of the steps performed by the method associated with the intelligent parking system shown in Figures 1 and 2, in order to obtain the appropriate and desired result.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention is directed to an autonomous, automated and digital intelligent system (intelligent virtual entity) for managing general functions in one or more parking lots simultaneously, which allows permanent interaction through an intelligent Bot, with the purpose of facilitating typical operations in general of parking services, with functions that maximize the protection and security of the vehicle during its stay in the parking lot, where the invention can be applied in the management of parking clusters at a national level or in general, through the interaction between them.

[0029] Thus, the system of the present invention represents an intelligent parking solution whose operation is based on the joint and coordinated action of the subsystems that comprise it, highlighting among them the transversal solution of algorithm and operation and its virtual interactivity component (Bot that corresponds to an automated application that performs repetitive tasks in a network, which follows specific instructions to imitate human behavior, being faster and more precise) as crucial key elements, which are executed jointly in a distributed manner in the distributed hardware components in order to fulfill the functional object of the solution, that is, to allow access, facilitate parking, manage collection, agreements and location, allow exit, and interact with the user permanently during their visit.Thus, Figures 1 and 2 show the system of the present invention, which is characterized in that it comprises the following elements, parts or components:.

[0030] • An entry module located at the entrance of the parking system, where said entry module is composed of a series of cameras that allow taking a series of images of the vehicle and the user of the same, within which is an image of the license plate of the same or an image of the user's face, which is then processed to automatically identify the license plate or the use of the vehicle that will be found in a relevant database.The entrance module may also include a display screen for user interaction and a stopping element, such as a barrier or similar, that opens when a vehicle is detected entering the parking lot after the respective images have been taken. However, these components do not necessarily have to be included, so they are considered optional. That is, in one version the system of the present invention has a display screen and / or a barrier, while in other versions the system may have only one of these components or may not include any of them, according to the technical needs of each parking lot.

[0031] • A guidance module and servers that corresponds to a database administrator that stores information on vehicle license plates, payments made, and vehicle registrations at the establishment where the system of the invention is located, where said guidance module and servers connects directly with the input modules, space sensors, and other system modules to receive the images captured when the vehicle enters and allow comparing or storing information on a series of servers for later processing.Furthermore, this guidance module allows obtaining indications of the car's location, which is obtained by identifying the vehicle's license plate through a series of cameras located throughout the parking lot, or it can even be done by simple sensors through the detection of space occupancy, which can have detection modes by artificial vision or digital sensors, where the indication of the vehicle's location can be provided by means of a fixed point or by means of the previously defined virtual assistant Bot;

[0032] • An information point module that corresponds to a series of elements that allow information to be provided to customers using the parking lot, where these information point modules can correspond to elements or physical spaces distributed throughout a facility where the parking lot is located, or even correspond to functionalities of the virtual assistant Bot that allows information to be provided to the user directly on their mobile device, either through an application or through a chat in an application for this purpose;

[0033] • A payment and self-payment module that corresponds to a subsystem that allows the user to make the payment for the parking service, where it can be carried out in cash or through digital means, digital wallets, QR codes, third-party agreements (tags), online through an application of a banking entity, debit or credit cards by POS terminal or in cash or it can even be done at one of the information points of the information points module;

[0034] • Monitoring points corresponding to workstations that are directly connected to all components or modules of the system, thus allowing real-time monitoring of all components and the operation of the system as a whole, identifying possible failures, errors, blockages, etc., that may occur; and

[0035] An exit module is located at the exit of the parking system. This module consists of a series of cameras that capture images of the vehicle or even the driver, including the license plate and the driver's face, similar to the entry module described earlier. This is done to verify that parking payment was successful. The exit module may also include a display screen for user interaction and a stopping device, such as a barrier, that opens once payment for that vehicle has been verified.However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the non-use of a stopping element is contemplated because the entry and exit activity is stored in a series of databases, where it can be determined if any user left the parking lot without making the payment and there is an outstanding charge.

[0036] Thus, the system of the present invention corresponds to an intelligent interactive vehicle parking management tool in a parking lot or parking area located in a facility, such as a shopping center, educational institution, building, etc., without limitations, where the system allows the identification of both vehicles and users thanks to the registration of the same in a database and the correlation of users and vehicles to make settlements and collection, and even to provide relevant personalized information according to the preferences of a user such as advertising information that may be of interest to him.

[0037] One of the main features of the system of the present invention is that it can connect with vehicle information networks in order to determine the owner of a vehicle, their account status with respect to debts, insurance, etc., or it can even connect with other parking systems to create a general network at the city or even country level, which can help create a network that improves security by checking people or vehicles that may be on blacklists or greylists according to their behavior during the use of the parking service.It's important to note that the entry module, with its network of cameras, can be accessed without requiring the vehicle's license plate. This is achieved through intelligent association of the vehicle's license plate and user identification, validated using previously mentioned tools such as reliable databases and validation applications. This is based on a database that correlates a user's face with the vehicle(s) registered in their name or frequently used by them. This allows for a much more efficient interaction between the system and the user, resulting in greater user satisfaction by eliminating the need to provide their license plate number each time they enter the parking lot.Furthermore, it allows the user to feel a level of satisfaction due to the importance that the system gives to recognizing and knowing or determining the vehicle that he regularly uses.

[0038] However, if a vehicle registered and associated with a particular user enters the parking lot being driven by a different user, the system allows sending a confirmation to the registered user associated with the vehicle, either through the virtual assistant platform or via text message (SMS), without these methods being mutually exclusive, to determine if the driver entering with the vehicle is authorized for that purpose, allowing the user to indicate whether or not there is authorization.

[0039] If the authorization is granted, the system will register the vehicle and allow regular parking service use, charging the fee either to an account associated with the vehicle or via cash payment, as is standard practice. However, if the authorization is denied, the system will alert the parking manager so that appropriate measures can be taken, such as notifying the authorities or taking other necessary actions. As mentioned previously, the system includes an information point module. It's important to note that these information points can be booths or physical kiosks, staffed by a dedicated person or automated, and distributed throughout the facility where the parking lot is located, such as a shopping center, building, etc.Likewise, information points may not be physical elements, in which case they are directly replaced by the user's interaction with the virtual assistant through their mobile device (tablet, smartphone, etc.), where this interaction can be carried out through a chat application, such as WhatsApp or any messaging service, or even through the use of text messages (SMS), all depending on the user's preferences at the time of registration.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention has an interconnection layer that allows interconnection with other parking lots and sharing information with them, in order to generate personalized advertising for each user or even to improve security between parking lots, either because a vehicle with debts or with suspicious actions is detected and thus other establishments can be alerted or the respective authorities informed about it.

[0041] Preferably, the system of the present invention may or may not be divided into two subsystems, one corresponding to the hardware confirmation and the other related to the functionality of said hardware, where the hardware subsystem is a set of electronic devices and physical elements that allow the execution of a solution and obtain a desired result of adequate parking management.

[0042] On the other hand, the operating subsystem corresponds to systems, applications, services, among others, that constitute components that run in a distributed and joint manner with the hardware subsystem that supports the solution in order to provide the necessary functions for its use and thus obtain the desired result, where said subsystems (hardware and operation) interact with each other and allow the system of the present invention to be superior and improved with respect to similar ones existing in the state of the art.

[0043] In another embodiment of the present invention, the output module also includes an audio element that allows the user to interact with the system. This audio element preferably consists of a speaker that provides the user with information related to their time in the parking facility. Alternatively, this audio element can also be included in the system's input module to allow for auditory interaction with the user upon entry.

[0044] Now, the present invention is also directed to a method or process for managing a parking system directly associated with the intelligent parking solution system defined above, as shown in Figure 3, where said method or process essentially comprises or consists of the following steps or stages that differ greatly from similar ones existing in the prior art: a) Recognizing the arrival of a vehicle at the parking center where the system is located, thus detecting the entry or arrival of the vehicle; b) Identifying the license plate or registration of the vehicle by recognizing the images taken in the system's entry module, thus capturing the photos and images of the related inventory; c) Recording the entry of the vehicle that passes through the system's entry module;d) If the user is registered in the database, send an entry alert to the number associated with that user or vehicle; if the user is not registered in the database, proceed with the parking service as usual; e) Once the time has elapsed and the user has finished their visit to the establishment, they indicate that they wish to leave and end the parking time, for which an alternative is sent so that the user can select the interaction and payment mechanism; f) The user selects the interaction and payment mechanism, either interaction by a physical element or component in the establishment or through the virtual assistant Bot, as well as the selection of the payment method which can be online, use of a card reader, agreement, or cash payment, independent of the interaction mechanism;g) If interaction with the Virtual Assistant Bot is selected, provide the vehicle data and perform a user identity verification or validation. If the user is already registered in the system, the system already has the data and only needs to indicate that they wish to pay; h) If the payment method is cash and interaction with the Virtual Assistant Bot is selected, generate a PIN to make the cash payment, associating the payment data with the vehicle data to allow exit; i) Read the vehicle's license plate in the exit module and verify that the amount paid is correct, or verify if the payment was made successfully;(yj) If the payment is successfully verified, open the detention element in the exit module and allow the vehicle to exit; otherwise, the vehicle is not allowed to exit and the procedure must be repeated to make a new payment, if required.

[0045] Although the present invention has been defined in terms of the preferred modalities and / or configurations that allow obtaining the desired result, it is understood that within this disclosure are contemplated the multiple modifications and / or alternatives that may be evident to a person skilled in the art, for which reason the scope of the present invention is not defined solely by the preferred implementations defined herein, but rather, it is entirely defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An automated and digital parking management system with continuous interaction via an intelligent Bot, characterized in that it comprises: • an entry module located at the entrance of the parking system, which is composed of image-capturing cameras; • a guidance module and servers that corresponds to an administrator of a database of vehicles, payments made and users, which connects with the input module and with other modules of the system to receive the images captured when the vehicle enters and compare or store information on servers for later processing, where said guidance module also has cameras for vehicle location and guidance; • an information point module that are elements for supplying information to customers, where said information point modules are elements or physical spaces distributed throughout a facility where the parking lot is located, or correspond to functionalities of the virtual assistant Bot on a mobile device; • a payment and self-payment module that is managed for online payment through an application of a banking entity, or even in person at one of the information points of the information points module; • monitoring points that are workstations connected to all the system's components or modules; and • an exit module located at the exit of the parking system, which is composed of cameras that take images of the vehicle and / or the user.

2. The parking assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the input module and / or the output module each One comprises a display screen for user interaction and / or a stopping element 3. The parking assistance system according to claim 2, characterized in that the stopping element is a barrier or similar that opens and closes to allow the passage of vehicles according to the detected conditions.

4. The parking assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the virtual assistant Bot is a messaging or chat application, or corresponds to the text messaging system.

5. The parking assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an interconnection module with other parking facilities or systems to share information with them, where said information corresponds to personalized advertising or security alert messages or the like.

6. The parking assistance system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is divided into two subsystems, one corresponding to the hardware confirmation and the other related to the functionality thereof, wherein the hardware subsystem is a set of electronic devices and physical elements for the execution of a solution and obtain a desired result of adequate parking management.

7. The parking assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that the exit module and / or the entry module further comprise each an audio element for interaction with the system by the user, wherein said audio element corresponds to a speaker with information for the user.

8. The parking assistance system according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the system is installed or attached to an installation, such as a shopping center, educational institution, building, among others.

9. The parking assistance system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it connects to vehicle information networks to determine vehicle and owner information, while connecting to other parking systems creating a general network at city or country level to share information related to parking activity and user and vehicle data.

10. A method or process for managing a parking assistance system as defined in any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) recognizing the arrival of a vehicle at the parking center where the system is located; b) identifying the vehicle's license plate or registration number by recognizing the images taken at the system's entry module, capturing photos and images from the related inventory; c) recording the entry of the vehicle passing through the system's entry module; d) if the user is registered in the database, sending an entry alert to the number associated with said user or vehicle; if the user is not registered in the database, the parking service proceeds in the regular manner;e) once the time has elapsed and the user has finished their visit to the establishment, the system indicates that they wish to leave and end the parking time, sending an alternative for the user to select the interaction and payment mechanism; f) the user selects the interaction and payment mechanism; g) If there is a selection to interact with the virtual assistant Bot, supply the vehicle data and perform a verification or validation of the user's identity; h) If the payment method is cash and there is a selection to interact with the virtual assistant Bot, generate a PIN for cash payment associating the payment data with the vehicle data; i) Read the vehicle registration in the exit module and perform a verification of the amount paid; and j) If the payment is successfully verified, open the detention element in the exit module, otherwise the vehicle is not allowed to exit and the process is repeated.

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