Method for a vehicle to use a pay-to-use car park

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for a vehicle to use a pay-to-use car park, comprising the method steps of A) the vehicle approaching a barrier, with the vehicle sending at least one communication message that comprises a certificate, B) the parking system storing the certificate transmitted by the vehicle in method step A) and the vehicle entering the pay-to-use car park, C) paying the parking fee for the pay-to-use car park, completed payment being followed by the parking system creating a task, D) the parking system checking the payment for the pay-to-use car park before the vehicle leaves the pay-to-use car park, and E) the barrier opening the exit from the pay-to-use car park if the task set in method step C) has been correctly solved by the vehicle in method step D). The invention also relates to a management system for managing at least one pay-to-use car park.

Description

[0001] AUDI AG P24343

[0002] Procedure for the use of a paid parking space by a

[0003] vehicle

[0004] DESCRIPTION:

[0005] The invention relates to a method for using a paid parking space by a vehicle, comprising the process steps: A) approaching a barrier device, wherein the vehicle sends at least one communication message which includes a certificate; B) storing the certificate transmitted by the vehicle in process step A) by the parking system and the vehicle entering the paid parking space; C) paying the parking fee for the paid parking space, wherein a task is created by the parking system after payment has been made; D) verifying the payment for the paid parking space before the vehicle exits the paid parking space by the parking system; and E) releasing the exit from the paid parking space by the barrier device if the task set in process step C) was correctly solved by the vehicle in process step D).The invention further relates to an administrative system for managing at least one paid parking space.

[0006] In areas with limited parking, paid parking is often offered. Managing such paid parking requires access control and a way to verify that the parking fee has been paid correctly. A common method for managing paid parking is based on parking tickets, which are generated upon entry. These tickets contain a unique identifier, which, when paying at a parking meter, confirms that payment has been made correctly. Upon exiting the parking area, the parking ticket is presented to an exit control system, which, if payment is correct, allows the vehicle to leave. Another way to manage paid parking is based on optical license plate recognition.Upon entry, the license plate number is recorded. When paying at a parking meter, the user enters their license plate number and pays the parking fee. The information that the parking fee has been paid is then assigned to the license plate number. Upon exit, the license plate number is recorded again, and the exit control is activated once the information confirms payment. Furthermore, it is possible to use both parking tickets and license plate recognition when managing a parking lot. For example, payment can be processed via a ticket, while exit control is carried out using a camera system based on license plate numbers.These known methods for managing a paid parking lot require parking tickets that must be issued and disposed of, or camera surveillance that, in addition to managing the parking lot, also allows monitoring the movement of a specific vehicle and its user.

[0007] DE 600 17 247 T2 describes a method for managing vehicle parking. This method uses parking tickets provided by a parking meter, combined with the use of a mobile phone to transmit data such as parking duration. The mobile phone is connected via a data connection to a parking server, which in turn exchanges data with the parking meter.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2015 219 517 A1 describes a certification module and a procedure that can also be used to verify the authorization of a vehicle or a vehicle user. The procedure uses communication messages exchanged between a vehicle and an infrastructure. These communication messages transmit short-term certificates, which are authenticated to determine authorization using a root certificate associated with the short-term certificates.

[0009] US 2004 / 0012481 A1 describes an administrative procedure for paid parking in which a vehicle user's mobile phone exchanges information with an access control system for the parking area. The procedure also includes a server connected to a payment terminal, the access control system, and, via a wireless connection, to the mobile phone. Verification of payment is performed using a certificate transmitted from the server to the mobile phone, which the mobile phone then sends back to the access control system upon exiting the parking area.

[0010] The object of the invention is to propose solutions with which at least one paid parking lot can be managed securely and easily, whereby these solutions are intended to provide improved data protection for the user of the paid parking lot.

[0011] This problem of the invention is solved by a method for using a paid parking space by a vehicle, wherein communication messages of the vehicle and a parking system for managing the paid parking space are used to carry out the method, comprising the method steps

[0012] A) Approach of the vehicle to a barrier device which is part of the parking system and which, as required, grants or denies access to a paid parking space, wherein the vehicle sends at least one communication message which includes a certificate, and wherein this communication message is received by the barrier device,

[0013] B) The parking system saves the certificate transmitted by the vehicle in process step A), the barrier releases access to the paid parking space, and the vehicle enters the paid parking space.

[0014] C) Payment of the parking fee for the paid parking space by a user of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle transmits the certificate used in process steps A) and B) to the parking system via at least one further communication message for identification, and wherein the payment is assigned to the transmitted certificate by the parking system, and after payment, a task is created by the parking system which can only be solved by a key that is assigned to the transmitted certificate in the vehicle.

[0015] D) Verification of payment for the paid parking space by the parking system before the vehicle exits the paid parking space, wherein the task created in process step C) is sent by the parking system, in particular by the barrier device, via at least one communication message, this task is received by the vehicle and solved by using the key that is associated with the certificate used at entry, and the solution of the task is transmitted from the vehicle to the parking system via a communication message, wherein the solution of the task is verified by the parking system.

[0016] E) Release of the exit from the paid parking area by the barrier device if, in procedure step D), the task set in procedure step C) has been correctly solved by the vehicle and the vehicle exits the paid parking area.

[0017] The method according to the invention enables the management of a paid parking space and the use of such a parking space by a vehicle. The method is preferably carried out in the sequence of process steps A) to E). Communication messages are used to carry out the method, which are exchanged, in particular automatically, via a wireless data connection between the vehicle and a parking system. The parking system comprises a barrier device configured to grant or deny access to a paid parking space as required. Furthermore, the parking system comprises at least one payment module configured to calculate the parking fee for the paid parking space and to determine and / or verify payment of the parking fee.The barrier and the payment module are both connected to a control unit of the parking system via a data connection.

[0018] In the first step of the process (A), a vehicle approaches the parking system or the paid parking space. As the vehicle approaches, the barrier blocks access to the paid parking space. During this approach, the vehicle sends one or more communication messages, each containing a certificate that allows for the unique identification of the vehicle. At least one of these communication messages is received by the barrier.

[0019] In a second process step B), the certificate, which was transmitted from the vehicle to the barrier device and thus to the parking system via at least one communication message, is stored by the parking system, and access to the paid parking space is granted by the barrier device. After access is granted, the vehicle enters the paid parking space. Once inside, the barrier device closes access to the paid parking space again. The vehicle is then parked in the paid parking space.

[0020] A third process step (C) is carried out when the vehicle's parking in the paid parking space is to be terminated. The vehicle user pays the parking fee. To determine the parking fee due, the vehicle transmits the previously used certificate to the parking system again via at least one further communication message. This previously used certificate allows the vehicle to be uniquely identified and the required parking fee to be calculated. The parking fee can be paid in various ways. Implementations of this are described later. After the parking fee is paid, the parking system records that the parking fee for the used certificate has been paid. Subsequently, the parking system generates a task, in particular a computational or cryptic problem.This task can only be solved using a key that is associated with the certificate transmitted during entry, stored in the vehicle. This task does not include the certificate transmitted during entry. The certificate transmitted during entry is no longer used by the parking system in the subsequent process and is not exchanged again via a communication message between the vehicle and the parking system.

[0021] A further process step D) is carried out when, after paying the parking fee, the vehicle attempts to leave the paid parking space and approaches the barrier. In process step D), the parking system verifies whether payment for the paid parking space was made correctly. To do this, the parking system sends at least one communication message containing the task created in process step C). The vehicle receives the task and solves it using the key associated with the certificate used at entry. This task can also be referred to as a challenge. If the parking system manages multiple paid parking spaces, it is possible that the parking fee has already been paid for several vehicles, and multiple vehicles may be approaching the barrier.In such a case, the barrier device sends communication messages to all these vehicles containing a task that can only be solved by one vehicle at a time using its specific key. Once a vehicle solves a task, the solution is transmitted via another communication message from the vehicle to the parking system, which then verifies the solution. This type of authentication via a task that can only be solved individually can also be referred to as challenged authentication. In a further step (E), the barrier device allows the vehicle to exit the paid parking space, provided the solution to the task transmitted in step D) is correct. The vehicle then exits the paid parking space, and the parking space is re-locked by the barrier device.

[0022] The method according to the invention has the advantage that it can be carried out largely fully automatically via electronic communication between the vehicle and the parking system. This makes the method very convenient for the user of a vehicle using a paid parking space. However, the method according to the invention has a number of further advantages: by using communication messages for data exchange, the need for camera surveillance or license plate recognition is eliminated. This makes the method far less prone to malfunctions than known methods. Furthermore, it is advantageous that no license plate number needs to be recorded and stored. License plate recognition always has the disadvantage that the vehicle or its user can be monitored. Such license plate recognition therefore has low acceptance among many users or is met with rejection.Furthermore, the method according to the invention eliminates the need for a parking ticket, which has to be printed and disposed of after parking. It also eliminates the problem of the parking ticket being accidentally lost by the user. Moreover, the method according to the invention is very secure and offers a high level of data protection for the vehicle user. The certificate used upon entry is used solely for calculating the parking fee. Should the certificate used upon entry be received and stored by an unauthorized person, this unauthorized person still cannot leave the paid parking space with their vehicle using the stolen certificate. This is because the certificate used upon entry is no longer used upon exiting. Authentication or...Vehicle identification at the exit barrier is achieved by solving a puzzle, not by using the certificate for entry. The puzzle required to exit the paid parking area can only be solved with a key that remains in the vehicle and is never released. This prevents the puzzle from being solved if an unauthorized person has identified the certificate used for entry but does not intend to leave the paid parking area with the vehicle that issued the certificate. Finally, the communication messages and the certificate can be designed in such a way that no personal data, such as license plate number or user name, is used for accessing the paid parking area.In this way, a high level of data protection is ensured and monitoring of the user or vehicle, which can also be referred to as tracking, is prevented.

[0023] In one embodiment, it is provided that after process step E), a further process step F) is carried out, in which the task created in process step C) for the vehicle that exited in process step E) is deleted by the parking system. In this embodiment, after process step E) and the vehicle's exit from the paid parking space, the task that was previously correctly solved by the exiting vehicle is resolved. After the task is deleted, the barrier device no longer sends any further communication messages containing the solved task.

[0024] In a further embodiment, each communication message transmitted by the vehicle in process step D) includes a certificate that is different from the certificate used in process step A). ​​In this embodiment, the communication messages used by the vehicle to transmit the solved task in process step D) each include a certificate that is different from the certificate used via communication messages in process step A). ​​This ensures that a certificate unlawfully stolen or intercepted in process step A) cannot be used by unauthorized persons to exit the paid parking area. Furthermore, it is impossible to match the certificate used for exiting with the certificate used for entering, since the two certificates are different.Temporal and spatial monitoring of the vehicle and its user is also impossible due to the different certificates used when the vehicle is driven out, as the two certificates are not linked. A certificate change typically occurs automatically, along with a communication message, when the vehicle is previously parked or deactivated and subsequently restarted or reactivated. Thus, a certificate change usually occurs automatically when the vehicle is parked in the parking space. This automatic certificate change ensures that the vehicle and / or the certificate cannot be tracked or monitored.If the vehicle is deactivated and activated multiple times in the paid parking space, resulting in multiple certificate changes, the vehicle can also be identified in procedure step C) by transmitting several communication messages with the most recently used certificates to the parking system.

[0025] In one embodiment, the communication messages sent and / or received by the vehicle and / or the parking system are formed by V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) messages. These communication messages can, for example, be formed by V2X messages, where V2X stands for a standard that can also be described as Vehicle-to-Everything communication. V2X messages are not only intended for use in the method according to the invention, but generally serve for the exchange of information and data between a vehicle and its environment, such as other vehicles, infrastructure, and systems like traffic lights, parking spaces, or similar. It is also intended to integrate the V2X standard into future mobile phones.For sending and receiving, a vehicle usually includes a V2X box, which also contains the private key used to solve the task, which is assigned to each certificate.

[0026] In a further embodiment, it is provided that in process step C), the parking fee is paid by the vehicle user at a payment terminal belonging to the parking system, or the parking fee is paid by the vehicle user via a device, particularly a mobile device, configured to receive the parking fee and process the payment via a wireless data connection. The payment of the parking fee in process step C) can be carried out in various ways. For example, the parking system may include a payment module that comprises a payment terminal. In this case, the vehicle user can pay the parking fee at the payment terminal. After payment has been received, the payment terminal sends confirmation that the parking fee has been paid, and the parking system then generates the task that must be completed to exit the paid parking space.Alternatively, payment can be made via a device, such as a mobile phone, with a suitable payment program or app installed. This allows the process to be easily adapted to different payment methods for parking fees. However, the actual payment is preferably never made directly via the communication messages exchanged between the vehicle and the parking system. This ensures a high level of security for the financial transactions.

[0027] In one embodiment, it is provided that in process step C), the transmission of the certificate used in process steps A) and B) from the vehicle to the parking system is activated by an action of the vehicle user, in particular, the vehicle user uses a mobile device for activation, which transmits a message to the vehicle as needed. The transmission of the certificate used during entry to the parking system in process step C) can be activated by an action of the vehicle user. For example, it is possible that a function is integrated into the vehicle key which transmits a message to the vehicle at the push of a button by the user. Subsequently, the vehicle transmits a communication message containing the certificate used during entry to the parking system.The message sent from the vehicle key to the vehicle can also be a communication message of the same type used for communication between the vehicle and the parking system. Alternatively, a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, can be used to transmit the user's action to the vehicle, which then sends the communication messages containing the certificate used for entry. It is also possible for the user action that prompts the vehicle to transmit the certificate used for entry to be performed within the vehicle itself, for example, by entering a corresponding command on a control panel inside the vehicle.

[0028] In one embodiment, the task created by the parking system in process step C) can only be solved using a private key that is stored exclusively in the vehicle in conjunction with the transmitted certificate and is never sent by the vehicle along with a communication message or certificate. The key for solving the task in process step C) can be a private key that is stored only in the vehicle and uniquely assigned to the certificate used for entry. This key is never transmitted outside the vehicle. The key is cryptically linked to the certificate and is known only to the vehicle. Since the key is never disclosed by the vehicle, it is impossible for an unauthorized person to solve the task using only the certificate used for entry.In this way, the method offers a very high level of security against unauthorized access. The principle behind the problem and its solution can also be described as asymmetric cryptography. In one embodiment, the barrier device comprises a gate and a module for sending and receiving communication messages. The barrier device can include a gate that, in an open position, grants access to the paid parking area and, in a closed position, blocks this access. Furthermore, a module for sending and receiving communication messages can be part of the barrier device and, for example, be located in the housing that also supports and guides the gate. This ensures a secure and interference-free connection between the vehicle and the parking system via communication messages.

[0029] The object of the invention is further achieved by an administration system for managing at least one paid parking space, comprising a parking system and at least one vehicle, wherein the parking system includes a barrier device configured to release or block access to a paid parking space as required, and the parking system further includes a payment module configured to calculate the parking fee for the paid parking space and to determine and / or verify payment of the parking fee, wherein the parking system includes a control unit connected to the barrier device and the payment module via a data connection, wherein the vehicle is configured to send and receive communication messages, and the control unit and the vehicle are configured to carry out a method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0030] The management system according to the invention is configured to carry out a method according to one of the embodiments described above. A use of the management system according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention is also disclosed.

[0031] The management system comprises a parking system and at least one vehicle, preferably several vehicles. The parking system includes a barrier device that grants or denies access to the paid parking space. Furthermore, the parking system includes a payment module designed to calculate the parking fee for each vehicle and to determine, process, or verify payment. The parking system also includes a central control unit connected to both the barrier device and the payment module via a data connection. Naturally, the parking system also includes at least one paid parking space. Finally, the management system according to the invention comprises at least one vehicle capable of sending and receiving communication messages and exchanging them with the parking system.The control unit comprises a memory and a central processing unit and is configured to communicate with the other elements of the parking system and to execute a method according to one of the previously described embodiments. An advantage of the management system according to the invention is that no components for creating and evaluating parking tickets are required. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the management system to include a camera system for determining a vehicle's license plate number.

[0032] In one embodiment of the management system, the payment module is formed by at least one payment terminal configured to display the parking fee and receive payment, and / or the payment module is partially integrated into the control unit and includes at least one mobile device configured to receive the parking fee and process payment via a wireless data connection. The payment module is intended to perform part of process step C) of the method according to the invention. The payment module can be implemented in various ways, for example, as a payment terminal. Such a payment terminal is configured to calculate the parking fee and to receive and verify payment. Payment can be made, for example, in cash or via an electronic transaction.Alternatively, the payment module may be partially integrated into the control unit, for example, as a program installed within the control unit. This integrated part of the payment module is configured to communicate with a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, and thus display and receive the parking fee. For example, a corresponding program may be installed on the mobile device to allow the user to pay the parking fee.

[0033] Features, effects, and benefits disclosed in connection with the procedure are also deemed disclosed in connection with the administrative system. Conversely, features, effects, and benefits disclosed in connection with the administrative system are also deemed disclosed in connection with the procedure.

[0034] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing with reference to one embodiment and is further described with reference to the drawing. It shows:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method according to the invention. Figure 1 depicts the sequence of steps in an embodiment of the method according to the invention in a flowchart from top to bottom. To carry out the method, a parking system and a vehicle configured to exchange communication messages with the parking system are used. The parking system is also configured to exchange communication messages with the vehicle.

[0037] Before the procedure begins, a barrier in the parking system is closed, blocking access to a paid parking space. In procedure step A), the vehicle approaches the barrier, continuously transmitting communication messages, each containing a unique certificate. These communication messages could be, for example, V2X messages, which the vehicle typically transmits ten times per second. At least one of these communication messages is received by the barrier, and the certificate is recognized.

[0038] In step B), the certificate transmitted by the vehicle is stored by the parking system. The barrier then unlocks access to the paid parking area. The vehicle can then drive into the paid parking area and park there.

[0039] Step C) is performed after the vehicle has finished parking. The vehicle user pays the parking fees. To determine the applicable parking fee, the vehicle, particularly from the paid parking space, sends at least one communication message containing the certificate previously used and transmitted in steps A) and B). This allows the parking system to identify which vehicle, or rather, for which certificate the parking fee should be calculated. Normally, after deactivation during parking, the vehicle would send communication messages with a certificate that differs from the certificate used upon entry. Therefore, the transmission of the certificate sent before parking represents a special use case that would not typically occur in connection with sending communication messages, especially V2X messages.After the user pays the parking fee, the parking system generates a task, specifically a cryptic one, which can only be solved using a key stored in the vehicle for which the parking fee was paid. The parking system also records that the parking fee has been correctly paid for this vehicle. Between process step C) and process step D), the vehicle moves from the paid parking area to the exit and thus to the barrier. The barrier transmits the task created in process step C) via communication messages, which are received by the vehicle. The vehicle receives the task and then solves it using the stored private key, which is uniquely linked to the certificate used upon entry.The completed task is then transmitted back from the vehicle to the parking system via another communication message. The parking system then checks whether the task was solved correctly.

[0040] If the task was solved correctly, procedure step E) is initiated by releasing the exit from the paid parking lot via the barrier. The vehicle can then leave the paid parking lot.

[0041] In the optional, subsequent procedure step F), after the vehicle has left the paid parking space and the barrier device has closed access to the paid parking space again, the task used for the exiting vehicle is finally deleted.

[0042] The procedure can, of course, also be carried out using a parking system and multiple vehicles. In this case, all procedural steps are performed separately for each vehicle. REFERENCE SIGN LIST:

[0043] A) Procedure step A)

[0044] B) Process step B) C) Process step C)

[0045] D) Procedure step D)

[0046] E) Procedure step E)

[0047] F) Procedure step F)

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1. A method for the use of a paid parking space by a vehicle, wherein communication messages from the vehicle and a parking system for managing the paid parking space are used to carry out the method, comprising the following procedural steps: A) Approach of the vehicle to a barrier device which is part of the parking system and which, as required, grants or denies access to a paid parking space, wherein the vehicle sends at least one communication message which includes a certificate, and wherein this communication message is received by the barrier device, B) The parking system saves the certificate transmitted by the vehicle in process step A), the barrier releases access to the paid parking space, and the vehicle enters the paid parking space. C) Payment of the parking fee for the paid parking space by a user of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle transmits the certificate used in process steps A) and B) to the parking system via at least one further communication message for identification, and wherein the payment is assigned to the transmitted certificate by the parking system, and after payment, a task is created by the parking system which can only be solved by a key that is assigned to the transmitted certificate in the vehicle. D) Verification of payment for the paid parking space by the parking system before the vehicle exits the paid parking space, wherein the parking system, in particular the barrier device, sends the task created in procedure step C) via at least one communication message, this task is received by the vehicle and solved by using the key associated with the certificate used at entry, and the solution of the task is communicated via a A communication message is transmitted from the vehicle to the parking system, whereby the solution to the task is checked by the parking system, E) Release of the exit from the paid parking space by the barrier device if in procedure step D) the task set in procedure step C) was correctly solved by the vehicle and exit of the vehicle from the paid parking space.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein after method step E) a further method step F) is carried out in which the task created in method step C) for the vehicle driven out in method step E) is deleted by the parking system.

3. A method according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein each communication message transmitted by the vehicle in process step D) comprises a certificate which is different from the certificate used in process step A).

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication messages which are sent and / or received by the vehicle and / or the parking system are formed by V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) messages.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein in method step C) the parking fee is paid by a user of the vehicle at a payment machine belonging to the parking system or the parking fee is paid by a user of the vehicle via a device, in particular a mobile device, which is configured to receive the parking fee via a wireless data connection and to make the payment of the parking fee.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein in process step C) the transmission of the certificate used in process steps A) and B) by the vehicle to the parking system is activated by an action of a user of the vehicle, in particular where the user of the vehicle uses a mobile device for activation, which transmits a message to the vehicle as needed.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the task created by the parking system in process step C) can only be solved by a private key which is stored exclusively in the vehicle in connection with the transmitted certificate and which is never sent by the vehicle together with a communication message or a certificate.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier device comprises a barrier and a module for sending and receiving communication messages.

9. Management system for administering at least one paid parking space, comprising a parking system and at least one vehicle, wherein the parking system includes a barrier device configured to open or close access to a paid parking space as required, and the parking system further includes a payment module configured to calculate the parking fee for the paid parking space and to determine and / or verify payment of the parking fee, wherein the parking system includes a control unit connected to the barrier device and the payment module via a data connection, wherein the vehicle is configured to send and receive communication messages, and the control unit and the vehicle are configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims.

10. Management system according to the preceding claim 9, wherein the payment module is formed by at least one payment terminal configured to display the parking fee and process the payment. 21 to receive the parking fee, and / or where the payment module is partially integrated into the control unit and includes at least one mobile device configured to receive the parking fee and make the payment of the parking fee via a wireless data connection.

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