Operating a vehicle in a parking facility

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) for operating a vehicle (100), which has at least one sensor device (120, 130) designed to generate an environment-indicative sensor signal, in a parking facility (150) containing at least two parking spaces (152), wherein the following steps are carried out while the vehicle (100) is at least stationary: detecting (S18) a presence of another vehicle (160) in an environment (140) of the ego-vehicle (100) according to the at least one environment-indicative sensor signal; determining (S20) occupancy information that is indicative of an occupancy of at least one part of the parking facility (150) according to the detection (S18) of the presence of another vehicle (160); and transmitting (S22) the occupancy information.

Description

[0001] 2024PF02556

[0002] 1

[0003] OPERATING A VEHICLE IN A PARKING FACILITY

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle which has at least one sensor device designed to generate an environment-indicative sensor signal, in a parking facility comprising at least two parking spaces.

[0005] To simplify the search for parking spaces, it is common practice for large parking garages to monitor the occupancy of their spaces, for example, using a sensor for each space, and to display this information. For instance, a light signal above or at each space changes color depending on its occupancy. In particular, at intersections, display boards show the number of available spaces in a specific direction. However, such systems require investment and maintenance. Furthermore, occupancy can change while a vehicle is in use. To make it easier for drivers or parking assistants to find parking spaces, a more flexible system is needed. As a first step, a flexible technology for recording the occupancy of any parking facility will be developed.

[0006] Security systems for parked vehicles are known, for example from US 2021 / 0 188213 A1, which, in order to reduce the risk of theft, monitor the area around a parked vehicle with reduced sensor power and switch to full sensor power when responding to movement near the vehicle.

[0007] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide a means for flexibly recording the occupancy of at least part of a parking facility.

[0008] Accordingly, a method for operating a vehicle is proposed. The vehicle has at least one sensor device. The sensor device is configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of the vehicle's surroundings. The method is carried out in a parking facility that has at least two parking spaces. 2024PF02556

[0009] 2

[0010] The following steps are performed while the vehicle is parked. The procedure includes at least the following steps: detecting the presence of another vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle itself, based on at least one environment-indicative sensor signal; determining occupancy information that indicates at least part of the parking facility is occupied, based on the detection of the presence of another vehicle; and transmitting the occupancy information outside the vehicle.

[0011] In other words, it is proposed to use the environmental sensor(s) of one's own parked vehicle to collect and provide occupancy information for the benefit of others. This eliminates the need for permanently installed occupancy sensors. Collecting occupancy information is possible in any parking facility.

[0012] A "parking facility" can be understood as a public or private traffic area that has at least two parking spaces. Typically, a parking facility has at least one access road connecting these two parking spaces. A parking facility can be, for example, an open-air parking lot, a parking garage, and / or an underground parking facility. The parking facility is, for example, separated from regular streets by an entrance (with or without a barrier).

[0013] The term "parked" can be understood to mean that the vehicle is "stationary," "switched off," or "turned off." In this state, the vehicle's drive system is typically switched off and / or the vehicle is in a parking mode. For example, it can be detected that a parking brake is activated, a parking gear is engaged, and / or a shutdown signal is being received. When the vehicle is "parked" or "switched off," some systems are not switched off or de-energized, such as at least one sensor device, a control unit executing the process steps, and a communication device. This behavior is also known, for example, from a system for infrared-based locking / unlocking of vehicle doors.

[0014] 3

[0015] which is in standby mode while the vehicle is switched off.

[0016] The requirement that the steps are "executed at least when the vehicle is stationary" can be interpreted to mean that the steps are executed while the vehicle is moving within the parking facility and while the vehicle is stationary. However, the procedure may be restricted to executing the steps only when the vehicle is stationary. Furthermore, there may be individual optional steps that are executed before entering a parking facility and / or before the vehicle comes to a standstill, such as providing and / or creating a map of the surroundings.

[0017] The term "sensor device" can refer to any sensor device that is configured and suitable for detecting at least one section of the environment and generating a sensor signal that represents that section, such that another vehicle within it can be detected. For example, the sensor device could be an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. Preferably, the sensor device is a radar sensor and / or a camera sensor. Radar sensors are already very efficient in terms of operation and data processing. Camera sensors are becoming increasingly efficient in terms of operation and data processing. However, other technologies such as lidar sensors or sensor fusion could also be used.

[0018] "Detecting the presence of another vehicle" can be understood as identifying whether another vehicle is present in the detected environment or a detected section of the environment. It can also mean identifying the location of another vehicle within the detected environment or a detected section. Furthermore, it can mean identifying, for each sub-area of ​​a grid dividing the detected environment or a detected section, whether another vehicle is present in that sub-area. One could say that a presence state 2024PF02556

[0019] 4

[0020] It is detected. One can speak of the presence of any other vehicle.

[0021] The term "occupancy information" refers to an indicator that provides information on the occupancy and / or utilization of a section of the parking facility, and / or how its occupancy and / or utilization is changing. Occupancy information can be considered indicative and / or unambiguous for the occupancy of a specific parking space. It can also be considered indicative for the utilization of a section of the parking facility containing multiple parking spaces, or for the entire parking facility.

[0022] The term "transmitting" can be understood as the transmission of information via a transmitter. For example, occupancy information can be sent via radio, mobile network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, or similar technologies. The transmitter is, for example, set up to communicate with another vehicle and / or with an infrastructure-fixed receiver. Transmitting is a wireless process.

[0023] It's possible that your vehicle determines the occupancy information by detecting movement from another vehicle. This can save energy in parking facilities that are rarely or irregularly used.

[0024] The occupancy information for a parking space within a section of the surrounding area represented by at least one sensor signal may be indicative. This means that the occupancy of the parking space "visible" to the sensor(s), or the corresponding parking spaces, is determined. This determination is very reliable and highly informative.

[0025] The parking space may be shown on a map of the parking facility, either transmitted to the vehicle or provided externally. This facilitates a clear assignment of occupancy information to a parking space and makes it easier for another vehicle to find the available space. Preferably, the occupancy information is referenced with reference 2024PF02556.

[0026] 5

[0027] The occupancy information is transmitted to the map, for example by specifying a location on the map. Preferably, the occupancy information is transmitted with reference to an identifier specified in the map, such as a parking space number.

[0028] The vehicle may recognize the parking space based on at least one sensor signal before and / or during standstill. This involves using map creation via SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) or a similar technology to operate independently of externally provided maps. While it is preferred, it is not necessary for the same sensor signal to be used for both parking space recognition and occupancy information when multiple sensor signals are present. For example, a camera signal might be used to recognize the parking space while entering, and a radar signal might be used to detect occupancy while stationary.

[0029] The invention is based on the idea of ​​using vehicle-integrated sensors to collect occupancy information for a parking facility. It is inherent in this idea that the entire parking facility cannot generally be viewed from the vehicle itself. However, if several vehicles have this function, occupancy statements for the parking facility can be made with a high degree of certainty. The occupancy information may be indicative of the movement of another vehicle on a traffic lane within a section of the surrounding area represented by at least one sensor signal. In other words, it monitors whether a vehicle is driving on a "visible" traffic lane. This function is useful if the vehicle is located near an entrance to a single lane and / or near its exit, in order to determine whether the parking spaces along that lane have changed.The occupancy information may be indicative of the balance of detected movements of other vehicles on a traffic route within an area represented by at least one sensor signal. This function is very useful if your own vehicle is near an entrance to the parking facility and / or near its exit, in order to obtain information about a change in a 2024PF02556.

[0030] 6

[0031] To be able to determine the occupancy of the entire parking facility. A "balance" can be understood here as the number of other vehicles per unit of time. The balance can be calculated, for example, per traffic route (i.e., for both directions) or per direction of travel.

[0032] Your vehicle may send occupancy information upon detecting a change in occupancy and / or upon detecting the movement of another vehicle. Therefore, event-driven transmission is recommended. This is particularly efficient for small or remote parking facilities, and / or for parking facilities whose occupancy remains relatively stable over certain periods. An example application is a company parking lot between shift changes.

[0033] The vehicle may transmit occupancy information on a timed basis. This could involve executing the entire process, including sensor signal acquisition, only at set intervals. Alternatively, sensor signals could be continuously acquired and transmitted only at set intervals. For example, occupancy information could be transmitted every 10 seconds or every 30 seconds. It might be unnecessary to update the occupancy information for a parking space more frequently than the time it takes to exit a parking space or for a vehicle / driver observing an exit to complete the parking maneuver. This approach can therefore help to streamline the process. For instance, the occupancy information for a traffic lane could be updated every 0.5 seconds, 1 second, or up to 5 seconds to track individual vehicles and thus reliably count them.

[0034] It is possible that the vehicle itself transmits occupancy information in response to a request signal. For example, a vehicle entering the parking facility might request occupancy information. Similarly, a parking facility management system might request occupancy information at intervals or specifically when a vehicle enters the facility. This method can save energy compared to regular transmission. It is particularly useful for 2024PF02556.

[0035] 7

[0036] preferably, if the entire process is only executed in response to the request signal, starting with the detection of the presence of another vehicle or even starting with a preliminary detection of the environment using the sensor device.

[0037] Your vehicle may transmit or send occupancy information to another vehicle, to a parking facility-independent receiver, and / or to a parking facility-specific receiver. Transmitting occupancy information to another vehicle has the advantage that the success of the process is independent of other infrastructure (such as a server, internet connection, etc.) for each parking facility. A parking facility-independent receiver can be understood as a receiver defined for multiple or different parking facilities, for example, a receiver pre-configured in the vehicle. This can be advantageous, for instance, because it works for all possible parking facilities and can offer anonymity from other vehicles.A parking facility-integrated receiver can be understood as a radio device and / or an associated server or similar device. This has the advantage that, for example, parking space allocation specific to a parking facility – even across different technologies – can be implemented in a standardized way. These variants have in common that a specific receiver is addressed, enabling feedback to be sent to the vehicle.

[0038] The vehicle may transmit the occupancy information in an undirected manner. This could be achieved, for example, via an unencrypted radio transmission. This has the advantage that the process is independent of whether a recipient wishes to identify themselves as such, for example, for data protection reasons.

[0039] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed which includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the procedure described above. A computer program product such as ein2024PF02556

[0040] 8

[0041] Computer program tools can be provided or delivered, for example, as storage media such as memory cards, USB sticks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or as downloadable files from a server on a network. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transmitting the corresponding file containing the computer program product or tool.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, a control device for a vehicle is proposed, which is configured to execute the proposed method. The control device has the features and advantages of the proposed method. The proposed control device can also be configured as part of a higher-level control system of the vehicle, such as a central electronic control device and / or a circuit of several control devices. The proposed control device can also be configured as part of a sensor device. In a general case, the proposed control device has an environmental sensor and / or an interface for receiving the at least one sensor signal, a processing unit (CPU, memory, etc.).) to execute the program steps, and a means of communication or an interface to connect to a means of communication for sending / transmitting the occupancy information.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is proposed which is configured to carry out the proposed method. The vehicle has the features and advantages of the proposed method. For example, the proposed vehicle has the proposed control device. The proposed vehicle may have at least one sensor configured and connected to generate a sensor signal indicative of at least one environmental section, a processing unit (CPU, memory, etc.) or a circuit including such a unit, and a communication means for transmitting the occupancy information.

[0044] The vehicle is, for example, a passenger car or a truck. The vehicle preferably includes a number of sensor units for detecting the 2024PF02556

[0045] 9

[0046] The vehicle's driving condition and its surroundings are monitored by sensor units. Examples of such sensor units include imaging devices such as cameras, radar (radio detection and ranging), lidar (light detection and ranging), ultrasonic sensors, positioning sensors, wheel angle sensors, and / or wheel speed sensors. Each sensor unit is configured to output a sensor signal.

[0047] Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, a person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0048] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0049] Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a proposed vehicle equipped to carry out the proposed method;

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of the proposed method according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Fig. 3 schematically shows a situation of a vehicle in a parking facility to illustrate individual process steps;

[0052] Fig. 4 shows, in the form of a flowchart, differences in the sequence of the proposed method between the first and a second embodiment of the invention; 2024PF02556

[0053] 10

[0054] Fig. 5 shows, in the form of a flowchart, differences in the sequence of the proposed method between the first and a third embodiment of the invention;

[0055] Fig. 6 shows, in the form of a flowchart, differences in the sequence of the proposed method between the first and a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

[0056] Fig. 7 shows, in the form of a flowchart, differences in the sequence of the proposed method between the first and a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0057] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a schematic bird's-eye view of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is, for example, a car located in an environment 140. The car 100 has a control device 110 or an assistance system. Furthermore, a plurality of environmental sensor devices 120, 130 are arranged on the car 100, including, for example, optical sensors 120 and ultrasonic sensors 130. The optical sensors 120 include, for example, visual cameras, radar, and / or lidar. The optical sensors 120 can each capture an image of a respective area from the environment 140 of the car 100 and output it as an optical sensor signal. The ultrasonic sensors 130 are configured to detect the distance to objects located in the environment 140 and to output a corresponding sensor signal.By means of the sensor signals detected by the sensors 120, 130, the control device 110 is able to drive the car 100 semi-autonomously or even fully autonomously. In addition to the optical sensors 120 and ultrasonic sensors 130 shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with various other sensor devices 120, 130.

[0059] 11

[0060] features. Examples include a microphone, an accelerometer, an antenna 112 with a coupled receiver for receiving electromagnetically transmitted data signals, and the like.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method M10 for operating the vehicle 100. Figure 3 shows a corresponding scenario.

[0062] In step S10, the procedure is started by detecting an entry into a parking facility 150. The entry is detected, for example, by a marking or label on a navigation map, or by a symbol or logo indicating compatibility with this procedure, or by the characteristic shape of a barrier.

[0063] In step S12, a map of the surroundings of parking facility 150 is provided. For example, the map might be transmitted from a server via communication device 112. This map might record parking spaces 152 and driving lanes 154 of parking facility 150. It might also include structural features such as pillars 156, lane markings 158, and the like. Each parking space 152 might be labeled with a parking space identifier (1D) on the map. Alternatively, the map could be generated using SLAM or another sensor-based technology. In other words, the map could be provided by the vehicle 100 itself. It could also be that an externally provided map is updated and / or refined.For example, it may also be that the environment map was generated by the vehicle itself in a previous trip and is therefore provided from its own memory, whereby this map is also preferably updated and / or refined.

[0064] The procedure may be configured to run on an interval-based and / or time-based basis. For example, in step S14, the expiration of a time is detected, 2024PF02556

[0065] 12

[0066] for example, a 1-second interval. This interval length is well suited to counting other vehicles 160 on a road 154, and it leads to a sufficiently tolerant detection behavior to regularly detect other vehicles 160 that are hidden behind moving traffic.

[0067] In step S16, the environment 140 of the vehicle 100 is detected by means of a sensor 120, 130. The sensor 120, 130 detects an environmental section 142 and generates a sensor signal that is indicative of this environmental section 142. In other words, the sensor signal represents this environmental section 142. Figure 3 shows an environmental section 142 that is detected, for example, by a front radar sensor 120. In the scenario of Figure 3, the environment of the vehicle 100 is part of the parking facility 150.

[0068] In step S18, the presence of another vehicle 160 in the environment 140 is detected. In other words, the presence status of any other vehicles 160 is determined. As a result, the location of other vehicles 160 within the environment 140 is known. Of course, a result of this step S18 can also be that no other vehicle 160 is detected or subsequently known. In the case of Fig. 3, three other vehicles 160 are located, at least partially, within the environmental segment 142 for which the sensor signal is indicative.

[0069] Steps S16 and S18 may be performed separately for each sensor. Step S16 may be performed separately for each sensor, followed by the creation of an environmental image of the entire detectable environment 140, and then the execution of step S18 based on this environmental image. The environmental image may be generated through sensor fusion. Step S16 may only be executed for those sensors that, in the current position of the vehicle 100, can detect at least one other parking space 152 and / or a traffic route 154. 2024PF02556

[0070] 13

[0071] In step S20, occupancy information is determined. A distinction must be made between two main functions of the proposed procedure: identifying a free parking space 152 and detecting traffic on a traffic route 154. For example, the procedure may perform only one of these two main functions, or it may perform both.

[0072] One's own position or the position of one's own vehicle 100 can be determined with sufficient accuracy, for example, by comparing a driven route with a map, by comparing an environment with a map, or simply by recognizing at least one parking space number in a camera image.

[0073] Identifying an available parking space can be achieved, for example, by comparing the sensor signal with a map of the surroundings. This can be accomplished by recognizing the shape of an available parking space in the sensor signal and recognizing a parking space number in the camera signal. Many variations are conceivable. For example, a parking space can be identified by a ground marking. For example, a parking space can be identified by the size of a gap between similarly oriented vehicles. For example, the position of a parking space can be specified by providing coordinates from the map of the surroundings or by specifying the orientation and distance to the entrance of the parking facility (polar coordinates) and / or a route from the entrance. The orientation and distance to the entrance and / or the route can, for example, be displayed on a map of a reversing assistant (so-called...).The information may be stored in the system (e.g., back drive assist) and / or parking assist systems. It may also be sufficient to indicate the available parking space simply by specifying a floor number and / or a driving route; this is comparable to the information provided by a human-made signpost showing the number of available parking spaces in one direction. 2024PF02556.

[0074] 14

[0075] Traffic detection can, for example, mean logging when another vehicle traveled 160 and in which direction (in Fig. 3: to the right or to the left). Traffic detection can, for example, mean calculating a balance across two directions of travel, such as indicating a positive or negative surplus to the right (or to the left). Traffic detection can, for example, mean calculating a balance per unit of time, such as a sum of counted vehicles every 5 minutes.

[0076] In addition to these two main functions, there may be other functions, for example, indirect detection of vehicle movement in the vicinity 140, for instance, by using an ultrasonic sensor 130 to emit sound obliquely towards a wall, so that a parking space 152 becoming available two spaces ahead is detected with a certain probability by a change in the ultrasonic echo. In this case, the occupancy information may contain an indicator of the probability.

[0077] In step S22, the occupancy information is transmitted. For example, the occupancy information may be sent in an undirected manner, transmitted to a server of the parking facility, transmitted to a server of the vehicle manufacturer or the like, and / or transmitted to another (far) distant vehicle in or near the same parking facility 150.

[0078] If occupancy information is transmitted undirected or to at least one other vehicle, it preferably indicates the availability of a parking space or the status of each detectable parking space (e.g., "Parking space 1: available, Parking space 2: occupied, ..."). If occupancy information is transmitted to a server, all specified types of occupancy information are useful.

[0079] Further embodiments of the proposed method are presented below with reference to Figures 4 to 7, highlighting their differences from the presented method M10 according to the first embodiment. It is important to note that these variations do not constitute a 2024PF02556

[0080] 15

[0081] to present a complete list of possible variations, and that these embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a method M12 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This method includes a step S24 after step S10 (i.e., after entering the parking facility 150) and before step S22 (i.e., before transmitting the occupancy information). In step S24, it is detected that the user's own vehicle 100 is parked. It can also be said that S24 detects if the user's own vehicle 100 is at least stationary. This can serve as an additional start condition for the proposed method. An advantage is that no computing power is expended on transmitting information about a free parking space to a receiver while the user's own vehicle 100 is searching for a parking space. Preferably, step S24 takes place before determining the occupancy information in S20, and more preferably before detecting the presence of another vehicle 160 in S18.From the perspective of this procedure M12, the preferred approach is to perform the parking detection as early as possible, i.e., even before the environment map is provided in S12. However, it is possible that the provision of the environment map in S12 and the detection of the environment 140 using sensor 120, 130 are used for a parking assistant or similar system.

[0083] Figures 5 and 6 show two possible process sequences, each containing a step S26 in which a request signal is received. The request signal can be received, for example, from an infrastructure-fixed communication unit, such as a radio device, and / or from another vehicle 160. In the case of Figure 5, receiving the request signal is used as a further starting requirement for a process M14 according to a third embodiment. Energy can be saved by not executing the subsequent process steps without a request. In the case of Figure 6, which shows a process M16 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the occupancy information is collected continuously or at intervals, but is only transmitted upon detection of a request in S26. This is particularly suitable for collecting traffic data. 2024PF02556

[0084] 16

[0085] Figure 7 shows a method M18 for operating the user's own vehicle 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. This process includes a step S28 in which a change in the occupancy information determined in S20 is detected. Step S22, namely the transmission of the occupancy information, is only executed upon response to the detection of the change in the occupancy information in S28. In short, the user's own vehicle only transmits the occupancy information when it changes. Preferably, step S28 is only included when the method M18 is repeated, so that the user's own vehicle 100 transmits the occupancy information initially and with each subsequent change.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. 2024PF02556

[0087] 17

[0088] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0089] 100 vehicles

[0090] 110 Control device

[0091] 112 Communication equipment (e.g. antenna and receiver)

[0092] 120 optical sensors (camera, radar, lidar)

[0093] 130 Ultrasonic sensor

[0094] 140 surroundings

[0095] 142 Area segment detected by sensor or reproduced in sensor signal 150 Parking facility

[0096] 152 parking spaces

[0097] 154 Transport route

[0098] 156 pillar

[0099] 158 Road marking

[0100] 160 other vehicle

[0101] M10 Procedure for operating a vehicle

[0102] M12 Procedure for operating a vehicle

[0103] M14 Procedure for operating a vehicle

[0104] M16 Procedure for operating a vehicle

[0105] M18 Procedure for operating a vehicle

[0106] S10 Detecting an entry into a parking facility

[0107] S12 Providing an environment map

[0108] S14 Recognizing a time sequence

[0109] S16 Sensing the environment using a sensor

[0110] S18 Detecting the presence of another vehicle in the vicinity S20 Determining occupancy information

[0111] S22 Transmitting occupancy information

[0112] S24 Detecting a vehicle being parked

[0113] S26 Receipt of a request signal

[0114] S28 Detecting a change in occupancy information

Claims

2024PF02556 18 PATENT CLAIM 1. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) for operating a vehicle (100) having at least one sensor device (120, 130) designed to generate an environment-indicative sensor signal, in a parking facility (150) containing at least two parking spaces (152), wherein the following steps are carried out while the vehicle (100) is parked: Detection (S18) of the presence of another vehicle (160) in an environment (140) of one's own vehicle (100) depending on at least one environment-indicative sensor signal, Determine (S20) occupancy information that is indicative of an occupancy of at least part of the parking facility (150), depending on the detection (S18) of the presence of another vehicle (160), and Sending (S22) the occupancy information outside the vehicle (100).

2. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) determines the occupancy information in response to the detection of a movement of another vehicle (160) (S20).

3. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the occupancy information for an occupancy of a parking space (152) in an environmental section (142) represented by the at least one sensor signal is indicative.

4. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to claim 3, characterized in that the parking space (152) is recorded in a map (S12) of the parking facility (150) transmitted to the own vehicle (100).

5. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) selects the parking space (152) depending on the 2024PF02556 19 detects at least one sensor signal before and / or during standstill (S12).

6. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupancy information for a detected movement of another vehicle (160) on a traffic route (154) in an environmental section (142) represented by the at least one sensor signal is indicative.

7. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occupancy information for a balance of detected movements of other vehicles (160) on a traffic route (154) in an environmental section (142) represented by the at least one sensor signal is indicative.

8. Method (M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) sends the occupancy information in response to a detection (S28) of a change in the occupancy information and / or in response to or the detection of a movement of another vehicle (S22).

9. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) sends the occupancy information in a time-controlled manner (S14) (S22).

10. Method (M14, M16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle (100) sends the occupancy information in response to a request signal (S26) (S22).

11. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) transmits the occupancy information to another vehicle (160), to a parking facility-independent receiver and / or to a parking facility-fixed receiver (S22). 2024PF02556 20 12. Method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the own vehicle (100) sends the occupancy information in an undirected manner (S22).

13. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to any one of claims 1 - 12.

14. Control device (110) for a vehicle (100) which is configured to perform the method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to one of claims 1 - 12.

15. Vehicle (100) equipped to perform the method (M10, M12, M14, M16, M18) according to any one of claims 1 - 12.

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