DE102015005968A1 - Device, system and method for monitoring a parking space - Google Patents

Abstract

A parking space monitoring device for monitoring a parking space is disclosed which comprises at least one sensor module and a radio module, as well as a parking space monitoring system and a corresponding method.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to parking spaces, such as parking spaces for vehicles, parking space for items, etc., and in particular the determination of the state of a parking space, for example, whether the parking space is free or occupied.

Background of the invention

In many areas, automated monitoring of parking spaces and, in particular, checking whether a parking space is free or occupied may be advantageous. A particularly vivid example of this is parking for vehicles. In order to determine if and where a parking space is available on the roadside, the vehicle driver must move the vehicle to possible parking spaces. This is time consuming and sometimes leads to significant energy consumption. For parking spaces that are located in a monitored area, for example in a parking garage, it is customary to determine the number of free or occupied parking spaces. As a result, a vehicle driver can be told if there is a free parking space. However, he is not told where this can be found. Such problems are also in parking spaces in other areas, such as seats, z. B. in a train or bus, and space in z. As shelves, storage areas / areas.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide means for automatically monitoring a parking space and making data available on the occupancy status.

Summary of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides an apparatus, a system and a method according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

In particular, the present invention provides a parking space monitoring device for monitoring a parking space, which comprises at least one sensor module and a radio module.

The parking space can be, for example, a parking space for vehicles (parking). However, the term "parking space" should essentially encompass any type of space, area, area, etc. that is free or at least partially occupied by an object. Examples include seats that may be vacant or occupied by one person; Areas (eg in an entrance area, a room / room, a stable or the like, a street, in front of a traffic light, etc.) that may be vacant or where a person, animal, and / or object (eg B. vehicle) can be located; Pitches in a shelf, storage area, etc., the free or of an object (eg stored goods) at least partially z. B. can be occupied by detecting the weight. By measuring the weight additional additional applications arise: Thus, levels of objects can be measured, such as tanks or truck trailers. By weight and distance between axes, certain vehicle types can be detected.

The sensor module (s) is / are provided for placement on a parking space and is / are configured to generate power when force is applied to the respective sensor module. This property can also be called energy harvesting.

In particular, it is provided that energy is generated when force acts in at least one predetermined direction and / or magnitude on the respective sensor module. Such a force is referred to below as the first force and energy generated in response as the first energy.

Under such a force is to be understood in particular a change in a force acting on the sensor module force, for example, when the sensor module is initially unloaded, without force, then charged, so acting force. It is provided that after that, if the force remains essentially unchanged, the sensor module either no further energy or further energy generated.

However, the at least one sensor module not only serves to generate energy or, as explained below, energy supply, but also works as a sensor, that is to say as a detection means. Therefore, it can be said that each sensor module integrally integrated provides the functions of a power generator and a sensor.

The radio module and the sensor module (s) are coupled to each other by means of a coupling, which enables transmission of energy of at least one sensor module to the radio module. The radio module is operated by means of energy at least one sensor module, in particular without further, additional power supply. In other words, it is provided that the parking space monitoring device according to the invention is operated with self-generated energy. In particular, it is provided that the radio module, upon receipt of first energy from at least the at least one sensor module, generates a first radio module radio signal that effects the action of a first force indicating at least one sensor module, and transmitting this first radio module radio signal, preferably to a remote receiver, such as a radio base station described below.

The number of sensor modules connected to the radio module may, for example, depend on how the sensor modules are arranged. So z. Example, for each sensor module to use a radio module, for example, if the sensor modules are objected too far from each other (where too high energy losses could occur in the transmission of energy from the sensor module to the radio module) and / or it is production-advantageous, sensor module To provide radio module pairs.

The at least one sensor module may be configured to generate energy when a force different from the first force acts, that is, a force that differs in direction and / or magnitude from the first force. Such a force is hereinafter referred to as the second force and energy generated in response thereto as the second energy.

Under such a force is to be understood in particular a change in a force acting on the sensor module force, for example, when the sensor module is initially unloaded, without force, then charged, so acting force. It is provided that after that, if the force remains essentially unchanged, the sensor module either no further energy or further energy generated.

In such embodiments of the present invention, it is provided that the radio module, upon receipt of second energy from at least the at least one sensor module, generates a second radio module radio signal indicating the application of a second force to at least the sensor module, and transmits, preferably, this second radio module radio signal to a remote receiver, such as the radio base station described below.

The parking space monitoring device may comprise a sensor unit in which the at least one sensor module is arranged. Such an embodiment may be used to monitor one or more pitches that include a larger area, area. The sensor unit may for example be elongated, strip-shaped with a small thickness, which z. B. allows a flat attachment to a parking space, for example by gluing. The sensor unit can be between 20 cm and 50 cm wide and between 0.1 cm to 2 cm thin / high and, for example, providing monitoring of parking spaces on the road, and any length (eg 50 m, 100 m, 500 m, etc.) in order, for example, to monitor an entire street.

The sensor modules can be arranged at a distance from each other, for example at a distance of 10 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm, 1 m, etc. The arrangement of the sensor modules is preferably such that a reliable monitoring of the respective parking space is possible. The sensor modules can, for example, in one or more rows parallel to each other; offset, following a curve, snake line; be arranged in a rectangle, etc.

In the case of a sensor unit, this can support a desired arrangement / spacing of the sensor modules.

Furthermore, it is provided that the one or more radio modules is also arranged in the sensor unit / are.

Preferably, the first force is a force acting in the direction of the parking space and the first energy of the at least one sensor module is an electrical voltage of a first polarity.

Preferably, the second force is a force acting in the direction away from the parking space, and the second energy of the at least one sensor module is an electrical voltage of a second polarity.

The sensor module or modules may include a piezoelectric actuator. In particular, it is provided that, based on the piezoelectric effect, each sensor module converts mechanical energy, which is provided by force acting on the sensor module (eg, from above) into electrical energy. The sensor modules can be constructed of multi-wound PVDF film and a mechanism arranged therein. Such a sensor module is for example in the DE 10 2010 016 499 A1 described. For example, in the case of a force or force pulse acting from above, the mechanism generates an expansion of the foil, which results in a voltage pulse between both ends of the foil. This voltage pulse is an example of the above first energy at a given current. The voltage pulse (first energy) is used to operate the radio module. An exemplary wireless module requires a voltage of 3.3V to 6V for a duration of around 10ms. To transmit the first radio module radio signal, for example, 100 to 200 μJ are required to be transmitted at 868.3 MHz with an output power of 3 dBm. This allows, for example, the radio module radio signals over a distance of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m to an associated receiver (eg, also referred to below as the radio base station) for one Forwarding the information to a central device provides, or - over longer distances directly to the central device (eg server) to transmit. The latter may depend on how much energy the at least one sensor module provides or how much energy the radio module requires for signal transmission.

If the sensor module is relieved, ie the previous (first) force no longer acts, the PVDF film relaxes. This force is an example of the above second force. In response, a voltage pulse of opposite polarity is generated. This voltage pulse is an example of the above second energy used to re-transmit a radio signal, namely the above second radio module radio signal. In those embodiments where voltage pulses of opposite polarity are generated, the different polarity is used as the basis for generating the first or the second radio module radio signal.

Preferably, the first and / or the second radio module radio signal can also be used to transmit an identification of the radio module (eg an ID) and / or of the sensor module whose energy has been provided to the radio module.

The radio module used is preferably a radio module which transmits WLAN signals (eg in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard ), Bluetooth signals, RFID signals, and / or cellular (eg, GSM, UMTS, GPRS, LTE).

Preferably, the first radio module radio signal indicates a first state of the parking space, for example that the parking space is occupied.

Preferably, the second radio module radio signal indicates a second state of the parking space, for example that the parking space is free.

Preferably, the first radio module radio signal indicates a first change in the state of the parking space, towards the first state, for example, from the free to the occupied state.

Preferably, the second radio module radio signal indicates a second change in the state of the parking space to the second state, for example, from the occupied to the free state.

Further, the present invention provides a parking space monitoring system comprising at least one above parking space monitoring device and a central device. The central device comprises a communication unit for obtaining radio base station signals or these indicating signals (for example, a radio base station radio signal mentioned below) and a processing unit configured to determine a state of the parking space based on the obtained signals.

The central device may for example be a server, the z. B. by radio, mobile, (GSM, UMTS, GPRS, LTE) directly receives radio module radio signals from a radio module or transmitted in a similar manner wirelessly or by wire (eg via a network, intranet of the parking space monitoring system, Internet; TCP / IP connection) signals indicating radio module radio signals (for example, a radio base station radio signal mentioned below).

The central device can determine the radio module and the sensor module based on a radio base station signal or a signal indicating this and determine the state of the parking space based on information on whether a first or second radio module radio signal is the basis.

The parking space monitoring system may further comprise a radio base station. It is envisaged that the radio base station will be located remotely from the at least one parking space monitoring device. By means of the radio base station, radio module radio signals can be received by the radio module and corresponding radio base station signals can be emitted in response thereto.

The power / power supply of the radio base station can be reached via the local power grid, a solar module, a rechargeable battery / battery, etc.

The radio base station signals may be transmitted wirelessly (eg, by radio, cellular, GSM, UMTS, GPRS, LTE) and / or wired (eg, via a network, Intranet of the Pitch Monitoring System, Internet). The radio base station signals indicate whether a first or second radio module radio signal has been received. Further, the radio base station signals may indicate from which radio module a radio module radio signal was received, when the radio module radio signal comprises an identifier (ID) of the respective radio module, and / or from which sensor module energy was provided / generated when the radio module radio signal an identifier (ID) of the respective sensor module comprises.

The radio base station may comprise, for example, a radio receiver module for receiving radio module radio signals, a microcontroller receiving these radio module radio signals from the radio receiver module, and a GPRS module via which radio module radio signals or these reproducing, signals generated by the microcontroller are transmitted.

Radio base station signals will preferably be transmitted to the central device

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for monitoring a parking space in which first energy is generated at a first force acting on the parking space, the first energy for generating a first signal indicating the action of a first force, and transmission of the first Signal to a remote receiver, is used, and a state of the parking space is determined based on the first signal received by the receiver.

Preferably, the method further comprises generating second energy at a second force acting on the pitch, using the second energy to generate a second signal indicative of the application of a second force, and transmitting the second signal to a remote receiver , and a state of the parking space is determined based on the second signal received by the receiver.

The above statements concerning the parking space monitoring device and the parking space monitoring system, in particular with regard to functions provided there, apply correspondingly to the method.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following description, reference is made to the attached drawings, which show:

1 a schematic illustration of a monitoring of parking spaces on the example of parking spaces for vehicle as a supervision,

2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the illustration of 1 .

3 a simplified schematic perspective sectional view of a sensor unit,

4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor unit,

5 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the sensor unit of 4 , and

6 a schematic representation of a parking space monitoring system.

Description of preferred embodiments

1 and 2 show schematically a part of a total with 2 designated road with two lanes 4 and 6 passing through a median strip 8th are separated. There are also two sidewalks / sidewalks 10 and 12 available, each up to a house facade fourteen and 16 pass. On the sidewalk / sidewalk 10 is a street sign 18 arranged. On the sidewalk / sidewalk 12 is a lamppost 20 arranged.

At the respective on the sidewalks / sidewalks 10 and 12 bordering the lanes 4 and 6 is each a parking strip 22 and 24 intended. In each of the park strips 22 and 24 is each a parking space monitoring device 26 and 28 arranged.

The Pitch monitors 26 and 28 are each formed as a sensor strip, which, as explained below, is energy self-sufficient. The parking space monitoring devices (sensor strips) 26 and 28 each have the shape of a strip, each with a width that is sufficient to the respective sidewalk / sidewalk 12 respectively. fourteen neighboring wheels of one on one of the park strips 22 and 24 stationary vehicle on the corresponding parking space monitoring device 26 respectively. 28 stand. For this example, a width in the range between 40 cm and 1 m may be sufficient.

In the example shown, the parking space monitoring devices (sensor strips) extend between 26 and 28 in each case continuously in the longitudinal direction of the parking strip 22 and 24 ,

In the case of parking strips which are not divided into individual parking spaces, for example by means of corresponding ground markings, it is advantageous if the parking space monitoring devices 26 and 28 are formed continuously. In the case of parking strips with a division into individual parking spaces, it may be sufficient to use a separate parking space monitoring device for each parking space instead of a continuous parking space monitoring device.

As explained below, each of the parking space monitoring devices comprises 26 and 28 a radio module (see eg 3 ) to transmit information on whether and where vehicles park (ie occupy parking spaces) and where not (where parking spaces are available). Signals transmitted by the radio modules (also referred to as radio module radio signals) may be received by receivers (also referred to as radio base stations) which forward these or corresponding signals to a central device, or directly from the central device. In 1 and 2 are exemplary Radio base stations 30 on the house facades fourteen and 16 as well as at the road sign 18 and at the lamppost 20 arranged. The arrangement of the radio base stations 30 relative to the parking space monitoring devices 26 and 28 may depend, inter alia, on the transmission transmission power of the radio modules, permissible maximum radio signal strengths, possible interference by / from other radio signals or possible shadowing.

3 shows a perspective schematic sectional view of a parking space monitoring device 26 / 28 , In a plastic material, which with reference to 4 and 5 is explained in more detail, is a sensor unit 32 embedded. The sensor unit 32 includes a sensor module 34 and a radio module 36 ,

The sensor module 34 converts mechanical energy, which is caused by force acting on the sensor module (eg from above), into electrical energy based on the piezoelectric effect.

The radio module 36 For example, it requires a voltage of 3.3V to 6V for a duration of around 10ms. To transmit the first radio module radio signal, for example, 100 to 200 μJ are required to be transmitted at 868.3 MHz with an output power of 3 dBm. This allows, for example, the radio module radio signals to be transmitted over a distance of 100 m, 200 m, 300 m to an associated receiver (eg the radio base station mentioned below). Alternatively, it is provided to transmit the radio module radio signals directly to a central device (eg server), for which purpose mobile radio signals are used, for example, as radio module radio signals. This may involve more power from the sensor modules and / or low power requirements of the radio modules in signal generation and / or transmission as compared to signals transmitted to a radio base station.

As in 4 and 5 schematically illustrates, includes a parking space monitoring device 26 / 28 (Sensor bar) a bottom plate 38 , preferably made of elastic material, for example of plastic, and a cover plate 40 , for example made of plastic. Between the bottom plate 38 and the cover plate 40 is a liner 42 from a further elastic material, such as a foam arranged.

Into the liner 42 embedded is a sensor unit 32 with two sensor modules 34a and 34b and a radio module 36 , The radio module 36 is via an electrical connection 44 with the sensor module 34a and via an electrical connection 46 with the sensor module 34b connected.

So that the sensor modules 34a and 34b when loading the cover plate 40 can deform, is a movement space 48 intended.

When loading the cover plate 40 become the sensor modules 34a and 34b deformed. In this case, affect the sensor modules 34a and 34b here also forces designated as first force. The deformation of the sensor modules caused by this force 34a and 34b causes them to each generate a voltage pulse of a first polarity (also referred to as the first energy). The voltage pulses are via the electrical connections 44 and 46 to the radio module 36 transfer. On the basis of the polarity of the voltage pulses it is recognized that this is so-called first force, ie that the parking space above the sensor modules 34a and 34b is occupied. The voltage pulses not only provide information about the occupied status of the parking space, but also provide for the power supply of the radio module 36 so that it can wirelessly transmit the information about the occupied status of the parking space as a so-called radio module radio signal. An additional power supply is not required.

Due to the elastic design of the cover plate 40 and the liner 42 It is not necessary that the wheel of a vehicle over both sensor modules 34a and 34b stands to recognize the occupied state of the parking space. Rather, it is provided that it is sufficient that a vehicle wheel in the sensor modules 34a and 34b on the cover plate 40 stands, so that their deformation also at least one of the sensor modules 34a and 34b deformed ("compressed"). Even then, at least one voltage pulse of the first polarity is generated.

If the cover plate 40 is relieved (for example, if the vehicle is moved away from there), the sensor modules 34a and 34b Relieves and resumes their undeformed original condition / shape. This relief is also referred to here as the second force. The relief of the sensor modules caused by this force 34a and 34b causes them to each generate a voltage pulse of a second, opposite polarity (also referred to as second energy). The voltage pulses are via the electrical connections 44 and 46 to the radio module 36 transfer. Based on the polarity of the voltage pulses, it is recognized that this is a so-called second force, that is, the parking space above the sensor modules 34a and 34b free is. The voltage pulses not only provide information about the free status of the parking space, but also provide for the power supply of the radio module 36 so that this information about the occupied status of the parking space as a so-called radio module Wireless signal can be transmitted wirelessly. Another energy supply is not required here.

To distinguish whether the load of the cover plate 40 and thus the deformation of the sensor modules 34a and 34a attributable to a vehicle or a pedestrian, the time interval between a voltage pulse of the first polarity and a voltage pulse of the second polarity can be used. In the case of a vehicle parked there, the time interval will be significantly greater than with a pedestrian moving there.

Furthermore, it is possible to distinguish whether a load of the cover plate 40 by a heavier weight and thus greater deformation of the sensor modules 34a and 34a due to a vehicle or other object (example page person or object). For this purpose, the size of the voltage pulse of the first polarity can be used. A vehicle, that is, a high-weight object, will generate a larger voltage pulse than a person's example page.

From that in the sensor unit 32 or a parking space monitoring device 26 / 28 arranged radio module 36 transmitted radio module radio signals 50 are referred to as above 1 and 2 explained and in 6 illustrates to one or more radio base stations 30 transfer. These transmit the received radio module radio signals or signals which reproduce their information content (parking space status (eg free / occupied) and possibly parking place location or identification) via a communication network 52 to a central device 54 for example, a server. The communication network 52 may for example be a mobile network and / or the Internet. As stated above, it is also possible to use signals in the radio modules 36 directly to the central device 54 transferred to.

The central device can, for example, determine from the information received from the parking space monitoring device (s) whether it is a parking or parking operation, whether a parking space is occupied and how long. To determine which parking space is occupied / free, stored in a database geographical positions of the parking space monitoring device (s) or their sensor units and / or sensor modules can be used. Also, based on the information obtained from the parking lot monitoring device (s), it can be determined how long / large parked cars and / or free parking space are.

• – Überwachung von Sitzplätzen (frei/besetzt)
• – Überwachung von Regalen oder anderen Lagerplätzen in der Logistik (Belegungsstatus frei/belegt)
• – Überwachung von Bereichen zu Haltung von Tieren (z. B. Stall, Pferdeboxen etc.)

In addition to the above example of a parking space monitoring for vehicle parking lots, the following applications are also possible:

• - monitoring of seats (free / occupied)
• - Monitoring of shelves or other storage bins in logistics (occupancy status vacant / occupied)
• - monitoring of areas for keeping animals (eg stable, horse boxes, etc.)

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Straßenzug

4

lane

6

lane

8th

central reservation

10

Pavement / sidewalk

12

Pavement / sidewalk

14

Hausfassade

16

Hausfassade

18

street sign

20

lamppost

22

Park strip

24

Park strip

26

Parking space monitoring device

28

Parking space monitoring device

30

Radio base station

32

sensor unit

34

sensor module

36

radio module

38

baseplate

40

cover plate

42

liner

44

electrical connection

46

electrical connection

48

movement space

50

Radio module radio signals

52

communication network

54

host device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010016499 A1 [0022]

Cited non-patent literature

• IEEE 802.11 standard [0025]

Claims (14)

Pitch monitoring device for monitoring a parking space, comprising: At least one sensor module for arrangement at a parking space, wherein the at least one sensor module is designed to generate first energy at a first force acting on the respective sensor module, and A radio module operable with the at least one sensor module by means of a coupling designed for energy transmission and operable by the at least one sensor module, which is designed to generate and deliver a first radio module radio signal upon receipt of first energy from at least the at least one sensor module transmitted, which indicates the action of a first force on at least sensor module. Pitch monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein - The at least one sensor module is designed to generate second energy at a second force acting on the respective sensor module, and - The sensor module is designed to generate and transmit upon receipt of second energy from at least one of the at least one sensor module, a second radio module radio signal indicative of the action of a second force on at least sensor module. Pitch monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor unit, in which the at least one sensor module is arranged. Pitch monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein the radio module is arranged in the sensor unit. Pitch monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor module comprises a piezoelectric actuator. Parking space monitoring device - According to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein The first force is a force acting in the direction of the parking space, and - The first energy of the at least one sensor module is an electrical voltage of a first polarity, and / or - According to one of the claims 2 to 5 as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein - The second force is a force acting in the direction away from the pitch, and - The second energy of the at least one sensor module is an electrical voltage of a second polarity. Pitch monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radio module radio signal indicates a first state of the parking space. Pitch monitoring device according to one of the claims 2 to 7 as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the second radio module radio signal indicates a second state of the parking space. Pitch monitoring system comprising - At least one parking space monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, and A central device having a communication unit for receiving radio base station signals or signals indicative thereof and a processing unit adapted to determine a state of the parking space based on the obtained signals. A parking space monitoring system according to claim 9, further comprising a radio base station to be located remotely from the at least one parking space monitoring device configured to receive radio module radio signals from the respective radio module of the at least one parking space monitoring device and corresponding radio base station signals in response thereto Central device to transmit. Method for monitoring a parking space, comprising the following steps: Generating first energy at a first force acting on the parking space, Using the first energy to generate a first signal indicative of the action of a first force and transmitting the first signal to a remote receiver, and - Determining a state of the parking space based on the first signal received by the receiver. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: Generating second energy at a second force acting on the parking space, Using the second energy to generate a second signal indicative of the action of a second force and transmitting the second signal to a remote receiver, and - Determining a state of the parking space based on the second signal received by the receiver. Method according to one of the claims 11 and 12, wherein - the first force is a force acting in the direction of the parking space, and - the first signal indicates that the parking space is occupied. Method according to one of the claims 12 and 13, wherein - The second force is a force acting in the direction away from the pitch, and - the second signal indicates that the parking space is empty.

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