NL2018050B1 - System and method for parking alert - Google Patents

Abstract

System comprising a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one hand held communication device, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the hand held communication device, wherein the hand held device and/or the sensor device is provided with circuitry and/or software for issuing an alert signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and/or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined range from the sensor device, especially at a position outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and/or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device

Description

Patent center

The Netherlands

Θ 2018050 (21) Application number: 2018050 © Application submitted: 22/12/2016

BI PATENT (51) Int. Cl .:

G06Q 10/10 (2017.01) G06Q 50/30 (2017.01) G06Q 30/02 (2017.01)

Application registered: (73) Patent holder (s): 29/06/2018 ParkAlert B.V. in Eindhoven. (43) Application published: - (72) Inventor (s): Jeffrey Langerak in Eindhoven. (w) Patent granted: 29/06/2018 (74) Agent: (45) Patent issued: ir. C.M. Jansen et al. In The Hague. 05/07/2018

System and method for parking alert (57) System including a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one hand held communication device, the least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the hand held communication device, the handheld device and / or the sensor device is provided with circuitry and / or software for issuing an alert signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and / or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined range from the sensor device, especially at a position outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and / or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device

NL BI 2018050

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

P114188NL00

Title: System and method for parking alert

The invention relates to a system and method for use in parking and departing / leaving vehicles.

Parking spaces for vehicles in populated areas such as cities or in crowded areas such as malls or theme parks or the like are becoming increasingly scarce and more often than not require payment of a parking fee. Even for motor bikes, scooters and bikes payment or a fee has become more customary.

Parking systems are known in which a ticket is purchased which pays for a predetermined period or parking time. If a user returns to his car earlier he has paid more than he was due, whereas if he returns later he may be fined. In order to overcome this problem, systems have been developed in which a driver can enter into a system the time of arrival at a parking spot, at which time his parking fee starts accumulating. Upon retrieval of his vehicle he can again enter the system, register his time of return and stopping charging or the parking fee. Thus he only pays for the current time he has parked at the said parking spot. The driver has to actively remember both the registration of his time of arrival to start the charge and the stopping of the charging or said fee. If he fails to do so, he will either be fined for not paying the parking charge or charged even after having left said parking spot.

In order to overcome the overcharging problem for some of these systems, which may for example be app based and which can be operated through the use of a hand held device, such as a smart phone, users are offered a reminder service. The system may send a text message or email to the drivers smart phone, for which service the driver will be charged. Moreover, this requires availability of a communication network with said system.

Furthermore as more and more vehicles are used, and car parks are becoming ever larger, it may become more difficult to find a parked vehicle.

The disclosure aims at providing an alternative system. The 5 disclosure discloses a system for alerting a driver of a possible necessity of paying a parking fee for a chosen parking spot and / or alerting the driver of the possibility of having to stop paying a parking fee upon return to the vehicle or when driving away from said parking spot. The disclosure also aims at providing a system for finding the position at which a vehicle has been parked. The disclosure moreover aims at a sensor device for use in giving parking alerts and / or the retrieval of a parked vehicle.

In an aspect according to the disclosure comprises a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one hand held communication device. The least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the hand held communication device, the handheld device and / or the sensor device is provided with circuitry and / or software for issuing an alert signal based on a signal received or lost from the sensor device and / or upon bringing the hand held device to a predetermined range from the sensor device, especially at a position outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and / or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range or said wireless communication device.

In a system according to the disclosure the sensor device can be a portable device, which can be placed in a vehicle such as a car or be attached to a motor cycle. In a system according to the disclosure the sensor device can be an integral part of the vehicle.

In an aspect a sensor device or the present disclosure may be provided with at least one switch. Such a least one switch can be a push button switch. Such a switch can for example be connected to or be part of circuitry or the sensor device for activating the sensor device.

In an aspect a sensor device or the present disclosure can be provided with at least one piezo element. Such piezo element can for example be connected to a part of a circuitry or the sensor device for generating an audible sound as alert or feedback.

In an aspect of the disclosure the vehicle and / or the hand held device can include at least a GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based device for registering the global position of the vehicle and / or the global position of the hand held device. In such an aspect the software on the hand held device may provide for at least storage of the global position of the vehicle upon receiving and afterwards losing a signal from the sensor device communicated to the hand held device and / or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially outside the communication range or said wireless communication device.

For example in a system or method according to the disclosure a signal can be provided from the sensor device to the hand held communication device, for example when parking the vehicle. Such a signal can be provided for example by activating a switch on the sensor device, for example a physical switch on the sensor device or for a voice operated switch. In such a signal can alternatively or additionally be provided by registering that the handheld device is or has been moved away from the sensor device over a predetermined distance and / or to a position outside the communication range of the sensor device. This can be used as an indication that a user of the hand held communication device, such as a smart phone is left or has left the vehicle and hence that the vehicle has been parked.

In whenever when the vehicle is parked the global position of the vehicle can be stored in the hand-held communication device, for example automatically or after responding to a message shown on the hand-held device after receipt of said signal. Global position interference, for example GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based coordinates or the vehicle can make it easy to retrieve the vehicle. Interference with the global position may mean at least said said global position of the vehicle available on or to the hand held communication device to be used in, for example, an app provided on the hand held communication device. Such an app can be used for retrieving the vehicle, for showing a message on the hand held communication device based on the signal, such a user is a reminded or paying parking fee or for starting a period of payment or such fee as in a parking fee app. Malfunction of a global position of a vehicle location can also have other applications, such as for example monitoring the different locations at which a vehicle has been, for registration of such locations, for example for tax purposes or reimbursements.

Similarly a signal can be exchanged between the hand-held communication device and the sensor device or the vehicle when returning to the vehicle with the hand-held communication device. In such an embodiment for example the signal can be used for reminding a user or having to stop payment or a parking fee, for example through a parking fee app.

In terms of both signals can be generated. In terms of the app can be designed to only generate such a message based on the signal when the user, when parking his or her vehicle, has started payment or a parking fee.

In an an app can be provided on said hand held communication device in which global positions or locations can be stored, information related to such locations is available to said app. Such information can for example be information about whether or not a parking fee is required at said location, in general or to the specific user, what parking fee is due, if any, at what time periods, but also whether parking spots are available near by with lower or no parking fee required or other information relevant to said location. In variant the app allows a user to enter such location and / or information. In the same or other such locations and / or information is made available to the app through other channels, for example through the Internet, and / or is stored in the app when downloading the app to the hand held communication device.

In an aspect of a system of the disclosure can include a sensor device provided with or coupled to at least one alarm element, for providing an alarm signal when a wireless connection is established between the hand held mobile device and the wireless communication system of the sensor device , for example when a user returns to his or her vehicle. This may for example remind the user of a payment or a parking fee is still active for the user for the relevant location, which the user might want to stop, for example since the driver is intending to leave the parking location. A timer system may be provided for delaying said alarm signal for a delay period, such that if the wireless connection is broken during said delay period or for example a switch is activated during said delay period, the alarm signal is not provided.

In an aspect the sensor device can include at least one sensor for sensing one of starting and / or stopping of a vehicle engine, movement or at least one of the paddles of the vehicle, movement of a wheel of the vehicle, movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle, entering and / or removal of a vehicle key from a vehicle lock or immediate vicinity or key position and / or locking and / or unlocking of the vehicle.

In an aspect a method for alerting a vehicle driver can include using a hand-held communication device paired to a sensor device in a vehicle. The sensor device and / or the hand held communication device issue an alert signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and / or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined range from the sensor device. Such can for example be a position outside the communication range or said wireless communication device. This can for example be indicative for a user leaving the vehicle, which can be indicative for the user having parked the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, such a signal can be provided upon bringing the handheld device back within a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially within the communication range or said wireless communication device. Such can for example be indicative of a user returning to the vehicle. Such signals can be used for starting and stopping a parking app, i.e., payment or a parking fee, and / or reminding or a user or possibly having to pay a parking fee or stopping payment or such fee.

In an aspect of the disclosure can encompass the steps of loading an app on a hand held communication device, pairing the hand held communication device to a sensor device in a vehicle, driving the vehicle to a location, at which location the vehicle is parked. In such a method at the location where the vehicle is parked a park alert signal is provided from the sensor device to the hand held device and / or vice versa, presenting a message in the app to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility or paying a parking fee and / or a global position, especially a GPS location of the vehicle at the parking position is stored at least on the hand held device, especially by the said app.

After parking the driver leaves the vicinity of the vehicle for a period of time. The same or a different driver returns to the vehicle after said period of time with the or another paired hand held communication device with the app; at least one of the following occurs:

- the driver recovers the global position of his vehicle from the app; and / or

- a return alert signal is provided from the sensor device to the hand held device and / or vice versa;

After issuing and / or receipt of said return signal a message is presented to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility of stopping payment or a parking fee. Such message can be provided on or by the hand held communication device and / or on the sensor device and can be audio and / or visual example.

These steps are not necessarily all performed or all in the same order.

In further elucidation of the present disclosure of a system, method and parts of shall be shown and discussed hereafter, by way of example only. These shall in no way limit the scope of disclosure in any way. In these, the same or similar elements or features shall have the same or similar reference signs. In this disclosure:

FIG. 1 schematically shows elements of the disclosure system; FIG. 2 schematically shows a sensor device for use in a system or method of disclosure;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a further embodiment of a sensor device for use in a system or method of disclosure;

FIG. 4 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for arriving at a parking space;

FIG. 5 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for finding a vehicle at its parking spot and / or returning to a vehicle at a parking spot and / or leaving a parking space with a vehicle; and

FIG. 6 schematically shows a further embodiment or a system of the disclosure.

This description vehicle should be understood as including but not limited to cars, such as passenger car, saloon car, town car, pick-up truck, commercial vehicle, bus, van, self-driving car, trailer or a bike type of vehicle such as a motor cycle, scooter or the like. A user of a car or a driver has been understood as including but not limited to a person, male or female, who uses such a vehicle.

In this description hand held communication device has been understood as including but not limited to a mobile telephone, especially a smart phone, a portable computer or tablet computer. In this description circuitry has been understood as including but not limited to wired or wireless circuitry, integrated circuits (IC), circuitry part or other circuitry such as vehicle electronics. Such circuitry may include a wireless communication provision, such as for example but not limited to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ™, such as for example Bluetooth ™ -3, -4 or -5, for example a Bluetooth ™ chip. In this description communication range has been understood as least included but not limited to a maximum distance between the sensor device or at least said wireless communication provision such as said Bluetooth ™ chip and said mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, at which communication can still be established there between. A predetermined distance has been understood as at least but not limited to a distance within said maximum communication range or a maximum communication range set in or by the system narrower than a maximum possible communication range. Wireless communication in this disclosure should be understood at least as including but not limited to sending and / or receiving signals according to a defined protocol, such as WiFi or, preferably, Bluetooth ™, including but not limited to sending a signal from the sensor device to the handheld device and / or sending a signal from the handheld device to the sensor device.

FIG. 1 shows schematically a system 1 according to the disclosure, including a vehicle 2 and a hand-held communication device 3. In this edition the hand-held communication device is shown, by way of example, as a smart phone 3. In the vehicle 2 a sensor device 4 is provided. The sensor device 4 comprises circuitry 5. Fig. 2 and 3 show examples of such sensor devices 4, or at least circuitry 5 or such sensor device 4. The circuitry 5 is designed for wireless communication with the hand-held communication device 3. The circuitry to that end in this embodiment comprises, by way of example, a Bluetooth ™ chip 6 and a power source 7. The smart phone 3 is provided with a Bluetooth ™ receiver 8. Hence signals 9 can be exchanged between the sensor device 4 and the smart phone 3.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an embodiment or a sensor device 4, or at least circuitry 5 thereof. The circuitry 5 in this embodiment comprises a radio IC, eg a Bluetooth ™ chip 6 and a battery 7. The circuitry 5 can be enclosed in a housing 9 such that it can be mounted or contained in or attached to the vehicle 2, in any suitable position. An indicator 10, such as a light, for example a LED and / or an audio indicator, such as for example a speaker or a piezo buzzer 22 can be provided for showing whether the sensor device is active or not.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an embodiment or a sensor device 4, or at least circuitry 5 thereof. The circuitry 5 in this embodiment comprises a radio IC, eg a Bluetooth ™ chip 6 and a battery 7 and a light 10, as in the embodiment of Fig. 2, and further can include for example a piezo electrical element 22 and / or a switch 11 and a button 12. Button 12 and switch 11 can be integrated. The circuitry 5, such as for example the chip 6 can be in the different be of a known type, such as Bluetooth 3, 4 or higher. The circuitry 5 can be enclosed in a housing 9 such that it can be mounted or contained in or attached to the vehicle 2, in any suitable position.

In the otherwise shown a control unit 40 is shown, comprised in the circuitry. This control unit 40 can be integrated in part of the circuitry, for example in the chip 6, and can be designed as an active or passive component or assembly or components or a chip. The control unit 40 can control operation of the several components or can just relay signals and currents in the circuitry, and can be provided with or connected suitable connector (s) such as for example for charging, data exchange, memory media, USB connectors or the like, such as but not limited to connecting to a vehicle's electronics, such as for example to a logic port or to a USB port or the vehicle or a docking station.

In Fig. 3 the switch 11 and button 12 are shown as hard ware elements. However, it will be clear that, in addition to or as an alternative, this can also be provided as a non-hardware switch and / or button, for example virtually. In an example the sensor device 4 and / or an app 13 as will be discussed can be voice operated, capacitive touch operated, motion operated or any other such suitable means.

In circuit as disclosed the circuitry, especially the radio IC 10 or chip 6 can be programmable. Such chips or ICs 6 are known in the art.

Programmable can for example mean that a maximum communication range R can be set for the radio IC or chip 6. Such range, schematically shown in Fig. 1, can be example for up to tens of meters when not modified, and can be set for example to less than about 50 m. In range the range R can be set to less than about 25 m, more preferably less than about 10 m. In preferred can such range can be set to less than about 5 m. range R can be set to be limited substantially to the inside of the vehicle, or its immediate surrounding.

In this disclosure, substantial has been understood as meaning that small deviations or a given parameter are acceptable with such definition, for example up to 25% of a value, especially of a numerical value, for example up to 15%, such as up to 10% or 5%. An immediate surrounding or immediate vicinity of a vehicle should be understood as meaning at least an area around the vehicle covered by substantially a circle drawn around the sensor device or at least the radio IC or chip 6, said circle having a diameter less than about four times a maximum length of the vehicle, measured between a front and back of said vehicle, preferably less than 2 times said length, such as for example the said length or less.

In variant the radio IC or chip 6 can have a communication range R which is predefined to be limited as indicated here above, for example in a non-programmable part of the circuitry or at least not programmable by an individual user.

In different the power source 7 can be chosen differently, such as for example by connecting the circuitry to a battery of the vehicle, for example through a lighter plug, a USB port of the vehicle or a logic port, or through hard wire of the circuitry 5 to integrate the circuitry 5 with the electronics of the vehicle 2.

A wireless communication device 3, such as the smart phone, can be provided with an app 13. In this disclosure app 13 should be understood as at least meaningful application software that can be installed on a smart phone 3 or like device, and can perform extra functions for the smart phone

3. Mobile apps as such are well known in the art. The app, or at least the communication device such as the smart phone 3 is paired to the sensor device 4, such that the smart phone 3 is recognized by the sensor device 4 and / or vice versa, for example by a code specific to either one or both.

Pairing of a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi chip to a smart phone is well known in the art and will both be discussed further. Functionalities of the app 13, or at least the software on the smart phone and / or in the sensor device 4 will be discussed hereafter, which functionalities can be presented separately, individually or in any combination or two or more or such functionalities.

FIG. 4 shows schematically steps in a method or part according to the disclosure, suitable for arriving at a parking space.

A user drives a vehicle 2 equipped with a sensor device 4 paired to his smart phone 3 to a parking spot 14. At said parking spot 14 the driver parks the vehicle 2. The sensor device 4 is then used for registering that the vehicle is parked or at least for providing a signal to the user of the vehicle 2 that the vehicle may be parked and that for example further actions are necessary. A park alert signal 15 is provided to that end, preferably from the sensor device 4 to the hand held device 3 and / or vice versa. Such an alert signal 15 can be an audio signal and / or a visual signal. Preferably the alert signal 15 at least triggers an event or presenting a message 16 in the app 13 to the driver of the vehicle 2, informing the driver of the possibility of the requirement of paying a parking fee 17.

In this disclosure a parking fee should be understood as at least meaningful monetary compensation which has been paid to for example a private or governmental organization for stationing a vehicle at a chosen location, based on an example said location, the time of day, the type of vehicle, and the duration of the stationing, ie parking of the vehicle at the said location 14. In a system according to the present disclosure payment of a parking fee can be done for example be done through a parking app, as known in the art, such as but not limited to Yellow Brick, ANWB parking, Parkmobile, Parkline, or similar apps, which may include an online service in which a parking fee payment can be started and stopped by entering a global location of the vehicle or a ZIP code or the like or said location into said system, on the basis of which the fee is calculated and charged to an account or the user from the moment the location is entered until the user actively stops the duration by interacting with the system again. Hence, if the user forgets to start the parking fee app he will not pay the parking fee due and may be fined, whereas if he forgets to actively stop the parking fee app after having activated it for the payment of a fee, he may be charged even after he has removed his vehicle from the parking location 14. The present disclosure provides a system and method to avoid either one of these disadvantages or both in a practical manner.

In alert the alert signal can be triggered by the sensor device 4 including a sensor 18 in the circuitry 5, as shown for example in Fig. 6. Such sensor 18 can be suitable for registering at least one of starting and / or stopping of a vehicle engine, movement of at least one of the paddles of the vehicle, such as a brake or accelerator paddle, movement of a wheel of the vehicle, movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle, entering and / or removal of a vehicle key from a vehicle lock or key position, locking and / or unlocking or the vehicle or combinations.

Additionally or alternatively the circuitry 5 can include a GPS chip for defining a global position of the sensor device 4. In such additional the sensor device 4 may be suitable for transferring the coordinates of said global position to the mobile device 3 with the alert signal.

The radio IC in a has a maximum communication range which is relatively small, such a communication between the sensor device 4 and the smartphone 3 can only be established when the smart phone is in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 2, or preferably when present in the vehicle 2. Thus the mere fact that a communication can be established between the sensor device 4 and the smart phone 3 or a user is an indication that the user is at or in the vehicle 2. Similarly, if the smart phone 3 is brought out of said communication range R it is an indication that the user is leaving or has left the vehicle 2. According to the disclosure these indications can be used for alerting a user of possible actions to be tasks by the user when leaving and / or entering the vehicle, especially but not exclusively related to parking and payment or parking fees.

As discussed, the alert signal can be triggered by the registration that the hand held device 3 is brought outside the fixed or programmed maximum communication range R. In the circuitry can be arranged to register the distance between the sensor device 4 and the mobile device 3 paired to it, such that the alert signal can be triggered at a predetermined distance between the sensor device 4 and the hand held device 3, which may be less than the maximum possible communication range. The predetermined range can be pre-programmed in the circuitry and / or the app, or may be set by the user, for example using the app 13. The registration that the hand-held device 3 is brought outside said range R or passed said predetermined distance or signal strength or inside said range or passed said level closer to the sensor device can be registered by the hand held device and / or by the sensor device, in a known manner, for example by registering that a connecting signal sent by the chip 6 of the sensor device 4 is no longer received or only received at said predetermined level, which results in the mobile device and / or sensor device given said alarm signal. Alert signal can mean the park alert signal here and / or the return alert signal.

As indicated, receipt of the alert signal by the user, especially in the app 13, may alert the user of the fact that he may have to pay a parking fee. This can for example be shown to him on a screen or the mobile device as a message. He can then, if necessary, take appropriate action.

The app 13 can be designed for registering a global position 41, especially a GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based location of the vehicle 2 at the parking position 14 upon receipt of the park alert signal 15. The GPS location 41 can for example determined by the mobile device, if “location” is activated on the mobile device, ie if a GPS module is available on the mobile device 3 and is allowed to provide said location 41 to said app 13, and / or such location 41 can be sent to the app 13 from the sensor device 4, if equipped with or connected to a GPS module, such as for example a GPS module in the sensor device 4 or in the vehicle 2 connected to it. The location 41 may be stored at least on the hand held device 3, especially by the said app 13. This can have one or more of the following advantages.

The user can use such a stored location for retrieving the vehicle by retrieving the said stored location on his hand-held device 3. The app may in a known way show a map indicating said location, and / or provide a route for returning to the vehicle or the like. The location can be used for entering into a parking app, automatically or manually by the user, for example but not limited to starting payment of a parking fee due, assessing whether a fee is due, whether parking is allowed at said location or for example requires a permit, assessment of whether better parking locations are available close by, or can be used for retrieving other information, for example through the internet, such as but not limited to information about shops, museums, restaurants, hotels etc. in the vicinity of the parking space, or for providing a route from said location to a destination for the user.

After having parked the vehicle at the said location the driver removes himself or herself from the vehicle for a period of time. During such a time a payment or a parking fee may be due.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a method or part according to the disclosure, for a user returning to a parked vehicle. The same or a different driver returns to the vehicle 2 after a period of time, with the hand-held communication device 2 with the app 13. At least one of the following occurs. The driver recovers the global position of his vehicle from the app 13 as discussed here before. A return alert signal 19 is provided from the sensor device 4 to the hand held device 3 and / or vice versa. Such a return alert signal 19 can be triggered by a signal from a sensor 18 in a sensor device according to Fig. 6, as discussed before, but preferably is triggered by the registering or bringing the mobile device 3 back into the maximum communication range or the predetermined, set communication range as discussed, or the sensor device 4, indicative for the driver returning to or even entering back into the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment additionally or alternatively such return alert signal can be provided only or additionally when the vehicle 2 is moved from the parking position 14 over a predetermined distance, for example defined in the app, or based on a change of the global position, ie the GPS location of the vehicle 2 and / or the mobile device 4 when paired to the sensor device 3, indicative that the vehicle 2 is no longer parked. For example upon bringing the hand held device 3 at said predetermined distance 12 from said sensor device 4, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device 5, 6, the alert signal is provided starting an app or part on the hand held device 3, registering a change in a global position or said hand held device 3 and / or said vehicle 2 relative to a global position stored in said hand held device 3 and / or said sensor device 4. Then an alert message may be provided on the hand held device 3 and / or the sensor device 4 when a predetermined distance is reached between the stored global position and an actual global position of the vehicle 2. Hence driving away from a parking position 14 can then be detected resulting in said alert signal, which may be in stead or in addition to the alert signal issued when the mobile device 3 is reentered within said predetermined communication range R.

Upon issuing and / or receipt of said return alert signal a message is presented to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility of action needed, such as for example stopping payment of a parking fee for the location of the vehicle has left. Such message may be an audio message and / or a visual message, and may not be provided by the sensor device 4 and / or by the mobile device 3. Such message may be shown for example on a screen of the mobile device 3 and / or on a screen of the vehicle 2.

In preferred variant the alert signals, especially the park alert signal and / or return alert signals 15, 19 can be used for automatically activating a parking fee app on the mobile device 3, which may be separate from or integrated with the app 13, and / or automatically starting and / or stopping payment of a parking fee due to the parking position. Additionally or alternatively the message presented in the app 13 may be an interactive message, providing a link to a parking fee app installed on the mobile device

3. A global position, i.e. a GPS location stored in the app as discussed may then be used for such a parking fee app, a navigation system or the like.

Obviously the systems or parts after discussed in relation to fig. 4 and 5 are preferably combined, or at least used in combination, for example consecutively, prior to and after parking a vehicle.

If the sensor device 4 is part of or directly connected to vehicle electronics, for example part of a navigation system or vehicle connected to a logic port or vehicle, use can be made or readily available electronics and components of the vehicle, such as for example but not limited to a display, GPS module, battery, telephone system in stead or or in addition to a radio IC or Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ™ chip 6.

The hand-held device 3 preferably includes software such as said app 13 for entering a global position of the vehicle into an app 13 provided on the hand-held device 4, preferably a global position, especially a GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based position , or the vehicle and at least one further global position or location.

In expat the app is provided with an or access to memory, preferably the mobile device and / or for example the vehicle and / or in the cloud, in which for example data can be entered related to for example global positions of known locations , at which for example no parking fee is due. For example a user can enter the global positions in such a system or his own home, work, known areas or which he knows there is no parking fee required when parking or other such locations. Moreover, you can add information about for example known locations and time frames during which a parking fee is due or is not due, zip codes or other references or codes to locations entered into an app, such as a parking fee app, or referenced to a parking authority, or other such data. In vary the app can be linked to other apps or sources of information from the user, for example available on the mobile device, such as address books, agenda, travel log apps, email or chat, WhatsApp type or apps or the like for interaction with the app. Also such locations can be stored semi automatically or automatically.

In this description a global position failure should be understood as meaning at least making a global position such as GPS coordinates or a location available for use on the mobile device, especially for the app 13 and / or for later retrieval at a different location, for example for finding the parking location or for registration purposes, such as to be used for reimbursements.

In a system according to the present invention the switch 11 and / or button 12 can be designed to perform a single or different functions. For example they can be used for an initial activation of the sensor device 4, for example for the first time after purchase, for which end for example the button may have been pushed for a prolonged period of time, for example a few seconds. For example they can be used for actively sending an alert signal to the handheld device, for example for pairing. They can for example be used for switching off the sensor device, for reactivating the sensor device or for stopping sending an alert or alarm signal, such as an audio and / or visual signal, which may for example result after sending out and / or after receipt of a return alert signal. Hence a user will be alerted when returning to the vehicle by such an alarm signal, which may be given by either or both of the sensor device 4 and the hand held device 3. The least one switch 11 and / or button 12 can be designed for activating and / or deactivating the wireless communication.

In alert the sensor device 4 can be provided with or coupled to at least one alarm element 22, such as a piezo electrical buzzer or the like, for providing an alarm signal, for example as discussed above, when a wireless connection is established and / or lost between the hand held device 3 and the wireless communication system 5, 6 or the sensor device 4. Preferably a timer system 23 is provided for delaying said alarm signal for a delay period, such that if the wireless connection is broken during said delay period or the switch 11 and / or button 12 is activated during said delay period, the alarm signal is not provided. The alarm element can be provided for example by the sensor device 4 and / or by the hand held device 3.

In as issued, upon receipt of a parking alert signal and / or upon receipt of the return alert signal a parking app has been started on the mobile phone by using said parking alert signal parking alert signal and / or stopped by using said return alert signal, in which parking app a global position of the vehicle is used at which it is parked.

The invention is by no means limited to the specifically specifically disclosed or discussed. Many other expands are possible within the scope as defined by the claims, including but not limited to all combinations or elements and features. Further for example the system can be designed such that multiple mobile devices can be paired to the sensor device, allowing multiple users to use the system. The sensor device 4 can be designed to continuously or intermittently send out a signal which can be picked up by adequate receivers, such as other mobile phones, traffic registration systems or the like, for example for use in traffic management systems, such as for example but not limited to systems used in recognition of traffic jams, traffic congestion or the like as known in the art. Such signals can be anonymous or can contain user information and / or information unique to the sensor device 4. In different the circuitry 5 can be designed to be able to issue two different signals, for example at different frequencies and / or different energy levels, example for a first signal can be used for pairing the sensor device 4 to one or more handheld devices, and the other for registering whether a handheld device 4 is entered or moved out of the maximum or predetermined communication range for initiating issuing the relevant alert signal.

These and many other such modifications are considered falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (26)

Conclusions A system comprising a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one portable communication device, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the portable communication device, wherein the portable device and / or the sensor device is provided with circuits and / or software for issuing an alarm signal on the basis of a signal received from the sensor device and / or when bringing the portable device to a predetermined distance of the sensor device, in particular at a distance outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and / or when bringing the portable device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, in particular within the communication range of said wireless communication device communication device. A system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle and / or the portable device comprises at least one GPS device for recording the position on the ground of the vehicle and / or the position on the soil of the portable device, the software on the portable device is provided with storing the ground position of the vehicle upon receiving said signal from the sensor device communicated with the portable device and / or upon bringing the portable device to a predetermined distance from said device sensor device, in particular outside the communication range of said wireless communication device. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication range of said wireless communication device is limited to less than about 50 m, preferably less than about 25 m, more preferably less than about 10 m, e.g. less than about 5 m and / or wherein the communication range of the wireless system is essentially limited to the vehicle. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a Bluetooth communication device. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the software is designed to display a message on the portable device that requires a response from the user of said portable device. 6. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the portable device comprises software for starting an application, in particular a parking application upon receipt of said alarm signal, and / or for automatically starting a parking rate for the parked vehicle, in the particularly based on the position on the earth or position of the parked vehicle and the time of day. 7. System as claimed in claim 2 or 6, wherein the portable device comprises software for entering a position on the ground of the vehicle in an application provided on the portable device, preferably a position on the earth, in particular a GPS position , of vehicles at least one further position on the earth of a location. 8. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sensor device is provided with at least one switch, preferably a tangible switch. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one switch is designed to activate and / or deactivate the wireless communication. 10. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sensor device is provided with or is coupled to at least one alarm element, for example a piezo element, for providing an alarm signal when a wireless connection is established between the portable mobile device and the wireless communication system of the sensor device, wherein a timer system is preferably provided for delaying said alarm signal for a waiting time, such that if the wireless connection is lost during said waiting time or a switch is activated during said waiting time, the alarm signal is not provided. The system of claim 10, wherein the alarm element is provided by the portable communication device and / or the sensor device. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device is a mobile device placed in or mounted in said vehicle. 13. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sensor device is coupled to and / or driven by a vehicle computer or logical gate. 14. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one sensor for detecting one of: starting and / or stopping a vehicle engine; moving at least one of the pedals of the vehicle; moving a wheel of the vehicle; moving a steering wheel of the vehicle; entering and / or removing a vehicle key from a vehicle lock or car proximity or key position; and / or locking and / or unlocking the vehicle. A method for alerting a vehicle driver, comprising the use of a portable communication device coupled to a sensor device in a vehicle, wherein the sensor device and / or the portable communication device issues an alarm signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and / or when bringing the portable device to a predetermined range of the sensor device, in particular a position located outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and / or when bringing the portable device to a predetermined distance from said sensor device, in particular within the communication range of said wireless communication device. A method according to claim 15, wherein after receiving or losing said signal from the sensor device a position on the earth, in particular a GPS location, is stored in the portable device, in particular a GPS-based, mast or wireless network triangulation determined location of the vehicle, at about the time of receipt or loss of said signal. A method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein upon receipt of said alarm signal a message is displayed on a screen of the portable device, in particular an interactive message, with respect to at least the vehicle, in particular the parking of said vehicle . A method according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein after receiving the alarm signal at least one application is started on the portable device, preferably by said alarm signal. The method of claim 18, wherein said application is a parking application for paying a parking fee for the vehicle. A method according to at least claim 15 and claim 18, wherein the location on the earth, in particular the GPS location, is entered in said application, wherein preferably a parking fee payment period for the location is started by entering said location on based on at least the location on the earth. A method according to any of claims 15-20, wherein after bringing the portable device to said predetermined distance from said sensor device, in particular within the communication range of said wireless communication device, said alarm signal is provided to the portable device for providing a message on a screen of said portable device. Method according to any of claims 15-21, wherein after bringing the portable device to said predetermined distance from said sensor device, in particular within the communication range of said wireless communication device, said alarm signal is provided for starting up an application or part thereof on the portable device, for registering a change of the earth position of said portable device and / or said vehicle relative to one or the position stored in said portable device and / or said sensor device on the ground, and to provide an alann message on the portable device and / or the sensor device when a predetermined distance is reached between the stored position on the ground and an actual position on the ground of the vehicle. A method for alerting a driver, preferably according to any of claims 15-22, wherein: an application is loaded on a portable communication device; the portable communication device is coupled to a sensor device in a vehicle; the vehicle is driven to a location, at which location the vehicle is parked; at which: a parking alarm signal is provided from the sensor device to the portable device and / or vice versa, displaying a message to the driver of the vehicle in the application that informs the driver of the possibility of paying a parking fee; and / or a position on the ground, in particular a GPS location of the vehicle at the parking place, is stored at least on the portable device, in particular by said application; the driver removes himself from the vehicle for a period of time; the same or a different driver returns to the vehicle after said time frame with a portable communication device with the application; with at least one of the following: the driver retrieves the position of his or her vehicle from the application; and / or a return alarm signal is provided from the sensor device to the portable device and / or vice versa; wherein after delivery and / or receipt of said return alarm signal: a message is presented to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility of stopping payment of the parking fee. The method of claim 23, wherein upon receipt of the 5 return signal the beaten position on the ground in the mobile communication device and / or in the sensor device is compared with an actual position on the ground of the portable communication device and / or the sensor device, said message to the driver is displayed when a predetermined distance between the saved position 10 on the earth and the actual position on the earth is reached. A method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein after receiving the parking alarm signal and / or after receiving the return alarm signal, a parking application is started on the mobile telephone by or by means of said parking alarm signal or said return 15 alarm signal, in which parking application a position on the earth of the vehicle is used on which it is parked. A sensor device for use in a system according to any of claims 1-14 or in a method according to any of claims 15-25. CO a vehicle Start parking fee app: Y / N Use stored location H Return to vehicle Stop parking fee app: Y / N Title: System and method for parking alert