EP2105904A1 - Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique - Google Patents

Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2105904A1
EP2105904A1 EP08450042A EP08450042A EP2105904A1 EP 2105904 A1 EP2105904 A1 EP 2105904A1 EP 08450042 A EP08450042 A EP 08450042A EP 08450042 A EP08450042 A EP 08450042A EP 2105904 A1 EP2105904 A1 EP 2105904A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
parking
signalling means
tag
housing
led
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08450042A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Herwich Ingo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Software System Solutions FC-LLC
Original Assignee
Software System Solutions FC-LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Software System Solutions FC-LLC filed Critical Software System Solutions FC-LLC
Priority to EP08450042A priority Critical patent/EP2105904A1/fr
Priority to AU2009227968A priority patent/AU2009227968B2/en
Priority to EP09725256A priority patent/EP2283475A2/fr
Priority to PCT/AT2009/000122 priority patent/WO2009117755A2/fr
Priority to US12/934,925 priority patent/US20110102197A1/en
Publication of EP2105904A1 publication Critical patent/EP2105904A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/553—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members
    • E01F9/559—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members illuminated
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/14—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas
    • G08G1/141—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas with means giving the indication of available parking spaces
    • G08G1/142—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas with means giving the indication of available parking spaces external to the vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a signalling means for indicating whether a parking place for a vehicle is available or occupied.
  • the invention further relates to an automated parking guidance and management system.
  • a signalling means as mentioned in the first paragraph is known from document WO 02/36887 A1 .
  • This document shows a signalling means particularly for roads.
  • the construction disclosed in this document comprises a socket, a domed lens mounted on the socket and reflective means mounted in the socket, the domed lens being of a material able to refract reflected light, to allow it to be seen by drivers of oncoming vehicles.
  • the known signalling means Unfortunately, it has emerged that the intensity of light emitted in a direction of oncoming traffic is not very high. This is why the signalling means can not be seen very well by a driver.
  • a further disadvantage of this embodiment is that due to the reflective means its overall height is increased as well.
  • An automated parking system as mentioned in the second paragraph is known from document WO 02/063570 .
  • This document shows a system including one or more wireless vehicle detectors, which are connected with a distributed parking payment system such as parking meters or a pay-station. Information from the payment system and the vehicle detectors may be combined to determine when a parking violation occurs, or is about to occur. This information may then be transmitted through a communication system to a parking enforcement officer, along with information about the geographic location of the violation. The information may also, or instead be transmitted to a parking payer to notify the payer of an impending infraction so that the payer may purchase additional parking time before the violation.
  • This system further comprises a display unit, which may be, for example, an LED display. The LED-Display may receive text or other data from a central computer for display.
  • This may include, for example, a visual indication of the availability of parking spaces. It is a disadvantage of the embodiment known from WO 02/063570 not suitable to indicate a free parking place in situ providing a good visibility for a driver passing by. A further disadvantage of the parking management system shown in WO 02/063570 is that due to the use of wireless-sensors the maintenance effort is rather high, since batteries of the sensors have to be recharged periodically.
  • a signalling means according to the invention can be characterized as follows:
  • a signalling means for indicating whether a parking place for a vehicle is available or occupied wherein the signalling means comprises a housing and at least one LED arranged within said housing, wherein the housing comprises a cover that is at least partially made of a light-permeable material for constituting at least one light-passage for light emitted by the at least one LED, wherein an outer surface of the light passage is slanted towards a bottom portion of the housing, and wherein the signalling means further comprises at least one convex-lens that is arranged between the at least one LED and the light passage of the housing.
  • the characteristic features according to the invention provide the advantage that the visibility of the signaling means is enhanced due to the arrangement of a convex lens inside the housing. Furthermore the overall height of the signaling means can be reduced since there is no need for reflecting means according to the invention. Due to its low construction the signaling means according to the invention can easily be integrated into a hump or another constructional element without forming any protruding edges.
  • the signalling means can comprise at least two LEDs of different colours housed by said housing, wherein the signalling means is arranged to emit light of different colours according to the availability status of the parking place.
  • the signalling means is arranged to emit light of different colours according to the availability status of the parking place.
  • at least one of the at least two LEDs is arranged within the focal plane of the at least one convex lens.
  • At least one deflecting prism is arranged inside the housing and between the at least one convex lens and the light passage.
  • the light passage itself may form a deflecting prism itself for deflecting light generated by the at least one LED in the direction of oncoming vehicles.
  • the housing comprises a cylindrical base portion that is covered by the above mentioned cover and a ring shaped cover portion comprising a ring-shaped flange extending in a radial direction from the base portion.
  • the signalling means comprises an adapter for mounting the signalling means onto a hump forming a cable duct, wherein the adapter comprises a recess for inserting the housing, wherein the ring shaped flange and an inner edging of the recess adjoin to one another continuously.
  • the adapter comprises an outwardly slanted edging area, it is possible to further improve the signalling means with regard to the use of street-cleaning devices. Due to the slanted edging area of the adapter it is possible to drive over the signalling means with a snow-plough, with a vehicle for street-cleaning comprising brushes etc. without damaging the signalling means.
  • the signalling means comprises at least one earth-magnetic-field-sensor for detecting the presence of a parked vehicle in the single parking place, wherein the earth-magnetic-field-sensor is arranged within the housing.
  • the signalling means comprises a control unit connected to the at least one earth-magnetic-field-sensor and to the at least two LEDs, wherein the control unit activates one of the at least two LEDs according to a signal generated by the sensor to indicate the status of availability of the respective parking place.
  • the signalling means may comprise an RFID-reader that is arranged within the housing.
  • An automated parking guidance and management system wherein a signalling means as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 7 is mounted at the front end of a parking place, wherein the parking place has to be entered by a vehicle via the front end. Due to the arrangement of signalling means at the front end of the parking place a very good visibility of the signalling means is achieved.
  • the signalling means is mounted on a hump forming a cable duct for power supply lines for the signalling means, wherein the hump is mounted at the front end of the parking place for a vehicle and the vehicle has to drive over the hump for entering the parking place.
  • the parking management system may comprise an RFID-reader that is located inside the signalling means, which RFID-reader is arranged to detect the presence of an RFID-tag within a predetermined area, wherein the system is arranged to check using identification information received from the RFID-tag whether the RFID-tag is valid and thus the owner is allowed to use the parking place.
  • the parking management system can be arranged to bill and the parking place automatically using the information received from the RFID-tag.
  • the parking management system can be arranged to indicate by means of the colour of light emitted by the signalling means if the utilization fee for the parking place is not paid, e.g. if the RFID-tag is not valid any more.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show a signaling means 1 according to the invention.
  • the signalling means 1 is used for indicating whether a single parking place for a vehicle is available or occupied.
  • parking place means a defined parking area for a single vehicle e.g. a parking slot limited by lateral markings.
  • the invention is preferably used for outdoor parking places. But nevertheless, the invention can be used for indoor parking places as well.
  • the signalling means 1 comprises a housing 2 and at least one LED arranged within the housing 2.
  • the LED is indicated with the reference sign 3 in Fig. 3 .
  • the LED 3 can be activated by a control unit of the signalling means 1 in case the parking space is available.
  • the control unit may be a CPU, a micro-processor or signal-processor respectively.
  • the control unit mentioned in the last sentence is indicated with the reference sign 15 in Fig. 5 . It shall be mentioned that the activation of the LEDs 3 can be done by means of a control unit external to the signalling means.
  • the external control unit can be a server as illustrated in Fig. 13 .
  • the signalling means 1 comprise two or more LEDs 3 of different colours.
  • the signalling means 1 may be arranged to emit light of different colours according to the availability status of the parking place.
  • the term "light” means visible light.
  • the housing 2 comprises a cylindrical base portion 2'.
  • the base portion 2' is covered by the cover-portion 4.
  • the housing 2 further comprises a ring-shaped flange 5 extending from the base portion 3 in a radial direction.
  • the housing 2 may be hold together by means of screws or bolts 6' respectively.
  • the signalling means 1 can comprise bolts 6 for mounting the signalling means 1 to the ground or onto another assembling element such as a hump.
  • Space holders 7 can be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 3 for ensuring a correct fit of the housing 2 inside an adapter, indicated with the reference sign 17 in Figs 6-9 .
  • the cover-portion 4 comprises one or more light-passages 8 made of a light-permeable material.
  • the light passages 8 By means of the light passages 8 light generated by one or more of the LEDs 3 can be emitted to the outside of the signalling means 1.
  • An outer surface of the light passages 8 is outwardly slanted towards the bottom portion 9 of the housing 2 or towards a plane containing the bottom portion 9 respectively.
  • the signalling means 1 further comprises at least one convex-lens 10 that is arranged between one or more LEDs 3 and the light passage 5 of the housing 2.
  • more LEDs 3 of the same colour could be assigned to one lens 10 as well.
  • the LEDs 3 assigned to the same lens 10 are preferably arranged within the focal-plane of the respective lenses 10.
  • the light passage 8 may comprise a wedge shaped cross-section to form a prism 11.
  • the light passage 8 may comprise a different cross-section forming another kind of deflecting prism 11 as well.
  • a suitable deflecting prism 11 may be arranged inside the housing 2 between the lens or lenses 10 respectively and the light passage 8 as well.
  • Those skilled in the art know many prisms to achieve the distribution of emitted light as shown in Fig. 3 .
  • the deflecting prism 11 the light beam may be deflected into a desired direction.
  • the measures mentioned in this paragraph increase the visibility of the signalling means 1 very efficiently. Since the angle of beam spread of the emitted light is rather narrow, the light-intensity emitted towards oncoming vehicles is increased.
  • each single LED 3 may be arranged in cylindrical socket 12 that is covered by the convex lens 10.
  • more than one LED 3 may be arrange in a socket 12 as well.
  • each socket 12 comprises LEDs 3 of the same colour, e.g. one of the sockets 12 may comprise red LEDs for indicating that the parking place is occupied by a vehicle, another one of the sockets 12 may comprise green LEDs for indicating that the parking place is available. Still another socket 12 may comprise amber LEDs for indicating another status of the parking place, e.g. for indicating if a driver of a parked vehicle has not paid for using the parking place and thus is not allowed to use it.
  • LEDs 3 e.g. up to 20,000 mcd
  • LEDs can also be used to indicate parking vehicles which have exceeded their parking credits.
  • In-built photo sensors may be used to guarantee that the LED brightness is always adapted to the ambient light to provide optimal visibility.
  • the signalling means 1 further comprises one or more earth-magnetic-field-sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a parked vehicle in the parking place.
  • Vehicles contain ferrous materials that disturb the uniform intensity and direction of the earth's magnetic field.
  • the magnetic field sensor 13 takes advantage of this natural phenomenon and detects the presence and position of cars.
  • a combination of 2 multi-axis magnetic field sensors 13 offer the highest magnetic field sensitivity for applications requiring the most discrimination (e.g. in multi-level car parks).
  • the sensors 13 can be connected to an analog/ digital-amplifier 14.
  • the amplifier 14 itself can be connected to the control-unit 15 of the signalling means 1.
  • Magnetic field sensors are maintenance-free, free of wear and tear, have low power consumption and are resistant to any weather.
  • the magnetic-field-sensors are integrated in the housing of the signalling means as well.
  • an RFID-reader is arranged within the housing of the signalling means.
  • control unit 15 can be connected to the earth-magnetic-field-sensors 13 and to the LEDs 3, wherein the control unit 15 activates the LEDs 3 according to a signal generated by the sensor 13 and amplified by the amplifier 14 to indicate the status of the respective parking place.
  • control unit 15 can be connected to an output of an RFID-reader 16 as well, wherein the control unit 15 can be arranged to activate the LEDs 3 by using output-signals of the RFID-reader 16 and the magnetic field sensors 15 to indicate the status of the parking place.
  • the control unit 15, the RFID-reader 16, the magnetic-field-sensor 13 and the LEDs 3 are arranged within in the housing 2 of the signalling means 1.
  • the RFID-reader 16 reads RFID-tags 16a that are around. By synchronism of the magnetic field sensor's 13 car detection and detection of RFID-tag's signal, the assignment of the individual tag to the parking space can be made very efficiently.
  • each parking space is equipped with a signalling means 1 according to the invention holding the built-in components:
  • the (circular) signalling means 1 can be mounted
  • Signalling means and/or hump can also be equipped with solar panels for additional power supply. In the latter case a battery pack can also included.
  • Fig. 6 shows an adapter 17 for mounting the signalling means 1 onto a hump 18.
  • the hump 18 constitutes a cable duct for power supply lines and/or data lines for the signalling means 1.
  • the power supply or data lines respectively are indicate with the reference sign I in Figs 1 , 2 and 4 .
  • the adapter 17 comprises a recess 19 for inserting the housing 2, wherein the ring shaped flange 5 of the housing 2 and the inner edging 20 of the recess 19 adjoin to one another continuously essentially without forming an step.
  • the edging 21 of the adapter 17 is outwardly slanted to minimize the distance between the edging 21 an the surface of the hump 18 in a mounted state.
  • the shape of the edging 21 is formed to match the shape of the upper surface of the hump 18.
  • the adapter 17 and the housing 2 can be fixed to the hump 18 by means of screws or bolts 22.
  • the hump 18 comprises a base portion 23 with a groove 24 and a cover portion 25 for covering the groove 24 after inserting a power supply and/or data line I for the signalling means 1.
  • the base portion 23 and the cover portion 25 of the hump 18 each can comprise corresponding lugs.
  • the signalling means 1 and the humps 18 can be equipped with additional LEDs to melt snow lying on the visible part of the signalling means 1 and on the humps 18.
  • the humps 18 are available in standard lengths and can be put together to the required length, for example, 2.20m for diagonal parking spaces and 5m for parallel parking spaces.
  • the gap between the humps 18 can be bridged via a cover which looks like the humps 18.
  • the hump 18 can end at the centre of the parking space and the signalling means 1 is the connecting link to the next hump 18.
  • the adapter 17 also allows angled mounting so that also parking bays that are not straight lined can also be equipped easily.
  • the humps 18 can act as cable ducts through which the wiring from signalling means to signalling means is done ( Fig. 11 ). In case of standalone signalling means, the cable ducts may also be cut into the floor ( Fig. 12 ).
  • Additional short humps can be used to define the boundaries of the parking bays.
  • the hump 18 is marking the front of the parking space - painted markings and their maintenance (repainting) become obsolete.
  • a hump 18 can be replaced by (or delivered with) a strip in various colours to permit parking space labelling (e.g. blue for special needs parking spaces).
  • the backside of the hump 18 can be equipped with drainage ducts to drain off water.
  • humps 18 can be equipped with a blocking device: when configured to be “reserved” or “blocked”, air is pumped pneumatically into a bag hidden in the hump 18.
  • the bag fills with air and becomes a "stump” that "blocks" the entry of the parking space.
  • the bag can be equipped with a valve.
  • the air is sucked out of the bag and the bag hides in the hump 18.
  • each signalling means 1 comprises an RFID-reader 16 that is arranged within the housing 2 of the signalling means 1 as already mentioned above ( Fig. 5 ).
  • the RFID-reader 16 recognizes and identifies individual tags 16a, the reservation function allows parking space reservation of a certain space for a certain vehicle (or rather, a certain tag).
  • the RFID-tag 16a has to be placed within the car - preferably on the dashboard to support visual control by the parking inspector.
  • RFID-tags offer two big advantages: They are cheap - much cheaper than microwave, which is mainly used nowadays for reliable road pricing applications.
  • the second advantage is their reliable detection range of up to 6-8 meters.
  • the tags 16a are available in ISO card format with a thickness of 8mm.
  • the tags have a bar code for unequivocall tag identification.
  • the bar codes are used for refunding, recharging and identification during the vending process.
  • the parking operator can transfer the tag costs to the tag holders, recollect them through advertising on the tags 16a, or simply transfer the costs to the parking customers by taking a deposit that can be refunded when the tag will be returned. Handling charges or abrasion charges can be processed by the system operator decision. When the costs of Pay&Display-paper tickets (that are normally thrown away once parking is over) are compared to the HF tag price, the price of the RFID-tag 6a, which can be used for years, is affordable. In addition, the tags are, as an option, refundable at any vending machine or issuing office.
  • the tag 16a can be powered by a button cell battery that can easily be replaced by the tag holder. It is the tags holder's duty to take care of the tag and battery power. Low power will be indicated by an audible and visible (LED) signal so that the holder gets alerted to change the battery soon.
  • the RFID-tags 16a can be a passive tag as well. In the latter case the tag 16a is powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the RFID-reader 16.
  • a tag 16a If a tag 16a is defective, the tag holder can still pay a parking fee by mobile phone, get a substitute tag at a parking shop or simply buy a new one. Old credits can be transferred to the new tag by the tag holder via the internet, or in parking shops.
  • the RFID-tags 16a can have an integrated buzzer and/or LED, which deliver audible and visual signals in the following cases:
  • the integrated RGB-LED can also show the amount of prepaid parking credits- when credits run low, the LED becomes ever more red.
  • a parking management system 1a can comprise one or more junction boxes 27, which are used to power the RFID-reader 16, magnetic-field-sensors 13 and LEDs 3.
  • the junction box 27 can also be used to transmit the collected data via a network, by radio, GPRS, ISM radio or cable to section controllers 28 which may communicate via substations 29 with a main control station 30.
  • the main control station 30 can generate a signal according to the data received to activate the LEDs of the signalling means 1.
  • Powerful, highly reliable, and redundant data servers may be set up in the parking control centre 31 for the purpose of data processing. These servers are part of the central parking management system (CPMS) 32 and exchange all relevant data fully automatically.
  • CPMS central parking management system
  • the CPMS 32 can also transfer data to parking inspectors on the streets, who are equipped with Hand Held Computers 33 (HHC, similar to PDAs), with which they can find out which cars have no parking tag 16a or tags 16a with no credit. Also fining procedures and all other functions according to the CPMS 32 and HHC 33 requirements can be carried out with the HHCs 33.
  • HHC Hand Held Computers 33
  • the junction boxes 27 can also contain ISM modules which supply local HHCs 33 with information of close by parking zones. (Navigation to parking spaces is provided to the parking inspectors, however, via GPS).
  • the tags start the parking time automatically when they get the starting signal from the RFID-reader 16 and charging begins.
  • This procedure increases the parking revenue and is highly convenient for honest people who are willing to pay for parking, since they do not have to go down to their car to start the payment procedure, and saves them costs for the mobile parking payment text message/phone.
  • the automatic start function can be deactivated by the tag holder on the Internet, in case that he does not want to use this feature.
  • the tags 16a can have a button 16a' for starting and stopping the parking procedure ( Fig. 5 ).
  • the customer has to press the button 16a' e.g. for at least 1 second.
  • the customer has to press the button again e.g. for 2 seconds; however the procedure will be stopped automatically when the driver backs up und leaves the detection range of the magnetic field sensor 13.
  • the audible signals tell the customer which action he has taken and what the system did automatically.
  • the parking procedure and signalisation only becomes active when the tag 16a can receive a signal from the receiver 16 integrated in the signalling means 1. Due to the system's processing speed (from the receiver via GPRS/radio to a server of a parking system and back) it will take a couple of seconds to get feedback about the payment status from the system. Hence, the tag holder is advised to wait once he has pressed the button 16a' and heard the audible signal until he receives payment confirmation by the LED status.
  • the receiver of the RFID-reader 16 also communicates with tags 16a of cars passing by, moving slowly in traffic jams, or waiting at red traffic lights.
  • the signalling means 1 can be arranged to distinguish slowly moving vehicles from parking cars via the so-called parking activation time. After this time, the tag 16a of the parking vehicle is read, and its real parking time start (recorded before by the magnetic field sensor) is communicated to the parking system.
  • the parking activation time gives motorists some time to:
  • the parking activation time helps "suppressing" tags 16a of vehicles or persons (coming from the tag vending machine etc.) that just pass by (by checking whether a tag signal with a continuous signal strength persists).
  • All tags 16a are detected and read by the system once they approach a receiver 16. This detection is, however, done in the background, and the operator will not receive data until the parking activation time (at least 5 minutes, can be adjusted) is exceeded by a tag with a constant signal strength. Only then will a data record visible to the operator be transmitted to the operation software indicating the tag number and the occupied parking space 34. If no tag 16a is detected after the parking activation time, the system alerts that the parking vehicle has no tag 16a. The real parking time of vehicles is not influenced by the parking activation time since magnetic field sensors 13 of the parking space 34 have recorded the actual parking time start.
  • Cars that have no parking tag 16a are detected by the signalling means 1, which transmits a signal to the CPMS.
  • the CPMS starts a database query and waits for the (adjustable) parking activation time to give the motorist the chance to buy a tag or start payment via other means (mobile phone, NFC etc.). If the reader 16 does not receive a signal from a prepaid tag 16a within the PAT time window or from the system that the motorist has paid via other means, the CPMS sends an alert to the HHC of the inspector who is nearest to this parking space at that time. The parking inspector receives information on where exactly (street name, exact position) the respective car is parked.
  • the LED 3 of the signalling means 1 can show an amber light, which provides additional information for the motorist that he is actually committing a parking offence and that he has to buy a tag 16a at the next vending machine or in a parking shop or has to pay via other means.
  • the HHC Since it cannot be assured by 100% - by physically given facts - that the RFID-reader of the parking space of the respective RFID-tag 16a placed in the vehicle receives the signal with the higher signal strength than the car tag next to this parking space 34, the HHC has an additional feature to assure that fines are issued to the right car. However, this can only happen, when two cars enter adjacent parking spaces their owners and push the payment start button on the parking tag exactly at the same time.
  • cars that have no parking tag 16a can be detected by parking inspectors through an automatic measuring tool that is integrated in a parking inspector's HHC 33 (PDA) measuring the intensity of the tag signal when the parking inspector approaches the tag 16a that is somewhere in the car.
  • PDA parking inspector's HHC 33
  • the intensities of the nearest parking tags are shown via signal strength bars 35, 36 (see Figs. 14-16 ).
  • Fig. 16 shows a car with a valid parking tag 16a.
  • Different colours of the signal strength bar 36 can be used to indicate further information.
  • the signal strength bar 36 of the tag 16a is for example yellow
  • the car holder is a resident of a different zone of the city (for which he has a monthly or annual parking permit).
  • the yellow colour indicates that he is now charged via the prepaid parking credits of his tag 16a.
  • HHCs 33 are used by parking inspectors to receive information on parkers who have no tag 16a, defective tags 16a or tags 16a with no more parking credits.
  • the HHCs 33 communicate with the server 30 and retrieve information about individual tags 16a upon request.
  • the parking inspector retrieves information on the respective tag. If the bar is orange 36 (parking credits run out), the button "Fine" appears (see 15). By clicking on it the fining procedure is started.
  • Tags 16a can be purchased in parking shops, at tag vending machines (banknote-operated and with optional credit card function), partner shops (petrol stations etc.) and via the Internet.
  • Tags 16a are also available as prepaid tags with certain credits, mainly in shops. When used up, the tags 16a can be brought back to the issuing office or can be inserted at any vending machine (optional feature) to retrieve the deposit.
  • Resident customers may receive their parking tags via courier service or purchase them in parking shops.
  • vending machines are powered by solar panels. They accept banknotes with the values 20/50/100/500 DHS.
  • the values of the tags 16a are adapted to the banknote values, so that the vending machines do not have to provide change. Neither does the vending machine print out a receipt. (A receipt can, however, be obtained on the Internet with the tag ID.) Thus the vending machines are very cost-effective.
  • the tag values can for example be 100/200/500 DHS.
  • Tags which are not used any more can be returned at parking shops or vending machines, the customer will get back the tag deposit and the remaining parking credit as long as the tag is in good condition for further usage.
  • Vending machines identify tags via their bar codes.
  • Payment can also be done by "pay per space” parking machines, which are in use in many cities. Payment through "pay per space” does not require to buy a tag. Instead, motorists enter the number of their parking space (written onto the space) on the machine's display and pay the required amount. Thus, they do not have to go back to their vehicle and put a tag or ticket there. Parking inspectors only have to check directly at the machine which spaces have not been paid or have expired.
  • the parking management system according to the invention can be easily integrated into these systems if the machines are connected to a server providing an interface to the Server 32 of the CPMS 31.
  • the machine server transfers all paid spaces 34 and their expiry time to the Server 32 of the CPMS 31 which decides when to report a parking offence.
  • This integration permits another dimension of comprehensive control allowing not only payment via tags 16a and mobile phones, but also via cash through pay-per-space machines.
  • Each tag 16a will be issued with a plastic parking card with a magnetic stripe (ISO format).
  • the parking card holds the tag's bar code number (ID number) and a PIN code (which is stuck to the card, but can be removed).
  • ID number bar code number
  • PIN code which is stuck to the card, but can be removed.
  • the parking cards can be used to charge the tags with parking credits at partner organisations like on ATMs, GSM provider terminals, or in banks adhering to standard data security criteria.
  • customers can access and administer their card data on the Internet.
  • the parking card can also consist of a two-part sticker.
  • One part, containing the PIN code, can be removed and put, for example, in the wallet of the customer.
  • a main part of the system is the backend system, which is connected to the servers on the site on the streets with Internet or WLAN connection.
  • the backend system performs the following main functions:
  • Each tag number and barcode number is stored in the central database in the backend system together with its credits (prepaid parking hours stored to this tag).
  • the parking operator initially issues tags with the desired credits (e.g 10 EUR, 20 EUR etc.) at the central office and distributes the tags to the places where they are sold (e.g. vending machines or parking stores).
  • the backend system 31 manages a parking account, which is similar to a bank account. For each tag 16a the initially issued amount is stored in the database.
  • the Parking Account manages - similar to a bank account - the balances, payments and parking transactions of each motorist (tag 16a).
  • the Parking Account can be used both as a stored-value (e-purse) card and a classic charge card. In this concept the account will be configured as PRE-PAID account.
  • the tag number together with the unique parking space number is sent to the backend server 32.
  • the server 32 checks if there are sufficient credits for starting a parking transaction for this parking spaces 34 (parking spaces in different zones of the city can cost different parking fees).
  • the backend server 32 automatically issues a fine request to the parking inspectors via GPRS.
  • the parking inspectors are equipped with GPRS enabled HHCs 33.
  • the fine request provides information about the parking zone and the parking space.
  • One of the parking inspectors in this zone confirms the fines request, goes to the parking space and issues the fine.
  • the parking transaction will be started.
  • the system on the parking space site switches on the red LED light in the hump 18.
  • the RFID-tag 16a of the car is read again and parking data are sent again to the backend system 31 by the servers 30 on the site.
  • the parking transaction will be ended and the amount, which was calculated on a minutes' basis for this zone will be withdrawn from the account of the motorist owning this RFID-tag 16a.
  • Each parking transaction will be ended by the backend system when:
  • Each RFID-tag 16a is initially loaded with a desired amount (see above, e.g 10 or 20 EUR). Whenever the credits from an HF have been used up (parking transactions) the motorist has various options to reload his RFID-tag.
  • the customer opens the website of the parking operator and browses to the "load tag” page. He enters his RFID-tag number and the desired amount he wishes to load on his tag.
  • the system then prompts the user to choose the desired payment options:
  • Payment can be can be carried out in parking shops.
  • the staff in the parking shop use the same website as mentioned above and enters the same information.
  • the payment however, has to be effected by credit card or cash.
  • Payment can also be effected through NFC (Near Field Commnuication) (e.g. in-built in mobile phones), Visa Electron, Mifare-based radio frequency, Legic, NFC etc.
  • NFC Near Field Commnuication
  • the reading device of such wireless money transfer systems is integrated in the signalling means.
  • payment can be effected by means of an ATM.
  • the motorist enters his bank card into an ATM and selects the "Tag Load Application”. He will be prompted to enter his HF tag number and the amount he wants to load onto the tag.
  • the bank application withdraws the amount from the bank account of the customer and tells the backend system to load the specific amount onto the motorist's HF tag.
  • the Parking Account manages all transactions which are performed by the customers.
  • the customer can check the following data via their personalised account overview on the web-page and print out receipts:
  • the system provides the following data, which can be provided to a broad variety of interfaces:
  • Each user group can have its own parking rate, if required. Even different rates for different areas, for parking time windows etc., are possible. Thus parking as a residential in your home district during the night can be cheaper than parking in the city centre.
  • the parking time begins immediately and automatically after the vehicle has been parked (the parking activation time - to ignore passing vehicles - becomes void after a certain time, which can be adjusted in the system), because parkers do not have to go to a parking meter (they also do not sit in the car and chat on the phone for a long time before they hang up and pay the parking fee via mobile phone), fill in a parking ticket etc., or wait in the car for some time for other reasons.
  • Other parking payment systems "lose" this parking time.
  • the decision of whether the parking time of a certain car is started is done by the system after comparing the data of the magnetic field sensors with the HF data, or by the customer pressing the activation button on his tag.
  • the tag holder If the tag holder has registered for this option, he is charged immediately when the chargeable parking time begins (e.g. in the morning, when parking over night is free of charge). When the chargeable parking time stops, billing is stopped (e.g. 08:00 - 20:00).
  • parkers who do not pay are recorded and reported right after the parking time activation time.
  • the start time (when the car entered the parking space) has been recorded by the system.
  • the system offers to get the thinking of some people "I don't pay for parking and risk getting a fine, in any case I saved the parking fee" out of their parking behaviour.
  • This can be seen as an "educational” advantage, however it also raises the parking revenue and tells people that parking has to be payed anyway and any offence adds additional charges.
  • the standard tariff steps / time units can be used, i.e. steps of 1 hour.
  • steps of 1 hour i.e. steps of 1 hour.
  • the system according to the invention has thus a shorter payback period than P&D systems due to the following advantages:
  • the system according to the invention leads vehicles directly to an available parking space. Thus, motorists do not have to move endlessly around the blocks searching for a space any more.
  • the system according to the invention may comprise interfaces to Urban Parking Guidance System with a Variable Message Sign System, which supports drivers to quickly find a free parking space and thus avoids unnecessary traffic.
  • the system has the following features:
  • the system according to the invention can provide 3rd party websites, navigation providers (map24.de; google maps etc.), information broadcasters etc. with detailed data on parking space availability in connected areas. This information can be accessed, for example, by persons with GSM navigation devices.
  • the system according to the invention can be arranged to provide the following data:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
EP08450042A 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique Withdrawn EP2105904A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08450042A EP2105904A1 (fr) 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique
AU2009227968A AU2009227968B2 (en) 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Automated parking guidance and management system
EP09725256A EP2283475A2 (fr) 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique
PCT/AT2009/000122 WO2009117755A2 (fr) 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Système automatisé de guidage et de gestion de stationnement
US12/934,925 US20110102197A1 (en) 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Automated parking guidance and management system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08450042A EP2105904A1 (fr) 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2105904A1 true EP2105904A1 (fr) 2009-09-30

Family

ID=39731681

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08450042A Withdrawn EP2105904A1 (fr) 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2105904A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010012566B3 (de) * 2010-03-23 2011-07-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, 80333 Abfertigungssystem einer Parkiereinrichtung
US8068011B1 (en) 2010-08-27 2011-11-29 Q Street, LLC System and method for interactive user-directed interfacing between handheld devices and RFID media
DE102014221746A1 (de) * 2014-10-27 2016-04-28 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren und System zum Führen eines Fahrzeugs zu einem freien Stellplatz auf einem Parkplatz
WO2016200883A1 (fr) * 2015-06-08 2016-12-15 Inrix, Inc. Estimation du taux d'occupation d'un parking
EP3142092A4 (fr) * 2014-02-18 2018-04-04 Pedro Palou Serrano Système de gestion de zones de stationnement régulé
US9940524B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2018-04-10 General Electric Company Identifying and tracking vehicles in motion
US10043307B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2018-08-07 General Electric Company Monitoring parking rule violations
GB2567618A (en) * 2017-09-20 2019-04-24 Yellow Line Parking Ltd Parking system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0940626A1 (fr) * 1998-03-02 1999-09-08 Ernst R. Erni Lampe de signalisation pour montage dans des surfaces de circulation
WO2001086198A1 (fr) * 2000-05-08 2001-11-15 Farlight Llc Luminaire a transformateur optique assurant une distribution d'intensite angulaire predetermineee
WO2002036887A1 (fr) 2000-11-01 2002-05-10 Astucia (Uk) Ltd. Moyens de signalisation
WO2002063570A2 (fr) 2001-02-07 2002-08-15 Vehiclesense, Inc. Systemes de gestion de parkings
DE10139002A1 (de) * 2001-08-08 2003-03-06 Bega Gantenbrink Leuchten Kg Einbauleuchte
WO2004055751A1 (fr) * 2002-12-17 2004-07-01 Gianfranco Zanotti Systeme automatique de controle et de gestion de l'admission a des places de stationnement
US20050280555A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-22 Warner Frederick M Iv Mathods & apparatus dynamically managing parking

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0940626A1 (fr) * 1998-03-02 1999-09-08 Ernst R. Erni Lampe de signalisation pour montage dans des surfaces de circulation
WO2001086198A1 (fr) * 2000-05-08 2001-11-15 Farlight Llc Luminaire a transformateur optique assurant une distribution d'intensite angulaire predetermineee
WO2002036887A1 (fr) 2000-11-01 2002-05-10 Astucia (Uk) Ltd. Moyens de signalisation
WO2002063570A2 (fr) 2001-02-07 2002-08-15 Vehiclesense, Inc. Systemes de gestion de parkings
DE10139002A1 (de) * 2001-08-08 2003-03-06 Bega Gantenbrink Leuchten Kg Einbauleuchte
WO2004055751A1 (fr) * 2002-12-17 2004-07-01 Gianfranco Zanotti Systeme automatique de controle et de gestion de l'admission a des places de stationnement
US20050280555A1 (en) * 2004-06-22 2005-12-22 Warner Frederick M Iv Mathods & apparatus dynamically managing parking

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010012566B3 (de) * 2010-03-23 2011-07-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, 80333 Abfertigungssystem einer Parkiereinrichtung
US8068011B1 (en) 2010-08-27 2011-11-29 Q Street, LLC System and method for interactive user-directed interfacing between handheld devices and RFID media
US8395486B2 (en) 2010-08-27 2013-03-12 Q Street, LLC System and method for interactive user-directed interfacing between handheld devices and RFID media
US9858455B2 (en) 2010-08-27 2018-01-02 Q Street, LLC System and method for interactive user-directed interfacing between handheld devices and RFID media
EP3142092A4 (fr) * 2014-02-18 2018-04-04 Pedro Palou Serrano Système de gestion de zones de stationnement régulé
DE102014221746A1 (de) * 2014-10-27 2016-04-28 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren und System zum Führen eines Fahrzeugs zu einem freien Stellplatz auf einem Parkplatz
US10380430B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2019-08-13 Current Lighting Solutions, Llc User interfaces for parking zone creation
US11328515B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2022-05-10 Ubicquia Iq Llc Determining overlap of a parking space by a vehicle
US9940524B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2018-04-10 General Electric Company Identifying and tracking vehicles in motion
US10872241B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2020-12-22 Ubicquia Iq Llc Determining overlap of a parking space by a vehicle
US10043307B2 (en) 2015-04-17 2018-08-07 General Electric Company Monitoring parking rule violations
WO2016200883A1 (fr) * 2015-06-08 2016-12-15 Inrix, Inc. Estimation du taux d'occupation d'un parking
US10366609B2 (en) 2015-06-08 2019-07-30 Inrix, Inc. Parking occupancy estimation
US10847031B2 (en) 2015-06-08 2020-11-24 Inrix, Inc. Parking occupancy estimation
US10013880B2 (en) 2015-06-08 2018-07-03 Inrix Inc. Parking occupancy estimation
US9672741B2 (en) 2015-06-08 2017-06-06 Inrix Inc. Parking occupancy estimation
GB2567618A (en) * 2017-09-20 2019-04-24 Yellow Line Parking Ltd Parking system

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2009227968B2 (en) Automated parking guidance and management system
US10643242B2 (en) Parking locator system providing variably priced parking fees
US6559776B2 (en) Parking status control system and method
US9613532B2 (en) Computer-implemented system and method for providing directions to available parking spaces via dynamic signs
DK2301000T3 (en) Parkeringslokatorsystem, comprising the identifiers of the vehicle and user.
EP2105904A1 (fr) Système de guidage et de gestion de parking automatique
US6344806B1 (en) Parking status control system and method
US5648906A (en) Networked computerized parking system of networked computerized parking meters and a method of operating said system
ES2873203T3 (es) Sistema de parquímetros
US8730062B2 (en) Computer-implemented system and method for providing gun shot detection through a centralized parking services server
US20120158466A1 (en) Parking meter system with automated ticket generation for a violation
US20060152349A1 (en) Smart Parking Meter
US20050168352A1 (en) Citation free parking method
US20120092190A1 (en) Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing Motor Vehicle Parking Reservatons
GB2399441A (en) Road use charging system using a mobile telecommunications network
ES2908198T3 (es) Sistema de monitorización de aparcamiento
EP4004892A1 (fr) Système et procédé de commande automatique d'occupation de rue par un véhicule
KR20010079095A (ko) 통신망을 이용한 무인주차관리 시스템
WO2015004325A1 (fr) Système de stationnement
AU2007264484A1 (en) Toll collection system
Bernstein et al. Automatic vehicle identification: technologies and functionalities
KR20120102354A (ko) 도로 통행료 미납 정보 통지 시스템 및 그 방법
Najafi et al. Paying equitably for urban congestion through national road pricing system
Tung RIT Digital Institutional Repositor y

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20100331