GB2320970A

GB2320970A - Monitoring vehicle parking

Info

Publication number: GB2320970A
Application number: GB9807453A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kenneth Charles Wigley; Nicholas John Payne
Original assignee: Wigley K C & Co Ltd
Current assignee: Wigley K C & Co Ltd
Priority date: 1994-09-30
Filing date: 1994-09-30
Publication date: 1998-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2014-09-30
Also published as: GB9807453D0; GB9419798D0; GB2293679A; GB2320970B; GB2293679B

Abstract

Apparatus for monitoring vehicles in a car park comprises a sensor 12 at an entry location, for activating equipment which can store information specific to the vehicle. A customised ticket containing data including a unique security code number is issued to the vehicle driver, together with a further ticket identifying an allocated car park bay. Use of the ticket in a reader unit at station 30 enables the driver to selectively arm and disarm a sensor 20 in the bay, once the vehicle is correctly parked. Insertion of the customised ticket in a unit at exit station 38 automatically opens an exit barrier 40 only after correct matching between the security code and the stored information. In the event of any significant unauthorised disturbance to the vehicle in the parking bay, the sensor 20 activates an alarm at a security post 44.

Description

Monitoring of Vehicle Parking This invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring vehicle parking, particularly for improving the security of vehicles parked in specified locations.

In many specified parking locations, such as in barrier controlled car parks, security is a major problem because the car parks tend to have few personnel relative to the area of parking involved, making it difficult to properly monitor parked vehicles. In addition, car parks tend to be dimly lit and unattractive, thereby discouraging the presence of authorised people, except when entering and leaving the car park itself. The lack of people over often long periods of time, particularly in the evenings, can serve to encourage theft of vehicles.

Personnel operating in barrier control car parks are generally unable to identify whether vehicles approaching the exit are being driven by an authorised person, so that, provided the parking fee is paid, a thief is often allowed to exit the car park.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising means for uniquely identifying each vehicle to be parked in a parking area, means for storing information relating thereto, means for issuing portable data retention means having unique information for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area, means adapted to be accessed by the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, and means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information, prior to the vehicle leaving the parking area.

Preferably the means for uniquely identifying each vehicle comprises visual recording means which is activated when an associated sensor detects the presence of the vehicle. The visual recording means may be adapted to identify the registration number of the vehicle, and may comprise a video camera.

The means for storing the information may comprise computer means to which electronic signals are passed by the identifying means. The computer means may automatically issue the data retention means with the unique information comprising the time and date of entry of the vehicle to the parking area, the vehicle registration number, and a unique security code number.

The computer means may also be adapted to include the selected parking location on the data retention means. The data retention means may be in the form of a ticket with a magnetic stripe on which the information is magnetically contained.

The means to be accessed by the data retention means has means for receiving the latter and electronically reading same, and may be adapted to activate the sensor means at the selected parking location, consequent to a signal from sensor means at the latter confirming correct parking of the vehicle. After activation of the sensor means, the data retention means is released by the receiving means and subsequent re-use of the data retention means with the receiving means can selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, to enable authorised access to the vehicle.

The sensor means may comprise a movement detecting sensor which, when activated, transmits an alarm signal identifying the vehicle and the parking location to an operator. A camera may also be activated in consequence of activation of the sensor, in order to visually record from the parking location. The camera may also be arranged to provide a visual image to the operator. Preferably the camera records movement, for example being a video camera. The sensor means is preferably in the form of a metal detector and may comprise a multi coil pulse inducting type sensor. The detector may be calibrated to ignore movement of the vehicle due to weather conditions or accidental contact.

The means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information may have receiving means for the data retention means, means for reading the information thereon, and means for transmitting respective electronic signals to the computer means for comparison with the stored information. The computer means is preferably adapted to operate vehicle exit means only in the event of an acceptable comparison being made.

The present invention also provides apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising sensor means provided at a respective parking location, and means operable to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means from a location remote from the parking location, the sensor means being adapted to operate an alarm at a location remote from the parking location in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle.

Preferably, when the respective parking location is a garage, the sensor means, in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle, is adapted to control operation of a door to the garage to retain same in a closed position.

The invention further provides a method of monitoring vehicle parking, the method comprising the steps of uniquely identifying each vehicle to be parked in a parking area, storing information relating thereto, issuing portable data retention means having unique information for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area, accessing the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information, and operating vehicle exit means only in consequence of a correct comparison.

The invention may further provide a method of monitoring vehicle parking, comprising the steps of sensing a vehicle at a respective parking location, and selectively activating and deactivating the sensing means from a location remote from the parking location, whereby the sensing, when activated, can operate an alarm in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle.

The present invention also provides apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising means for retaining information relating to a vehicle to be parked in a parking area, means for receiving information relating to each vehicle to be parked in the parking area from portable data retention means having information unique to that vehicle, and means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the retained information, prior to the vehicle entering and/or leaving the parking area.

Preferably the data retention means is also adapted for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area, and there can be provided means adapted to be accessed by the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which is a schematic diagram of a car park incorporating an apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a motor vehicle approaching an entry 10 to a car park can be detected by a sensor 12 in the floor surface of the car park, the sensor 12 being, for example, in the form of a metal detector. The sensor 12 activates viewing apparatus, for example in the form of a video camera, at an entry station 14, the camera being adapted to scan the registration plate of the vehicle and transmit information relating thereto to a master control computer 16. The latter stores information relating to the registration number and also passes to the entry station 14 details of a unique security code number and also a randomly selected parking bay number. Data retention means in the form of a customised ticket with a magnetic stripe containing data is then issued by the entry station 14, the data consisting of the time and date of entry to the car park, the vehicle registration number, the unique security code number, and the allocated parking bay number. There is also provided a further ticket identifying the allocated car park bay number for the driver of the vehicle. On removal of the tickets from the entry station 14 by the vehicle driver, a barrier 18 is automatically raised for access to the car park.

If desired, extra data relating uniquely to the vehicle may be obtained by the computer 16 from further sensors as the vehicle passes the barrier 18.

The vehicle is then driven to the allocated bay number space, for example B16 as viewed in the drawing. In the floor surface of the parking bay, and substantially centrally thereof, is provided a sensor 20 which is preferably in the form of a multi coil pulse induction type sensor head. The sensor heads in the respective parking bays form part of an installation which connects the sensor 20 of each parking bay through a line 22 and a sensor control circuit 24 to a data bus 26 which is in turn connected to an area controller 28. The various components 20 - 26 are preferably laid in the floor surface of the car park in channels which are thereafter sealed and levelled with floor surfacing, whereby to render the components vandalproof. The construction is such that periodical resurfacing of the car park will not interfere with the installation. It will be appreciated that installation of these components to an existing car park can be restricted to a small linear bay width at any one time, so as not to disrupt the car park to any significant extent.

When a vehicle enters the car park, the sensor 20 in the allocated bay is placed on an alert status by the control computer 16, but the sensor is not armed. On parking in the correct allocated bay, the driver then exits the vehicle, locking same, and proceeds to a station 30 which controls the activation and deactivation of the sensor 20, the station 30 being connected by a data bus to each area controller 28 and including a magnetic stripe card reader unit. A communication data bus also connects the station 30 to the control computer 16. The station 30 may also be provided with a display screen for illustrating warning and other messages to the control computer user.

Insertion of the customised ticket into the reader unit by the driver enables the station 30 to change the condition of the sensor 20 in the respective parking bay from alert to armed, whereby to secure the vehicle. Once the sensor 20 is armed, any significant movement of the vehicle in any linear, vertical or sideways movement will activate the sensor and trigger an associated alarm as hereinafter described.

The sensor 20 can be disarmed by the driver by reinserting the customised ticket into the reader unit at the station 30. This enables the driver to return at any time to the vehicle and selectively activate and deactivate the sensor.

If the driver parks the vehicle in an incorrect bay, the driver will thereafter be unable to correctly access the station 30 with the customised ticket, as the incorrect bay will be monitored by the control computer 16.

Preparatory to exiting the car park, the drives has to disarm the sensor 20 at the station 30, and can also make appropriate payment for parking at a conventional pay station 32. At an exit 34, the vehicle will be sensed by a sensor 36, again, for example, in the form of metal detector. The driver can then insert the customised ticket into a magnetic stripe card reader unit at an exit station 38. The latter reads the information from the ticket and passes an appropriate signal to the control computer 16, which compares the information with that originally stored on entry of the vehicle into the car park. When there is match betsseen the unique code and the registration number, an exit barrier 40 is automatically opened. For additional security, a rising kerb barrier 42 may also be provided.

In the event of any significant unauthorised disturbance to the vehicle when in the parking bay, the sensor 20 will activate an alarm at a security post 44 where the supervisor has access to a display terminal 46. The alarm may be of any suitable type, for example an audible and/or visual alarm and will identify the respective parking bay location. In addition, activation of the sensor 20 may also operate computer controlled cameras which can identify the disturbed vehicle and photograph or video record the incident so as to provide identities and evidence for the police. The cameras may also be connected to the security post 44 to indicate the incident to the supervisor, who can then rapidly direct security personnel with a description of both the vehicle and unauthorised personnel. When a stolen vehicle approaches the exit 34, even with a customised ticket, the barriers 40, 42 remain closed if there is no matching of unique codes and registration numbers from the ticket at the exit station 38. Consequently, the stolen vehicle cannot exit the car park.

The control computer 16 has an automatic back-up system in the form of a slave computer 48. The latter duplicates all collected data from the computer 16 whereby to take over control of the system in the event of a failure of the computer 16. The slave computer 48 also provides back-up for maintenance and servicing. In addition, the computers 16, 48 are linked to a standby power supply 58 which becomes effective in the case of a mains power failure.

The control computer 16 holds mass information and detailed times of entry, location and exit of each individually identified vehicle, thereby providing for the staff or the police rapid access to scan the system for knowledge of previously stolen vehicles possibly utilising the car park. It is also possible for the exit station 38, in the event of any mismatch, to raise an alarm at a remote security centre or police station.

It is to be appreciated that, in an alternative arrangement, the identity of each vehicle may be logged manually to be relayed to the control computer.

Also, the customised ticket, on exit, may be given to an operator rather than being inserted in an automatic barrier unit, the operator then inputting the information to the control computer.

In an alternative arrangement, the apparatus is modified to be used in a parking area such as a garage, driveway or the like.

In this alternative arrangement (not shown), a sensor, for example in the form of a multi coil pulse induction type sensor head, is secured to, or embedded in, the floor surface of the garage or driveway and is electrically interconnected to a control station remote therefrom, for example in the adjacent house. The sensor is also connected to an alarm which can be either at the control station or any other suitable location.

When a vehicle is parked in the garage or on the driveway above the respective sensor, the latter can then be armed by the insertion of a unique code, by a card or otherwise, into the control station. Any subsequent significant disturbance to the vehicle will be sensed by the sensor and the alarm will be activated.

When used in a garage, the sensor may also be adapted to control a door of the garage and ensure the door remains closed. Authorised movement of the vehicle is enabled by manually deactivating the control station.

The sensor and its connections are embedded in appropriate channels in the floor surface, the channels then being sealed and levelled with a flooring surface to make them vandalproof. The sensor, the control station and the alarm are all connected to a control computer which may be provided with a back-up and also a standby power supply. The alarm may be any suitable audible and/or visual alarm, and, in addition, a security camera may be automatically operated when the sensor is activated, whereby to photograph or video record any incident.

For monitoring vehicle parking in a private car park, for example in a private housing development where drivers require ongoing parking, provision can be made for each person authorised to use the car park to have a customised card, for example a card with a magnetic stripe containing data, on which can be included a car registration number or any other personal identification number.

On approaching an entry to the car park, a driver can insert the customised card into a magnetic stripe card reader unit which reads the information from the card and passes an appropriate signal to a control computer. The latter compares the information with that stored on the computer memory, and, when there is a match between the compared information, an entry barrier is automatically opened. A similar procedure can take place on the driver exiting the car park, i.e. the insertion of the customised card into a magnetic stripe card reader unit for comparison of information by the control computer before an exit barrier is automatically opened.

In this arrangement can be used many of the features of the public car park system as described above with reference to the drawing. For example, the customised card can be used by the driver to place a sensor in an allocated parking bay on an armed status, the sensor being disarmed by the driver an reinsertion of the customised card into the appropriate reader unit. On entry, the driver can also be provided with a ticket identifying the allocated car park bay number.

For use in monitoring car parking in a private car park where drivers require temporary car parking, for example in hotel car parks and the like, a customised card fOr limited use may be mailed in advance to the prospective user of the car park. Such a card has information thereon limiting the extent of use, whereby the card is automatically wiped clean, rejected, or retained by the respective magnetic stripe card reader unit at the appropriate time. For example, such a card may be cancelled or retained upon entry to the car park where the card is provided for one time use only.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, in a public car park situation, the car park may not be provided with an automatic pay station, with payment being made to an operator at the exit station. It will be appreciated that it would be possible to modify existing ticket issuing barrier control machines and camera monitoring equipment to be compatible with the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising sensor means provided at a respective parking location, and means operable to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means from a location remote from the parking location, the sensor means being adapted to operate an alarm at a location remote from the parking location in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein when the respective parking location is a garage, the sensor means, in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle, is adapted to control operation of a door to the garage to retain same in a closed position.

3. Apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising means for uniquely identifying each vehicle to be parked in a parking area, means for storing information relating thereto, means for issuing portable data retention means having unique information for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area, means adapted to be accessed by the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, and means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information, prior to the vehicle leaving the parking area.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the means for uniquely identifying each vehicle comprises visual recording means which is activated when an associated sensor detects the presence of the vehicle.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the visual recording means is adapted to identify the registration number of the vehicle.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the visual recording means is a video camera.

7. Apparatus according to any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the means for storing the information comprises computer means to which electronic signals are passed by the identifying means.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the computer means automatically issues the data retention means with the unique information comprising the time and date of entry of the vehicle to the parking area, the vehicle registration number, and a unique security code number.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the computer means is also adapted to include the selected parking location on the data retention means.

10. Apparatus according to any of Claims 3 to 9, wherein the data retention means is in the form of a ticket with a magnetic stripe on which the information is magnetically contained.

11. Apparatus according to any of Claims 3 to 10, wherein the means to be accessed by the data retention means has means for receiving the latter and electronically reading same.

12. Apparatus according to any of Claims 3 to 11, wherein the means to be accessed by the data retention means is adapted to activate the sensor means at the selected parking location, consequent to a signal from sensor means at the latter confirming correct parking of the vehicle.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein after activation of the sensor means, the data retention means is released by the receiving means and subsequent refuse of the data retention means with the receiving means can selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, to enable authorised access to the vehicle.

14. Apparatus according to any of Claims 3 to 13, wherein the means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information has receiving means for the data retention means, means for reading the information thereon, and means for transmitting respective electronic signals to the information storing means for comparison with the stored information.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the information storing means is adapted to operate vehicle exit means only in the event of an acceptable comparison being made.

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the sensor means comprises a movement detecting sensor which, when activated, transmits an alarm signal identifying the vehicle and the parking location to an operator.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein a camera is also activated in consequence of activation of the sensor, in order to visually record from the parking location.

18. Apparatus according to Claim 17, wherein the camera is also arranged to provide a visual image to the operator.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the camera is a video camera.

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the sensor means is in the form of a metal detector.

21. Apparatus according to Claim 20, wherein the sensor means comprises a multi coil pulse inducting type sensor.

22. Apparatus according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein the detector is calibrated to ignore movement of the vehicle due to weather conditions or accidental contact.

23. A method of monitoring vehicle parking, the method comprising the steps of uniquely identifying each vehicle to be parked in a parking area, storing information relating thereto, issuing portable data retention means having unique information for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area, accessing the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means, comparing the information on the data retention means with the stored information, and operating vehicle exit means only in consequence of a correct comparison.

24. A method of monitoring vehicle parking, comprising the steps of sensing a vehicle at a respective parking location, and selectively activating and deactivating the sensing means from a location remote from the parking location, whereby the sensing, when activated, can operate an alarm in the event of unauthorised movement of the vehicle.

25. Apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking, the apparatus comprising means for retaining information relating to a vehicle to be parked in a parking area, means for receiving information relating to each vehicle to be parked in the parking area from portable data retention means having information unique to that vehicle, and means for comparing the information on the data retention means with the retained information, prior to the vehicle entering and/or leaving the parking area.

26. Apparatus according to Claim 25, wherein the data retention means is also adapted for use in controlling sensor means at a selected parking location within the parking area.

27. Apparatus according to Claim 26, wherein there is provided means adapted to be accessed by the data retention means whereby to selectively activate and deactivate the sensor means.

28. Apparatus for monitoring vehicle parking substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

29. A method monitoring vehicle parking substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.