GB2411276A

GB2411276A - Vehicle parking administration

Info

Publication number: GB2411276A
Application number: GB0403183A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Bernard John
Original assignee: CARDIFF HIGH TECH Manufacturing Ltd
Current assignee: CARDIFF HIGH TECH Manufacturing Ltd
Priority date: 2003-12-24
Filing date: 2004-02-13
Publication date: 2005-08-24
Also published as: GB0329988D0; GB0403183D0

Abstract

To administer vehicle parking in a number of controlled parking areas, a central control receives a communication from the mobile telephone of a driver wishing to park including data identifying of the parking area, the vehicle and the time period required. The charge to be levied is then calculated. The driver may be sent information via the mobile telephone regarding the time remaining and may be given the opportunity to extend the parking period. A traffic warden may carry a scanner to identify vehicles (e.g. through reading the registrations) for this data to be communicated to the central control to identify possible illegally-parked vehicles.

Description

241 1 276 Vehicle Parking SYstem This invention relates to a vehicle

parking system and, more particularly, to apparatus for administering a vehicle parking system.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for administering a parking system in respect of a plurality of controlled areas remote therefrom, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a remote communications signal from a user wishing to park their vehicle in a controlled area, said signal including data identifying said user's vehicle, means for remotely identifying the controlled area in which said user wishes to park their vehicle, means for receiving data indicating a period of time for which said user wishes to park their vehicle in said controlled area, and means for calculating a parking charge in respect of said user.

Also in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of administering a parking system in respect of a plurality of controlled areas remote therefrom, the method comprising receiving a remote communications signal from a user wishing to park their vehicle in a controlled area, said signal including data identifying said user's vehicle, remotely identifying the controlled area in which said user wishes to park their vehicle, receiving data indicating a period of time for which said user wishes to park their vehicle in said controlled area, and calculating a parking charge in respect of said user.

The remote communications signal is preferably a telephone signal originating from a mobile telephone. The communications signal beneficially includes data identifying the user's vehicle registration number. The apparatus preferably comprises means for logging the user's vehicle registration number and data identifying the controlled area in which the vehicle is parked.

Means may be provided for advising the user as to the time until which they are permitted to park.

Means may be provided for advising the user, beneficially via their mobile telephone, that a predetermined period of time remains until the time for which they are permitted to park expires. Means may also be provided whereby the user can request, and be granted, an extension of time for which they are permitted to park in the controlled area.

Total parking charges for a predetermined period may be calculated and automatically allocated, possibly minus an administrative charge, to one or more relevant authorities.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided portable vehicle parking control apparatus comprising scanning means for scanning information relating to the identity of a vehicle, data logging means for receiving said identifying data, means for receiving data from a remote location and determining therefrom if said vehicle is legally parked and, if not, means for issuing a penalty notice.

The information from the remote location may be received and updated periodically. Means may also be provided for determining by means of, for example, a GSM link, if a vehicle not included in a previous update has parked in a controlled area since the last update and is now legally parked therein. Means may also be provided for indicating to the portable apparatus that a vehicle has been granted an extension of time for which they are permitted to be parked in a controlled area.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the functionality of apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the functionality of apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

Referring to Figure I of the drawings, in the first instance, a motorist enters a controlled area or "parking Zone" and parks their vehicle in an available space. Beneficially, their mobile telephone will be preprogrammed with details identifying the registration number of their vehicle and the telephone number ofthe call centre running the parking system administration apparatus. In the event that the motorist has access to a number of different vehicles, their mobile telephone may be pre-programmed with data identifying each of those vehicles together with a separate respective telephone number, such that each vehicle registration is associated with a different telephone line into the call centre.

In any event, the motorist then telephones the call centre using their mobile telephone. The call is answered by an automated answering system, which checks the computer database for the caller's phone number. If the call is connected and the phone number recognised, a signal is communicated to the call centre identifying the vehicle which the user has parked in a parking zone. The parking zone in which the motorist has parked that vehicle is then identified, by means of, for example, the receiver which receives the mobile telephone signal and/or a global positioning system (GPS) and an area reference associated therewith is logged together with the vehicle registration number in question.

If, however, the caller's mobile phone number is not recognised, the call is transferred to a human operator or a further automated options menu, where caller details are requested such as the car registration number(s), payment methods, number codes etc and are logged in a database. Callers may also selectively request speaking with an operator in the case of difficulty.

The system then retrieves information on whether the caller has a current parking permit and wishes to pay for further parking time, or is a new motorist to the car park. In the case of a motorist arriving at the car park, the user's car number, for example 001 or 002, as previously registered with the call centre, is entered. This can be used instead of dialling a different number for the call centre depending on which vehicle the user is driving, as mentioned above.

The cal I centre computer retrieves the car number and requests confirmation from the motorist.

This information may be provided by means of speech or by pressing the appropriate keys on the motorist's mobile telephone. In any event, the information entered may be repeated to the motorist, who is then required to acknowledge and confirm by, for example, pressing a predetermined key on their mobile telephone. If the motorist realises the car number is incorrect, for example the motorist is in a different car, the appropriate key is selected on the keypad and the computer checks for other numbers in the database, and if one is found again requests confirmation. If, however, there are no other numbers in the database, then the caller is diverted to obtain operator assistance.

Assuming the number was confirmed by the motorist, a prompt to enter the status of the parking zone (if this information is not already available to the call centre from the area reference ofthe parking zone) is communicated, i.e. clearway, local authority car park, private car park, street, etc. This is preferably achieved by entering a two digit parking zone code on their mobile telephone.

Next, the motorist may be asked to indicate the length oftime for which they wish to park their vehicle in the parking zone in question. Again, this information may be provided by means of speech or by pressing the appropriate keys on the mobile telephone. In any event, once again, the provided information may be repeated to the motorist, who is then required to acknowledge or confirm by, for example, pressing a predetermined key on their mobile telephone.

The call system may then issue a voice message confirming to the motorist the duration for which they are permitted to park their vehicle in the parking zone, and the time at which they arc required to remove their vehicle therefrom. The call may then be automatically terminated.

Next, the call centre issues a text message to the motorist's mobile telephone confirming all of the relevant details relating to the parking of their vehicle in the parking zone, including the parking charges. In addition, such information may be sent by means of a remote communications signal to one or more portable units held by traffic control personnel responsible for the area in which the parking zone is located, as will be explained in more detail later.

The motorist must then confirm that the details are correct by the means previously described (eg pressing a predetermined key on their mobile phone), or re-enter the required details. This information is then sent to the call system, and the motorist can then park their vehicle. The details are stored and the user's credit card is charged with the required amount. The information stored at the call centre is updated in the traffic warden's database every, say, 10 minutes, as further described below.

A predetermined time (say, 15 minutes) before the allocated parking duration expires, the call centre may be arranged to telephone the motorist (or send a text message to the motorist's mobile telephone) indicating that they only have the above-mentioned predetermined period of time remaining before they will be committing a parking violation. In response to this call or message, the motorist may either return to their vehicle and remove it from the parking zone or, if necessary, they can return the call to the call centre and request an extension of permitted parking time in the parking zone, possibly at a premium charging rate. If the extension of time is permitted, the motorist is informed accordingly, and required to acknowledge or confirm by, for example, pressing a predetermined key on their mobile telephone. A communications signal is also sent to the relevant portable unit(s) held by traffic control personnel responsible for the area in which the parking zone is located, indicating that an extension of permitted parking time has been granted.

Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, a portable unit for use by traffic control personnel may comprise a data scanner, a data logger and a processor. A traffic warden, for example, may walk around an area for which they are responsible scanning in the vehicle registration numbers of all vehicles parked within that area. Relevant parking data for the area in question may be received and updated periodically, say every 10 minutes. The scanned vehicle registration numbers are logged and compared with the data received from the call centre.

Obviously, if the vehicle is determined to be legally parked, the traffic warden can simply move on to the next vehicle. If, however, it is determined either that the vehicle registration number has not been received from the call centre, or that the vehicle in question has been parked beyond their permitted parking time, the unit may be arranged to communicate with the call centre, possible by means of a GSM link or the like, to determine if the vehicle is a new arrival (i.e. has registered with the call centre within the last 10 minutes) or if an extension of parking time has been requested within the last 10 minutes. If so, the traffic warden can once again simply move on to the next vehicle. However, if not, and the vehicle is therefore determined to be parked illegally, unit may be arranged to photograph the offending vehicle, but is in any event arranged to inform the call centre that a parking violation has occurred. In response to such information, the call centre causes a penalty notice to be issued and printed automatically, via the portable unit, and it remains for the traffic warden to simply fix the notice to the offending vehicle, i.e. the traffic warden has no control over the issue of the notice once the vehicle registration number has been scanned in and thus determined by the apparatus to belong to a vehicle which is illegally parked.

A refund system may also be provided, via the control centre, to enable refunds to be claimed for unused parking time.

Thus, with the advent of reliable, low-cost communications available to most people, the present invention may provide a new, more flexible approach to the parking of vehicles in controlled areas. The need for parking meters, toll points or manned barriers, for example, could be eliminated. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, a system is provided which relies upon the widespread availability and ownership of mobile telephones which form the crux of the above-described system by providing instant access to a central administration and control centre. It will be appreciated, however, that a dedicated telephone as a "call post" or public telephone box could be used as an alternative to a mobile telephone, if necessary, in which case the user would have to pay by, for example, a credit or debit card, or by direct debit.

In summary, an exemplary embodiment of the invention operates as follows: 1. A motorist wishing to park their vehicle in a controlled area would first locate a suitable space and park in accordance with highway regulations. They would then call the parking centre using their mobile telephone, preferably via a single telephone number covering the entire country. Three pieces of information are now required: the vehicle registration, the parking zone status and the required duration of stay.

Obviously, these functions could be simplified to a response command. For example, the user may already be registered with the control centre, which recognises that user from their mobile telephone number when they call. Thus, the user could simply be rcquired to enter 'I' via their telephone keypad, for their first (or only) vehicle, '2' for a second vehicle, etc. A function may be provided to add another vehicle registration number, as required. The control centre may then quote the identified registration number back to the user, who would be required to acknowledge and confirm by, for example, pressing a predetermined key on their telephone. The control centre may then ask for the zone status, which could be a national agreed charge rate, say 11 to 19 for highway parking, 21 to 29 for private operation. Conceivably, numbers 31 to 99 could remain for other uses. Finally, the required duration of stay can be keyed in, via the user's telephone keypad, in hours and minutes. The control centre than advises the user as to the cost of their stay. In one embodiment, users of 'Pay as you go' mobile telephones could be charged for their parking against remaining credit on their telephone, whereas contract users could be charged via their normal mobile telephone bill. A direct credit system could also be developed, in addition or as an alternative.

2. Typically, a caller's air time should be minimal, say less than 40 seconds. Once the call is terminated, the call and the relevant information relating thereto can be acknowledged to the user by means of a text message from the control centre, at which time the user would be free to leave their vehicle. A predetermined time, say approximately 15 minutes, before the allotted parking time has elapsed, the control centre may send a reminder call to give the user warning of a potential parking violation. Provision may also be included to allow the user to extend their allotted parking time, possibly at a premium charging rate.

3. The control centre, upon first receiving a call from a motorist would note determine the geographical location of the origin of the call (by, for example, GPS), record that geographical location, together with the vehicle registration number identified by the motorist and the intended length of stay. Provided the required funds are in order, parking would be authorised and acknowledged by means of a text message.

Provision could be made to make payment by means of a credit card, although this may incur an administration charge. The control centre may be arranged to audit the vehicles and parking duration, compile charges based on the location and the zone status charges, and the overall parking charges could be automatically forwarded (minus an administration charge) to the appropriate authorities.

4. One ofthe responsibilities ofthe control centre could be to control the traffic control personnel patrolling each defined area. Using GSM mobile communications, the control centre may be arranged to download data relating to the vehicles parked within the defined zone and their exit times. This is preferably done on a regular basis, say every 10 minutes, and for added security and confirmation of transmission it could also include a handshake.

5. The last link in the chain would then be the traffic control personnel, say a traffic warden, who would carry a portable unit including a character recognition scanner and, when patrolling an area, would scan the registration numbers of vehicles parked therein. A visual or audible enunciation may be made to inform the warden of a vehicle's required exit time and/or the time remaining of its allocated parking time.

If the registration number is not recognised relative to the data stored in the unit, or if a vehicle appears to have overstayed their allocated parking time, the unit contacts the control centre for up-to-date data, including new arrivals and authorised extended stays.

6. In accordance with existing protocols, violations would be prosecuted in the normal manner. An automatic penalty notice dispensing unit may be provided as part ofthe portable unit. A parking violation identified by the portable unit is sent to and recorded at the control centre, possibly together with a photograph ofthe registration number of the vehicle at the scene of offence.

There are a number of advantages associated with the present invention. For example, significant costs can be saved because of the elimination of the need for parking meters and the like, and therefore the associated installation and maintenance costs, the fact that it is effectively a cash-free system, the fact that there is a central accounting facility, and that it provides totally accurate timing and accountability.

Furthermore, form the point of view of environmental issues, the present invention at least lessens the need for obtrusive road markings, removes the need for parking meters so as to free up the pavement for pedestrians. Furthermore, there is a lower overall cost infrastructure, thereby freeing up public funds for other uses, and the system may be linked to active street signage timed, for example, to create clearways.

The system is totally flexible and could operate sites in the private sector, in addition to local authority sites, multi-storey car parks, and even small sites at remote locations or events, for example, can be covered. The system would be easily available even to small districts or borough councils.

Finally, the system provides clearly identifiable procedures and targets for traffic control personnel, eliminates job duty risk and any issue of hostility between a traffic warden and an offending motorist (because the warden has no control over the issue of a penalty notice), increases the level of direct responsibility by the motorist, but even provides the motorist with a warning of imminent infringement and a method whereby their allocated parking time can be extended if necessary, and provides potential police communication with an otherwise unknown motorist.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiment illustrates rather than limits the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. Apparatus for administering a parking system in respect of a

plurality of controlled areas remote therefrom, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a remote communications signal from a user wishing to park their vehicle in a controlled area, said signal including data identifying said user's vehicle, means for remotely identifying the controlled area in which said user wishes to park their vehicle, means for receiving data indicating a period of time for which said user wishes to park their vehicle in said controlled area, and means for calculating a parking charge in respect of said user.
2. Apparatus according to claim l, wherein said remote communications signal is a telephone signal originating from a mobile telephone.
3. Apparatus according to claim l or claim 2, wherein said communications signal includes data identifying the user's vehicle registration number.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims l to 3, comprising means for logging the user's vehicle registration number and/or data identifying the controlled area in which the vehicle is parked.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims l to 4, wherein means are provided for advising a user as to the time until which they are permitted to park.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims I to 5, comprising means for advising a user that a predetermined period of time remains until the time for which they are permitted to park expires.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, comprising means for advising a user, via their mobile telephone, that a predetermined period of time remains until the time for which they are permitted to park expires.
8. Apparatus according to any one of claims l to 7, comprising means for enabling a user to request, and be granted, an extension of time for which they are permitted to park in the controlled area.
9. Apparatus according to any one of claims l to 8, comprising means for calculating total parking charges for a predetermined period and automatically allocating said charges to one or more relevant authorities.
10. A method of administering a parking system in respect of a plurality of controlled areas remote therefrom, the method comprising receiving a remote communications signal from a user wishing to park their vehicle in a controlled area, said signal including data identifying said user's vehicle, remotely identifying the controlled area in which said user wishes to park their vehicle, receiving data indicating a period of time for which said user wishes to park their vehicle in said controlled area, and calculating a parking charge in respect of said user.
Portable vehicle parking control apparatus comprising scanning means for scanning information relating to the identity of a vehicle, data logging means for receiving said identifying data, means for receiving data from a remote location and determining therefrom if said vehicle is legally parked and, if not, means for issuing a penalty notice.
12. Apparatus according to claim l l, wherein the information from the remote location is received and updated periodically.
13. Apparatus according to claim l l or claim l 2, comprising means if a vehicle not included in a previous update has parked in a controlled area since a previous update and is now legally parked therein.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein means are provided for indicating to the portable apparatus that a vehicle has been granted an extension of time for which they are permitted to be parked in a controlled area.