GB2552020A - Apparatus and method for car park optimisation - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for car park optimisation Download PDFInfo
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- GB2552020A GB2552020A GB1611885.3A GB201611885A GB2552020A GB 2552020 A GB2552020 A GB 2552020A GB 201611885 A GB201611885 A GB 201611885A GB 2552020 A GB2552020 A GB 2552020A
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Classifications
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- 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
- G08G1/145—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas where the indication depends on the parking areas
-
- 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
- G08G1/145—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas where the indication depends on the parking areas
- G08G1/146—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas where the indication depends on the parking areas where the parking area is a limited parking space, e.g. parking garage, restricted space
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
- B60W30/06—Automatic manoeuvring for parking
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D15/00—Steering not otherwise provided for
- B62D15/02—Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids
- B62D15/027—Parking aids, e.g. instruction means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D15/00—Steering not otherwise provided for
- B62D15/02—Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids
- B62D15/027—Parking aids, e.g. instruction means
- B62D15/0285—Parking performed automatically
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/015—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled with provision for distinguishing between two or more types of vehicles, e.g. between motor-cars and cycles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/017—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
- G08G1/0175—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles by photographing vehicles, e.g. when violating traffic rules
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- 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
-
- 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
- G08G1/143—Traffic control systems for road vehicles indicating individual free spaces in parking areas with means giving the indication of available parking spaces inside the vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2556/00—Input parameters relating to data
- B60W2556/45—External transmission of data to or from the vehicle
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Vehicle parking assistance comprising receiving vehicle data which may include vehicle width, length, height, weight, fuel type, and occupant data, for a subject vehicle 100; processing means, using said vehicle data, finds locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle can move, and transmitting means transmit the, or each, available location 41 43 45 to the subject vehicle. Vehicle data may be received from the vehicle 100 itself or from at least one sensing means such as an imaging sensor, laser scanner or vehicle identification means. Vehicle identification means may comprise a number plate recognition system (ANPR) and/or an imaging sensor which may determine vehicle data through the processing means or via a server. If no suitable spaces are available for the subject vehicle 100 then the processing means may instruct autonomous vehicles 50 within in the car park to relocate in order to create a suitable space. The processing means may also suggest spaces and/or move autonomous vehicles within a further car park if no location is available at the subject vehicles current car park.
Description
(54) Title of the Invention: Apparatus and method for car park optimisation
Abstract Title: Car park optimisation and vehicle parking assistance by assigning parking spaces based on vehicle data such as size and weight (57) Vehicle parking assistance comprising receiving vehicle data which may include vehicle width, length, height, weight, fuel type, and occupant data, for a subject vehicle 100; processing means, using said vehicle data, finds locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle can move, and transmitting means transmit the, or each, available location 41 43 45 to the subject vehicle. Vehicle data may be received from the vehicle 100 itself or from at least one sensing means such as an imaging sensor, laser scanner or vehicle identification means. Vehicle identification means may comprise a number plate recognition system (ANPR) and/or an imaging sensor which may determine vehicle data through the processing means or via a server. If no suitable spaces are available for the subject vehicle 100 then the processing means may instruct autonomous vehicles 50 within in the car park to relocate in order to create a suitable space. The processing means may also suggest spaces and/or move autonomous vehicles within a further car park if no location is available at the subject vehicles current car park.
At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.
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APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAR PARK OPTIMISATION
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for car park optimisation. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to an apparatus and method for car park optimisation for autonomous vehicles.
Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle parking assistance apparatus, a method for optimising vehicle parking, a computer program and a non-transitory computer readable media.
BACKGROUND
Parking bays in car parks are often delineated using painted markings. The parking bays are fixed in size and are often of a generally uniform size within the car park. Such parking bays are typically based upon a standard sized car. However, vehicles, such as cars, vans, trucks and busses, are not of uniform size, and vary between makes, models and types of vehicle. Additionally, increased access to the vehicle may be required by some people, such as parents with children, or disabled people. Therefore vehicles are not optimised for parking in marked parking bays in car parks.
Vehicle parking poses a number of additional potential problems for the vehicle driver. Not only can a considerable amount of time spent by the vehicle driver searching for a suitable parking gap or space, but often it is difficult for the driver to judge whether the gap or space provided by the distance between existing parked vehicles or between a parked vehicle and another object is sufficient for the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle into. There is therefore a risk of collision between vehicles, or between the vehicle and an object, during the parking manoeuvre. There is also the potential for a driver to attempt a parking manoeuvre only to abandon the manoeuvre if the gap turns out to be too small to successfully park the vehicle into. The driving experience for the driver and potentially any passengers can therefore become unpleasantly stressful.
Some vehicles provide for autonomous, automated or automatic parking, where a vehicle can be manoeuvred to and into a parking space, which may comprise a gap between vehicles and/or other objects, without driver intervention.
It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a vehicle parking assistance apparatus, a method for optimising vehicle parking, a computer program and a non-transitory computer readable media as claimed in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving means arranged to receive vehicle data for a subject vehicle and processing means arranged to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle parking assistance apparatus comprising: receiving means arranged to receive vehicle data for a subject vehicle; processing means arranged to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and transmitting means arranged to transmit an available location to the subject vehicle.
This provides the advantage of allowing for identification of parking spaces within a nondelineated car park, for a subject vehicle, based on vehicle data for the subject vehicle. The removal of the requirement of delineation of car parking spaces means that spaces can by dynamically allocated and that the arrangement of vehicles in the car park can be optimised to increase utilization. This may also help car park operators increase revenue generation. Given that the apparatus identifies locations where the subject vehicle can park, this may also provide the advantage of reducing the time spent searching or waiting for a suitable parking gap or space, thus increasing the efficiency of operation of the subject vehicle. Aspects of the invention may therefore reduce fuel or energy usage of the subject vehicle. These advantages may improve the user’s driving experience.
The subject vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle. This provides the advantage of allowing vehicles to be autonomously parked, without a driver, thus optimally utilizing space in the car park as no user vehicular access is necessary, meaning vehicles can be parked closely or tightly together.
The vehicle data may comprise one or more of vehicle width, vehicle length, vehicle occupant data, vehicle height, vehicle weight, vehicle fuel type and vehicle access information.
This has the advantage of allowing processing of subject vehicle specific data to ensure that the subject vehicle can be optimally parked in a car park, and to ensure that any identified parking spaces are suitable for the subject vehicle.
The vehicle data may be stored in a storage means local to or remote from the subject vehicle. The storage means may be a storage means of the subject vehicle or a storage means at a server. The storage means may be a memory, such as a solid state memory or magnetic storage device.
The vehicle data may be received from the subject vehicle.
Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle parking assistance apparatus may comprise sensing means to determine the vehicle data to be provided to the receiving means. This provides the advantage of allowing vehicles without stored vehicle data engaging in the optimised car park operation. This may also provide useful auxiliary data such as vehicle height, which may not be stored in the subject vehicles vehicle data.
The sensing means may be a sensor such as an imaging sensor and/or a laser scanner.
Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle parking assistance apparatus may comprise vehicle identification means, wherein vehicle identification data is obtained by the vehicle identification means.
The processing means may be arranged to determine the vehicle data from the vehicle identification data. This provides the advantage of allowing vehicles without stored vehicle data engaging in the optimised car park operation. This may also provide the advantage of confirming vehicle data provided for the subject vehicle.
The vehicle identification data may be transmitted to a server prior to vehicle data being transmitted from the server to the receiving means.
The vehicle identification means may be a sensor such as an automated number plate recognition camera or an imaging sensor.
The vehicle identification data comprises one or more of a number plate image and a vehicle image.
If no location is available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means may be arranged to instruct other autonomous vehicles within the car park to relocate to create an available location to which the subject vehicle can move.
This provides the advantage of creating a space or gap large enough for the subject vehicle to be parked in. The subject vehicle may then be parked either manually by the driver, or autonomously or automatically in a self-park arrangement. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the driver of the vehicle may have exited the vehicle and therefore no longer be in control of the vehicle when the parking manoeuvre takes place.
The processing means may be arranged to calculate a sequence of instructions to be provided to at least one of the one or more autonomous vehicles in the car park to move the at least one of the one or more autonomous vehicles to create a space or gap equal to or greater than the space or gap required for the subject vehicle.
This provides the advantage of controlling or allowing control of the movement of autonomous vehicles in the most efficient manner to create a space or gap equal to or greater than the space or gap required for the subject vehicle i.e. the minimum parking gap for the subject vehicle.
If no location is available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means may be arranged to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more available location within a further car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
This provides the advantage of extending the ability of the apparatus to identify possible car parking spaces for the subject vehicle.
If no location is available within the further car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means may be arranged to instruct other autonomous vehicles within the further car park to relocate to create an available location to which the subject vehicle can move.
The receiving means may be a wireless receiver or transceiver. The receiving means may operate at radio frequencies. The transmitting means may be a wireless transmitter or transceiver. The transmitting means may operate at radio frequencies. The transmitting means may be optical or acoustic in nature. Alternatively, or in addition, the transmitting means may comprise magnetic or electromagnetic transmitting means; for example transmitting means may produce a time varying electromagnetic field, optionally in the form of a modulated inductive charging coupling. The receiving means and the transmitting means may be comprised in the same transceiver. The processing means may be an electronic processor. The processing means may control operation of one or more other components, such as the receiving means and/or transmitting means.
The vehicle parking assistance apparatus may be comprised in a car park entry system.
The subject vehicle localises and navigates using global positioning system data, sensors and built in mapping data, or another vehicle positioning system.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method comprising: receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle, and determining using the vehicle data, a location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method for optimising vehicle parking comprising: receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle; determining using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and transmitting one or more available location to the subject vehicle.
The method may be for optimising autonomous vehicle parking.
The method may comprise receiving the vehicle data from the subject vehicle.
The method may comprise determining the vehicle data to be provided to the receiving means using sensing means.
The method may comprise obtaining vehicle identification data using vehicle identification means.
The method may comprise determining the vehicle data from the vehicle identification data.
The method may comprise transmitting the vehicle identification data to the server prior to the vehicle data being transmitted from the server to the receiving means.
The method may comprise instructing other autonomous vehicles within the car park to relocate to create a location to which the subject vehicle can move, if there is no location available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
The method may comprise arranging to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more location within a further car park to which the subject vehicle can move, if no location is available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
The method may comprise arranging to instruct other autonomous vehicles within the further car park to relocate to create a location to which the subject vehicle can move if no location is available within the further car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a car park comprising the apparatus described in any of the preceding paragraphs. The car park may comprise a vehicle parking assistance apparatus.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least: receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle, and determining using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least: receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle; determining using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and transmitting an available location to the subject vehicle.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least, a method as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.
The apparatus may be for wireless vehicle to infrastructure communications. The apparatus may comprise network or cloud based communication.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle parking assistance apparatus;
Fig. 2 illustrates an example of vehicle data reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of vehicle data reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 illustrates an example of vehicle identification data reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 illustrates an example of vehicle data reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrates an example of a parking manoeuvre;
Figs. 8 to 10 illustrates an example of a parking manoeuvre;
Fig. 11 illustrates an example method for vehicle parking;
Fig. 12 illustrates an example controller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Examples of the present disclosure relate to car park optimisation. Some examples of the disclosure relate to car park optimisation for autonomous vehicles. By car park, it is meant any demarcated physical area where one or more vehicles may be positioned for a period of time. Autonomous vehicles can be given a target destination and can park accurately without driver interaction.
The figures illustrate a vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 comprising: receiving means 12 arranged to receive vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100; processing means 16 arranged to determine, using the vehicle data 14, locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle 100 can move; and transmitting means 18 arranged to transmit the or each available location to the subject vehicle 100.
The vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 may be arranged to instruct movement of the subject vehicle 100 relative to a car park 102 in which the subject vehicle 100 is to be, or is intended to be, parked.
If the subject vehicle 100 is an autonomous vehicle, then the movement of the subject vehicle 100 may be automatically effected following provision of the identification of an available location from the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 to the subject vehicle 100. In some examples, the parking manoeuvre will not begin until the driver has indicated that the parking manoeuvre can, or should, begin.
If the subject vehicle 100 is not an autonomous vehicle, then the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 may provide instructions to the subject vehicle 100 for the driver of the subject vehicle 100 to manually effect movement of the subject vehicle 100. If more than one available location is provided by the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10, then one of the available locations may be selected for the subject vehicle 100 to park in. The selection of an available location from multiple available locations may be based on optimisation of the use of space in the car park 102 i.e. to use the smallest space possible to fit the subject vehicle 100 in, a nearest location to the subject vehicle 100, a nearest location to a predetermined point, or manually selected by a user of the subject vehicle 100, such as the driver of the subject vehicle 100. Manual selection may be effected by user input on a user input means. The user input means may be a user control or sensor. The user input may be an audible command, which may be received by a microphone in the vehicle, a touch via a touchscreen or soft or hard button or key, a gesture by the user within the vehicle or external to the vehicle, which may be detected by a sensor or camera arrangement, or by another action by the user.
The position of the subject vehicle 100 before, during and/or after movement of the subject vehicle 100 may be provided by or calculated from global positioning system (GPS) data or by map matching, particle filter localization or dead reckoning. In alternative arrangements sensor data in conjunction with mapping data may be used to determine the location of the subject vehicle 100. In other embodiments other vehicle positioning systems may be used.
The receiving means 12 may be a wireless receiver and the transmitting means 18 may be a wireless transmitter. The receiving means 12 and transmitting means 18 may form a single transceiver. The processing means 16 may be an electronic processor, or circuitry configured to carry out specific operations with relation to received vehicle data 14.
The receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 may be local to the car park 102, and the subject vehicle 100 may communicate with the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 using short range vehicle to infrastructure communication. The receiving means and/or transmitting means 18 may form part of a car park barrier or entry system, or be located in or near to the car park 102. In some examples, the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 may be embedded in the surface of the car park 102.
Communication between the subject vehicle 100 and the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 can be provided by vehicle to infrastructure communication which may be direct, such as via dedicated short range communications, Bluetooth, or similar protocol. Dedicated short range communications may form part of an intelligent transportation system, and may for example be provided in the 5.9 GHz band. Alternatively the 5.8 GHz band or any other short or medium range communication band may be used.
Alternatively, the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 may be remote from the car park 102, and the subject vehicle 100 may communicate with the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18 by vehicle to infrastructure communication which may be indirect via a cloud computing arrangement or one or more dedicated communication servers 200. Communication to the cloud computing arrangement or server 200, such as a dedicated vehicle communication server 200, may be by any wireless protocol, including cellular data services such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, or similar cellular communications, or by satellite communication, or by a wireless local area network, such as a IEEE 802.11 network, commonly called a WiFi network, or a combination of different protocols. The use of a particular communications protocol may depend on available bandwidth for specific communication protocols.
The cloud computing arrangement or server 200 could be a dedicated system for a specific car park 102 or may be comprised in an intelligent transportation system connected to multiple car parks.
The processing means 16, which may be in the form of an electronic processor may be local to or remote from the car park 102. The processing means 16 may be collocated with the receiving means 12 and or transmitting means 18. Alternatively, the processing means 16 may be remote from the receiving means 12 and/or transmitting means 18. If the processing means 16 is remote from the receiving means 12, then communication of data to the processing means 16 may be effected by further transmission of data from the receiving means 12 to the processing means 16. If the processing means 16 is remote from the transmitting means 18, then communication of data from the processing means 16 may be effected by transmission of data from the processing means 16 to the transmitting means 18 followed by transmission of data from the transmitting means 18 to the subject vehicle 100. Such arrangements at least envisage the situation where the receiving means 12, processing means 16 and transmitting means 18 are all collocated at the car park 102, and an alternative situation where the receiving means 12 and transmitting means 18 are both located at the car park 102 and the processing means 16 is remotely located, for example as part of a cloud computing network.
A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that upon receipt of vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100, the processing means 16 can provide instructions or directions to the subject vehicle 100 to park in an available space within the car park 102. If the subject vehicle 100 is autonomous, it may then automatically park in the optimal parking space, or a user selected parking space.
A technical effect of at least some examples of the disclosure is that upon receipt of vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100, the processing means 16 can provide instructions or directions to reconfigure the arrangement of other parked autonomous vehicles within the car park 102 such that the subject vehicle 100 may be parked in the car park 102, thus increasing the efficiency of occupation of car parking space within the car park 102, potentially reducing space requirement for vehicle parking, and increasing revenue for user paid parking. In other examples car parking charging may be modified by the area required by the subject vehicle 100 to park the subject vehicle 100. Car park charging may be increased for example with an increased area requirement.
The increase in efficiency of occupation of car parking space may be especially relevant to parking areas such as vehicle storage compounds where vehicles of mixed sizes could be stored. In such a situation, when a subject vehicle 100 enters the vehicle storage compound, the other autonomous vehicles within the vehicle storage compound may be moved to provide a space for the subject vehicle 100. The movement of other autonomous vehicles 50 may be carried out serially or in parallel. That is the autonomous vehicles may be arranged or configured to move one at a time, or with multiple autonomous vehicles moving at any one time.
Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle parking assistance apparatus. In Fig. 1 receiving means 12 is operatively connected to processing means 16. The processing means 16 is operatively connected to transmitting means 18. Any number of intervening components may be positioned between these components, including none. The receiving means 12 is arranged or configured to receive vehicle data 14 relating to a subject vehicle 100 which is required to be parked within a car park 102. The vehicle data 14 comprises a vehicle length, vehicle height, vehicle weight, vehicle fuel type and vehicle width such that the area required to park the subject vehicle 100 is known, and can be provided to the processing means 16. The vehicle length and width may define minimum parking gaps or requirements for the subject vehicle 100 to be parked between other vehicles or objects.
In some examples, the vehicle data 14 may also comprise vehicle occupant data. Vehicle occupant data may also be provided to the processing means 16. Vehicle occupant data may then be used to modify the required area for the subject vehicle 100 to be parked in. For example, if the subject vehicle 100 has a driver, who will be in the subject vehicle 100 during parking of the subject vehicle 100, then additional space will be required on the driver’s side of the subject vehicle 100 in order for the driver to exit the subject vehicle 100 once the subject vehicle 100 has been parked, and to subsequently enter the subject vehicle 100 when returning to the subject vehicle 100. Such data may be retained in a memory attached to or associate with or in communication with the processing means 16 to ensure that if the subject vehicle 100 is involved in any other parking manoeuvre, such as another vehicle parking alongside or if any relocation of the subject vehicle 100 in the car park 102 is required, then the driver is still able to enter and exit the subject vehicle 100. Therefore this data forms part of a car park map 17 which may be modified by the processing means 16 when vehicles enter and leave the car park 102. The car park map 17 may also provide physical boundaries of the car park 102 and any other obstacles within the car park 102, such as pillars, lamp posts, barriers etc. The car park map 17 may be stored in a memory associated with or in communication with the processing means 16.
In some examples, the vehicle data 14 may also comprise vehicle access information. Vehicle access information may be used to modify the required area for the subject vehicle 100 to be parked in, similar to the requirement of vehicle occupant data. However the vehicle access information may provide for additional access for parents with children, where a pushchair may need to be positioned next to a vehicle, or for disabled people where a wheelchair may need to be positioned next to a vehicle. Access to a rear door may be required for loading and unloading. Other space requirements may be defined by the user of the subject vehicle 100.
The processing means 16 uses the vehicle data 14 along with the car park map 17, to determine if there is space to park the subject vehicle 100, and if so, whether there are multiple parking options for the subject vehicle 100.
In some examples, if there is no space to park the subject vehicle 100 in the car park 102, the processing means 16 is arranged or configured to optimise usage of the car park 102 by rearranging the autonomous vehicles 50 located within the car park 102 to create a suitable space for the subject vehicle 100.
If there is no space which is determined to be equal to or greater than that required by the vehicle data 14 of the subject vehicle 100, then the processing means 16 determines if one or more autonomous vehicles within the car park 102, for which vehicle data 14 is available, can be moved to create a suitable parking space equal to or greater than the minimum space required by the subject vehicle 100, as determined from its vehicle data 14. If such a parking space can be created, then the processing means 16 calculates a sequence of instructions to be provided to one or more of the autonomous vehicles to move that one or more autonomous vehicle to create the space required by the subject vehicle 100.
The processing means 16 may calculate the most efficient sequence of autonomous vehicle moves to create the space required for the subject vehicle 100. This may be based upon the minimum number of autonomous vehicles that need to be moved in order to create the required space for the subject vehicle 100.
Alternatively, this may be based upon minimizing the movement of each of the autonomous vehicles to be moved to create the required space to ensure that any one individual autonomous vehicle is not moved by a significant distance, thus avoiding the returning driver and/or passengers being surprised by any automated vehicle movement. The requirement to move autonomous vehicles may be limited by a maximum distance that any one autonomous vehicle may be moved in order to create a suitable space required by the subject vehicle 100.
In such circumstances, the maximum movement of any autonomous vehicle may be limited to a distance based on a multiple of the autonomous vehicle width. For example the maximum movement of the autonomous vehicle may be limited to two times the autonomous vehicle width. A significant distance may be a distance more than two times the autonomous vehicle width, though it will be appreciated that other distances may be chosen as a significant distance. In some examples, the autonomous vehicles may be free to move throughout the car park 102. In other examples, the autonomous vehicles may be free to move between car parks within a certain distance of the original car park 102. In some examples, if autonomous vehicles are moved a significant distance the driver of the vehicle may be informed by mobile communication means of the new location of their vehicle.
Additionally, or alternatively, the movement of an autonomous vehicle may be limited by the requirements for access, such as for disabled access. Information relating to a minimum vehicle parking gap may be provided for emergency vehicles, even if such vehicles are not autonomous, such that the space around such emergency vehicles can be maintained at such distances so as to maintain access. For example, for an ambulance, additional distance may be required rearward of the vehicle to safely load and unload a stretcher from the rear of the vehicle.
The processing means 16 may be arranged or configured to determine if no space suitable for the subject vehicle 100 can be created, and in such circumstances refuse entry for the subject vehicle 100 or delay entry until such time a suitable space becomes available.
In some examples the processing means 16 may have access to car park maps for other car parks, for example in a networked car parking arrangement. If the processing means 16 has access to car park maps for other car parks, then the processing means 16 may determine if there is a space available in any another car parks and transmit, to the subject vehicle 100, each available location in the other car parks, thereby allowing the subject vehicle 100 to be parked in another car park. If the driver selects a space in another car park, then that space may be reserved for the subject vehicle 100. If the car is autonomous, then the subject vehicle 100 may travel to that other car park or be provided with instructions to travel to that other car park. In such circumstances, the driver may exit the subject vehicle 100 before it is moved to the other car park.
In some examples, when returning to the subject vehicle 100, the driver may wish to pick the subject vehicle 100 up from the place where the subject vehicle 100 was left, rather than the position or car park to which the subject vehicle 100 has ultimately been parked. The autonomous subject vehicle 100 may therefore be arranged or configured to return to the drivers preferred location at a specific time. Alternatively, the driver may communicate with the subject vehicle 100 in advance of returning to the subject vehicle 100 to enable the subject vehicle 100 to be aware of a requirement to return to a specific location for a specific time. The driver may communicate with the subject vehicle 100 using known mobile communication methods, such as via cellular communications.
The transmitting means 18 may transmit to the subject vehicle 100 the, or each, available location identified by the processing means 16 when comparing the vehicle data 14 to the subject vehicle 100 to the car park map 17.
The processing means 16 may also provide, via the transmitting means 18, a route definition file 19 to the subject vehicle 100. The route definition file 19 provides preferred the route that the autonomous subject vehicle 100 is to take through the car park 102 to the identified or selected space.
Fig. 2 illustrates an example of vehicle data 14 reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1. In this example the vehicle data 14 is provided to the receiving means 12 from the subject vehicle 100. In this example, the subject vehicle 100 retains its own vehicle data 14 defining the required area to park the subject vehicle 100 in. The vehicle data 14 may be stored in a storage means of the subject vehicle 100. This vehicle data 14 may be specific to a particular make and model of vehicle. In some examples the vehicle data 14 retained by the subject vehicle 100 may be user set, or modified, to be able to account for different numbers and types of passengers, and also account for increased access requirements for loading and unloading, and to account for disabled passengers. In some examples, the vehicle data 14 may be automatically modified based on detection of passengers in different seating positions within the subject vehicle 100. Pressure sensors in vehicle seats can be used to determine passenger presence and/or location. An internal camera or multiple internal cameras can be used to determine passenger presence and/or location.
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of vehicle data 14 reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1. In this example the vehicle data 14 is provided to the receiving means 12 from sensing means 20. The sensing means 20 may be in the form of an imaging sensor and/or a laser scanner. Such sensing means 20 can spatially measure the subject vehicle 100 to provide a vehicle width and length measurement, which then provides basic vehicle data 14. Such sensors can also be used to determine number and location of vehicle occupants. The vehicle data 14 provided by the sensing means 20 may be in the form of vehicle length, vehicle width, and number and location of vehicle occupants or may be raw data which is required to be processed further by the processing means 16 in order to provide data in the form of vehicle length, vehicle width, and number and location of vehicle occupants.
Fig. 4 illustrates an example of vehicle identification data 24 reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1. In this example the vehicle identification data 24 is provided to the receiving means 12 from vehicle identification means 22. The vehicle identification means 22 may be in the form of an imaging sensor to take an image of the vehicle, or as an automated number plate recognition camera or sensor. The vehicle identification data 24 is then provided via the receiving means 12 to the processing means 16, where it may be used to determine vehicle data 14, such as vehicle length and vehicle width. The processing means 16 may have, or be connected to a database of images to pattern match the image to a vehicle make and model, that vehicle make and model having defined length and width. The processing means 16 may have, or be connected to a database of number plates and be able to match the identified number plate to a number plate in the database to identify the vehicle make and model having defined length and width.
Fig. 5 illustrates an example of vehicle data 14 reception for the apparatus of Fig. 1. In this example, vehicle identification data 24 is provided to a server 200, which may be local to or remote from the car park 102, from vehicle identification means 22. The vehicle identification means 22 may be in the form of an imaging sensor to take an image of the vehicle, or as an automated number plate recognition camera or sensor. The vehicle identification data 24 is then provided to a server 200, where it may be used to determine vehicle data 14, such as vehicle length and vehicle width. The server 200 may have, or be connected to a database of images to pattern match the image to a vehicle make and model, that vehicle make and model having defined length and width. The server 200 may have, or be connected to a database of number plates and be able to match the identified number plate to a number plate in the database to identify the vehicle make and model having defined length and width.
The operation of a non-limiting example of the invention will now be described with respect to Figs. 6 and 7. It is to be appreciated that the arrangement of vehicles in Figs. 6 and 7 is illustrated as an example and that embodiments of the invention may be applicable to other arrangements of vehicles.
In Fig. 6 a subject vehicle 100 or the user of the subject vehicle 100 wishes to park in a car park 102 and drives to an entrance 104 of the car park 102. The subject vehicle 100 then communicates with a vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 by transmitting vehicle data 14 to the receiving means 12 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10. The vehicle data 14 comprises, at least, the vehicle length and vehicle width for the subject vehicle 100. Processing means 16 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 accesses a car park map 17. The processing means 16 may also access a route definition file 19. The car park map 17 contains data relating to the position of other vehicles 50 in the car park 102. The route definition file 19 contains data relating to a path 106 that a subject vehicle 100 can take through the car park 102. The car park map 17 also contains data relating to space available in the car park 102. In the example of Fig. 6 there are two spaces available 30, 32. The first space 30 is noted to be much larger than the subject vehicle 100. The second space 32 is noted to be sufficient to accommodate the subject vehicle 100 without significant space being unused. The transmitting means 18 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 transmits data relating to the location of the spaces to the subject vehicle 100. The driver can then select the desired space and the subject vehicle 100 may then be parked in that space.
In Fig. 7, it can be seen that the subject vehicle 100 or driver has chosen the closest, and smallest, space 32 to park in. Once chosen the subject vehicle 100 will follow the route 108 defined by the route definition file 19, to the space, where the subject vehicle 100 will be parked.
In an alternative embodiment the processing means 16 can determine that the subject vehicle 100 is to park in space 32 in order to optimise usage of space in the car park 102.
The operation of a non-limiting example of the invention will now be described with respect to Figs. 8, 9 and 10. It is to be appreciated that the arrangement of vehicles in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 is illustrated as an example and that embodiments of the invention may be applicable to other arrangements of vehicles.
In Fig. 8 a subject vehicle 100 or the user of the subject vehicle 100 wishes to park in a car park 102 and drives to an entrance 104 of the car park 102. The subject vehicle 100 then communicates with a vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 by transmitting vehicle data 14 to the receiving means 12 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10. The vehicle data 14 comprises, at least, the vehicle length and vehicle width for the subject vehicle 100. Processing means 16 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 accesses a car park map 17. The processing means 16 may also access a route definition file 19. The car park map 17 contains data relating to the position of other vehicles 50 in the car park 102. The route definition file 19 contains data relating to a path 106 that a subject vehicle 100 can take through the car park 102. The car park 17 map also contains data relating to space available in the car park 102. In the example of Fig. 8 there are six spaces available 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44.
In Fig. 9 the processing means 16 has received the vehicle data 14. In this vehicle data 14, the space requirements for the subject vehicle 100 are noted to be greater than the actual width and length of the subject vehicle 100 due to requirements for vehicle loading. In this example additional space is required on the driver side for driver access, and at the rear of the subject vehicle 100 for access to the boot or trunk.
The transmitting means 18 of the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 transmits data relating to the location of the spaces to the subject vehicle 100. The driver can then select the desired space and the subject vehicle 100 may then be parked in that space.
Four spaces 34, 36, 38 and 42 are noted to be too small for the subject vehicle 100 based on the vehicle data 14, and therefore cannot be selected. The remaining two spaces 40 and 44 are noted to be sufficiently large to accommodate the subject vehicle 100. One space 44 may accommodate the subject vehicle 100 in at least area 45. It is noted that in the other space 40, the subject vehicle 100 may be accommodated in at least two positions 41, 43, optimising availability of space for another vehicle to subsequently park alongside.
In this example, space 43 is identified as being optimal as it is more efficient to place the subject vehicle 100 at the end of the car park 102, since the subject vehicle 100 has a large space requirement, where its impact on the route definition file 19 is least, and therefore the route that autonomous vehicles may take through the car park 102. However, in other examples, the driver may select any available space to park in.
Fig. 10 illustrates the final parking manoeuvre of the subject vehicle 100. The subject vehicle 100 in Fig. 10 is parked next to the end of the car park 102, distal from the car park entrance 104. In order to facilitate extrication of the subject vehicle 100 from the space 43 it may be optimal to park the vehicle in the space 43 in reverse. Therefore a route 110 is provided for the vehicle that uses another space 44 within the car park 102 to perform a reversing manoeuvre in order to manoeuvre the subject vehicle 100 into the space 43 in reverse.
In other examples, the processing means 16 may instruct one or more parked autonomous vehicles to move or temporarily move in order to facilitate the maneuvering of the subject vehicle 100. For example, in the example of Fig. 10, if a vehicle was parked in space 44, preventing the desired reversing manoeuvre of the subject vehicle 100, then the processing means 16 may instruct the vehicle in space 44 to temporarily move to another area in the car park 102 to facilitate the desired manoeuvre of subject vehicle 100. Once the subject vehicle 100 was parked in space 43, as desired, then the vehicle previously parked in space 44 can be returned back to that space.
The subject vehicle 100 may communicate its parked position and/or movements within the car park 102 to the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 in order for the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 to be up to date with the position of vehicles in the car park 102. A car park map 17 may be updated and stored to keep track of vehicle movements.
If the subject vehicle 100 is moved to be parked in a non-selected space, then the subject vehicle 100 may communicate its position to the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 in order for the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 to be up to date with the position of vehicles in the car park 102. A car park map 17 may be updated and stored to keep track of vehicle movements.
The subject vehicle 100 may also comprise scanning means 80, such as a laser scanner for detecting the position of obstacles. The data from the subject vehicle scanning means 80 may be communicated to the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 in order for the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 to be up to date with the position of vehicles and other objects in the car park 102. The car park map 17 may be updated and stored to keep track of subject vehicle identified vehicles and objects within the car park 102.
Fig. 11 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for vehicle parking. The method may in some examples be performed by the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10.
The method for vehicle parking comprises, at block 210, receiving vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100.
At block 220 the method comprises determining, using the vehicle data 14, locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle 100 can move.
At block 230 the method comprises transmitting the, or each, available location to the subject vehicle 100.
Fig. 12 illustrates a computer program 62 comprising instructions 70 that, when executed by one or more processors 16, cause a system to perform, at least one of the aforementioned methods. For example the system may be caused to perform, at least, receiving vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100, determining, using the vehicle data 14, locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle 100 can move, and comprises transmitting the or each available location to the subject vehicle 100.
Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a controller means 74 that may be a chip or a chipset. The controller means 74 may form part of one or more systems comprised in a car park 102. For example the controller means 74 may form part of a vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10, such as the one illustrated in the example of Fig. 1.
Implementation of a controller means 74 may be as controller circuitry. The controller means 74 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).
As illustrated in Fig. 12 the controller means 74 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 62 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 16 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processor 16.
The processor 16 is configured to read from and write to the memory 66. The processor 16 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 16 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 16.
The memory 66 stores a computer program 62 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the controller means 74 when loaded into the processor 16. The computer program instructions 70, of the computer program 62, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in Fig. 11. The processor 16 by reading the memory 66 is able to load and execute the computer program 62.
The controller means 74 therefore comprises: at least one processor 16; and at least one memory 66 including computer program code, the at least one memory 66 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 16, cause the controller means 74 at least to perform, at least, receiving vehicle data 14 for a subject vehicle 100, determining, using the vehicle data 14, locations within a car park 102 to which the subject vehicle 100 can move, and comprises transmitting the or each available location to the subject vehicle 100.
As illustrated in Fig 12, the computer program 62 may arrive at the controller means 74 via any suitable delivery mechanism 68. The delivery mechanism 68 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), or an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 62. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 62. The controller means 74 may propagate or transmit the computer program 62 as a computer data signal.
Although the memory 66 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.
Although the processor 16 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 16 may be a single core or multi-core processor.
References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single /multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixedfunction device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.
The blocks illustrated in Fig. 11 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program 62. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.
In examples, the vehicle parking assistance apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, or the controller means 74 of Fig. 12 provides means for performing the methods illustrated in Fig. 11, and as described herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller(s) described herein can each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller(s) may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described above may be embedded in a computerreadable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.
As used here ‘module’ refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
Claims (20)
1. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus comprising:
receiving means arranged to receive vehicle data for a subject vehicle; processing means arranged to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and transmitting means arranged to transmit an available location to the subject vehicle.
2. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle data comprises one or more of vehicle width, vehicle length, vehicle occupant data, vehicle height, vehicle weight, vehicle fuel type and vehicle access information.
3. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle data is received from the subject vehicle.
4. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising sensing means to determine the vehicle data to be provided to the receiving means.
5. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sensing means is a sensor such as an imaging sensor and/or a laser scanner.
6. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising vehicle identification means, wherein vehicle identification data is obtained by the vehicle identification means.
7. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the processing means is arranged to determine the vehicle data from the vehicle identification data.
8. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 6, the vehicle identification data being transmitted to a server prior to vehicle data being transmitted from the server to the receiving means.
9. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the vehicle identification means is a sensor such as an automated number plate recognition camera or an imaging sensor.
10. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the vehicle identification data comprises one or more of a number plate image and a vehicle image.
11. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein if no location is available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means is arranged to instruct other autonomous vehicles within the car park to relocate to create an available location to which the subject vehicle can move.
12. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein if no location is available within the car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means is arranged to determine, using the vehicle data, one or more available location within a further car park to which the subject vehicle can move.
13. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to claim 12 wherein if no location is available within the further car park to which the subject vehicle can move then the processing means is arranged to instruct other autonomous vehicles within the further car park to relocate to create an available location to which the subject vehicle can move.
14. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving means is a wireless receiver, the processing means is an electronic processor, and the transmitting means is a wireless transmitter.
15. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle parking assistance apparatus is comprised in a car park entry system.
16. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the subject vehicle localises and navigates using global positioning system data, sensors and built in mapping data, or another vehicle positioning system.
17. A method for optimising vehicle parking comprising: receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle;
determining using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and
5 transmitting an available location to the subject vehicle.
18. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a system to perform, at least:
receiving vehicle data for a subject vehicle;
10 determining using the vehicle data, one or more location within a car park to which the subject vehicle can move; and transmitting an available location to the subject vehicle.
19. A non-transitory computer readable media comprising a computer program as 15 claimed in claim 18.
20. A vehicle parking assistance apparatus and/or a method and/or a computer program as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1611885.3 Examiner: Mr Christopher Kent
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1611885.3A GB2552020A (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2016-07-08 | Apparatus and method for car park optimisation |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1611885.3A GB2552020A (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2016-07-08 | Apparatus and method for car park optimisation |
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| GB201611885D0 GB201611885D0 (en) | 2016-08-24 |
| GB2552020A true GB2552020A (en) | 2018-01-10 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| GB1611885.3A Withdrawn GB2552020A (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2016-07-08 | Apparatus and method for car park optimisation |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
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| GB (1) | GB2552020A (en) |
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Also Published As
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|---|---|
| GB201611885D0 (en) | 2016-08-24 |
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