NL2021005B1

NL2021005B1 - System and method for messaging and control of a mobile phone

Info

Publication number: NL2021005B1
Application number: NL2021005A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Cornelia Bosua Elizabeth
Original assignee: Parkalert B V
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2018-05-29
Publication date: 2019-12-04

Abstract

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

Description

Θ 2021005 ©B1 OCTROOI (2?) Aanvraagnummer: 2021005 (51) Int. Cl.:

G06Q 10/10 (2018.01) G08B 25/01 (2018.01) (22) Aanvraag ingediend: 29 mei 2018 (30) Voorrang:

(T) Aanvraag ingeschreven:

december 2019 (43) Aanvraag gepubliceerd:

(73) Octrooihouder(s):

ParkAlert B.V. te Eindhoven (72) Uitvinder(s):

Elizabeth Cornelia Bosua te Eindhoven (74) Gemachtigde:

ir. H.A. Witmans c.s. te Den Haag

Octrooi verleend:

december 2019 (45) Octrooischrift uitgegeven:

december 2019

54) System and method for messaging and control of a mobile phone

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

NLB1 2021005

Dit octrooi is verleend ongeacht het bijgevoegde resultaat van het onderzoek naar de stand van de techniek en schriftelijke opinie. Het octrooischrift komt overeen met de oorspronkelijk ingediende stukken.

P119569NL00

Title: System and method for messaging and control of a mobile phone

The invention relates to a system and method for messaging from a vehicle. The invention further is directed to a system and method for control of a mobile phone.

Sending a message using a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone while in a vehicle is not always a safe option. Especially while driving a driver should preferably not physically operate a mobile phone. In many countries this is against the law and in all circumstances the distraction will be a safety hazard. Moreover, when for example an emergency happens with the vehicle or an occupant thereof, an occupant of the vehicle may not be able to physically operate the mobile phone for sending an emergency message or make an emergency call.

The disclosure aims at providing a possibility of sending a message from a vehicle and/or establishing a telephone connection with a predefined recipient, in an easy and safe manner.

According to the disclosure, a system comprising a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one hand held communication device, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the hand held communication device. The hand held device and/or the sensor device is provided with circuitry and/or software for:

pairing the hand held communication device and the sensor device with each other; and for connecting the hand held communication device to the sensor device based on a signal received from the sensor device and/or upon bringing the hand held device within a predetermined range from the sensor device, such that it is brought at a position inside the communication range of said wireless communication device; and/or disconnecting the hand held communication device from the sensor device upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, such that it is outside the communication range of said wireless communication device.

According to the disclosure the sensor device is provided with at least one button with which a transmittal signal can be sent to the wireless communication device when connected to the sensor device, and wherein the wireless communication device comprises at least software for operating an app or included in an app of the wireless communication device, for sending a wireless message through a network such as a telephone network to a predefined recipient or establish a telephone connection with a predefined recipient.

In a system of the disclosure when wireless communication device, such as a mobile phone, at least one message can be predefined, which can for example be connected to a predefined recipient, such as a telephone number, email address, pager or the like. The button or switch of the sensor device then allows a user to send the transmittal signal which activates the mobile phone to send said predefined message to the predefined recipient. This means that the user, such as a driver, only has to operate the button of the sensor device for sending a message.

In embodiments the system can be designed to enable storing a number of predetermined messages, such as two, three or more, connected to the same or different predefined recipients. The button and/or software can then be designed such that different transmittal signals can be sent, each designed for sending a specific message to a specific recipient. The button and/or software can for example be designed such that a number of repetitions of operating the button or the duration of operating the button can be used for selecting a message to be sent. Alternatively or additionally several buttons can be provided on the sensor device, each designed for sending at least one predetermined message and/or selecting a specific recipient.

In embodiments software can alternatively or additionally be designed for sending an emergency message to an emergency service when the button is operated in a predetermined way, for example in a specific pattern or for a predetermined minimal duration. This enables a user, such as a driver, to request emergency assistance, without having to dial a number first or typing in a message or the like.

In embodiments the software can additionally or alternatively be designed to include the vehicles position in the message to be sent. This can for example be a GPS location taken at about the time the message is sent. This can for example help emergency services to locate the vehicles position easily or for example inform a recipient of the vehicles position.

In embodiments the messages can be sent using an app on the wireless communication device, which can be activated by the transmittal signal.

In general an invention as disclosed in the present dislcosure can be understood as embodied by a system in comprising a sensor device in a vehicle with which a mobile phone can be paired, such that when approaching or entering the vehicle the mobile phone will automatically connect with the sensor device, and disconnect from the sensor device when leaving the vehicle again. To this end the alert signal is used. The sensor device can be provided with one or more buttons which can be operated by a user, such as a driver, for transmitting a transmittal signal to the mobile phone. The transmittal signal may then be used for activating software on the mobile phone, such as an app, for transmitting a message to a recipient based at least on said transmittal signal. Additionally or alternatively the alert signal can be used for starting an app on the mobile phone when entering the vehicle, and/or stopping such app when leaving the vehicle again, hence controlling the app such that it is only active when the phone is connected to the sensor device in the vehicle. The app preferably is an app dedicated to use in a vehicle, such as a route navigation app, a traffic information app, an app for warning a driver for speed traps or the like or similar apps. One such app is for example known as Flitsmeister™, which is only mentioned here by way of example. By automatically activating and deactivating the app based on connection to or disconnecting from the sensor device in the vehicle energy consumption by the app and therefore battery life of the mobile phone can be extended significantly.

In a further elaboration of the present disclosure, the button can be used for giving off different transmittal signals or different buttons can be provided, each giving a different transmittal signal and/or specific combinations of such buttons giving off different transmittal signals, such that different messages can be sent automatically, by the simple operation of a button or combinations of such buttons.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method for sending a message or establishing a telephone link, using a hand held communication device paired to a sensor device in a vehicle, wherein the hand held communication device, such as a mobile phone, is provided with software, such as an app, which, when the communication device is connected to the sensor device, transmits a predefined message to a predefined recipient, based on receipt of a transmittal signal from the sensor device. Which transmittal signal can be provided for by operating at least one button of the sensor device. Preferably the at least one button is a physical button such as a switch, but it may also be voice operated.

In embodiments a sensor device of the disclosure can be suitable for receiving a signal from a mobile communication device connected to it too, such that if a signal is received by the mobile communication device from a source, such as for example an outside source, the mobile device can send a signal to the sensor device for for example sounding an audible signal and/or a visual signal, especially as an alarm to the driver. This can for example be indicative for an emergency vehicle approaching the vehicle, such that the driver is informed in time to respond.

In embodiments a system according to the present disclosure can be part of a system which is also suitable for use in parking systems.

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

Fig. 1 schematically shows elements of system of the disclosure;

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

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

Fig. 4 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for sending a message;

Fig. 5A and B schematically show a sensor device and part of a system according to the disclosure;

Fig. 6 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for arriving at a parking space;

Fig. 7 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for finding a vehicle at its parking spot and/or returning to a vehicle at a parking spot and/or leaving a parking space with a vehicle;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a further embodiment of a system of the disclosure;

Fig. 9 schematically shows an embodiments in which a Parking App Company (PAC) and/or a National Parking Register (NPR) is used;

Fig. 10 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for arriving at a parking space;

Fig. 11 schematically shows steps in a method according to the disclosure, suitable for finding a vehicle at its parking spot and/or returning to a vehicle at a parking spot and/or leaving a parking space with a vehicle; and

Fig. 12 schematically steps in a method for entry and/or exit of parking spaces such as parking garages or parking lots.

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

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

In the present disclosure each sensor 4 preferably has a unique identification code which is communicated wireless when communicating for example with the mobile device 3 and/or other systems, for example for pairing purposes, and for enabling communication between the sensor device 4 and the mobile device 3 and/or other systems to which the sensor device 4 is known by said unique identification code.

In this disclosure an app should be understood as at least meaning a computer program product or application software suitable to be downloaded onto, embedded in and/or run on or by a mobile electronic device, especially a mobile phone or table computer. An app may be run locally on such device or by interaction with a computer based system such as but not limited to an Internet based system. Data used by and/or generated by an app may be stored locally on a device using the app and/or at a different location, such as for example in a central or decentral data base or in the cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

In embodiments as disclosed the circuitry, especially the radio IC or chip 6 can be programmable. Such chips or IC’s 6 are known in the art. Programmable can for example mean that a maximum communication range R can be set for the radio IC or chip 6. Such range, in fig. 1 schematically shown, can for example be up to tens of meters when not amended, and can be set for example to less than about 50 m. In embodiments the range R can be set to less than about 25 m, more preferably less than about 10 m. In preferred embodiments such range can be set to less than about 5 m. In embodiments the communication range R can be set to be limited substantially to inside of the vehicle, or its immediate surrounding.

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

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

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

A wireless communication device 3, such as the smart phone, can be provided with an app 13. In this disclosure app 13 should be understood as at least meaning application software that can be installed onto a smart phone 3 or like device, and can perform extra functions for the smart phone 3. Mobile apps as such are well known in the art. The app, or at least the communication device such as the smart phone 3 is paired to the sensor device 4, such that the smart phone 3 is recognized by the sensor device 4 and/or vice versa, for example by a code specific to either one or both. Pairing of a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi chip to a smart phone is well known in the art and will not be discussed further herein. Functionalities of the app 13, or at least the software on the smart phone 3 and/or in the sensor device 4 will be discussed hereafter, which functionalities can be present separately, individually or in any combination of two or more of such functionalities.

With a system according to the disclosure the hand held communication device 3 can connect to the sensor device when brought within the communication range R of the wireless communication device 3, for example within the vehicle 2, such that wireless signals can be exchanged between the two. When connecting different signals can be exchanged, as will be discussed here after with respect to for example messaging, signaling for emergencies and/or parking and/or for starting and/or stopping software, such as but not limited to apps 13 provided on the hand held communication device 3.

Fig. 4 shows schematically steps in a method or part thereof according to the disclosure, suitable for sending a message, such as but not necessarily limited to a text message.

When a user, such as a driver approaches or enters the vehicle 2 equipped with the sensor device 4 paired with his mobile phone 3 such as a smart phone, they will connect automatically within the range R, as will be explained. This enables wireless communication between the sensor device 4 and the phone 3, at least in one way and preferably both ways. At least one app 13 may be activated on the mobile phone 3, such as a communication app, or dedicated software SW suitable for sending messages through a telephone network and/or data network or another communication network NW to which the mobile phone 3 is or can be connected. Such app 13 or software SW can for example be but is not limited to WhatsApp® or Messenger® or such apps, or can be a different app or algorithms or software SW suitable for sending messages such as text messages. The message can be an SMS type message.

The mobile phone 3 can be provided with software SW with which a user can predefine at least one recipient RC for a message MS in his mobile phone 3. Moreover the user can predefine at least one message MS in his mobile phone 3, associated with said at least one recipient, stored for example in memory of the phone or associated thereto, for example in the Cloud. The sensor device 4 and/or the software SW on the mobile phone 3 can be designed such that when operating the button 12 the sensor device 4 sends a transmitting signal TS to the mobile phone 3, especially the software SW, such that a predetermined message MS is sent to the recipient RC associated therewith, as defined in the software SW.

In embodiments the software in the sensor device 4 and/or on the mobile phone 3 can be designed such that different ways of operating the button can result in different actions. For example the transmittal signal TS will be sent only if the button is operated in a predefined manner, for example for a predefined duration or in a predetermined pattern. In such embodiments the software SW may be designed such that different transmittal signals TSi, TS2, TS3, ... TS_n can be sent by the sensor device 4 to the mobile phone 3, using the same button 12, by operating the button 12 in different predetermined ways. In such embodiments the software SW can allow for predefining different combinations of messages MSi, MS2, MS3, ..., MS_n and recipients RCi, RC2, RC3, ..., RC _n, thus allowing a user to sent different predefined messages MS to different recipients RC.

In embodiments a predetermined recipient RC can be an emergency service or service provider, such as for example a national or international emergency number, such as 112 (in Europe) or 911 (USA) or an emergency service of for example an insurance company, road side assistance, car service or the like. In such embodiments for example the message MS can be a request for help. To send this message MS for example the software SW can be designed to send the message MS when the button 12 is for example operated in a predetermined manner, such as for example but not limited to a continuous operation, for example pressing, for a predetermined period of time, for example at least a few seconds. This can minimize the risk of accidental messages whereas operation of the sensor device to this end will be easy.

In embodiments a predetermined recipient RC may be a person, such as but not limited to a spouse, friend, collogue or the like, wherein the message can for example be an informative message, such as for example an expected time of arrival, or for example a more personal message.

In embodiments the software SW, such as the software in the mobile phone 3, can be designed to enable sending the location 41 of the vehicle 2 to a recipient with or as a message upon receiving the appropriate transmitting signal TS from the sensor device. Such may especially be suitable if the message MS is an emergency signal to an emergency service as described before. This enables the emergency service to trace the location 41 of the vehicle 2 and, more importantly, of its occupants in need of assistance, without the user having to provide that information himself. Transmitting such location information, such as for example but not limited to a GPS location 41 to a recipient RC may also be suitable for other recipients, for example for enabling the recipient RC to estimate the time of arrival of the vehicle 2. In stead of or additional to the location the software SW may be designed for transmitting other relevant information, such as but not limited to an estimation of the remaining travelling time to a destination.

It shall be clear that a messaging system of the present disclosure increases safety since a simple operation of the button 12 leads to sending a message MS.

Fig. 5A shows schematically an embodiment of a sensor device 4, in perspective view, having multiple buttons 12. In the embodiment four buttons 12A - D are shown, by way of example. In fig. 5B schematically circuitry of such sensor device 4 is shown, similar to fig. 2 and 3, wherein four such buttons 12A - D are shown, for initiating transmittal of different transmitting signals TSi.2,3...,n can be sent to the mobile phone 3. The transmitting signals TS 1,2,3,..,11 are distinct from each other, such that the software SW on the mobile phone 3 can distinguish between the signals TSi.2,3„„η and can send different messages MSi,2,3,....n to different recipients RCi,2,3,...,n depending on the signal TSi,2,3,..,11 recognized.

In embodiments the software SW can be designed for establishing a telephone connection with a recipient RC, in stead of sending a message, for example through a regular telephone network or through an app and a data network, such as for example but not limited to through WhatsApp or Facetime or similar app based systems, of any other suitable way.

In embodiments sending the alert signal 15 from the sensor device 4 to the mobile phone 3 when connecting thereto can start an app 13, which can also be referred to as software SW, on the mobile phone 3, which app the user whishes to use in the vehicle 2. Such app 13 can for example be a vehicle dedicated app 13, such as but not limited to a route navigation app, a traffic information app, an app for warning a driver for speed traps or the like or similar apps. One such app 13 is for example known as Flitsmeister™, which is only mentioned here by way of example. The app can be activated when connecting the mobile phone 3 to the sensor device 4 and deactivated when such connection is lost again, when the driver leaves the vehicle 2, such that it is only active when the driver is in the vehicle.

By automatically activating and deactivating the app 13 cq SW based on connecting to or disconnecting from the sensor device 4 in the vehicle 2 energy consumption by the app 13 and therefore battery life of the mobile phone 3 can be extended significantly, whereas the app will be active when driving the vehicle and inactive when outside the vehicle.

In embodiments the sensor device 4 and the mobile phone 3, or at least software SW provided therein can be designed for two way communication, such that the sensor device 4 can be connected to the mobile phone 3, where after at least the mobile phone 3 can send a wireless signal to the sensor device 3, activating at least the speaker or such acoustic element 22 and/or a light 10. This can for example be used for informing the driver of an upcoming event. For example, emergency vehicles are presently often equipped with wireless transmitters sending out a signal when there alarm lights are flashing and/or alarms are sounding, which signal can be received by dedicated receivers, such as for example car radio systems. This is an early warning system for drivers of vehicles that a emergency vehicle may be approaching, giving the driver time to prepare. And respond, if needed. The system according to the present disclosure enables use of such signals from wireless transmitters of such emergency vehicles, by receiving such signals by the mobile phone 3, for example by software such as an app provided on said phone, whereupon the phone 3 transmits a signal to the sensor device activating at least the speaker or such acoustic element 22 and/or the light 10, to give off an alarm signal informing the driver of the vehicle of the approach of said emergency vehicle, increasing road safety.

In a system of the disclosure any one of the systems and methods for messaging and for control of an app or for giving off an alarm signal by the sensor device 4 indicating the possible approach of an emergency vehicle can be combined with or integrated with systems and/or methods for use in parking, especially as described here after. Hereafter also steps and device features are described for pairing and connecting the mobile phone 3 to the sensor device 4, for use in any method as disclosed in the application.

Fig. 6 shows schematically steps in a method or part thereof according to the disclosure, suitable for arriving at a parking space 14.

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

In this disclosure a parking fee 17 should be understood as at least meaning a monetary compensation which has to be paid to for example a private or governmental organization for stationing a vehicle at a chosen location, based on for example said location, the time of day, the type of vehicle, and the duration of the stationing, i.e. parking of the vehicle at the said location 14. In a system according to the present disclosure payment of a parking fee can for example be done through a parking app PA, as known in the art, such as but not limited to Yellow Brick, ANWB parkeren, Parkmobile, Parkline, or similar apps, which may include for example an online service in which a parking fee payment can be started and stopped by entering a global location of the vehicle or a ZIP code or the like of said location into said system, on the basis of which the fee due is calculated and charged to an account of the user from the moment the location is entered until the user actively stops the duration by interacting with the system again, or for example when a predetermined end time is reached. Hence, if the user forgets to start the parking fee app he will not pay the parking fee due and may be fined, whereas if he forgets to actively stop the parking fee app after having activated it for the payment of a fee, he may be charged even after he has removed his vehicle from the parking location 14. The present disclosure provides a system and method to avoid either one of these disadvantages or both in a practical manner.

In embodiments the alert signal can be triggered by the sensor device 4 comprising a sensor 18 in the circuitry 5, as for example shown in fig. 8. Such sensor 18 can be suitable for registering at least one of starting and/or stopping of a vehicle engine, movement of at least one of the paddles of the vehicle, such as a brake or accelerator paddle, movement of a wheel of the vehicle, movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle, entering and/or removal of a vehicle key from a vehicle lock or key position, locking and/or unlocking of the vehicle or combinations thereof.

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

The radio IC in embodiments has a maximum communication range R which is relatively small, such that a communication between the sensor device 4 and the smartphone 3 can only be established when the smart phone 3 is in the direct vicinity of the vehicle 2, or preferably when present in the vehicle 2. Thus the mere fact that a communication can be established between the sensor device 4 and the smart phone 3 of a user is an indication that the user is at or in the vehicle 2. Similarly, if the smart phone 3 is brought out of said communication range R it is an indication that the user is leaving or has left the vehicle 2. According to the disclosure these indications can be used for starting and/or stopping apps 13 on the device 3 as described, for enabling messaging through the sensor device 4 as described, for enabling alerting the driver of the vehicle 2, while driving, of for example emergency vehicles, as described, and/or for alerting a user of possible actions to be taken by the user when leaving and/or entering the vehicle, for example related to parking and payment of parking fees.

As discussed, the alert signal 9, 15 in embodiments can be triggered by the registration that the hand held device 3 is brought inside or outside the fixed or programmed maximum communication range R. In embodiments the circuitry can be arranged to register the distance between the sensor device 4 and the mobile device 3 paired to it, such that the alert signal can be triggered at a predetermined distance between the sensor device 4 and the hand held device 3, which may be less than the maximum possible communication range. The predetermined range R can be preprogrammed in the circuitry 5 and/or the app 13, or may be set by the user, for example using the app 13. The registration that the hand held device 3 is brought inside or outside said range R or passed said predetermined distance or signal strength or inside said range R or passed said level closer to the sensor device 4 can be registered by the hand held device 3 and/or by the sensor device 4, in a known manner, for example by registering that a connecting signal sent by the chip 6 of the sensor device 4 is no longer received or only received at said predetermined level, which results in the mobile device 3 and/or sensor device 4 giving said alert signal 9, 15, 19. Alert signal can here mean for example a signal indicating connecting or disconnecting of the sensor device and the hand held communication device, and can for example be the park alert signal 15 and/or a return alert signal.

As indicated, receipt of the park alert signal 15 by the user, especially in the app 13, may alert the user of the fact that he may have to pay a parking fee. This can for example be shown to him on a screen of the mobile device 3 as a message. He can then, if necessary, take appropriate action.

From the above it will be clear that connecting of the communication device can lead to a return alert signal, for example for stopping payment of a parking fee or informing the driver of the possible necessity of stopping payment of a parking fee and at the same time enable the functionalities as described for use of the sensor device during driving, whereas disconnecting of the communication device can lead to a parking alert signal, for example for starting payment of a parking fee or informing the driver of the possible necessity of stopping payment of a parking fee and at the same time disenable the functionalities as described for use of the sensor device during driving.

The app 13 cq SW can be designed for registering a global position 41, especially a GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based location of the vehicle 2 at the parking position 14 upon receipt of the park alert signal 15. The GPS location 41 can for example be determined by the mobile device 3, if “location” is activated on the mobile device 3, i.e. if a GPS module is available on the mobile device 3 and is allowed to provide said location 41 to said app 13, and/or such location 41 can be transmitted to the app 13 from the sensor device 4, if equipped with or connected to a GPS module, such as for example a GPS module in the sensor device 4 or in the vehicle 2 connected to it. The location 41 may be stored at least on the hand held device 3, especially by the said app 13. This can have one or more of the following advantages. Such location 41 can also be registered during driving for example when operating a button 12 for sending a transmitting signal TS, in order to be able to transmit the relevant location 41 to a predefined recipient, as described earlier.

The user can use such stored location further for retrieving the vehicle by retrieving the said stored location on his hand held device 3. The app 13 may in a known way show a map indicating said location, and/or provide for a route for returning to the vehicle 2 or the like. The location can be used for entering into a parking app PA, automatically or manually by the user, for example but not limited to for starting payment of a parking fee 17 due, assessing whether a fee 17 is due, whether parking is allowed at said location or for example requires a permit, assessment of whether better parking locations 14 are available close by, or can be used for retrieving other information, for example through the Internet, such as but not limited to information about shops, museums, restaurants, hotels etc. in the vicinity of the parking space 14, or for providing a route from said location to a destination for the user.

After having parked the vehicle 2 at the said location 14 the driver removes himself or herself from the vehicle 2 for a period of time. During such time a payment of a parking fee 17 may be due. At the same time some apps may be deactivated on the phone 3, as discussed.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a method or part thereof according to the disclosure, for a user returning to a parked vehicle. The same or a different driver returns to the vehicle 2 after a period of time, with the hand held communication device 2 with the app 13. At least one of the following occurs. The driver recovers the global position 41 of his vehicle 2 from the app 13 as discussed here before. A return alert signal 19 is provided from the sensor device 4 to the hand held device 3 and/or vice versa. Such return alert signal 19 can be triggered by a signal from a sensor 18 in a sensor device according to fig. 8, as discussed before, but preferably is triggered by the registering of bringing the mobile device 3 back into the maximum communication range or the predetermined, set communication range R as discussed, of the sensor device 4, indicative for the driver returning to or even entering back into the vehicle 2. This can at the same time enable the features provided in a system of the disclosure for use during driving the vehicle such as messaging using the sensor device, starting one or more vehicle dedicated apps, as discussed, and/or receiving alarm signals which will be made available to the driver through the sensor device.

In an alternative embodiment additionally or alternatively such return alert signal 19 can be provided only or additionally when the vehicle is moved from the parking position 14 over a predetermined distance, for example defined in the app 13, or based on a change of the global position, i.e. the GPS location of the vehicle 2 and/or the mobile device 4 when paired to the sensor device 3, indicative that the vehicle 2 is no longer parked. For example upon bringing the hand held device 3 at said predetermined distance from said sensor device 4, especially inside the communication range R of said wireless communication device 3 the alert signal 15 is provided starting an app 13 or part thereof on the hand held device 3, registering a change in a global position of said hand held device 3 and/or said vehicle 2 relative to a or the global position 41 stored in said hand held device 3 and/or said sensor device 4. Then an alert message may be provided on the hand held device 3 and/or the sensor device 4 when a predetermined distance is reached between the stored global position 41 and an actual global position of the vehicle 2. Hence driving away from a parking position 14 can then be detected resulting in said alert signal, which may be in stead of or in addition to the return alert signal 19 issued when the mobile device is reentered within said predetermined communication range R .

Upon issuing and/or receipt of said return alert signal 19 a message may be presented to the driver of the vehicle 2 informing the driver of the possibility of action needed, such as for example stopping payment of a parking fee 17 for the location 14 the vehicle 2 has left. Such message may be an audio message and/or a visual message 10, 22, and can for example but not limited to be provided by the sensor device 4 and/or by the mobile device 3. Such message 10A, 22A can for example be shown on a screen 3A of the mobile device 3 and/or on a screen of the vehicle 2.

In preferred embodiments the alert signals, especially the park alert signal and/or return alert signals 15, 19 can be used for automatically activating a parking fee app PA on the mobile device 3, which may be separate from or be integrated with the app 13, and/or automatically starting and/or stopping payment of a parking fee 17 due for the parking position 14. Additionally or alternatively the message 10A, 22A presented in the app 13 may be an interactive message, providing a link to a parking fee app PA installed on the mobile device 3. A global position, i.e. a GPS location 41 stored in the app 13 as discussed may then be used for such parking fee app PA, a navigation system of the like.

Obviously the systems or parts thereof as discussed in relation to fig. 6 and 7 are preferably combined, or at least used in combination, for example consecutively, prior to and after parking a vehicle 2, and/or with systems and methods of fig 1-4.

If the sensor device 4 is part of or directly connected to vehicle electronics, for example part of a navigation system of the vehicle 2 or connected to a logic port of the vehicle 2, use can be made of readily available electronics and components of the vehicle 2, such as for example but not limited to a display, GPS module, battery, telephone system in stead of or in addition to a radio IC or Wi-Fi or Bluetooth™ chip 6.

The hand held device 3 preferably comprises software such as said app 13 for entering a global position of the vehicle 2 into an app 13 provided on the hand held device 3, preferably a global position, especially a GPS , cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based position, of the vehicle 2 and at least one further global position of a location.

In embodiments the app 13 is provided with or access to memory, preferably of the mobile device 3 and/or for example of the vehicle 2 and/or in the cloud, in which for example data can be entered relating to for example global positions of known locations, at which for example no parking fee 17 is due. For example a user can enter the global positions in such system of his own home, work, known areas of which he knows there is no parking fee 17 required when parking or other such locations. Moreover he can add information about for example known locations and time frames during which a parking fee 17 is due or is not due, zip codes or other references or codes of locations to be entered into an app 13, such as a parking fee app PA, or referenced to a parking authority, or other such data. In embodiments the app 13 can be linked to other apps or sources of information of the user, for example available on the mobile device 3, such as address books, agenda, travel log apps, email or chat, WhatsApp type of apps or the like for interaction with the app 13. Also such locations can be stored semi automatically or automatically.

In this description storing a global position should be understood as meaning at least making a global position such as GPS coordinates of a location available for use on the mobile device 3, especially for the app 13 and/or for later retrieval at a different location, for example for finding the parking location 14 or for registration purposes, such as to be used for reimbursements.

In a system 1 according to the present invention the switch 11 and/or button 12 can be designed to perform a single or different functions, including the functions as described with respect to especially fig. 4 and 5. Moreover for example they can be used for an initial activation of the sensor device 4, for example for the first time after purchase, to which end for example the button 12 may have to be pushed for a prolonged period of time, for example a few seconds. For example they can be used for actively sending an alert signal to the hand held device 3, for example for pairing. They can for example be used for switching off the sensor device 4, for reactivating the sensor device 4 or for stopping sending an alert or alarm signal, such as an audio and/or visual signal, which may for example result after sending out and/or after receipt of a return alert signal 19. Hence a user will be alerted when returning to the vehicle 2 by such alarm signal, which may be given by either or both of the sensor device 4 and the hand held device 3. The at least one switch 11 and/or button 12 can be designed for activating and/or deactivating the wireless communication.

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

In embodiments as disclosed, upon receipt of a parking alert signal 15 and/or upon receipt of the return alert signal 19 a parking app PA is started on the mobile phone 3 by or using said parking alert signal 15 and/or stopped by using said return alert signal 19, in which parking app PA a global position 41 of the vehicle 2 is used at which it is parked.

With a system or method according to the present disclosure use can be made of existing data bases in which for example for different areas, for example based on GPS coordinates, ZIP code, parking area reference, city or any other suitable parameter of combination of parameters area properties are registered, such as for example whether a specific area is a payed parking zone, and if so for what time slots, what the parking fee is, whether parking permits for for example inhabitants of the area or commercial properties have been issued or are available and what types of payments are available. Such data bases can be commercial or noncommercial data bases. In the Netherlands such data base is for example available as the “Nationaal Parkeer Register” (National Parking Register) or NPR. In this disclosure reference shall be made to such data bases by the acronym NPR.

Many Parking apps as discussed use data retrieved from such NPR, for example data concerning an applicable parking fee 17 for a designated parking area for a designated time slot in which a user of the app wants to park a vehicle 2 in such parking area 14. By entering a relevant parameter for the area 14 into the parking app (PA) a user can start payment of the parking fee 17, as discussed, based on data retrieved from the NPR.

It is common that parking fees 17 due are payed by an operative exploiting a parking app PA, which may be referred to as ‘‘parking app company” (PAC), on behalf of individual users, to a party entitled to the parking fees 17, based on the parking behavior of such users. Such party can be a commercial entity or a public entity and can be referred to as “fee earner” (FE). The said operative or parking app company PAC charges the fees 17 due to the individual users of the app PA, if applicable with surcharges such as membership fees.

As for example schematically shown in fig. 9 and further discussed hereafter with reference to fig. 9 -11, in order for a user to be able to start and stop payment of a parking fee 17 through an app PA using a mobile device 3 such as a mobile phone, the app PA needs to make a wireless connection with a communication network, for establishing a wireless connection to the system of the parking app company PAC, for communicating with the app PA, in order to be able to send a “start request” 99A for starting payment of a parking fee, or a “stop request” 99B for stopping payment of a parking fee 17. Commonly such wireless connection will be an Internet based connection, a data line connection or a phone line connection. If, at a moment a user wants to start or stop payment of a parking fee 17, no such wireless connection can be established between the user, especially his or her app PA, and the system of the parking app company PAC, a parking fee payment cannot be started or cannot be stopped. This may mean that for the vehicle 2 parked a parking fee 17 necessary will not be payed and/or for the vehicle 2 parked payment of a parking fee 17 cannot be stopped. This can lead to a parking ticket for the user, when leaving his vehicle 2 parked or overpayment because the payment of the fee is not stopped in time.

It shall be clear that the problem of not being able to establish the desired wireless connection can result from the side of the user using the app PA, for example the settings on the device 3 used which prevent wireless communication or because the device 3 is out of range of the necessary communication network, or result from factors beyond control of the user, such as for example unavailability of such network, for example because the network is down or overcrowded, or a server 100 to be reached is down, or software problems prevent proper logging in onto the server 100 or such problems.

In order to avoid problems of non-payment and/or over payment of parking fees due to non-establishment of a proper connection app based systems may allow a request 99A, 99B for starting or stopping a payment of a parking fee 17 to be stored into a queue, wherein the app PA is set to automatically try establishing the desired wireless communication at a later time, for example every few seconds, until the communication is made and the desired action has been initiated, starting or stopping the payment of the necessary parking fee 17.

It may not always be clear to a user of an app PA whether his attempt to start or stop payment of a parking fee 17 through the app PA has been successful, that is has been properly been communicated to the desired server 100, leading to the appropriate action. Whereas for any action for payment of a parking fee 17 with the said server 100, which has not been stopped properly a payment will continue and money will be transferred to the fee earner FE, irrespective of whether the relevant vehicle 2 has been parked in the relevant area 14 for all of the time registered or only part thereof.

In advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure, as for example schematically shown in fig. 9, the system 1 may be set to provide a user with a visual and/or audible feedback, as for example schematically shown in fig. 10 and 11, when starting and/or stopping payment of a parking fee 17, which may also be referred to as starting or stopping a parking session.

An audible signal may for example include a confirming signal 50 confirming transfer of a start and/or stop request 99A, 99B and/or a denying signal 51 indicative that the transfer of the start or stop request 99A, 99B has not been successful yet. If both a confirming signal 50 and a denying signal 51 can be provided, they are preferably audibly distinct, for example in pitch, sound pattern and/or sound interval.

In embodiments of the disclosure, when using a sensor device 4 as described, such alert signals can preferably be provided by at least the sensor device 4, for example through the audio signaler such as a speaker or buzzer 22. Additionally or alternatively such signal or signals 50, 51 can be generated by the mobile device 3, for example through the app 13.

In embodiments a visual signal 52 can for example be formed by or comprise a visual message on a screen 3A of the mobile device 3 and/or on the sensor device 4, for example a confirming signal 50 or a denying signal 51, which may be visually distinct. These signals 50, 51, if provided by a sensor device 4, may for example flashes from an LED or such light source 10.

Additionally or alternatively such signals 50, 51 may be provided by the mobile device 3.

In embodiments of the present disclosure a confirming signal 50 may be provided by or include a message sent from or on behalf of the parking app company PAC or the system 100 operated by said company

PAC, confirming receipt of a start request 99A or receipt of a stop request 99B sent by a user, as discussed. This may for example be a push mail. Receipt of such message confirms to the user that his request has indeed been received.

Such confirming and/or denying signals 50, 51 can be used in any existing app PA based parking system.

In a system 1 according to the present disclosure, in which a sensor device 4 is used, in embodiments a signal 15, 19 can be exchanged between the sensor device 4 and the mobile device 3 as described. In embodiments such signal 15, 19 can be sent from the sensor device 4 to the mobile device 3, for example for processing by the app 13 and/or for stopping a parking session. A parking session can be started in any suitable manner, such as for example discussed here before, or by sending a start request signal 55 by pushing a switch or button 11, 12 of the sensor device 4, which can be processed by the parking app PA on the mobile device 3 when an appropriate application programming interface (API) is provided for or by the relevant parking app PA. In such embodiment for example the app 13 can retrieve data from a NPR about an area 14 where a vehicle 2 is parked, based on a location, for example a GPS location or an entry into the app 13 and/or PA of the location parameter by a user. The start request signal 55 can be the same as or different from the park alert signal 15.

Alternatively or additionally when returning to the vehicle 2 in embodiments the user can stop a running parking session by pushing a switch 11 or button 12 of the sensor device 4, which initiates sending a stop request signal 56 to the mobile device 3, especially to the app 13 or to a parking app PA provided on the device 3, which parking app PA is associated with the running parking session. The stop request signal 56 can in embodiments activate the parking app PA to communicate with the computer based system 57 of the parking app company PAC to stop the running parking session.

In embodiments the system 1 can be set to provide a visual and/or audible success signal 58 to a user informing the user when the stop request signal 56 has indeed been received by the PAC operated system 57 or at least has been successfully sent by the device 3 and/or a visual and/or audible fail signal 58 to a user informing the user when the stop request signal 56 has not been successful in stopping the parking session, for example because the mobile device 3 failed to connect to the system 57 and/or the sensor device 4 failed to connect properly to the mobile device 3.

In embodiments the sensor device 4 can make a first sound when it has successfully contacted the mobile device 3 and/or when the PA has successfully contacted the system 57, and a second, different sound when no such contact has been successfully made.

In embodiments the system 57 can be designed to send a confirmation message 101, such as an email, for example a push mail, or an sms or the like to the mobile device 3 when a start and/or stop request 99A, 99B has been received for a running parking session which confirmation message can be or can trigger the success signal 58. This means that to the user it is clear whether a session has indeed been started and/or stopped.

In embodiments the mobile device 3 can be programmed, for example by the app 13 or parking app AP on the mobile device 3, to store any start and/or stop request 99A, 99B made by the user, as shown in fig. 10 andll, for example through the sensor device 4, together with for example a time of the request 99A, 99B and a GPS location 41 where the request was made. Thus any such data can be logged in a data log 102. In embodiments the mobile device 3, especially the app 13 and/or parking app AP may be set to register additionally whether a stop request 56, 99B for a running parking session has been successfully transferred to the system 57, 100 operated by a parking app company PAC, for example registering a return message 101 from the system 57, wherein the mobile device 3 preferably is further programmed to set a timer 23 after receiving a stop request 56, 99B.

If within a predetermined interval after receipt of such stop request 56, 99B for example made by the parking app PA and/or received from the sensor device 4 ending of the parking session is not confirmed by the system 57, 100, for example by said return message 101, the parking app may:

be set to again try to send a stop request 99B to the system 57, 100 for ending the parking session, which may be repeated a number of times, for example until a signal 101, 102 is received that the parking session has indeed been ended successfully and/or offer the user a new chance to send a stop request 99B manually, for example by resetting the sensor device 4; and/or be set to, after a set time interval, register a GPS location 41 A, which may again be stored, that is logged in the mobile device 3 and/or sensor device 4, especially if said GPS location 41A is different from the GPS location 41 at which the running parking session was registered.

The predetermined interval may for example be between 5 and 60 seconds, for example between 10 and 30 seconds. The set interval may for example be between 0 and 600 seconds, for example between 30 and 300 seconds.

By registering a new GPS location 41A during and/or after such interval a user of the system can show, from his mobile phone 3 and/or sensor device 4, that indeed the vehicle 2 has moved from the parking space 14 when the stop request 99B was made.

In embodiments for areas where a parking fee is due parked vehicles will be checked on a regular bases, for example by their license plate, which is for example compared with a data base of a parking app company PAC, to check whether for the relevant vehicle 2 a parking session is active, if necessary. The data relating to the parked vehicles 2 is preferably registered in a data base. By comparing the data from such data base with a log provided by a user arguing a stop request 99B was made but not successful at a given time slot, it can be checked whether the vehicle 2 had indeed left the relevant parking area 14 or not, limiting the chance of fraud. Even without using a sensor device 4 this can be useful.

This provides for a logging system, provided for logging start and/or stop requests 99A, 99B made by the sensor device 4 and/or by a parking app PA. Preferably at least a time of making such request 99A, 99B is made is also registered. The system, especially the Parking App operator PAC system 57, may be set to send a receipt message 101 to the mobile device 3 when receiving a start request 99A and/or when receiving a stop request 99B. Preferably the mobile device 3 is set to log such messages 101. Such messages 101 and requests 99A, 99B made may alternatively or additionally be stored elsewhere, for example in the cloud, preferably including a time stamp for each entry.

A stop request 99B as discussed can be made by a user for example by pushing the button 12 and/or activating the switch 11 sending a signal to the app 13 and/or parking app AP, for stopping a parking session. Alternatively or additionally the app 13 on the mobile phone may be designed for voice operation, such that a start request 99A and/or a stop request99B can also be made by voice control, for example by “start payment” or “stop payment” or any suitable command.

Between the app and the sensor device preferably as little data as possible is exchanged. Preferably only data sufficient for the app to register that it is within or out of range of the sensor device and/or for identification of the sensor device, when transmitting a unique identification code.

In fig. 12 schematically shows an alternative use of a sensor device 4 of the disclosure. In this embodiment, which may be alternative to or additional to the use in starting and/or stopping a parking session and/or retrieving a vehicle parking position, the sensor device can be used for access to and/or exiting of a parking garage or parking lot 200, further referred to as parking enclosure 200, closed off by a closure 201, such as for example a gate, door or moving barrier. In this embodiment a sensor 4 can be registered in an operating system 202 of the relevant parking enclosure, and/or in an app 213 communicating with such operating system 202. In such embodiment the system 202 can be set to open the relevant closure 201 when the sensor 4 is activated by a user. In this embodiment instead of or additional to a hand held device for communication with the sensor device a non-mobile device such as or comprising a receiver 203 can be used.

Such system can for example comprise a receiver 203 positioned at the parking enclosure 200, for receiving an identification signal 215 similar or identical to parking alert signal 15 from the sensor device 4, when for example the sensor device 4 is brought within a communication range R of the receiver 203, such that the sensor device 4 can be recognized by the system 202, for example through the unique identification code of the sensor device 4. In the system 202 it can be programmed what action should be taken upon recognition of said sensor device 4, which can for example be opening in the closure 201 for allowing the vehicle to pass, registering that the vehicle comprising the sensor device 4 has passed, either into the parking enclosure 200 for parking or exiting said parking enclosure 200, calculating a parking fee due, registering a parking session start or ending with the system 202 and/or with a parking app company CAP. The receiver 203 can for example be an appropriate receiver such as a Bluetooth® receiver near the closure 201, connected by wire or wireless to the system 202 operating at least the closure 201.

Additionally or alternatively the system can be set to communicate differently. For example on the mobile device 3 of a user an app can be installed related to the system 202. As discussed before, when within the communication range R the sensor device 4 and the mobile device 3 of the user can communicate. In such embodiment the system 202 can be set such that when the user pushes the button, which can as discussed be a physical button or for example a voice operated “button” an alert signal will be sent to the mobile device 3, initiating the app on the mobile device to alert the system 202 of proximity of the vehicle to the closure 201 and/or to the parking enclosure 200. This can for example trigger opening the closure 201 to the vehicle, allowing it to park or to leave the enclosure after parking. This may also trigger start of or stopping of a parking session.

In embodiments the system 202 may allow sensor devices 4 to be registered for recognition directly by the system. Additionally or alternatively such system 202 can be set to register mobile devices 3 and/or apps on such mobile devices 3. In such systems 202 for example in an app and/or in the system 202 parking enclosures can be defined available to the user of the mobile device 3 and/or sensor device 4, such that operating the sensor device 4 can provide access to or exit from such parking enclosure 200 and can for example register parking session, can initiate payment for parking sessions and the like.

Hence the disclosure comprises a system comprising a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one receiver, preferably a communication device, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the receiver, wherein the receiver and/or the sensor device is provided with circuitry and/or software for issuing an alert signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and/or upon bringing the sensor device at a predetermined range from the receiver, especially at a position inside the communication range of said wireless communication device, wherein the receiver is functionally connected to an operating system for control of at least one closure of a parking enclosure.

In all embodiments preferably the sensor device 4 is mobile, provided in the vehicle in such a manner that it can be removed from the vehicle without damage to the vehicle or the sensor device, preferably without the use of special tools. A sensor device 4 can preferably still be operable when removed from the vehicle. A sensor device 4 is preferably self supporting, such that it does not rely on functionalities of the vehicle 2 for proper operation.

An advantage of such systems 202 can for example be that a closure 201 can be operated from within a vehicle, for example without having to open a car window and without having to retrieve a key or badge or the like, by just operating the sensor device, such as for example by pushing the button, or even by automatic registration of proximity of the sensor device 4 to the closure 201.

The disclosure is also directed to systems, methods and components as discussed in the following clauses.

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

2. System according to clause 1, wherein the vehicle and/or the hand held device comprises at least a GPS device for registering the vehicle global position and/or the hand held device global position, wherein the software on the hand held device is provided for storing the global position of the vehicle upon receiving said signal from the sensor device communicated to the hand held device and/or upon bringing the hand held device at the predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially outside the communication range of said wireless communication device.

3. System according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the communication range of the said wireless communication device is limited to less than about 50 m, preferably less than about 25 m, more preferably less than about 10 m, for example less than about 5 m and/or wherein the communication range of the wireless system is limited substantially to the vehicle.

4. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a Bluetooth communication device.

5. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the software is designed for presenting a message on the hand held device, requiring a response from a user of said hand held device.

6. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the hand held device comprises software for starting an app, especially a parking app upon receipt of said alert signal, and/or for automatically starting a parking fee for the parked vehicle, especially based upon the global location or position of the parked vehicle and the time of day.

7. System according to clause 2 or 6, wherein the hand held device comprises software for entering a global position of the vehicle into an app provided on the hand held device, preferably a global position, especially a GPS position, of the vehicle and at least one further global position of a location.

8. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the sensor device is provided with at least one switch, preferably a tactile switch.

9. System according to clause 8, wherein the at least one switch is designed for activating and/or deactivating the wireless communication.

10. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the sensor device is provided with or coupled to at least one alarm element, for example a piezo element, for providing an alarm signal when a wireless connection is established between the hand held mobile device and the wireless communication system of the sensor device, wherein preferably a timer system is provided for delaying said alarm signal for a delay period, such that if the wireless connection is broken during said delay period or a switch is activated during said delay period, the alarm signal is not provided.

11. System according to clause 10, wherein the alarm element is provided by the hand held communication device and/or the sensor device.

12. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the sensor device is a mobile device located in or mounted in said vehicle.

13. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the sensor device is coupled to and/or powered through a vehicle computer or logic port.

14. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one sensor for sensing one of:

starting and/or stopping of a vehicle engine;

movement of at least one of the paddles of the vehicle;

movement of a wheel of the vehicle;

movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle;

entering and/or removal of a vehicle key from a vehicle lock or car vicinity or key position; and/or locking and/or unlocking of the vehicle.

15. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein a logging system is provided for logging start and/or stop requests made by the sensor device and/or by a parking app, wherein preferably at least a time of making such request is made.

16. System according to any one of the previous clauses, wherein the system is set to send a receipt message to the mobile device when receiving a start request and/or when receiving a stop request, wherein preferably the mobile device is set to log such messages and/or wherein such messages and stop requests made are stored, for example in the cloud, preferably including a time stamp for each entry.

17. Method for alerting a vehicle driver, comprising using a hand held communication device paired to a sensor device in a vehicle, wherein the sensor device and/or the hand held communication device issue an alert signal based on a signal received from the sensor device and/or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined range from the sensor device, especially at a position outside the communication range of said wireless communication device and/or upon bringing the hand held device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device.

18. Method according to clause 17, wherein upon receipt or loss of said signal received from the sensor device a global position, especially a GPS location is stored in the hand held device, especially the GPS, cell tower or Wireless network triangulation based location of the vehicle at about the moment of receipt or loss of said signal.

19. Method according to clause 17 or 18, wherein upon receipt of said alert signal a message is presented on a screen of the hand held device, preferably an interactive message, regarding at least the vehicle, especially parking of said vehicle.

20. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 19, wherein upon receipt of the alert signal at least one app is started on the hand held device, preferably by said alert signal.

21. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 20, wherein said app is a parking app for payment of a parking fee for the vehicle.

22. Method according to at least clause 17 and clause 21, wherein the global location, especially the GPS location is entered into said app, wherein preferably a parking fee payment period for the location is started by entering said location, based on at least the global location.

23. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 22, wherein upon bringing the hand held device at said predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device, said alert signal is provided to the hand held device, providing a message on a screen of said hand held device.

24. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 23, wherein upon bringing the hand held device at said predetermined distance from said sensor device, especially inside the communication range of said wireless communication device, said alert signal is provided starting an app or part thereof on the hand held device, registering a change in a global position of said hand held device and/or said vehicle relative to a or the global position stored in said hand held device and/or said sensor device, and providing an alert message on the hand held device and/or the sensor device when a predetermined distance is reached between the stored global position and an actual global position of the vehicle.

25. Method for alerting a driver, preferably according to any one of clauses 17 - 24, wherein:

an app is loaded onto a hand held communication device;

the hand held communication device is paired to a sensor device in a vehicle;

the vehicle is driven to a location, at which location the vehicle is parked;

wherein:

a park alert signal is provided from the sensor device to the hand held device and/or vice versa, presenting a message in the app to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility of paying a parking fee; and/or a global position, especially a GPS location of the vehicle at the parking position is stored at least on the hand held device, especially by the said app;

the driver removes himself or herself from the vehicle for a period of time;

the same or a different driver returns to the vehicle after said period of time with a hand held communication device with the app; wherein at least one of the following occurs:

the driver recovers the global position of his vehicle from the app; and/or a return alert signal is provided from the sensor device to the hand held device and/or vice versa;

wherein after issuing and/or receipt of said return signal:

a message is presented to the driver of the vehicle informing the driver of the possibility of stopping payment of a parking fee.

26. Method according to clause 25, wherein after receipt of the return signal the global position stored in the mobile communication device and/or in the sensor device is compared to an actual global position of the hand held communication device and/or the sensor device, wherein said message is presented to the driver when a predetermined distance between the stored global position and the actual global position is reached.

27. Method according to clause 25 or 26, wherein upon receipt of the parking alert signal and/or upon receipt of the return alert signal a parking app is started on the mobile phone by or using said parking alert signal or said return alert signal, in which parking app a global position of the vehicle is used at which it is parked.

28. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 27, wherein from the mobile device a start signal and/or a stop signal are send to a system of a parking app operator, for starting an stopping a parking session respectfully, wherein the system sends a confirmation signal to the mobile device when receiving a start signal and/or a stop signal, preferably a push message which can be stored.

29. Method according to any one of clauses 17 - 28, wherein when a user makes a stop request, especially when sending a stop signal from the sensor device to the mobile device:

receipt of said stop signal by the mobile device and/or receipt of a confirmation signal form a system operated by a parking app operator and/or availability of a communication network between the mobile device and the said system for sending said stop request is acknowledged to a user by a first audible and/or visual signal, especially an audible signal from the sensor device and/or from the mobile device; and failure of receipt of said stop signal by the mobile device and/or failure of receipt of a confirmation signal form the system operated by a parking app operator and/or unavailability of a communication network between the mobile device and the said system for sending said stop request is acknowledged to a user by a second audible and/or visual signal, especially an audible signal from the sensor device and/or the mobile device, wherein the first and second signal are different from each other.

30. Sensor device for use in a system according to any one of clauses 1-16 or in a method according to any one of clauses 17 - 29.

31. Computer program product comprising code for controlling a processor in a system according to any one of clauses 1-16 or steps in a method according to any one of clauses 17 - 29.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed or discussed. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope as defined by the claims, including but not limited to all combinations or elements and features thereof. Further for example the system can be designed such that multiple mobile devices can be paired to the sensor device, allowing multiple users to use the system. The sensor device 4 can be designed to continuously or intermittently send out a signal which can be picked up by adequate receivers, such as other mobile phones, traffic registration systems or the like, for example for use in traffic management systems, such as for example but not limited to systems used in recognition of traffic jams, traffic congestion or the like as known in the art. Such signals can be anonymous or can contain user information and/or information unique to the sensor device 4. In embodiments the circuitry 5 5 can be designed to be able to issue two different signals, for example at different frequencies and/or different energy levels, wherein for example a first signal can be used for pairing the sensor device 4 to one or more hand held devices, and the other for registering whether a hand held device 4 is entered into or moved out of the maximum or predetermined communication 10 range for initiating issuing the relevant alert signal.

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

Claims

Conclusions

A system comprising a vehicle, at least one sensor device in said vehicle and at least one handheld communication device, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with the handheld communication device, the handheld device and / or the sensor device is / are provided with circuits and / or software for:

coupling the handheld communication device and the sensor device together; and for connecting the handheld communication device to the sensor device on the basis of a signal received from the sensor device and / or bringing the handheld device within a predetermined range of the sensor device such that it is at a location within the communication range of said sensor device wireless communication device; and / or disconnecting the handheld communication device from the sensor device when bringing the handheld communication device at a predetermined distance from said sensor device such that it is outside the communication range of said wireless communication device, wherein the sensor device is provided with at least one button with which a transmission signal can be sent to the wireless communication device when it is connected to the sensor device, and wherein the wireless communication device comprises at least software for controlling an app or is included in an app of the wireless communication device, for sending a wireless message over a network, such as a telephone network, to a predetermined receiver or to establish a telephone connection with a predetermined receiver, after receiving such a transmission signal.

A system according to claim 1, wherein the app is designed to send an emergency message to an alarm network, such as an emergency center or alarm center, to request emergency assistance for the vehicle and / or its occupant (s) upon receipt of a predetermined transmission signal from the sensor device.

The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the app is designed to send a predetermined text message, such as an SMS message, to at least one predetermined recipient.

A system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the app is designed to send at least the location of the vehicle with the message being sent.

A system according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the app makes it possible to start different combinations of predetermined messages and predetermined receivers, which are selected on the basis of the transmission signal.

A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication area of said wireless communication device is limited to less than about 50 m, preferably less than about 25 m, more preferably less than about 10 m, e.g. less than about 5 m and / or wherein the communication range of the wireless system is limited essentially to the vehicle.

A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a Bluetooth communication device.

A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handheld device comprises software for starting an app on the basis of the warning signal, and stopping the app in the event of contact loss between the wireless communication device and the sensor device, such that the battery life of the wireless communication device is extended.

A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device is provided with at least one switch, preferably a tactile switch, wherein the at least one switch is preferably designed for activating and / or deactivating the wireless communication.

10. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the sensor device is provided with or is coupled to at least one alarm element, for example a piezo element, to provide an alarm signal when a wireless communication between the handheld mobile device and the wireless communication system of the sensor device is located, wherein a timer system is preferably provided to delay said alarm signal for a delay period, such that if the wireless communication is interrupted during said delay period or a switch is activated during said delay period, the alarm signal is not provided.

The system of claim 10, wherein the alarm element is provided by the handheld communication device and / or the sensor device.

12. System according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the wireless communication device is provided with an app or similar software that is suitable for sending a wireless signal to the sensor device for activating the alarm element.

A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device is a mobile device that is located or mounted in said vehicle.

A method of sending a message or providing a telephone connection to a handheld communication device coupled to a sensor device in a vehicle, wherein the sensor device and / or the handheld communication device connect wirelessly to each other based on a signal received by the handheld communication device from the sensor device and / or upon bringing the handheld communication device to a location within a communication range of said wireless communication device and / or disconnecting from bringing the handheld device out of the communication range of said wireless communication device, wherein the activation of a button of the sensor device handheld communication device software is activated to wirelessly send a predetermined message to a predetermined receiver, or to provide a telephone connection to a predetermined receiver.

The method of claim 14, wherein the message is an emergency message that is sent to an emergency service.

The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the message is a text message, such as an SMS message.

The method of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the sensor device is designed to send different wireless signals to the wireless communication device, to send different predetermined messages depending on the wireless signal sent by the sensor device.

A method according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein a worldwide position, in particular a GPS location, in particular the location of the vehicle with the message based on GPS, cell tower or wireless network triangulation is sent.

5

A method according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein upon receipt of the transmission signal, at least one app is started on the handheld device, preferably by means of said transmission signal.

The method of claim 19, wherein said app is a messaging app such as WhatsApp, Messenger or the like.

10

Sensor device for use in a system according to one of claims 1-13 or in a method according to one of claims 14-20.

A computer program product comprising code for controlling a processor in a system according to any of claims 1-13 or steps in a method according to any of claims 14-20.

Qi

Recipient * --- 1 ---> NW

Start parking fee app: Y / N

Stop parking fee app: Y / N

Use I ------ M Return to vehicle

CM

Title:

System and method for messaging and control or a mobile phone