WO2012140583A1

WO2012140583A1 - Parking device, parking system and parking management method

Info

Publication number: WO2012140583A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/051773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kalle TIISMA
Original assignee: Innovative Parking Solutions Oü
Priority date: 2011-04-11
Filing date: 2012-04-11
Publication date: 2012-10-18

Abstract

Parking device, system and method, wherein the parking device comprises a location determining module, a wireless communication module for communicating with a server of the parking service provider, a microprocessor and power supply for pluging into the power supply of the vehicle, wherein the parking device is adapted to forward a message to the parking server when at least one of the following events is present: the vehicle entering the parking area, switching off the ignition, voltage drop in the power supply of the parking device, non-movement of the vehicle in the parking area during predetermined time interval, receiving an instruction from the user, determining non-movement within the vehicle during predetermined time interval, non-presence of the human beings in the vehicle during predetermined time interval. Parking system comprises at least one vehicle with the parking device, connected to the parking system over a wireless communication. Preferably GSM communication and GPS or A-GPS positioning methods are used.

Description

PARKING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND PARKING ARRANGEMENT METHOD

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of parking arrangement devices,

systems and methods, more specifically to the field of parking devices installed in vehicles, and parking systems based on such parking devices, and parking arrangement methods implemented in these parking systems.

Background Art

[0002] Known is WO00/1 1616 "Method and system for collecting parking fees", describing a parking arrangement system involving vehicle parking devices communicating via the GSM protocol. To start and end parking a parking device sends a signal to a payment centre. The payment centre determines the duration of parking based on the starting and ending signals. The vehicle parking device includes an indicator for recording parking, viewable from outside of the vehicle. Mobile telephony is preferably used for communication between the parking device and payment centre, and the geographical data are obtained from the mobile telephony (e.g. GSM) network. Instead of using a built-in GSM

communications module the parking device could also enable connecting to a mobile phone (either by means of a cable or over short-range radio communications). The parking device could be equipped with a GPS signal receiver for determining the location of the vehicle and transmitting it to the payment centre. According to the solution the start and end parking signals have to be sent by the user.

[0003] Known is WO94/07206 "Electronic parking and dispatching management method and apparatus", describing a method and device for automatic arrangement of vehicle access to a restricted area. The system comprises transmitters and receivers located at the entrance and exit of the restricted area, and a device located in the vehicle. This solution implies short-range communications transmitters-receivers controlling access to the area, located at the entrance and exit of the area. [0004] Known is WO02/063830 "Method of communicating with a cluster of Bluetooth devices", describing a parking system comprising several vehicles equipped with parking devices; the system also comprises one or more central computers, and one or more parking checker devices.

Parking devices, e.g. mobile phones, pagers, and vehicle positioning devices are set up to send requests to the central computer, and receive parking confirmations over wireless connection, e.g. mobile telephony. According to the preferred solution a parking device comprises a transmitter-receiver, and a parking scheme, but also other schemes, e.g. a GPS scheme. According to the preferred solution the parking device is adapted to receive and send signals from and to the parking checker device over wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth connection. This way a parking inspector can ascertain the data of up to 15 vehicles parking at a parking location without moving from place. According to the solution the signals to start and end parking have to be sent by the user

himself/herself.

[0005] Known is EP1297496 "Method and system for organizing the payment of parking services", describing a system where a mobile phone is used to pay for the parking service. To start parking, a short message (SMS message) containing the vehicle registration number, and the parking zone code is sent to a certain phone number. Another short message is sent to end parking. Parking events are recorded in a central server where a parking event (i.e. time of day, vehicle, parking zone) is associated to the mobile phone number. Payment for parking is arranged via an interim account that is loaded with a desired amount of money by calling a special chargeable phone number. To check parking a parking inspector will send a short message. According to the solution the signals to start and end parking have to be sent by the user himself/herself.

[0006] Known is US7215255 "Method and apparatus for a satellite positioning- based metering system for use in transport-related application", describing a system and method for tracking vehicles, measuring tracking and usage, that consists in tracking movement and location of a vehicle for paid parking, toll roads, and "drive-as-you-drive" insurance. The system comprises a device installed in the vehicle for receiving, filtering, compressing, storing and wireless transmitting of the positioning signal, and the central system collects the location information, and associates it with digital maps, and parking, roads usage, and insurance price lists. Sufficient accuracy enables invoices to be submitted to vehicle owners, and real-time traffic congestion and traffic maps, and providing data to traffic control and navigation systems. The system of the invention could be used for measuring paid parking, roads usage or insurance either separately or in combination.

[0007] Known is EP2005405 "Private, auditable vehicle positioning system and on-board unit for same", describing an improved system for determining the location of assets or persons that can be used in toll road, traffic congestion tax, minute-based parking, and "pay-as-you-drive" insurance applications, and also for tracking or auditing vehicle fleets, military resources and other motorised or non-motorised assets.

[0008] Known is US20070129974 "Parking lot reservation system with electronic identification", describing a parking place reservation system where every vehicle sends a parking place reservation request including the identifier and location of the vehicle, and other specific data, to the server via a GPRS module, and the server will search a suitable parking place from a parking lot database, and reserve a parking place on the parking lot computer, and after successful reservation the parking lot computer will send a message to the GPRS module. The device located in a vehicle comprises a GPS module, GPRS module, navigation device, electronic map, and RFID device.

[0009] Known is DE4420547 "Device for indicating the start of parking time", describing a wireless parking clock for indicating the start and end of parking time, comprising a screen and motion detector. The start of parking time is determined by the last instant of movement, and the end of parking time is determined by the following first movement.

[0010] Known is EP0959435 "Parking time indicator", describing a battery

powered parking clock equipped with an infra-red sensor. The driver starts the parking clock by alighting from the vehicle, and stops it by entering the vehicle.

[001 1] Known is DE20219783 "Electronic parking disk that automatically displays the time a driver parks the vehicle", describing a parking disk comprising a digital clock, microcontroller, display, and an infra-red motion sensor. The time is updated every time a movement occurs, i.e. when the driver leaves the vehicle, the clock will display the exact time of parking.

[0012] Known is EE200900031 "Automatic parking time recorder", comprising an electronic liquid crystal display, whereas the device has a pressure sensitive contact for recording the start of parking time in response to the change of air pressure occurring when a vehicle door is opened and closed.

[0013] Known paid parking solutions depend too much on the consumer and

his/her punctuality - the possibility of human error is high, and parking in a pay parking zone could turn out to be very expensive for the end

consumer. For municipal agencies managing parking arrangements lack of summary data, i.e. who is parking, where and when, poses a problem, and also security holes of the system, for example free parking time within a pay zone can be extended by the parking person or the parking person does not always pay for parking.

[0014] A solution ensuring automatic recording of the start and end of parking time, and the parking area (parking place or parking zone) in the parking system using a parking device installed in the vehicle.

[0015] Known is EP0952557 "A system and method for charging for vehicle

parking", describing a system and method where a mobile device installed in the vehicle checks the location of the vehicle each time the vehicle stops moving, and if the location of the vehicle matches a known parking lot parking fee calculation is started until the vehicle starts moving again, whereas the non-moving state of the vehicle is determined by means of measuring the duration of the ignition being turned off, the period of the vehicle doors being open and closed, and the duration of the vehicle cabin staying undisturbed. Disclosure of Invention

[0016] The purpose of the invention is achieved by means of a parking device comprising a module for positioning the vehicle, a wireless

communications module for establishing a connection with the parking service provider's system, a microprocessor, and a power supply circuit for connecting the parking device to the vehicle power supply network, whereas the parking device is adapted for connection to the vehicle's power supply network via a standard vehicle power outlet (the so-called cigarette lighter receptacle, the so-called ANSI/SAE J563 power outlet), and set up to transmit messages pertaining to parking events within a parking area to the parking service provider's system, whereas the microprocessor is adapted to generate and transmit a start-of-parking message when one or more of the following events occur: the vehicle enters a parking area, the ignition of the vehicle is turned off within the parking area, the voltage in the power supply circuit of the parking device changes when the ignition is turned off; the vehicle does not move within the parking area during a pre-determined time period; a parking instruction is received from the user; no movement occurs in the vehicle cabin during a pre-determined period, no passengers are present in the vehicle; taking into account a pre-determined fine for delay amount.

[0017] According to the preferred version one message is transmitted to the

parking service provider's system every time the power to the power supply circuit of the parking device is lost, and another message is transmitted when power is restored to the power supply circuit. This version is especially suitable for vehicles where power to the standard power outlet is turned on and off simultaneously with the ignition. In case of this version the parking device does not require adjusting when installed in the vehicle but is ready for operation immediately after connecting to the standard power outlet.

[0018] The objective of the invention is achieved by means of a parking system comprising a parking device described above, installed in every vehicle using the system, collecting data and transmitting data over the mobile telephony network, a central parking server receiving data, and performing start parking and end parking operations as required, and also at least one parking inspector terminal. The parking server also performs various auxiliary functions like outputting of invoice information for the parking operator, enabling the checking functionality for parking inspectors, information portal for customers containing logs of their parking activities, and invoices, sending of notification SMS messages to the customers, receiving of control SMS messages, and executing instructions retrieved from them, etc.

[0019] The objective of the invention is achieved by means of a method

according to which a vehicle parking device is used to record parking events based on characteristics specific to a vehicle (e.g. the vehicle is not moving, the generator is not running, the vehicle surveillance system is turned on, no movement occurs within the vehicle, no passengers are present in the vehicle); the location coordinates of the vehicle are determined when a parking event occurs; a message in a pre-defined format is transmitted to the parking service provider's system from the vehicle, whereas the message includes the location coordinates of the vehicle; location of the vehicle within the parking area is determined in the parking service provider's system based on the location coordinates of the vehicle; and the vehicle parking event is associated with the parking area in the parking service provider's system.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] Figure Fig. 1 is a parking system known from the state of the art.

[0021] Figure Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the parking device.

[0022] Figure Fig. 3 depicts the basic components of the parking system.

[0023] Figure Fig. 4 shows the functionality of the parking system.

[0024] Figure Fig. 5 is the schematic data flow diagram of the parking system.

[0025] Figure Fig. 6 is the component diagram of the modules of the parking

system.

[0026] Figure Fig. 7 shows the movement of information in the parking module of the parking server. [0027] Figure Fig. 8 shows the movement of information in the settlement module of the parking server.

[0028] Figure Fig. 9 shows the movement of information in the control module of the parking server.

[0029] Figure Fig. 10 shows the movement of information in the register

management module of the parking server.

[0030] Figure Fig. 1 1 shows the movement of information in the customer portal module of the parking server.

[0031] Figure Fig. 12 shows the movement of information in the parking

administration module of the parking server.

[0032] Figure Fig. 13 shows the movement of information in the reporting module of the parking server.

[0033]

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Figure Fig. 1 depicts a solution known from the state of the art.

Embodiments of the invention are depicted on Figures Fig. 2 to 13.

[0035] According to the known parking system depicted on figure Fig. 1 a parking device 2 is installed in the vehicle 1. To start parking, a user will send a message to the service provider's computer system 3 via the mobile telephony network 4 by means of the parking device. The parking device enables determining the location of the vehicle by means of satellite positioning using a satellite 7.

[0036] The block diagram of the parking device 2 of the invention is depicted on figure Fig. 2. The parking device comprises a location determining module 21 , communications module 22, microprocessor 23, memory 24, parking event detector 25, and an indicator element 26.

[0037] Preferably a satellite positioning, e.g. GPS module is used as the location determining module. An A-GPS module could also serve as the location determining module, and also a WiFi positioning module or a mobile positioning module could be used. A GSM module is preferrably used as the communication module. A WiFi module or another radio

communications module, including a short-range communications module could also be used as the communications module. The power supply for the parking device is obtained from the power supply system of the vehicle, e.g. through the cigarette lighter receptacle. If the cigarette lighter receptacle is connected so that electric current to the cigarette lighter receptacle is lost when the ignition is turned off then loss and restoring of the supply voltage of the parking device can be used as the input for the parking event detector. When the ignition is turned off the power supply required for the parking device to function in standby mode is obtained from an internal reserve power supply source (a battery). One or more light-emitting diodes could be used as the indicator element, for example, showing at least one of the following indicators: availability of GPS signal, availability of communication with the parking service system, whether the vehicle is located in paid or regulated parking area. Also parking / not parking status could be displayed. An information panel, e.g. a liquid crystal panel could also be used as the indicator element.

[0038] The location coordinates of the vehicle are determined by means of the location determining device, for example GPS, connection (TCP/IP data communications channel, GPRS, voice telephony, short messages) with the parking server is established by means of the GSM module via mobile telephony. The microcontroller controls the operation of the parking device according to a program, responding to the vehicle entering and exiting a parking area, stopping within a parking area, turning on and off the ignition, movement occurring in the vehicle cabin. Messages pertaining to events are sent to the parking server where event logging is performed. The parking device functions autonomously without manual intervention.

[0039] The schematic data flow diagram of the parking device according to one embodiment is depicted on Figure Fig. 3. The parking device is designed to transmit event-related messages the parking server could use to determine about parking. For this the parking server has to learn about the following events in real time:

the vehicle stops in a paid or regulated parking area, and its engine is turned off - the parking server records the parking start time; the ignition of the vehicle is turned on, the engine is started in a parking area - the end of parking time is recorded by the server.

[0040] The standard message format used by the parking device to output, and by the parking server to receive messages is used for transmitting messages by the parking device. The message transmitted comprises the following elements:

1. location coordinates of the vehicle according to GPS;

2. possible GPS error;

3. the GPS time of day at the time of generating the message;

4. the ignition status of the vehicle (on/off).

[0041] The parking server is a set of different software servers comprising an application server, database server, and Web server. As regards hardware they could be physically located on one and the same computer or all on different computers depending on the system configuration, and the need to optimise according to the volume. J2EE based freeware solutions are suitable to use for the application server (Jboss, GlassFish etc.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Platform ,_Enterprise_Edition. Using a robust freeware system, for example Postgres or MySQL is also sensible in case of the database server. The freeware Apache often bundled in one package with application servers is suitable to be used as the Web server.

[0042] The parking server is adapted to execute the following tasks:

real-time collection of the basic parking information (the log); log processing, and making and implementing real-time parking decisions based on it;

generating of settlement information based on parking events;

responding to the parking inspector's queries on the parking status; transmitting settlement information to the parking operator; generating reports for the owners of parking lots;

sending SMS messages including parking event information to the parking persons;

receiving SMS messages from the parking persons and executing the instructions; a portal designed for the users for registering, and viewing parking and settlement history;

registry management - parking lots, geographic information, rates, users, vehicles;

parking events administration interface - correction, if required, cancelling in case of errors.

The parking server comprises the following modules for executing the abovementioned tasks according to the embodiment:

Parking Module - receives the messages sent by the parking device, stores them in the database, and performs day-to-day analysis. If a parking event is generated based on the message analysis the appropriate record is stored in the database (starting and ending parking), instructions are transmitted to the part of the system handling SMS notifications. Receives instructions (not to park, cancel parking, etc.) from the parking person sent via SMS. The parking module also generates day-to-day settlement information (based on the price list of the parking area, the duration of parking, and the rate group the parking person belongs to) because parking notifications contain information pertaining to the parking lot, rate, and total cost.

Settlement Module - intermediates settlement information generated on the basis of parking event information, and enables automatic relaying of this information (after applying suitable formatting) to the parking operator or invoicing centre handling delivery of settling information to the customers.

Checker Module - enables the traffic inspectors to send queries quickly and comfortably, and receive replies reflecting the parking status of vehicles. A traffic inspector enters the registration number of a vehicle in the system by means of a bar code reader or keyboard; the parking status, start time, parking lot (zone), rate of the

corresponding vehicle are sent to him/her in response.

SMS Gate - an interface intermediating SMS messages between external systems and other modules (primarily the parking module) of the parking server. In case of an incoming SMS message forwards the instructions to the Parking Module. Receives notifications from the Parking Module, and forwards them via SMS. Incoming and outgoing SMS messages are read, and stored in the corresponding database structure.

The register management module - handles management of the basic information stored in the system - agreements, users, vehicles, geographical information of the parking lots, parking rates, operators etc.

The customer portal module - enables a person to register him-/herself as a customer, and enter his/her vehicle in the system. Also enables viewing of the user's own parking events and settlement information. Parking Administrator Module - enables correction or cancelling of parking events in case of errors and mistakes.

Reporting Module - enables the owners/managers of parking lots involved to receive statistical, analytical, and financial reports pertaining to parking in their parking lots.

Movement of information between the modules of the parking server is depicted on Figures Fig 8 to 13.

Claims

1. Vehicle parking device comprising a vehicle location determining module, wireless communications module for establishing a communications

connection to the parking service provider's system, microprocessor and power supply circuit for connecting the parking device to the power supply network of the vehicle, whereas the parking device is set up to transmit messages pertaining to parking events occurring in a parking area to the parking service provider's system, characterised in that the microprocessor is set up to transmit a start-of-parking message on identifying at least one of the following events: the vehicle entering in a parking area, turning off of the vehicle's ignition within the parking area, voltage change in the power supply circuit of the parking device when ignition is turned off; the vehicle not moving in the parking area during a pre-determined time period; receiving a parking instruction from the user; no movement occurring in the vehicle cabin during a pre-determined period, no passengers present in the vehicle; and the message includes at least one of the following elements: identification number or registration plate number of the vehicle, identification code of the parking device, location coordinates of the vehicle according to GPS or A-GPS, possible GPS error, GPS time of day at the time of generating the message, the vehicle's ignition status.

2. Device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the wireless communications module is a GSM module, and the location determining module is set up to implement at least one of the following methods: GPS positioning, A-GPS positioning, mobile positioning, WiFi positioning.

3. Device according to claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the microprocessor is set up to transmit the end-of-parking message on at least one of the following events: the vehicle exits the parking area; ignition is turned on; the vehicle is moving, the end-of-parking instruction is received from the user.

4. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the device comprises indicator elements showing at least one of the following states: availability of the GPS signal; availability of connection with the parking service provider; parking status; location within a paid parking area.

5. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the parking device is equipped with a connector for connecting to the power supply system of the vehicle, and the ignition status is determined by voltage being present in the power supply system of the vehicle, or different voltage values when the engine is running or not running.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the parking device is

equipped with a plug for connecting to the standard power outlet of the vehicle, and the ignition status is determined by the presence of voltage or different voltage values in the standard power outlet, whereas the plug of the parking device is mechanically integrated in the body of the parking device, and the body of the parking device has a first indicator element for showing that the vehicle is located within a paid parking area, and a second indicator element for showing the parking status of the vehicle.

7. Device according to claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the parking device is equipped with buttons for starting and ending parking.

8. Parking system comprising at least one vehicle parking device connected to a parking server via a wireless communications channel, whereas the parking device comprises a vehicle location determining module, wireless

communications module for establishing a connection to the parking service provider's system, microprocessor and power supply circuit for connecting the parking device to the power supply network of the vehicle, and the parking server is adapted to receive parking messages from the parking device, and respond to checking requests, characterised in that the parking device is set up to transmit the start-of-parking message on identifying at least one of the following events: the vehicle entering a parking area, turning off of the vehicle's ignition within the parking area, voltage change in the power supply circuit of the parking device when the ignition is turned off; the vehicle not moving in the parking area during a pre-determined time period; receiving a parking instruction from the user; no movement occurring in the vehicle cabin during a pre-determined period, no passengers present in the vehicle; the start-of- parking message includes the location coordinates of the vehicle; and the parking server is set up to determine a parking event based on the parking message sent by the parking device.

9. Parking system according to claim 8, characterised in that the wireless communications module is a GSM module, and the location determining module is set up to implement at least one of the following methods: GPS positioning, A-GPS positioning, mobile positioning, WiFi positioning.

10. Parking arrangement method in a system comprising at least one vehicle

parking device connected to a parking server via a wireless communications channel, whereas the parking device comprises a vehicle location determining module, wireless communications module for establishing a connection to the parking service provider's system, microprocessor and power supply circuit for connecting the parking device to the power supply network of the vehicle, whereas a start-of-parking message is transmitted to the parking server from the parking device, characterised in that a parking event is recorded by means of the parking device based on the following characteristics specific for the vehicle: the vehicle is not moving; engine is not running; generator is not running; voltage is dropping; vehicle surveillance system is turned on; vehicle location is determined when a parking event occurs; parking area is

determined by vehicle location, and the vehicle's parking event is associated with the parking area in the parking service provider's system.