WO2015157805A1

WO2015157805A1 - Parking system

Info

Publication number: WO2015157805A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000227
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacqueline ROTTCHER
Original assignee: Ingonyama Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-16
Filing date: 2015-04-16
Publication date: 2015-10-22

Abstract

There is provided a parking system (100) which includes a server computer (160), an identifier (130), an identifier reader (150), a vehicle reader (140), and a processor (110). The server computer (160) stores details of vehicles registered to a parking space. The identifier (130) is fixed adjacent to the parking space and is able to be read by the identifier reader (150) to determine information associated with the parking space. The vehicle reader (140) determines details of a vehicle parked in the park space. The processor (110) coupled to the identifier reader (150) and the vehicle reader (140) compares the details of the parked vehicle with the information associated with the identifier (130) to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

Description

PARKING SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates generally to the provision of reserved parking and, in particular, to a parking system, method and apparatus for use in providing reserved parking spaces. The present invention also relates to a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer program for used in providing reserved parking spaces for certain vehicles.

Background

[0002] Parking on roads, particularly in a city area, can be problematic. In some areas, it can be difficult for a resident to find a parking space for a vehicle at all, never mind finding a parking space on a road adjacent to their particular dwelling (e.g., a house, apartment, mobile home, houseboat or other 'substantial' structure). Even if a parking space can be found, often period parking restrictions associated with the parking space can be too restrictive to meet the needs of the resident. The problem of finding a parking space can be even more problematic for disabled people who may have limited mobility.

[0003] The problem of parking can be further exacerbated for residents living in particular areas, such as in the vicinity of a shopping centre, school, college, sporting facility or the like. Although such facilities typically provide parking spaces for their users, sometimes there are not enough parking spaces to meet the needs of the users. The users then attempt to find parking spaces around the vicinity of a facility, resulting in increased traffic in the area and resulting in a further lack of parking spaces for the residents in the area.

[0004] Many local authorities offer parking schemes for residents which provide increased opportunity for residents to park their vehicles on a road adjacent to their particular dwelling. Such schemes enforce period parking restrictions on residential roads and exempt eligible residents from the time restrictions. The resident parking schemes are designed to discourage non-residents looking for long term parking on residential roads. The residents using the parking schemes are typically required to display a sticker in the window of their vehicle in order to enable parking inspectors to physically identify vehicles registered under the schemes.

However, in some areas, it can even be difficult for residents displaying such a sticker to find a parking space for a vehicle on a road adjacent to their particular place of residence. [0005] Thus, a need exists for a more efficient parking system for use in providing reserved parking spaces.

Summary

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

[0007] Disclosed are arrangements which seek to address the above problems by providing a parking system for use in providing reserved parking spaces. The parking system comprises a device for determining whether a vehicle is eligible to park in designated parking spaces.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a parking method comprising: storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space in a server computer;

reading an identifier fixed adjacent to the parking space to determine information associated with the parking space; determining details of a vehicle parked in the parking space; and comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the information associated with the identifier to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a parking system comprising: a server computer for storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space; an identifier fixed adjacent to the parking space; an identifier reader for reading the identifier to determine information associated with the parking space; a vehicle reader for determining details of a vehicle parked in the park space; a processor coupled to the identifier reader and the vehicle reader, for comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the information associated with the identifier to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a parking method comprising: storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space in a server computer; determining if a vehicle is parked in the parking space using a sensor; determining details of the parked vehicle upon determining by the sensor that a vehicle is parked in the parking space; determining details of a vehicle parked in the parking space; and comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the details stored in the server computer to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space. [001 1 ] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a parking system comprising: a server computer for storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space; a sensor for determining if a vehicle is parked in the parking space; a vehicle reader for determining details of the vehicle parked in the parking space; and a processor in

communication with the sensor, the vehicle reader, and the server, for determining details of the parked vehicle upon determining by the sensor that a vehicle is parked in the parking space and for comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the details stored in the server computer to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings and appendices, in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a parking system;

[0015] Figs. 2 to 4 show the parking system of Fig 1 implemented on different roads and with varying parking space arrangements;

[0016] Fig. 5 shows an example of a vehicle and associated identifier reader for use in the parking system of Fig. 1 ;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of software modules in a server of the parking system shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a flow chart diagram showing a method of registering a vehicle to a parking space according to the parking system of Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Figs. 8A and 8B show examples of user interfaces for registering vehicles to a parking space according to the method of Fig. 7;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing a method of determining if a vehicle has a valid registration for a particular parking space;

[0021 ] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an alternative arrangement of the parking system of Fig. 1 ; and [0022] Figs. 1 1A and 1 1 B form a schematic block diagram of a computer upon which arrangements described can be practiced.

Detailed Description

[0023] Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention appears.

[0024] Disclosed is an arrangement for use in providing reserved parking spaces, where only vehicles registered to corresponding parking spaces may park in the corresponding parking space. If a parked vehicle is not validly registered to a corresponding parking space, a fine is issued against the parked vehicle.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a parking system 100 for use in providing reserved parking spaces. The parking system 100 comprises a computer 1 10, an identifier reader 150, identifiers 130, a vehicle reader 140, a communications network 120, and a server 160.

[0026] The computer 1 10, the identifier reader 150, and the vehicle reader 140 are located in a vehicle 240 (as shown in Figs. 2 and 5). The vehicle 240 is configured to patrol roads 250 (as shown for example in Figs. 2 to 4) and enforce parking restrictions in relation to reserved parking spaces 220. Alternatively, a parking officer on foot patrol may carry the computer 1 10, the identifier reader 150, and the vehicle reader 140. For example, the computer 1 10, reader 140 and reader 150 may be in the form such as a mobile phone, smartphone or the like.

[0027] The identifier reader 150 is an electronic device for determining data representing vehicles registered to park at parking spaces 220 from the identifiers 130. The vehicle reader 140 is an electronic device for acquiring details of vehicles 230 (as shown in Figs. 2 to 4) parked in the parking spaces 220.

[0028] Each of the identifiers 130 is a component that is associated with a parking space 220. In one arrangement, the identifiers 130 are in the form of a bar code printed on tag, where each such tag is affixed within or adjacent to a particular parking space 220. The printed bar code represents a character string such as an identifier number or the like. Each tag may be glued and/or fixed with screws or the like to a gutter within an area defined by a parking space. The tag may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, metal or the like. In other arrangements, the barcode may be replaced by a number printed on the tag, a Quick Response (QR) code printed on tag. Further, an identifier 130 may also display the address of the person leasing the parking space 220.

[0029] Alternatively, the identifiers 130 may be in the form of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or the like. In this instance, the RFID tag includes an identifier number stored on the RFID tag.

[0030] The server 160 is a server computer with software modules stored thereon for controlling the operation of the parking system 100, as will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 6. The server 160 is configured to process new vehicle registration details, store vehicle registration details of the parking spaces 220, and communicate with the computer 1 10 to relate relevant vehicle registration details. Further, the server 160 may also be configured to process details regarding a person leasing (i.e., lessee) a particular parking space 220, store the details of the lessee and to communicate the lessee details with the computer 1 10. A lessee is a person who leases a parking space 220 such that only vehicles registered by the lessee are allowed to be parked on the parking space 220. A method 700 for use by a lessee in leasing a parking space 220 and registering vehicles to the parking space 220 is shown below in relation to Fig. 7.

[0031 ] The communications network 120 may be a wide-area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a cellular telecommunications network, or a private WAN installed in areas where the parking system 100 is implemented. The communications network 120 allows communications between the computer 1 10, the server 160, and computers 180a, 180n which will be collectively referred below as "the computers 180".

[0032] The communications between the computers 180 and the server 160 may be in the form of HyperText Markup Language (HTML) generating a website. The website may be resident on the server 160 and be accessible by the computers 180 for registering vehicle details to parking spaces 220. The computers 180 are general purpose computers that can access the website through a suitable web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc.) executing on one or more of the computers 180.

[0033] Figs. 1 1A and 1 1 B shows the computer 1 10 in more detail. As seen in Fig. 11 A, the computer 1 10 includes: a computer module 1 101 and input devices such as a keyboard 1 102 and a mouse pointer device 1 103. The computer 1 10 also includes output devices including a printer 1 1 15, a display device 1 1 14 and loudspeakers 1 1 17. The input devices also include the identifier reader 150 and the vehicle reader 140. An external Modulator-Demodulator (Modem) transceiver device 1 1 16 may be used by the computer module 1 101 for communicating to and from the communications network 120 via a connection 1 121. Where the connection 1 121 is a telephone line, the modem 1 1 16 may be a traditional "dial-up" modem. Alternatively, where the connection 1 121 is a high capacity (e.g., cable) connection, the modem 1 1 16 may be a broadband modem. A wireless modem may also be used for wireless connection to the communications network 120.

[0034] The computer module 1 101 typically includes at least one processor unit 1 105, and a memory unit 1 106. For example, the memory unit 1 106 may have semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and semiconductor read only memory (ROM). The computer module 1 101 also includes an number of input/output (I/O) interfaces including: an audio-video interface 1 107 that couples to the video display 1 1 14, loudspeakers 1 1 17 and

microphone 1 180; an I/O interface 1 1 13 that couples to the keyboard 1 102 and mouse 1 103; the I/O interface 1 1 13 also couples to the identifier reader 150 and the vehicle reader 140, when the I/O interface 1 1 13 is in computer 1 10; the I/O interface 1 1 13 optionally couples to a joystick or other human interface device (not illustrated); and an interface 1 108 for the external modem 1 1 16 and printer 1 1 15. In some implementations, the modem 1 1 16 may be

incorporated within the computer module 1 101 , for example within the interface 1 108. The computer module 1 101 also has a local network interface 1 1 1 1 , which permits coupling of the computer 1 10 via a connection 1 123 to a local-area communications network 1 122, known as a Local Area Network (LAN). As illustrated in Fig. 1 1A, the local communications network 1 122 may also couple to the wide network 120 via a connection 1 124, which would typically include a so-called "firewall" device or device of similar functionality. The local network interface 1 1 1 1 may comprise an Ethernet circuit card, a Bluetooth* wireless arrangement or an IEEE 802.1 1 wireless arrangement; however, numerous other types of interfaces may be practiced for the interface 1 1 1 1.

[0035] The I/O interfaces 1 108 and 1 1 13 may afford either or both of serial and parallel connectivity, the former typically being implemented according to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards and having corresponding USB connectors (not illustrated). Storage devices 1 109 are provided and typically include a hard disk drive (HDD) 1 1 10. Other storage devices such as a floppy disk drive and a magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. An optical disk drive 1 1 12 is typically provided to act as a non-volatile source of data. Portable memory devices, such optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc™), USB-RAM, portable, external hard drives, and floppy disks, for example, may be used as appropriate sources of data to the system 100.

[0036] The components 1 105 to 1 1 13 of the computer module 1 101 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 1 104 and in a manner that results in a conventional mode of operation of the computer 1 10 known to those in the relevant art. For example, the processor 1 105 is coupled to the system bus 1 104 using a connection 1 1 18. Likewise, the memory 1 106 and optical disk drive 1 1 12 are coupled to the system bus 1 104 by connections 1 1 19. Examples of computers on which the described arrangements can be practised include IBM-PC's and compatibles, Sun Sparcstations, Apple Mac™ or a like computer systems.

[0037] Methods for registering new users and vehicles and for determining registration of a vehicle 230 parked at a car park space 220, as described below, may be implemented using the computer 1 10. The processes of Figs. 7 and 9, described above, may be implemented as one or more software application programs 1 133 executable within the computer 1 10. In particular, the steps of the methods of Figs. 7 and 9 are effected by instructions 1 131 (see Fig. 1 1 B) in the software 1 133 that are carried out within the computer 1 10. The software instructions 1 131 may be formed as one or more code modules each for performing one or more particular tasks. The software may also be divided into two separate parts, in which a first part and the corresponding code modules performs the registration and vehicle registration determination methods and a second part and the corresponding code modules manage a user interface between the first part and the user.

[0038] The software may be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage devices described below, for example. The software is loaded into the system 100 from the computer readable medium, and then executed by the computer 1 10. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on the computer readable medium is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer 1 10 preferably effects an advantageous apparatus for operating the parking system 100.

[0039] The software 1 133 is typically stored in the HDD 1 1 10 or the memory 1 106. The software is loaded into the computer 1 10 from a computer readable medium, and executed by the computer 1 10. Thus, for example, the software 1 133 may be stored on an optically readable disk storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM) 1 125 that is read by the optical disk drive 1 1 12. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer 1 10 preferably effects an apparatus for operating the parking system 100.

[0040] In some instances, the application programs 1 133 may be supplied to the system 100 encoded on one or more CD-ROMs 1 125 and read via the corresponding drive 1 1 12, or alternatively may be read by the computer 1 10 from the networks 120 or 1 122. Still further, the software can also be loaded into the system 100 from other computer readable media.

Computer readable storage media refers to any non-transitory tangible storage medium that provides recorded instructions and/or data to the computer system 1 10 for execution and/or processing. Examples of such storage media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray™ Disc, a hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, USB memory, a magneto- optical disk, or a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are internal or external of the computer module 1 101. Examples of transitory or non-tangible computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of software, application programs, instructions and/or data to the computer module 1 101 include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the Internet or Intranets including e-mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the like.

[0041 ] The second part of the application programs 1 133 and the corresponding code modules mentioned above may be executed to implement one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to be rendered or otherwise represented upon the display 1 1 14. Through manipulation of typically the keyboard 1 102 and the mouse 1 103, a user of the system 100 and the application may manipulate the interface in a functionally adaptable manner to provide controlling commands and/or input to the applications associated with the GUI(s). Other forms of functionally adaptable user interfaces may also be implemented, such as an audio interface utilizing speech prompts output via the loudspeakers 1 1 17 and user voice commands input via the microphone 1 180.

[0042] Fig. 1 1 B is a detailed schematic block diagram of the processor 1 105 and a

"memory" 1 134. The memory 1 134 represents a logical aggregation of all the memory modules (including the HDD 1 109 and semiconductor memory 1 106) that can be accessed by the computer module 1 101 in Fig. 1 1A.

[0043] When the computer module 1 101 is initially powered up, a power-on self-test (POST) program 1 150 executes. The POST program 1 150 is typically stored in a ROM 1 149 of the semiconductor memory 1 106 of Fig. 1 1A. A hardware device such as the ROM 1 149 storing software is sometimes referred to as firmware. The POST program 1 150 examines hardware within the computer module 1 101 to ensure proper functioning and typically checks the processor 1 105, the memory 1 134 (1 109, 1 106), and a basic input-output systems software (BIOS) module 1 151 , also typically stored in the ROM 1 149, for correct operation. Once the POST program 1 150 has run successfully, the BIOS 1 151 activates the hard disk drive 1 1 10 of Fig. 1 1A. Activation of the hard disk drive 1 1 10 causes a bootstrap loader program 1 152 that is resident on the hard disk drive 1 1 10 to execute via the processor 1 105. This loads an operating system 1 153 into the RAM memory 1 106, upon which the operating system 1 153 commences operation. The operating system 1 153 is a system level application, executable by the processor 1 105, to fulfil various high level functions, including processor management, memory management, device management, storage management, software application interface, and generic user interface.

[0044] The operating system 1 153 manages the memory 1 134 (1 109, 1 106) to ensure that each process or application running on the computer module 1 101 has sufficient memory in which to execute without colliding with memory allocated to another process. Furthermore, the different types of memory available in the system 100 of Fig. 1 1A must be used properly so that each process can run effectively. Accordingly, the aggregated memory 1 134 is not intended to illustrate how particular segments of memory are allocated (unless otherwise stated), but rather to provide a general view of the memory accessible by the computer 1 10 and how such is used.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 1 1 B, the processor 1 105 includes a number of functional modules including a control unit 1 139, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 1 140, and a local or internal memory 1 148, sometimes called a cache memory. The cache memory 1 148 typically includes a number of storage registers 1 144 - 1 146 in a register section. One or more internal busses 1 141 functionally interconnect these functional modules. The processor 1 105 typically also has one or more interfaces 1 142 for communicating with external devices via the system bus 1 104, using a connection 1 1 18. The memory 1 134 is coupled to the bus 1 104 using a connection 1 1 19.

[0046] The application program 1 133 includes a sequence of instructions 1 131 that may include conditional branch and loop instructions. The program 1 133 may also include data 1 132 which is used in execution of the program 1 133. The instructions 1 131 and the data 1 132 are stored in memory locations 1 128, 1 129, 1 130 and 1 135, 1 136, 1 137,

respectively. Depending upon the relative size of the instructions 1 131 and the memory locations 1 128-1 130, a particular instruction may be stored in a single memory location as depicted by the instruction shown in the memory location 1 130. Alternately, an instruction may be segmented into a number of parts each of which is stored in a separate memory location, as depicted by the instruction segments shown in the memory locations 1 128 and 1 129.

[0047] In general, the processor 1 105 is given a set of instructions which are executed therein. The processor 1 105 waits for a subsequent input, to which the processor 1 105 reacts to by executing another set of instructions. Each input may be provided from one or more of a number of sources, including data generated by one or more of the input devices 1 102, 1 103, data received from an external source across one of the networks 1 120, 1 102, data retrieved from one of the storage devices 1 106, 1 109 or data retrieved from a storage medium 1 125 inserted into the corresponding reader 1 1 12, all depicted in Fig. 1 1A. The execution of a set of the instructions may in some cases result in output of data. Execution may also involve storing data or variables to the memory 1 134.

[0048] The computer 1 10 uses input variables 1 154, which are stored in the memory 1 134 in corresponding memory locations 1 155, 1 156, 1 157. The computer 1 10 produces output variables 1 161 , which are stored in the memory 1 134 in corresponding memory

locations 1 162, 1 163, 1 164. Intermediate variables 1 158 may be stored in memory

locations 1 159, 1 160, 1 166 and 1 167.

[0049] Referring to the processor 1 105 of Fig. 1 1 B, the registers 1 144, 1 145, 1 146, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 1 140, and the control unit 1 139 work together to perform sequences of micro-operations needed to perform "fetch, decode, and execute" cycles for every instruction in the instruction set making up the program 1 133. Each fetch, decode, and execute cycle comprises:

[0050] a fetch operation, which fetches or reads an instruction 1 131 from a memory location 1 128, 1 129, 1 130;

[0051 ] a decode operation in which the control unit 1 139 determines which instruction has been fetched; and

[0052] an execute operation in which the control unit 1 139 and/or the ALU 1 140 execute the instruction.

[0053] Thereafter, a further fetch, decode, and execute cycle for the next instruction may be executed. Similarly, a store cycle may be performed by which the control unit 1 139 stores or writes a value to a memory location 1 132. [0054] Each step or sub-process in the processes of Figs. 7 and 9 is associated with one or more segments of the program 1 133 and is performed by the register section 1 144, 1 145, 1 147, the ALU 1 140, and the control unit 1 139 in the processor 1 105 working together to perform the fetch, decode, and execute cycles for every instruction in the instruction set for the noted segments of the program 1 133.

[0055] The server 160 and the computers 180 have a similar configuration to the computer 1 10 as described above and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an example implementation of the parking system 100 for a road 250. In the example of Fig. 2, the road 250 is a residential road. However, the described system 100 may be implemented for any road (e.g., for roads in an industrial area, commercial roads, or the like). As seen in Fig. 2, the road 250 includes parking spaces 220a,

220n which will be collectively referred to as parking spaces 220. The identifiers 130a, 130n, which are collectively referred to as identifiers 130, are affixed to a surface of the road 250 within each of the parking spaces 220. The vehicle 240 is also shown in Fig. 2. The parking spaces 220 are located on the road 250 and are marked in distinctive lines (e.g., white lines, yellow lines, striped area, etc.). In the example of Fig. 2, each of the parking spaces 220 is located in proximity to a corresponding dwelling 210a, 21 On (collectively referred to as dwellings 210) such as a house, apartment, mobile home, houseboat or other 'substantial' structure. In the example of Fig. 2, each of the parking spaces 220 is located adjacent to and subtantially in front of a corresponding dwelling 210. However, the parking spaces 220 may be located in any suitable position in relation to a lessee's dwelling 210 if the dwelling is an apartment unit. The parking spaces 220 are configured such that residents of the dwellings 210 can park their vehicles 230a, 230n, collectively referred to as vehicles 230, in one or more of the parking spaces 220 that have been reserved by the residents.

[0057] The parking spaces 220 can be arranged in any suitable arrangement. For example, the parking spaces 220 may be configured for parallel parking as shown in Fig. 2, for angle parking as shown in Fig. 3 or for right angle parking (not shown) etc.). Further, the parking spaces 220 may be formed on different types of roads. For example, the road 250 may be a two-way road (as shown in Fig. 2), a one-way road (as shown in Fig. 3), a cul-de-sac road (as shown in Fig. 4), etc.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows the vehicle 240 according to one arrangement. The vehicle 240 in the example of Fig. 5 comprises the computer 1 10 (not shown in Fig. 4) and the identifier reader 150 which is the form of a barcode scanner. The barcode scanner 150 of Fig. 5 scans the identifier 130 (which, in the example of Fig. 5, is a barcode affixed within the parking spaces 220) to determine the details for the associated parking space 220.

[0059] The vehicle 240 patrols the roads 250 to enforce the parking restrictions of the parking spaces 220, according to vehicles registered to each of the parking spaces 220. When an operator of the vehicle 240 determines that a vehicle 230 is parked on a distinctively marked reserved parking space 220, the operator stops the vehicle 240 beside the particular parking space 220 so that the identifier reader 150, in the form of the barcode scanner, can read the identifier 130 in the form of the barcode. The barcode may represent an identifier number.

[0060] At the same time as the identifier reader 150 is reading the identifier 130, the computer 1 10 operates the vehicle reader 140 to determine details of the parked vehicle 230. In one arrangement, the vehicle reader 140 may be in the form of a camera. One or more computer software modules of the software 1 133resident on the computer 1 10 are executed by the processor 1 105 to determine details of the parked car 230. For example, the software 1 133 may implement a character recognition algorithm to read a number plate of the parked vehicle 230. Alternatively, the operator of the vehicle 240 may manually enter the details of the vehicle 230 into the computer 1 10.

[0061 ] In the example of Fig. 5, the computer 1 10 then sends the details of the scanned barcode 130 (e.g., the identifier number represented by the barcode 130) to the server 160, which in turn replies with the details of vehicles registered to the corresponding parking space 220. The computer 1 10 is configured to automatically execute software to then compare the received detailsdetails of the parked vehicle 230. In one arrangement, the comparison performed by the computer 1 10 may require input from the operator of the computer 1 10 and/or the vehicle 240.

[0062] If the parked vehicle 230 has a valid registration (i.e., the parked vehicle 230 is registered to the parking space 220), then the vehicle 240 moves onto a next parking space 220. Otherwise, if the parked vehicle 230 is not registered to the sparking space 220, a fine may be issued to the parked vehicle 230. The operation of the parking system 100 will be described in further detail below with reference to the flow diagrams of Figs. 7 and 9.

[0063] Traffic conditions on roads 250 where the parking system 100 is implemented are altered, as drivers in search of available parking spaces cease driving around the roads 250 looking for parking spaces. Such altered traffic conditions provide for safer roads due to less traffic. Further, residents of the dwellings 210 who have registered corresponding parking spaces 220 have a much higher probability of getting a parking space adjacent to their dwelling as long as an unregistered vehicle is not illegally parked in a registered parking space 220.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a software architecture 600 for use in implementing the server 160 of the parking system 100. The software architecture 600 includes a

communications module 610, a website module 620, a registration module 630, and a database module 640. The modules 610, 620, 630 and 640 may be implemented as one or more software modules of a software application, similar to the software 1 133, resident on the server 160.

[0065] The communications module 610 manages outgoing and incoming communications to the server 160. The website module 620 manages the provision of the website to computer 180. The registration module 630 manages vehicle registration details. The database module 640 stores vehicle registration details against parking spaces 220.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing a method 700 of registering a vehicle to a parking space. The method 700 may be implemented as one or more software code modules of a software application program, resident on a hard disk drive (similar to the hard disk drive 1 1 10) of a computer 180 and being controlled in its execution by a processor of the computer 180. The method 700 will be described by way of example with reference to the parking space 220a and the dwelling 210a.

[0067] The method 700 commences at step 710, where the processor of the computer 180 displays one or more pages of the parking website on a display of the computer 180. For example, a user (i.e., a lessee), using the computer 180, visits the parking website. The pages of the parking website are downloaded from the server 160 to the computer 180 as HTML pages. The pages may be downloaded via the website module 620 under execution of a processor of the server 160. The parking website provides website navigation options to the user. Some examples navigation options are Contact Us, Follow Us, Careers, Online Services, Register, Log In, and FAQ as shown in Fig. 8A. The navigation options of Contact Us, Follow Us, Careers, Online Services, and FAQ are common navigation options used in websites.

[0068] The Log In option is for users (i.e., lessees) with existing login accounts. Such existing users (i.e., lessees) can log into the website to manage vehicle registration details belonging to the users. [0069] The Register option is for new users to create a login account to register a vehicle to a parking space 220.

[0070] The method 700 continues to step 720, where the processor of the computer 180 detects selection of the Register option.

[0071 ] In step 720, the user is prompted to enter user details as required by the user interface 800. The user interface 800 includes login details 810, applicant details 820, verification 830, security questions 840, a cancel button 850, and a submit button 860.

[0072] The login details 810 includes a username field 812, a password field 814, and a confirm password field 816. The username field 812 allows a user to choose a username by which the user can use to log into the website to manage registration of the parking space. The password field 814 enables a user to select a password, associated with the username, which allows the user to log into the account. The confirm password field 816 allows the server 160 to ascertain that the passwords entered in the password field 614 and the confirm password field 616 correspond to each other.

[0073] The applicant's details 820 include a first name field 821 , a last name field 822, an email address field 823, a phone field 824, a street name field 825, a unit/house no. field 826, a suburb field 827, and a postcode field 828. In the present example, the applicant details 820 describe the dwelling 210a.

[0074] The first name field 821 and the last name field 822 enable the user to enter his/her name, so that the name is associated with the login account. The email address field 823 enables the user to enter an email address to be associated with the login account. The email address is used by the server 160 to send news and/or updates to the user regarding the login account.

[0075] The user enters his/her phone number in the phone field 824, so that the phone number is associated with the login account. A staff member of the parking system 100 can use the associated phone number to contact the user.

[0076] The street name field 825, the unit/house no. field 826, the suburb field 827, and the postcode field 828 enable the user to enter the residential address in which the user reside. [0077] The verification field 830 is a field used to verify that the user attempting to create a login account is not an automated computer system. An example verification system, as shown in Fig. 8, displays certain characters in an image 832. The user then must retype the characters in a verification entry field 834.

[0078] The security questions field 840 enable the user to set security questions and associated answers for the login account. The purpose for the security questions and answers is to establish that the user owns the login account, in the case that the user forgets/lost the required password to log into the login account.

[0079] The cancel button 850 enables the user to clear all fields (i.e., fields 810 to 840). The submit button 860 enables the user to submit the entered user details to the server 160. Upon receiving the provided details, the processor of the computer 180 relays the received user details to the server 160. In the example of Fig. 6, the user details may be received by the registration module 630, under execution of a processor of the server 160.

[0080] Upon receipt of the user details, the registration module 630 establishes whether there are available parking spaces 220 associated with the provided residential address (i.e., the address for the dwelling 220a). The registration module 630 is configured to then send data representing details of the available parking spaces 220 to the website module 620. In the present example, the data represents the parking space 220a.

[0081 ] The website module 620, under execution of a processor 1 105 of the server 160, downloads the details of the available parking spaces details to the computer 180 for display to the user. Otherwise (i.e., there are no available parking spaces), the registration module 630 generates a request to staff members of the parking system 100 to create one or more parking spaces 220 as requested by the user. The registration module 630 also sends data to the website module 620 to inform the user that a request to create one or more parking spaces 220 has been generated.

[0082] The method 700 then proceeds to step 730, where the processor of the computer 180 displays one or more pages of the parking website on a display of the computer 180 requesting user details of vehicles to be registered to the parking spaces 220. Fig. 8B shows a user interface 870 for entering the vehicle details. The user interface 870 provides a number of vehicle details summary section 871 with Registration field 872, Vehicle field 873, and Colour field 874. The Registration field 872 allows the user to enter the registration details of the vehicle (e.g., engine number, registration number, etc.). The Vehicle field 873 allows the user to enter the vehicle manufacturer detail (e.g., Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc.). The Colour field 874 allows the user to enter the colour of the vehicle to be registered (e.g., silver, black, white, etc.). Although four summary sections 871 are shown in the interface 870, more than four vehicles are allowed to be registered to a parking space 220. However, any number of vehicle (e.g., one vehicle) may be registered to a parking space 220. The user interface 870 also provides the cancel button 850 and the submit button 860 with the same functionality as described above.

[0083] Upon receiving the provided vehicle registration details, the processor of the computer 180 relays the received vehicle registration details to the registration module 630, which in turn stores the registration details in the database module 640 configured within the server 160. The registration details of the vehicles are stored in the module 640 together with identifier data (e.g., the identifier number) corresponding to the identifier 130a. Once the registration details have been stored in the database module 640 together with the associated identifier data, the vehicles may be referred to as being "registered" with the system 100. Upon registration of vehicles to a parking space 220, the lessee has to pay a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly rental amount.

[0084] The method 700 concludes following step 730.

[0085] Fig. 9 shows a flow diagram showing a method 900 of determining if a vehicle 230 has a valid registration for a particular parking space. The method 900 may be implemented as one or more software code modules of a software application program, resident on a hard disk drive (similar to the hard disk drive 1 1 10) of the computer 180 and being controlled in its execution by a processor of the computer 180. Again, the method 900 will be described by way of example with reference to the dwelling 210a and the parking space 220a.

[0086] The method 900 commences at step 910, where the identifier 130a is read. For example, the vehicle 240 may stop beside the parking space 220a to read the identifier 130a. In this instance, the computer 1 10 then controls the identifier reader 150 to read the identifier 130. The method 900 then proceeds to step 920. As described above, in one example, the identifier 130a is a barcode printed on a tag and the reader 150 is a barcode reader. In this instance, data corresponding to the read barcode (e.g., the identifier number represented by the barcode) is stored in a memory of the computer 180.

[0087] In step 920, the data corresponding to the read identifier 130a is transmitted to the server 160, via the communications network 120. Upon receipt of the data corresponding to the identifier 130a, the vehicle registration details corresponding to the identifier 130a are determined by the registration module 603 under execution of the processor of the server 160. The server 160 receives the data corresponding to the identifier 130 at step 920, via the communications module 610, and the registration module 630 processes the received data for the identifier 130a. The registration module 630 communicates with the database module 640 to determine vehicle registration details associated with the identifier 130. The registration details include the registration numbers of all vehicles registered for the parking space 220a. Upon receiving the registration details from the database module 640, the communications module 610 transmits the vehicle registration details to the computer 1 10, via the

communications network 120. The method 900 then proceeds to step 930.

[0088] In step 930, the vehicle reader 140, under the control of the computer 1 10, determines the details of the parked vehicle 230. As described above, in one arrangement, the vehicle reader 140 may be in the form of a camera. The camera may be a component of the computer 1 10 and is used at step 930 to capture an image of the number plate of the vehicle 230a. A character recognition algorithm may then be performed to determine the registration number of the vehicle 230a as shown on the number plate. Alternatively, an operator of the vehicle 240 manually enters the details of the parked vehicle 230a, including the registration of the vehicle 230a, into the computer 1 10. The method 900 then proceeds to step 940.

[0089] In step 940, the computer 1 10 compares the vehicle registration details corresponding to the identifier 130, as determined at step 920, with the details of the parked vehicle 230a including the registration number of vehicle. If the details match (YES), then the method 900 concludes. If the details do not match (NO), then the method 900 proceeds to step 950.

[0090] In step 950, the computer 1 10 generates a fine against the parked vehicle 230a. For example, the fine may be mailed to the registered address of the parked vehicle. Alternatively, the computer 1 10 may generate a notice that a fine is to be issued against the parked car 230a, and the fine may be issued against the parked car 230 at a later date. The method 900 concludes.

[0091 ] In an alternative arrangement, a lessee may perform the function of a parking officer. If an unauthorized vehicle is parked on the parking space 220, the lessee may take a picture of the unauthorized vehicle and send the picture to an administrative body managing the leasing of parking spaces 220. The administrative body may then initiate the issuing of a fine against the unauthorized vehicle for parking on the parking space 220. [0092] Fig. 10 shows an alternative arrangement of the parking system 100. In Fig. 10, the parking system 100 includes the computer 1 10, the vehicle reader 140, the communications network 120 and the server 160. In the arrangement of Fig. 10, the system 100 also includes a sensor 1030. The sensor 1030 and the vehicle reader 140 are located adjacent to a particular parking space 220.

[0093] In the arrangement of Fig. 10, the computer 1 10 is an embedded computer for controlling the operation of the parking sensor 1030 and the vehicle reader 140. The parking sensor 1030 is an electronic device for determining if vehicles 230 are parked in the parking spaces 220, whilst the vehicle reader 140 is an electronic device for determining details of any vehicles 230 detected as being parked in the parking spaces 220. The computer 1 10, the sensor 1030, and the vehicle reader 140 may be configured to monitor a number of the parking spaces 220.

[0094] In one arrangement, the sensor 1030 may be a camera configured for determining the presence of a vehicle (e.g., 230a) in a parking space (e.g., 220a). Alternatively, the parking sensor 130 may be a proximity sensor located at each parking space 220, where the proximity sensor is triggered upon a car 230 parking in a particular parking space (e.g., 220a).

[0095] The arrangement of Fig. 10 will now be further described by way of example with reference to the parking space 220a and the vehicle 230a, where the computer 1 10, the sensor 1030, and the vehicle reader 140 are configured to monitor the parking space 220a. In the arrangement of Fig. 10, when a vehicle, such as the vehicle 230a, is parked in the parking space 220a, the sensor 1030 detects the presence of the vehicle 230a and transmits a vehicle presence signal, via the network 120, to the computer 1 10. The car presence signal includes details of the car park space 220a, such as a character string (e.g., an identifier number) associated with the parking space 220a. The character string may be similar to the identifier numbers described above with reference to the arrangement of Fig. 1.

[0096] The computer 1 10, upon receiving such a vehicle presence signal, operates the vehicle reader 140 to capture details of the vehicle 230a in a similar manner to step 930 above. The computer 1 10 then sends the details of the vehicle 230a to the server 160, which in turn compares the registration details associated with the parking space 220a with the details of the vehicle 230 in a similar manner to step 940. If the server 160 determines that the details of the vehicle 230 do not match the registration details for the parking space 220a, then the server 160 generates a fine against the parked vehicle 230 in a similar manner to step 950. [0097] In an alternative arrangement to the arrangement of Fig. 10, the GPS location of the parking space 220a is stored in the server 160 together with registration details of the vehicles registered to the parking space 220a. In such an alternative arrangement, the computer 1 10 of Fig. 10, upon receiving the vehicle presence signal, transmits the details of the parking space 220a to the server 160, via the network 120. The server 160 then uses an GPS location of the vehicles registered to the parking space 220a to determine whether any of the registered vehicles are parked in the parking space 220a. The actual GPS location of the vehicles registered to the parking space 220a may be provided to the server 160, via the network 120, from a transponder mounted on or within each of the registered vehicles. In this instance, if the server 160 determines that the vehicle 230a currently parked in the parking space 230a is not a registered vehicle, then the server 1060 transmits a signal to the computer 1 10 to operate the vehicle reader 140 to capture the details of the vehicle 230a. The computer 1 10 then sends the details of the vehicle 230a to the server 160, so that the server 160 can generate a fine against the vehicle 230a in a similar manner to step 950.

[0098] The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0099] In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A parking method comprising:

storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space in a server computer;

reading an identifier fixed adjacent to the parking space to determine information associated with the parking space;

determining details of a vehicle parked in the parking space; and

comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the information associated with the identifier to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

2. The parking method of claim 1 , wherein the determined information comprises the details of vehicles registered to the parking space.

3. The parking method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the parking space is located in proximity to a dwelling.

4. The parking method of claim 3, wherein the vehicles registered to the parking space are associated with a resident of the dwelling.

5. The parking method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier is any one of: a barcode and a Quick Response code.

6. The parking method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier is stored on a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tag.

7. The parking method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the details of registered vehicles and the details of the parked vehicles are any one of: a registration number, an engine number, a vehicle manufacturer, and a vehicle colour.

8. A parking system comprising:

a server computer for storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space;

an identifier fixed adjacent to the parking space;

an identifier reader for reading the identifier to determine information associated with the parking space;

a vehicle reader for determining details of a vehicle parked in the park space; and a processor coupled to the identifier reader and the vehicle reader, for comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the information associated with the identifier to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

9. A parking method comprising:

storing details of vehicles registered to a parking space in a server computer;

determining if a vehicle is parked in the parking space using a sensor;

determining details of the parked vehicle upon determining by the sensor that a vehicle is parked in the parking space;

determining details of a vehicle parked in the parking space; and

comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the details stored in the server computer to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.

10. The parking method of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a camera or a proximity sensor.

1 1 . The parking method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the parking space is located in proximity to a dwelling.

12. The parking method of claim 1 1 , wherein the vehicles registered to the parking space are associated with a resident of the dwelling.

13. The parking method of any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein the details of registered vehicles and the details of the parked vehicles are any one of: a registration number, an engine number, a vehicle manufacturer, and a vehicle colour.

14. A parking system comprising:

a sensor for determining if a vehicle is parked in the parking space;

a vehicle reader for determining details of the vehicle parked in the parking space; and a processor in communication with the sensor, the vehicle reader, and the server, for determining details of the parked vehicle upon determining by the sensor that a vehicle is parked in the parking space and for comparing the details of the parked vehicle with the details stored in the server computer to determine if the parked vehicle is registered to the parking space.