WO2016148560A1

WO2016148560A1 - System and method for finding and locating available parking space within an area

Info

Publication number: WO2016148560A1
Application number: PCT/MY2016/050010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheng Hoong TAN, (eric)
Original assignee: Pixelbyte Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2015-03-19
Filing date: 2016-02-29
Publication date: 2016-09-22

Abstract

There is disclosed a system for finding and locating available a system for locating a parking space within a parking area; the system comprising: a mobile application module (10) configured to send a request for parking space, location and execute navigation data; a data acquisition module (15) configured for retrieving data based on the parking lot and storing said data; and a web server (30) being in communication with the mobile application module (10) and the data acquisition module (15). In one embodiment, the web server (30) is configured to process information received from the mobile application module (10) or the data acquisition module (15) and generating an output to be sent to the mobile application module (15). The output includes at least; an overall floor view of the parking area and an allocation of parking space and navigation data for directions to the allocated parking space. A method is also disclosed herein.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FINDING AND LOCATING AVAILABLE PARKING

SPACE WITHIN AN AREA FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to vehicle parking systems; and more particularly to locating and allocating at least one available parking spot within an area to a user.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The efficiency of numerous vehicle parking methodologies and systems lies verily in the following factors: the ability to physically enhance the parking area and its vicinity, managing the flow of vehicles within the parking area and the parking space locating process. At present, locating a parking spot or parking space availability are carried out manually; as in involving user driving aimlessly within an area to locate or find a suitable parking spot if not an available parking spot. Thereby the correctness of the results to be obtained is highly dependent on the competency of the user in finding the suitable spot or space. Perceptibly, solely depending on the ability of the user to find a parking spot or space can be time consuming, and in some cases can cause congestion and ultimately frustration.

[0003] Therefore, the efficiency in finding and locating an available parking spot can be considered as one of the various universal challenges experienced by vehicle users. One of conventional parking tools and systems commonly used nowadays to partially address the current setback in finding a parking spot is the installation of light indicators. In this system, at least one light indicator is installed within a car park; and at least one sensor to detect the presence of a vehicle within a predetermined parking space. The light indicator is adapted to emit at least one color; typically green; to indicate the availability of the parking spot and another color; typically red; to indicate that the parking space is taken. During this process, upon detection of a vehicle within the parking spot; the sensor sends a signal to emit a red light indication so as to notify users within the parking area on the unavailability of the parking spot. [0004] Albeit the attempt to alleviate and at least reduce the inconveniences in finding a parking space; the current system still requires the user to drive around within the parking area considering the limitations of human sight; the indicators can be unnoticeable thus the user may end up overlooking them.

[0005] Hence, considering the above-discussed glaring shortcomings of conventional available parking space or spot finder systems, it would be highly desirable to have a consistently reliable parking space finder system and method that can significantly reduce the time typically required by users in finding an available parking space; and accurately provide the locations of at least one available parking space or spot within an area.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, there is disclosed a system for locating at least one parking space within a parking area; the system comprising: a mobile application module configured to send a request for parking space, location and execute navigation data; a data acquisition module configured for retrieving data based on the parking area and storing said data; a web server being in communication with the mobile application module and the data acquisition module; the web server configured for receiving and retrieve data from any one of the module; retrieve information from an external information system and generating an output to be sent to the mobile application module; wherein the output generated by the web server includes at least one or a combination of the following; reserving and securing a parking space; an overall floor view of the parking area; an allocation of parking space and navigation data for directions to the allocated parking space; and wherein the request or inquiry from the mobile application module includes a user's location and parking space availability inquiry.

[0007] In one embodiment the output generated by the web server includes a notification on the reservation of a parking space.

[0008] In another embodiment, the output for the system further includes at least one or a combination of the following: revenue conciliation based on the number of vehicles within the parking area; analytical information based on the number of vehicles within the parking area; advertisement; whereby each output is characterised by the user's request.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, reserving the parking space includes providing a priority level based the request for reservation from each user; and displaying a form of notice to indicate that the parking space is reserved for the user.

[0010] In another embodiment, the system allocates a predetermined number of "priority spaces".

[0011] In another embodiment, the system allows remote management of the parking area. [0012] In yet a further embodiment, the mobile application module is installed on a mobile or handheld device.

[0013] In a further embodiment, reserving and securing a parking space includes providing a display to indicate the reservation of a parking space.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, retrieving information from an external application or system includes accessing and retrieving information from Facebook, or any social media applications and the likes. [0015] In a further embodiment, the system can be installed with an existing parking space light indicator system to provide information on parking space availability.

[0016] In another embodiment, the overall floor view of the parking lot includes a bird eye's view of the parking area.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the data acquisition module is installed in a custom server and the server is in communication with a local server for the parking area. [0018] In another aspect, there is provided a method for locating a parking space for a user; within a parking area comprising: sending an inquiry or a request for parking space availability; receiving the inquiry and retrieving information of the parking lot ; said inquiry includes a user's location; processing the inquiry and retrieving information on availability or non -availability of parking space within the parking lot and generating an output in the event that a parking space is available; sending an output that includes a parking space allocation and navigation data; navigating the user to the targeted parking space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The invention will be more understood by reference to the description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings herein:

[0020] FIG. 1 provides an exemplary architecture of the system for locating a parking space in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the operational flow of the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an example of the display(s) provided for the user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows an example of a process flow for one of the features provided by the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In line with the above summary, the following description of a number of specific and alternative embodiments is provided to understand the inventive features of the present invention. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however that this invention may be practiced without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described at length so as not to obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures. [0025] The present invention provides a system and method adapted for locating available parking space within an area; whereby the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention assists user to automatically find an available parking space and auto-assigns the parking space to the user within a parking lot; whereby the parking lot may be managed by an existing system. For purpose of clarity; the term " parking lot" used throughout the document generally refers to parking area adapted for parking vehicles, the parking lot may be provided underground; or within a building or in an open or cleared area. [0026] In one embodiment, the system and method of the present invention can be retrofitted into conventional or current systems thus providing an enhanced and improved mechanism. Information which are made available for a parking lot i.e. number of spots/spaces can be synchronized with the system via an application which will be elucidated herein.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 , there is provided an exemplary architecture of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system and method of the present invention is accordingly adapted to be executable on a mobile; portable or handheld device. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; the system enables an overall view of a parking area and intelligently assigns a parking space to the user. The system comprises a mobile application module 10 which can include a user interface, a data acquisition module 15 which can be installed in a server 20; a local server 25 for the parking lot; and a web server 30. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is installed in collaboration with an existing parking space sensor and light indicator system.

[0028] In one embodiment, the mobile application module 10 is generally configured to provide functions that are executable by a mobile or handheld device or a desktop device. The module 10 provides and update information associated to its location or location of the user to at least one of the servers; and is enabled for sending parking space inquiry to the web server 30. The mobile application module 10 is further configured to operate based on unique radio frequency data; particularly in determining and extracting its position relative to the parking area, whereby information including its position is sent to one of the data acquisition module 15 of the server for further processing. In addition, the mobile application module 10 receives information or data from any one of the servers or module; and represents said information or data in a suitable format for display or as executable format for the user of the mobile device. The mobile application module 10 is further configured to receive and execute navigation data provided by the web server 30; thus allows the user to be navigated to the assigned parking spot upon received the information; with the aid of the user interface.

[0029] The data acquisition module 15 is generally configured and enabled to extract data related to the parking area or parking building. Such data and information can be retrieved from a local server or database; whereby the information includes parking mapping, parking floor plan or overall view layout of the parking spaces within an area, and relevant information to be used in navigating and locating a user to the allocated parking space. The data acquisition module 15 is further adapted to be installed and thus operable in a server or in any computer readable device or medium. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; there is dedicated server; referred herein as the custom server 20 to which the data acquisition module 15 may be installed; whereby the dedicated server may be configured to process information or data acquired or received via the data acquisition module 15 and generate an output based on the processed information. The output is then sent to the web server 30; which then may be communicated to the mobile application module 10; whereby the information is represented into a format that is executable and readable by the mobile device.

[0030] The web server 30 plays a major role in providing information or instructions to be sent to the mobile application module 10 and then displayed to the user. It is further enabled to communicate with at least one modem 11 ; the modem may be connected to a plurality to routers 11 A, 11 B or server within the respective parking space so as to allow data access and transfer of data for the users of the system; and is in communication with the data acquisition module 15 to retrieve data on availability of parking space. Accordingly, it is configured to communicate with the mobile application module 10 and convey data or information to the mobile application module 10 so they may be displayed to the user. During this stage, any inquiry; particularly a parking space inquiry; or any information received from the mobile application module 10 is further processed; whereby the an output generated may include information of at least one available parking space or most suitable parking space for the user; at which the data acquisition module 15 is configured to automatically assign the located and available parking space to the user. Such information is sent to the mobile application module 10; which will be displayed to the user. All retrieved and received information from any component of the system is processed and may be represented into a suitable format before sending to the user or mobile application module 10. The web server 30 therefore is an access point; storage and is further configured to broadcast information associated to the parking area to users. [0031] Still referring to FIG. 1 , the custom server 20 being installed with data acquisition module 15 is interconnected with the parking area or car park system; a local server 25 associated to the car park system; and at least one router, which may be installed within the parking area or car park. The data acquisition module 15 is further connected to the web server 30 in a manner such that there is a two-way communication is able to retrieve information and receive information from the web server 30. In one embodiment, the web server 30 can be enabled to obtain or access information and data from the parking area computer network and distribute the same to the mobile application module 10 whenever required. [0032] A system incorporating the process of the present invention will now be described with reference to the flowchart generalizing the entire operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention shown as FIG.2. In one embodiment, the system is incorporated to operate in collaboration with an existing parking availability visual indicator system. The following operational flow is based on such collaboration. It should be noted that the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to operate independently as a parking locator system.

[0033] The process is initiated at 200; during which the user via the mobile application module 10 sends a request and his/her location to the system of the present invention for available parking space upon entering a car park or parking area. In one embodiment, the web server 30 may ask for the user's specific location within the car park or parking area. At 201 , the web server 30 proceeds to process the information. During this process also, the data acquisition module 15 and the web server 30 may retrieve relevant data from external or local databases or via a network at 201A. The output sent to the mobile application module 10 includes an overall floor view of the parking area in bird's eye view to depict any available parking spot or space adjacent to the location of the user. Next at 202, in the event that there is a parking space or spot within the vicinity or nearest to the requesting user; the system; particularly the web server 30 generates an output that automatically assigns the available parking space to the user at 203. The output, which also includes the assigned or allocated parking space, may be represented as a display and navigation is enabled on the user's mobile device thus made viewable for the user. The user can then be navigated to the targeted parking space with the aid of the mobile application module 10 at 204. The system is updated on the current status of any parking space upon completed all tasks at 205. If there is no available parking space for the user at 5 201A; the system sends a notification to the user to indicate the same and the overall steps can be repeated until a parking space is allocated at 202A. In any event during the process of assigning a parking space to the user that the assigned parking space becomes unavailable or taken in the interim; the system automatically sends a notification to the user on the status of the assigned parking space. Another parking0 space can be allocated to the user subject to availability. With the system of the present invention, the user is accordingly and continuously updated on the availability of the parking space thus allowing the user to be pre-notified in bird's eye view on the availability of the parking space without the need to wander aimlessly within the parking area.

5

[0034] An example of the display, which may be displayed on the mobile device of the user, is shown in FIG. 3. The display may include parking overview; i.e. floor plan of the parking lot, details of each parking space, and location of each parking space.0 The first display may provide an overall view and number of parking spaces available out of the total parking spaces provided within the area 110; a second display may include a bird's eye view of the parking lot 120; a third display may include the intelligent allocation overview 130; and another display may include an overview of the allocation 140 provided to the user; wherein the allocation information is stored within5 the system for the user's reference.

Park and Forget

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the system further provides0 the ability to memorize the location of the parking space allocated for the user. Such feature thereby addresses another issue commonly faced by users; related to vehicle parking in terms of alleviating the difficulties in remembering the location of the vehicle of where it is parked. Conveniently, with the system of the present invention; upon allocated the parking space and parked the vehicle; the user can be comforted by the5 fact that the location of the vehicle is saved within the user's mobile storage. In another embodiment, such information can be stored within system; i.e. by the data acquisition module 15 thus can be retrieved whenever requested by the mobile application module 10. As the information is readily stored within the same mobile used to reserve or book a parking space, the user can view the information at any time and anywhere. In the event that user used a different phone to reserve or book a parking space; the same information can be retrieved from the server of the system.

Secure and Park

[0036] In addition to allowing a user to view the available parking spaces from or at any location he/she desires; the system enables the user to immediately secure any available parking space for his/her convenient upon arrival at the parking location. Accordingly, with such feature the user do not have to worry about parking spaces being taken once he/she has reached the location. An example of a process for securing a parking space in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 4, the process starts at 401 , during which the user sends a request for a parking space to be reserved or secured on his/her behalf thus initiates the secure and park feature of the system. From there the user selects the respective mall or location provided and selects at least one location at 402. In the next window of the feature the user can select "book car park" at 403; and then enters the expected time of arrival at 404. The user may select the priority level with respect to the booking or securing the parking; which may include payment of a predetermined amount of fee based on the priority level selected; at 405. During this process; options for payment may be provided for the user. At 406, the user proceeds to make payment based on the predetermined fee provided and a notification in response to the booking and payment is then generated at 407. Upon arrival, the user is navigated to his/her secured parking space at 408.

[0038] In effect, with respect to the "secure and park" feature, the system is able to gather information in relation to the availability of the parking spaces within a building/premise; whereby such information may be retrieved from database of the premise; or sent to the system to be archived for future use. In premises or buildings installed with the system of the present invention; each space may be provided with customizable displays that is configured to predict a turnover rate. In one embodiment, the turnover rate may be calculated based on the historical data of each space. In one example, the turnover rate may refer to the % of spaces that may have become available at any given time; i.e. turnover at 2 p.m. for a given area is 10% in the event that there is a total of 100 spaces in the particular area; which indicates that at least 10 spaces are expected to be available or become available at 2 p.m.

[0039] Further for the "secure and park" feature, the system is able to monitor the parking area, thus identify available parking spaces. In the event that a parking space becomes available, and that a user has sent a request to secure or book a parking space, the system automatically reserves the parking space for the user. The reservation may include providing a display or sign to indicate the parking space is "RESERVED" for the particular user. Upon arrival of the user, the system is enabled to detect the arrival of the user based on the nearest parking area that the user has entered and navigate the user to his/her reserved parking space.

[0040] In one embodiment, the system may allocate a predetermined number of parking spaces as "priority spaces". Each of the priority spaces may be provided with a predetermined cost so as to guarantee a spot. Users that have paid or requested for priority spaces will be guaranteed a parking space. A user that has requested for a priority space in the event that all the allocated priority spaces has been taken up, she/he will be included in a waitlist. [0041] With the turnover prediction feature, the system is able to predict the turnover rate, and thus predict how many spaces that may become available at any given time. As an example, in the event that the historical turnover at 2 p.m. is 10 spaces, the system is alerted that the available spaces to be sold or tendered to users are 10 spaces.

Analytics

[0042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system is able to retrieve information from external information systems or entities in relation to users which are subscribed to the system of the present invention; whereby such information may include, but not limiting to; basic demographic information provided on a social media application; such as Facebook or the likes and information on their time spent in car parks of which the present system is installed. Information that can derived may further include; the demographic mix of customers on weekdays; the time spent or duration of the shopper/user spends in the premise, and the overall or average turnover rate can be provided whenever required based on the retrieved information. The information provided or retrieved can be used to broadcast information in the form of advertisements; notices; promotions and the likes; whereby these notices or advertisements can be specific or personalized to fit the characteristics of the user. [0043] With the analytics capability of the present invention, the operator of the parking area will be able to match the number of tickets issued to that of the parking spaces taken, thus identify any form of discrepancies that may have occurred with respect to the overall number of tickets issued. In the event of a mismatch, there may be unauthorised issuances or releases of parking spaces. Another feature provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is the ability to project the number of parking areas locally within a country or a state; whereby such information can be used to structure the parking fees so as to fit the current demand.

[0044] Further in one embodiment, the present system allows remote management, thus eliminating the necessity to hire onsite personnel, which then translates to a reduced total cost.

[0045] As briefly discussed in the preceding paragraphs, there can be more than combination of one or more features not mentioned herein which is deem suitable and embodied as part of the present invention. Suitably, the examples of available features described above are non-exhaustive.

[0046] In one embodiment, the system and method of the present invention can be retrofitted or operate in collaboration with an existing parking availability indicator system; whereby in this collaboration, the existing system serves to indicate the nonavailability or availability by emitting RED or GREEN light respectively. Based on the indication lights emitted the system and method of the present invention generates an output to the mobile application module 10, which includes navigational files or navigation data to direct the user to the allocated parking space if available. In this collaboration; upon received the parking availability inquiry or request from the mobile application module 10, the data acquisition module 15 retrieves availability information from the light indicator system and generates an output on the parking availability to be sent to the mobile application module 10. [0047] As would be apparent to a person having ordinary skilled in the art, the afore- described methods and components may be provided in many variations, modifications or alternatives to existing systems. The principles and concepts disclosed herein may also be implemented in various manner which may not have been specifically described herein but which are to be understood as encompassed within the scope and letter of the following claims.

Claims

A system for locating at least one parking space within a parking area; the system comprising: a mobile application module (10) configured to send a request for parking space, location and execute navigation data; a data acquisition module (15) configured for retrieving data based on the parking area and storing said data; a web server (30) being in communication with the mobile application module (10) and the data acquisition module (15); the web server (30) configured for receiving and retrieve data from any one of the modules (10, 15); retrieve information from an external information system and generating an output to be sent to the mobile application module (15); wherein the output generated by the web server (30) includes at least one or a combination of the following; reserving and securing a parking space; an overall floor view of the parking area; an allocation of parking space and navigation data for directions to the allocated parking space; wherein the request or inquiry from the mobile application module includes a user's location and parking space availability inquiry.

2. The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 ; wherein the output generated by the web server (30) includes a notification on the reservation of a parking space.

3. The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein retrieving data based on the parking area includes retrieving data from the local database of the parking area. The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 ; wherein the output for the system further includes at least one or a combination of the following: revenue conciliation based on the number of vehicles within the parking area; analytical information based on the number of vehicles within the parking area; advertisement; whereby each output is characterised by the user's request.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 ; wherein reserving the parking space includes providing a priority level based the request for reservation from each user; and displaying a form of notice to indicate that the parking space is reserved for the user.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 5; wherein the system allocates a predetermined number of "priority spaces".

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 ; wherein the system allows remote management of the parking area.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein reserving and securing a parking space includes providing a display to indicate the reservation of a parking space.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein retrieving information from an external application or system includes accessing and retrieving information from Facebook, or any social media applications and the likes.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 ; wherein the system can be installed with an existing parking space light indicator system to provide information on parking space availability.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the overall floor view of the parking lot includes a bird eye's view of the parking area.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the data acquisition module (15) is installed in a custom server (20) and the server (20) is in communication with a local server (25) for the parking lot; and the mobile application module (10) can be installed in a handheld or a desktop device.

The system for locating a parking space as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the web server (30) and the mobile application module (10); is further configured to store parking space information based on each user, whereby the user can retrieve the parking space information from the web server (30) whenever required.

A method for locating a parking space for a user; within a parking area comprising: sending an inquiry or a request including a location of the user; the request for parking space availability (200);

processing the inquiry and retrieving information on availability or non -availability of parking space within the parking lot (201);

generating an output (202, 202A);

in the event that a parking space is available (202); sending an output that includes a parking space allocation and navigation data (203); navigating the user to the targeted parking space (204).