DE102012222810A1 - Parking space registration system for registration of e.g. parking lane in roadside for passenger car, has control unit cooperating with interface for determination of availability data based on spatial coordinates transferred to system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (PRS) has a processing unit (PRU) processing detection, which is delivered by a sensory detecting unit, of an environment of a vehicle such that unmanaged parking spaces together with an occupancy state are identified, and deposited as parking space availability data with spatial coordinates of the parking spaces. A communication interface (IF2) is provided for bidirectional exchange of the data with a parking space management system. A control unit (OPU) cooperates with the interface for determination of the availability data based on the coordinates transferred to the system. The spatial coordinate is a target location. The sensory detecting unit is an image detecting unit. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a parking space management system (2) a method for registration of a parking space (3) a computer program product comprising instructions for performing a method for registration of a parking space.

Description

The invention relates to a parking space registration and management system for registering a parking space and an associated method.

A high number of vehicles of private transport, especially passenger cars, the parking space management, especially in the urban area of great importance.

In currently known parking management systems, various sensors are used to register and count vehicles involved. Typically, when entering the parking management system, the vehicles are detected by vehicle detectors, e.g. Induction sensors or ultrasonic sensors, registered. Such a vehicle registration provides an overview of a respective occupancy of available parking space. The occupancy can also be determined and displayed on the individual parking space itself. Within a demarcated parking space management system, for example in a parking garage, a precise registration of the respective document status in delimited parking areas is ensured by a vehicle registration. A detailed and accurate routing of drivers who enter the parking management system is thereby possible.

The parking space registration measures described above are, however, only applicable in demarcated parking management systems. On the other hand, undisturbed parking space will be considered below. Unparked parking spaces are in particular parking bays, parking strips or parking havens on public property, for example along roads.

From the submitted by the applicant DE 10 2006 016 050 A1 is system for managing a parking space with paid parking for vehicles, in particular a parking zone or on a public road, comprising a parking spaces associated with the parking lots for paying a parking fee for a parking space, known. At each parking space at least one vehicle detector is arranged, which is designed to determine the occupancy state of the parking space. Furthermore, communication means for wireless data transmission between each of a vehicle detector and the parking meter are provided, by means of which the occupancy status representing data can be transmitted.

The proposed system does not prove to be advantageous for any parking spaces, especially if the installation effort for the vehicle detectors does not appear to make economic sense. Furthermore, the proposed management system on a spatially limited scope, which appears unsuitable for many applications. Another disadvantage is the natural limitation of the proposed management system on paid parking space. A general registration of both paid and free parking space is not economically justified by the installation effort on vehicle detectors.

The object of the invention is to provide means which make parking space registration more flexible with respect to the state of the art.

This object is achieved by a parking space registration system with the means of claim 1, by a parking space management system with the means of claim 3, by a method for registering parking space with the means of claim 6, as well as by running on a parking space registration computer program product with the features of Patent claim 7 solved.

The parking space registration system according to the invention is associated with a vehicle and comprises an interface to at least one sensory detection unit of the vehicle and a processing unit for processing at least one detection of an environment of the vehicle provided by the sensory detection unit in such a way that unattended parking space is identified together with an occupancy state and with spatial coordinates of the parking space is deposited as a parking space availability date. Furthermore, a communication interface for the bidirectional exchange of parking space availability data with a parking space management system as well as a control unit cooperating with the communication interface for determining at least one parking space availability data on the basis of transferred to the parking space management system spatial coordinates.

The parking space registration system according to the invention makes it possible to determine available parking space in an environment of the vehicle in real time. The solution according to the invention takes into account a common parking space situation in public spaces in that parking spaces in the form of parking spaces are available at the roadside.

An assignment of the parking space registration system to a vehicle is to be understood in a broad sense insofar as the parking space registration system according to the invention has interfaces which enable bidirectional data exchange with resources and / or interfaces of the vehicle. The parking space registration system according to the invention does not necessarily have to be permanently installed in the vehicle for this purpose. In other words, it can also be designed as a mobile unit, for example.

The core idea of the invention is to enable a cooperative registration, that is to say with the participation of several participants, of unoccupied parking spaces and to transmit these to a parking space management system. The cooperative registration in return also allows a query of a location-specific availability of parking space with the participation of the parking management system.

Based on spatial coordinates given to the parking management system, e.g. the destination or the current location are provided by the parking space availability data, which enables guidance of the driver by an in-vehicle navigation system to an unoccupied parking space.

According to one development of the parking space registration system according to the invention, it is provided that a parking space and its occupancy state are determined via an image acquisition unit. About an image processing unit unused parking space is detected at the roadside. A parking space availability date determined by a processing unit is then communicated to a parking management system in the manner described.

The parking space management system according to the invention comprises at least one communication interface for the bidirectional exchange of parking space availability data with a plurality of parking space registration systems and a database for the management of the parking space availability data.

• – Erfassung einer Umgebung eines Fahrzeugs mit einer sensorischen Erfassungseinheit des Fahrzeugs,
• – Verarbeitung mindestens der von der sensorischen Erfassungseinheit gelieferten Erfassung der Umgebung dahingehend, dass unverwalteter Parkraum zusammen mit einem Belegungszustand identifiziert werden und mit räumlichen Koordinaten des Parkraums als Parkraumverfügbarkeitsdatum hinterlegt wird;
• – Austausch von Parkraumverfügbarkeitsdaten mit einem Parkraumbewirtschaftungssystem;
• – Ermittlung mindestens eines Parkraumverfügbarkeitsdatums anhand von an das Parkraumbewirtschaftungssystem übergebenen räumlichen Koordinaten.

The method according to the invention for registering parking space comprises the following steps:

• Detecting an environment of a vehicle with a sensory detection unit of the vehicle,
• Processing at least the detection of the environment provided by the sensory detection unit such that unmonitored parking space is identified together with an occupancy state and stored with spatial coordinates of the parking space as the parking space availability date;
• - exchange of parking space availability data with a parking management system;
• Determination of at least one parking space availability date based on spatial coordinates transmitted to the parking space management system.

Further embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An embodiment with further advantages and embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

Showing:

1 : a structural diagram for a schematic representation of a parking space registration system according to the invention; and;

2 : A structural diagram for the schematic representation of a vehicle with image acquisition units in a conventional urban traffic environment.

In 1 schematically functional units of the parking space registration system according to the invention PRS are shown.

Via an interface IF1 of the parking space registration system PRS, the parking space registration system PRS is communicated with at least one - not shown - sensory detection unit of a vehicle (not shown) to which the parking space registration system PRS is assigned. Via the interface IF1 a bidirectional data exchange with resources and / or interfaces of the vehicle, thus in particular the sensory detection unit, is made possible. The parking space registration system PRS according to the invention does not necessarily have to be permanently installed in the vehicle for this purpose. In other words, it can also be designed as a mobile unit, for example.

The parking space registration system PRS furthermore has a processing unit PRU for processing at least one detection of an environment of the vehicle provided by the sensory acquisition unit. Image processing algorithms are used in the processing unit PRU, for example, in order to extract information about a parking space from the detection of an environment of the vehicle supplied by the sensory detection unit. By the processing unit PRU unattended parking space together with a Occupancy status identified and stored with spatial coordinates of the parking space as a parking space availability date. In this way, in conjunction with a usually existing in the vehicle position detection unit, such as a GPS unit (Global Positioning System) arranged in the vehicle navigation system, the spatially coordinates of the parking space characterized location, optionally also the location of the parking space, ie left or street side , as well as the width of an unused parking space and a time of detection are determined and stored in a corresponding parking space availability date.

Furthermore, a communication interface IF2 is provided for the bidirectional exchange of parking space availability data with a parking space management system (not shown). For the exchange of parking space availability data with the parking management system known wireless communication standards are used, in particular IP-based cellular communication protocols such as GPRS, UMTS, HSDPA or LTE. Furthermore, in principle there is also the possibility of alternative wireless communication standards, for example WLAN, 802.15.x or others.

A cooperating with the communication interface IF2 control unit OPU makes it possible to transmit a spatial coordinates request via the communication interface IF2 to the parking space registration system. The transmitted spatial coordinates characterize, for example, a destination or the current location of the vehicle. The parking space registration system transmits to this request at least one parking space availability date and allows, for example, with the involvement of a navigation system for guidance of the driver, finding a free parking space. The cooperative detection of parking space thus also allows a query of a location-specific availability of parking space with the participation of the parking management system.

2 shows a structure diagram for schematically illustrating a vehicle with image acquisition units in a conventional urban traffic environment. According to a in 2 shown embodiment, sensors, for example, image acquisition units, alternatively also laser, radar or ultrasonic sensors, laterally provided on a vehicle.

In the vehicle - not shown - sensory detection unit is provided, which receives data supplied by the image acquisition units and via a vehicle interface other - not shown - vehicle control units available.

In a driving operation of the vehicle, the lateral image acquisition units detect at least one roadside in order to detect, measure and locate parking spaces. The lateral image capture units are preferably video cameras.

An orientation of the roadside image acquisition units is orthogonal to the direction of travel and orthogonal to the roadside. Preferably, the left and right roadside are covered with two separate image capture units.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), only an image capture unit is provided on the vehicle which detects the space ahead. This refinement makes it possible to use an image acquisition unit, which may be provided anyway for other purposes in a vehicle, which in this way can also be used for the method according to the invention. This embodiment allows the same functionality, but with changed requirements for image processing.

A parking space is detected, for example, as a video stream, and with the aid of video or image processing methods applied thereto, parking spaces and their occupancy status are detected in order to generate a parking space availability date, taking into account further data.

An operation of the parking management system will be explained below without referring to the drawings.

With the operation of a plurality of parking space registration systems PRS a data record is managed in the parking management system, which reflects an availability of parking space in a detection area. From this data set it can be determined at which locations unused parking space is available. By continuously updating the data records with the aid of the parking space availability data supplied according to the invention, this data record can be kept constantly up to date.

According to one embodiment of the invention, on a statistical basis, a forecast for an availability probability of a parking space currently classified as available as a function of a demand for parking spaces, traffic density, time of day, etc., can be created. For example, it is predicted for a free parking space that it will remain free for an average of six minutes in the rush hour traffic during the holiday season.

This measure proves to be particularly advantageous because a number of Parking space registration system by nature, due to a limited number of participants can not allow continuous and seamless monitoring of all possible parking spaces.

This forecast can still be used to indicate a probability of the availability of a parking space between the receipt of two parking space availability data. In addition, the prediction at query time can provide a probability value indicating the likelihood of whether parking space is still available when the vehicle reaches the parking space.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the parking management system returns extended parking space availability data to a requesting parking space registration system or to another requesting display system.

The parking space availability data are advantageously represented graphically. For example, an overview of available parking spaces in a geographical map. Available parking spaces may be individually marked with appropriate pictograms, or their location-specific frequency may be presented as a "heatmap" for individual regions.

In order to determine at least one parking space availability date on the basis of spatial coordinates transferred to the parking space management system, a request is made for available parking spaces for a destination to be approached or for the current location. The result of this request can be displayed as above via a map or in list form in connection with a distance indication. In addition, a probability is indicated that a parking space is still available when the vehicle reaches the parking space.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a reservation of a request for free parking spaces is realized as soon as a vehicle comes near a certain location. For example, a driver wants to drive to a remote destination. Since the travel time can be correspondingly long, it would not make sense to select a free parking space already at the start of the journey, when the destination address is entered into the navigation system, since it is to be expected that this will no longer be available on arrival. Instead, it is noted in the parking space registration system PRS that an available parking space in the vicinity of the destination is only searched by request as soon as the driver comes close to the destination. For this purpose, the request is sent to the parking space management system only when an adjustable remaining travel time or remaining distance has been reached or, alternatively, transmitted as a push message from the parking space management system to the parking space registration system PRS. This information can then be displayed graphically or automatically or semi-automatically, so with user interaction, be directed to the navigation system, so that the driver can be routed directly to the parking space.

• – eine geforderte Mindestparklückenbreite;
• – eine geforderte Mindestwahrscheinlichkeit, dass eine Parklücke noch frei ist;
• – eine Maximalentfernung des Parkraums zum eigentlichen Zielort;
• – eine Bereitschaft des Fahrers, auch gebührenpflichtige Parkräume zu nutzen;
• – eine Vorgabe einer Aufenthaltsdauer für zeitbeschränkte Parkräume;
• – ein Vorhandensein von Behinderten- oder Anwohnerparkausweise für spezielle Parkzonen;
• – eine Vermeidung gewisser Stadtgebiete aufgrund von Sicherheitserwägungen;
• – eine Vermeidung von Parkraum, bei dem eine erhöhte Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Beschädigung eines Autos besteht, also bspw. in der Nähe von Einfahrten, Schulen, Stadien, engen Straßen etc.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a request profile of the user or driver can be taken into account in a request for available parking space. Examples of such a requirement profile include criteria such as:

• - a required minimum parking space width;
• - a required minimum probability that a parking space is still free;
• A maximum distance of the parking space to the actual destination;
• - a readiness of the driver to also use paid parking spaces;
• - a specification of a length of stay for time-limited parking spaces;
• - the presence of disabled or resident parking permits for special parking areas;
• - avoidance of certain urban areas due to safety considerations;
• Avoidance of parking space where there is an increased likelihood of damage to a car, eg near driveways, schools, stadiums, narrow streets, etc.

An assignment of the requirement profile to a request is to be understood broadly within the meaning of the invention. The requirement profile can for example be predefined. Due to the assignment, the request message is to be defined by the driver without further settings or queries. Alternatively, however, a definition of the requirement profile with a request is feasible.

Also, the destination of the driver as part of the requirement profile can be taken from a route planning system, so that a search for a parking space in this environment can be automatically arranged without the driver having to make an input of the destination for this purpose.

The parking space preferences mentioned include, for example, requirements for the type of parking space. For example, the driver may prefer a parking lot with large dimensions or a parking lot with stronger lighting. Furthermore, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, so that a parking space with charging station is preferred.

In the method according to the invention, a weighted requirement profile is provided, in which individual preferences of the driver can be assigned a specific weight. Thus, by assigning weights in the requirement profile be provided that in the parking space search is a preference of a covered parking space against a ebenerdingen access to the parking space hinan. The requirement profile may also specify that the driver is willing to accept a longer, adjustable footpath to the destination in favor of a lower parking fee. Furthermore, it can be defined as an indispensable prerequisite that the parking space to be reserved must be suitable for the disabled.

The invention describes a flexible method for parking space registration, in which a detection of parking space is achieved cooperatively by means of vehicles moving in traffic, which have a sensory acquisition unit, preferably an image acquisition system.

An application of the invention allows a reduction in travel distances to be reduced, since a targeted unused parking space can be approached. Advantageously, the invention contributes to the reduction of energy consumption and environmental emissions in the search for a suitable parking space. The urban traffic load is reduced in an advantageous manner.

The cooperative principle of the invention uses a principle which in the literature is called "crowdsourcing". By cooperating with several participants, this creates a prerequisite for mutual benefit. In order for this to work, in addition to technical requirements, an incentive system is also advantageous, e.g. financial incentives for using the parking space registration system PRS or also for facilitating the transmission of parking space availability data by the parking management system.

It can be assumed that future vehicles will have increased equipment for sensors and on-board units, which are also suitable for other applications, e.g. Traffic density measurement, preservation of evidence, etc. are needed. The provisions of the invention can be integrated into this existing infrastructure or exchange data with them via conventional interfaces.

The presented invention is expressly not a reservation system, as it is deliberately limited to the availability of unmanaged parking space, so parking spaces or parking bags in public parking space.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006016050 A1 [0005]

Claims (7)

 A parking space registration system associated with a vehicle, comprising: An interface to at least one sensory detection unit of the vehicle; A processing unit (PRU) for processing at least one detection of an environment of the vehicle provided by the sensory detection unit such that unattended parking space is identified together with an occupancy state and stored with spatial coordinates of the parking space as the parking space availability date; A communication interface (IF2) for bidirectionally exchanging parking space availability data with a parking management system; and; - A cooperating with the communication interface (IF2) control unit (OPU) for determining at least one parking space availability date based on transferred to the parking management system spatial coordinates. Parking space registration system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensory detection unit is designed as an image detection unit. A parking space management system, comprising at least one communication interface (IF2) for bidirectionally exchanging parking space availability data with a plurality of parking space registration systems according to claim 1 and a database for managing the parking space availability data. A parking management system according to claim 3, comprising a management unit for managing requirement profiles.  Parking management system according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 4, comprising a forecasting unit for predicting an availability probability for a parking space characterized by a parking space availability date. Method for registering parking space, comprising the following steps: - Detecting an environment of a vehicle with a sensory detection unit of the vehicle; Processing at least the detection of the environment provided by the sensory detection unit such that unmonitored parking space is identified together with an occupancy state and stored with spatial coordinates of the parking space as the parking space availability date; - exchange of parking space availability data with a parking management system; and; Determination of at least one parking space availability date based on spatial coordinates transmitted to the parking space management system. A computer program product comprising means for performing the method of claim 6 when the computer program product is executed on a parking space registration system.

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