Parking system with automatic announcements to a vehicle driver

Abstract

 A parking fee system having a computer (2) with a processor (1) connected to memory (5, 7, 9, 11) having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle (29);
• parking location information of the vehicle (29);

the processor calculating from the parking information and the parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of the vehicle (29) in accordance with predefined calculation rules, monitoring time passed by since the starting time and monitoring whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, automatically preparing and sending a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device (31) informing the driver of the event.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking fee system comprising a computer arrangement provided with a processor connected to memory having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle;
• parking location information of said vehicle;

the processor being arranged to calculate from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle in accordance with predefined calculation rules.

Prior art

[0002] Prior art teaches parking fee systems in which information is stored on payments which are made for vehicles at the time parking takes place. At the time parking commences, the vehicle driver contacts the parking fee system by means of a cellular telephone or alternative means of communication to trigger a parking payment to take place. The parking payment is stored in a central location, where for enforcement purposes, it can be accessed remotely in real-time.

[0003] The main disadvantage of the above system is that the vehicle driver must keep aware of potential events relating to parking of his own accord. This can cause considerable problems for drivers who, for example, are fully willing to full their parking payment obligations, but simply do not remember to do so at the appropriate time.

[0004] Another disadvantage of the above system is that the vehicle driver communicates information to the system and the system in turn responds to the communication. However, the system does not initiate communication with the driver, based on current or future information.

Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to solve the aforementioned problems and provide a system which has the capability to make decisions based on information, available within the parking fee system or from external sources. This object is achieved by a system as defined at the outset, wherein said processor is arranged to monitor time passed by since the starting time and to monitor whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, to automatically prepare and send a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device informing said driver of said event.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea that the messages automatically generated by the system can be of great benefit to the motorist.

[0007] Embodiments of the system are defined in depending apparatus claims.

[0008] The invention also relates to a method of operation of a parking fee system, the system comprising a computer arrangement provided with a processor connected to memory having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle;
• parking location information of said vehicle;

the method comprising the step of calculating from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle in accordance with predefined calculation rules,
wherein said method also comprises the steps of monitoring time passed by since the starting time and monitoring whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, automatically preparing and sending a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device informing said driver of said event.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method of operating a parking fee system, the system comprising a computer arrangement provided with a processor connected to memory having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle;
• parking location information of said vehicle;

the processor being arranged to calculate from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle in accordance with predefined calculation rules,
wherein said processor is arranged to monitor time passed by since the starting time and to monitor whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, to automatically prepare and send a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device informing him of said event, the method comprising the step of receiving said warning message by means of the mobile telephone.

Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The invention will be illustrated with reference to some drawings which are only intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit its scope as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a general overview of some components used in the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 shows a more detailed overview of a computer arrangement used in a payment centre.

Description of the preferred embodiment

[0013] The present invention relates to the field of parking by using some kind of telecommunication device. In figure 1, such a device is shown to be a mobile telephone 31. However, as the case may be, any other kind of communication device may be used. E.g., it is sometimes possible to use a fixed telephone to provide necessary instructions.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a car 29 that a driver wishes to park on a desired location for which he has to pay a certain amount of money or for which he needs a parking permit.

[0015] Figure 1 also shows a telecommunication mast 35 provided with suitable antenna means to communicate with the mobile telephone 31 and a control unit 33 to be operated by a parking attendant. Through the mast 35 or via other suitable means the mobile telephone 31 and the control unit 33 can communicate with a computer arrangement 2 of a parking provider, that is connected to a telecommunication network like the Public Switched Telecommunication Network (PSTN) 27. The mobile telephone 31 and the control unit 33 may use a GSM or other similar network. Some communications may be routed through a satellite 37 if required.

[0016] Parking may be done on a location provided with a parking sign 39 with a parking zone number 41 expressly shown to the public.

[0017] The control unit 33 may be arranged such that the attendant when checking whether or a parked vehicle 29 has a permit or has been paid for parking by inputting the number plate value in his control unit 33, for instance, by means of suitable input keys. However, the control unit may, alternatively, be provided with automatic reading means for reading the number plate and then transmitting the number plate value to the computer 2. Instead of using the number plate use may be made of a number or other identification that is linked to the vehicle concerned and that is shown on a separate plate or sheet of paper, or the like, behind one of the car windows and that can be automatically read by the control unit 33. To that end, a bar code or other code can be used. However, such a number may also be in a form legible for the attendant. All this is prior art and not essential to the present invention.

[0018] In figure 2, an overview is given of a computer arrangement that can be used to implement the computer 2. The arrangement comprises a processor 1 for carrying out arithmetic operations.

[0019] The processor 1 is connected to a plurality of memory components, including a hard disk 5, Read Only Memory (ROM) 7, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) 9, and Random Access Memory (RAM) 11. Not all of these memory types need necessarily be provided. Moreover, these memory components need not be located physically close to the processor 1 but may be located remote from the processor 1.

[0020] The processor 1 is also connected to means for inputting instructions, data etc. by a user, like a keyboard 13, and a mouse 15. Other input means, such as a touch screen, a track ball and/or a voice converter, known to persons skilled in the art may be provided too.

[0021] A reading unit 17 connected to the processor 1 is provided. The reading unit 17 is arranged to read data from and possibly write data on a data carrier like a floppy disk 19 or a CDROM 21. Other data carriers may be tapes, DVD, etc,. as is known to persons skilled in the art.

[0022] The processor 1 is also connected to a printer 23 for printing output data on paper, as well as to a display 3, for instance, a monitor or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen, or any other type of display known to persons skilled in the art.

[0023] The processor 1 may be connected to a communication network 27, for instance, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), etc. by means of I/O means 25. Connection to network 27 may be physical or wireless. The processor 1 may be arranged to communicate with other communication arrangements through the network 27.

[0024] The processor 1 may be implemented as stand alone system, or as a plurality of parallel operating processors each arranged to carry out subtasks of a larger computer program, or as one or more main processors with several subprocessors. Parts of the functionality of the invention may even be carried out by remote processors communicating with processor 1 through the network 27.

[0025] Now, a brief description of the functionality of the system shown in figures 1 and 2 is given.

[0026] A driver desiring to park his vehicle in a location where he has to pay calls the computer 2 by means of his mobile telephone 31. This call may be set up in any known way. The mobile telephone may e.g. have the telephone number of the computer 2 pre-stored in his memory (not shown). In one embodiment, he enters his own telephone number, the vehicle number (e.g. the number plate or a number shown on a separate plate behind a car window) and a parking zone number.

[0027] However, alternatively, the driver only enters the parking zone number. Then, the computer 2 is arranged to identify the calling driver automatically, e.g., by a Calling Line Identification method. The registration number of the vehicle is then already linked to the telephone number of the calling driver in the memory of the computer 2. Such an automatic system has the advantage of requiring less data to be sent by the driver, however, has the disadvantage of inflexibility since it cannot be used by the driver driving another vehicle than his own.

[0028] The time of calling by the driver is the starting time of the parking. When the driver wishes to end the parking time he simply calls the computer 2 again and parking will be terminated automatically. So, the computer can automatically calculate the parking fee in accordance with predetermined rules. For instance, the first hour may be much cheaper than later hours or vice-versa. The computer 2 is arranged to bill the driver for his parking through his telephone bill. To that end, the computer is arranged to, through network 27, automatically contact a computer system (not shown) of the telecommunication provider associated with the mobile telephone 31. Billing may also be done via a bank account after the computer 2 has contacted a bank computer (not shown) via a procedure known by persons skilled in the art.

[0029] When the attendant comes to check whether the vehicle 29 has a valid permission to be parked on the parking location he may read the vehicle's number plate (or other code related to the car) and key this, possibly with a parking zone number, into his control unit 33. As clarified above, he may also use an automatic way of reading the vehicle's information from the vehicle if his control unit 33 provides such functionality. The attendant then transmits this information together with the zone number, if any, to the computer 2 that automatically checks whether the vehicle is allowed to be parked on this parking location.

[0030] If the vehicle is not allowed to be parked there the parking attendant may issue a parking fine. Alternatively, the attendant may issue a parking ticket for a predetermined time period, the ticket being provided with information to the driver of how to pay the fee for this ticket.

[0031] The attendant may be warn of the valid or invalid vehicle's permission to park by means of indication means on the control unit 33, for instance, a red lamp showing that permission is invalid and a green lamp showing a valid permission.

[0032] Optionally, in order to protect the system either one or both the driver and the attendant may need a personal identification number to get access to the computer 2.

[0033] The telecommunication explained above may, if and where required, use the Internet, SMS messages, and other way of modern telecommunication like the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) or other protocol with similar functionality.

[0034] Although in the system shown in figure 1 use is made of a mobile telephone 31, alternatively, a terminal fixed to the vehicle and having the same or similar functionality may be used.

[0035] Instead of using parking zones with zone numbers expressly indicated on signs at the location of parking, modern ways of locating the vehicle can be used. For instance, techniques to automatically locate a mobile telephone can be used, like using the Home Location Register - HLR, Visitor Location Register - VLR, of the mobile telephone network. Alternatively, the vehicle may be provided with a GPS system for automatic traffic guidance. Then, the GPS system can also be used for the automatic parking method.

[0036] In the present invention, the computer 2 automatically monitors the time passed since the driver started parking his vehicle and called the computer 2 with his mobile telephone 31. Moreover, the computer 2 monitors whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period. If so, the computer automatically generates a message to the driver, the content of which being pre-stored in memory, for instance, its own memory.

[0037] A first advantageous embodiment would be sending a warning message to the driver that the allowed parking time is about to expire within a specified time interval, e.g., 10 minutes. Such a warning can be repeated after, e.g., 5 minutes. Such a facility gives drivers a lot of flexibility and rest. The allowed end time of parking may be preset by the system, e.g., a total allowed parking time of, say, 2 hours. However, alternatively, the system may have the option that the driver has set the end time himself at the beginning of parking.

[0038] A second embodiment would be sending a warning signal informing the driver about alternative parking places in the vicinity of the present location. The system could automatically refer this information to the motorist once certain pre-determined criteria or patterns have been met. A criteria could be that the motorist's vehicle 29 may have reached the maximum parking duration at his current parking location. A pattern could be that the motorist has performed a parking payment for 8 or more hours on several working days in succession in a particular on-street location. The alternate parking spaces could for example be a multi-storey car park located nearby.

[0039] A third embodiment would be sending an announcement about alternative travel options. Once a motorist has performed one or more parking payments using a parking fee system, this invention can automatically refer the motorist to alternate travel options, once pre-determined patterns have been met. For example, a motorist has paid for 8 or more hours on several working days in succession in a particular location. The system described in this invention could refer the motorist to alternate travel options, for example a commuter car park with public transportation, located nearby the motorist's home.

[0040] To send such messages to the driver, the computer could automatically prepare an SMS message and transmit it to the mobile telephone 31. Alternatively, or additionally, a WAP (or similar) Internet protocol could be used.

Claims

1. A parking fee system comprising a computer arrangement (2) provided with a processor (1) connected to memory (5, 7, 9, 11) having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle (29);

• parking location information of said vehicle (29);

the processor being arranged to calculate from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle (29) in accordance with predefined calculation rules,
wherein said processor is arranged to monitor time passed by since the starting time and to monitor whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, to automatically prepare and send a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device (31) informing said driver of said event.

2. A computer arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said message comprises details as to an end of parking time.

3. A computer arrangement according to any of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the message comprises details as to alternative parking places for the driver.

4. A computer arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the message comprises details as to alternative traffic options for the driver

5. A computer arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said event is a predetermined end time of parking.

6. A computer arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the event is a predetermined parking pattern by the driver in a predetermined time period.

7. A method of operation of a parking fee system, the system comprising a computer arrangement (2) provided with a processor (1) connected to memory (5, 7, 9, 11) having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle (29);

• parking location information of said vehicle (29);

the method comprising the step of calculating from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle (29) in accordance with predefined calculation rules,
wherein said method also comprises the steps of monitoring time passed by since the starting time and monitoring whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, automatically preparing and sending a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device (31) informing said driver of said event.

8. Method of operating a parking fee system, the system comprising a computer arrangement (2) provided with a processor (1) connected to memory (5, 7, 9, 11) having stored therein:

• parking information related to a parking starting time of at least one specified vehicle (29);

• parking location information of said vehicle (29);

the processor being arranged to calculate from said parking information and said parking location information a parking fee to be charged to a driver of said vehicle (29) in accordance with predefined calculation rules,
wherein said processor is arranged to monitor time passed by since the starting time and to monitor whether a predetermined event is going to take place within a predetermined time period, and if so, to automatically prepare and send a warning message to a mobile telecommunication device (31) informing him of said event, the method comprising the step of receiving said warning message by means of the mobile telephone (31).

Drawing