INTELLIGENT PARKING SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional patent application is related to commonly- owned and co-pending United States Patent Application No. 14/ 626,919, filed on February 19, 2015; United States Patent Application No. 15/285,893, filed on October 5, 2016; and International Application PCT/US15/16715, with an international filing date of February 19, 2015; all of which are incorporated in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of parking management systems, and, more particularly, to an integrated system for intelligently managing parking spaces.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Parking is a hassle, both from the perspective of the driver looking for a parking space as well as from the perspective of the administrator of the parking facility. The parking experience is tedious, inefficient, and often stressful. Traditionally, the allocation of parking spaces is administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Some parking lots have implemented electronic payment systems. Attempts to address the problems found in the current state of the art have been lacking in one element or another.
SUMMARY
[0004] Briefly, according to an embodiment of the invention, an intelligent parking system for managing a parking event includes: a server scheduling the parking event, a software component running on an electronic device enabling wireless communication between the electronic device and the server; and a parking space apparatus. The parking space apparatus is configured to block/allow access to the parking space during the parking event. The server is configured to enable features such as switch space, early arrival, late arrival, and repeat event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary simplified depiction of an intelligent parking system in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented;
[0007] FIG. 2A and 2B is a flowchart of a method for providing an intelligent parking system service, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of the parking barrier device of the intelligent parking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a simplified block diagram of the components of an auxiliary timer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary simplified depiction of a mobile application user interface for an intelligent parking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a simplified block diagram of the computing system hardware components for the intelligent parking system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary screenshot of an early arrival feature, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary screenshot of a repeat last event feature, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary screenshot of an late arrival feature, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary screenshot of a switch space feature, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 11 shows a simplified block diagram of the components of the node device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] While the invention as claimed can be modified into alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Generally, a parking barrier apparatus or device is configured for a parking space. The parking barrier apparatus communicates via a system communications protocol to a remote or back-end server. The remote server, in one embodiment, is a specially programmed computer configured to access a system database and run a specialized program. Through a system-provided graphical user interface, users of the intelligent parking system can interact with the remote server, via the communications protocol, in order to find and reserve a parking space. The remote server can then send a series of rules based commands to the parking space apparatus assigned to the requested parking space. The remote server can automatically assign an available parking space, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] In this way, the intelligent parking system can accept a user input to pay for and release a parking space by lowering a parking barrier and provide the functionality to rent and/or reserve spaces ahead of time, with a pre determined space assignment, while greatly reducing traffic congestion and parking frustration by implementing a fully automatic, intelligent cloud-based system that does not require tickets, tags, or on-site employees.
[0020] Various other embodiments of the present invention are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. By way of example, and not limitation, it is contemplated that an embodiment of the invention may include a single parking barrier device that is operatively configured to be in communication with a client device. In this embodiment, a single user, for example, may use the invention to control access to their private parking space. In a similar manner, a large parking facility may practice another embodiment of the invention in order to manage, monitor, reserve, and receive payment for multiple parking spaces, lots, and or facilities. In this embodiment, the server would be operatively configured to be in communication with various node devices as well as various client devices. Each of the various node devices, in turn, would be operatively configured to be in communication with various parking barrier devices, each parking barrier device fixedly installed in, and configured to represent to the system, a single parking space.
[0021] Customizable rules trigger appropriate responses to translate user interactions on a client device into commands sent to a specific parking barrier. This combination of apparatus, system, method, and service improves upon known solutions to managing parking spaces in that it is scalable from one to multiple parking spaces and, indeed, multiple parking lots and locations. The computational burden of monitoring, reserving, selling of reservations, and triggering of commands is placed on a centralized server, not on the parking barrier itself, nor on the parking facility itself.
[0022] Intelligent Parking System - FIG. 1.
[0023] Referring generally to the drawings, an embodiment of the invention contemplated to be carried out on a parking client’s electronic computing device, comprises a computer-implemented method to reserve, pay, and access a parking space. A special-purpose computing device configured to execute a pre programmed set of instructions for carrying out said method is user friendly, incorporating such elements as guiding the user to a reserved space and remembering where the user parks most. Embodiments of the invention may give users access to an electronic storefront where users can purchase parking units and accessories, and can also purchase and give parking gift cards to other users of the system. Further embodiments of the invention would enable users to create an account, have access to all available participating garages, spaces, and prices.
[0024] Referring now to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 in particular, there is shown a simplified illustration of an intelligent parking system 100 in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. In this exemplary embodiment, a system 100 for intelligently managing parking spaces and facilities is shown where the system includes: a software application 160 running on a client device 110; a mobile application gateway 120 providing services connecting the mobile application 160 running on the client device 110 to a server 150 through a network 125, where the server 150 processes operations to and from a database 180; a web application 130 provided by the server 150 through the network 125; one or more node devices 140 operably connected to the server 150 through the network 125; and one or more parking barrier devices 170. In one implementation, the parking barrier devices 170 are operably connected to the one or more node devices 140. In another implementation, the node device 140 is integrated with the parking barrier device 170.
[0025] The system provides one or more benefits and advantages not previously offered by the prior art, including, but not limited to, the ability for facility owners and managers to control, charge and monitor the use of their parking spaces within one or multiple facilities with ease of use and efficiency, as well as enabling individual users of the system to use the system to control private parking spaces as well as having the ability to use the system to rent their private parking spaces to other users of the system.
[0026] The system includes several components that can be utilized individually or in combination. Embodiments of the invention comprise components such as a computer application, a parking barrier device 170, a node device 140, and a system backend server 150, which includes a series of pre programmed instructions executed on a special purpose computer and accessible via a connected network. Components from one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. [0027] Parking Management Service - FIGs. 2A and 2B.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, we discuss an embodiment of the invention as a method for providing a parking management service. In this embodiment, a server 150 is provided 201, which is operatively configured to send and receive commands and instructions to and from a database.
[0029] Additionally, in step 203 an application 160 is provided to a parking client. The application 160 may be a mobile application, web-based application, or other instruction set configured to be executed by a processor. This application 160 is operatively configured to provide an instruction set to a client device 110 thereby rendering the client device 110 to be communicatively operative with the server 150. By way of example, and not limitation, would be a mobile application 160 that is down-loaded onto a parking client’s smartphone where, through the smartphone’s networking capabilities, the mobile application 160 is able to be in communication with the server 150.
[0030] The method further provides an Internet accessible user interface that is in communication with the server 150 and is operatively configured to send and receive operations to and from the database 205. By way of example, and not limitation, this may be accomplished by providing a web-accessible application that provides a user interface to the server and database. This would be known as the service "back-end” that is accessible and used by the parking facility management.
[0031] The method further provides a one or more node device 140 that is in communication with the server 207. One or more than one node device 140 may be provided depending on the size and configuration of the parking lot and the number of parking spaces to be managed.
[0032] The method further provides a one or more parking barrier device 170 that is in communication with said node device 140, wherein each said parking barrier device 170 is fixedly attached to a single parking space 209. The node device 140 can be either physically coupled with the barrier device 170 or communicatively coupled, or integrated therewith. [0033] The method further provides means for the configuring of a parking lot via operations executed on the Internet accessible user interface 211 and for storing to the database a set of configuration parameters for said parking lot 213.
[0034] The method further provides the ability to display on said application 160 availability of said parking lot 215. In this way, a parking client can access the server 150 and query available parking lots utilizing the parking management service via, for example, the mobile application 160 running on the parking client’s smartphone 110.
[0035] The method further provides for the receiving by the server 150 a request from the application 160 to reserve a parking space at said parking lot 217. The method further provides for the querying of the database by the server 150 as to the availability of parking spaces at said parking lot 219 and the returning by the database to the server 150 information about available parking spaces 221. The server 150 then communicates said available parking spaces by the server 150 to the application 223. In this way, a parking client can access the server 150 and query available parking spaces at a desired parking lot via, for example, the mobile application running on the parking client’s smartphone.
[0036] The method further provides receiving from the application a command to reserve the parking space by the server 227. The server 150 then transmits a parking reservation command to the node device associated with the reserved parking space 229.
[0037] When the parking client has arrived at the parking lot and is ready to park, the service is able to provide a location and, in some embodiments, spoken or visual directions to their reserved parking space. When the parking client has reached the space and is ready to enter the parking space, the parking client inputs the command into the application 160. The server 150 will receive from the application 160 a command that indicates that the parking space is ready to be occupied 231. The server 150 will send a command 233 to the node device 140, and the node device 140 will receive the command 235, indicating that the parking space is ready to be occupied. The node device 140 will then send a command to the parking barrier device 170 assigned to the reserved parking space to withdraw or lower the parking barrier arm 237, thereby allowing the parking space to be occupied.
[0038] The method further provides sensing means integral to the parking barrier device 170 to discern if the space is still occupied 239. This sensing means may be accomplished by many methods known in the art including, but not limited to proximity sensors, infrared sensors, pressure switches, mechanical relays, and the like. If the sensing means determines that the space is still occupied, the method provides for receiving a command from the parking barrier device 170 by the node device 140 that the parking space is now occupied 239. The method then sends a command from the node device 140 to the server 150 that the parking space is now occupied 241. The server 150 then sends a command to the database to indicate that the parking space is now unavailable 245.
[0039] If the sensing means determines that the parking space is no longer occupied, as when a parking client leaves the parking space, the method provides for sending a command from the parking barrier device 170 to the node device 140 that the parking space is now available 247. The node device 140 then sends a command to the parking barrier device 170 to raise the parking barrier 249, thereby blocking the parking space from being occupied. The method further provides for sending a command from the node device 140 to the server 150 that the parking space is now unoccupied 251 and for sending a command from the server 150 to the database 180 to indicate that the parking space is now available.
[0040] The method further provides for calculating, by the server 150, a charge amount based upon the parking lot configuration 253 and then charging client a fee for the parking service 255.
[0041] End-User Interface - FIG. 5.
[0042] The end-user in this system is the person wishing to reserve and park in an intelligently managed parking space. In certain embodiments, a user interfaces with a mobile application 160 loaded onto the client device 110 and communicates with a remote server 150 to log in to the system, verify user credentials, and identify parking locations participating in the intelligent parking system service. Communication with the server 150 can be enabled by a mobile application gateway 120 as is commonly known in the art.
[0043] The end-user interacts with the system via a graphical user interface. FIG. 5 is an exemplary screen 500 provided via the mobile application 160. In one non-limiting example, the mobile application 160 is programmed to be accessible and executed by a microprocessor running on a client device 110, such as a smartphone. By navigating the easy to use graphical interface, the user is directed to select a desired parking location. Through database operations communicating through mobile network protocols, as is known in the art, the mobile application receives available parking data from the server 150 and displays reservation and payment prompts to the user via the user interface.
[0044] Users may further search by proximity to the user, address, landmark or name of facility. FIG. 5 shows one example where the user is prompted to enter a location such as an address or zip code to view a list of nearby parking lots. It is contemplated that embodiments of the invention would also include slide-out menus that provide the user with access to all parts of the application from any other part of the application. The same computer method can be used to register individual units within the system and modifying that unit’s particular preferences in order to maximize control over each parking space. The computer is able to scan or otherwise identify the unit’s unique ID in order to expedite the registration process.
[0045] The Parking Barrier Device.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is provided a simplified pictorial illustration of a parking barrier device 170, according to an embodiment of the present invention. This parking barrier device 170 includes a parking administration device, which physically controls access to individual spaces and monitors activity by using a series of sensors embedded in the apparatus. In an embodiment, the device is automatic, seamlessly integrated, solar powered 173, directly or wirelessly charged, impact resistant and waterproof.
[0047] An exemplary embodiment of the parking barrier device 170, as shown, comprises a base housing 171 and a barrier arm 172, which is pivotably attached to the base housing. This base housing is low-height so as to allow vehicles to park over it. The housing is constructed of durable materials that resist crushing in the event that a vehicle drives over it. The materials are also chosen to provide weather resistance, as they will be installed in locations prone to water, snow, ice, mud, and sun exposure. The base housing further includes an electronics and control module (not shown). This module accepts electrical power to power motors (not shown) which raise and lower the barrier arm 172. The electronics and control module also provides a one or more microprocessor (not shown), or computing device, with communications capability in order to communicate with a node device 140, which issues commands to the apparatus, such as "Arm Up” or "Arm Down.” The electronics and control module also communicates back to the node device 140 with such information as arm position, space/location, tamper detection, obstruction detection, or voltage notices. The base housing further comprises a battery or power supply, as well as motors for raising and lowering the barrier.
[0048] The barrier arm 172 is operably attached to the base unit and, in an exemplary embodiment, rotates about one end of the base in order to lay flat or stand up, perpendicular to the floor, in order to provide a barrier to the parking space. This barrier arm is made of a durable material. In the event that the barrier is forced down, an audible alarm will trigger and the electronics and control module will send a command to the Node Device.
[0049] Embodiments of the apparatus may further comprise embedded circuitry configured to allow the apparatus to be controlled via a wired or wireless communications protocol by a control device. Embodiments of the apparatus may comprise a base portion 171 which is fixedly attached to the ground and a barrier portion 172 which is pivotably attached to the base portion 171 such that it can be rotated up and away from the base 171 to block access to a parking space and rotated down towards the base 171 to allow for a vehicle to pass over the apparatus and park in the space. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a telescopically deployed arm (not shown) may also achieve this objective. Embodiments of the apparatus may include sensing means 174 to determine if a vehicle is parked in the space. These sensing means also allow the apparatus to know the precise location of a user within the area of the system as well as the user’s behavior within the area in order to maximize the efficiency of the system and enhance the user experience. This sensing means 174 may be accomplished by many methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to proximity sensors, infrared sensors, pressure switches, mechanical relays, and the like.
[0050] Further embodiments of the present invention may include a parking barrier device 170 with an integrated siren, or alarm. This siren would activate and alert a driver, or anyone in the vicinity, if the device is being tampered with, or if the device arm is being forced down. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a barrier arm 172 that includes a means for attaching a flag or other visual indicator. This attachment means may be any as is commonly known in the art including, but not limited to, clips, clamps, straps, magnets, or other mechanical fastening means.
[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a barrier arm 172 with integrated features that allow for the placement of the parking space identifier, signage, advertisements, or other audio/visual media on the forward facing surface 175 of the barrier arm 172. These features may be mechanical fastening features as would be known to one with ordinary skill in the art. In this way, for example, a parking facility may provide "billboard” space for advertisements on each parking barrier that is visible to anyone driving through the parking lot.
[0052] By way of example, and not limitation, it is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention that a parking barrier device 170 utilizing a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, may recognize that a Bluetooth- enabled client device running the mobile application 160 has come within networking range. The parking barrier device 170 and mobile application 160 could perform an automated handshake subroutine, authenticating the client device 110 and connecting it to the parking barrier device 170. In this way, the client device 110, via the mobile application user interface, may receive specialized instructions, parking information, promotional offers, or location instructions. Additional features of this embodiment may include automated lowering of the barrier arm 172 as the connected client device 110 approaches the parking space, as well as automated raising of the barrier arm 172 as the connected client device 110 leaves the parking space.
[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, the parking barrier device 170 may be operably configured to communicate directly, through wired or wireless communication means, to the server 150, thereby bypassing the need for a node device 140 if that is desired in certain installations.
[0054] In a further embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that the parking barrier device 170 may be operably configured to communicate directly, through a wireless communication protocol, to the client device 110. For example, the parking barrier device 170 and the client device 110 may establish a Bluetooth connection with each other, thereby enabling the mobile application 160 running on the client device 110 to directly send and receive commands from the parking barrier device 170.
[0055] Node Device 140.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the node device 140 is an apparatus that is co-located in the vicinity of the parking barrier device 170. In another embodiment, the node device 140 is integrated with the parking barrier device 170 as a network and communications component. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a node device 140 uses a processor, a circuit board, a storage medium, a power supply, such as a battery, and a communications system.
[0057] One skilled in the art will recognize that the processor may be embodied as a single microprocessor, a series of microprocessors, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or a set of software instructions configured to carry out the functions of a microprocessor/FPGA. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the storage medium may be fixed or volatile, transitory or non- transitory memory and may be accomplished by any means as is known in the art including, but not limited to flash memory, physical storage devices, or cloud- based storage. The power supply can be implemented as a hard-wire connection to electrical power, as in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the power supply can be implemented as a rechargeable battery pack, such as a lithium-ion battery pack, according to an embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the communications system may be implemented by many means known in the art, including one of, or a combination of, wired or wireless network communications, cellular data communications, Bluetooth communications, ZigBee, and GPS, among others.
[0058] A parking lot may have one or more than one node device 140. The number of node devices 140 is chosen on a lot-by-lot basis as determined by the size of the lot, the number of parking barrier devices 170, and the optimum operative range of the communication method used to connect the parking barrier devices 170 with the node device 140. One skilled in the art will appreciate the node devices 140 and parking barrier devices 170 may be communicatively connected via wired or wireless methods. The method chosen will dictate the maximum operable distance between node device 140 and parking barrier device 170. In addition to communicating with the parking barrier device(s) 170, the node devices 140 communicate, wired or wirelessly, with other node devices, with the server 150, and with the network 125.
[0059] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the node device 140 may be configured to communicate directly with a client device 110 that comes within its communication range. By way of example, and not limitation, it is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention that a node device 140 utilizing a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, may recognize that a Bluetooth-enabled client device 110 running the mobile application 160 has come within networking range. The node device 140 and mobile application 160 could perform an automated handshake subroutine, authenticating the client device and connecting it to the node device 140. In this way, the client device 110, via the mobile application user interface, may receive specialized instructions, parking information, promotional offers, or location instructions. [0060] Server 150.
[0061] The Server 150 is a computer system that is operatively coupled with a communications infrastructure and is able to read from and write to a database 180. Some, or all, of the server functions may be implemented as computer program processes (software) that is tangibly stored in a memory that perform their respective functions when executed. The server 150, operably configured with software, enables the parking facility owner to configure, monitor, and generally manage all aspects of running a parking facility. Through network communications 125, as is commonly known in the art, the server 150 is operatively coupled to other components of the intelligent parking system such as client devices 110, node devices 140, network accessible cameras, and future devices, features, and applications as may be developed over time. The server 150, running the software application, offers to the parking facility a centralized system, that is 100% scalable, flexible, upgradable, and secure. The server application supports e-commerce transactions and automated billing. All e- commerce functions are protected by a certificate and are located behind a password-protected firewall.
[0062] The Server 150 generates a graphical user interface featuring easy-to- navigate screens, using pages programmed in, for example, HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript on the front-end. The back-end, for example, uses Linux, Apache Web Server, MySQL database, Perl, Python, PHP, or other commonly used tools running on the Server.
[0063] Timer Plug-in Module - FIG. 4.
[0064] In one embodiment, a parking event is charged according to the amount of time that the vehicle occupies the parking space. Therefore, it is important to get an accurate reading of the duration of the parking event. A communication lag can occur while the parking monitoring apparatus 170 is communicating directly with the remote server 150. For example, a communication lag (or a power interruption) can occur when the server 150 sends a signal to the parking monitoring apparatus 170 to start the clock. Additionally, a lag can occur when the parking monitor apparatus 170 communicates to the server 150 that the vehicle has vacated the parking space.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a simplified block diagram of the components of an exemplary auxiliary timer 400, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The parking barrier device 170 can be configured with the auxiliary timer 400 to track parking event duration separately from a timer associated with a main circuit board. The auxiliary timer 400 is configured to save parking event duration even if the main circuit board resets itself. Then after a period of unit-node or unit-server disconnection, the parking barrier device 170 can transmit event duration to the node device 140 or server 150 after reconnecting, such that event duration is never over-calculated. The implementation of the auxiliary timer 400 allows for the intelligence to calculate the duration of the parking event to be transferred from the back-end server 170 to the unit itself.
[0066] The auxiliary timer 400 can be implemented as a plug-in memory module with a timing component. For example, the auxiliary timer 400 can be configured with a controller 420 and memory 404 communicatively coupled with a clock timer 450 set to local time. The clock timer 450 can be implemented as an electro-mechanical continuously-running clock. A cell battery can be used as the power source 460. The controller 420 can be implemented as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a microcontroller, or other electronic circuit.
[0067] Mesh Networking and Location Awareness.
[0068] Embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of mesh networking, as is known in the art, and location awareness through the utilization of network-connected node devices 140 and parking barrier devices 170. Software running on the node devices 140 and the parking barrier devices 170 run automated subroutines to automatically connect parking barrier devices 170 and node devices 140 that are within communications range of each other. For example, in embodiments running Bluetooth communications protocols, parking barrier devices 170 connect to node devices 140 that provide the strongest communications signal. In the event that a node device 140 goes offline, the parking barrier devices 170 that were connected to it will automatically search for and associate themselves with the next closest node device 140 (the next node device with the strongest signal).
[0069] Additionally, parking barrier devices 170 may recognize each other through their communications signals and node devices 140 may recognize each other, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Through the use of this unit- to -unit awareness via mesh network communications, the system presents a location awareness. When a client device 110 is also part of the system, the mesh network, through this location awareness is capable of providing, for example, direct-to-space driving directions to the parking client.
[0070] A preferred embodiment of the present invention can include a system with one or more parking barrier devices 170, connected over a network to a system back-end server 150 that manages parking space utilization, barrier operation and status, and inputs from one or multiple user applications 160.
[0071] Hardware Implementation - FIG. 6.
[0072] Throughout the description herein, various embodiments of the invention are disclosed as having processors, processing means, or other forms of computational means that, for the purposes of this invention, shall be interchangeably considered a "computer system.” For purposes of this invention, computer system 600, as shown in FIG. 6, may represent any type of computer, information processing system or other programmable electronic device, including a client computer, a server computer, a portable computer, an embedded controller, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a Cloud computing device, and so on. The computer system 600 may be a stand-alone device or networked into a larger system. Computer system 600, illustrated for exemplary purposes as a mobile computing device, is in communication with other networked computing devices (not shown). As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, a network may be embodied using conventional networking technologies and may include one or more of the following: local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, public Internet and the like.
[0073] Throughout the description herein, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated with aspects of the invention embodied solely on computer system 600. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, aspects of the invention may be distributed amongst one or more computing devices which interact with computer system 600 via one or more data networks such as, for example, the Internet. However, for ease of understanding, aspects of the invention have been embodied in a single computing device -computer system 600.
[0074] Computer system 600 includes inter alia processing device 602, which communicates with an input/output subsystem 606, memory 604, and storage 610. The processor device 602 is operably coupled with a communication infrastructure 622 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). The processor device 602 may be a general or special purpose microprocessor operating under control of computer program instructions 632 executed from memory 604 on program data 634. The processor 602 may include a number of special purpose sub-processors such as a comparator engine, each sub processor for executing particular portions of the computer program instructions. Each sub-processor may be a separate circuit able to operate substantially in parallel with the other sub-processors.
[0075] Some or all of the sub-processors may be implemented as computer program processes (software) tangibly stored in a memory that perform their respective functions when executed. These may share an instruction processor, such as a general purpose integrated circuit microprocessor, or each sub processor may have its own special purpose processor for executing instructions. Alternatively, some or all of the sub-processors may be implemented in an ASIC. RAM may be embodied in one or more memory chips.
[0076] The memoiy 604 may be partitioned or otherwise mapped to reflect the boundaries of the various memory subcomponents. Memory 604 may include both volatile and persistent memory for the storage of: operational instructions 632 for execution by CPU 602, data registers, application storage and the like. Memory 604 can include a combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) and persistent memory such as that provided by a hard disk drive 618 in secondary memory 609. The computer instructions/applications that are stored in memory 604 are executed by processor 602. The computer instructions/applications 632 and program data 634 can also be stored in hard disk drive 618 for execution by processor device 602.
[0077] The computer system 600 may also include a removable storage drive 610, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, and the like. The removable storage drive 610 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 620 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Removable storage unit 620, represents a floppy disk, a compact disc, magnetic tape, optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storage drive 610. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 620 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.
[0078] The computer system 600 may also include a communications interface 612. Communications interface 612 allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. Examples of communications interface 612 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface 612 are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 612.
[0079] In this document, the terms "computer program medium," "computer usable medium," and "computer readable medium" are used to generally refer to both transitory and non-transitory media such as main memory 604, removable storage drive 620, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 618. These computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system 610. The computer readable medium 620 allows the computer system 600 to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readable information from the computer readable medium 620.
[0080] Early Arrival Feature - FIG. 7. [0081] A user may arrive earlier than the set time for a parking reservation. This situation is addressed by the early arrival feature. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary screenshot of the user interface for implementing the I’m Here Early feature. The user selects the appropriate button to reserve a parking space, if available, ahead of time. When this option is selected, the user’s reservation is canceled and converted to a 'park now’ on-demand event.
[0082] Repeat Event Feature - FIG. 8.
[0083] FIG. 8 is an exemplary screen 800 of the repeat event feature implemented on a mobile application. This is a shortcut that recalls the same parking location and section as a previous parking event and initiates a new parking event with the same parameters as the previous event. Instructions for implementing this feature can include providing a drop-down menu of recent parking events. The user is then able to select from a list of past parking events. In another embodiment, when the user selects the repeat event option, the request defaults to the last parking event.
[0084] Late Arrival Feature - FIG. 9.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown an exemplary screen 900 featuring a late arrival feature implemented on the mobile parking application 160. This features addresses a situation where a user is arriving late to the parking space and needs to extend the start time for the parking space reservation so as not to lose the parking space. By selecting the late arrival feature, the user can automatically extend the time to arrive at the parking space. The time extension can default to a pre-set time of, say 15 minutes.
[0086] Switch Space Feature - FIG. 10.
[0087] FIG. 10 shows a screen 1000 whereby the user can request a different parking space from the one that was assigned. In this example, the screen 1000 shows that parking space number 36 has been selected. There are some situations where the reserved parking space is undesirable. For example, assume the user has reserved spot 36 and arrives at the parking space only to see that it is surrounded by huge puddles, whereas other parking spaces are dry. For this, or other reasons, the user may wish to substitute another space for the reserved space. In order to accomplish this without cancelling the reservation and re-entering the request, the user can simply select the "switch space” button and the system will find another parking space in the same lot.
[0088] Reservation/On-Demand Algorithm.
[0089] In order to provide the ability for a user to make a future reservation and also to provide on-demand (park now) parking events, the system intelligently manages parking space availability. Intelligent management is achieved by a combination of factors including but not limited to:
[0090] a) a ratio of on-demand available spots to reserved spots; and
[0091] b) analyzing average dwell times to adequately block a space as a proportion thereof.
[0092] The server 150 runs an algorithm with the calculated ratio in order to maintain the desired number of reserved and on-demand spots. The algorithm is constantly fine-tuned by analysis of dwell times. To this end, the intelligent parking system maintains a small number of spots in each parking lot for testing purposes. For example, a parking space may be designated as a tester and a monitoring system is set up for that parking space in order to collect and analyze the parking behavior of users. For example, data analysis may reveal that users tend to park for less than one hour during lunch time, whereas dwell times are generally two hours. The location, time of year, and local events also influence dwell times and these factors can be taken into consideration.
[0093] Certain features described herein may be implemented in many ways known by one skilled in the art. For example, certain features may be implemented as "logic” or a "unit” that performs one or more functions. This logic or unit may include hardware, such as one or more microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits, or field programmable gate arrays, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Components and/or features from one embodiment can be used in another embodiment.
[0094] The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.
[0095] In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in the claims presented.
[0096] Therefore, while there has been described what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiment, it will understood by those skilled in the art that other modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention. The above descriptions of embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting in scope. The embodiments, as described, were chosen in order to explain the principles of the invention, show its practical application, and enable those with ordinary skill in the art to understand how to make and use the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.