EP3178079B1 - Parking space management - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for indicating an impending maneuvering out of a parked motor vehicle and a corresponding device. The invention further relates to a method for handling a parking space swap between a parked motor vehicle and another motor vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to techniques of parking space management that take into account whether the parked motor vehicle is about to be cleared of a parking space within a period of time.

With increasing individual mobility, the number of motor vehicles, especially in urban settlement areas, is steadily increasing. Situations often arise in which available parking spaces for motor vehicles are not available or are only available to a limited extent. This can make a time-consuming and costly search for a parking space necessary.

Techniques of parking space management are known in which an offer of parking spaces is compared with a demand for parking spaces. For example is from the pamphlet US 2003/0162536 A1 known that a parked motor vehicle indicates an imminent parking maneuver. Another vehicle looking for a parking space can then take over the free parking space; the parking lot will be handed over. A parking space exchange is achieved in this way. The pamphlet US2013 / 290045 A1 , discloses a mobile terminal with an app that can use movement profiles to remember the location at which the wearer of the terminal got out of a vehicle. This means that the app can also determine that the wearer is approaching this location again. An imminent maneuvering out of a parking space is derived from this approximation.

However, such techniques have certain disadvantages and limitations. For example, it may be necessary for the parking space to be transferred directly between the parked motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle searching for a parking space. This can in particular require that the process of exiting the parking space of the previously parked motor vehicle is coordinated with the parking process of the other motor vehicle looking for a parking space. This time coordination is typically comparatively complex and can cause waiting or latency times. Overall, this reduces the number of available parking spaces. Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques of parking lot management, in particular there is a need for techniques that overcome some or all of the disadvantages noted above.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for indicating an impending maneuvering out of a parked vehicle. The method includes checking whether the motor vehicle is about to pull out of a parking space within a period of time. The checking is based on an interaction between a mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle. The method further comprises the selective sending of a message to a server as a function of the checking. The message indicates the upcoming maneuvering out of the parking space.

The mobile terminal device can be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a portable navigation device, a laptop, a smartwatch, etc. For example, the mobile terminal can be associated with a user of the parked motor vehicle; e.g. the user of the mobile terminal may be the user of the parked motor vehicle. In the context of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle, the user of the mobile terminal can also be authenticated with respect to the parked motor vehicle. In this way it can be ensured that an authorized user provides information in the context of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle, based on which the check is carried out to determine whether the parking maneuver is imminent.

As part of the interaction, the method can further include, for example: sending a control message from the mobile terminal to the parked motor vehicle; and / or sending a control message from the parked motor vehicle to the mobile terminal. For example, the control message can indicate various information relating to an operating state of the mobile terminal and / or an operating state of the parked motor vehicle.

The control message can be sent wirelessly, for example. Various transmission technologies can be used for this, such as a mobile phone network and / or wireless local network (WLAN) technology. In general, it can therefore be possible within the framework of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle that the mobile terminal provides information to the parked motor vehicle; it may also be possible for the parked motor vehicle to provide information to the mobile terminal; it is also possible that both the mobile terminal device provides information to the parked motor vehicle and the parked motor vehicle provides information to the mobile terminal device. Correspondingly, it is possible to check whether the parking maneuver is imminent, wholly or partially in the mobile terminal or the parked terminal Motor vehicle takes place. It would also be possible for different logic steps to be distributed between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle as part of the checking.

It is possible, for example, for the time span to be specified. It would also be possible for the time period to be averaged in the context of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle. It would also be possible for the time span to be determined as a function of a user input. The period of time can be, for example, on the order of minutes or 10 minutes or several tens of minutes. For example, the time span can be: 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 20 minutes.

For example, the message can be selectively sent to the server if it is determined that the parking maneuver is imminent within the period of time. In particular, it can be possible in this way to send the message before the parking maneuver is carried out or becomes possible. In other words, the message can prospectively indicate the impending maneuver. In this way, it may be possible to inform other motor vehicles looking for a parking space in good time about the upcoming parking maneuver. In the context of parking lot management techniques, it may be possible to guide other motor vehicles looking for a parking space to a position of the parked motor vehicle before the parked motor vehicle actually pulls out of the park. In this way, a latency time between the parking space becoming free and the parking space being occupied again by the additional motor vehicle searching for a parking space can be reduced.

In particular, it can be unnecessary for a timed direct handover to take place between the previously parked motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle looking for a parking space at the parking space. This can be the case, since the time likely to be required until the further vehicle searching for a parking space reaches the parking space can be matched to the time span of the prospective notification of the parking maneuver. The probability of a third motor vehicle occupying the parking space can then be comparatively low. It can therefore be unnecessary to take special measures to keep the parking space free until the other vehicle looking for a parking space arrives. This can simplify parking space management technology.

In general, it is possible, within the scope of checking whether the vehicle will be exited from a parking space in the future, to use various techniques can be used. In particular, the checking can be carried out as a function of various criteria and information.

For example, the method can furthermore include determining a distance between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal as part of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle. The checking can further include performing a threshold value comparison between the determined distance and a predetermined threshold value. The sending of the message can be carried out selectively as a function of the threshold value comparison.

For example, the message can be sent when the threshold value comparison shows that the distance between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal is less than the predefined threshold value. This can mean that there is a comparatively high probability that the parking maneuver is imminent within the time span. In particular, this can indicate that a user who is carrying the mobile terminal is getting comparatively close to the motor vehicle.

In the course of determining the distance between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal, for example one or more control messages can be exchanged between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal. The one or more control messages can, for example, indicate a position of the motor vehicle and / or of the mobile terminal. It may then be possible to determine the distance between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal comparatively precisely. For example, the distance can be determined as a beeline between the position of the motor vehicle and a position of the mobile terminal. As an alternative or in addition, it would also be possible for the distance to be determined as an effective distance between the position of the motor vehicle and the position of the mobile terminal. For example, the effective distance can take into account certain obstacles between the position of the mobile terminal and the position of the motor vehicle, such as road layout, etc. It would also be possible for the effective distance to take into account a route previously used by the user of the mobile terminal between the position of the motor vehicle and the position of the mobile terminal. By means of such techniques, it is possible to predict particularly precisely and reliably whether the maneuvering out of a parking space is imminent within the time span.

It is also possible that the method further comprises the determination of a movement profile of the mobile terminal. The checking can continue to be based on the movement profile of the mobile terminal.

The movement profile can correspond, for example, to a time course of the position of the mobile terminal. For example, the position of the mobile terminal can be checked at certain time intervals. It can then be checked whether the position of the mobile terminal is comparatively static or comparatively dynamic per time interval. If the position of the mobile device is, for example, comparatively dynamic in relation to the historical movement profile or in relation to a predetermined reference value, for example, this can indicate an increased probability that the vehicle will be exited from a parking space within the period of time. This can namely indicate that the user who is carrying the mobile terminal device has left a certain location and is now moving. A direction of movement of the mobile terminal can also be taken into account when determining the movement profile. For example, a mean direction of movement can be taken into account. The averaging can take a running time average into account. For example, a comparatively dynamic movement profile in connection with a direction of movement which is oriented in the direction of the position of the motor vehicle can indicate a particularly increased probability that the maneuvering maneuver of the motor vehicle will be imminent within the time span. Such techniques can therefore be used to check comparatively precisely or reliably whether the maneuvering process of a motor vehicle is imminent in the future within the time span.

The method can, for example, further comprise: transmitting a position of the motor vehicle and / or a position of the mobile terminal between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal as part of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle. The determination of the movement profile of the mobile terminal can take place relatively in relation to the position of the parked motor vehicle. In particular, it can be checked, for example, whether a time average of the position of the mobile terminal device (center of gravity of the movement profile) is approaching or moving away from the position of the motor vehicle. In this way, the checking of whether the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle is imminent in the future within the time span can take place particularly precisely and particularly reliably.

The method can, for example, also include the transmission of a control message between the mobile terminal and the motor vehicle as part of the interaction between the mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle. The control message can indicate an operating state of a motor vehicle component. For example, the control message can indicate one or more operating states of the following group: a charge state of a drive battery of the motor vehicle; starting an air conditioner of the motor vehicle; and opening a locking mechanism. In particular, the control message can therefore indicate those operating states of motor vehicle components which can be changed by remote control, for example by means of the mobile terminal. A change in a corresponding operating state can in particular indicate an increased probability that the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle will be imminent in the future within the time span. For example, a full or almost full state of charge of the drive battery of the motor vehicle can indicate that a new start-up and thus the maneuvering out of parking spaces of the motor vehicle is imminent. Starting the air conditioning unit of the motor vehicle, for example the auxiliary heating or the auxiliary ventilation, can indicate that the user would like to move the motor vehicle soon, that is to say that the vehicle is about to be parked within the period of time. The same applies to opening the locking mechanism of the motor vehicle. By taking into account the operating states of the motor vehicle component, further information can be taken into account in the context of checking whether the parking maneuver is imminent in the future. In particular, a more precise checking can take place in this way.

In general, additional or different information can be taken into account when checking whether the parking maneuver is imminent.

For example, it would be possible for the method to further comprise: based on a trip log book of a navigation system of the motor vehicle, determining a probability that the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle is imminent within the period of time. The checking can further comprise, for example: performing a threshold value comparison between the determined probability and a predetermined threshold value, the message being sent selectively as a function of the threshold value comparison. For example, the navigation system's trip log can index certain historical preferences of the user. In particular, the trip logbook can indicate certain times at which the motor vehicle parking process takes place with a comparatively high probability. Corresponding points in time would be, for example: leaving a home location of the user on the way to work; Leaving a place of work of the user on the way home; Etc.

The method can further comprise, for example: determining a remaining parking time of the motor vehicle by communication with a parking space accounting server. The selective sending of the message can still take place depending on the checking of the remaining parking time. For example, in the case of paid parking spaces, the parking lot accounting server can provide information about an end time of the parking. If this end point in time lies within the time span, then the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle can take place within this time span with a comparatively high probability. If, for example, the user extends the remaining parking time using the mobile device by communicating with the parking billing server, it can be concluded that if the remaining parking time is not imminent, the probability of the imminent maneuvering out of the parking space within the period is comparatively low.

Furthermore, it would be possible for the method to further comprise: checking an appointment calendar of the user of the mobile terminal. The selective sending of the message can still take place as a function of the checking of the appointment calendar.

Various scenarios have been illustrated above in which a wide variety of information relating to the motor vehicle and / or the mobile terminal is used to check whether the vehicle is about to be parked within the period of time. To do this, the parked motor vehicle and the mobile device interact. In this way, the prospective indexing of the impending parking maneuver can take place particularly precisely.

It may be possible that the message continues to index the time span. In this way, within the framework of parking space management techniques, it may be possible to guide other motor vehicles looking for a parking space in a particularly targeted and selective manner to the position of the parked motor vehicle as a function of the indicated time span. The indicated time span can be correlated with the distance between the respective further motor vehicle looking for a parking space and the parked motor vehicle. It is also possible that the method further comprises the determination of the time period based on a distance between the parked motor vehicle and a further motor vehicle looking for a parking space. In this way, within the framework of the parking space management techniques, it can be checked in a targeted manner whether the parked motor vehicle is suitable for a parking space swap with the other motor vehicle searching for a parking space.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a device that is set up to indicate an impending maneuvering out of a parked motor vehicle. The device comprises a computing unit. The computing unit is set up to check, based on an interaction between a mobile terminal and the parked motor vehicle, whether the motor vehicle is about to be parked within a period of time. The device further comprises an interface which is set up to selectively send a message to a server as a function of the checking. The message indicates the upcoming maneuvering out of the parking space.

For example, the device according to the aspect currently discussed can be set up to carry out the method for indicating an imminent parking maneuver according to a further aspect of the present invention.

For such a device according to the currently discussed effect, effects can be achieved which are comparable to the effects which can be achieved for the method for indicating an imminent parking maneuver according to a further aspect of the present invention.

Above, mainly techniques were discussed which concern the prospective indication of the upcoming maneuvering out of the parking space. Such techniques can advantageously be used to efficiently handle a parking space swap in the context of parking space management techniques.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for handling a parking space swap between a parked motor vehicle and another motor vehicle. The method includes receiving an offer message from a server. The offer message indicates an imminent maneuvering out of parking space for the parked motor vehicle and a position of the parked motor vehicle. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the offer message: selectively sending an acceptance message to the server. The acceptance message acknowledges the upcoming exchange of parking space between the parked motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle.

In other words, the imminent parking space swap can be acknowledged before the parking space swap is actually performed by exiting the parked motor vehicle and parking the other motor vehicle previously searching for a parking space. In this way, latency times when swapping parking spaces can be reduced. In particular, it can be unnecessary for the parking space to be transferred directly between the previously parked motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle previously searching for a parking space. Overall, a number of available parking spaces can be increased in this way, since parking times can be reduced.

It is possible, for example, for the offer message to continue to indicate a period of time within which the parking maneuver is imminent in the future. Accordingly, it would be possible, for example, for the acceptance message to be sent selectively as a function of the time span. For example, the time span indicated by the offer message can be compared with a further time span which is required to reach the position of the parked motor vehicle based on the position of the further motor vehicle looking for a parking space. In this way, it can be checked how great a latency time is between the parking out of the parked motor vehicle and the parking of the other motor vehicle looking for a parking space. If this latency is greater than a predefined threshold value, for example, the sending of the acceptance message to the server can be omitted. This can be the case because the probability that the parking space previously occupied by the parked motor vehicle is still free at the time of the arrival of the other motor vehicle searching for a parking space at the position of the parking space is comparatively low.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a device which is set up to handle a parking space swap between a parked motor vehicle and another motor vehicle. The device comprises an interface which is set up to receive an offer message from a server. The offer message indicates an imminent maneuvering out of parking space for the parked motor vehicle and a position of the parked motor vehicle. The interface is further set up to selectively send an acceptance message to the server in response to receiving the offer message. The acceptance message acknowledges the upcoming exchange of parking space between the parked motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle.

For example, the device according to the aspect currently discussed can be configured to carry out the method for handling a parking space exchange according to a further aspect of the present invention.

For such a device according to the aspect currently being discussed, effects can be achieved which are comparable to the effects which can be achieved for the method for unwinding the Parking lot swaps can be achieved according to a further aspect of the present invention.

Various aspects and features that have been discussed above can be combined with one another. In particular, it is possible to combine various aspects in connection with the indexing of the imminent maneuvering out of a parking space with various aspects in connection with the handling of the parking space swap.

• Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Ansicht eines geparkten Kraftfahrzeugs und eines Parkplatz-suchenden weiteren Kraftfahrzeugs, wobei das geparkte Kraftfahrzeug und das Parkplatz-suchende weitere Kraftfahrzeug in Kommunikationsverbindung mit einem Server stehen, wobei das geparkte Kraftfahrzeug weiterhin in Kommunikationsverbindung mit einem mobilen Endgerät steht.
• Fig. 2 ist eine schematische Ansicht des geparkten Kraftfahrzeugs bzw. des Parkplatz-suchenden weiteren Kraftfahrzeugs mit größerem Detail als in Fig. 1.
• Fig. 3 ist eine schematische Ansicht de mobilen Endgeräts mit einem größeren Detail als Fig. 1.
• Fig. 4 ist ein Signalflussdiagramm einer Technik zum Indizieren eines bevorstehenden Ausparkvorgangs gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen.
• Fig. 5 ist ein Signalflussdiagramm einer Technik zum Indizieren eines bevorstehenden Ausparkvorgangs gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen, sowie einer Technik zum Abwickeln eines Parkplatztausches gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 6 ist ein Signalflussdiagramm verschiedener Techniken zum Indizieren eines bevorstehenden Ausparkvorgangs gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 7 illustriert ein Bewegungsprofil eines mobilen Endgeräts in Bezug auf eine Position eines geparkten Kraftfahrzeugs.
• Fig. 8 ist ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Indizieren eines bevorstehenden Ausparkvorgangs gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen.
• Fig. 9 ist ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Abwickeln eines Parkplatztausches gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The present invention is defined by the appended claims. The various aspects, features and advantages of the present invention, which are explained above and below, can be better understood in connection with the accompanying figures.

• Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a parked motor vehicle and another motor vehicle searching for a parking space, the parked motor vehicle and the further motor vehicle searching for a parking space being in communication with a server, the parked motor vehicle still being in communication with a mobile terminal.
• Fig. 2 FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the parked motor vehicle or the further motor vehicle searching for a parking space with greater detail than in FIG Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 3 Figure 13 is a schematic view of the mobile terminal with a greater detail than FIG Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 4 Figure 3 is a signal flow diagram of a technique for indicating an impending maneuvering out of a parking space in accordance with various embodiments.
• Fig. 5 FIG. 12 is a signal flow diagram of a technique for indicating an impending parking maneuver in accordance with various embodiments and a technique for processing a parking space swap in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
• Fig. 6 FIG. 12 is a signal flow diagram of various techniques for indicating an impending parking maneuver in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
• Fig. 7 illustrates a movement profile of a mobile terminal in relation to a position of a parked motor vehicle.
• Fig. 8 FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method for indicating an impending maneuvering out of a parking space in accordance with various embodiments.
• Fig. 9 Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for processing a parking space swap in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or similar elements. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are shown in such a way that their function and general purpose can be understood by a person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. A connection or coupling can be implemented in a wired or wireless manner. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Various aspects related to parking space management techniques are illustrated below. In particular, the techniques illustrated below make it possible to prospectively indicate a parking maneuver. In this way it may be possible to prospectively acknowledge the exchange of parking spaces between a parked motor vehicle and another motor vehicle searching for a parking space. The parking space swap does not have to be carried out by direct handover between the motor vehicle leaving a parking space and the motor vehicle being parked, since a latency time between parking out and the arrival of the parking vehicle can be reduced. Furthermore, the further motor vehicle searching for a parking space can be guided in a particularly targeted manner to the position of the parked motor vehicle. If there are several other motor vehicles searching for a parking space in the vicinity of the parked motor vehicle, a particularly suitable additional motor vehicle searching for a parking space can be selected and moved to the position of the parked vehicle, for example depending on a time period within which the parked motor vehicle is about to be parked Motor vehicle to be piloted. In this way, latency times when swapping parking spaces can be reduced. This increases the average availability of parking spaces. According to the techniques described herein, checking whether the vehicle is about to leave a parking space within the period of time may be based on an interaction between a mobile terminal of a user of the parked vehicle and the parked vehicle itself. Through this interaction, information can in particular be obtained which enables a particularly precise and reliable check as to whether the vehicle is about to leave a parking space. Errors in checking whether the maneuvering out of a parking space is imminent in the future can be reduced in this way; this in turn can reduce latency times in the context of parking space management, which increases the average availability of parking spaces.

Furthermore, by means of the techniques described herein, it may be possible to automatically or partially automatically indicate the upcoming maneuvering out of a parking space. In particular, it can be unnecessary for the imminent maneuvering out of a parking space to be indicated in response to a user input from a user of the parked motor vehicle. In this way, imminent parking maneuvers of various motor vehicles can be recognized and indicated more reliably and more frequently, which in turn can increase the availability of parking spaces.

In Fig. 1 the parked motor vehicle 101 and the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space are shown schematically. The parked motor vehicle 101 and the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space are in a communication link with a server 111. The server 111 executes parking space management techniques. In particular, the server 111 can be set up to coordinate a parking space swap between the parked motor vehicle 101 and the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space. For this purpose, the server 111 can compare the imminent availability of the parking space in which the motor vehicle 101 is parked with the parking space request of the further motor vehicle 102. In Fig. 1 A parking lot accounting server 112 is also shown. The parking lot accounting server 112 manages parking spaces subject to a charge.

In order to match the supply of available parking spaces as well as possible to the demand for parking spaces, the server 111 can use various techniques. For example, it would be possible for the supply and demand for parking spaces to be quantified using a virtual currency. For example, if a user approaches his destination, he can, for example, start a query about free parking spaces on his mobile device. The server 111 can provide the user with an overview of possible parking spaces which the system considers to be free and viewed as accessible. For example, parking spaces can be considered free for which a message was received from the server 111 a sufficiently short time ago that indicates an imminent maneuvering out of a parking space by a parked motor vehicle 101. It is possible to filter the accessibility to corresponding parking spaces using a virtual currency. For example, a parking space research can be related to the availability in the target area. For example, it would be possible that fewer costs are called on a public holiday or Sunday afternoon in a city center than during peak business hours. In this regard, it would be possible for the server 111 to maintain an account with the aforementioned virtual currency for each user. If a user pulls out of a parking space or a corresponding maneuvering maneuver is imminent in the future within the time span, this can be indicated to the server 111 by means of a message. The message can be sent from the corresponding parked motor vehicle 101 or the mobile terminal 120. The message can be sent automatically, partially automatically or initiated by the user. A certain amount of the virtual currency is then credited to the account maintained at server 111 to the corresponding user. The manual initiation of the sending of the message indicating the imminent maneuvering out of a parking space can be done, for example, via a corresponding input in an application that is executed on the mobile device, such as a click on a button or the like. The automatic or semi-automatic sending of the message indicating the imminent maneuvering out of a parking space can be triggered, for example, by activating an infotainment system of the parked motor vehicle or other criteria and operating states of motor vehicle components. Further criteria would be, for example, information that is obtained as part of an interaction between the mobile terminal 120 and the parked motor vehicle 101. In particular, such criteria can indicate a comparatively high probability that the parking maneuver will be ready within the time span. In particular, it is also possible that the sending of the message, which indicates the impending maneuvering out of a parking space, is triggered when the mobile terminal device and thus the user approach the parked motor vehicle.

It would be possible, for example, that when an imminent parking maneuver is reported, a remuneration is made by crediting an amount of the virtual currency to the account of the respective user maintained on server 111. For example, the remuneration can be set as a function of the available spaces in the vicinity of the parked motor vehicle. For example, the less parking spaces are available in the area, the higher the amount of the allowance.

Optionally, it would be possible for a user to send a corresponding message to the server 111 after parking the motor vehicle in a parking space, which message indicates the parking process that has been carried out. The server 111 can then mark the corresponding parking space as unavailable. For this, too, it may be possible for the user to receive remuneration by crediting an amount in the virtual currency to the account maintained with server 111.

By means of such techniques it may be possible that a market place for parking information is created. The provision of corresponding information regarding the availability of parking spaces by the user can be supported by the personal use of filling a personal account in the virtual currency. As an effect, it can be achieved that the parking space management techniques can be carried out more precisely and reliably. Latency times for parking space swaps can be reduced. Available free parking spaces can be better indexed.

In Fig. 2 the parked motor vehicle 101 or the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space is shown schematically in greater detail. The motor vehicles 101, 102 have a computing unit 101-2 which is set up to carry out various techniques in connection with parking space management. For example, a memory 101-3 can be configured to store various control commands that can be executed by the processor 101-2. For example, the processor 101-2 can be set up to check whether a maneuvering out of a parking space of the motor vehicle 101, 102 is imminent within a period of time. The motor vehicles 101, 102 also have an interface 101 - 1 which is set up to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 120. The motor vehicles 101, 102 also have a navigation system 101-4 which, for example, keeps a travel log.

In Fig. 3 a schematic view of the mobile terminal 120 is shown. The mobile terminal device 120 has an interface 120 - 1 which is set up to communicate with a motor vehicle 101, 102 belonging to the user of the mobile terminal device 120. The corresponding communication connection can be established wirelessly via WLAN technology or a mobile phone network, for example. The mobile terminal 120 further comprises a processor 120-2. The processor 120-2 is set up to carry out various computing steps in connection with the parking space management techniques. For example, the processor 120-2 can be configured to execute various control commands that are stored in a memory 120-3. The control commands For example, various techniques in connection with checking whether the maneuvering process of the parked motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the period of time may relate to.

As illustrated above, both the parked motor vehicle 101 and the mobile terminal 120 have the ability to carry out various computation steps in connection with checking whether the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the period of time. Correspondingly, the associated logic can be implemented in whole or in part by one of the parked motor vehicle or the mobile terminal device 120.

In Fig. 4 a signal flow diagram of a method for indicating an imminent parking maneuver is shown. In step S401, the motor vehicle 101 first sends a control message 401 to the mobile terminal 120. The control message 401 can contain various pieces of information. For example, it would be possible for the control message 401 to contain information about the position of the parked motor vehicle 101. As an alternative or in addition, it would be possible for the control message 401 to indicate an operating state of a motor vehicle component of the motor vehicle 101. For example, the control message 401 could indicate a charge state of a drive battery of the motor vehicle 101. As an alternative or in addition, the control message 401 could also indicate that an air conditioning device, such as an auxiliary heating or ventilation system, of the motor vehicle 101 has been activated. Alternatively or additionally, the control message 401 could also indicate that a locking mechanism of the motor vehicle 101 has been opened. Based on this and other information, it is then possible for the processor 120-2 of the mobile terminal device 120 to be set up to check whether the maneuvering process for the motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the time span. If this is the case, the interface 120-1 of the mobile terminal 120 sends the message 402 in step S402, which indicates the imminent maneuvering out of the parking space.

In Fig. 5 a signal flow diagram of a method for indicating an imminent parking maneuver according to a further implementation is shown. In step S501, the control message 401 is sent from the mobile terminal 120 to the parked motor vehicle 101. The control message 401 can in turn contain various information. For example, the control message 401 can contain a position of the mobile terminal, for example in an absolute coordinate system or relative to a position of the parked motor vehicle 101. Alternatively or in addition, it would also be possible that the Control message 401 contains a movement profile of the mobile terminal device 120. The movement profile can correspond to a time course of the position of the mobile terminal device 120, for example. For example, the control message 401 could alternatively or additionally also contain information that a user of the mobile terminal 120 recently extended a remaining parking time of the parked motor vehicle 101 by communicating with the parking space accounting server 112. Based on this and other information, it is then possible for the processor 101-2 of the parked motor vehicle 101 to be set up to check whether the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the time span. If this is the case, the message 402 is sent to the server 111 in step S502. The message 402 in turn indicates the imminent parking maneuver.

Based on the message 402, it is then possible for the server 111 to be set up to find a further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space within the scope of the parking space management techniques, which can perform the parking space swap with the parked motor vehicle 101. For this purpose, the server 111 sends the offer message 403 to the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space in step S503. The offer message 403 indicates the upcoming maneuvering of the parked motor vehicle 101. The offer message 403 also indicates the position of the parked motor vehicle 101. The further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space then replies by sending an acceptance message 404 to the server 111 in step S504. The acceptance message 404 acknowledges the imminent exchange of parking space between the parked motor vehicle 101 and the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space. It would be possible, for example, for the server 111 to be set up in response to receiving the acceptance message 404 to, within the framework of the Parking lot management techniques to re-evaluate the availability of the relevant parking space. The server 111 could also initiate a credit or debit in a virtual currency to the user of the parked motor vehicle 101 and / or the user of the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space.

In Fig. 6 a signal flow diagram of a further implementation of a method for indicating an imminent parking maneuver is shown. In steps S601 and S602, the parked motor vehicle 101 and the mobile terminal device 120 exchange a first control message 401-1 and a second control message 401-2. In this way, it may be possible to bi-directionally exchange various information, based on which the checking of whether the maneuvering out of parking space of the motor vehicle 101 is imminent, between the parked motor vehicle 101 and the mobile terminal device 120. In this way, checking whether the Parking process is imminent, take place particularly precisely and reliably. The parked motor vehicle 101 then queries the parking space accounting server 112 by sending a further control message 401-3 (step S603) as to whether a remaining parking period is available for the parked motor vehicle 101. The parking lot accounting server 112 replies with a further control message 404-4 (step S604). The further control message 401-4 indicates the remaining parking time available. In the scenario of the Fig. 6 If the available remaining parking time falls below the predefined period of time for which it is checked whether a parking maneuver for the parked motor vehicle 101 is imminent. The parked motor vehicle 101 therefore sends the message 402 in step S605, which indicates the imminent maneuvering out of a parking space. For example, the trip log of the navigation system 101-4 could also be taken into account here in order to further check the plausibility of the result of the check. In general, a wide variety of information can therefore be taken into account when checking whether the parking maneuver is imminent.

In Fig. 7 A scenario is shown in which, based on a distance 703 between a position 701 of the parked motor vehicle 101 and a position 702 of the mobile terminal 120, a check is made as to whether the maneuvering process of the motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the period of time. However, since the distance 703 is greater than a predefined threshold value 720, the result of the check is that the maneuvering out of a parking space of the motor vehicle 101 is not imminent within the time span.

The position 702 of the mobile terminal device 120 then changes as a function of time. This is represented by a movement profile 710 of the mobile terminal device 120. How out Fig. 7 As can be seen, the movement profile 710 is characterized by a time course of the positions 702, specified at discrete-time points.

Out Fig. 7 it can also be seen that the distance 703 briefly falls below the predetermined threshold value 720. However, since the center of gravity of the movement profile 710 does not fall below the threshold value 720, the checking in turn shows that the maneuvering out of a parking space of the motor vehicle 101 is not imminent within the predefined time span. The center of gravity of the movement profile 710 can be determined, for example, by a concurrent time average value of the position 702 of the mobile terminal device 120.

In Fig. 7 the position 702 of the mobile terminal device 120 is illustrated by a vertically filled arrow at which the check shows that the maneuvering out of a parking space of the motor vehicle 101 is imminent within the predetermined time period. It does because both of the Movement profile 710 indicates a movement of the mobile terminal device 120 towards the position 701 of the parked motor vehicle 101, as well as the distance 703 falls below the predefined threshold value 720. The center of gravity of the movement profile 710 also falls below the threshold value 720.

In Fig. 8 a flowchart of a method for indicating an imminent maneuvering out of a parking space according to various embodiments is shown. The method can be implemented in whole or in part, for example, in the mobile terminal device 120 and / or in the parked motor vehicle 101-1 and / or the server 111. The method begins in step S1. In step S2 it is checked whether the parking maneuver is imminent in the future within the time span. A wide variety of information can be taken into account in step S2. For example, the distance 703 between the motor vehicle 101 and the mobile terminal 120 can be taken into account in step S2. In step S2, a direction of movement of the mobile terminal device 120 can alternatively or additionally be taken into account. In step S3, a remaining parking period of the parked motor vehicle 101 can alternatively or additionally be taken into account. As an alternative or in addition, it would also be possible to take into account a travel log of the navigation system 101-4 of the parked motor vehicle 101 in step S2. For example, an appointment calendar of a user that is stored in the memory 120-3 of the mobile terminal 120 could also be taken into account in step S2.

If the check in step S2 shows that the parked motor vehicle is imminent within the specified time period, the message 402 is sent to the server 111 in step S3. The message indicates the imminent parking process. Optionally, the message 402 can also indicate the predefined time span and / or the position 701 of the parked motor vehicle 101. The method ends in step S4.

In Fig. 9 A flowchart of a method for processing a parking space swap, which can be implemented in the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space, is shown. The method begins in step T1. First of all, the other motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space receives the offer message 403. The offer message 403 indicates the impending maneuvering of the parked motor vehicle 101 and also indicates the position 701 of the parked motor vehicle 101. In step T3 it is checked whether a criterion for the Acceptance of the parking space exchange is fulfilled. For example, in step T3, a distance between a position of the further motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space and the position 701 of the parked motor vehicle 101 could be related to the predetermined time period. If the criterion for accepting the parking space swap is met in step T3, then so the acceptance message 404 is sent to the server 111 in step T4. The acceptance message 404 acknowledges the imminent exchange of parking space between the additional motor vehicle 102 searching for a parking space and the parked motor vehicle 101. The method ends in step T5.

Of course, the features of the embodiments and aspects of the invention described above can be combined with one another. In particular, the features can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the field of the invention.

List of reference symbols

101

parked motor vehicle

101-1,120-1

interface

101-2,120-2

Arithmetic unit

101-3,120-3

Storage

101-4

navigation system

102

Another motor vehicle seeking parking space

111

server

112

Parking billing server

120

Mobile device

401, 401-1-401-4

Control message

402

message

403

Offer message

404

Acceptance message

701,702

position

703

distance

710

Motion profile

720

Threshold

S401-404

Procedural steps

S501-504

Procedural steps

S601-605

Procedural steps

S1-S4

Procedural steps

T1-T5

Procedural steps

Claims (7)

1. Method for indicating an imminent departure maneuver of a parked motor vehicle (101), wherein the method comprises:

   - determining a movement profile (710) of a mobile terminal (120), wherein the movement profile (710) comprises a time-averaged movement direction of the mobile terminal (120),

   - based on an interaction that comprises the provision of information between the mobile terminal (120) and the parked motor vehicle (101), and based on the movement profile (710) of the mobile terminal (120), checking whether a departure maneuver of the motor vehicle (101) is imminent in the future within a time period,

   - depending on the check, selectively sending a message (402) to a server (111) which indicates the imminent departure maneuver.
2. Method according to claim 1,
   wherein the method furthermore comprises:

   - determining a distance (703) between the motor vehicle (101) and the mobile terminal (120) within the scope of the interaction between the mobile terminal (120) and the parked motor vehicle (101),

   wherein the checking comprises:

   - performing a threshold comparison between the determined distance (703) and a predetermined threshold value (720),

   wherein the sending of the message (402) is selectively performed depending on the threshold comparison.
3. Method according to claim 1,
   wherein the method furthermore comprises:

   - transmitting a position (701) of the motor vehicle (101) and/or a position (702) of the mobile terminal between the motor vehicle (101) and the mobile terminal (120) within the scope of the interaction between the mobile terminal (120) and the parked motor vehicle (101),

   wherein the determination of the movement profile (710) of the mobile terminal (120) occurs relatively in relation to the position of the parked motor vehicle (101).
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the method furthermore comprises:

   - transferring a control message (401) between the mobile terminal (120) and the motor vehicle (101) within the scope of the interaction between the mobile terminal (120) and the parked motor vehicle (101), wherein the control message (401) indicates an operating state of a motor vehicle component.
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the method furthermore comprises:

   - determining the time period based on a distance between the parked motor vehicle (101) and a further motor vehicle (102) searching for a parking space.
6. Device (101, 120) that is configured to indicate an imminent departure maneuver of a parked motor vehicle (101) in accordance with the method of claim 1, wherein the device (101, 120) comprises:

   - a processing unit (101-2, 120-2) which is configured to check, based on an interaction between a mobile terminal (120) and the parked motor vehicle (101) and based on a movement profile (710) of the mobile terminal (120), whether a future departure maneuver of the motor vehicle (101) is imminent within a time period, wherein the movement profile (710) comprises a time-averaged movement direction of the mobile terminal (120),

   - an interface (101-1, 120-1) that is configured to selectively send a message (402) to a server (111) depending on the check, wherein the message (402) indicates the imminent departure maneuver.
7. Device (101, 120) according to claim 6,
   wherein the device (101, 120) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 2 - 5.

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