Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing On-Street Valet Parking

• US 20120095790A1
• Filed: 07/13/2011
• Published: 04/19/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Conduent Business Services, LLC (Conduent, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center, Inc. (Xerox Holdings Corp.), Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Stefik, Mark Jeffrey, Bell, Alan G., Eldershaw, Craig, Good, Lance E., Greene, Daniel H., Torres, Francisco Eduardo, Uckun, Serdar, Cummins, David Preston, Partridge, Kurt
• Granted Patent: US 8,600,786 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/5
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/025 Coordination of plural reservations, e.g. plural trip segments, transportation combined with accommodation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/265 Personal security, identity or safety
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/40 Business processes related to the transportation industry shipping G06Q10/083
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/00 Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points handling coins or valuable papers, e.g. banknotes, G07D; apparatus for vending or hiring articles or services activated by coins, credit cards, paper currency or the like G07F7/00, G07F17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/02 taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems G07B15/06 takes precedence; taximeters G07B13/00; parking meters per se G07F17/24; car rental systems per se G07B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0021 Access to services on a time-basis
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/246 provided with vehicle proximity-detectors detecting hidden masses, e.g. metal detectors, G01V, e.g. G01V3/00; proximity switches per se H03K17/00; traffic control systems G08G1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/12 Manually actuated calamity alarm transmitting arrangements emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm, activators, e.g. details of alarm push buttons mounted on an infrastructure
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/14 indicating individual free spaces in parking areas
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/142 external to the vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/147 where the parking area is within an open public zone, e.g. city centre
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/148 Management of a network of parking areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A computer-implemented system and method for providing basic valet parking through centrally-managed parking services is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors also physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the parking spaces is accepted through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor is sensed during the time period. Availability of each parking space is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented system for providing basic valet parking through centrally-managed parking services, comprising:

a server managing a multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces through a server, the server comprising a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute computer executable program modules;

a plurality of smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces;

a plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces; and

a plurality of parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces;

a reservations module executed by the server reserving use of a plurality of the parking spaces for a valet service, comprising;

a request module accepting a reservation request for the parking spaces through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time; and

an occupancy module sensing occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor during the time period; and

an availability module indicating availability of each parking space through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the reserved parking spaces that is not occupied by a motor vehicle is identified to a valet engaged in the valet service through the nearest smart parking device.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein a motor vehicle is received from a motorist at a place of drop-off for the valet service and identification for the motorist and means for entering and starting the motor vehicle are obtained, after which the motor vehicle is parked by a valet engaged in the valet service in one of the reserved parking spaces.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein a time when the motorist is likely to return is determined, and the motor vehicle is parked near to the place of drop-off as the time of return approaches.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein one of the reserved parking spaces is designated as a valet pickup location, further comprising:

the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor sensing occupancy of the valet pickup location by a motor vehicle; and

the server notifying a valet engaged in the valet service of the occupancy of the motor vehicle.

6. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:

one or more lockboxes physically proximate to the plurality of parking spaces, wherein means for entering and starting a motor vehicle parked by a valet engaged in the valet service in one of the reserved parking spaces is stored in the nearest lockbox,

wherein access to the lockbox to the motorist from whom the valet received the parked motor vehicle is provided, and the entering and starting means and a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the motorist'"'"'s parked motor vehicle are provided upon the accessing of the lockbox by the motorist.

7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:

the server identifying at least one of the reserved parking spaces that is not occupied by a motor vehicle, wherein a motorist that has engaged the valet service of the location of the identified reserved parking space is notified and the motorist is allowed to self-park in the identified reserved parking space during the time period;

the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor sensing occupancy of each reserved parking space by the motor vehicle; and

the nearest smart parking device subsequently verifying the identify of the engaged motorist.

8. A computer-implemented method for providing basic valet parking through centrally-managed parking services, comprising:

managing a multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces through a server, comprising;

interfacing a plurality of smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces;

interfacing a plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces; and

interfacing a plurality of parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces;

reserving use of a plurality of the parking spaces for a valet service, comprising;

accepting a reservation request for the parking spaces through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time; and

sensing occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor during the time period; and

indicating availability of each parking space through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.

9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

identifying at least one of the reserved parking spaces that is not occupied by a motor vehicle to a valet engaged in the valet service through the nearest smart parking device.

10. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

receiving a motor vehicle from a motorist at a place of drop-off for the valet service; and

obtaining identification for the motorist and means for entering and starting the motor vehicle, after which the motor vehicle is parked by a valet engaged in the valet service in one of the reserved parking spaces.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising:

determining a time when the motorist is likely to return, and

parking the motor vehicle near to the place of drop-off as the time of return approaches.

12. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

designating one of the reserved parking spaces as a valet pickup location;

sensing occupancy of the valet pickup location by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor; and

notifying a valet engaged in the valet service of the occupancy of the motor vehicle.

13. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

stationing one or more lockboxes physically proximate to the plurality of parking spaces;

storing means for entering and starting a motor vehicle parked by a valet engaged in the valet service in one of the reserved parking spaces in the nearest lockbox;

providing access to the lockbox to the motorist from whom the valet received the parked motor vehicle; and

providing the entering and starting means and a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the motorist'"'"'s parked motor vehicle upon the accessing of the lockbox by the motorist.

14. A method according to claim 8, further comprising:

identifying at least one of the reserved parking spaces that is not occupied by a motor vehicle through the server;

notifying a motorist that has engaged the valet service of the location of the identified reserved parking space;

allowing the motorist to self-park in the identified reserved parking space during the time period; and

sensing occupancy of each reserved parking space by the motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and subsequently verifying the identify of the engaged motorist through the nearest smart parking device.

15. A computer-implemented system for providing vehicle-tracked valet parking through centrally-managed parking services, comprising:

a server managing a multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces through a server, the server comprising a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute computer executable program modules;

a plurality of smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces;

a plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces; and

a plurality of parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces;

a reservations module executed by the server reserving use of a plurality of the parking spaces for a valet service, comprising;

a request module accepting a reservation request for the parking spaces through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time; and

an occupancy module sensing occupancy of each reserved parking space by a motor vehicle,

wherein the identities of the motor vehicles that are occupying the reserved parking spaces are determined through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor; and

an availability module indicating availability of each parking space through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.

16. A system according to claim 15, further comprising:

a set of parking identification cards issued to each valet engaged in the valet service, each parking identification card comprising a uniquely assigned identifier;

the nearest smart parking device registering one of the parking identification cards upon parking of a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces, wherein the registered parking identification card is associated with means for entering and starting the parked motor vehicle; and

the server, upon providing the identifier comprised on the parking identification card to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the entering and starting means associated with the parking identification card belongs.

17. A system according to claim 15, further comprising:

a set of paper tickets to each valet engaged in the valet service;

the nearest smart parking device registering one of the paper tickets upon parking of a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces, wherein a valet event number is received from the smart parking device, which is recorded onto or associated with the registered paper ticket, and the registered paper ticket is registered with means for entering and starting the parked motor vehicle; and

the server, upon providing the valet event number recorded onto or associated with the paper ticket, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the entering and starting means associated with the paper ticket belongs.

18. A system according to claim 15, further comprising:

the nearest smart parking device determining an identity of each motor vehicle parked by a valet engaged in the valet service that is parked in one of the reserved parking spaces, and upon providing the motor vehicle'"'"'s identity to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the identity belongs.

19. A system according to claim 15, further comprising:

an identity of each valet engaged in the valet service with the parking server; and

the nearest smart parking device determining the identity of the valet that is parking a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces, and upon providing the valet'"'"'s identity to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the identity belongs.

20. A computer-implemented method for providing vehicle-tracked valet parking through centrally-managed parking services, comprising:

managing a multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces through a server, comprising;

interfacing a plurality of smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces;

interfacing a plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces; and

interfacing a plurality of parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces;

reserving use of a plurality of the parking spaces for a valet service, comprising;

accepting a reservation request for the parking spaces through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time;

sensing occupancy of each reserved parking space by a motor vehicle; and

determining the identities of the motor vehicles that are occupying the reserved parking spaces through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor; and

indicating availability of each parking space through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.

21. A method according to claim 20, further comprising:

issuing a set of parking identification cards to each valet engaged in the valet service, each parking identification card comprising a uniquely assigned identifier;

registering one of the parking identification cards with the nearest smart parking device upon parking of a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces;

associating the registered parking identification card with means for entering and starting the parked motor vehicle; and

upon providing the identifier comprised on the parking identification card to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the entering and starting means associated with the parking identification card belongs.

22. A method according to claim 20, further comprising:

issuing a set of paper tickets to each valet engaged in the valet service;

registering one of the paper tickets with the nearest smart parking device upon parking of a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces;

receiving a valet event number from the smart parking device, which is recorded onto or associated with the registered paper ticket;

associating the registered paper ticket with means for entering and starting the parked motor vehicle; and

upon providing the valet event number recorded onto or associated with the paper ticket to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the entering and starting means associated with the paper ticket belongs.

23. A method according to claim 20, further comprising:

determining an identity of each motor vehicle parked by a valet engaged in the valet service that is parked in one of the reserved parking spaces through the nearest smart parking device; and

upon providing the motor vehicle'"'"'s identity to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the identity belongs.

24. A method according to claim 20, further comprising:

storing an identity of each valet engaged in the valet service with the parking server;

determining the identity of the valet that is parking a motor vehicle in one of the reserved parking spaces through the nearest smart parking device; and

upon providing the valet'"'"'s identity to the parking server, retrieving a location of the smart parking device that is nearest to the parked motor vehicle to which the identity belongs.