Smart parking advisor
First Claim
1. A method for assisting a user in finding a parking space, said method comprising the steps:
- imaging at least one scene of a parking venue to produce at least one image;
receiving destination data at a terminal;
calculating, from a result of said imaging, a location of at least two open spaces and calculating an optimal path including at least one of said at least two open spaces to a destination corresponding to said destination data; and
outputting at said terminal an indication of said result of said step of calculating.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A parking advisor images scenes of a parking area and identifies free spaces using image processing techniques. The advisor then makes recommendations as to which areas a driver should go based on the locations of free spaces. One way of outputting the recommendations is to display them on a terminal at an entry gate or to print them on a ticket, receipt, or other piece of paper. An entry terminal may be provided to allow the user to enter a preferred destination served by the parking area. For example, the destination could be a particular airline terminal or department store. The advisor may select, among the free spaces identified, those that are most convenient to the destination and provide corresponding directions.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for assisting a user in finding a parking space, said method comprising the steps:
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imaging at least one scene of a parking venue to produce at least one image;
receiving destination data at a terminal;
calculating, from a result of said imaging, a location of at least two open spaces and calculating an optimal path including at least one of said at least two open spaces to a destination corresponding to said destination data; and
outputting at said terminal an indication of said result of said step of calculating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
calculating a least-cost path through said destination.
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3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said step of calculating a least-cost path includes the steps:
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calculating vehicle flow from a result of said imaging; and
basing said least-cost path on said vehicle flow.
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4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of outputting includes generating a map.
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5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of generating includes generating an output at a fixed terminal.
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6. A parking advisor comprising:
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means for generating image data corresponding to multiple scenes of a parking area; and
a controller having an input for receiving said image data, said controller comprising;
means for determining portions of said parking area containing free parking spaces in response to said image data;
a further input for receiving destination data indicating a destination from a user; and
means for calculating and outputting an indication of an optimum route to said portions of said parking area and to said destination. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A method for recommending areas of free parking in a parking facility, said method comprising the steps:
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receiving image data responsive to a scene of a parking area;
detecting locations of free parking spaces in response to said image data;
receiving data indicating a destination;
determining optimal ones of said free parking spaces responsive to said destination in response to said destination and said detected locations of free parking spaces; and
outputting a map responsive said step of determining, said map indicating where said optimal ones of said free parking spaces may be found in dependence on said destination. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification