Valet parking paging system

• US 9,892,601 B1
• Filed: 01/24/2017
• Issued: 02/13/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2017
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Janice Brooks, Rodsudalah Brooks
• Original Assignee: Janice Brooks, Rodsudalah Brooks
• Inventors: Brooks, Rodsudalah, Brooks, Janice
• Primary Examiner(s): Pendleton, Dionne H
• Application Number:
  US15/413,478
• Time in Patent Office: 385 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/00 Methods of charging batteries, specially adapted for electric vehicles; Charging stations or on-board charging equipment therefor; Exchange of energy storage elements in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/50 Charging stations characterised by energy-storage or power-generation means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1654 the display being detachable, e.g. for remote use
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/224 Paging receivers with visible signalling details
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/20 Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/342 The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging with circuits for polarity protection H02J7/0034
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/647 Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load, bridging between two different networks, e.g. between IP and wireless real-time session protocols H04L65/1101
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/022 One-way selective calling networks, e.g. wide area paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

The valet parking and paging system is a wireless signaling apparatus that facilitates communication between a valet parking station and a client of the valet parking station. Specifically, the valet parking and paging system is a wireless signaling apparatus that exchanges status information between the valet parking station and a client. The valet parking and paging system comprises a plurality of valet units, a plurality of client units, and a base stations. The plurality of valet units comprises a collection of individual valet units. The plurality of client units comprises a collection of individual client units. Each individual valet unit selected from the plurality of valet units plugs into and is electrically connected to a location selected from the group consisting of the base station or an individual client unit selected from the plurality of client units.

Claims

1. A valet parking system comprising

a plurality of valet units, a plurality of client units, and a base station;

wherein the plurality of valet units comprises a collection of individual valet units;

wherein the plurality of client units comprises a collection of individual client units;

wherein an individual valet unit exchanges a plurality of messages with an individual client unit;

wherein each individual valet unit selected from the plurality of valet units plugs into and is electrically connected to a location selected from the group consisting of the base station or an individual client unit selected from the plurality of client units;

wherein the combination of an individual client unit with an individual valet unit forms an individual wireless signaling apparatus;

wherein the valet parking system is a wireless signaling apparatus that facilitates communication between a valet parking station and a client of the valet parking station;

wherein the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit establishing an electrical connection;

wherein the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit to complete an identification protocol between the individual valet unit and the individual client unit;

wherein the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit to provide an electric charge to the individual client unit;

wherein the identification protocol establishes an identification code that allows the individual valet unit and the individual client unit;

wherein the identification protocol reestablished every time the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit;

wherein the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit can be mixed and matched;

wherein the individual wireless signaling apparatus is prepared for use by unplugging and separating the individual valet unit from the individual client unit;

wherein when the individual wireless signaling apparatus is in use, the client of the valet parking station is given an individual client unit for use by the client through the duration of the client'"'"'s engagement with the valet parking station;

wherein the associated individual valet unit is then plugged into a base station to establish an electrical connection between the individual valet unit and the base station′

wherein the base station provides an electric charge to the individual valet unit;

wherein the base station provides control signals to the individual valet unit.

2. The valet parking system according to claim 1

wherein the individual valet unit comprises a valet control system, a valet plug, and a valet housing;

wherein the valet control system is an electrical circuit that controls the interactions between the individual valet unit and the individual client unit;

wherein the valet control system is an electrical circuit that controls the interactions between the individual valet unit and the base station;

wherein the valet housing is a rigid casing that contains the valet control system in such a manner that all switches and signals necessary for the operation of the valet control system by the valet are visible and accessible from the exterior of the valet housing;

wherein the valet plug is an electrical connection and a physical connection that physically attaches the individual valet unit to an individual client unit;

wherein the valet plug is an electrical connection and a physical connection that physically attaches the individual valet unit to the base station;

wherein the valet plug electrically connect the valet control system to the client control system;

wherein the valet plug electrically connect the valet control system to the base control system.

3. The valet parking system according to claim 2

wherein the individual client unit comprises a client control system, a client port, and a client housing;

wherein the client control system is an electrical circuit that controls the interactions between the individual valet unit and the individual client unit;

wherein the client housing is a rigid casing that contains the client control system in such a manner that all switches and signals necessary for the operation of the client control system by the client are visible and accessible from the exterior of the client housing;

wherein the client port is an electrical connection and a physical connection that physically attaches an individual valet unit to the individual client unit;

wherein the client port electrically connects the valet control system to the client control system.

4. The valet parking system according to claim 3

wherein the base station comprises a base control system, a plurality of base ports, and a base housing;

wherein the base control system is an electrical circuit controls the interactions between the individual valet unit and the base station;

wherein the base housing is a rigid casing that contains the base control system in such a manner that all switches and signals necessary for the operation of the base control system by the client are visible and accessible from the exterior of the client housing;

wherein each of the plurality of base ports is an electrical connection and a physical connection that physically attaches an individual valet unit to the base station;

wherein each of the plurality of base ports electrically connects the valet control system to the base control system.

5. The valet parking system according to claim 4

wherein the client control system comprises a client logic module, a client communication module, a plurality of client signals, a client battery, and a sixth switch;

wherein the client logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the client control system;

wherein the client communication module is a wireless transceiver that communicates a plurality of messages between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the client battery electrical energy to the client control system;

wherein each of the plurality of client signals is a light that is illuminated by the client logic module;

wherein the plurality of client signals comprises a second signal, a third signal, a fourth signal, a fifth signal, and a sixth signal;

wherein each of the plurality of client signals comprises an LED.

6. The valet parking system according to claim 5

wherein when the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit an electrical connection is made between a valet battery in the valet control system and the client battery;

wherein the valet battery charges the client battery.

7. The valet parking system according to claim 6

wherein the valet control system comprises a valet logic module, a valet communication module, a plurality of valet switches, a valet battery, a valet diode, and a first signal;

wherein the valet logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the valet control system;

wherein the valet communication module is a wireless transceiver that enables wireless that communicates the plurality of messages between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the first signal is a light that is mounted on the valet housing;

wherein the valet control system illuminates the first signal;

wherein each of the plurality of valet switches comprises a electrical switch;

the plurality of valet switches comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch.

8. The valet parking system according to claim 7

wherein the valet battery charges the client battery;

wherein the valet diode is placed between the valet battery and the client battery to prevent the backflow of electricity from client battery to the valet battery.

9. The valet parking system according to claim 8

wherein the base control system comprises a base logic module, an AC/DC converter, a plurality of base switches, and a base diode;

wherein the base logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the base control system;

wherein the AC/DC converter is a device that draws power from the national electric grid and converts the power into a DC voltage for use by the valet parking system;

wherein when the individual valet unit is plugged into the base station an electrical connection is made between the valet battery in the valet control system and an AC/DC converter;

wherein the plurality of base switches comprises a fourth switch and a fifth switch;

wherein the fourth switch is electrically connected to a first resistor such that when the fourth switch is actuated the valet logic module detects a change in voltage at its connection point to the fourth switch;

wherein the fifth switch is electrically connected to a second resistor such that when the when the fifth switch is actuated the valet logic module detects a change in voltage at its connection point to the fifth switch.

10. The valet parking system according to claim 9

wherein the AC/DC converter charges the valet battery;

wherein the base diode is placed between AC/DC converter and the valet battery to prevent the backflow of electricity from the valet battery to the AC/DC converter.

11. The valet parking system according to claim 10

wherein the second signal is a red LED;

wherein the third signal is a blue LED;

wherein the fourth signal is a white LED;

wherein the fifth signal is a yellow LED;

wherein the sixth signal is a green LED.

12. The valet parking system according to claim 4

wherein the client control system comprises a client logic module, a client communication module, a plurality of client signals, a client battery, and a sixth switch;

wherein the client logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the client control system;

wherein the client communication module is a wireless transceiver that communicates a plurality of messages between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the client battery electrical energy to the client control system;

wherein each of the plurality of client signals is a light that is illuminated by the client logic module;

wherein the plurality of client signals comprises a second signal, a third signal, a fourth signal, a fifth signal, and a sixth signal;

wherein each of the plurality of client signals comprises an LED;

wherein the client control system makes a tenth decision determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the client control system makes a eleventh decision determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the client control system makes a twelfth decision determine whether the sixth switch has been actuated;

wherein the client control system makes a thirteenth decision determine whether a message selected from the plurality of messages has been received;

wherein the client control system makes a thirteenth decision determine whether a message selected from the plurality of messages has been received;

wherein the client control system makes a fourteenth decision determine whether the first message has been received has been received;

wherein the client control system makes a fifteenth decision determine whether the second message has been received;

the client control system makes a sixteenth decision determine whether the third message;

the client control system makes a seventeenth decision determine whether the fourth message indicating that valet is available to a retrieve vehicle has been received;

the client control system makes a eighteenth decision determine whether the fifth message;

the client control system makes a nineteenth decision determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the client control system takes a ninth action of sending a sixth message to the valet control system;

wherein the client control system takes a tenth action of activating the fourth signal;

wherein the client control system takes an eleventh action of activating the fifth signal;

wherein the client control system takes a twelfth action of activating the sixth signal;

wherein the client control system takes a thirteenth action of activating the third signal;

wherein the client control system takes a fourteenth action of activating the second signal;

wherein if the hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system is established then the client control system proceeds to the eighth action;

wherein if the hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system is not established then the client control system proceeds to the twelfth decision.

13. The valet parking system according to claim 12

wherein when the individual valet unit is plugged into the individual client unit an electrical connection is made between a valet battery in the valet control system and the client battery;

wherein the valet battery charges the client battery.

14. The valet parking system according to claim 13

wherein the valet control system comprises a valet logic module, a valet communication module, a plurality of valet switches, a valet battery, a valet diode, and a first signal;

wherein the valet logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the valet control system;

wherein the valet communication module is a wireless transceiver that enables wireless that communicates the plurality of messages between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the first signal is a light that is mounted on the valet housing;

wherein the valet control system illuminates the first signal;

wherein each of the plurality of valet switches comprises a electrical switch;

the plurality of valet switches comprises a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch;

wherein the valet control system makes a first decision to determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the valet control system makes a second decision to determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the valet control system makes the third decision determines whether the first switch has been actuated;

wherein the valet control system makes the fourth decision to determine whether the second switch has been actuated;

wherein the valet control system makes a fifth decision to determine whether the third switch has been actuated;

wherein the valet control system makes a sixth decision to determine whether the fourth switch within the base station has been actuated;

wherein the valet control system makes a seventh decision to determine whether the fifth switch within the base has been actuated;

wherein the valet control system makes the eighth decision to determine whether the sixth message has been received;

wherein the valet control system makes a ninth decision to determine whether there is a hardwired connection between the valet control system and the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a first action implementing the identification protocol exchanging identification codes with the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a second action of sending the first message the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a third action of sending a second message to the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a fourth action of sending a third message to the client control system;

wherein if the valet control system takes a fifth action of sending a fourth message to the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a sixth action of sending a fifth message to the client control system;

wherein the valet control system takes a seventh action of activating the first signal.

15. The valet parking system according to claim 14

wherein the valet battery charges the client battery;

wherein the valet diode is placed between the valet battery and the client battery to prevent the backflow of electricity from client battery to the valet battery.

16. The valet parking system according to claim 15

wherein the base control system comprises a base logic module, an AC/DC converter, a plurality of base switches, and a base diode;

wherein the base logic module is an electrical circuit that is used to control and operate the base control system;

wherein the AC/DC converter is a device that draws power from the national electric grid and converts the power into a DC voltage for use by the valet parking system;

wherein when the individual valet unit is plugged into the base station an electrical connection is made between the valet battery in the valet control system and an AC/DC converter;

wherein the plurality of base switches comprises a fourth switch and a fifth switch;

wherein the fourth switch is electrically connected to a first resistor such that when the fourth switch is actuated the valet logic module detects a change in voltage at its connection point to the fourth switch;

wherein the fifth switch is electrically connected to a second resistor such that when the when the fifth switch is actuated the valet logic module detects a change in voltage at its connection point to the fifth switch.

17. The valet parking system according to claim 16

wherein the AC/DC converter charges the valet battery;

wherein the base diode is placed between AC/DC converter and the valet battery to prevent the backflow of electricity from the valet battery to the AC/DC converter.

18. The valet parking system according to claim 17

wherein the second signal is a red LED;

wherein the third signal is a blue LED;

wherein the fourth signal is a white LED;

wherein the fifth signal is a yellow LED;

wherein the sixth signal is a green LED.