FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle parking systems, and more specifically, to construction and structure of an automated vehicle parking system. Further, aspects of the disclosure are also directed to software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media, wherein such software products are executable upon computing hardware, to implement the methods of the disclosure.

BACKGROUND

[002] Multi-level vehicle parking systems are quite common nowadays as they facilitate parking of a large number of vehicles in a limited space. Such parking systems include a vehicle storage space and multiple pick up and drop locations, where a vehicle user can leave and/or pick up their vehicle. The vehicle is moved between the pickup/drop location and the vehicle storage space using automatic lifts and movers.

[003] However, a major problem associated with the multi-level vehicle parking systems is the waiting time associated with the pick up of a vehicle. It is likely that some users have to wait for their vehicle when there are many vehicles parked in the storage space and a limited number of pick up locations. When there is one user, the average waiting time for the pickup depends on an operating speed of the delivery mechanism and distance of the vehicle from the pickup location. When there are multiple users, each user is served in a sequence and waiting time of a given user depends on the number of users already requesting their vehicles prior to the given user. [004] A conventional technique to reduce the waiting time in the vehicle parking system is to increase the number of pick up locations and to speed up the delivery mechanism, and further to employ modeling of the average waiting time using mathematical models such as an Erlang distribution. For example, an Erlang C distribution may be used to estimate how long it takes for the vehicle to be delivered to a pick up location. Alternatively, an Engset equation may be used to determine a probability of a user to wait for their vehicle. However, the conventional techniques have not proved to be very efficient in significantly reducing the waiting time, especially when the number of pickup requests are large.

[005] Another problem associated with the conventional multi-level vehicle parking systems is that their structure and construction is limited to the size, shape, and assembly of the building in which they are contained.

[006] Hence, there exists a need for a vehicle parking system, which eliminates or reduces the waiting time for the delivery of the vehicle to a user, has a structure which is not limited to assembly of a building, and results in a more robust delivery, irrespective of number of pickup requests. SUMMARY

[007] The present disclosure provides an automatic vehicle parking system and a method for operating the same.

[008] In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an automated vehicle parking system that includes at least one parking facility structure including a plurality of vehicle storage cells, a vehicle entrance/exit arrangement, and a vehicle transporting mechanism . The parking facility structure is constructed in a modular manner from a plurality of mutually coupled elongate metal members disposed in substantially vertical and horizontal orientations. The vehicle storage cells are disposed in one or more columns and the vehicle transporting mechanism is spatially disposed adjacently to the one or more columns for delivering and retrieving vehicles in respect of the vehicle storage cells. The vehicle transporting mechanism transports vehicles between the entrance/exit arrangement and the at least one parking facility. [009] Further, the vehicle transporting mechanism is spatially disposed adjacently to the one or more columns for delivering and retrieving one or more vehicles in respect of the vehicle storage cells. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to lift up and/or lower down and move laterally the one or more vehicles in top of one or more platforms which are movable relative to the vehicle transport mechanisms, by a way of moving a first structure up and/or down, by a way of moving a second structure in respect to the first structure laterally and by a way of moving a third structure laterally in respect to the first structure and in a perpendicular manner in respect to the second structure. [0010] In one aspect, the vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to lift up and/or lower down the vehicles, and to move them laterally by way of supporting the vehicles on corresponding platforms which are moveable laterally relative to the vehicle transporting mechanism. The vehicle transporting mechanism employs one or more sets of rails to guide platforms bearing the vehicles when moved laterally between the vehicle transporting mechanism and the vehicle storage cells.

[0011] In one aspect, the vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to move the vehicles in a x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system within a volume of the automated parking system. The vehicle transporting mechanism includes a movable structure that includes a z-structure movable in the z-direction, a y- structure disposed on top of the z-structure and movable in a y-direction thereon, and a vehicle tray disposed on top of the y-structure and movable in an x-direction thereon.

[0012] In one aspect, the vehicle transporting mechanism is provided with elevator motors disposed in a roof portion of the automated parking system , and is operable to employ one or more winches for lifting up and/or lowering down the vehicles relative to the storage cells. The motor/winch system is connected to the bottom of the z-structure and connected to the roof by way of the cables for moving the z-structure in the z-direction. Further the one or more winches used for lifting up and/or lowering down the one or more vehicles relative to the plurality of storage cells are winches connected to outside of the first structure in a manner enabling the second structure to move laterally.

[0013] In one aspect, the automated vehicle parking system of the disclosed embodiments includes cables supporting the first structure. The cables are positioned outside of the first and the second structure and between adjacent rails connected to vertical structures.

[0014] In another aspect, the vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to redistribute the vehicles between the storage cells within the at least one parking facility structure so that the vehicles are more rapidly accessible when they are required to be delivered to the entrance/exit arrangement for collection thereat. The redistribution of the vehicles is executed for reducing a waiting time experienced by users when retrieving the vehicles from the system. [0015]The redistribution of the vehicles is executed based upon user-entered information indicative of estimated times of collection of the vehicles. The redistribution of the vehicles is further executed based upon a predictive model provided with identification information for identifying the vehicles.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the vehicle entrance/exit arrangement includes a plurality of exits/entrances through which vehicles are delivered and/or retrieved. The exits/entrances are provided with one or more user interfaces for users to input data to a control system managing operation of the vehicle transporting mechanism.

[0017] In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of operating the automated vehicle parking system.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular automated vehicle parking system that is made of mutually coupled elongate metal members disposed in horizontal and vertical orientations, and has a structure that is not limited to the shape and size of building in which it is contained. The automated vehicle parking system of the disclosed embodiments has a vehicle transporting mechanism that includes structures capable of moving vehicles in x-y-z direction without mutual interference. Embodiments of the present disclosure further substantially reduce the waiting time for the delivery of a vehicle and result in a more robust delivery. The vehicles are moved closer to an entrance/exit just before their pick up, based on information indicative of one or more estimated times of collection of the vehicles, and/or a predictive model provided with identification information for identifying the vehicles.

[0019] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0020] It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0022] Fig.1 is an illustration of an automated vehicle parking system that is suitable for practicing various implementations of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a vehicle entrance/exit, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 3a is an illustration of a side view of the automated vehicle parking system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; [0025] Fig. 3b is an illustration of a front view of the automated vehicle parking system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 3c is an illustration of a top view of the automated vehicle parking system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure [0027] Fig.4a is an illustration of a detailed top view of the automated vehicle parking system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.4b is an illustration of a detailed top view of a portion of the automated vehicle parking system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.4c is an illustration of a detailed top view of a motor system of the automated vehicle parking system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Fig.5 is an illustration of steps of a method of operating the automated vehicle parking system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0031]The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure and ways in which it can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the invention has been disclosed, those in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the invention are also possible.

[0032] The present disclosure provides an automated vehicle parking system. The automated vehicle parking system includes at least one parking facility structure, a vehicle entrance/exit arrangement, and a vehicle transporting mechanism. The parking facility structure includes a plurality of vehicle storage cells disposed in one or more columns, and the vehicle transporting mechanism is spatially disposed adjacently to the one or more columns for delivering and retrieving vehicles in respect of the vehicle storage cells. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to lift up and/or lower down the vehicles, and to move them laterally by way of supporting the vehicles on corresponding platforms which are moveable laterally relative to the vehicle transporting mechanism. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to move the vehicles in an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system within a volume of the automated parking system.

[0033] The vehicle entrance/exit arrangement includes a plurality of exits/entrances through which vehicles are delivered and/or retrieved, wherein the plurality of exits/entrances are provided with one or more user interfaces for users to input data to a control system managing operation of the vehicle transporting mechanism. The vehicle transporting mechanism is operable to redistribute the vehicles between the storage cells so that the vehicles are more rapidly accessible when they are required to be delivered to the entrance/exit arrangement for collection thereat. The redistribution of the vehicles is executed based upon user-entered information indicative of one or more estimated times of collection of the vehicles and/or a predictive model provided with identification information for identifying the vehicles for reducing a waiting time experienced by one or more users when retrieving vehicles from the system.

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Fig.1 is an illustration of an automated vehicle parking system 100 that is suitable for practicing various implementations of the present disclosure. The automated vehicle parking system 100 includes parking facility structures 102a and 102b, hereinafter collectively referred to as parking facility 102. Each parking facility 102 includes a plurality of parking floors and the plurality of parking floors include a plurality of vehicle storage cells 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d, hereinafter collectively referred to as vehicle storage cells 104 for parking vehicles 106a, 106b, 106c and 106d respectively, hereinafter collectively referred to as vehicles 106. Examples of vehicles 106, include, but are not limited to, automobiles, vehicles, vans, and buses.

[0035] A vehicle transporting mechanism 108 transports the vehicles 106 between the at least one vehicle entrance/exit (not shown in figure) and the parking facility 102. Examples of the vehicle transporting mechanism 108 include, but are not limited to, automated lifts and movers. The vehicle transporting mechanism 108 also moves the vehicles 106 among the vehicle storage cells 104. [0036] Fig. 2 is an illustration of a vehicle entrance/exit 200 of the automated vehicle parking system 100, and is explained in conjunction with Fig.1 . The vehicle entrance/exit 200 is a room, hereinafter referred to as room 200, where a vehicle user 206 leaves and/or picks up their vehicle 106. The vehicle entrance/exit 200 has an automatic door 202 which can be opened for example after identifying the vehicle 106 based on its licence plate. The vehicle user 206 drives the vehicle 106 in the room 200 and leaves the vehicle 106 therein.

[0037] After leaving the vehicle 106 in the room 200, the user 206 may use a control panel 204 to enter a personal code and other instructions such as an estimated time of picking up the vehicle 106. The door 202 is closed, when the user 206 has entered the information through the control panel 204. After the door 202 is closed, the vehicle transporting mechanism 108 transports the vehicle 106 to an available vehicle storage cell 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the particular vehicle storage cell 104 to which the vehicle 106 will be transported may be predefined for the user 206. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle storage cell 104 to which the vehicle 106 will be transported is dynamically decided by a control logic of the automated vehicle parking system 100. [0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control panel 204 may be coupled to the control logic of the automated vehicle parking system 100 and may include an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) and an input module for receiving a plurality of instructions from the vehicle user 206. For example, the control panel 204 may receive the identification information of the vehicle 106, the estimated pick up time of the vehicle 106 and a request from the user 206 for picking up the vehicle 106. The vehicle transporting mechanism 108 transports the vehicle 106 from the vehicle storage cell 104 to the room 200 when a request for pick up of the vehicle 106 is received. The door 202 is opened and the user 206 may drive the vehicle 106 out of the room 200.

[0039] Further, the vehicle transporting mechanism 108 is operable to redistribute the one or more vehicles 106 between the storage cells 104 within the parking facility 102 so that the one or more vehicles 106 are more rapidly accessible when they are required to be delivered to the entrance/exit 200 for collection thereat. The redistribution of the vehicles 106 is executed based upon user-entered information indicative of one or more estimated times of collection of the one or more vehicles 106. Further, the redistribution of the vehicles 106 is executed based upon a predictive model provided with identification information for identifying the vehicles 106. The redistribution of the vehicles 106 is executed for reducing a waiting time experienced by one or more users when retrieving one or more vehicles 106 from the system 100. [0040] Fig 3a is an illustration of a side view of an automated vehicle parking system 300, which is an example of the automated vehicle parking system 100. The automated vehicle parking system 300 includes parking facility structures 302a and 302b, hereinafter collectively referred to as parking facility 302. The parking facility 302 includes a plurality of vehicle storage cells such as cells 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e and 304f, hereinafter collectively referred to as vehicle storage cells 304 for parking the vehicles 106. The vehicle storage cell 304f illustrates a side view of a vehicle 106 parked therein.

[0041]The parking facility 302 is formed by interconnecting a plurality of horizontal metallic rails such as rails 306a and 306b, (hereinafter collectively referred to as rails 306), a plurality of horizontal metallic structures such as structures 308a and 308b (hereinafter collectively referred to as horizontal structures 308), and a plurality of vertical metallic structures such as structures 310a and 310b (hereinafter collectively referred to as vertical structures 310). The rails 306, horizontal structures 308 and vertical structures 310 are elongate metal members disposed in substantially vertical and horizontal orientations and mutually coupled in a manner to form the vehicle storage cells 304. The parking facility 302 may be constructed in a modular manner from the structures 306, 308 and 310, and may be installed/build on a ground or top of an existing parking facility 302 or in a basement. In an embodiment, the parking facility 302 include fire safety features as it is built in a modular manner from the structures 306, 308 and 310 with plenty of air access. The plenty of air access inside the parking facility 302 reduces the possibility of the parking facility 302 bursting into flame on account of a domino effect of one vehicle 106 in a burning state potentially causing another vehicle 106 adjacent thereto bursting into flame.

[0042] A vehicle transporting mechanism 312 is spatially disposed adjacently to the parking facility 302 for delivering and retrieving the vehicles 106 in respect of the vehicle storage cells 304. The vehicle transporting mechanism 312 is operable to move the vehicles 106 in an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system within the parking facility 302. The x-direction in the parking facility 302 refers to a horizontal direction from front to rear, the y-direction refers to a horizontal direction from left to right, and the z-direction refers to a vertical direction from top to bottom of the parking facility 302. The vehicle transporting mechanism 312 includes a z-structure or platform 314a that is movable in the z-direction towards/away from a roof 316 of the parking facility 302. A motor/winch system 320 is connected to bottom of the z-structure 314a and is further connected to connection points 322a and 322b of the roof 316 by way of the cables 326, for moving the z-structure 314a in the z-direction parallel to the vertical structures 310. [0043] The z-structure 314a includes a y-structure or platform 314b positioned on top of the z-structure 314a and an x-structure or platform 314c positioned on top of the y-structure 314b. The y-structure 314b and the x-structure 314c are operable to move laterally relative to the z-structure 314a. For example, the y-structure 314b has a set of wheels (not shown) and is movable in the y- direction on top of the z-structure 314a by one or more motors/winches (not shown). Similarly, the x-structure 314c has a set of wheels (not shown) and is movable in the x-direction along the rails 306 by one or more motors/winches (not shown). Examples of the z-structure 314a, y-structure 314b and x- structure 314c include platforms, frames, trays, and the like. The x-structure 314c may also be referred to as vehicle tray 314c as it is used to carry the vehicles 106 and is movable along the rails 306 to position the vehicle 106 for picking/dropping in the corresponding vehicle storage cell 304f. [0044] The positioning of the motor/winch system 320 and the cables 326 is critical to the functionality of the vehicle transporting mechanism 312. The z- structure 314a is positioned in respect to the (left) end of the rails 306 in a way that the motor/winch system 320 and the cables 326 can fit between the z- structure 314a and the vertical structures 310. The cables 326 are positioned outside of the z-structure 314a to efficiently lift and lower the z-structure 314a in the z-direction. Further, the cables 326 are positioned outside of the y- structure 314b so as to not to cause an obstruction to movement of the y- structure 314b in the y-direction on top of the z-structure 314a. Further, the cables 326 and the motor/winch system 320 are positioned in a manner that the rails 306 are close to the y-structure 314b and the x-structure 314c may be transferred to the rails 306 smoothly.

[0045] Fig.3b is a front view of the automated vehicle parking system 300 shown in Fig.3a with like reference numerals identifying like elements. A vehicle storage cell 304g illustrates a front view of a vehicle 106 parked therein. The z-structure 314a is disposed parallel to the roof 316 and extends in the y-direction between left and right ends of the parking facility 302. The motor/winch system 320 includes rotating wheels 328a, 328b, 328c and 328d, hereinafter collectively referred to as rotating wheels 328 for aligning corresponding cables 326 to the roof 316. Each rotating wheel 328 is positioned between the rails 306 of two adjacent vehicle storage cells 304, for example, the rotating wheel 328b is located between the rails 306a and 306b.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, when the z-structure 314a has to pick up a vehicle 106 from the vehicle storage cell 304g, the z-structure 314a may move downwards to align the x-structure 314c with corresponding rails 306. Then, the y-structure 314b may move on the z-structure 314a towards the vehicle storage cell 304g. Finally, the x-structure 314c may detach from the y- structure 314b and moves along the rails 306 towards the vehicle storage cell 304g to pick up the vehicle 106 therefrom . [0047] Fig. 3c is a top view of the automated vehicle parking system 300 shown in Figs. 3a and 3b with like reference numerals identifying like elements. The top view is illustrated by excluding the roof 316 for clarity purposes. One vehicle 106a is shown to be waiting for service and a top view of another vehicle 106b parked in the vehicle storage cell 304g is shown.

[0048] The z-structure 314a extend between the left and right ends of the parking facility 302 to allow the y-structure 314b to move on top of the z- structure 314a in the y-direction. The x-structure 314c is shown to be positioned on top of the y-structure 314b and is detachable from the y- structure 314b to be movable along the rails 306 for picking/dropping the vehicles 106 in corresponding vehicle storage cells 304. The z-structure 314a is positioned in respect to the (left) end of the rails 306 in a way that the cables 326 can fit between the z-structure 314a and the vertical structures 310. The space between the z-structure 314a and the vertical structures 310 is shown to be sufficient to accommodate the cables 326/motor system 320 therein.

[0049] Figs. 3a-3c are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments herein.

[0050] Fig.4a is an illustration of a detailed top view of the automated vehicle parking system 400, which is an example of the automated vehicle parking system 300 and has been explained in conjunction with Figs. 3a-3c. The automated vehicle parking system 400 includes entrance/exits 402a and 402b through which the vehicles 106 are delivered and/or retrieved by the users. Motor systems 404a and 404b, namely similar to the motor systems 320 are shown to be attached to the z-structure 314a for enabling the z-structure 314a to move in the z-direction. A motor system 404c is shown to be attached to a set of rails 406 disposed on top of the z-structure 314a, for moving the y- structure 314b along the set of rails 406 in the y-direction. Further, a motor system 404d is shown to be attached to the rails 306 for enabling the x- structure 314c to move in the x-direction along the rails 306.

[0051] Fig. 4b is a detailed top view of a portion 408 of Fig. 4a with like reference numerals identifying like elements. A motor system 320 including a cable 326 and a wheel 328 is disposed between adjacent rails 306a and 306b. The wheel 328 bends the cable 326 coming from the roof 316 and is positioned with an angle with respect to the z-structure 314a. The y-structure 314b is disposed in close proximity to the rails 306 so as to allow the x- structure 314c to shift smoothly to the rails 306. The cable 326 and the wheel 328 are positioned between the rails 306 in a manner so as not to prevent movement of the y-structure 314b in the y-direction. Further, the vertical structure 310a is positioned in respect to the rails 306 in a way that the rails 306 extend away from the vertical structure 310 and there is space for the cables 326. The illustrated arrangement of the cables 326 and the wheels 328 facilitates the relative motion of the z-structure 314a, y-structure 314b and the x-structure 314c without mutual interference.

[0052] Fig. 4c is an illustration of a detailed view of the motor system 404a of Figs.4a and 4b with like reference numerals identifying like elements. The motor system 404a includes the cable 326 and the wheel 328. The wheel 328 facilitates changing direction of the cable 326 from a vertical to a horizontal direction. As illustrated, the wheel 328 is at angle of 2-5 degrees with respect to the rail 306a in order to enable smooth collection of the cable 326 to an axis 410 of the motor system 404a.

[0053] Figs. 4a-4c are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments herein.

[0054] Fig.5 is an illustration of steps of a method of operating the automated vehicle parking system 300, in accordance with the present disclosure, and has been explained in conjunction with Figs. 1 and 3a-3c. The method is depicted as a collection of steps in a logical flow diagram, which represents a sequence of steps that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0055] At a step 502, one or more vehicle storage cells 304 are disposed in one or more columns of the parking facility 302. The parking facility 302 is constructed in a modular manner from a plurality of mutually coupled elongate metal members 306, 308, and 310 disposed in substantially vertical and horizontal orientations.

[0056] At a step 504, the vehicle transporting mechanism 312 is spatially disposed adjacently to the one or more columns for delivering and retrieving one or more vehicles 106 in respect of the vehicle storage cells 304. The vehicle transporting mechanism 312 is operable to lift up and/or lower down the vehicles 106, and to move them laterally by way of supporting the vehicles 106 on corresponding one or more platforms 314a, 314b and 314c which are moveable laterally relative to the vehicle transporting mechanism 312. The vehicle transporting mechanism 312 is further provided with one or more elevator motors 404 disposed in the roof 316 of the parking facility 302 for moving vehicles 106 in an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system within a volume of the automated parking system 300.

[0057] It should be noted here that the steps 502 to 504 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

[00123] Although embodiments of the current invention have been described comprehensively, in considerable detail to cover the possible aspects, those skilled in the art would recognize that other versions of the invention are also possible. Invention is related to the construction which enables to implement X-Y and Z direction movement using elevator motors which are installed in the roof of the construction.