Method for detecting parked vehicles and for collecting parking fees

A method for detecting parked vehicles and for billing parking charges, the method comprising the steps of:

• recognizing and/or determining parking bays in a parking area, the parking bays each having an identification;
• arranging a transponder in a vehicle;
• automatically and repeatedly emitting an identification signal by the transponder;
• receiving the identification signal by at least three radio devices placed stationary at a distance to one another;
• calculating a position of the vehicle based on the identification signal and determining an identification of the transponder using a control device;
• determining whether the vehicle is situated in one of the parking bays;
• using the identification signal to determine whether the vehicle is parked;
• if the vehicle is parked in one of the parking bays:
• transmitting the identification of the transponder and of the parking bay being used by the vehicle to a registration server;
• calculating a parking charge on the basis of a tariff for the parking bay used by the registration server;
• and
• if necessary, initiating a payment procedure by the registration server.

A system comprising

• at least one transponder,
• at least three radio devices placed stationary at a distance to one another,
• a control device and
• a registration server connected to the control device by means of a data link,
• wherein the system is adapted to execute a method for detecting parked vehicles and for billing parking charges, the method comprising the steps of:
• recognizing and/or determining parking bays in a parking area, the parking bays each having an identification;
• arranging a transponder in a vehicle;
• automatically and repeatedly emitting an identification signal by the transponder;
• receiving the identification signal by at least three radio devices placed stationary at a distance to one another;
• calculating a position of the vehicle based on the identification signal and determining an identification of the transponder using a control device;
• determining whether the vehicle is situated in one of the parking bays;
• using the identification signal to determine whether the vehicle is parked;
• if the vehicle is parked in one of the parking bays:
• transmitting the identification of the transponder and of the parking bay being used by the vehicle to a registration server;
• calculating a parking charge on the basis of a tariff for the parking bay used by the registration server;
• and
• if necessary, initiating a payment procedure by the registration server.