Method and system for navigation

0001The present invention relates to a method and a system for navigation of vehicles.

0002The <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20020184062A1"><text>US 2002/0184062 A1</text></patcit> shows a vehicle management system. The vehicle management method and system is able to monitor and manage a fleet of vehicles with high efficiency and low cost. The management method includes the steps of providing a radio transmitter connected to a vehicle navigation system in each vehicle, providing a radio transmitter connected to a facility computer in a vehicle management facility, receiving information regarding use of a vehicle by the vehicle navigation system from the facility computer which is transmitted through the radio transmitters, monitoring usage of the vehicle and storing data thereof in a memory, and sending the stored data to the facility computer through the radio transmitters.

0003The object of the invention is to improve a method for navigation of vehicles.

0004Said object is achieved by a method with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous refinements are the subject of dependent claims and are included in the description.

0005Therefore a method for navigation of vehicles is provided with at least one first vehicle and one second vehicle. The method comprises the steps: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>transmitting a first current position of the first vehicle from the first vehicle to a server,</li><li>transmitting a second current position of the second vehicle from the second vehicle to the server,</li><li>determining a first route and a second route by means of the server,</li></ul>

0006The first route is determined from the first current position to a first final destination of the first vehicle. The second route is determined from the second current position to a second final destination of the second vehicle. A location connects the first route and the second route. The location may be a stop over. The stop over may be determined for a passenger to change from first vehicle to the second vehicle. The location is included in the first route and in the second route.

0007The method further comprises the steps: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li>transmitting the first route to the first vehicle, and</li><li>transmitting the second route to the second vehicle.</li></ul>

0008The first vehicle may use the first route for route guidance. The second vehicle may use the second route for route guidance.

0009This features may lead to a plurality of advantages. Members of the community could use all vehicles of the community. With a high dense of vehicles in urban areas members could start a city trip instantly. Fuel and time for travelling is reduced. Members reach their destination earlier and the overall effectiveness of community traffic is increased.

0010Another aspect is an improved system for navigation of vehicles. The system is provided having the features of independent claim 7. Advantageous refinements are included in the description.

0011Therefore a system for navigation of vehicles is provided. At least one first vehicle and one second vehicle and a server are connectable by means of wireless data transmission between the server and the first and second vehicle.

0012The first vehicle is configured to transmit a first current position of the first vehicle to the server. The second vehicle is configured to transmit a second current position of the second vehicle to the server.

0013The server is configured to determine a first route and a second route. The first route is defined from the first current position to a first final destination of the first vehicle. The second route is defined from the second current position to a second final destination of the second vehicle.

0014A location connects the first route and the second route. The location may be a stopover for a passenger to change from first vehicle to the second vehicle. The location is included in the first route and in the second route.

0015The server is configured to transmit the first route to the first vehicle and the second route to the second vehicle.

0016In the following advantageous embodiments are described.

0017According to one embodiment an enquiry may be transmitted from a device to the server. The enquiry may contain a current passenger position of a passenger and a passenger destination.

0018According to one embodiment a transport option of a transport of the passenger may be determined by means of the first vehicle and of the second vehicle to the passenger destination. The determination may be based on the current passenger position. The determination may be based on a current route of the first vehicle. The determination may be based on a current route of the second vehicle. The determination may be based on the first current position of the first vehicle. The determination may be based on the second current position of the second vehicle. The determination may be based on one or more first parameters of the transport option. The first parameters may be transmitted from the first vehicle to the server. The determination may be based on one or more second parameters of the transport option. The second parameters may be transmitted from the second vehicle to the server. The transport option may be displayed for inputting a selection.

0019According to one embodiment one of the first parameters and/or one of the second parameters may contain a mode value for a private mode without transport of passengers or a public mode with transport of passengers.

0020One of the first parameters and/or one of the second parameters may contain a distance value for a maximum detour.

0021One of the first parameters and/or one of the second parameters may contain an occupancy value for a number of vacant transport places of the vehicle.

0022One of the first parameters and/or one of the second parameters may contain a group index for an affiliation with a specific group of persons.

0023One of the first parameters and/or one of the second parameters may contain a settable profile of the driver for preferences. Such preferences may be a musical style and/or a driving style or the like.

0024According to one embodiment the first route and the second route may be determined, when the selection input is determined.

0025According to one embodiment the first route and the second route may be determined, when the selection input is determined and when a first confirmation by a first driver of the first vehicle and a second confirmation by a second driver of the second vehicle are determined.

0026According to one embodiment the location may be output as the first stopover in a first route guidance of the first route. According to one embodiment the location may be output as the second stopover in a second route guidance of the second route.

0027According to one embodiment information may be output to the passenger, the information being based on the location. A time count value may be output to the passenger until the location is reached.

0028The described embodiments are especially advantageous both individually and in combination. In this regard, all embodiments can be combined with one another. Some possible combinations are explained in the description of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. These possible combinations of the embodiments, depicted therein, are not definitive, however.

0029The invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter by exemplary embodiments using graphic illustrations.

0030In the drawing: <dl id="dl0001"><dt>FIG. 1</dt><dd>shows a schematic illustration of a system for navigation of vehicles;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>shows a schematic illustration of a map view;</dd><dt>FIG. 3</dt><dd>shows a schematic illustration of the wireless transmission;</dd><dt>FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c</dt><dd> show schematic illustrations of selection options;</dd><dt>FIG. 5</dt><dd>shows a schematic time diagram;</dd><dt>FIG. 6</dt><dd>shows a schematic illustration of a display;</dd><dt>FIG. 7</dt><dd>shows a block diagram;</dd><dt>FIG. 8</dt><dd>shows a schematic three-dimensional illustration of a motor vehicle;</dd><dt>FIG. 9</dt><dd>shows a block diagram;</dd><dt>FIG. 10</dt><dd>shows a schematic view of a traffic having a plurality of vehicles; and</dd><dt>FIG. 11</dt><dd>shows a schematic map view.</dd></dl>

0031A rapid growth of urban population occurred in recent decades. In 2008, around the globe for the first time less people lived in rural than in urban areas. More than four hundred cities have more than one million and nineteen more than ten million inhabitants. In the forecast by 2050 more than seventy percent of the world population will live urban areas. In the mega cities of the future there will be an enormous need for mobility, that can't be satisfied with conventional means. This gap can be closed by the Urban Swarm Community Concept, which consistently uses the intelligence of the swarm. Using the Urban Swarm Community Concept a cutting-edge mobility community combines the advantages of public and individual transport, taxis, car-sharing and ride community concepts, avoiding their disadvantages. It offers maximum transport capacity by high utilization of vehicles and also allows a rapid change of vehicles. Potential passengers only need to enter their final destination, the rest is managed by the System. In this concept individuals may be booked on one or several vehicles to come from start point to final destination.

0032In <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> an overview of one embodiment of a system is provided, that uses swarm intelligence. Therefore a plurality of functions in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> may be implemented in program running on one or more servers, which could be part of a cloud computing.

0033Core of the system of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is an optimizer function for organizing data traffic and calculations. Implemented functions may be a traffic info database having data of a road map, a route planer having a route calculation algorithm and a movement monitor having storage means for updating and tracking the positions of the member devices and vehicles. Also implemented functions may be booking having storage means e.g. for passenger transport, and billing for member vehicle usage and a parking spot location table having positions of vacancies for parking. Also implemented functions may be a member database and a vehicle database. The member database may have members' identifications, members' profiles, members' destinations and members' media. The vehicle database may have vehicles' identification, vehicles' positions, vehicles' routes, vehicles' occupants and vehicles' profiles.

0034Also member device functions on the left as well as specific member functions of a vehicle on the right are shown. According to one embodiment of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> steps of a long-term booking process are described.

0035In a first step a member may select a destination, e.g. home, school market or office. The destination is sent as an enquiry to the optimizer by the mobile device of the member. The optimizer returns in a second step an offer of suitable vehicles, which may be shown in a table form on the display of the mobile device, having pictures and text and other information like known persons or driving time. Suitable vehicles may be determined based on the information in the movement monitor. Also billing requirements may have to be fulfilled for offering. In a third step the user selects at least one of the suitable offers and sends a request for transport.

0036In a fourth step the booking request is sent to the driver's mobile of the respective choice. The driver inputs an acknowledgement, if he agrees to transport the member, which is referred to as passenger in the following. Information from the member database and from the vehicle database may be provided for the request and confirmation and selection to the passenger's device and to the driver's device respectively. This confirmation is sent back to the optimizer and is forwarded to the passenger's mobile device. The booking is stored and monitored in the booking function. The optimizer also triggers the route planer to recalculate a route of the vehicle of choice, incorporating an additional stop for the passenger to enter the vehicle and/or an additional stop for the passenger to leave the vehicle. The routes stored in the vehicle database may be updated. In a seventh step after route recalculation pick up information and an estimated time of arrival is sent to the passenger.

0037Other process not shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> may be a check-in, a check-out, short-term booking, dynamic wake-up call for a driver, dynamic wake-up call for a passenger, parking management and a private mode. E.g. after the long-term booking the next process would be the check-in of the passenger in the vehicle of choice.

0038A map view is shown schematically in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>. The map view should clarify the different use of a swarm of vehicles versus an individual vehicle. Typically, a swarm consists of a large number of vehicles, but for greater clarity only a few vehicles of the swarm are shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>. Thus, a first vehicle 410 and a second vehicle 420 are shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>.

0039Also shown is a first current position X1 of first vehicle 410, which is determined, for example, by means of GPS signals and transmitted to server 300 according to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. Likewise, a second current position X2 of second vehicle 420 is shown, which is also transmitted to server 300.

0040Also shown are a first route R1 and a second route R2, which are calculated by server 300. The server moreover calculates a large number of other routes of swarm participants, which for greater clarity are not shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>.

0041The first route R1 is determined from the first current position X1 to a first final destination F1 of first vehicle 410. The first final destination F1 is selected or input, for example, by the driver of first vehicle 410. The second route R2 is determined from the second current position X2 to a second final destination F2 of second vehicle 420. The second final destination F2 is selected or input, for example, by the driver of second vehicle 420.

0042Passenger 201 has also entered a trip destination FT, which in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> he covers with six route sections by means of six different vehicles. The six route sections in this regard form his trip route RT to the trip destination FT. A second route section in this case is covered by first vehicle 410. A third route section is covered by second vehicle 420. The remaining necessary vehicles are not shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> for the sake of greater clarity.

0043So that passenger 201 can utilize first vehicle 410 and then second vehicle 420, passenger 201 must change vehicles. A location C for changing vehicles connects first route R1 and second route R2. This location C is advantageously indicated as a stopover in the route guidance of first vehicle 410. In this regard, information on the exiting of passenger 201 is provided to the driver of first vehicle 410. Location C is advantageously also indicated as a stopover in the route guidance of second vehicle 420. In this case, information on the entry of passenger 201 is provided to the driver of second vehicle 420. Thus, location C is included in first route R1 of first vehicle 410 and in second route R2 of second vehicle 420. Location C in this case is an area where stopping of first vehicle 410 and second vehicle 420 is possible. For example, location C is an intersection, so that passenger 201 need only cross a street for a vehicle change.

0044Server 300 calculates both routes R1, R2 interdependently based on the trip route RT of passenger 201. First route R1 is transmitted to first vehicle 410 and second route R2 to second vehicle 420. Due to the Swarm mobility concept, in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, passenger 201 can reach the trip destination FT within 20 minutes. Because of the high availability of travel options due to the swarm of vehicles, passenger 201 can also skip travel options, e.g., in order to take a break or to meet someone and then to continue traveling to the trip destination FT. In so doing, the server calculates a new trip route RT with new route sections of the current vehicles (not shown).

0045For comparison, the trip by means of a person's own motor vehicle from the start to the destination (finish) is also shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>. The traveler as the driver must now drive around a traffic jam at two places, shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> by symbols. The traveler also loses a great deal of time at the destination when a parking place needs to be found. In the shown exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>, the traveler requires 30 minutes to reach the destination. With the current growth of traffic congestion in cities, individual transport will increasingly reach its limits, so that in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> the time difference will diverge even more greatly.

0046A further exemplary embodiment is illustrated in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, in which a passenger 201 reaches a trip destination FT from his current position X0. In this case, passenger 201 uses a mobile device 211 to transmit an enquiry RQ to server 300 via a wireless connection. For the wireless connection, the server is connected, for example, to base station 310 of a wireless network (LTE, UMTS) in the network. The enquiry RQ contains a current passenger position X0 of passenger 201 and the passenger destination FT.

0047Server 300 moreover receives information on vehicles 410, 420. A first vehicle 410 determines its current position X1 based on satellite signals S from satellites 700 and transmits its current position X1 and its destination F1 and first parameters B1, B2, B3, M via a wireless connection to server 300. A second vehicle 420 determines its current position X2 based on satellite signals S from satellites 700 and transmits its current position X2 and its destination F2 and second parameters B1, B2, M via a wireless connection to server 300.

0048The first parameters B1, B2, B3, M and the second parameters B1, B2, M define whether the particular vehicle 410, 420 is suitable for transporting passenger 201. For example, one of the parameters defines a mode value M for a private mode without transport of passengers or a public mode with transport of passengers, whereby the mode value M can be set by the driver. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the drivers of vehicles 410, 420 have set the public mode. Furthermore, an occupancy value B1, B2, B3 for the number of free transport places in motor vehicle 410, 420 is transmitted as a parameter. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, first vehicle 410 has transport places B1 and B2 and B3 free and second vehicle 420 transport places B1 and B2.

0049A transport option TO of a transport of passenger 201 to the passenger destination FT by means of first vehicle 410 and second vehicle 420 is determined by server 300. The determination of transport option TO is based on at least one of the current passenger position X0 and the first current position X1 of first vehicle 410 and the second current position X2 of second vehicle 420 and the first route R1 and the second route R2 and a first number of first parameters B1, B2, B3, M transmitted from first vehicle 410 for transport option TO and a second number of second parameters B1, B2, M transmitted from second vehicle 420 for transport option TO.

0050Transport option TO is transmitted by server 300 via a wireless connection to mobile device 211 of passenger 201. Mobile device 211 of passenger 201 has a display for showing transport option TO. Data such as the pick-up point X3 and/or information on the driver and/or vehicles and/or on the trip destination FT, for example, are shown on the displaying of transport option TO. Mobile device 211 enables a selection input SC of this transport option FT, for example, by icon and/or key command and/or voice command. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the selection input SC can be made by touching the icon "SELECT" via a touchscreen. The selection input SC is transmitted back to server 300. Next, server 300 calculates the first route R1 of first vehicle 410 and the second route R2 of second vehicle 420 and the location C.

0051Passenger 201 after the selection SC goes from his current position X0 to pick-up point X3, which first vehicle 410 reaches at the same time or shortly thereafter and gets into first vehicle 410. First vehicle 410 drives by means of route guidance along route R1. Passenger 201 leaves at location C. Second vehicle 420 also reaches location C at the same time or shortly thereafter and passenger 201 gets into second vehicle 420. Second vehicle 420 drives further along second route R2 to the destination by means of route guidance. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, the destination F2 of second vehicle 420 corresponds to the trip destination FT of passenger 201.

0052As a departure from the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, a plurality of transport options TO for the selection input SC can be shown on mobile device 211 of passenger 201.

0053<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4a</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a display of a plurality of transport options TO1, TO2, TO3, TO4, TO5, TO6, TO7, TO8 on a map. Each transport option TO1, TO2, TO3, TO4, TO5, TO6, TO7, TO8 can be selected by touching the associated symbol on the map. The particular current position X0 is also shown. Additional information E100 is indicated for transport option TO1. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4a</figref>, the driver for transport option TO1 is familiar to the user and his name is determined and displayed by means of a table entry.

0054If transport option TO1 is selected by a touchscreen input, a request RQ, according to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, is sent to the vehicle. If the driver of the first vehicle 410 confirms the reservation request, a first acknowledgment message ACK1 is sent back. If the driver of the second vehicle 420 confirms the reservation request, a second acknowledgment message ACK2 is sent back. <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4b</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a display for a confirmation ACK1 shown on the display of the passenger's device.

0055<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4c</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a display of a plurality of transport options TO1, TO2, TO3, TO4 for a later time by means of a list. In this case as well, additional information E100 is output, which in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4c</figref> identifies a familiar person as the driver.

0056Another exemplary embodiment with a diagram is shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>. A user 201 as passenger 201 is to take a trip from the start position X0 to the trip destination FT. The section covered by the trip from the start position X0 to trip destination FT is shown in <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> by a bar with the positions X0, X3, C, X4, FT and the sections P1, S1, S2, P2. The system is suitable for schedule planning by the central management of a plurality of data by a server 300. To display the time course, a timeline with the times t_W, t_X, t_P1, t₃, t_C, t₄, t_P2, t_F is shown below the illustration of the trip sections. Passenger 201 uses a mobile device 211, for example, a smartphone or smartbook.

0057User 201 would like to be at appointment place FT at appointment time t_F. Mobile device 211 is configured to input the appointment time t_F and the appointment place FT and optional a time interval Δt1, Δt2 by user 201. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, two time intervals Δt1, Δt2 are entered. A first time interval Δt1 between a start time t_X and a time t_P1 at the beginning of footpath P1 is entered. For example, the first time interval Δt1 takes into account a time period for leaving the house (e.g., 5 minutes). The second time interval Δt2, defined between a time of arrival t_P2 after the end of footpath P2 and the appointment time t_F, takes into account, for example, a preparation time for the appointment (e.g., 5 minutes). The time intervals Δt1, Δt2 can also be set to zero.

0058Mobile device 211 is configured to determine a current position X0 of mobile device 211. For this purpose, mobile device 211 has, for example, a GPS receiver.

0059Server 300 can be connected to mobile device 211 via a network. For example, a UMTS connection or an LTE connection is used for this purpose. Mobile device 211 is configured to transmit the appointment time t_F and the appointment place FT and the current position X0 and the time intervals Δt1, Δt2 to server 300.

0060Server 300 is configured to determine traffic-related data RD as real-time data RD for at least one route section S1, S2 between the current position X0 and the appointment place FT. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, user 201 starts a short footpath P1 at the position X0 to location X3 where a first vehicle 410 transports user 201 as passenger 201 over a first route section S1 to location C. At location C passenger 201 changes to second vehicle 420 and is driven over a second route section S2 to location X4. Passenger 201 leaves at location X4 and walks on another short footpath P2 to appointment place FT. How rapidly the first route section S1 and the second route section S2 can be covered depends significantly on traffic flow in these route sections S1, S2. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, other vehicles 430, 440, 450, 460 are shown which drive on route sections S1, S2.

0061Server 300 is configured to determine traffic-related data RD of the particular route section S1, S2 based on an assessment of received vehicle-specific data M2₄₃₀, M2₄₄₀, M2₄₅₀, M2₄₆₀ of vehicles 430, 440, 450, 460. The vehicle-specific data are, for example, a speed value M2₄₃₀, M2₄₄₀, M2₄₅₀, M2₄₆₀ and/or an acceleration value and/or a value for the distance to a preceding and/or following vehicle and/or a value for route conditions and/or a vehicle density value. It is shown in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> how vehicles 430, 440, 450, 460 each transmit a speed value M2₄₃₀, M2₄₄₀, M2₄₅₀, M2₄₆₀ to server 300 over a wireless connection.

0062Server 300 determines a travel time t_T based on the data. The time for footpaths P1, P2 in this regard is substantially independent of traffic. From the speed values, server 300 calculates, for example, an average speed in route sections S1, S2 and in association with the length of route sections S1, S2 server 300 calculates the travel time t_T. The start time t_X can now be calculated by server 300, for example, by subtracting the travel time t_T and subtracting the time intervals Δt1, Δt2 from the appointment time t_F.

0063Server 300 is configured, based on the appointment time t_F and the appointment place FT and the current position X0 and possibly available time intervals Δt1, Δt2 and the traffic-related real-time data RD, to calculate the start time t_X for traveling from current position X0 to the appointment place FT. The calculated start time t_X is sent by server 300 to mobile device 211. Server 300 is configured to update continuously the start time t_X based on the traffic-related data RD and to send it to mobile device 211. If the traffic situation in route sections S1, S2 changes, for example, due to black ice, this is taken into account in the calculation of the start time t_X and the start time t_X is accordingly adjusted forward.

0064Mobile device 211 is configured to output an alarm A1, A2, A3 based on the start time t_X and current time t. The alarm in this regard can be output in different ways. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref>, the alarm is indicated as a visual display A1 by a countdown. The display can blink in addition, for example, shortly before the start time t_X is reached. The alarm is output alternatively or in addition by an acoustic signal A2. The acoustic signal A2 is, for example, an alarm sound and/or a voice output. The alarm is output alternatively or in addition by a vibration A3 of mobile device 211.

0065In addition, a wake-up alarm WA can be set. In this regard, based on the start time t_X a wake-up time t_W can be specified by mobile device 211 and/or server 300. Mobile device 211 in this regard is configured to output the wake-up alarm WA, based on the wake-up time t_W and the current time t. The wake-up alarm also has, for example, an alarm sound.

0066An exemplary embodiment with a display is shown schematically in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>. In this case, a visual wake-up alarm WA, an appointment time t_F at the office, and a start time t_X' for the return trip and an arrival time t_F' at home are indicated. The arrival time t_F' could also be referred to as appointment time.

0067A system of a motor vehicle 100 is shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIGS. 7</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">8</figref>. The system has a central unit 130. Central unit 130 is connected to a driver terminal 129 for a driver 209 to output a route guidance. Driver terminal 129 is configured for inputting, for example, by means of sensors or a touchscreen. The driver can enter data via driver terminal 129 or he can operate functions.

0068In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, the system has three near field communication devices 111, 112, 113. Each near field communication device 111, 112, 113 is installed in motor vehicle 100 in the area of a seat for a mobile device 211, 212, 213. Each near field communication device 111, 112, 113 is connected to central unit 130. Each near field communication device 111, 112, 113 can create a communication link with mobile device 211, 212, 213 located in the receptacle.

0069In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref>, the system has three display-input devices 121, 122, 123. Each display-input device 121, 122, 123 is installed in motor vehicle 100 for use by a passenger 201, 202, 203. Each display-input device 121, 122, 123 is connected to central unit 130. Near field communication device 111, 112, 113 and display-input device 121, 122, 123 are positioned for operation (operating) by passenger 201, 202, 203 at a passenger seat 101, 102, 103.

0070Central unit 130 of the system is configured to read identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 from mobile device 211, 212, 213 of passenger 201, 202, 203 via near field communication device 111, 112, 113. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, the respective identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 are transmitted to central unit 130 from each mobile device 211, 212, 213 of passenger 201, 202, 203 via near field communication devices 111, 112, 113. Driver 209 can allow the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 to be displayed via terminal 129. It is possible that central unit 130 is configured to transmit the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 or the information associated therewith to server 300. The information can then be used for billing, e.g. for paying for the traveled sections.

0071Central unit 130 is configured, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 from mobile devices 211, 212, 213, to activate display-input device 121, 122, 123 for use by passenger 201, 202, 203. By means of the activation, passenger 201, 202, 203 can now allow data to be displayed or make entries. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, passenger 201, 202, 203 is authorized to allow image data from camera 164 to be displayed. Likewise, music titles or video titles can be requested from a media database 155. Central unit 130 is configured, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213, to permit access to data and/or services of central unit 130 of motor vehicle 100. Passenger 201, 202, 203 by the activation can also be permitted to access the infrastructure of vehicle 100, for example, a transceiver 140 of the wireless network connection (UMTS, LTE).

0072Alternatively or in combination, central unit 130 is configured, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 from mobile devices 211, 212, 213, to transmit passenger-specific data D201, D202, D203 from central unit 130 for displaying on display-input device 121, 122, 123. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>, passenger-specific data D201, D202, D203 are stored or generated in central unit 130. The passenger-specific data D201, D202, D203 have, for example, specific instructions for route guidance for passenger 201, 202, 203. For example, the passenger-specific data D201, D202, D203 have a time counter until passenger 201, 202, 203 leaves motor vehicle 100 at a stop of the route guidance. The time counter is displayed by display-input device 121, 122, 123.

0073In addition, passenger 201, 202, 203 is provided with the convenient option of accessing his own data, in that central unit 130 is configured, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213, to permit access to data and/or services of mobile device 211, 212, 213 via near field communication device 111, 112, 113. For example, email can be read from mobile device 211, 212, 213 via near field communication device 111, 112, 113.

0074An occupancy value B1, B2, B3 for the particular seat 101, 102, 103 is changed in central unit 130, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213. As soon as a passenger 201, 202, 203 identifies himself by means of mobile device 211, 212, 213 and the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213 via the particular near field communication device 111, 112, 113, the associated occupancy value B1, B2, B3 is set to "occupied." It is also possible that seat 201, 202, 203 has an occupancy sensor 165, whereby the occupancy value B1, B2, B3 is set based on the sensor data of occupancy sensor 165. Central unit 130 is configured to provide the occupancy value B1, B2, B3 upon an inquiry by server 300 and occupancy values B1, B2, B3 are then transmitted from central unit 130 to server 300. The rider capacities are thus available to server 300 in real time.

0075So that passenger 201 is informed in a timely manner about changing vehicles before location C is reached according to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> central unit 130 is configured, based on the identification data ID211, ID212, ID213, to display a map by means of display-input device 121, 122, 123 with the current position of motor vehicle 100, 410 and/or a position of another motor vehicle 420, whereby the other motor vehicle 420 is assigned a trip route RT of passenger 201.

0076To connect each display-input device 121, 122, 123 with central unit 130, the system has a WiFi access point 132 for a wireless connection. Moreover, other devices, for example, brought along by a passenger 201, 202, 203, can be included in the system via WiFi access point 132. To output voice prompts and/or entertainment media, the system of the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> has a number of audio amplifiers 153 and a number of loudspeakers 150.

0077<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> shows other functions of a system of a motor vehicle 100 in communication with a server 300. The system again has a central unit 130. The system has a transceiver 140 for the wireless transmission of data DF from motor vehicle 100 via a wireless connection 340 of a network, e.g., over a wireless base station 310, to server 300. In addition, a plurality of other vehicles 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, which belong to a community 400, can exchange data with server 300 via a wireless connection 340.

0078Central unit 130 of the present system has an interface 136 for receiving measured data M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 from measurement sensors 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168 of motor vehicle 100. For example, a measurement sensor is a camera 164 and/or a radar device 161 and/or a speed sensor 162 and/or a microphone 163 and/or an occupancy sensor 165 and/or a position sensor 166 and/or a street condition sensor/vibration sensor 168 and/or a temperature sensor 167 or the like.

0079In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, central unit 100 of the system has an interface 137, 138 for receiving input data E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E9 of an input by a driver 209 by means of an input device 129 of motor vehicle 100. Input device 129 of driver 209 can also be called the driver terminal 129. The input data in the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> have a driver identification E1 with the identification data ID219 and/or a driving style category E3 and/or a group definition E4 and/or a music profile E2 and/or a driving destination E5 and/or a number of available places E6 and/or an input maximum speed E7 and/or a vehicle identification E9 or the like. A number of connected input devices 170, 180 and/or memories 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 181, 182, 183, 184 are provided for this purpose.

0080Central unit 130 is configured to activate a private mode M_V or a public mode M_C. The public mode M_C is used here for information for other participants, who, e.g., as passengers require a ride or as a driver of another vehicle would like to be informed about the local situation, for example, by means of image data from camera 164. The private mode M_V, in contrast, makes it possible for driver 209 to protect his privacy, when, e.g., exclusively family members travel in the vehicle.

0081Central unit 130 in the private mode M_V is configured to activate a first configurable filter 131. A first selection of measured data M2 and/or of input data E1 for transmission by transceiver 140 is released by means of the first configurable filter 131. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, the speed data M2 of a speed sensor 162 and a driver identification E1 are released. The first configurable filter 131 is shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> as a function symbol and implemented, for example, by authorization software in central unit 130.

0082Central unit 130 in the public mode M_C is configured to activate a second configurable filter 132. A second selection of measured data M4, M6 and/or of input data E3 for transmission by transceiver 140 is released by means of the second configurable filter 132. In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, in the public mode M_C the image data M4 of camera 164 and the position data M6 from position sensor 166 and a driving style category E3 are released for transmission. The second configurable filter 132 is shown in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> as a function symbol and implemented, for example, by authorization software in central unit 130. The activation of the first configurable filter 131 or second configurable filter 132 is symbolized in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> by a switch 133.

0083In the exemplary embodiment of <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref>, central unit 130 has a configuration mode M_K. Central unit 130 is configured to activate in the configuration mode M_K an input mask to configure the first configurable filter 131 and/or second configurable filter 132. Alternatively, the configuration of filters 131, 132 can be fixedly predetermined or programmed via a connection.

0084Central unit 130 is configured to transmit measured data M2, M4, M6 and/or input data E1, E3 released by means of the first configurable filter 131 or second configurable filter 132, when an inquiry Q is received over transceiver 140 about the particular measured data M2, M4, M6 and/or input data E1, E3. For example, camera 164 is selected by the request from a vehicle 440 of the community and then the image data M4 are transmitted via server 300 to vehicle 440 and displayed there.

0085The enormous need for mobility will lead to an advanced management of parking spaces. This will be reached by the Urban Swarm Community Concept, which consistently uses the intelligence of the swarm. In the following the swarm is used to manage the parking in city streets.

0086As shown in the <figref idref="f0010">FIGS. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0011">11</figref> one embodiment provides a system and a method to identify quasi real time vacancies for parking at the roadside as they occur randomly in the cities. These vacancies are made available to other traffic members in the community of the swarm. Such a member can be guided to such vacancy.

0087According to one embodiment a method for navigation is based on a plurality of vehicles 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460. The vehicles 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> are members of the community. Each vehicle 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 is connectable to a server 300 via a radio communication link. In <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> a base station 310 of a radio communication network is shown, which is connected to the server 300. The server 300 is not only specified as a hardware unit, but also could be a virtual server or be part of cloud.

0088Each of the plurality of vehicles 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 concurrently determines its current position X1, X2. In <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> all vehicle 410, 420 are moving. The vehicles 490 are objects. The vehicles 490 and the other object 480 are not moving and are parking or stationary. In <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> three vacancies 510, 520, 530 for parking are shown. These vacancies 510, 520, 530 are a gap between two parked vehicles 490 or between a parked vehicle 490 and the other object 480, e.g. a flower tub.

0089In one embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> a vehicle 410 is currently determining one vacancy 510 for parking based on recognized objects 480, 490 at the roadside. The system of the vehicle 410 has an object recognition device 161, 164 as shown in <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref>. According to one embodiment of <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> a video camera 164 and/or a radar sensor 161 are an essential part of an object recognition device..As shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> another vehicle 420 is currently determining one vacancy 520 for parking based on recognized objects 490 at the left roadside and one vacancy 530 for parking based on recognized objects 490 at the right roadside.

0090The vehicle 410 may determine its current position X1 based on GPS-satellite signals. Depending on its current position X1 the vehicle 410 may determine the position P510 of the vacancy. Correspondingly the vehicle 420 is determining positions P520 and P530 of the vacancies 520, 530 based on its current position X2. As shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> both vehicles 410, 420 are configured to transmit the positions P510, P520, P530 of the vacancies 510, 520, 530 together with the length L1, L2, L3 of each vacancy 510, 520, 530 to the connected server 300 via the base station 310.

0091The vacancies 510, 520, 530 for parking are received by the server 300. The server 300 enables the storing of the positions P510, P520, P530 of the vacancies 510, 520, 530 in an internal storage 320 or external storage 320' connected to the server 300. The storage may be organized as a database. The aforementioned steps describe how the vacancies 510, 520, 530 for parking are fed into the storage 320, 320'. In the following the steps concerning the request and retrieval of the positions P510, P520, P530 of the vacancies 510, 520, 530 are described.

0092According to one embodiment in <figref idref="f0010">FIGS. 10</figref> and <figref idref="f0011">11</figref> an input by a user 209 of a query QP is determined. The query QP concerns vacancies for parking. The query QP together with a final destination F1 is transmitted from the user 209 to the server 300 via the base station 310. In the easiest case positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 of vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 are transmitted from the server 300 to the user 209. <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> shows a map with an area PA around the final destination F1. Positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 of vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 are shown by parking symbols within the area PA. The symbols may further be used for navigation. According to one embodiment shown in <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> a selection of a vacancy 540 for parking is determined, if the user 209 is touching the associated symbol. The position P540 of the vacancy 540 is set to be a new final destination P540. The route guidance to the new final destination P540 is started afterwards. It is also possible to calculate a round tour passing several or all of the positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 of vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, e.g. after reaching the final destination F1. After reaching the vacancy an occupation information may be sent from the user 209 to the server 300, if the position P540 is occupied by another vehicle or if a reaching of the position P540 of the vacancy 540 for parking by the user 209 is determined. After the server 300 has received the occupation information the stored position P540 may be deleted in the storage 320, 320' by the server 300. According to one embodiment the vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 for parking may be concurrently updated. The updating may be terminated, when a parking of the vehicle of the user 209 is detected or if the user switches off the updating, e.g. by a respective input. The area PA may be determined geographically, e.g. by determining each distance to the final destination F1 and comparing it with an area threshold. Alternatively the area PA is defined by a number of closest vacancies, e.g. the position of the ten closest vacancies define the area PA.

0093According to one embodiment the user 209 in <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> may select a vacancy for reservation. First a selection for reservation is determined, e.g. if the user 209 is touching a symbol of one vacancy for parking. Afterwards a reservation information R_P540 is transmitted from the user 209 to the server 300 as shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref>. E.g. for a period of time this vacancy is not retrievable for other members of the community.

0094To prevent misuse of the data gathered by the community the access may be limited. According to one embodiment an authentication of the user 209 to be a member of a group legitimated to retrieve vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 occurs. The positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 are transmitted only after the authentication is successfully completed.

0095According to one embodiment of <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> a length L1, L2, L3 of each vacancy 510, 520, 530 is determined and transmitted along with each position P510, P520, P530 from the respective vehicle 410, 420 to the connected server 300. Based on the request received the server 300 may transmit only that vacancies suitable for the user 209. Alternatively all positions of all vacancies are transmitted to the user along with the respective length of each vacancy. In this case the vacancies may be selected by a user's program. In each case each vacancy may be selected depending on its lengths L1, L2, L3. After selection only fitting vacancies may be displayed for navigation.

0096In dense populated urban areas a management of vacancies for parking may be possible. In one embodiment a vacancy allocation is determined by minimizing walking distances between final destinations F1 and the positions of the vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 for a plurality of vehicles having final destinations adjacent to each other. Next the positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 of vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 in each area PA are transmitted to the vehicle based on the vacancy allocation.

0097According to one embodiment the behaviour of other vehicles, which are not a member of the community are taken into account. Additionally a point in time of the determination of the vacancy 510, 520, 530 may be determined and the point in time may be stored along with the position P510, P520, P530 by the server 300. Afterwards the positions P540, P550, P560, P570, P580 of vacancies 540, 550, 560, 570, 580 and respective points of time are transmitted from the server 300 to the user 209. The points of time could be used for navigation in several ways. In <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> visualization is shown. Using at least one time threshold vacancies may be categorized comparing a difference of the points of time and the current time with the at least one time threshold. In <figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> three categories are shown, wherein the vacancy 540 has the youngest point of time and the vacancies 570, 580 are the oldest ones. Another threshold - e.g. 24 hours - may be used to cancel vacancies. Alternatively recognitions of a vacancy may be counted and compared with counting thresholds to categorize vacancies.

0098If parking in a vacancy is not allowed e.g. due to traffic regulations, the user 209 may input respective information. An input associated with a cancelation of a vacancy by the user 209 may be determined. Based on the determined cancelation input respective data may be sent to the server and information concerning parking prohibition may be stored.

0099The invention is not limited to the shown embodiment variants in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011">FIGS. 1 through 11</figref>. For example, it is possible to combine various explained functions of the system. It is likewise possible to provide different functions for other applications, for example, a fleet of trucks. List of Reference Characters