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ALLOCATING AN AREA TO A VEHICLE

[Category : - OTHER- Automotive Accessories - Navigation and orientation]
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Aimed at reserving road space in which to park a vehicle via a satnav/municipality integrated system, which allows payment and management of on-street parking. A method of directing a vehicle (100) to an allocated area (126) includes obtaining (204) data representing a current geographical location of the vehicle; using (208) the geographical location data to identify at least one destination location (122), each said destination location having a set of allocatable areas; checking (208) availability of the allocatable areas at the at least one destination location in order to allocate a said available allocatable area to the vehicle, and generating data for use in directing (214) the vehicle to the area allocated to the vehicle.

ParkSmart offers fully automatic on street parking space availability search & booking for vehicles.
In addition, a “pay as you go” option is also available.
ParkSmart will typically comprise computing resources located at the premises of an operator of the system (such as the on street parking operator, which is normally the municipal authorities / local borough), although this can be cloud based. For example, this can take the form of a computing device having processor, memory and a communications interface. The interface allows ParkSmart to communicate with the onboard vehicle computing device (for example the SatNav system) and other devices (including cameras, with Automatic Number Plate Recognitions tools etc), for example, by means of wireless Internet or cellular wireless networks.
The occupation of parking spaces can be monitored, continuously, via cameras and other devices, including CCTV, public traffic cameras, private webcams etc. For example, a private house, which is on the road, might have security cameras. ParkSmart could approach the owners of such devices and offer a payment fee to be connected to their camera feed. In addition, ParkSmart can install CCTV/webcams and/or electronic pads that can be stuck on the road, which sense whether the space above them is occupied by a vehicle; infrared/laser etc sensors at the roadside, which interface with parked vehicles, thereby recognising the identity of any parked vehicles, if it is detected that the space is occupied.
Methods of Identifying Vehicles
The following can be used as standalone or in conjunction with each other.
1. Trackingdevices.
2. Scannersanduniquebarcode.
3. Wi-Fiidentificationre.IPaddressofvehiclemanagementcomputer.
4. GPS/detectingpositionofvehicleinquestion,insimilarwaytodetectingpositionof
mobile phone.
The final component is software to manage the system.
Pre-Booking
ParkSmart enables parking spaces to be booked in advance by the end user (the vehicle driver), by interfacing with traffic cameras and current satnav/Google Map technology. Typical users will inform their onboard vehicle computing device (OVCD), such as a satnav, by voice or
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keying in the destination, as current technology permits. ParkSmart will calculate the nearest available parking space to the destination, so the OVCD can direct the user to this place, via onscreen and/or audio instructions. Alternatively, the booking can be done via desktop computer and ParkSmart website online or via mobile phone etc.
Users can input their destination, desired time of arrival at the destination and desired parking time and ParkSmart interfaces with the OVCD to direct end users to the most convenient parking space for their destination. ParkSmart can inform users, via the OVCD, of the parking space nearest their destination and the walking time from the parking space to their destination. Depending upon the user preferences settings selected by the user, ParkSmart can then ask for permission to proceed to booking or this step can be automated or user preferences settings can be set by users to stipulate maximum distance users wish to park from their destination location(s). Indeed, ParkSmart & associated OVCD can be as automated as the user wants (as selected in user preferences settings) so users can have as much or as little interaction with the system as they like.
Before confirming the parking space booking, it can also inform the end users of the price to park for the chosen amount of time, which users can then agree or decline (the exact operation of the system and degree of automation can be set up according to the user preferences settings options).
Payments
All payment details can be input when ParkSmart is set up, according to user preferences settings. These details can be entered either directly into the OVCD (such as a standalone ParkSmart unit), associated SatNav/GPS or directly into a website/app based interface. Payments can be authorized individually or ParkSmart can do this automatically, assuming user's card payment details and PIN are already logged in. This can be decided in user preferences settings.
Parking Space Occupation and Delayed Access
Incentives and Penalties
There are incentives and penalties to address the problem of a vehicle parking in a space, illegally. ParkSmart is linked into the SatNav/trackers of users’ vehicles, so it will know the position of the vehicles and calculate which vehicles have overrun their stay. Depending on how the operator wants the ParkSmart to be set up, if currently parked vehicles overstay, the user will have to pay a penalty (automatically deducted immediately) and the next time that particular user parks, he/she will have to pay, for example, double rate. This will then reduce to standard rate, over time, if the offending user builds up a record of good behaviour. Indeed, users, who build up a good track record, can have corresponding discounts, if the operator wants to implement this.
Operator’s Reduced Administration Costs
On-street parking operators/authorities can reduce their administration costs and need for traffic wardens, as a result of ParkSmart, as parking management systems can interface with ParkSmart.
Vehicle Size/Type Sensitive Parking
Vehicle size and demand/supply sensitive pricing can be implemented, thereby increasing the income of the parking operator.
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If one adds up all the parking spaces, which are sized to fit large vehicles, the total footprint of these spaces leaves a lot of wasted space re. smaller vehicles and, effectively unpaid for space. Therefore, if the operator wants, ParkSmart can take into account the vehicle size. After all, even from the idea of fairness, it might be considered unfair, for example, that a Smart Car user must pay the same as a Rolls-Royce user, when parking. When ParkSmart is installed in the vehicle, the vehicle make/model/dimensions etc can be entered into ParkSmart and linked up with the vehicle SatNav/GPS/tracker etc systems, so the parking charges can then be made according to the size of the vehicle. If the tracker/SatNav systems are not available for these parking purposes, a wireless interface can be set up between the vehicle and ParkSmart: a sensor can be installed on the underside of the vehicle at a pre-determined part of the vehicle so, on all vehicles of the same make/model, this sensor will be placed in the same place, so ParkSmart, when uploaded with the vehicle data, at the time of installation, can calculate how far the front, rear and sides are from the sensor. This sensor can sense where it is along a strip of metal (or other means), which has been embedded in or on top of the road surface.
As ParkSmart can identify all the vehicles, which are currently parked in the parking zones, and knows which parking areas are booked for parking, the parking space dimensions can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the vehicles (to be) parked and taking into account entrance/exit manoeuvring.
The allocated parking space can be displayed on the OVCD, with direction assistance. ParkSmart can assist the driver by indicating whether the vehicle needs to be driven further forward or backward etc, so the vehicle is on the correct virtual footprint of its assigned parking space. Alternatively, ParkSmart can be connected to the increasingly popular automatic self parking features that many modern vehicles have. Other vehicle factors can be taken into account, if the operator wishes (for example the vehicle width and height).
Demand/Supply Sensitive Pricing of Parking
Demand/supply sensitive pricing of parking can be implemented, so prices are adjusted according to when the parking space is booked, for how long it is booked, in combination with supply/demand levels at that time, for that particular parking zone.
Traffic Monitoring
ParkSmart can use traffic monitoring, where appropriate. ParkSmart can act in conjunction with existing SatNav/GPS/tracker units, utilizing existing traffic information, or as a separate unit. It can utilize CCTV, its own webcams, existing traffic cameras and private webcams, as well as other existing traffic monitoring systems etc, in order to calculate recommended departure times, to fit in with the user’s desired arrival time/ETA.
When the user exits the car, at the parking place, ParkSmart can give directions on the user’s mobile phone (using Google Map / public transport information etc) to the destination address, if necessary. The system can also take into account that the user may have multiple destinations and may wish to park at a location enabling the user to use public transport (for cheaper parking for example, in an alternative parking zone, which is not close to the user’s destinaton) so ParkSmart can link in with public transport and/or taxis networks to give the user the suggested route, as well as ETA at destination, therefore it can, again, recommend suggested arrival time at the parking space, in order for the user to get to the destination on time.
No Need for Physical Parking Place Identification, such as Street Markings or Street Furniture
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ParkSmart is designed to work without any street markings, as ParkSmart will display a virtual map and available parking spaces on the OVCD display. The ParkSmart central database is updated in real time re. available spaces, via camera monitoring and other ParkSmart users’ bookings and movements.
Eventually, when ParkSmart is fully implemented, there will be no need for street parking zone markings, meters or signs, as drivers will simply look at virtual markings projected onto the inside of the car windscreen or displayed on the OVCD screen. This will be environmentally beneficial, due to the fact that paint use will be reduced and, also, aesthetically pleasing and calming, as the roads will be less cluttered with meters, road markings etc. This will be safer, as lines of sight will no longer be obstructed by some of the bulkier versions of these items.
Indeed, BJS Innovations concepts can lead to the lack of need for all road markings.
Incremental Introduction of Semi Automatic ParkSmart then Fully Automatic ParkSmart
If operator does not want the fully ParkSmart system, parking spaces will need to continue to be physically labelled/numbered/tagged, in order to enable parking spaces to be individually booked and for the user to see which space in which to park. Obviously, this simplified system would not allow the parking spaces to be adjusted according to the vehicle size.
More Efficient Use of Parking Space Times
If operators wish, ParkSmart can allow the user to get a (partial) refund for unused parking time, if the departure is earlier than planned/booked. This can be either manual or automatic (i.e. ParkSmart can automatically track when the users’ vehicles leave parking spaces. This will then allow ParkSmart to re-designate these parking spaces, as available to other users.
Indeed, a waiting list can be set up, so users, who are waiting for a more convenient parking space, for their planned trip, can be alerted that a more convenient parking space is now available. This will allow more efficient use of available space therefore more business efficiency and even less wasting of fuel, as well as good public relations for the ParkSmart operator. Of course, these matters are all up to the discretion of the ParkSmart operator.
Route Change or Stopping En Route
If a user changes route, manually, or decides to stop for any reason, for example for a rest or to refuel (indeed the communication/interfacing of ParkSmart with the vehicle computer management systems, will allow ParkSmart to take into account any necessary refuelling at the beginning of the trip, and advise the user and operator accordingly of possible revised ETA etc.) the OVCD can ask the user the anticipated duration of the stop or, if the user has not forewarned the system of this stop or ignores the OVCD question(s), ParkSmart can monitor the duration of the stop and amend the ETA etc, in a similar way to current SatNavs etc, so it can then update the operator. As the vehicle gets closer to the parking zone, ParkSmart can then inform the OVCD of ETA at the parking zone, in case of delay, and remind the user of the departure time and ask whether the user would like to pay for extra time, if the space is still available for longer.
User Changes Destination
ParkSmart can be set up to cope with a user wanting to change destination and, therefore, parking space, if the operator wishes. A fee could be charged for this, if desired by the operator. The parking spaces would be re-designated along similar lines to those already mentioned.
Road Closures
If there is a planned road closure, ParkSmart would be updated with this information, if it affects parking zones.
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What if the User Arrives at the Parking Space and It Is Already Occupied?
ParkSmart is able to redirect users, who have a parking space booking, to the next nearest available space if another vehicle is parked in their space, illegally, at the time of their booking. In addition the inconvenienced user can receive a reduction in their parking payment/(part) refund of advanced fee he/she has paid. If there are no available spaces in the vicinity, the user can receive a full refund and bonus payment, depending on the previous custom of this user. These costs, for the ParkSmart operator, will be subsidized by the fines/extra fees paid by the offending users. The illegally parked car would pay a fine via ParkSmart (which could be according to the operator’s preferences i.e. the fine could increase per minute, if necessary). ParkSmart can communicate directly with tow truck management, traffic wardens, DVLA (in UK and equivalent in other countries) and other organisations, in order to indicate to them illegally parked cars.
If someone else parks in a place, which has been booked via ParkSmart, ParkSmart can send a message to this user’s OVCD, stating that this place is unavailable and that the driver should vacate it immediately or face a fine and immediate towing. Until all cars have satnavs or similar systems, an electronic display can be set up at each bank of parking bays, indicating which spaces are available: size sensitive parking would not be available in this version. ParkSmart would update this display, in real time.
ParkSmart Pay As You Go (PSPAYG)
PSPAYG enables a user to simply park in an available parking space and PSPAYG will automatically take payment, according to the payment details that the system holds for the user: i.e. the parking space does not need to be pre-booked. The system monitors vehicles, which enter and leave parking spaces, via traffic cameras and other devices. Users will be informed by ParkSmart, via their OVCD, how long the parking space is available and payment can be taken as soon as the user agrees (the user’s payment details are put into the system at the time of installation, if desired by the operator). Payment is taken when the vehicle leaves the parking space.
If a user simply pulls over into a space, without booking it, the user will be informed of the charges, which will be incurred, and how long the space is available for. If vehicle size sensitive parking is in operation for this zone, the OVCD can advise via on screen and/or audio instructions re. moving the vehicle to exact required position, if necessary. If the space is unavailable, the user will be asked to vacate the parking zone immediately, with instructions/directions re. the nearest available parking space. ParkSmart can inform the user that, unless his/her vehicles is driven out of the the parking space immediately, a fine will be incurred and ParkSmart can communicate with the vehicle computer to set off the vehicle alarm or prevent the car from being switched off and/or locked, as a further incentive for the user to comply and leave the parking zone. Again, these options and level of severity can be selected by the operator.
If the vehicle does not have a SatNav or any other ways of communication (or the user has a mobile, which cannot be accessed for this purpose) then an alarm can be emitted from street speakers or the nearest available tow truck/traffic warden can be alerted by ParkSmart. Indeed, the two trucks/traffic wardens can be coordinated by other concepts under the BookingSmart umbrella.
Removed/Towed Vehicles
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If a vehicle is towed, ParkSmart can inform the users re. the location, where the vehicle can be collected. Indeed, ParkSmart can direct the users, on their mobile phones, using Google Map/public transport information etc. The users can use ParkSmart to book when they will collect the vehicle, as well was pay the fine (again, this can be automatic, as payment details can be logged into the system, in user preferences, when the initial setup is made or at a later date).
ParkSmart can team up with SatNav companies to make SatNavs indispensable to modern motoring, resulting in authorities making SatNavs compulsory in all new vehicles.
Third Parties
ParkSmart can be link to private multi storey car park operators, who can offer booked on street parking, in cases where their car parks are full, for example, or ParkSmart can offer its users the option of parking in private car parks (for which the ParkSmart operator could be paid a commission by the multi storey car park operator) if this is wanted.
Private individuals, who wish to rent out their on street parking places, for which they have permits (subject to applicable regulations) or off street parking (including their garages) can also join the ParkSmart network.
The aim is to utilize all available space, as much as possible.
ParkSmart can also communicate with third parties for the purposes of maintenance, regulation, safety, tax etc.
Vehicle regulatory authorities, such as the DVLA in the UK, vehicle manufacturers/maintenance companies and other similar organisations can communicate/interface with ParkSmart re, for example, vehicle inspections (such as MOT, in the UK), road tax, emissions controls (via emissions measurements of the exhaust etc built into the vehicle), on board vehicle diagnostics etc. Indeed, with all the sensors and processing power of the average new vehicle, it is feasible that the vehicle could do an almost entire self-assessment MOT and report the findings to the relevant organisation, via ParkSmart interface.
Vehicle regulatorty authorities can send vehicle inspection notices and road tax reminders directly to the vehicle and the resulting fees can be paid directly, if the user selects this in the user preferences setting. In addition, if desired, ParkSmart can notify regulatory organisations and and law enforcement if, for example, the vehicle user violates the highway code etc.
In addition, national vehicle agencies can be encouraged to automate payment systems, so all vehicle related fines can be automated. An example is the DVLA, in the UK. Road tax, all road offence penalties could be automatic, as each vehicle registered keeper could be obliged to supply his/her payment card details at the time this person becomes keeper of the vehicle. Park Smart, together with other BJS Innovations concepts, can manage this system.
Privacy and Lock Out
People are now far more relaxed about being tracked than during the last years of the 20th Century, given that mobile phones can be located and people open their world to others on social networks. However, in case some users are concerned about this aspect, the user can disable this locating aspect of the system at all times, unless the vehicle is actually parked in a ParkSmart parking zones. This exception is needed in order to prevent over runners from becoming invisible to ParkSmart. A lock feature can be installed in order to prevent users switching off this location device, while in the ParkSmart parking zone. However, if a vehicle enters a ParkSmart parking zone, without being set up for ParkSmart, then ParkSmart can notify the nearest available traffic warden/tow truck.

Smart Ship offers a fully automatic berth finding & booking, docking and departure procedures for boats. Different grades of the system can be offered, from fully automatic docking to semi- automatic docking systems.
Smart Ship can be applied in other areas. For example, in addition to docking, Moor Smart can be used at boat refuelling stations and Sea Smart can be used to find and book on-street car parking spaces in busy cities. In this form, the concept is known as Park Smart.
Smart Ship will typically comprise computing resources located at the premises of an operator of the system (such as marina operators), although this can be cloud based. For example, this can take the form of a computing device having processor, memory and a communications interface. The interface allows Smart Ship to communicate with the onboard vessel computing devices (for example the navigation systems) and other devices (including cameras, with vessel identification tools etc), for example, by means of hardwired connection, wireless Internet or cellular wireless networks.
The occupation of mooring berths can be monitored, continuously, via cameras and other devices, including CCTV, private webcams etc. Smart Ship can install CCTV/webcams or infrared/laser etc sensors, which interface with moored vessels, thereby recognising the identity of any moored vessels, if it is detected that the berth is occupied.
Methods of Identifying Vessels
The following can be used as standalone or in conjunction with each other.
1. Trackingdevices.
2. Scannersanduniquebarcode.
3. Wi-Fiidentificationre.IPaddressofvesselcomputers.
4. GPS/detectingpositionofvesselinquestion,insimilarwaytodetectingpositionofmobile phone.
5. Hardwireconnectionviahydraulicarms.
The final component is software to manage the system.
Sea Smart
Sea Smart enables mooring berths to be booked in advance by the end user (the vessel captain), by interfacing with berth monitoring devices, including cameras and itinerary of other
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Sea Smart users. Typical users will inform their onboard vessel computing device (OVCD), such as the vessel navigation devices, by voice or keying in the destination, as current technology permits. Sea Smart will calculate the nearest available port mooring berth to the destination, so the OVCD can direct the user to this port and then Sea Smart will handover to Moor Smart, which will guide the vessel to the berth and dock the vessel.
Alternatively, the booking can be done via desktop computer and Smart Ship website online or via mobile phone etc.
Users can input their destination, desired time of arrival at the destination and desired mooring time. Smart Ship interfaces with the OVCD to direct end users to the most convenient mooring berth for their destination. Smart Ship can inform users, via the OVCD, of the mooring berth nearest their destination and the walking time from the mooring berth to their destination. Depending upon the user preferences settings selected by the user, Smart Ship can then ask for permission to proceed to booking or this step can be automated or user preferences settings can be set by users to stipulate maximum distance users wish to moor from their destination location(s). Indeed, Smart Ship & associated OVCD can be as automated as the user wants (as selected in user preferences settings) so users can have as much or as little interaction with the system as they like.
Before confirming the mooring berth booking, it can also inform the end users of the price to moor for the chosen amount of time, which users can then agree or decline (the exact operation of the system and degree of automation can be set up according to the user preferences settings options).
Payments
All payment details can be input when Smart Ship is set up, according to user preferences settings. These details can be entered either directly into the OVCD (such as a standalone Smart Ship unit), associated navigation system or directly into a website/app based interface. Payments can be authorized individually or Smart Ship can do this automatically, assuming user's card payment details and PIN are already logged in. This can be decided in user preferences settings.
Mooring Berth Occupation and Delayed Access
Incentives and Penalties
There are incentives and penalties to address the problem of a vessel docking in a berth, illegally. Sea Smart is linked into the trackers of users’ vessels, so it will know the position of the vessels and calculate which vessels have overrun their stay. Depending on how the operator wants Sea Smart to be set up, if currently parked vessels overstay, the user will have to pay a penalty (automatically deducted immediately) and the next time that particular user docks, he/she will have to pay, for example, double rate. This will then reduce to standard rate, over time, if the offending user builds up a record of good behaviour. Indeed, users, who build up a good track record, can have corresponding discounts, if the operator wants to implement this.
Reduced Administration Costs
Marina operators can reduce their administration costs, as a result of Smart Ship, as marina management systems can interface with Smart Ship either wirelessly or through hard wire connection via the hydraulic arms, in the Moor Smart version, which includes adapting the dockside to permit an electronic contact between the boat based hydraulic arm and the dockside. Alternatively, this version of Smart Ship can have the hydraulic arms based on the
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dockside, rather than on the boat. Vacant berth could be processed automatically, thereby increasing the income of the marina. Due to its real time updating, berths can easily be booked for a little as an hour, if required by the system operator.
Smart Ship sensors
Smart Ship sensors will also be placed at extremities of vessel and/or Smart Ship will have all vessel dimensions input, so it can calculate whether the vessel can pass under bridges etc.
Demand/Supply Sensitive Pricing of Mooring
Demand/supply sensitive pricing of mooring can be implemented, so prices are adjusted according to when the mooring berth is booked, for how long it is booked, in combination with supply/demand levels at that time, for that particular port.
Traffic Monitoring
Smart Ship can use traffic monitoring, where appropriate. Smart Ship can act in conjunction with existing navigation/tracker systems, utilizing existing traffic information, or as a separate unit. It can utilize CCTV, its own webcams, existing port cameras and webcams, as well as other existing traffic monitoring systems etc, in order to calculate recommended departure times, to fit in with the user’s desired arrival time/ETA at destination.
When the user disembarks, at the mooring berth, Smart Ship can give directions on the user’s mobile phone (using Google Map etc) to the destination address, if necessary. Smart Ship can link in with public transport and/or taxis networks to give the user the suggested route, as well as ETA at destination, therefore it can recommend suggested arrival time at the mooring berth, in order for the user to get to the destination on time.
The Smart Ship central database is updated in real time re. available spaces, via camera monitoring/hydraulic arm interfaces and other Smart Ship users’ bookings and movements.
More Efficient Use of Mooring Berths
If operators wish, Smart Ship can allow the user to get a (partial) refund for unused mooring time, if the departure is earlier than planned/booked. This can be either manual or automatic (i.e. Smart Ship can automatically track when vessels leave mooring berths). This will then allow Smart Ship to re-designate these mooring berths, as available to other users. Indeed, a waiting list can be set up, so users, who are waiting for a more convenient port, for their planned trip, can be alerted that a more convenient port is now available. This will allow more efficient use of available berths therefore even less wasting of fuel, as well as good public relations for the Smart Ship operator i.e. the ports/marinas. Of course, these matters are all up to the discretion of the ParkSmart operator.
Route Change or Stopping En Route
If a user changes route, manually, or decides to stop for any reason, for example to go for a swim (indeed the communication/interfacing of Smart Ship with the vessel computer management systems, will allow Smart Ship to take into account any necessary refuelling at the beginning of the trip, and advise the user and operator accordingly of possible revised ETA etc.) the OVCD can ask the user the anticipated duration of the stop or, if the user has not forewarned the system of this stop or ignores the OVCD question(s), Smart Ship can monitor the duration of the stop and amend the ETA etc, in a similar way to current SatNavs etc, so it can then update the operator. As the vehicle gets closer to the port, Smart Ship can then inform the OVCD of ETA at the parking zone, in case of delay, and remind the user of the departure
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time and ask whether the user would like to pay for extra time, if the berth is still available for more time.
User Changes Destination
Smart Ship can be set up to cope with a user wanting to change destination and, therefore, port, if the operator wishes. A fee could be charged for this, if desired by the operator. The berth would be re-designated along similar lines to those already mentioned.
What if the User Arrives at the Mooring Berth and It Is Already Occupied?
Smart Ship is able to redirect users, who have a berth booking, to the next nearest available berth if another vehicle is parked in their booked berth, incorrectly, at the time of their arrival/booking. In addition the inconvenienced user can receive a reduction in his/her berth payment/(part) refund of advanced fee he/she has paid. If there are no available spaces in the vicinity, the user can receive a full refund and bonus payment, depending on the previous custom of this user. These costs, for the Smart Ship operator, will be subsidized by the fines/extra fees paid by the offending users. Unauthorised moored vessels would pay a fine via Smart Ship (which could be according to the operator’s preferences i.e. the fine could increase per minute, if necessary). Smart Ship can communicate directly with harbourmaster and other organisations, in order to indicate to them unauthorised moored vessels.
If someone else moors in a berth, which has been booked via Smart Ship, Smart Ship can send a message to this user’s OVCD, stating that this place is unavailable and that the user should vacate it immediately or face a fine.
Third Parties
Smart Ship can link to other (port) operators, who can offer berths, in cases where some ports are full, for example.
Private berth owners, who wish to rent out their berths, can also join the Smart Ship network. The aim is to utilize all available space, as much as possible.
Smart Ship can also communicate with third parties for the purposes of maintenance, regulation, safety, tax etc.
Vessel regulatory authorities, such as the Coastguard, vessel manufacturers/maintenance companies and other similar organisations can communicate/interface with Smart Ship re, for example, vessel inspections, annual levies, emissions controls (via emissions measurements of the exhaust etc built into the vessels), on board vessel diagnostics etc.
Where applicable, vessel regulatory authorities can send vessel inspection notices directly to the vessel and the resulting fees can be paid directly, if the user selects this in the user preferences settings. In addition, if desired, Smart Ship can notify regulatory organisations and and law enforcement if, for example, the vessel user violates shipping codes etc.
In addition, national vessel agencies can be encouraged to automate payment systems, so all vessel related fines can be automated. All vessel offence penalties could be automatic, as each vessel registered keeper could be obliged to supply his/her payment card details at the time this person becomes keeper of the vessel. Smart Ship, together with other BJS Innovations concepts, can manage this system.
Privacy and Lock Out
People are now far more relaxed about being tracked than during the last years of the 20th Century, given that mobile phones can be located and people open their world to others on social networks. However, in case some users are concerned about this aspect, the user can disable this locating aspect of the system at all times, unless the vessel is actually moored in a
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Smart Ship berth. This exception is needed in order to prevent over runners from becoming invisible to Smart Ship. A lock feature can be installed in order to prevent users switching off this location device, while in a Smart Ship berth. However, if a vehicle enters a Smart Ship berth, without being set up for Smart Ship, then Smart Ship can notify the harbourmaster.
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