JP2023148182A - Parking permission determination device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a parking possibility determination device which reduces a load to be applied for determining a parking possibility of a vehicle without preparing special information for determining the parking possibility.SOLUTION: A parking possibility determination device 10 comprises: an input section which acquires registration number data identifying a vehicle; a transmission/reception section for transmitting the registration number data to a server 4, in which vehicle data including a vehicle length and a vehicle width and the registration number are stored while being associated, and receiving the vehicle data; and a determination section for determining a parking possibility of the vehicle in a parking space based on space data including a depth and a width of the parking space and the vehicle data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

This specification discloses a device for determining whether parking is allowed in a parking lot.

Vehicles that can be parked in a parking lot are subject to restrictions on vehicle length, vehicle width, etc. in relation to the parking space. In parking lots, managers and drivers check vehicle length, vehicle width, etc., and decide whether or not a vehicle can be parked. However, checking vehicle length, vehicle width, etc. is troublesome. This judgment places a burden on managers and drivers. Furthermore, if there is a mistake in this judgment, there is a risk of damage to vehicles and parking equipment.

In the warehousing support system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-41288, specification information is prepared on the vehicle side. This specification information is information that can determine the suitability of the vehicle for warehousing, and includes vehicle dimensions, vehicle weight, vehicle type information, vehicle identification information, and the like. Then, the warehousing support system communicates with the vehicle side, acquires this specification information, and determines whether or not the warehousing into the mechanical parking device is possible. This parking support system reduces the burden on managers and drivers in determining whether or not parking is possible. Moreover, the occurrence of judgment errors is suppressed.

JP 2020-41288 Publication

In the warehousing support system of Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the vehicle side to prepare specification information, which is special information for determining whether parking is possible. Vehicles for which this specification information has not been prepared cannot use this warehousing support system.

The applicant's intention is to provide a parking permission determining device that reduces the burden of determining whether a vehicle can be parked without preparing special information for determining whether parking is permitted.

The parking permission determination device disclosed in this specification includes:
an input unit that acquires registration number data that identifies the vehicle;
a transmitting/receiving unit that transmits the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including a vehicle length and vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and receives the vehicle data;
The parking lot includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data.

The program disclosed herein is
A program executed by a processor that controls the operation of a parking permission determination device having an input section for inputting data, a transmitting/receiving section for transmitting and receiving data, and a determining section for calculating and processing data, the program comprising:
causing the input unit to acquire registration number data that identifies the vehicle;
causing the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and to receive the vehicle data;
The determination unit determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data.

This parking availability determination device does not require the preparation of special information for determining parking availability. This parking permission determination device reduces the burden of determining whether parking is permitted. This program also has the same effect as this parking availability determination device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a parking facility in which a determination terminal according to an embodiment is arranged. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a parking determination system including the determination terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main server included in the parking determination system of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a secondary server included in the parking determination system of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the determination terminal of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a tablet computer included in the parking determination system of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of parking permission determination using the parking determination system of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the determination terminal in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another parking permission determination using the parking determination system of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the tablet computer in the flowchart of FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, a parking facility 2 and a determination terminal 10 having a camera 8 and determining whether or not parking is possible are shown together with a vehicle V. This automobile V is parked at a predetermined position outside the parking facility 2. Here, the automobile V is parked in front of the entrance 22 of the parking facility 2.

This car V has a license plate P that displays a car registration number. This vehicle registration number consists of the jurisdictional area name of the vehicle V, a classification number representing the type of vehicle, a discriminating character representing the purpose, and a four-digit serial designation number. This automobile registration number is a unique number assigned to each vehicle and is a number that identifies the vehicle. Hereinafter, this vehicle registration number will also be simply referred to as a registration number.

The parking facility 2 is mechanical. The parking facility 2 has a large number of parkable pallets 21 and a door 23 that opens and closes an entrance 22 of the parking facility 2. In FIG. 1, a car V is indicated by a chain double-dashed line at the parking position of the pallet 21. In this parking facility 2, when the door 23 opens the entrance 22, the automobile V can be moved to the outside of the parking facility 2 and to the parking position of the pallet 21.

Although only two pallets 21 are shown in FIG. 1, the parking facility 2 has a large number of pallets 21. Each pallet 21 has limits on the size and weight of vehicles that can be parked. Although not shown, for example, the parking facility 2 includes a large number of pallets 21s on which regular cars can be parked, a large number of pallets 21m on which medium-roof cars can also be parked, and a large number of pallets 21h on which high-roof cars can also be parked. have

Note that the parking lot where this determination terminal 10 is arranged is not limited to a mechanical parking facility like the parking facility 2, but may be any parking lot in which parking spaces are divided. For example, this parking lot may be a coin parking lot provided in a vacant lot. Even in parking spaces in such parking lots, there are at least restrictions on vehicle length and vehicle width.

In FIG. 1, the camera 8 included in the determination terminal 10 is attached to the parking facility 2. This camera 8 is arranged so as to be able to photograph the license plate P of the automobile V stopped at a predetermined position. The arrangement position of this camera 8 is not limited to this as long as it can photograph the license plate P. This camera 8 may be placed on a gatepost, pole, etc. provided separately from the parking facility 2.

FIG. 2 shows a parking permission determination system S including the determination terminal 10. This parking availability determination system S includes a main server 4, a secondary server 6, a determination terminal 10, a tablet computer 12 (hereinafter also referred to as a tablet 12), and a smartphone 14, which are communicably connected via a network N. . The network N here is the Internet, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a wired LAN. Further, in FIG. 2, there is one main server 4, one secondary server 6, one determination terminal 10, one tablet 12, and one smartphone 14, but there may be many of each.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main server 4 includes a processor 41, a communication device 42, and a memory 43. The processor 41, the communicator 42, and the memory 43 are communicably connected.

The processor 41 is, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU, but is not limited thereto. The processor 41 is hardware that performs data transfer, calculation, processing, etc., and controls the communication device 42 and memory 43.

The communication device 42 is a device that can communicate with other devices connected to the network N, such as the secondary server 6 and the determination terminal 10.

The memory 43 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware that stores various data. The memory 43 stores a vehicle database that associates vehicle registration number data (hereinafter also referred to as registration number data) with vehicle data. This vehicle data includes, for example, vehicle length, vehicle width, vehicle height, weight, and model data. The registration number, vehicle length, vehicle width, vehicle height, weight, and model referred to here are the vehicle registration number or vehicle number, length, width, height, vehicle weight, and model listed on the vehicle inspection certificate. be.

As shown in FIG. 4, the secondary server 6, like the main server 4, includes a processor 61, a communication device 62, and a memory 63. A processor 61, a communication device 62, and a memory 63 included in the secondary server 6 are configured similarly to those in the main server 4. Here, the configuration of the secondary server 6 that is different from that of the main server 4 will be explained, and the explanation of the similar configuration will be omitted.

The memory 63 of the secondary server 6 stores a secondary vehicle database that stores vehicle registration number data and vehicle data in association with each other. Note that the vehicle data may or may not have an expiration date set. As this expiration date, for example, the expiration date of a vehicle inspection may be set.

In the secondary vehicle database, registration number data and vehicle data acquired by the secondary server 6 via the communication device 62 of the secondary server 6 or other input device are stored in association with each other. This secondary server 6 also stores supplementary data. This supplementary data is data that is not stored in the main server 4. The supplementary data is data related to the automobile V specified from the model of the vehicle data. The supplementary data is, but is not particularly limited to, for example, minimum ground clearance data. Vehicle data and supplementary data are stored in association with each other in this secondary vehicle database. Note that an expiration date may or may not be set for the supplementary data. As this expiration date, for example, the expiration date of a vehicle inspection may be set.

Furthermore, this secondary server 6 stores individual data. This individual data is data that the automobile V has individually. Individual data is data that is generated due to the installation of options, modification, etc., and is data that has been individually modified. The individual data is, but is not particularly limited to, for example, correction data for the vehicle height or correction data for the minimum ground clearance of the automobile V. Registration number data and individual data are stored in association with each other in the secondary vehicle database. Note that the individual data may or may not have an expiration date set. As this expiration date, for example, the expiration date of a vehicle inspection may be set.

As shown in FIG. 5, the determination terminal 10 includes a camera 8, a processor 102, a communication device 103, a memory 104, a display 105, and a touch panel 106. The main body of the determination terminal 10 and the camera 8 are communicably connected, and the processor 102, the communication device 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106 are communicably connected. Note that as the processor 102, the communication device 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106, devices such as a control panel and a driving panel included in the parking facility 2 may be used.

The processor 102 is, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU, but is not limited thereto. The processor 102 is hardware that executes data transfer, calculation, processing, etc., and controls the camera 8, the communication device 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106.

The communication device 103 is configured similarly to the communication device 42 of the main server 4, and its description will be omitted here.

The memory 104 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware capable of storing various data. The data stored in the memory 104 includes data acquired from the camera 8, data calculated and processed by the processor 102, data received by the communication device 103, data input from the touch panel 106, and the like.

Memory 104 stores a parking lot database for parking facility 2 . In the parking lot database, the number of the pallet 21 as parking space specific data and the space data of the pallet 21 having that number are stored in association with each other. Note that this parking space specification data may be any data that specifies a parking space, and is not limited to the number of the pallet 21. The space data includes the depth and width of the pallet 21. Space data includes, for example, depth, width, height, and permissible weight, but is not limited thereto. The space data may include the vacant time (period) and reserved time (period) of the parking space.

The display 105 is a video device that displays various information. The touch panel 106 is a device that can input data and the like. Note that this touch panel 106 is an example of an input unit, and is not limited to this. For example, a keyboard may be used instead of the touch panel 106.

The camera 8 is a device that photographs an object as image data. The photographed image may be a still image or a moving image. This camera 8 is not particularly limited to this, but may be, for example, a CMOS camera or a CCD camera.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tablet 12 includes a camera 121, a processor 122, a communicator 123, a memory 124, a display 125, and a touch panel 126. Camera 121, processor 122, communication device 123, memory 124, display 125, and touch panel 126 are communicably connected.

The camera 121 is a device that photographs an object as image data. The photographed image may be a still image or a moving image. This camera 121 is built into the main body of the tablet 12, but may be separate from the main body of the tablet 12 like the camera 8 described above.

The processor 122 is, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU, but is not limited thereto. The processor 122 is hardware that performs data transfer, calculation, processing, etc., and controls the camera 121, the communication device 123, the memory 124, the display 125, and the touch panel 126.

The memory 124 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware that can store various data. The data stored in the memory 124 includes data captured by the camera 121, data calculated and processed by the processor 122, data received by the communication device 123, data input from the touch panel 126, and the like.

Note that the communication device 123, display 125, and touch panel 126 are configured similarly to the communication device 103, display 105, and touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

The smartphone 14 shown in FIG. 2 includes a camera, a processor, a communicator, a memory, a display, and a touch panel. Note that the camera, processor, communication device, memory, display, and touch panel are configured in the same manner as the camera 121, processor 122, communication device 123, memory 124, display 125, and touch panel 126 of the tablet 12, and the description thereof will be given here. is omitted.

Here, a parking permission determination method will be explained using the parking facility 2, the automobile V, and the parking permission determination system S with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a car V stops at a predetermined position outside the parking facility 2 (S1). This predetermined position is a position where the camera 8 of the determination terminal 10 can photograph the license plate P of the automobile V. The camera 8 photographs the automobile V, and the determination terminal 10 confirms that the automobile V has stopped at a predetermined position (S2). Note that a sensor (not shown) may confirm that the vehicle V has stopped at a predetermined position, or a parking slot may be displayed at a predetermined position so that the vehicle V can be stopped at a position where the camera 8 can photograph the license plate P. Good too.

The camera 8 photographs the license plate P (S3). The determination terminal 10 acquires registration number data from the photographed image data (S4). This determination terminal 10 has OCR software (optical character recognition software) installed. The determination terminal 10 identifies characters based on the shape of the characters from the image data and acquires registration number data. Note that in order to obtain the registration number data, the determination terminal 10 may include an OCR device (optical character recognition device) instead of OCR software.

The determination terminal 10 transmits the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the registration number data to the main server 4 (S5). The main server 4 checks the vehicle database for the existence of the registration number (S6). Main server 4 transmits vehicle data associated with registration number data to secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 acquires vehicle data from the main server 4 (S7).

On the other hand, in step (S6), the main server 4 transmits error data to the secondary server 6 when the existence of the registration number cannot be confirmed. The secondary server 6 transmits error data to the determination terminal 10. The determination terminal 10 that has received the error data starts over from step (S2).

After the step (S7), the secondary server 6 matches the acquired vehicle data with the vehicle data stored in the secondary vehicle database (S8). In this matching, it is checked whether the secondary vehicle database has vehicle data that matches the acquired vehicle data. Here, a specific example of matching will be explained using a model as an example. The secondary server 6 checks whether model data matching the model data of the vehicle data is stored in the secondary vehicle database. The secondary server 6 determines that there is a match when there is matching model data in the secondary vehicle database, and determines that there is no matching when there is no matching model data. When the type data matches, the secondary server 6 checks whether there is supplementary data associated with this type data.

In this step (S8), the secondary server 6 matches the acquired registration number data with the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database. The secondary server 6 checks whether there is any registration number data that matches the acquired registration number data. If the registration number data match, it is checked whether there is individual data associated with the registration number data. If the registration number data do not match, the secondary server 6 stores the registration number data and vehicle data in association with each other in the secondary vehicle database.

In this step (S8), the secondary server 6 transmits the vehicle data to the determination terminal 10. If there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 transmits these data to the determination terminal 10.

The determination terminal 10 calls up the number of a vacant pallet 21 that can be stocked and the space data of that pallet 21 from the parking lot database. The determination terminal 10 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked based on the space data of each pallet 21 and vehicle data (S9). In this step (S9), if there is supplementary data or individual data, the determination terminal 10 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked, including the supplementary data and the individual data.

If the vehicle V can be parked on two or more pallets 21 in step (S9), the determination terminal 10 selects the pallet 21 on which the automobile V is to be parked based on the set conditions (S10). This setting condition may be set in advance and is not particularly limited. For example, if parking is possible on any of the pallets 21s, 21m, and 21h, the determination terminal 10 is set to select the pallets 21s, 21m, and 21h in priority order.

The determination terminal 10 transmits the number of the pallet 21 on which the automobile V is parked to the parking equipment 2. The parking facility 2 places the pallet 21 at the storage position and opens the door 23 (S11).

Further, in the step (S9), when the determination terminal 10 determines that parking is not possible, it displays on the display 105 that parking is not possible. The determination terminal 10 may display that parking is not possible on the display of the driving panel provided in the parking facility 2 in addition to or in place of the display 105 . Further, the determination terminal 10 may display that parking is not possible on a display device placed at a position visible from the driver's seat of the automobile V. If parking becomes impossible, the car V leaves (S12).

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in the step (S9), when determining whether parking is possible, the determination terminal 10 uses the vehicle data, supplementary data, and individual data of the vehicle V as the basis for determining whether parking is possible. Certain availability determination data may be displayed.

The availability determination data of the automobile V may have been changed due to attachment/detachment of options, modification, etc. In such a case, the manager of the parking facility 2 or the driver of the vehicle V inputs the modified data into the touch panel 106. The determination terminal 10 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked based on the corrected data (S9). The determination terminal 10 transmits the modified data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 stores the correction data in the secondary vehicle database as individual data of the automobile V in association with the registration number data.

FIG. 8 shows an operation flowchart of the determination terminal 10 that functions as a parking availability determination device in this parking availability determination method.

As shown in FIG. 8, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 causes the camera 8 to photograph the license plate P of the automobile V. The processor 102 acquires registration number data from the image data of the license plate P. Processor 102 causes communicator 103 to transmit registration number data to secondary server 6 . Processor 102 causes communicator 103 to receive vehicle data. On the other hand, if the communication device 103 receives error data, the processor 102 causes the camera 8 to start over from the step of photographing the license plate P of the automobile V. When the communication device 103 receives the vehicle data, the processor 102 calls up the number of an empty pallet 21 that can be stocked and the space data of the pallet 21 from the parking lot database. The processor 102 determines whether the automobile V can be parked based on the space data of each pallet 21 and the received vehicle data. When receiving the supplementary data and individual data, the processor 102 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked, including the supplementary data and the individual data. If the car can be parked on two or more pallets 21, the processor 102 selects the pallet 21 on which the car V is to be parked, based on the set conditions. On the other hand, if the processor 102 determines that parking is not possible, the processor 102 causes the display 105 to display that parking is not possible.

In this determination terminal 10, the processor 102 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not parking is possible. The communication device 103 functions as a transmitting/receiving unit that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The processor 102 functions as a character recognition unit that obtains registration number data from image data, and the camera 8 and processor 102 function as input units that obtain registration number data.

Note that the determination terminal 10 does not need to include a character recognition unit. The registration number may be manually input from the touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10. In this case, the touch panel 106 functions as an input unit for acquiring registration number data.

The registration number used in this parking availability determination method is displayed on the license plate P of the vehicle V. The determination terminal 10 acquires this registration number data. The determination terminal 10 transmits the registration number data to the main server 4, which stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other, via the secondary server 6, and receives the vehicle data. The determination terminal 10 determines whether the automobile V can be parked in the parking facility 2 based on the space data of the pallet 21 and the vehicle data. This determination terminal 10 only needs to be capable of acquiring registration number data and receiving vehicle data associated with the registration number data. This determination terminal 10 does not require preparation of special information in order to determine whether parking is possible. This determination terminal 10 can reduce the burden on managers and drivers in determining whether parking is possible.

Although this determination terminal 10 transmits and receives data to and from the main server 4 via the secondary server 6, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the determination terminal 10 may directly transmit and receive data to and from the main server 4.

The communication device 103 of the determination terminal 10 transmits registration number data to the main server 4 and receives vehicle data through the Internet included in the network N. As a result, the determination terminal 10 can be used anywhere as long as the environment is connected to the Internet. From this point of view, it is preferable that the communication device 103 be connected to the main server 4 via the Internet.

The determination terminal 10 acquires registration number data from the image data captured by the camera 8. This eliminates the need to manually enter the registration number. This determination terminal 10 can further reduce the burden on managers and drivers in determining whether parking is possible. Note that, as described above, the registration number may be manually input from the touch panel 106 in the determination terminal 10. Even in this case, there is no need for the manager or driver to directly check the vehicle length or vehicle width.

The determination terminal 10 selects the pallet 21 on which the automobile V is to be parked, based on the set conditions, from the large number of pallets 21 determined to be capable of parking the automobile V. For example, the determination terminal 10 selects the pallet 21s, the pallet 21m, and the pallet 21h in priority order. This determination terminal 10 allows the parking facility 2 to be operated efficiently. In addition, the burden on the administrator for efficient operation is reduced. From this point of view, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 selects a pallet 21 from a large number of pallets 21 based on set conditions.

Preferably, the space data of the pallet 21 includes the idle time of the pallet 21. In the determination terminal 10, it is preferable that the set conditions for selecting the pallet 21 on which the car V is parked include the usage time during which the car V is parked. Thereby, the determination terminal 10 can determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked not only at the present time but also in the future.

The determination terminal 10 has a display 105 that displays the determination result of whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. With this determination terminal 10, the administrator and the driver can easily confirm the determination results. From this point of view, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 has the display 105. When the determination terminal 10 is provided in the parking facility 2, a display on a driver's panel (not shown) also provided in the parking facility 2 may be used as the display 105. Further, the determination terminal 10 may have another display device instead of the display 105.

In the determination terminal 10, the display 105 displays permission determination data when it is determined whether the vehicle V can be parked, particularly when the vehicle V cannot be parked. With this determination terminal 10, the manager and the driver can easily check the permission determination data that is the basis for not being able to park. From this point of view, it is preferable that the display 105 displays the availability determination data.

The determination terminal 10 has a touch panel 106 that can modify the availability determination data to individual data that each vehicle V has individually. This determination terminal 10 can accurately determine whether or not parking is possible for a vehicle V that has already been modified. In this determination terminal 10, the touch panel 106 functions as a modification input section that can modify individual data. From this point of view, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 includes a touch panel 106 that can be modified into individual data. When the determination terminal 10 is provided in the parking facility 2, a touch panel on the driving panel may be used as the touch panel 106.

Further, it is preferable that the vehicle data of the main server 4 include information on electric vehicles. When the vehicle V is an electric vehicle, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 preferably determines whether charging is possible using the pallet 21. This determination terminal 10 can notify the driver of the vehicle V of information on whether charging is possible or not before parking the vehicle. This determination terminal 10 improves convenience for the driver.

The memory 104 serving as a storage unit may store vehicle data of the automobile V in association with registration number data. Thereby, the determination terminal 10 can determine whether or not parking is possible for the vehicle V already stored in the memory 104 even when the vehicle V is disconnected from the network N.

Furthermore, the processor 102 may cause the memory 104 to store the registration number data and the availability determination data in association with each other. For example, the availability determination data is stored in association with the number of the pallet 21 that can be parked. Thereby, the determination terminal 10 can omit redundant determination of parking availability for the automobile V for which parking availability has already been determined.

Further, in the parking permission determination method shown in FIG. 7, in step (S8), the registration number data acquired by the secondary server 6 and the vehicle data stored in the secondary database are matched. However, the matching based on the registration number data may be performed in the process of acquiring the registration number data from the determination terminal 10 (S5). In this case, the secondary server 6 can transmit the vehicle data stored in the secondary database to the determination terminal 10 based on the registration number data already stored in the secondary database. Further, if there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 can transmit these data to the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 functions as a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other. Thereby, the secondary server 6 can omit acquiring vehicle data from the main server 4 redundantly.

Preferably, this memory 104 stores a parking lot database in which the number of the pallet 21 of the parking facility 2 and its space data are stored in association with each other. This space data may be input from the touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10, but is preferably stored in the memory 104. Thereby, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 can determine whether parking is possible without requesting input of space data each time.

Although the main server 4 has been described here as an example of a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as described above, if the registration number data of the automobile V is stored in the secondary vehicle database of the secondary server 6, the secondary server 6 acts as a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other. may be used.

Furthermore, although the determination terminal 10 has been described here as a parking permission determination device, the secondary server 6 may be used as a parking permission determination device. In that case, the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 functions as a determination unit. The communication device 62 functions as a transmitting/receiving unit that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. Further, this communication device 62 functions as an input unit for acquiring registration number data.

Also in this case, the communication device 62 of the secondary server 6 preferably transmits and receives data to and from the determination terminal 10 and the main server 4 via the Internet included in the network N. Further, the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 may select the pallet 21 on which the automobile V is to be parked, based on set conditions, from a large number of pallets 21 that have been determined to be capable of parking the automobile V. The memory 63 of the secondary server 6 may contain the parking database of the parking facility 2 .

When the secondary server 6 is used as a parking permission determination device, the communication device 62 of the secondary server 6 transmits data on the determination result of whether the automobile V can be parked to the determination terminal 10. Further, preferably, the secondary server 6 transmits the determination result and the acceptability determination data to the determination terminal 10.

Further, when the vehicle V is an electric vehicle, it is preferable that the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 determines whether charging is possible using the pallet 21. Furthermore, by storing the vehicle data of the automobile V in association with the registration number data, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 can determine whether parking is possible or not even when the automobile V is already stored, even if it is disconnected from the main server 4. Can make a judgment.

Furthermore, in this secondary server 6, the memory 63 stores supplementary data that is not stored in the main server 4 in association with the vehicle data. The processor 61 can determine whether the car V can be parked on the pallet 21 based on the supplementary data. Thereby, the secondary server 6 can more appropriately determine whether the vehicle V can be parked. Further, the supplementary data may not be stored in the memory 63 but may be acquired from another device to determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. In addition, also in the above-described determination terminal 10, the memory 104 may store supplementary data in association with vehicle data.

In this secondary server 6, the memory 63 stores individual data that each vehicle V has in association with the registration number data of the vehicle V. The processor 61 determines whether the car V can be parked on the pallet 21 based on the individual data. Thereby, the secondary server 6 can more appropriately determine whether the vehicle V can be parked. Further, the individual data may not be stored in the memory 63, but may be acquired from another device to determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked.

Further, the tablet 12 may be used as a parking permission determination device. In that case, similar to the determination terminal 10, application software (hereinafter also referred to as an application), which is a program for executing the parking permission determination, is installed in the processor 122 of the tablet 12. In this tablet 12, a camera 121 and a processor 122 function as an input unit for acquiring registration number data. Processor 122 further functions as a determination unit. The communication device 123 functions as a transmitting/receiving unit that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The memory 124 functions as a storage unit that stores received vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other. Display 125 functions as a display section. The touch panel 126 functions as a modification input unit that can modify individual data. Similar to the tablet 12, a smartphone 14 or another computer may be used as a parking permission determination device.

Further, this application may be application software that causes the tablet 12 and another server connected to the tablet 12 via the network N to cooperate to function as a parking permission determination device. For example, this app causes the processor 122 of the tablet 12 to cause the communicator 123 to send registration number data and parking space space data to another server. The processor of the other server causes the communicator of the other server to receive the registration number data, transmit the registration number data to the main server 4, and receive vehicle data associated with the registration number data. A processor of another server determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on the space data of the parking space and the vehicle data. The processor of the other server causes the communication device of the other server to transmit parking permission determination data to the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communication device 123 to receive the parking permission determination data, and causes the display 125 of the tablet 12 to display the parking permission determination result. Note that the other server here is not limited to one computer, but may be a large number of computers connected through the network N. Further, the tablet 12 may execute a part of the processing executed by another server, such as determining whether the vehicle can be parked in a parking space.

Further, the memory 104 of the determination terminal 10 may store a parking lot database of a large number of parking lots including the parking facility 2. This parking lot database may include vacant time data for each parking space in a large number of parking lots. This free time data includes, for example, information on the free status (whether or not the device is currently free, information on future free time (period) and reserved time (period)). The processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 may determine whether the automobile V can be parked in a parking space in a large number of parking lots. In this case, when the manager or driver selects a parking space in another parking lot different from the parking facility 2, the selected parking space may be made available for reservation from the determination terminal 10.

Moreover, conversely, the parking facility 2 may be reserved from a device other than the determination terminal 10. For example, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 causes the communication device 103 to receive specific data and usage time data of the reserved pallet 21. The processor 102 updates and stores the vacant time data of the parking space in the memory 104 based on the specific data and usage time data of the reserved pallet 21.

Processor 102 prevents other vehicles from parking on reserved pallets 21 during the reserved usage time. For example, the processor 102 uses the camera 8 to check the registration number data of the reserved vehicle. The processor 102 allows parking on the reserved pallet 21 if the vehicle is a reserved vehicle. Here, the registration number data of the reserved vehicle is confirmed with a camera, but the registration number may also be manually input into the touch panel 106, for example. In addition, a wide variety of reservation identification methods may be employed, such as inputting reservation information such as not only a registration number but also another reservation number. In addition, when the car V is parked without setting a reservation time (period), the parking space may be reserved indefinitely from the time the parking space for the car V is specified, or the parking space may be reserved indefinitely. The reservation time (period) may be a predetermined time after the specified time or a predetermined time.

Here, another parking permission determination method will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Here, explanation will be given using the tablet 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 as an example.

Application software (hereinafter also referred to as an application), which is a program for causing the processor 122 to execute a parking permission determination, is installed in advance on the tablet 12. Furthermore, the memory 124 of this tablet 12 stores in advance a parking lot database of a large number of parking lots.

As shown in FIG. 9, an application is launched on the tablet 12 (SA1). The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the display 125 to display instructions for executing the parking permission determination.

According to this instruction, the registration number displayed on the license plate P is input from the touch panel 126 (SA2). Thereby, processor 122 causes touch panel 126 to acquire registration number data. At this time, a registration number registered in advance or a registration number acquired last time may be displayed as the initial value.

The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to transmit the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the registration number data to the main server 4 (SA3). The main server 4 confirms the existence of the registration number (SA4). Main server 4 transmits vehicle data associated with registration number data to secondary server 6.

On the other hand, in step (SA4), the main server 4 transmits error data to the secondary server 6 if the existence of the registration number cannot be confirmed. Secondary server 6 sends error data to tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 that has received the error data causes the display 125 to display an instruction to restart from step (SA2).

The main server 4 transmits the vehicle data, and the secondary server 6 acquires the vehicle data (SA5). The secondary server 6 matches the vehicle data and registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database with the acquired vehicle data and registration number data (SA6). If the acquired vehicle data matches vehicle data stored in the secondary vehicle database, it is determined whether there is supplemental data associated with the matched vehicle data. If the acquired registration number data matches the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database, the secondary server 6 checks whether there is individual data associated with the registration number data. If the acquired registration number data does not match the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database, the secondary server 6 stores the registration number data and vehicle data in association with each other in the secondary vehicle database. Secondary server 6 transmits vehicle data to tablet 12. If there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 also sends these data to the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communicator 123 to obtain vehicle data and possibly also supplementary and individual data.

Although the registration number data acquired by the secondary server 6 and the vehicle data stored in the secondary database were matched in step (SA6), matching based on the registration number data is based on the registration number data from the determination terminal 10. It may be executed in the step of acquiring (SA3). In this case, the secondary server 6 can transmit the vehicle data stored in the secondary database to the determination terminal 10 based on the registration number data already stored in the secondary database. Further, if the secondary server 6 has supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 can transmit these data to the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 functions as a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other. Thereby, the secondary server 6 can omit acquiring vehicle data from the main server 4 redundantly.

The processor 122 retrieves parking spaces of available parking lots and their space data from a parking database of a large number of parking lots. The processor 122 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked based on the space data of each parking space and the acquired vehicle data (SA7). In this step (SA7), if there is supplementary data or individual data, the processor 122 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked, including the supplementary data and the individual data. Processor 122 causes display 125 to display specific data of one or more available parking spaces.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, conditions may be further set for selection. For example, the processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the display 125 to display an input screen for this condition. This condition is input from the touch panel 126 of the tablet 12. The processor 122 may select one or more parking spaces from one or more available parking spaces based on set conditions. The processor 122 may cause the display 125 to display specific data of the selected parking space based on the set conditions.

In this parking availability determination method, a parking space is searched based on set conditions. The set conditions are not particularly limited, and include, for example, the current location, the driver's whereabouts, the distance from the destination, and the fare. For example, when a large number of parking spaces (two or more) are selected, the processor 122 may display the specific data of the parking spaces on the display 125, arranging them in descending order of distance or cost.

FIG. 10 shows an operation flowchart of the tablet 12 that functions as a parking permission determination device in this parking permission determination method.

A registration number is input from the touch panel 126 of this tablet 12, and registration number data is acquired. Processor 122 causes communicator 123 to transmit registration number data to secondary server 6 . Processor 122 causes communicator 123 to receive vehicle data. Further, when the communication device 123 receives error data, the processor 122 causes the display 125 to display an instruction to input a registration number. This causes the processor 122 to start over from inputting the registration number. When the communicator 123 receives the vehicle data, the processor 122 retrieves the parking spaces of available parking lots and their space data from the parking database of a large number of parking lots. The processor 122 determines whether the automobile V can be parked based on the space data of each parking space and the received vehicle data. Processor 122 causes display 125 to display specific data of one or more available parking spaces. At this time, if conditions for selection are set, the processor 122 selects one or more parking spaces from one or more available parking spaces based on the set conditions. Select a parking space. The processor 122 causes the display 125 to display specific data of the selected parking space based on the set conditions. On the other hand, if there is no available parking space for the vehicle V, the processor 122 causes the display 125 to display that there is no available parking space.

It is preferable that the conditions set for selecting one or more parking spaces include whether or not a rental contract is available. This makes it possible to easily search for parking spaces that are available for rental contracts such as monthly contracts.

In this tablet 12, the processor 122 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not parking is possible. The communication device 123 functions as a transmitting/receiving section that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The touch panel 126 functions as an input unit for acquiring registration number data. Note that the processor 122 may cause the camera 121 to photograph the license plate P, and the processor 102 may acquire the registration number data from the photographed image data. In this case, the processor 122 functions as a character recognition unit, and the camera 121 and processor 122 function as an input unit for acquiring registration number data.

The tablet 12 allows the user to easily search for available parking spaces by inputting the registration number data that identifies the vehicle V. Here, a tablet 12 as an example of a computer functions as a parking permission determination device.

Here, application software was installed on the tablet 12, which has an input section for inputting data, a transmitting/receiving section for transmitting and receiving data, and a determining section for calculating and processing data. By executing this application software by the processor 122 that controls the operation of the tablet 12, the tablet 12 was used as a parking permission determination device. Further, as a web application, another server connected to the tablet 12 via the network N may be used as a parking permission determination device. Instead of the tablet 12, the smartphone 14 may be installed with this application software and used as a parking permission determination device.

Moreover, the secondary server 6 may be used instead of the tablet 12 here. In this case, for example, registration number data is transmitted from the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc. to the communication device 62 of the secondary server 6. The processor 61 of the secondary server 6 is required to select one or more parking spaces. The processor 61 selects one or more parking spaces from one or more available parking spaces based on set conditions. The communication device 62 of the secondary server 6 transmits the specific data of the selected large number of parking spaces to the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc. Then, specific data for the large number of selected parking spaces is displayed on the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc.

Further, here, the memory 124 of this tablet 12 stores parking lot databases for a large number of parking lots, but the parking lot databases for a large number of parking lots may be stored in another server. For example, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 may store a parking lot database of two or more parking lots including the parking facility 2. This parking lot database may include vacant time data for each parking space in a large number of parking lots.

In this case, for example, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 stores identification data of a large number of parking spaces, which are held in two or more parking lots, and free time data of each parking space in association with each other. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communicator 123 to receive from the secondary server 6 a number of parking space specific data and free time data. The processor 122 selects one or more parking spaces in which the vehicle V is to be parked based on set conditions, including the usage time during which the vehicle V is parked. Here, if the use time is not specified, the use time during which the automobile V parks may be set indefinitely from the time when the parking space is selected, or may be set after a predetermined time or until a predetermined time. Processor 122 causes display 125 to display specific data for the selected parking space.

Further, the tablet 12 may allow the parking spaces displayed on the display 125 to be reserved. For example, a parking space is reserved from the touch panel 126 of the tablet 12. The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to transmit the specific data and usage time data of the reserved parking space to the secondary server 6.

The processor 61 of the secondary server 6 causes the communication device 62 to receive the specific data and usage time data of the reserved parking space. The processor 61 causes the memory 63 to update and store the vacant time data of the reserved parking space based on the specific data and usage time data of the reserved parking space.

Here, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 that stores the parking lot database stores the parking space identification data and free time data in association with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. Apart from the secondary server 6 that stores the parking lot database, a memory of another server may store parking space specific data and free time data in association with each other.

Many improvements and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, this description should be interpreted only as an example, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the forms illustrated herein.

V...Car P...License plate 2...Parking equipment 21...Pallet 4...Main server 6...Secondary server 61...Processor 62...Communicator 63... Memory 8, 121... Camera 10... Judgment terminal 102, 122... Processor 103, 123... Communication device 104, 124... Memory 105, 125... Display 106, 126... Touch panel 12...Tablet computer 14...Smartphone

Claims (20)

an input unit that acquires registration number data that identifies the vehicle;
a transmitting/receiving unit that transmits the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including a vehicle length and vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and receives the vehicle data;
A parking availability determination device, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data. The parking permission determining device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting/receiving unit transmits the registration number data to the server and receives the vehicle data via the Internet. The input section is
a camera that photographs the license plate of the vehicle;
The parking permission determination device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a character recognition unit that obtains the registration number data from the image of the license plate. 4. The parking system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit selects a parking space in which the vehicle is to be parked, based on set conditions, from a large number of parking spaces determined to be available for the vehicle. Possibility determination device. The space data includes the vacant time of the parking space,
5. The parking availability determining device according to claim 4, wherein the set conditions for selecting a parking space in which the vehicle is parked include the usage time during which the vehicle is parked. The parking permission determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a display unit that displays a determination result as to whether the vehicle can be parked. The parking permission determination device according to claim 6, wherein the display unit displays permission determination data of the vehicle, which is a basis for determining whether parking is permitted. The parking permission determination device according to claim 7, further comprising a modification input unit capable of modifying the permission determination data into individual data that the vehicle has individually. According to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit selects one or more parking spaces based on set conditions from a number of parking spaces determined to be capable of parking the vehicle. Parking permission determination device. a display unit that displays a determination result of whether or not the vehicle can be parked;
The parking availability determining device according to claim 9, wherein the display section displays specific data of one or more parking spaces selected by the determining section. The determination unit transmits, in the transmitting and receiving unit, specific data of a large number of parking spaces owned by two or more parking lots and vacant time data of each parking space from a server that stores the data in association with each other. Receive free time data,
The parking availability determining device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the set conditions for selecting one or more parking spaces in which the vehicle is to be parked include a usage time during which the vehicle is parked. 12. The parking permission determination device according to claim 9, wherein the set conditions for selecting one or more parking spaces in which the vehicle is to be parked include whether or not a rental contract is available. The parking availability determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the determining unit determines whether charging is possible in the parking space when the vehicle is an electric vehicle. The parking permission determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a storage unit that stores the received vehicle data in association with the registration number data. The parking possibility according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the determination unit determines whether the vehicle can be parked in a parking space based on supplementary data that is associated with the vehicle data and is not stored in the server. Judgment device. The parking permission determination device according to claim 15, wherein the supplementary data includes minimum ground clearance data of the vehicle. The parking possibility according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the determination unit determines whether the vehicle can be parked in a parking space based on individual data that is associated with the registration number data and that the vehicle has individually. Judgment device. 18. The parking availability determination device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the parking space specific data and the space data in association with each other. A program executed by a processor that controls the operation of a parking permission determination device having an input section for inputting data, a transmitting/receiving section for transmitting and receiving data, and a determining section for calculating and processing data, the program comprising:
causing the input unit to acquire registration number data that identifies the vehicle;
causing the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and to receive the vehicle data;
A program that causes the determination unit to determine whether or not the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data. 20. The program according to claim 19, wherein the storage unit of the parking availability determination device stores the vehicle data in association with the acquired registration number data.

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