Vehicle detection device and parking control device

Abstract

To detect parked vehicles more accurately.SOLUTION: A vehicle detection device includes: a vehicle sensor 110 that detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided in an area where the vehicle is parked by radiating a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength in the area where the vehicle is parked and receiving a reflected wave of the radiated measurement wave; a raindrop sensor 120 that detects water droplets; and a parking determination unit 130 that determines whether a vehicle is present in the parking space based on the detection results of the vehicle sensor 110 and the raindrop sensor 120. When the raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets, the parking determination unit 130 invalidates the detection result where the time from when the vehicle sensor 110 radiates the measurement wave to when the vehicle sensor receives the measurement wave is within a first time period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle detection device and a parking control device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, devices have been devised that control components provided in a parking space to either enable parking in the parking space or prevent parking in the parking space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-174458 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, parking control devices that control parking in parking spaces provided in parking lots often operate based on whether a vehicle is present in the parking space. Such parking control devices use sensors or the like to determine whether a vehicle is present in the parking space. However, if raindrops adhere to the sensor due to rainfall or the like, the determination result may be erroneous. When using a sensor that detects a vehicle by emitting a measurement wave and receiving a wave reflected by the parked vehicle, raindrops adhering to the emitting unit that emits the measurement wave may act like a lens, causing the measurement wave emitted from the emitting unit to be refracted and directly directed toward the receiving unit that receives the reflected wave. In such a case, even if a technology such as that described in Patent Document 1 is used, there is a risk of outputting an erroneous detection result indicating the presence of a vehicle even when no vehicle is actually present.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle detection device and a parking control device that can more accurately detect parked vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle detection device of the present invention comprises: a vehicle sensor that detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided within an area by irradiating a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength into the area where the vehicle is parked and receiving a reflected wave of the irradiated measurement wave; A raindrop sensor that detects water droplets; a parking determination unit that determines whether a vehicle is present in the parking space based on the detection results of the vehicle sensor and the raindrop sensor; When the raindrop sensor detects water droplets, the parking determination unit invalidates a detection result in which the time from when the vehicle sensor emits the measurement wave until when the vehicle sensor receives the measurement wave is within a first time period.

[0007] Further, the parking control device of the present invention includes: a vehicle sensor that detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided within an area by irradiating a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength into the area where the vehicle is parked and receiving a reflected wave of the irradiated measurement wave; A raindrop sensor that detects water droplets; a parking determination unit that determines whether a vehicle is present in the parking space based on the detection results of the vehicle sensor and the raindrop sensor; a prevention member that prevents parking in the parking space; a parking control unit that changes the prevention member to a form that makes parking in the parking space impossible when the parking determination unit determines that the vehicle is not present in the parking space, When the raindrop sensor detects water droplets, the parking determination unit invalidates a detection result in which the time from when the vehicle sensor emits the measurement wave until when the vehicle sensor receives the measurement wave is within a first time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the present invention, parked vehicles can be detected more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of components included in the parking control device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the parking control device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing examples of possible external appearances of the prevention member shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a parking control method in the parking control device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a direction in which a measurement wave is irradiated when water droplets adhere to the vehicle sensor shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of components included in a parking control device 10 of the present invention. The parking control device 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a vehicle detection device 100, a prevention member 200, and a parking control unit 300. Furthermore, the vehicle detection device 100 includes a vehicle sensor 110, a raindrop sensor 120, and a parking determination unit 130. Note that Fig. 1 shows only the main components related to this embodiment among the components included in the parking control device 10 of the present invention.

[0012] The vehicle sensor 110 includes a transmitter that emits a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength into an area where a vehicle is parked. The vehicle sensor 110 also includes a receiver that receives a reflected wave of the measurement wave emitted by the transmitter. The vehicle sensor 110 detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided within the area by receiving the reflected wave of the measurement wave emitted by the transmitter with the receiver. This measurement wave may be, for example, an ultrasonic wave, an infrared ray, a radio wave, or a laser, having a measurement wavelength. The vehicle sensor 110 detects an object present at a predetermined distance by receiving the reflected wave of the emitted measurement wave. Specifically, when detecting whether a vehicle is parked in a predetermined area, the vehicle sensor 110 measures the time from emitting the measurement wave to receiving the reflected wave and determines whether the measured time is within a predetermined time (a second time), thereby detecting a vehicle in the predetermined area. If the time between emitting the measurement wave and receiving the reflected wave is within the second time, the vehicle sensor 110 determines that a vehicle has been detected in the parking space. Using the time between emitting the measurement wave and receiving the reflected wave to detect parked vehicles allows for detection of vehicles within a limited distance range, such as when the vehicle is parked. Because the distance from the vehicle sensor 110 to the underside of the vehicle—that is, the time between emitting the measurement wave and receiving the reflected wave—varies depending on the type of vehicle, the second time must have a certain degree of leeway. In this embodiment, the vehicle sensor 110 is preferably an ultrasonic sensor whose transmitter emits ultrasonic waves as the measurement wave. Ultrasonic sensors have the advantages of being inexpensive and less susceptible to dirt, such as mud. For example, this is convenient when the vehicle sensor 110 is installed outdoors, particularly when the vehicle sensor 110 is installed so that the measurement wave is emitted upward. The vehicle sensor 110 outputs a signal indicating whether a vehicle has been detected to the parking determination unit 130 as a detection result. For example, the vehicle sensor 110 may output a signal indicating that a vehicle has been detected as a numerical value of "1" and a signal indicating that a vehicle has not been detected as a numerical value of "0." At this time, the vehicle sensor 110 also outputs to the parking determination unit 130 information indicating the time from when the measurement wave is emitted until when the reflected wave is received.

[0013] The raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets. The raindrop sensor 120 may be a general raindrop sensor using, for example, a light-emitting diode and a photodiode used in a vehicle's automatic wipers. When the raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets, it outputs a signal indicating this to the parking determination unit 130. For example, the raindrop sensor 120 may output a signal indicating that water droplets have been detected with a value of "1" and a signal indicating that water droplets have not been detected with a value of "0."

[0014] The parking determination unit 130 determines whether a vehicle is present in a parking space based on the detection results of the vehicle sensor 110 and the raindrop sensor 120. The parking determination unit 130 operates in one of two operating modes: a normal mode and a restricted mode. When the parking determination unit 130 is notified by the raindrop sensor 120 that water droplets have been detected, it operates in the restricted mode. In all other cases, the parking determination unit 130 operates in the normal mode. The parking determination unit 130 outputs the determination result to the parking control unit 300. For example, the parking determination unit 130 may output a numerical value of "1" when a vehicle is parked in the parking space, or a numerical value of "0" when a vehicle is not parked in the parking space.

[0015] In the normal mode, the parking determination unit 130 determines whether a vehicle is present in the area based on the detection result of the vehicle sensor 110. Specifically, if the vehicle sensor 110 outputs a detection result indicating that a vehicle has been detected in the area, the parking determination unit 130 determines that a vehicle is present in the area. On the other hand, if the vehicle sensor 110 outputs a detection result indicating that a vehicle has not been detected in the area, the parking determination unit 130 determines that a vehicle is not present in the area.

[0016] On the other hand, in the restricted mode, if the time notified by the vehicle sensor 110 from when the vehicle sensor 110 emits a measurement wave until when it receives the measurement wave is within a preset time (first time), the parking determination unit 130 invalidates the detection result indicating whether or not a vehicle has been detected at that time. This first time is shorter than the second time described above. Specifically, even if the vehicle sensor 110 outputs a detection result indicating that a vehicle has been detected within the area, if the time notified by the vehicle sensor 110 from when the vehicle sensor 110 emits a measurement wave until when it receives the measurement wave is within the first time, the parking determination unit 130 invalidates the detection result and determines that no vehicle is present within the area.

[0017] In this way, when the raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets, if the time between when the vehicle sensor 110 emits a measurement wave and when it receives it is shorter than a predetermined time, the detection result of the vehicle sensor 110 is invalidated, thereby preventing erroneous detection of a vehicle due to reception of refracted waves by raindrops attached to the vehicle sensor 110.

[0018] The prevention member 200 changes between a state that prevents parking in a parking space fixed by the parking control device 10 and a state that allows parking, in response to an instruction from the parking control unit 300. Details of these states (modes) will be described later.

[0019] When the determination result output from the parking determination unit 130 indicates that no vehicle is present in the parking space, the parking control unit 300 changes the prevention member 200 to a configuration that makes it impossible (prevents) parking in the parking space. When a predetermined signal is transmitted from an external device, the parking control unit 300 changes the prevention member 200 to a configuration that allows parking in the parking space. The predetermined signal is, for example, a signal indicating that a vehicle to be parked has been detected approaching the parking space, or a signal indicating that parking of the vehicle in the parking space is permitted. Note that the parking control unit 300 may be physically integrated together with the parking determination unit 130 in a single control unit such as a CPU, excluding a drive mechanism such as a motor that changes the configuration of the prevention member 200.

[0020] Figure 2 is an external view of the parking control device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the parking control device 10 shown in Figure 1 is provided with a prevention member 200. The parking control device 10 shown in Figure 1 is also provided with a vehicle sensor 110 and a raindrop sensor 120. The installation positions of the vehicle sensor 110 and the raindrop sensor 120 in the parking control device 10 are not particularly limited as long as they are positions that allow the above-mentioned detection.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the prevention member 200 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the prevention member 200 shown in FIG. 1 can be in two states: an upright state and a laid-down state. The upright state is a state in which the prevention member 200 is upright so as to prevent parking in a parking space to which the parking control device 10 is fixed. The laid-down state is a state in which the prevention member 200 is laid down on the ground so as to allow parking in a parking space to which the parking control device 10 is fixed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the prevention member 200 rotates around one end of the prevention member 200 as an axis, and the parking control unit 300 controls the rotation using a motor or the like. The form of the prevention member 200 is not limited to this, and any form may be used as long as it can realize a state in which parking in a parking space is prevented and a state in which parking is allowed.

[0022] The parking control device 10 is installed on the ground. The parking control device 10 is installed in a position where it can control the entry and exit of vehicles into the parking space where it is installed. In other words, the parking control device 10 is installed in a position where it can restrict the entry and exit of vehicles into the parking space where it is installed when the prevention member 200 is in an upright state. The parking control device 10 is fixed to the ground of the parking space using anchor bolts, double-sided tape, adhesive sealer, etc. Furthermore, power is supplied to the parking control device 10 using a rechargeable battery, a power generation system such as a solar panel, an AC power source, or a combination of these.

[0023] The following describes a parking control method in the parking control device 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a parking control method in the parking control device 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0024] After the vehicle sensor 110 emits (transmits) ultrasonic waves (step S1), it detects whether the vehicle sensor 110 receives the reflected waves within a predetermined time (step S2). This predetermined time is the second time described above. If the vehicle sensor 110 receives the reflected waves within the predetermined time after emitting (transmitting) ultrasonic waves, it determines whether the raindrop sensor 120 has detected water droplets (step S3).

[0025] In step S3, if the raindrop sensor 120 does not detect water droplets, the parking determination unit 130 outputs the determination result in the normal mode. Specifically, based on the detection result that the vehicle sensor 110 has detected a vehicle in the target parking space, the parking determination unit 130 notifies the parking control unit 300 that a vehicle is present in the parking space.

[0026] On the other hand, if the raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets in step S3, the parking determination unit 130 outputs the determination result in the restricted mode. Specifically, the parking determination unit 130 invalidates the detection result that the vehicle sensor 110 detected a vehicle in the target parking space, and notifies the parking control unit 300 that no vehicle is present in the parking space.

[0027] The first time is the time from when the transmitter of the vehicle sensor 110 emits a measurement wave until when the receiver directly receives the measurement wave. This first time may be calculated based on the specifications of the vehicle sensor 110, or may be a time obtained by an experiment in which water droplets are attached to the transmitter. When the measurement wave is an ultrasonic wave, the first time is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 ms. Setting the first time to less than 0.8 ms may result in false detection due to refraction of the ultrasonic wave by water droplets attached to the transmitter. On the other hand, setting the first time to more than 1.2 ms may result in the measurement wave normally reflected by the underside of the parked vehicle being excluded from the detection result, resulting in a problem in which the vehicle is not detected even though it is parked. The second time may be a value preset according to the surrounding environment of the parking space where the parking control device 10 is installed and the specifications of the vehicle sensor 110, or may be a value calculated according to the situation during operation.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the direction in which a measurement wave is emitted when water droplets adhere to the vehicle sensor 110 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, in a device that uses the vehicle sensor 110 to detect a vehicle 400 and determine whether the vehicle 400 is present in a parking space, if water droplets 113 adhere to the transmitter 111 that emits the measurement wave of the vehicle sensor 110, the measurement wave is refracted by the water droplets 113 toward the receiver 112, radiated horizontally, and received by the receiver 112 without being reflected by the vehicle 400 to be detected. As a result, even if the vehicle 400 is not present, the time from when the vehicle sensor 110 transmits the measurement wave to when it receives it falls within the predetermined detection time, resulting in a false detection that the vehicle 400 is present even when it is not.

[0029] Using a general sensor to determine the presence or absence of a vehicle, a parking control element, such as a flap, installed in a parking space to prevent entry can be controlled based on the determination result. In this case, if the sensor determines that a vehicle is no longer present, the parking control element may change its configuration to prevent entry into the parking space. However, as described above, if a false detection result indicates the presence of a vehicle in a parking space even when no vehicle is present, the parking control element cannot change its configuration to prevent entry into the parking space, and entry control cannot be performed. Furthermore, in a system that links the movement of the parking control element with the payment of parking space usage fees, there is a problem in that the usage fee continues to be charged even after the vehicle has left the parking space.

[0030] Therefore, in the present invention, when the raindrop sensor 120 detects water droplets, the detection results of the vehicle sensor 110 that received the measurement wave within the first time period are invalidated. As a result, of the measurement waves emitted from the vehicle sensor 110, only the measurement waves (reflected waves) that are reflected by the vehicle and received by the receiving unit are used as the detection result. This allows for more accurate detection of parked vehicles.

[0031] Although the above description has been given by allocating each function (process) to each component, this allocation is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the configuration of the components is also not limited to the above-described form, which is merely an example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0032] 10 Parking control device 100 Vehicle detection device 110 Vehicle Sensor 111 Transmitter 112 Receiving unit 113 Water drop 120 Raindrop sensor 130 Parking Judgment Unit 200 Prevention member 300 Parking control unit 400 vehicles

Claims

1. a vehicle sensor that detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided within an area in which the vehicle is parked by irradiating a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength within the area and receiving a reflected wave of the irradiated measurement wave; A raindrop sensor for detecting water droplets; a parking determination unit that determines whether a vehicle is present in the parking space based on a detection result of the vehicle sensor and a detection result of the raindrop sensor; The parking determination unit is a vehicle detection device that, when the raindrop sensor detects water droplets, invalidates a detection result in which the time from when the vehicle sensor emits the measurement wave to when it receives it is within a first time period.

2. 2. The vehicle detection device according to claim 1, The vehicle sensor determines that it has detected the vehicle in the parking space if the time between when the vehicle sensor emits the measurement wave and when it receives it is within a second time that is longer than the first time.

3. The vehicle detection device according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle sensor is a vehicle detection device that irradiates ultrasonic waves as the measurement waves.

4. 4. The vehicle detection device according to claim 3, The vehicle detection device, wherein the first time period is in a range of 0.8 to 1.2 ms.

5. a vehicle sensor that detects a vehicle present in a parking space provided within an area in which the vehicle is parked by irradiating a measurement wave having a measurement wavelength within the area and receiving a reflected wave of the irradiated measurement wave; A raindrop sensor for detecting water droplets; a parking determination unit that determines whether a vehicle is present in the parking space based on a detection result of the vehicle sensor and a detection result of the raindrop sensor; A prevention member that prevents parking in the parking space; a parking control unit that changes the prevention member into a form that makes parking in the parking space impossible when the parking determination unit determines that the vehicle is not present in the parking space, The parking determination unit, when the raindrop sensor detects water droplets, invalidates a detection result in which the time from when the vehicle sensor emits the measurement wave to when it receives it is within a first time period.

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