Parking structure and computer program

Abstract

To provide a technique for flexibly and efficiently utilize the land or space to be prepared as a parking lot.SOLUTION: A road surface of a parking lot is segmented into multiple sections in a horizontal direction. In each section, an electromagnetic wave detection apparatus is arranged to detect a predetermined electromagnetic wave that does not reach the road surface when a vehicle exists on the road surface. A parking lot structure includes occupied area calculation means which receives, as input data, data on the detected electromagnetic waves which is a result of detecting the electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic wave detection apparatus, and calculates the presence / absence of a vehicle and an occupied section and the area thereof when a parked vehicle exists, on the basis of the input data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for improving the convenience of a space reserved as a parking lot for parking lot users. [Background technology]

[0002] Parking lot businesses, which provide parking spaces for vehicle drivers and receive payment from the drivers for providing the parking spaces, have existed for a long time. The payment (fee) is generally based on the time the parking space is occupied (for example, 10 minutes or 15 minutes).

[0003] In some cases, the fee may be increased or decreased depending on the size (exclusive floor area) of the parking space provided. For example, a "large vehicle space" that is larger than a "normal vehicle space" may be prepared, and the fee for the latter may be set higher than the fee for the former.

[0004] Prior art documents were searched on the patent information platform using the following search formula: Search formula = [Parking lot / TX]*[Category / CL]*[Subdivision / SP]*[Unit / SP] As a result, 48 hits were found, and the following patent documents were examined.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging system, charging method, program, and wheel load meter that can charge fees according to the degree of impact on road damage, rather than fees related to the load weight of each vehicle.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique relating to a facility that provides parking spaces as well as charging services when the vehicle is an electric vehicle. In other words, the technology disclosed herein is focused on preventing delays in charging time due to inability to properly grasp the power supply state, i.e., whether charging is being performed under normal conditions, and ensuring charging quality, as well as ensuring accurate billing by specifically applying various conditions that are taken into account when calculating electricity rates.

[0007] Patent Document 3 states that when planning and operating a parking lot for a large-scale multi-purpose facility, it is necessary to take into consideration the purpose of the vehicles used (for example, business, commercial, lodging, banquet, service vehicles, VIP vehicles, taxis, etc.), the parking time by day of the week, time period, vehicle compartment, purpose, contract type, etc. For example, if data on the facility exists, it should also be taken into consideration. A technology that can dynamically execute such a simulation is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018-109660 [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-16547 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-161703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Land and space used as parking lots are generally divided into parking spaces based on the expected size of vehicles. This makes it difficult to flexibly accommodate vehicles that wish to park there.

[0010] For example, vehicles that require a larger area and space than the designated parking lot cannot be parked there because it would cause problems for other vehicles to enter and exit. However, sometimes vehicles ignore the designated parking lot and park there.

[0011] Also, if the large vehicle bays are empty but the standard vehicle bays are full, it is not impossible to park, but sometimes it does happen. The parking fees for large vehicles are set higher than for standard vehicles, so extra parking fees are charged, but if the parking fee is free or becomes free by making certain purchases, standard vehicles may park in the large vehicle bays.

[0012] In order to solve the issues mentioned above, we thoroughly considered how to make flexible and efficient use of the land and space provided for parking. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology for flexibly and efficiently utilizing land and space provided as parking lots.

[0013] In addition, in accordance with the solution of the present invention, prior patent documents were also searched using the following search formula: [Parking / CL]*[Detection / SP+Detection / SP+Measurement / SP+Measurement / SP]*[Area / CL] As a result, 117 hits were found, and we tested technologies such as technology for detecting vacant spaces (Patent Publication No. 2018-106479) and technology for detecting dividing lines (Patent Publication No. 2018-116579), but found no similarity to the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention relates to a parking lot structure, and a second invention relates to a computer program for controlling the parking lot structure according to the first invention.

[0015] (First Invention) The first invention divides the horizontal direction of the road surface of a parking lot into many sections, Each section is provided with an electromagnetic wave detection device that detects a predetermined electromagnetic wave that does not reach the road surface when a vehicle is present on the road surface, and / or a light emitting device that illuminates the road surface, an occupied area calculation means for receiving as input data the results of the detection of electromagnetic waves by the electromagnetic wave detection device and calculating the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when the vehicle is parked based on the input data; a control device that controls light emission by the light-emitting device for each of the sections based on the occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means; The present invention relates to a parking lot structure equipped with the above structure (see FIG. 17).

[0016] (Terminology) A "section" is an area surrounded by a set of boundaries when the area on the road surface of a parking lot where parking is possible is divided by the set of boundaries. The shape of the section is generally a square (see Figure 17 and Figure 1), but it can be another shape (see Figure 13). An electromagnetic wave detection device and a light emitting device may be provided in one section, or a section provided with one electromagnetic wave detection device may be provided with multiple light emitting devices (see FIG. 12).

[0017] If the section is a square, it is desirable to have a smaller dimension of one side of the section on which the electromagnetic wave detection device is placed ("L" in Figure 12) (although this increases manufacturing costs). This is because calculations of the occupied area and occupied area will be more accurate. In relation to the size of the vehicle, the maximum dimension of the section is approximately 500 millimeters. If the maximum value is used, the unit for calculating the vehicle's occupied area will be 0.25 square meters. The size of the sections is currently in the range of 10 to 100 millimeters, but smaller sizes may be acceptable if manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0018] It is preferable that the section in which the light-emitting device is disposed is divided into smaller sections than the section in which the electromagnetic wave detection device is disposed. When the section is a square, the dimension of one side of the section in which the light-emitting device is disposed ("M" in FIG. 12) is M=L / 2 in FIG. 12.

[0019] It is not necessary to have one light-emitting device per section. It is preferable to have multiple light-emitting devices per section, and to have the multiple light-emitting devices emit light of multiple colors. This is because it contributes to diversifying the types of information transmitted.

[0020] The "prescribed electromagnetic waves" detected by the "electromagnetic wave detection device" are sunlight reaching the surface of the parking lot (see Fig. 9(a)), artificial light such as LED lighting installed to illuminate the parking lot (see Fig. 9(b) and Fig. 19), ultrasonic waves (see Fig. 14), etc. In other words, the "electromagnetic wave detection device" is a light detection device, an ultrasonic wave receiving (transmitting) device, etc.

[0021] "Vehicles" includes not only four-wheeled ordinary vehicles, but also large vehicles, special vehicles, motorcycles, and light vehicles (bicycles).

[0022] The "occupancy area calculation means" includes a predetermined compensation means (a compensation calculation algorithm and a means for executing the same) corresponding to the "predetermined electromagnetic wave" detected by the "electromagnetic wave detection device". An example of the compensation calculation algorithm is shown in FIG. Note that the "area of ​​the occupied area" mainly refers to the area that cannot be used by other vehicles as a result of parking (this is the meaning in the embodiments described below), but it can also refer to the area onto which the vehicle is projected, and there is room for the definition to differ depending on each parking lot or the management and operation policy of the parking lot.

[0023] (action) When there is no vehicle in the parking lot, the electromagnetic wave detection device detects the predetermined electromagnetic waves in all sections. Suppose a vehicle enters the parking lot on the road surface. An electromagnetic wave detection device that is present in a section that the vehicle cannot reach due to blocking cannot detect the electromagnetic waves. By receiving input data on sections where the electromagnetic waves can be detected and sections where they cannot be detected, the occupied area calculation means calculates the occupied area of ​​the vehicle and its area. Based on the occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means, the control device controls the light emission by the light emitting device for each section. For example, by illuminating an area slightly larger than the area where the vehicle is parked, other vehicles are prevented from approaching to park or leave the parking lot.

[0024] As described above, by utilizing each of the constituent elements, the area used by parked vehicles can be distinguished from other areas, even if the vehicles are of various sizes. As a result, the land and space provided for parking can be used flexibly and efficiently.

[0025] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first aspect of the invention may be formed as follows. In other words, it is provided with a protective layer that protects the electromagnetic wave detection device and the light-emitting device from the weight of the vehicle, while allowing the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detection device to pass through and the light emitted by the light-emitting device to pass through to the road surface (see Figures 1, 15, etc.).

[0026] (Terminology) The "protective layer" may be made of a single material, or may be made of multiple layers of different materials. A material that can transmit the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detection device and the light emitted from the light emitting device is used. For example, reinforced glass, thermoplastic resin, etc. If the protective layer wears out due to the period and frequency of use, it is desirable to have a structure that allows easy replacement.

[0027] (action) By dividing the area in which the electromagnetic wave detection devices are placed into different sections from the area in which the light-emitting devices are placed, it may be possible to streamline the manufacture and operation of the parking lot structure.

[0028] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The first aspect of the invention may be formed as follows. That is, the upper surface of the protective layer is formed to be inclined and / or curved so as to be convex upward in order to prevent water from accumulating on the road surface (see Figs. 15 and 16).

[0029] (Terminology) It is desirable that the inclination or curvature be at a level that does not cause discomfort to persons riding in vehicles using the parking lot structure of the present invention. For example, the angle of "inclination" is about 1 to 6 degrees. It is desirable that the inclination or / and curvature be convex upward so that the parked vehicle does not move even if the parking brake is not being used. A large number of grooves may be provided in the road surface, and only the upper surfaces of the recesses of the grooves may be inclined.

[0030] (action) When the parking lot structure according to the present invention is used outdoors, it contributes to preventing rainwater from accumulating on the road surface. Even if the parking lot according to the present invention is indoors, water may flow onto the road surface due to cleaning or other reasons, but even in such cases, the present invention contributes to preventing water from accumulating.

[0031] (Variation 3 of the first invention) The first aspect of the invention may be formed as follows. That is, a timer that measures the parking time of a parked vehicle based on the electromagnetic wave detection device; a fee calculation means for calculating a parking fee based on the parking time measured by the timer and the occupancy area calculated by the occupancy area calculation means; a fee output means for outputting the parking fee calculated by the fee calculation means; (See "Payment Machine" in Figure 1, etc.)

[0032] (Terminology) The "fee output means" includes not only the output screen of the payment machine, but also means for transmitting data to a management server that manages the parking lot structure according to the present invention, if such a server exists (see FIG. 17).

[0033] (action) Since the parking fee can be calculated according to the occupied area, a reasonable parking fee with little sense of unfairness can be calculated.

[0034] (Variation 4 of the first invention) The first aspect of the invention may be formed as follows. That is, a parking determination means for determining whether the vehicle occupation area and its area calculated by the occupation area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle to be parked; The vehicle is provided with a parking space determination means for determining a parking space to be provided when the parking determination means determines that a parking space can be provided. Then, the control device performs guiding lighting using the light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to be parked to the parking space determined by the parking space determination means (see FIG. 7).

[0035] (action) The parking determination means determines whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle to be parked. If it is determined that the parking space can be provided, the parking space determination means determines the parking space to be provided. The control device performs guidance by turning on or blinking a predetermined light emitting device in order to guide the vehicle attempting to park in the parking space determined by the parking space determination means.

[0036] (Variation 5 of the first invention) Variation 4 in the first invention may be formed as follows. That is, when the parking determination means determines that a parking space cannot be provided, the control device performs guidance lighting using the light-emitting device to guide the vehicle attempting to park to leave the parking lot (see S17 in FIG. 11).

[0037] (action) When the parking determination means determines that a parking space cannot be provided, the control device guides the vehicle attempting to park by lighting or blinking a specified light emitting device so as to make the vehicle leave the parking lot.

[0038] (Second Invention) The second invention relates to a computer program for a control device for a parking lot structure according to the first invention. That is, an electromagnetic wave receiving step of receiving a result of the detection of an electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention as input data; an occupied area calculation step for calculating the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when the vehicle is parked based on the input data received in the electromagnetic wave reception step; a light emission control step of controlling light emission by the light emitting device for each of the sections based on the occupied area and its area calculated in the occupied area calculation step; The computer program is configured to cause the control device to execute the above-mentioned.

[0039] (Variation 1 of the second invention) The second aspect of the invention is more preferably as follows. That is, a parking time measurement procedure for measuring a parking time for which a parked vehicle is parked based on the electromagnetic wave detection device; a fee calculation step of calculating a parking fee based on the parking time measured in the parking time measurement step and the occupied area calculated in the occupied area calculation step; The control device is caused to execute a fee output procedure for outputting the parking fee calculated in the fee calculation procedure.

[0040] (Variation 2 of the second invention) The second aspect of the invention is more preferably as follows. That is, a parking judgment step for judging whether the vehicle occupation area and its area calculated in the occupation area calculation step can be provided for the vehicle to be parked; a parking space determination step for determining a parking space when it is determined in the parking determination step that a parking space is available; a guidance step of performing guidance lighting using the light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to be parked to the parking space determined in the parking space determination step; The above control device is to execute the above.

[0041] The computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention can also be provided by being stored in a recording medium. Here, the term "recording medium" refers to a medium capable of carrying a program that does not occupy space by itself, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a DVD-R, or a flash memory. It is also possible to transmit the program according to the present invention from a computer storing the program or a control computer for the parking lot structure to the control computer for the parking lot structure via a communication line. Effect of the Invention

[0042] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a parking lot structure that enables flexible and efficient use of land and space provided as a parking lot. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a computer program for controlling a parking lot structure that enables flexible and efficient use of land and space provided as a parking lot. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the operation (when a vehicle is moving) of a parking lot structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the operation (before and after parking) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation (after parking) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation (during parking) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation (before entry) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation (guiding from entrance to parking) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation (guiding from entrance to parking) of the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram for explaining the need for adjustment of the "electromagnetic wave detection device" in the parking lot structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart for determining an occupied area. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart for determining an entrance location after entering a parking lot. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] A schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to the sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] A schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] A schematic side view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure relating to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a plan view and a front view (partly in cross section) showing the entire parking lot structure related to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a case in which a parking lot structure according to the present invention is networked. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a case in which a parking lot structure according to the present invention is networked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 21). The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but is a form for interpreting the present invention.

[0045] (Figure 1) FIG. 1 shows a plan view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of a parking lot whose planar shape is a square. The surface of this parking lot is divided horizontally into a number of squares, each with a side dimension of 100 to 250 millimeters.

[0046] Each section comprises a light-sensing panel including an electromagnetic wave detection device that detects specific electromagnetic waves (sunlight and / or artificial light) that do not reach the road surface when a vehicle is present on the road surface; a light-emitting layer including a light-emitting device that illuminates the road surface; a substrate that controls the on / off switching of the light emission in the light-emitting layer; and a protective layer that protects the electromagnetic wave detection device and the light-emitting device from the weight of the vehicle, while allowing the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detection device to pass through and the light emitted by the light-emitting device to pass through to the road surface side.

[0047] The board is connected to a control unit, which is equipped with an occupancy area calculation means that receives the results of electromagnetic wave detection by the electromagnetic wave detection device as input data and calculates the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when a vehicle is parked based on the input data, and a control device that controls the light emission by the light-emitting device for each of the sections based on the occupied area and its area calculated by the occupancy area calculation means.

[0048] (Payment machine) The board is also connected to a parking machine, which includes a timer that measures the parking time that the vehicle is parked based on the electromagnetic wave detection device, a fee calculation means that calculates a parking fee based on the parking time measured by the timer and the occupied area calculated by the occupied area calculation means, and a fee output means that outputs the parking fee calculated by the fee calculation means.

[0049] The light-sensing panel can be replaced by a photovoltaic panel, or they can be used together. By detecting the amount of light sensed or the amount of power generated for each section, the board can detect whether or not light has been blocked by a vehicle for each section.

[0050] The protective layer is made of a material that can transmit the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detection device and the light emitted from the light emitting device. For example, the protective layer may be made of a single material such as reinforced glass or thermoplastic resin, or may be made of multiple layers made of different materials.

[0051] (Figure 2) FIG. 2 shows a vehicle moving on the road surface of the parking lot structure described above (a) and moving slowly (b). FIG. 2(a) illustrates a light-sensing panel that is blocked by the vehicle while the vehicle is moving, but does not transmit its response to the substrate.

[0052] In Figure 2(b), when a vehicle is moving slowly, there are light sensing panels whose light (assuming light from directly above) is blocked by the vehicle, and there are light sensing panels whose light is not blocked. This is indicated by changing the type of hatching.

[0053] (Figure 3) FIG. 3 shows (a) a case where a vehicle stops on the road surface of the parking lot structure described above, and (b) a case where the vehicle ends up being parked at the stopping position. As shown in Figure 3(a), the light-sensing panel detects weaker light when the light is blocked by the shadow of a vehicle. The control unit receives electrical signals via the board to indicate which sections are in the shadow of the vehicle and which are not. The control unit then analyzes the electrical signals from each section of the light-sensing panel to calculate the area occupied by the vehicle. The determination of the vehicle's occupied area and its area will be described in detail in Figures 9 and 10.

[0054] The control unit illuminates the portion of the light-emitting layer that corresponds to the outer periphery of the area occupied by the vehicle to be parked. In FIG. 3(a), the illuminated section (light-emitting portion) is shown with different types of hatching. The light-emitting portion can show the driver of the vehicle which area the vehicle should be parked in and which area the vehicle will occupy and rent after parking.

[0055] (Figure 4) Figure 4 shows a plan view of a vehicle parked in a parking lot equipped with the parking lot structure according to this embodiment. The surrounding area, which is slightly larger than the area occupied by the vehicle, is illuminated. Unlike conventional parking lots that indicate parking areas by painting white lines on the road surface, the entire parking lot can be used flexibly.

[0056] The area that a vehicle rents by parking is an area that is slightly larger than the area that the vehicle occupies. The area is set more precisely by taking a photo of the vehicle that is about to enter the parking lot using a camera (see Figure 6, etc.) described later and using the results of analyzing the photo of the vehicle. For example, for right-hand drive vehicles, the area can be set to be slightly wider on the side of the parked vehicle that faces the steering wheel to make it easier for people to get in and out. Also, for vehicles that are loaded with luggage, the area can be set to provide a "luggage handling space" behind the parked vehicle.

[0057] (Figure 5) FIG. 5 shows a state where the driver has left the vehicle after parking (a), and a state where a person has approached the vehicle (b). FIG. 5(a) shows a state in which the light is turned off when the driver has left the vehicle and there are no people or vehicles around, since there is no need for the light-emitting layer to emit light.

[0058] FIG. 5(b) shows a state in which a human presence sensor (not shown) detects that a person is approaching a parking lot or a parked area, and a specific section of the light-emitting layer is illuminated to indicate the area occupied by the parked vehicle. Although not shown in the drawings, when another vehicle approaches within the parking lot, the light sensing panel detects this and similarly causes a predetermined section of the light emitting layer to emit light.

[0059] (Figure 6) Figure 6 shows a plan view of an L-shaped parking lot facing a public road and equipped with a parking lot structure according to this embodiment, in which a vehicle is attempting to park in addition to the vehicles already parked there. The entrance to the parking lot from the public road is equipped with a gate that opens when it detects a vehicle attempting to enter (small parking lots or parking lots that use photographs of license plates may not have a gate), and a camera that photographs the model and license plate of vehicles attempting to enter, or a sensor that can detect the presence of a vehicle.

[0060] (Figure 7) FIG. 7 shows a case where a vehicle attempting to park enters a parking lot. A predetermined section of the light-emitting panel is illuminated so as to be visible to the driver of a vehicle attempting to park, and to guide the driver to a place where the vehicle should be parked. In addition, beyond the guiding lights, a predetermined section of the light-emitting panel flashes to indicate the parking area.

[0061] (Figure 8) Figure 8 shows the relationship between the vehicle attempting to park shown in Figures 6 and 7 and the parking lot structure of this embodiment immediately before and after the vehicle enters the parking lot from a public road.

[0062] Fig. 8(a) shows a plan view of a vehicle about to enter a parking lot from a general road, and Fig. 8(b) shows the parking lot structure in that state without the vehicle. When there is a part of the light-sensing panel at the boundary between the parking lot and the general road where the light is blocked, the area occupied by the vehicle and its size cannot be determined.

[0063] Fig. 8(c) shows a plan view of the parking lot immediately after the vehicle has entered, and Fig. 8(d) shows the parking lot structure in that state without the vehicle. There are no more blocked areas on the light-sensing panel at the boundary between the parking lot and the general road, because the vehicle has completely entered the parking lot.

[0064] At a certain moment after that, the control unit calculates the area and its size that the vehicle will occupy when parked based on the data of where the light is blocked by the light sensing panel, and then calculates a location where the calculated area can be provided, and outputs a lighting command to a specific light emitting panel to guide the vehicle to that location.

[0065] Figure 9(a) conceptually shows that when the light detected by the light detection panel is sunlight (light that is not from directly above and that changes depending on the time and season), the light detection panel with the sunlight blocked by a vehicle does not match the area occupied by the vehicle, and therefore adjustments are necessary depending on the area (geographical location) where the parking lot is located, the time, and the season.

[0066] Figure 9(b) conceptually shows that when the light detected by the light detection panel is artificial light (light that is not coming from directly above and is diffused), the light detection panel where the artificial light is blocked by a vehicle does not match the area occupied by the vehicle, and therefore adjustments are necessary according to the type of artificial light, the installation location, and the location in the parking lot that receives the light.

[0067] In the case of outdoor parking lots, parking spaces are provided even on cloudy or rainy days and at night, so sunlight alone is not used; artificial light is also used in combination. In indoor parking lots, such as underground parking lots, compensation by artificial light may be the only option.

[0068] (Figure 10) FIG. 10 shows an algorithm for the procedure for calculating and determining the area occupied by a vehicle. The "occupied area" is not the projected area of ​​the vehicle, but the area that cannot be used by other vehicles due to the parking, and is an essential value when determining parking fees.

[0069] The control unit obtains data on the shading of light for each section received by the light sensing panel via the substrate (S1).

[0070] Next, it is determined whether the intensity of sunlight among the light received by the light sensing panel is stronger than a predetermined value (S2). If it is weaker than the predetermined value, the area occupied by the vehicle will be calculated from the section where the artificial light is blocked, so data for adjustment in the case of artificial light is obtained from the artificial light angle database (S6). Incidentally, the artificial light angle database needs to be prepared by measuring the artificial light received by the road surface of a parking lot in advance and storing the data in a database, since the artificial light angle varies depending on the location within the parking lot.

[0071] If the sunlight is stronger than the predetermined value, the area occupied by the vehicle is calculated from the section where the sunlight is blocked, so the date and time required for correction in the case of sunlight are obtained (S3). Based on the obtained date and time, sunlight angle data is obtained from a database related to sunlight angles (S4).

[0072] Using various data, an algorithm for calculating the occupied area by sunlight is executed (S5), or the aforementioned algorithm for calculating the occupied area by artificial light is executed (S6), and the occupied area and occupied zone of the vehicle are determined (S7).

[0073] (Fig. 11) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the execution of an algorithm for determining where to park the vehicle after it has entered a parking lot and guiding the vehicle to the parking spot.

[0074] First, it is determined what kind of occupancy area the entering vehicle requires (S11). Note that what kind of occupancy area is required has been described with reference to Figs. 8(a) to (d).

[0075] Next, it is determined whether the parking lot can currently provide the determined occupied area (S12). If it is determined that the area cannot be provided, directions to exit the parking lot are displayed (S17). In this case, it is confirmed that the vehicle has exited the parking lot, and the process ends (S18).

[0076] If the determined occupancy area can be provided, the location where the vehicle should be parked is determined (S13), and a guide display (e.g., FIG. 8(c) and (d)) for the vehicle to move to the parking location is executed by controlling the division of the light-emitting layer by the control unit (S14).

[0077] The control unit can grasp that the vehicle is moving according to the guidance display by observing how the sections of the light sensing panel that do not receive light change. If a different guidance display is required in response to the movement, the guidance display is also moved (S15).

[0078] When the vehicle stops in the parking area (shown in FIG. 7) guided by the guidance, the light sensing panel in that area stops receiving light, so the control unit can know that the vehicle has stopped in the parking space (S16). When it detects that a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle stopped, the guidance to the parking space ends (S19).

[0079] (Fig. 12) FIG. 12A is a plan view and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the sections of the light-sensing panel and the sections of the light-emitting layer are different from each other. The length of one side of the section forming the light-sensing panel, L, is half that of the section forming the light-emitting layer, M. Specifically, L is 100 mm and M is 50 mm. However, the present invention does not require these dimensions or the aforementioned ratios.

[0080] The smaller M is, the more diverse the information that can be provided to users of the parking lot (not limited to vehicle drivers, for example, people walking near the parking lot, etc.).

[0081] (Fig. 13) FIG. 13A is a plan view and a cross-sectional view (b) showing a case in which the shape of the sections of the light-sensing panel is a regular hexagon instead of a square, and the shapes forming the sections of the light-emitting layer are equilateral triangles that divide the regular hexagon into six equal parts. As shown in this figure, the shapes of the sections of the light-sensing panel and the sections of the light-emitting layer are not limited to square shapes.

[0082] (Fig. 14) FIG. 14 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) showing a case where an area or surface area occupied by a vehicle is calculated using ultrasonic waves instead of sunlight or artificial light.

[0083] Fig. 14(a) shows an embodiment in which an ultrasonic wave generator is installed in a place in the parking lot where it does not interfere with parking like artificial light, and an ultrasonic wave receiving panel is installed under the protective layer. Although not shown in the figure, a data table must be created in advance for each location of the parking lot to determine the relationship between the division of the ultrasonic wave receiving panel that receives the ultrasonic wave and the area occupied by the vehicle.

[0084] In FIG. 14(b), the ultrasonic oscillator in FIG. 14(a) is replaced with a receiving / receiving device that also includes a receiving device capable of receiving the reflection of the oscillated ultrasonic waves. If the reflected ultrasonic waves can be received at a nearly perfect level and with almost perfect accuracy, the ultrasonic receiving panel shown in the figure to be provided below the protective layer can be omitted.

[0085] (Fig. 15) The upper surface of the protective layer is desirably formed with an incline and / or an upwardly convex curve to prevent water from accumulating on the road surface. This is to prevent rainwater from accumulating if the parking lot is outdoors, and even if the parking lot is indoors, water may be used for cleaning, etc.

[0086] In Fig. 15(a), the entire structure consisting of the protective layer, the light-sensing panel, the light-emitting layer and the substrate is tilted. The tilt angle θa is generally about 0.5 to 6 degrees. However, the appropriate tilt angle differs depending on the location where the present invention is used.

[0087] In addition, the direction of the inclination should be in principle the left-right direction of the vehicle being parked, not the front-rear direction, in order to prevent the vehicle from moving even if the parking brake is forgotten to be applied.

[0088] Fig. 15(b) shows a case where the slope is formed only by the protective layer that forms the upper surface of the road surface. In this embodiment, the protective layer is formed so that the bottom of the parked vehicle becomes a mountain and is sloped downward in the left and right direction. The slope angle θb is generally about 0.5 to 6 degrees, but the appropriate value also differs for each parking lot. Compared with FIG. 15(a), this has the advantage that it is less likely to cause discomfort to vehicle passengers, such as the driver.

[0089] 16(a) shows an embodiment in which only the protective layer is inclined in one direction. The inclination angle θc is also generally about 0.5 to 6 degrees, but the appropriate value also differs for each parking lot.

[0090] Fig. 16(b) shows an embodiment in which only the protective layer is curved so as to be convex upward. The average inclination angle θd of the curved portion is also generally about 0.5 to 6 degrees, but the appropriate value also differs for each parking lot.

[0091] (Fig. 17) Fig. 17 shows an embodiment in which light-detecting sensors and light-emitting units are alternately arranged. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 etc., the light-detecting sensors are configured not to block the light emitted by the light-emitting layer, but in this embodiment, the light-detecting sensors and the light-emitting units are directly connected to the substrate.

[0092] Although not shown in the drawings, it is desirable to arrange the light emitting sections at a density higher than that of the light detecting sensors, because the greater the number of light emitting sections per unit area, the greater the variety and accuracy of the information that can be transmitted.

[0093] Another difference from the above-described embodiments is that no protective layer is provided, because both the upper part of the light detecting sensor and the upper part of the light emitting part each have a structure for protecting the main part. However, in order to obtain the effects of the embodiments as shown in FIG. 15(b) and FIGS. 16(a) and (b), it is more reasonable to form a protective layer that covers the entire upper surface.

[0094] (Fig. 18) In the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the light-emitting parts are equipped with a heat-generating material, and the structure is provided as a parking lot structure in areas with snowfall. In this figure, the heat-generating material is provided not on all light-emitting parts, but on every other light-emitting part. The heat-generating material converts the electric energy provided through the substrate into thermal energy, and serves to melt the snow on the road surface.

[0095] Although not shown in the drawings, in an embodiment in which a protective layer is provided, the protective layer may be provided with a heat-generating material. If the light-emitting portion generates heat when emitting light, the heat-generating material described above can be omitted. Instead of using a heat generating material, a structure may be used that sprays water or hot water onto the road surface to melt the snow. In places where water at a temperature that can melt snow is available, a structure that sprays such water in small amounts can be provided to replace the heat generating material.

[0096] (Fig. 19) FIG. 19 shows an embodiment that makes it possible to eliminate the compensation means (such as the algorithm processing in FIG. 10) that becomes necessary when the light received by the light sensor is sunlight or artificial light. That is, the inspection light emitting device is provided at the entrance of the parking lot with a roof-like structure through which vehicles to be parked can pass, and an inspection light installed on the underside of the roof.The inspection light emitting device is capable of projecting the planar shape of the vehicle with the inspection light.This inspection light emitting device emits inspection light that is difficult to diffuse, so that the inspection light is not detected by a light detection sensor that is in the shadow of the projected planar shape of the vehicle, but can be detected by a light detection sensor that is not in the shadow of the vehicle.

[0097] The inspection light emitting device is designed based on the size of the vehicles that can be parked in the parking lot. Therefore, when a vehicle passes through the device, which does not transmit the inspection light and casts a shadow over it, the device will execute exception processing, such as asking the vehicle to leave, except for vehicles with prior reservations.

[0098] (Fig.20) Figure 20 conceptually shows that when the parking lot structure of the present invention is adopted in multiple parking lots A, B, and C, each of them is equipped with a data transmission device that transmits data received and processed by the control unit to the parking lot management server.

[0099] In the parking lot management server, the data transmitted from each of the parking lots A, B, and C is received by a data receiving device and stored in a parking lot management database.

[0100] Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to transmit data from the parking lot management server to each of the parking lots A, B, and C. The transmitted data includes computer programs to be executed by the control units. This makes it easy to update the computer programs executed by the control units.

[0101] (Fig.21) Figure 21 shows the data transmission device shown in Figure 20 as a payment machine. The control units and payment machines in each of the parking lots A, B, and C transmit and receive data in both directions, and various data can be transmitted to the parking lot management server via the payment machine.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 21, the parking lot management server can receive parking fees and the data on which the fees are calculated. Collecting and analyzing this data contributes to more efficient parking lot management.

[0103] Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to transmit data from the parking lot management server to each of the parking lots A, B, and C, as in the embodiment of Fig. 20. The data to be transmitted includes computer programs to be executed by the payment machines, computer programs to be executed by the control units, and the like.

[0104] According to the above-mentioned embodiment, it is possible to provide a parking lot structure that allows flexible and efficient use of land and space prepared as a parking lot. For example, since it is possible to rationally arrange the area occupied by the vehicle by parking, it is possible to flexibly respond by increasing the number of cars that can be parked and imposing rational charges on vehicles that occupy non-standard spaces. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present invention has applicability in the parking lot equipment manufacturing industry, parking lot management industry, car sharing and rental car businesses using parking lots and rental vehicles, the manufacturing industry of communication equipment for parking lot management data, data management industry for data communication, and the development of application software for parking lot control units and parking lot management servers, among others.

Claims

1. The parking lot surface is divided horizontally into multiple sections. Each section is provided with an electromagnetic wave detection device that detects a predetermined electromagnetic wave that does not reach the road surface and is blocked by a vehicle when the vehicle is present on the road surface, A parking lot structure equipped with an occupancy area calculation means which receives as input data electromagnetic wave detection data, which is the detection result as to whether or not the electromagnetic wave has reached each section, in the electromagnetic wave detection device, and calculates the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when a vehicle is parked based on the input data.

2. a timer that measures the parking time of the parked vehicle based on the electromagnetic wave detection device; a fee calculation means for calculating a parking fee based on the parking time measured by the timer and the occupancy area calculated by the occupancy area calculation means; a fee output means for outputting the parking fee calculated by the fee calculation means; 2. The parking structure of claim 1, comprising:

3. a parking determination means for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle; a parking space determination means for determining a parking space when the parking determination means determines that a parking space is available; A guidance light-emitting device is provided in each section of the parking lot to guide the vehicle to the parking space determined by the parking space determination means, and the guidance light-emitting device illuminates the road surface of the parking lot. A control means for controlling the light emission by the guidance light emitting device for each of the sections; Equipped with The control device performs guidance lighting using the guidance light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to the parking space determined by the parking space determination means. A parking structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. a parking determination means for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle; When the parking determination means determines that a parking space is unavailable, a guidance light-emitting device is provided in each section of the parking lot for guiding the vehicle, the guidance light-emitting device illuminating the road surface of the parking lot; Equipped with The control device executes guidance lighting using the guidance light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to exit the parking lot. A parking structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A parking lot having a road surface divided horizontally into a number of sections, each section being provided with an electromagnetic wave detection device for detecting a predetermined electromagnetic wave that does not reach the road surface when a vehicle is present on said road surface; receiving, as input data, electromagnetic wave detection data that is a result of the detection of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave detection device; an occupied area calculation means for calculating the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when the vehicle is parked based on the input data; a timer that measures the parking time of the parked vehicle based on the electromagnetic wave detection device; a fee calculation means for calculating a parking fee based on the parking time measured by the timer and the occupancy area calculated by the occupancy area calculation means; and a fee output means for outputting the parking fee calculated by the fee calculation means.

6. a parking determination means for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle; a parking space determination means for determining a parking space when the parking determination means determines that a parking space is available; A guidance light-emitting device is provided in each section of the parking lot to guide the vehicle to the parking space determined by the parking space determination means, and the guidance light-emitting device illuminates the road surface of the parking lot. A control means for controlling the light emission by the guidance light emitting device for each of the sections; Equipped with The control device performs guidance lighting using the guidance light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to the parking space determined by the parking space determination means.

6. A parking structure as claimed in claim 5.

7. a parking determination means for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated by the occupied area calculation means can be provided for the vehicle; When the parking determination means determines that a parking space is unavailable, a guidance light-emitting device is provided in each section of the parking lot for guiding the vehicle, the guidance light-emitting device illuminating the road surface of the parking lot; Equipped with The control device executes guidance lighting using the guidance light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to exit the parking lot.

6. A parking structure as claimed in claim 5.

8. The electromagnetic wave detection device is provided with a protective layer that protects the electromagnetic wave detection device from the weight of the vehicle and transmits the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detection device.

10. A parking structure according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 5.

9. The upper surface of the protective layer is formed to be inclined and / or curved upwardly convex so as to prevent water from accumulating on the road surface.

6. A parking structure according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 5.

10. Equipped with a heat generating material to melt the snow that has accumulated on the road surface.

6. A parking structure according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 5.

11. The parking lot surface is divided horizontally into multiple sections. Each section includes a computer program for a parking lot structure control device that includes an electromagnetic wave detection device that detects a predetermined electromagnetic wave that does not reach the road surface and is blocked by a vehicle when the vehicle is present on the road surface, an electromagnetic wave receiving step of receiving, as input data, detection data of the electromagnetic wave, which is a detection result as to whether or not the electromagnetic wave has reached each section, in the electromagnetic wave detection device; an occupied area calculation step for calculating the presence or absence of a vehicle and the occupied area and its area when the vehicle is parked based on the input data received in the electromagnetic wave reception step; The computer program is configured to cause the control device to execute the above.

12. a parking time measurement step of measuring a parking time during which a parked vehicle is parked based on the electromagnetic wave detection device; a fee calculation step of calculating a parking fee based on the parking time measured in the parking time measurement step and the occupied area calculated in the occupied area calculation step; a fee output step for outputting the parking fee calculated by the fee calculation step; The control device is caused to execute the following:

12. A computer program product as claimed in claim 11.

13. The parking lot structure is provided with a guidance light-emitting device for illuminating the road surface of the parking lot to guide vehicles, a parking determination step for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated in the occupied area calculation step can be provided for the vehicle; a parking space determination step for determining a parking space when it is determined in the parking determination step that a parking space is available; a guidance step of performing guidance lighting using the guidance light-emitting device in order to guide the vehicle to the parking space determined in the parking space determination step; The control device is caused to execute the following: A computer program according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The parking lot structure is provided with a guidance light-emitting device for illuminating the road surface of the parking lot to guide vehicles, a parking determination step for determining whether the vehicle's occupied area and its area calculated in the occupied area calculation step can be provided for the vehicle; an exit guidance procedure for guiding the vehicle to exit the parking lot by using the guidance light-emitting device when the vehicle is judged to be unable to be provided in the parking judgment procedure; The control device is caused to execute the following: A computer program according to claim 11 or 12.

Images