Parking lot

Abstract

To ensure an area allowing a physically impaired person or the like to get on and off as reliably as possible by arranging a layout of a parking lot while taking account of the actual condition where inappropriate use at a parking space for the physically impaired person or the like is not improved.SOLUTION: According to the invention, an exclusive area for allowing a physically impaired person or the like to get on and off is provided in a parking lot. A parking area 104 and a boarding lane 107 are provided separately in a parking lot site 101, and the parking area is used for a long-time parking. The boarding lane 107 is composed of a stopping boarding area 105 to be used temporally for allowing the physically impaired person or the like to get on and off and a boarding waiting row area 106 for waiting for use of the stopping boarding area in series so that a vehicle waiting for use of the stopping boarding area can be easily recognized and a psychological hesitation for a long-time stopping at the boarding lane is caused. In addition, a re-boarding entry lane 109 and an exit lane 108 are provided to avoid a confusion of passage of an exit vehicle from the parking area and a vehicle re-using the boarding lane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot with boarding and alighting lanes for physically disabled people and the like.

[0002] Specifically, focusing on the fact that physically disabled visitors to facilities with attached parking spaces often have able-bodied passengers in their vehicles, the parking lot is designed so that vehicles are only allowed to stop temporarily in the spaces where physically disabled passengers board and disembark, but that able-bodied passengers can park their vehicles in the parking area. [Background technology]

[0003] (1. Social Background Leading to the Invention) Japan has a long history of consideration for people with disabilities. For example, on September 15, 1973 (then known as Respect for the Aged Day), the Japanese National Railways (now JR) introduced Silver Seats.

[0004] In terms of laws, the "Act on the Promotion of the Construction of Specified Buildings that Can be Smoothly Used by the Elderly, the Physically Disabled, etc." came into effect on June 29, 1994, and the "Act on the Promotion of Smooth Mobility by the Elderly, the Physically Disabled, etc." came into effect on November 15, 2000, and these were integrated into the "Act on the Promotion of Smooth Mobility, etc. for the Elderly, the Physically Disabled, etc." which was enacted in 2006. The "Act on the Promotion of Smooth Mobility, etc. for the Elderly, the Physically Disabled, etc." was further amended in 2018, partially came into effect in 2020, and fully came into effect on April 1, 2021.

[0005] Furthermore, as part of the development of domestic legal systems in preparation for the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Act on Promotion of Elimination of Discrimination on the Basis of Disability (also known as the Disability Discrimination Elimination Act) was enacted in June 2013 with the aim of promoting the elimination of discrimination on the basis of disability, in order to realize a society in which all citizens can coexist without being separated based on whether they have a disability or not, and while mutually respecting each other's personality and individuality. It came into effect on April 1, 2016. Furthermore, in May 2021, the same act was amended (Act No. 56 of 2021) and is to come into effect on a date to be determined by government ordinance within not more than three years from the date of promulgation (June 4, 2021).

[0006] As a result of this long-standing social norm of consideration for people with disabilities, parking lots at public facilities are now required to be wider for people with disabilities to get in and out of their cars, such as by providing space to place wheelchairs on the side of the car, and in response to this, parking spaces for people with disabilities are often provided.

[0007] Given this social situation, in 2015, the inventors randomly selected 24 parking spaces for people with disabilities from city halls, highway parking areas, and commercial facilities, and conducted a survey of the actual usage of these parking spaces for people with disabilities for one day to one week at each location, with the aim of providing the results for discussion at the Chiba Prefectural Assembly. The results of this "Survey on the Actual Usage of Parking Spaces for People with Disabilities Attached to Public Facilities" showed that of a total of 1,528 parking spaces, only 279 spaces, or approximately 18.3%, were confirmed as being in appropriate use. By location, highway parking areas had a relatively high rate of 25%, while public facilities and commercial facilities only accounted for 16%. In some public facilities, only one out of 34 spaces was deemed to be in appropriate use. Some of the results of this survey were actually used at the Chiba Prefectural Assembly Regular Meeting and are included in the "Minutes of the Chiba Prefectural Assembly Regular Meeting (No. 5) February 10, 2017 (Friday)." The issue was also raised again at the Budget Committee meeting held in February 2020 (March 2, 2020), and was included in the minutes of the Budget Committee meeting held on the same day.

[0008] During one of their investigations, the inventors witnessed a family consisting entirely of able-bodied people park their vehicle in a parking space for people with disabilities. The child who got out of the parking space said to his parents, "I'm so glad we were able to park in such a large parking space," but the parents showed no reaction.

[0009] In other words, parking spaces for disabled people are often located close to the facility building, and when these spaces are available, able-bodied people end up using them. For this reason, even when parking spaces for disabled people are available, disabled people who wish to use them often find that the spaces are full and they cannot use them.

[0010] As can be seen from this, there are limits to leaving the appropriate use of parking spaces for people with disabilities and others up to individual ethics.

[0011] Even after this survey, the inventors have continued to observe parking spaces for people with disabilities, but no change has been observed in the actual usage. Measures are needed to promote appropriate use of parking spaces while recognizing this social background.

[0012] (2. Background technology) Against this social background, there is a social awareness of the problem of appropriate parking lot use. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system technology for designated parking spaces that helps curb the parking of incompatible vehicles in parking spaces for people with disabilities. In more detail, it discloses a technology that controls gates using on-board devices and vehicle license plate images to prevent general vehicles from entering, and a technology that uses authentication information storage media installed in the vehicle to prompt incompatible vehicles to move and curb inappropriate parking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-73307 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] It is true that the background art can be expected to reduce the frequency of unauthorized use by able-bodied persons. However, because parking spaces for disabled persons are designated in advance, when all parking spaces for disabled persons are filled, disabled persons have no choice but to use spaces for able-bodied persons or to wait in the middle of the road until a parking space for disabled persons becomes available.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the background art, devices must be used to prevent vehicles from entering, but if such devices are not used, people such as managers will have to guide people to use parking spaces reserved for disabled people, etc.

[0016] However, when using people to guide people, conflicts can arise with the space users, and facility managers tend to try to avoid such conflicts, which ultimately leads to allowing able-bodied people to use parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] (1. Summary of the means to solve the problem) Before explaining the means for solving the problem, let us briefly touch on the current situation regarding passengers with disabilities. When a person with a disability uses a car to visit a facility, in many cases, a non-disabled person is also in the car. This was noticed by the inventors when they investigated the "current usage of parking lots for persons with disabilities attached to public facilities" mentioned above. In other words, this means that when a person with a disability gets out of the car, the non-disabled person who was in the car with them can continue to park the car in the parking space.

[0018] The present invention aims to alleviate the above-mentioned problems by focusing on the fact that able-bodied persons often accompany passengers in vehicles, and its key feature is to separate the area for boarding and alighting for disabled persons and the area for parking within a parking lot. The boarding and alighting area is used for vehicles to stop and allow disabled persons to board and alight. The parking area is used for drivers to board and alight without disabled persons and for parking without the disabled persons. The vehicle parked in the parking area then enters the boarding and alighting area again, where the disabled persons board and alight, and then exits.

[0019] (2. Definitions of terms used in this application) In this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "vehicle" refers to the "vehicle" defined in the Road Traffic Act, excluding "light vehicles."

[0020] "In-line" means that the vehicles are connected in the direction of travel.

[0021] "Vehicle flow line" refers to the path that the center of the vehicle follows as it moves forward.

[0022] "Vehicle movement lane" refers to the lane-like trajectory of a vehicle, including the width of the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0023] "Persons with disabilities, etc." includes not only certified persons with disabilities who hold a disability certificate, but also the elderly and those who have difficulty moving around even temporarily due to injury, acute illness, etc.

[0024] "Passage" means a section of road indicated by road markings, etc., when road markings, etc. indicate that a vehicle should travel on a predetermined section of road.

[0025] The term "guide" is intended to include not only something that forces a vehicle to follow a certain path, but also something that marks the road surface as a path.

[0026] (3. Explanation of the means to solve the problem) Next, means for solving the problems will be described.

[0027] (3.1. Regarding the invention described in claim 1) The parking lot according to claim 1 comprises an entrance, an exit, a parking area, a boarding / exiting lane, an exit lane, and a re-boarding / exiting entry lane.

[0028] The entrance is where people who wish to park in this parking lot can enter their vehicles from outside the parking lot, such as from a public road.

[0029] The exit is where users of this parking lot can get their vehicles out of the parking lot onto a public road or other area.

[0030] A parking area is a space within a parking lot that can accommodate multiple vehicles.

[0031] The boarding and alighting lane is located outside the perimeter of the parking area and is a passageway that connects (1) a stop boarding and alighting area and (2) a boarding and alighting waiting queue area for vehicles to enter the stop boarding and alighting area in series. That is, when a vehicle is parked in the stop boarding and alighting area, a vehicle that has entered the boarding and alighting lane waits in the boarding and alighting waiting queue area. When no vehicles are parked in the stop boarding and alighting area, the vehicle passes through the boarding and alighting waiting queue area and then proceeds to the stop boarding and alighting area, where disabled persons and others can board and alight. By connecting the stop boarding and alighting area and the boarding and alighting waiting queue area in series, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the vehicle that immediately follows and wants to board or alight, which acts to exert psychological pressure on anyone who tries to park in the stop boarding and alighting area for a long time.

[0032] The exit lane is a passageway through which vehicles can pass, and guides vehicles parked in the parking area to exit the parking lot through the exit.

[0033] The re-entry lane is a passageway through which vehicles can pass, and guides the parked vehicle out of the parking area and into the entrance side of the waiting queue area of ​​the re-entry lane.

[0034] (3.2. Regarding the invention described in claim 2) A parking lot according to claim 2 is the parking lot according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle entry obstruction device.

[0035] The vehicle entry obstruction is placed on the side of the boarding / alighting lane, on the side of the parking area, and acts to prevent vehicles from changing lanes between the inside and outside of the boarding / alighting lane. This allows vehicles to enter the boarding / alighting lane only from the entrance side of the boarding / alighting waiting queue area. The obstruction also guides vehicles from the entrance side of the boarding / alighting waiting queue area to the stopping boarding / alighting area.

[0036] (3.3. Regarding the invention described in claim 3) A parking lot according to claim 3 further comprises a traffic arbitrator in addition to the parking lot according to claim 2.

[0037] The traffic arbitrator arbitrates the traffic between vehicles entering the boarding / alighting lane from the re-boarding / alighting entry lane and vehicles that have entered through the parking lot entrance.

[0038] The passing line of vehicles entering the loading / unloading lane from the reloading / unloading lane and the passing line of vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance intersect. Because of the vehicle entry obstruction, vehicles proceeding from the reloading / unloading lane to the loading / unloading lane and vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance compete for the narrow entrance to the loading / unloading lane. In this context, the traffic arbitrator acts to arbitrate the spatial competition between the two vehicles by time allocation, i.e., by allocating the time that each vehicle can pass.

[0039] (3.4. Regarding the invention described in claim 4) The parking lot according to claim 4 further comprises at least one stopping and getting on and off area in addition to the getting on and off lane according to claim 3.

[0040] This allows for two or more stop and boarding / alighting areas to be prepared, so that when there are multiple vacant boarding / alighting areas following the boarding / alighting waiting queue area, the bus can stop in order from the front of the area, which increases the number of boarding / alighting times per unit time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] (1. Effects common to all claimed inventions) In the invention described in this application, since the disabled persons and others only use the parking area for getting on and off, the disabled persons and others can be sure to open up the parking area for the disabled persons and others once the waiting time for getting on and off exceeds the time it takes for the disabled persons and others to do so. In other words, the waiting time for getting off can be shortened compared to when a parking space for the disabled persons and others is simply provided, and it is possible to prevent disabled persons and others from losing the opportunity to use the facility.

[0042] Furthermore, by providing separate entry and exit lanes for re-entering and alighting, even if the re-entering and alighting entry lane is full with preceding vehicles and vehicles attempting to return to the entry and alighting lane cannot enter, the progress of vehicles attempting to exit the parking lot is not impeded, allowing for smooth parking lot operation.

[0043] (2. Effect of the invention described in claim 2) According to the invention described in claim 2, the vehicle entry obstruction device prevents a vehicle that has entered the boarding / alighting lane from leaving the lane, and also prevents vehicles from cutting in and entering the boarding / alighting lane from outside the lane.

[0044] As a result, the only way to reach the boarding and alighting area within the boarding and alighting lane is to enter from the entrance side of the boarding and alighting waiting queue area. This puts psychological pressure on drivers of vehicles without a disabled person in their car to prevent them from entering the boarding and alighting lane, bringing the system closer to the original, proper operation.

[0045] (3. Effect of the invention described in claim 3) According to the invention described in claim 3, the presence of a traffic arbitrator makes it possible to operate the parking lot safely, despite the inevitable intersection of traffic lines that occurs in a flat parking lot.

[0046] (4. Effect of the invention described in claim 4) According to the invention described in claim 4, there are multiple stopping and getting on / off areas, which increases the number of vehicles that can get on and off at one time. In this case, the frequency of vehicles stopping and moving in the getting on / off lane increases, but the presence of a traffic arbitrator allows for interaction to maintain safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot layout according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the layout around the boarding and alighting lane. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the layout around the boarding and alighting lane where vehicle entry obstruction poles are installed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a layout diagram of boarding and alighting lanes when a plurality of boarding and alighting areas are provided. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a layout of boarding and alighting lanes when a plurality of boarding and alighting lanes are provided. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the layout of entrances, exits, and boarding / alighting lanes within a parking lot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present embodiment will be described according to the following table of contents. ------ table of contents ------ (1. Drawings and Symbols) (2. Parking lot perimeter configuration and scenario) (2.1. Parking lot perimeter configuration) (2.2. Parking Lot Usage Scenarios) (2.2.1. Receipt Scenario) (2.2.2. Issuance Scenario) (3. First embodiment) (3.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment) (3.2. Operation of the First Embodiment) (3.2.1. Vehicles carrying persons with disabilities) (3.2.2. Vehicles not carrying persons with disabilities) (4. Second embodiment) (4.1. Configuration of the Second Embodiment) (4.2. Operation of the Second Embodiment) (5. Third Embodiment) (5.1. Configuration of the Third Embodiment) (5.2. Operation of the Third Embodiment) (6. Fourth Embodiment) (6.1. Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment) (6.2. Operation of the Fourth Embodiment) (7. Fifth embodiment) (7.1. Configuration of the Fifth Embodiment) (7.2. Operation of the Fifth Embodiment) (8. Sixth Embodiment) (8.1. Configuration of the Sixth Embodiment) (8.2. Operation of the Sixth Embodiment) (9. Other) (9.1. Regarding the provision of "parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities") (9.2. Slopes connecting the pedestrian area and the stopping and getting on / off area and their surroundings) (9.3. Vehicle Entry Obstruction Devices) (9.4. About Traffic Arbitrators) (9.5. Installing multiple stopping and getting on / off areas) (9.6. Driving on the left and driving on the right) (9.7. Points service for using designated areas for passengers with disabilities) (10. Correspondence between claims and embodiments)

[0049] ―――――― Main text ―――――― (1. Drawings and Symbols) In the following explanation, for the convenience of referring to multiple drawings at the same time, the first digit of the reference numerals in the drawings (excluding the last two digits) indicates the drawing number. For example, "Passing-on / off lane (107)" refers to Figure 1, and "Passing-on / off lane (507)" refers to Figure 5.

[0050] (2. Parking lot perimeter configuration and scenario) (2.1. Parking lot perimeter configuration) Before describing each embodiment, the layout relationship between the entrance, exit, and facilities of a parking lot will be considered with reference to FIG.

[0051] Generally, when a parking lot is developed on the ground, the parking lot and the facility are located adjacent to each other via a sidewalk, and the parking lot has an entrance and an exit.

[0052] Under Japan's Road Traffic Act, vehicles must keep to the left as a rule. Therefore, when entering and exiting a parking lot from an ordinary road, a passageway is provided around the perimeter of the parking lot, and the parking lot is generally designed to turn right around the perimeter, as shown in the top of Figure 11. This is because vehicles entering through the entrance and vehicles exiting through the exit can proceed without crossing each other. Additionally, passengers often sit on the left side of the vehicle and exit from the left side of the vehicle, and having a shoulder there when the vehicle stops will facilitate disembarking.

[0053] In this invention, the existence of boarding and alighting lanes, which are used when the vehicle temporarily stops to allow disabled persons to board and alight, is an essential element. Since disabled persons should not be forced to travel long distances to board and alight, it is desirable that boarding and alighting lanes be provided near the facilities.

[0054] Against the above background, · entrance, · Exit, boarding and alighting lanes, The layout of other essential parts will also differ depending on the layout relationship of the above.

[0055] In addition, if we look at the layout of these locations, starting from the entrance, under Japan's Road Traffic Act, which requires vehicles to drive on the left side of the road, we can see that they are arranged in a clockwise direction. (1) Entrance → boarding / alighting lane → exit, or (2) Entrance → Exit → Boarding and alighting lane? It will be one of the following.

[0056] Here, in the case of (1), if the entrance and exit are located far apart (separate entrance / exit type), it is necessary to consider the conflict between the flow of vehicles returning from the exit to the boarding / alighting lane and the flow of vehicles heading directly from the entrance to the boarding / alighting lane. Taking this into consideration, it is ultimately sufficient to consider three separate scenarios, as shown in the bottom of Figure 11.

[0057] The optimal configuration for the layout of entrances, exits, and boarding / alighting lanes varies depending on their distance from one another, so this specification explains six embodiments. In each embodiment, the parking lot site is described as being rectangular, but either side may be the long side or the short side, and the site shape may be other than rectangular.

[0058] (2.2. Parking Lot Usage Scenarios) As mentioned above, in each embodiment, taking into consideration that vehicles carrying disabled persons and the like often have able-bodied passengers, the areas for disabled persons and the like to board and disembark are separated from the areas for parking within the parking lot. Vehicles carrying disabled persons and the like use a boarding and disembarking lane that includes a "stopping and boarding area" where disabled persons and the like can board and disembark, and a "boarding and disembarking waiting queue area" that is a waiting area for proceeding to the parking lot. In this way, in a parking lot with an entrance, boarding and disembarking lanes, and exit, and further including the parking area, the scenario is generally as follows, common to each embodiment.

[0059] (2.2.1. Receipt Scenario) When a vehicle wants to park in this parking lot, it enters the parking lot from a public road through the parking lot entrance. Then, a vehicle with a disabled passenger will follow the following scenario. (1) A vehicle entering through the entrance first enters the boarding / alighting waiting queue area of ​​the boarding / alighting lane. (2) If the stop area and waiting queue area of ​​the boarding / alighting lane are empty, the vehicle proceeds and stops in the stop area. On the other hand, if the stop area is not empty, the vehicle waits in the waiting queue area. (3) When the vehicle reaches the stopping and boarding area, it stops there and the disabled person disembarks. (4) After the passenger has disembarked, the driver of the vehicle will drive the vehicle to the parking area and park it. (5) After parking, the driver must wait in the vehicle until the disabled person or other person is about to return home, or must walk to the disabled person or other person who has disembarked, or must travel separately from the disabled person or other person.

[0060] (2.2.2. Issuance Scenario) When a vehicle intending to carry a disabled passenger leaves the parking lot, it will follow the following scenario: (6) The driver walks or otherwise approaches the vehicle parked in the parking area. (7) Cars parked in the parking area will again enter the boarding / alighting waiting queue area of ​​the boarding / alighting lane. (8) Vehicles that have entered the boarding and alighting lane must stop when they reach the stopping and alighting area and allow disabled persons and others to board. (9) The vehicle then exits the boarding and alighting lane, enters the exit lane, and is guided through the exit lane to the parking lot exit. (10) Then, exit the parking lot onto a public road.

[0061] (3. First embodiment) In the first embodiment, the entrance and exit are installed "adjacent" to a portion of the outer perimeter of the parking lot, and vehicles carrying disabled persons or others enter through the entrance, proceed to the boarding and alighting lane as they move through the parking lot, and then to the parking area. Vehicles that leave the parking area proceed to the boarding and alighting lane again, and then to the exit. In other words, the first embodiment is a typical layout example in which the entrance, boarding and alighting lane, and exit are close to each other, but are far apart when moving clockwise through the parking lot.

[0062] (3.1. Configuration of the First Embodiment) The configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] [Parking lot entrance (102)] The parking lot entrance (102) is where vehicles to be parked in a parking area (104) described later can enter the parking lot site (101) from outside the parking lot, such as a public road.

[0064] [Parking lot exit (103)] The parking lot exit (103) is where vehicles using the parking lot exit the parking lot site (101) onto a public road or other area outside the parking lot.

[0065] [Parking area (104)] The parking area (104) is a space within the parking lot site (101) that can accommodate multiple vehicles. Since it is assumed that the people entering and exiting vehicles in this area will generally be able-bodied, the space per vehicle in the parking area does not need to accommodate people with disabilities; it is sufficient if the width is wide enough for able-bodied people to enter and exit. The parking area (104) is designed so that vehicles leaving the parking area can reach the exit lane (108) described below or the re-entry lane (109) described below. For this reason, for example, a passageway wide enough for at least one vehicle can be provided near the perimeter where parked vehicles can reach it.

[0066] [Stopping and getting on / off area (105)] The stop / boarding area (105) is an area used by persons with disabilities to get off from parked vehicles. In order to allow persons with disabilities to use facilities conveniently, it is desirable to install the stop / boarding area as close as possible to the entrance / exit of the facility building (111). Furthermore, when persons with disabilities return home, this area will be used again by persons with disabilities to get on to vehicles that have stopped temporarily.

[0067] Since the stop / boarding / alighting area (105) is a place where vehicles can only stop temporarily, even if a vehicle occupies it, it will leave in a short time. Since the area will not be occupied for a long period of time that exceeds the time it takes for a disabled person to board or alight, this area will always become available after a certain amount of time has passed, so the waiting time for disabled people who wish to use the facility to board or alight can be kept to a tolerable level.

[0068] Here, the size of the stopping and getting on / off area (105) will be briefly mentioned.

[0069] The Road Transport Vehicle Act stipulates that the width of the compact cars commonly used in Japan must be 1.7m or less, so in general parking lots, there is a 50cm clearance for boarding and disembarking, making the width roughly 2.2m. In contrast, general parking spaces set aside for people with disabilities, etc., tend to be about 1m wider, roughly 3.2m, although there is no particular trend.

[0070] Conventional parking spaces for persons with disabilities are designed to accommodate the width required by persons with disabilities when boarding and disembarking. Therefore, it is desirable that the width of the stopping and disembarking area (105) be similar, approximately 3.2 meters or wider. However, if there is a space adjacent to and continuous with the stopping and disembarking area (105), such as the turning area (716) described below in (9.2. Regarding the slope connecting the pedestrian area and the stopping and disembarking area and its surroundings), it may be possible to make the width about 2.2 meters, the same as parking spaces used by able-bodied persons.

[0071] On the other hand, the length of the stopping and getting on / off area (105) in the direction of vehicle travel is about 5 to 7 meters, since the Road Transport Vehicle Act requires that the length of a small car be 4.7 meters or less. However, this does not assume that there will be a row of cars strung together along the length of the vehicle. For this reason, it is desirable to set this length at about 6.2 meters or more, leaving enough room for a disabled person in a wheelchair to circle around behind the vehicle.

[0072] [Passing and alighting waiting area (106)] The boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) is an area where a vehicle is made to wait when the stop boarding / alighting area (105) is occupied when the vehicle is stopped in the stop boarding / alighting area (105). Since the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) is for waiting one's turn, it is desirable to configure it so that it is connected in series to the stop boarding / alighting area (105) in a single line.

[0073] As for the width, considering that this area is directly connected to the stopping and getting on / off area (105), it is desirable to make it approximately the same width as the stopping and getting on / off area (105).

[0074] On the other hand, the length of the waiting queue area (106) in the direction of vehicle travel must be long enough to accommodate at least one vehicle. However, since it is unlikely that disabled persons or others will squeeze in between the vehicles, it is desirable to leave at least a small gap between each vehicle, i.e., a length of about 5 meters multiplied by the expected number of waiting vehicles, or even longer. The expected number of waiting vehicles can be determined comprehensively based on factors such as the size of the parking area (104), which will be described later, and the facility usage rate for disabled persons or others.

[0075] In addition, to prevent vehicles waiting in the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) from accidentally entering the stopping / alighting area (105), it is desirable to install a stop line or stop sign between the stopping / alighting area (105) and the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) so that the boundary between them is easily visible.

[0076] [Pick-up and drop-off lane (107)] The boarding and alighting lane (107) is a passageway that combines the stopping and boarding / alighting area (105) and the boarding and alighting waiting queue area (106), which are arranged in series, with a guide provided on the right side in the longitudinal direction. Normally, the boarding and alighting lane (107) is intended to be a passageway used by vehicles boarding and alighting persons, etc., and therefore, it is desirable to provide a passageway to the right of the boarding and alighting lane (107) that can be used by vehicles carrying only persons other than persons, etc.

[0077] [Exit Lane (108)] The exit lane (108) is a passageway through which vehicles leaving the parking lot can reach the exit. Vehicles carrying non-disabled persons or persons coming directly from the parking area (104), or the vehicle in which the disabled person leaves the stop / embarkation area (105); will be passed.

[0078] [Re-entry and exit lane (109)] The re-entry lane (109) is a passage through which a vehicle leaving the parking area (104) and attempting to re-enter the waiting queue area (106) in the boarding / alighting lane (107) passes before entering the waiting queue area.

[0079] In this embodiment, the traffic lanes of a vehicle entering the queue area (106) and a vehicle entering through the parking lot entrance intersect or overlap. When vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance are lined up, a vehicle leaving the parking area (104) and entering the queue area (106) is forced to wait temporarily in front of the vehicles. The re-entry lane (109) is used as a place for such temporary waiting.

[0080] In this embodiment, the exit lane (108) and the re-entry / re-entry lane (109), which will be described later, are arranged parallel to each other. By arranging them parallel to each other, even in situations where there are many vehicles entering the parking lot entrance and vehicles leaving the parking area to enter the queue area to pick up disabled passengers or the like must wait temporarily in front of the queue area, vehicles wishing to leave the parking lot do not have to wait unnecessarily, thereby promoting smooth use of the parking lot. Of course, this also serves to extend the queue area for passengers when the queue area (106) is full.

[0081] [Traffic mediation area (110)] The traffic arbitration area (110) is an area where the traffic lane for vehicles entering the waiting queue area (106) through the reloading / unloading lane (109) overlaps with the traffic lane for vehicles entering the parking area (104) from the parking entrance (102). It is recommended to install signs and markings near the traffic arbitration area (110) to warn of collisions between the two vehicles, or to install traffic arbitrators to actively mediate between the two vehicles. A stop sign may also be required at the exit of the reloading / unloading lane (109).

[0082] If a traffic arbitrator is installed in the traffic arbitration area (110), the traffic arbitrator may be a device that forces a stop, such as a barrier, or may be a device that requires the cooperation of drivers, such as a traffic signal. Traffic arbitrators will be described in detail in (9.4. About Traffic Arbitrators).

[0083] (3.2. Operation of the First Embodiment) In this embodiment, when a vehicle carrying a disabled person or the like uses the boarding and alighting lane, it generally follows the above-mentioned scenario. Here, specific scenarios will be described in detail, divided into a scenario for a vehicle carrying a disabled person or the like and a scenario for a vehicle not carrying a disabled person or the like (a vehicle carrying only able-bodied people).

[0084] (3.2.1. Vehicles carrying persons with disabilities) Vehicles carrying disabled persons will follow the following scenario from entering the parking lot entrance to exiting the parking lot exit. Note that the numbers at the beginning of the following lines correspond to the numbers at the beginning of the lines in the scenario shown above (2.2. Parking lot usage scenarios).

[0085] [Receipt Scenario] (0) When a disabled person or other passenger accompanying the driver wishes to use the facility, the vehicle first goes to the parking lot entrance (102) of the parking lot attached to the facility.

[0086] (1) Vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance (102) and carrying disabled persons or others on board shall pass through the traffic arbitration area (110) and proceed to the waiting queue area (106) within the boarding and alighting lane (107). At this time, if there is a traffic arbitrator in the traffic arbitration area, the vehicle shall follow the arbitrator and stop outside the traffic arbitration area (110) until it is permitted to pass.

[0087] (2) If the stop boarding / alighting area (105) in the boarding / alighting lane is empty, the vehicle proceeds and stops in the stop boarding / alighting area (105). On the other hand, if the stop boarding / alighting area is not empty, the vehicle waits in the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) and proceeds to the stop boarding / alighting area (105) when it becomes empty.

[0088] (3) The vehicle arrives at the stop and boarding area (105) and stops there, where the disabled person disembarks.

[0089] (4) After the passenger disembarks, the driver of the vehicle drives the vehicle to the parking area (104) and parks it.

[0090] (5) After parking, the driver must wait in the vehicle until the disabled person or other person returns home, walk to where the disabled person or other person has disembarked, or go their separate ways.

[0091] [Outbound Scenario] (6) Next, when the vehicle leaves the parking lot, the driver first walks to the vehicle parked in the parking area (104).

[0092] (7) A car parked in the parking area enters the re-entry lane (109) and proceeds to the exit. There is a traffic arbitration area (110) there, so if there are no vehicles from the parking lot entrance, or if there is a traffic arbitrator in the traffic arbitration area (110) and the traffic arbitrator allows the car to pass, the car will re-enter the waiting queue area of ​​the entry / exit lane.

[0093] (8) When a vehicle enters the boarding / alighting lane, if the stop boarding / alighting area (105) in the boarding lane is available, the vehicle proceeds to the stop boarding / alighting area (105) and stops there to board the disabled person or the like. If the stop boarding / alighting area (105) is not available, the vehicle will wait in the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (106) until it becomes available. Then, if the stop boarding / alighting area (105) becomes available, the vehicle proceeds to the stop boarding / alighting area (105) and stops there to board the disabled person or the like.

[0094] (9) Vehicles carrying disabled persons or others exit the boarding and alighting lane, enter the exit lane (108), and are guided through the exit lane to the parking lot exit (103).

[0095] (10) After safety checks, the vehicle will exit the parking lot onto a public road.

[0096] (3.2.2. Vehicles not carrying persons with disabilities) [Receipt Scenario] Vehicles without disabled persons or other passengers will follow the following scenario from entering the parking lot entrance to exiting the parking lot exit.

[0097] (0) When a driver without a disabled person or other passenger wishes to use the facility, the vehicle first reaches the parking lot entrance (102) of the parking lot attached to the facility.

[0098] (1) A vehicle entering through the parking lot entrance (102) passes through the traffic control area (110) and enters the parking area (104) directly. (4) Then, the driver drives the vehicle to the parking area and parks it.

[0099] (5) After parking, the driver may proceed to the facility by foot or other means.

[0100] [Outbound Scenario] (6) When the driver or the like leaves the parking lot, the driver or the like walks or otherwise walks to the vehicle parked in the parking area (104).

[0101] (9) Once the driver is in his / her vehicle, he / she leaves the parking area (104) and proceeds to the exit lane (108), and is guided by the exit lane to the parking lot exit (103).

[0102] (10) After safety checks, the vehicle will exit the parking lot onto a public road.

[0103] (4. Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0104] (4.1. Configuration of the Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the facility building (111) and the boarding / alighting lane (107) provided nearby are placed on the side adjacent to the parking entrance (102) and the parking exit (103), whereas in the second embodiment, the facility building (211) and the boarding / alighting lane (207) provided nearby are placed on the opposite side of the parking entrance (102) and the parking exit (103). In other words, the second embodiment is a typical layout example where the entrance and the boarding / alighting lane are far apart, and the boarding / alighting lane and the exit are also far apart.

[0105] In this embodiment, the required configurations and functions of the parking lot entrance (202), parking lot exit (203), parking area (204), stopping and boarding / alighting area (205), boarding / alighting waiting line area (206), boarding / alighting lane (207), exit lane (208), re-boarding / alighting entry lane (209), and traffic arbitration area (210) are generally similar to those of the parts with the same names described in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0106] In this embodiment, the distance from the traffic arbitration area to the boarding / alighting lanes is long, so the traffic lane of a vehicle attempting to enter the boarding / alighting queue area (106) through the re-entry lane (109) overlaps with the traffic lane of a vehicle entering the parking lot entrance (102) and entering the parking area (104). However, since traffic arbitration is performed in the traffic arbitration area, both vehicles can share the passageway up to the entrance of the boarding / alighting queue area (206) and move in a file.

[0107] Incidentally, if the lanes between the traffic arbitration area (210) in the figure and just before the boarding / alighting waiting line area (106) were kept separate and parallel, the traffic arbitration area (210) at the illustrated position would be unnecessary, but in the end, traffic lines would cross or traffic lanes would overlap near the entrance to the boarding / alighting waiting line area (206), so the traffic arbitration area (210) would still be required there.

[0108] (4.2. Operation of the Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the operation is carried out in roughly the same scenario as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] (5. Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0110] (5.1. Configuration of the Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the parking lot entrance (102) and the parking lot exit (103) are located on the same side, whereas in the third embodiment, the parking lot entrance (302) and the parking lot exit (303) are located on opposite sides. In other words, the third embodiment is a typical layout example where the entrance and exit are far apart when looking clockwise around the perimeter of the parking lot.

[0111] In this embodiment, the required configurations and functions of the parking lot entrance (302), parking lot exit (303), parking area (304), stopping and boarding / alighting area (305), boarding / alighting waiting line area (306), boarding / alighting lane (307), exit lane (308), re-boarding / alighting entry lane (309), and traffic arbitration area (310) are generally similar to those of the parts with the same names described in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0112] In this embodiment, when looking clockwise around the perimeter of the parking lot, only the re-entry / exit lane (309) is required between the parking lot exit (303) and the parking lot entrance (302) or traffic control area (310).

[0113] However, in this case, if a vehicle attempts to enter the exit lane directly from the lower part of the parking area (304), it will need to go through the reloading / unloading entry lane (309). To prevent this, a separate exit lane can be provided parallel to the reloading / unloading entry lane (309) near the lower part of the parking area (304).

[0114] In this embodiment, an exit lane (308) and a reloading / unloading entry lane (309) are arranged in parallel near the parking lot exit (303). When vehicles leaving the parking lot proceed from the parking lot exit onto a public road, traffic jams can occur near the parking lot exit. This layout allows vehicles proceeding into the reloading / unloading entry lane (309) to move smoothly without getting caught in the traffic jam.

[0115] (5.2. Operation of the Third Embodiment) In this embodiment, the operation is carried out in roughly the same scenario as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] (6. Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0117] (6.1. Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the exit lane (308) and the re-entry / re-entry lane (309) are partially parallel to each other, but in the fourth embodiment, they are laid out in series.

[0118] In this embodiment, the required configurations and functions of the parking lot entrance (402), parking lot exit (403), parking area (404), stopping and boarding / alighting area (405), boarding / alighting waiting line area (406), boarding / alighting lane (407), exit lane (408), re-boarding / alighting entry lane (409), and traffic arbitration area (410) are generally similar to those of the same parts described in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0119] In the third embodiment, since the re-loading / unloading entry lane (309) is located between the parking lot exit and the parking lot entrance, even if there are vehicles that must wait in the re-loading / unloading entry lane (309) to enter the parking lot waiting queue area (306) when the parking lot waiting queue area (306) is full, they will not hinder the progress of vehicles exiting the parking lot exit. Also, even if the general road is congested and vehicles attempting to exit the parking lot exit must wait in the exit lane (308), this is characterized in that it will not hinder the progress of vehicles attempting to enter the parking lot waiting queue area (306) from the re-loading / unloading entry lane (309).

[0120] In contrast, in this embodiment, a vehicle attempting to enter the re-entry / alighting entry lane (409) first passes through the exit lane (408) and then continues on without exiting the parking lot exit (403) to the re-entry / alighting entry lane (409).

[0121] Therefore, even if the boarding / alighting lane (407) is full, the re-boarding / alighting access lane (409) functions as a relatively long buffer area, and does not hinder the progress of vehicles exiting the parking lot.

[0122] However, when the general road is congested, there is a risk that the exit lane (408) will be congested with both vehicles attempting to exit the parking lot and vehicles attempting to return to the loading / unloading lane (407). However, since the parking area (404) can be made larger, this is an effective option for parking lots with a relatively small parking lot site (401).

[0123] (6.2. Operation of the Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the operation is carried out in the same scenario as in the first embodiment. However, for vehicles carrying disabled persons, the scenario when the vehicle proceeds again to the boarding / alighting waiting queue area (406) changes as follows:

[0124] That is, "(7) After passing through the exit lane (408), a car parked in the parking area enters the re-entry lane (409) and proceeds to the exit. There is a traffic arbitration area (410) there, so if there are no vehicles from the parking lot entrance, or if there is a traffic arbitrator in the traffic arbitration area (410) and the traffic arbitrator allows passage, the car will again enter the waiting queue area (406) for boarding and alighting in the boarding and alighting lane (407)."

[0125] (7. Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0126] (7.1. Configuration of the Fifth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, there was a large distance between the boarding and alighting lanes and the parking lot exit, as well as between the parking lot exit and the parking lot entrance, but the fourth embodiment differs in that the boarding and alighting lanes and the parking lot exit are closer together in layout.

[0127] In this embodiment, the required configurations and functions of the parking lot entrance (502), parking lot exit (503), parking area (504), stopping and boarding / alighting area (505), boarding / alighting waiting line area (506), boarding / alighting lane (507), exit lane (508), re-boarding / alighting entry lane (509), and traffic arbitration area (510) are generally similar to those of the parts with the same names described in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0128] Incidentally, overlapping of traffic lanes between vehicles approaching from the boarding / alighting lane (507) and vehicles exiting the parking area (504) also occurs in other embodiments, but this was not mentioned here because it was possible to resolve this issue within a relatively long passageway.

[0129] However, in this embodiment, because the boarding / alighting lane and the parking lot exit are close to each other, the exit lane used by both the vehicle entering from the boarding / alighting lane (507) and the vehicle exiting the parking area (504) must be short. In this case, the intersection angle between the traffic lines of these two vehicles becomes sharp, which may increase the risk of collision. For this reason, it is desirable to provide a traffic arbitration area 2 (510-2) to arbitrate the passage of both vehicles.

[0130] However, vehicles coming from the boarding / alighting lane (507) will enter traffic mediation area 2 (510-2) from a stopped state. This is the same situation as when a vehicle is "stopping temporarily" as required by Article 43 of the Road Traffic Act, so it can be assumed that it will be easier to avoid obstructing the progress of vehicles passing through the intersecting road, and it is expected to be less dangerous than the traffic mediation area (510) located near the parking lot entrance (502).

[0131] (7.2. Operation of the Fifth Embodiment) In this embodiment, too, operation is carried out under roughly the same scenario as in the first embodiment, except that attention must be paid to other traffic in the traffic arbitration area 2 (510-2) immediately before the exit lane.

[0132] (8. Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0133] (8.1. Configuration of the Sixth Embodiment) The sixth embodiment is an example of a layout in which, looking clockwise around the perimeter of the parking lot, the parking lot entrance (602), the parking lot exit (603), and the boarding and alighting lane (607) are arranged in this order.

[0134] In this embodiment, the required configurations and functions of the parking lot entrance (602), parking lot exit (603), parking area (604), stopping and boarding / alighting area (605), boarding / alighting waiting line area (606), boarding / alighting lane (607), exit lane (608), re-boarding / alighting entry lane (609), and traffic arbitration area (610) are generally similar to those of the parts with the same names described in the first embodiment, so explanations will be omitted.

[0135] In this embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the exit lane and the re-boarding / alighting entry lane are arranged in parallel, but as in the fifth embodiment, the exit lane and the re-boarding / alighting entry lane may also be arranged in series.

[0136] Although the traffic arbitration area (610) is located near the entrance, unlike the other embodiments, all vehicles that have passed through the loading / unloading lane must pass through the traffic arbitration area (610), whether they are re-entering the loading / unloading lane or exiting the parking lot. Furthermore, even vehicles carrying only able-bodied passengers leaving the parking area (604) from the bottom of the drawing and heading toward the exit lane (608) must pass through the traffic arbitration area (610). Therefore, if such a layout is adopted, and if permitted in relation to the general road, it is desirable to reverse the relationship between the entrance and exit, as in the third embodiment.

[0137] (8.2. Operation of the Sixth Embodiment) In this embodiment, too, the scenario is generally the same as in the first embodiment, except that there are more vehicles passing through the traffic arbitration area, traffic lane overlaps are more likely to occur, and there are more things to be aware of regarding other traffic, so we will not explain it here.

[0138] (9. Other) (9.1. Regarding the provision of "parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities") As mentioned above, in many cases, when a disabled person arrives in a vehicle at a parking lot attached to a facility to use the facility, a non-disabled person is in the vehicle with them. Therefore, in each embodiment, it is assumed that after the disabled person gets out of the vehicle, the non-disabled person who was in the vehicle with them will drive the vehicle further into the parking space.

[0139] However, there are cases where a person with a disability drives a vehicle without any other passengers. For this reason, it is desirable to leave as many parking spaces reserved for the disabled as possible.

[0140] Of course, in this case, there is still a possibility that a non-disabled person will park in a parking space for the disabled. For this reason, it is desirable to take measures such as requiring that anyone who parks in a parking space for the disabled carry a pager, so that if a disabled person who has been driving alone without a passenger wants to use the space, they can call the driver of the vehicle that is parked in front of them.

[0141] In this case, the calling device can be an application that detects parking in a parking space for the disabled and has the calling function installed on the smartphone of the disabled person, and the above calling can be realized using that application.

[0142] Furthermore, even with these measures in place, it is possible that the number of disabled people who drive alone may exceed the number of parking spaces available at the facility. In that case, it would mean that there are not enough parking spaces in the first place, so a viable option would be to provide a service in which designated drivers move vehicles within the parking lot.

[0143] (9.2. Slopes connecting the pedestrian area and the stopping and getting on / off area and their surroundings) Next, the slope connecting the pedestrian area and the stopping and getting on / off area will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0144] [Human motion area] The human movement area (712) is an area where people can move independently between the stop and boarding area and the building entrance, and allows disabled people who get off at the stop and boarding area to move to the building entrance. Although not required, it is desirable to provide a step between the human movement area (712) and the stop and boarding area to prevent vehicles from entering the human movement area.

[0145] [slope] The ramp (714) is a stepless incline that connects the stopping and getting on / off area (705) and the step-like moving area (712), allowing people with disabilities to move smoothly between the two areas despite the step.

[0146] Slope Inclination The slope of the ramp should preferably be set so that it gradually decreases from the stepped pedestrian area in the direction of vehicle travel in the boarding and alighting lane to the height of the stopping and boarding and alighting area. In other words, the direction of travel of people or wheelchairs on the ramp should be parallel to the boarding and alighting lane, and the direction in which vehicles and wheelchairs, etc., travel side by side (hereinafter referred to as the "normal slope direction"). This is because, first, it can prevent accidents in which one wheel of an approaching vehicle rides up the slope and the vehicle itself becomes lifted up. Second, this slope direction prevents the wheelchair from entering the boarding and alighting lane even if the brakes fail or a disabled person, etc., loses consciousness while the wheelchair is on the slope, preventing a serious accident.

[0147] Furthermore, when the slope must be reversed due to the relative positions of the facility and the stopping and getting-on / off area, that is, when the slope is set so that it gradually rises from the height of the stopping and getting-on / off area to the stepped pedestrian area surface in the direction of vehicle travel in the getting-on / off lane, a barrier of about the same height as the pedestrian area and several tens of centimeters thick can be installed between the slope and the getting-on / off lane. This can prevent accidents where vehicles run up onto the slope. Furthermore, even when the slope is set in a forward inclination direction as described above,

[0148] [Turning Area] It is desirable to provide a turning area (716) at the same height as the stopping and alighting area (705) between the ramp (714) and the stopping and alighting area (705). This allows disabled persons who get off their vehicles to transfer to wheelchairs and easily change direction here, and also allows parked vehicles to leave the stopping and alighting area (705) immediately after they get off. This increases the utilization efficiency of the boarding and alighting lane.

[0149] There are no particular requirements for the shape of the turning area (716), but it is desirable to make it rectangular with one side connected to the stopping and getting on / off area (705) and the adjacent side connected to the slope (714). As mentioned above, this is to prevent wheelchairs with brake failures, etc., from entering the boarding and alighting lane on a slope.

[0150] [Step Identification Tool] It is also desirable to provide a step identifier 717 near the boundary between the ramp and the turning area and the moving area 712. The step identifier 717 not only allows people in the moving area 712 to clearly see where they can get on and off, even when it is dark, but also prevents them from falling onto the ramp 714 or the turning area 716.

[0151] For this reason, it is desirable that the step identifier (717), even if it is pole-shaped as shown in the figure, has a hardness that can withstand a normal collision from a wheelchair. However, in this case, it is preferable to use a material that is as flexible as possible so that even if the wheelchair collides, it will not cause severe damage to the wheelchair or the disabled person.

[0152] If pole-shaped step identifiers are used, multiple ones will be installed along the edge where the step occurs, and it is desirable to space them closely enough that a wheelchair cannot pass through. Of course, as long as they can clearly indicate the step and prevent falls, it is also possible to install fences, handrails, flower beds, etc., or to install a combination of these including poles. Furthermore, when using hard materials such as flower beds, it is desirable to attach cushions to the surface to mitigate damage in the event of a collision.

[0153] Furthermore, if similar step identifiers (718) are installed near the boundary between the slope and the boarding and alighting lane, safety can be further improved. The illustration shows an example of a handrail, but another design option is to unify the design of the step identifiers (717) with poles, railings, fences, flower beds, etc.

[0154] (9.3. Vehicle Entry Obstruction Devices) The vehicle entry obstruction device is installed along the lane on the right side of the boarding / alighting queue area (806) that the boarding / alighting lane (807) is provided with. The vehicle entry obstruction device is intended to prevent vehicles from changing lanes between the inside and outside of the boarding / alighting queue area (806), but its function is to make vehicles aware that they can only enter the boarding / alighting lane from the entrance side of the boarding / alighting queue area and to make them follow the rule. For this reason, rather than ensuring that the device physically prevents the driver from changing lanes, it is more important to apply psychological pressure that makes the driver feel unable to change course. This is because smooth use of a parking lot is achieved by observing the rules appropriate to that parking lot.

[0155] This point will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the use of a regulation pole (815) as a vehicle entry obstruction device.

[0156] The restriction pole (815) is a rod-shaped object with excellent visibility, and it is desirable that it be at the eye level of the vehicle driver or slightly lower, because this makes it easier for the pole to be within the field of vision of a person trying to cut in, increasing psychological pressure.

[0157] The vehicle entry obstruction device may be a pole-shaped object as shown in the figure, or may be any object that increases visibility, such as a fence, a mesh fence, or a flower bed with colorful plants.

[0158] Furthermore, when using inconspicuous colored objects such as the pole-shaped objects shown in the illustration as vehicle entry obstructions, it is desirable to improve their visibility by applying a danger sign with a warning pattern to the surface.

[0159] The warning pattern should preferably be shiny, in addition to a variety of colors. This is to ensure that it stands out from the background of vehicles parked in the waiting line area and the facility. For example, the warning pattern may be alternating yellow and black stripes. Therefore, a plain pole base with a hazard sign known as Tora Tape (registered trademark) affixed to it may be used as a vehicle entry obstruction device.

[0160] In principle, vehicle entry obstructions are installed in the waiting queue area (106) in the boarding and alighting lane. The reason why vehicle entry obstructions are not installed in the stopping and boarding and alighting area in the boarding and alighting lane is because it is considered that the driver himself may get off the vehicle to assist disabled passengers and others in getting on and off.

[0161] Therefore, if sufficient space is secured on both sides of the boarding and alighting lane, the vehicle entry obstruction devices may be installed along the entire right side of the boarding and alighting lane (807). By installing the devices along the entire right side of the boarding and alighting lane (107), it is possible to prevent other vehicles not using the boarding and alighting lane from entering when there are no vehicles parked in the stopping and alighting area. The choice of which method to use can be made by comprehensively considering the size of the parking lot, the facility utilization rate, etc.

[0162] (9.4. About Traffic Arbitrators) As mentioned in the first embodiment, the traffic arbitrator can be installed in the traffic arbitration area (110). The traffic arbitrator may be a device that forces a stop, such as a crossing gate, or a device that requires the cooperation of the driver, such as a traffic signal. Here, the arbitration timing of the traffic arbitrator will be described.

[0163] Since traffic arbitrators organize the passage of vehicles with overlapping traffic lanes in traffic arbitration areas, it is possible to use techniques such as simply organizing vehicles passing through at set intervals, like the traffic lights seen on public roads.

[0164] However, in the case of a parking lot, mediation is performed between vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance and vehicles attempting to enter the boarding and disembarking waiting queue area, so the traffic lanes overlap mainly when there are vehicles attempting to board disabled passengers.

[0165] Therefore, if the goal is to operate a parking lot smoothly and efficiently, the time for competing vehicles to pass should be flexibly allocated, such as giving priority to vehicles entering through the parking lot entrance, and allowing vehicles to pass when they enter the re-entry / exit lane.

[0166] To achieve this, a detection means such as a sensor can be installed near the exit of the re-entry lane to detect vehicles attempting to enter the queue area, and when this detection means detects a vehicle, the traffic arbitrator can control the system so that it holds back vehicles entering the parking lot entrance and allows the vehicle attempting to enter the queue area to pass. Furthermore, taking into consideration the possibility of a continuous string of vehicles attempting to enter the queue area, it is desirable to use combined detection and time control, such as dividing the time into sections when a continuous stream of vehicles attempting to enter the queue area passes. In this case, it is desirable to appropriately balance the time between the time of day, the congestion in the parking area, and the congestion of vehicles entering the parking lot entrance, as parameters.

[0167] The sensor used to detect vehicles entering the waiting queue area for boarding and alighting can be any type, such as one that shines ultrasound on the vehicle and observes the reflection state, or one that embeds a magnetic loop in the road surface and detects changes in stray capacitance or induced current.

[0168] (9.5. Installing multiple stopping and getting on / off areas) In each embodiment, there may be a plurality of stopping and getting on / off areas.

[0169] (9.5.1. Example of installing multiple stopping and getting on / off areas only) First, an example in which only a plurality of stopping and getting on / off areas are provided will be described with reference to FIG.

[0170] In this example, the boarding and alighting lane (907) is made up of a boarding and alighting waiting queue area (906), a first stop boarding and alighting area (905-1), and a second stop boarding and alighting area (905-2), which are arranged in series in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0171] In this way, vehicles that have finished boarding and alighting in the first stop boarding and alighting area (905-1) can leave the second stop boarding and alighting area (905-2) as long as it is empty, and if there are vehicles in the second stop boarding and alighting area (905-2) that have not yet finished boarding and alighting, the vehicles will leave and wait in the first stop boarding and alighting area (905-1) until the second stop boarding and alighting area (905-2) becomes empty.

[0172] When both the first stop boarding / alighting area (905-1) and the second stop boarding / alighting area (905-2) are vacant, vehicles waiting in the boarding / alighting waiting queue area can proceed to the second stop boarding / alighting area (905-2), and subsequent vehicles waiting in the boarding / alighting waiting queue area can also proceed to the first stop boarding / alighting area (905-1).

[0173] (9.5.2. Example of multiple areas for waiting queues for boarding and alighting in addition to stopping and alighting areas) Next, an example in which multiple stop / get-on / get-off areas and multiple waiting queue areas are installed will be described with reference to FIG.

[0174] In this example, there are a first boarding / alighting lane (1007-1) and a second boarding / alighting lane (1007-2). The first boarding lane is provided with a first boarding / alighting waiting queue area (1006-1) and a first stopping vehicle boarding / alighting area (1005-1). Similarly, the second boarding / alighting lane (1007-2) is provided with a second boarding / alighting waiting queue area (1006-2) and a second stopping vehicle boarding / alighting area (1005-2). Of course, there may be a third and fourth boarding / alighting lane added in a similar manner.

[0175] In this way, a vehicle that wishes to use a boarding / alighting lane can use an available boarding / alighting lane.

[0176] However, with this configuration, it is difficult for a vehicle that has entered the boarding / alighting waiting queue area to move to the boarding / alighting waiting queue area of ​​another boarding / alighting lane. Therefore, this example is suitable for cases where there are multiple facilities in a single parking lot and boarding / alighting lanes are provided near each of these facilities. If there is only one facility in a single parking lot, it is preferable to adopt a layout such as that shown above (9.5.1. Example of providing multiple stopping boarding / alighting areas only).

[0177] (9.6. Driving on the left and driving on the right) In this application, the explanation is based on Japan's Road Traffic Act, which requires vehicles to drive on the left side of the road. However, in countries where there are regulations requiring vehicles to turn right, the left-right relationship can be reversed.

[0178] (9.7. Points service for using designated areas for passengers with disabilities) We will briefly touch on the points service that is given to people with disabilities when they use the stopping and getting on / off areas.

[0179] It would be meaningful to provide a service that awards points when a vehicle carrying a disabled person uses the boarding and alighting lane and the disabled person uses the stopping and alighting area. In other words, as mentioned in (9.1. Regarding the provision of "disabled parking spaces"), if a "disabled parking space" is provided, it is not impossible that a disabled person in the vehicle would choose to use the "disabled parking space" rather than the boarding and alighting lane.

[0180] However, points can be used to encourage passengers to use the boarding and disembarking lanes.

[0181] In this case, since points should only be awarded when the boarding and alighting lane is used, the image reader should be placed on the right side of the parking area, i.e., on the driver's side, in a location where the driver can easily scan the image. The disabled person or other person would then hand the driver their own mobile device displaying their ID, and the driver would have the ID displayed on the mobile device scanned by the image reader. This is to prevent disabled people or other people using a "disabled parking space" from easily scanning their own ID. In other words, it is desirable to install the image reader in a location that only the driver can reach, specifically, within reach of the driver when the vehicle stops on the right side of the parking area.

[0182] The ID should preferably be a unique number / code assigned to a person with a disability in advance by a facility operator, etc., and be generated using an application that displays a code using the time, vehicle number, etc. as a key as a two-dimensional image code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0183] The reason for using the disabled person's own mobile device is that disabled people are hesitant to hand over their mobile device to a driver for an extended period of time, even if the driver is a family member, and this is expected to prevent situations where family members who do not have a disabled person in their car borrow a device from the disabled person to earn points.

[0184] The image reader is installed in a location that only the driver can reach, to prevent two or more disabled passengers from receiving duplicate points after getting off the vehicle.

[0185] (9.8. Regarding the use of designated areas for boarding and disembarking only) In each of the above embodiments, the stopping and getting on / off areas are shared as a place for disabled people to get on and off, but a layout in which stopping areas are separated into areas for getting on and off only and areas for getting off only can also be considered. However, if this is implemented in a flat parking lot, vehicle traffic lanes will overlap in many places, making it difficult to organize and requiring drivers to pay more attention.

[0186] Therefore, if a facility that is frequently used by people with disabilities adopts a layout that separates parking areas for boarding and disembarking, the parking lot will have to be constructed on a large scale, with two or more floors and one of the parking floors designated as a boarding or disembarking floor.

[0187] (10. Correspondence between claims and embodiments) The claims set forth in the claims of this application and the embodiments described in this specification generally have the following relationship: Of course, the interpretation of each claim is not limited to the implementation described in these embodiments.

[0188] The parking lot described in claim 1 uses roughly the same part names in all the above embodiments. The entrances correspond to the parking lot entrances (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602), and the exits correspond to the parking lot exits (103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603).

[0189] The parking lot described in claim 2 can be implemented in all of the above embodiments, and generally adopts the same part names. Regarding the vehicle entry obstruction device, a description of its aspects is given in (9.3. Regarding vehicle entry obstruction devices).

[0190] The parking lot described in claim 3 can be implemented in all of the above embodiments, and generally uses the same part names. Regarding the traffic arbitrator, the location where it should be installed is described in the traffic arbitration areas (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) in the first to fifth embodiments, and the mode of the arbitrator is described in (9.4. Regarding the Traffic Arbitrator).

[0191] The parking lot described in claim 4 can be implemented in all of the above embodiments, and the point that there are multiple stopping and getting on / off areas within the parking lot is explained in (9.5. Regarding the installation of multiple getting on / off areas). [Industrial Applicability]

[0192] The present invention can be used in laying and constructing parking lots that are less prone to problems with inappropriate use of parking spaces for people with disabilities, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] The first digit of the reference numerals in the drawings, excluding the last two digits, indicates the drawing number. Note that the numbers are arranged so that drawings with the same last two digits have roughly the same meaning, even in different drawings.

[0194] Parking lots 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 Parking lot entrance 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 Parking lot exit 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 Parking Areas 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805 Stop and boarding area 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606, 806, 906 waiting line areas 107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707, 807, 907 boarding and alighting lanes 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608 Exit Lanes 109, 209, 309, 409, 509, 609 Re-entry and exit lanes 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 Traffic mediation area 510-2 Traffic mediation area 2 111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 Facility Buildings 712 Human movement area 714 Slope 716 Turning Area 717 Step Identification Tool 815 Regulatory Pole 905-1 First stop boarding and alighting area 905-2 Second stop boarding and alighting area 1005-1 First stop boarding and alighting area 1005-2 Second stop boarding and alighting area 1006-1 First boarding and alighting waiting line area 1006-2 Second boarding and alighting waiting line area 1007-1 1st boarding and alighting lane 1007-2 2nd boarding and alighting lane

Claims

1. An entrance for vehicles to enter; an exit for the vehicle to exit; A parking area capable of parking a plurality of vehicles, a boarding and alighting lane formed in series on the outer periphery of the parking area, the boarding and alighting stopping area and a boarding and alighting waiting queue area for vehicles to enter the boarding and alighting stopping area; an exit lane directing parked vehicles from the parking area to the exit; a re-entry / disembarkation entry lane that guides the parked vehicle from the parking area to the entry side of the entry / disembarkation waiting queue area of ​​the entry / disembarkation lane; A parking lot characterized by comprising:

2. a vehicle entry obstruction device for obstructing the entry of vehicles on the right side of the boarding / alighting waiting queue area; 2. The parking lot according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a traffic arbitrator that arbitrates the traffic between a vehicle entering the boarding / alighting lane from the re-boarding / alighting entry lane and a vehicle that entered through the parking lot entrance by time allocation; 3. The parking lot according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. 4. The parking lot according to claim 3, wherein at least one further stopping and getting on / off area is provided in series in the stopping and getting on / off area of ​​the getting on / off lane.

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