Parking space management server and computer program

Abstract

To notify a driver of a vehicle who is about to park the vehicle in a large-scale parking lot, about a vehicle which is going to exit soon.SOLUTION: A parking space management server includes: a parking space database which accumulates non-availability / availability data related to a state of use of a parking space and a parking space ID which is identification data of the parking space; checkout data receiving means which receives, from a checkout machine, or the like, checkout data including completion of the use of the parking spaces and a parking space ID for identifying a parking space of which the use has been completed; available space identifying means which identifies an available space by collating the parking space ID included in the received checkout data with the parking space database; and available space data transmission means which transmits a location of the available space in the parking lot identified by the available space identifying means, to available space data output means which outputs the information so as to be browsed by a vehicle which is about to park a vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for parking lot management businesses that can encourage parking lot users to enter smoothly. [Background technology]

[0002] Large parking lots, such as those that occupy a vast area or have a multi-level structure, have many vehicles using them, which can lead to confusion when entering and exiting. When entering a warehouse, for example, the situation may be as shown in Figure 1.

[0003] Figure 1(a) shows a scene in which vehicle A is driving slowly in search of a vacant parking space, and vehicle B exits the space immediately after passing by. Many roads in parking lots are one-way to reduce accidents. Therefore, even if a space becomes available immediately after vehicle A passes by, vehicle B cannot reach the vacant space unless a patrol vehicle is patrolling. Therefore, in such cases, the vehicle following vehicle A (not shown) usually ends up using the vacant space.

[0004] Figure 1(b) shows the case where the driver of vehicle C finds a vehicle ahead of him with a driver in the driver's seat. Vehicle C expects that the driver will leave the parking lot immediately because there is a driver in the driver's seat, so it stops the vehicle and waits for the driver to leave, but the driver starts making a phone call and does not leave for a long time. Vehicle C is then forced to make a difficult decision: should it wait for the driver to leave, or give up and look for another parking space?

[0005] Figure 1(c) shows the case where a driver finds vehicle D with a person standing right next to the driver's seat. The driver expects that vehicle D will leave the depot immediately, so he stops the vehicle and waits for it to leave, but contrary to his expectations, it turns out to be a vehicle that has just entered the depot. In this case, vehicle D has just entered the depot, so it is unlikely to leave immediately, leaving the driver waiting in vain.

[0006] When we investigated prior patents that mentioned the above-mentioned problems, we found the following cases. If a user does not arrive at the boarding location by the scheduled departure (boarding) time, the user's vehicle will continue to occupy the boarding location, which may make it difficult for the parked vehicle to smoothly leave the parking lot. Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that solves this problem. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7168042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In large parking lots, whether they are large parking lots with a large lot area or multi-level structure, confusion between vehicles entering and leaving often occurs in relatively convenient locations within the parking lot as a whole. Because many vehicles want to park in convenient parking spaces, they wait or make rounds near those spaces to leave.

[0009] If it were possible to notify the driver of a vehicle about to enter the parking lot of the parking space in which a vehicle that will soon be leaving is parked, it is expected that the problem shown in Figure 1 could be solved in many cases.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology for notifying a driver of a vehicle that is about to leave a large parking lot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention relates to a parking space management server, and a second invention relates to a computer program for controlling the parking space management server.

[0012] (First Invention) A first invention is a parking space management server that manages a number of parking spaces in a parking lot, a parking space database that stores space IDs, which are identification data for parking spaces, and vacancy data related to the usage status of the spaces; a payment data receiving means for receiving payment data from a payment machine or the like, the information indicating that use of each parking space has ended and including a space ID for identifying the space that has been ended; a vacant parking space identification means for identifying a vacant parking space by comparing the parking space ID included in the received payment data with the parking space database; a vacant vehicle space data transmission means for transmitting information about the location of the vacant vehicle space identified by the vacant vehicle space identification means to a vacant vehicle space data output means for outputting the information so that the vehicle attempting to park can view it; The present invention relates to a parking space management server equipped with the above (see FIG. 2).

[0013] (Terminology) "Settlement data" refers to data indicating that the parking space user has paid the parking space usage fee or completed the payment procedure.

[0014] The "adjustment machine, etc." that transmits the above-mentioned adjustment data to the adjustment data receiving means corresponds to the adjustment machine that executed the data processing of the paid cash and the settlement procedure (see Figure 2). In addition, if there is a membership registration in which the account information for payment of parking fees and the vehicle number of the vehicle using the parking space are registered in advance, a photographing device for the vehicle number that leaves the parking space also corresponds to the "adjustment machine, etc." ("entry / exit camera" in Figure 3).

[0015] The "vacant parking space data output means" refers to an electronic bulletin board, digital signage, etc. installed in the parking lot.

[0016] (action) The parking space database stores space IDs, which are identification data for parking spaces, and vacancy data related to the space usage status. The settlement data receiving means receives from the payment machine, etc., settlement data including information indicating that the parking space usage has ended and the space ID for identifying the space that has ended usage. The vacant space identifying means collates the space ID included in the received settlement data with the parking space database and identifies an available space. The vacant space data transmitting means transmits the location of the vacant space identified by the vacant space identifying means in the parking lot to the vacant space data output means, which outputs the information so that it can be viewed by vehicles attempting to park.

[0017] The driver of the vehicle attempting to park can obtain timely data on which parking spaces are available by viewing the output from the vacant parking space data output means, which can be used as a reference when finding the parking space where the driver intends to park.

[0018] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first invention can be formed as follows. That is, the parking lot has multiple parking spaces in each of multiple independent areas, The vacant vehicle space data is limited to data that identifies the area.

[0019] (Terminology) For example, in a building-type parking lot with a hierarchical structure consisting of multiple floors, each floor is considered to be an area (A, B, C). If one floor is large, it may be divided into multiple areas (A-1, A-2, ...).

[0020] (action) The vacant vehicle space data transmission means transmits only data specifying the area to the vacant vehicle space data output means, which outputs data so that it can be viewed by vehicles attempting to park. Therefore, only data specifying the area in which a vacant vehicle space is located is output to the vacant vehicle space data output means.

[0021] The data output of the vacant vehicle space data output means can be simplified, which simplifies the structure of the vacant vehicle space data output means and reduces hardware costs. For drivers searching for a parking space, only data identifying the area is output, helping drivers quickly decide whether or not to use that data.

[0022] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The first invention can be formed as follows. In other words, the parking lot has multiple parking spaces in each of multiple independent areas, In the case where a plurality of the vacant vehicle space data output means are provided, The vacant vehicle space data transmitting means transmits vacant vehicle space data suitable for the installation location where the vacant vehicle space data output means is installed (see FIG. 13).

[0023] (Terminology) If the parking lot is large, it is necessary to install multiple vacant space data output means. This means that some data is suitable for displaying vacant spaces and some is not, depending on the installation location. For example, in a parking lot with a multi-level structure, if a vacant space data output means installed in the corridor leading from the second floor to the third floor outputs vacant space data for the first floor area, it is meaningless and harmful as it will cause confusion for parking lot users. Therefore, the vacant space data suitable for the installation location of the vacant space data output means is selected and transmitted by the vacant space data transmission means.

[0024] (Second Invention) The second invention relates to a computer program for controlling the parking space management server according to the first invention (see FIG. 2). That is, a computer program for controlling a parking space management server that manages parking spaces in a parking lot having a large number of parking spaces, a parking space ID, which is identification data of the parking space, and occupancy data relating to the usage status of the parking space, are accumulated in a parking space database; a payment data receiving procedure for receiving payment data from a payment machine or the like, the information indicating that use of each parking space has ended and the parking space ID for identifying the space that has ended use; a vacant parking space identification step of identifying a vacant parking space by comparing the parking space ID included in the settlement data received in the settlement data reception step with the parking space database; a vacant vehicle space data transmission procedure for transmitting to a vacant vehicle space data output means that outputs information about the location of the vacant vehicle space identified in the vacant vehicle space identification procedure so that the vehicle attempting to park can view the information; This is a computer program that is executed by the parking space management server.

[0025] (Terminology) Since the "management server" is a computer, it is equipped with input and output means for transmitting and receiving data to and from other terminals, storage means for storing data input from the input means and for providing a membership database and a reservation database, calculation means for performing calculations using input data from the input means and stored data stored in the storage means, and random access memory used by the calculation means during calculations.

[0026] (Variation 1 of the second invention) The second invention can be formed as follows. That is, the parking lot has multiple parking spaces in each of multiple independent areas, The vacant vehicle space data is limited to data that identifies the area.

[0027] (Variation 2 of the second invention) The second invention can be formed as follows. That is, the parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces in each of a plurality of independent areas, In the case where the parking lot is provided with a plurality of the vacant parking space data output means, The vacant vehicle space data transmission procedure transmits vacant vehicle space data suitable for the installation location where the vacant vehicle space data output means is installed.

[0028] The computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention can also be provided by being stored in a recording medium. Here, a "recording medium" refers to a medium that can carry 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 the control computer of the management server to the control computer of the management server via a communication line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a parking space management server that can notify drivers of vehicles attempting to park in a large parking lot of vehicles that will soon be leaving the lot. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a control program for a parking space management server that can notify drivers of vehicles attempting to park in a large parking lot of vehicles that will soon be leaving the lot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram that classifies the stress felt by drivers of vehicles entering a parking lot into different patterns. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing information processing in the main part of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing information processing in the main part of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the function of a camera that detects entry and exit. [Figure 5]This is a conceptual diagram showing the procedure for detecting entry and exit using photographic data from an entry and exit camera. [Figure 6] A perspective view of a large parking lot. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the placement of cameras for entering and leaving the warehouse. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the process from entering the parking lot to parking in Area A. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the process from entering the parking lot to parking in Area B. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the process from entering the parking lot to parking in Area C. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of parking fee settlement to output to the signage after completion. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing information processing in the main part of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing that when a plurality of signages are provided, different data is displayed on each signage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 2 to 13), with reference also to FIG. 1 as necessary. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the following description is an embodiment for interpreting the present invention. Note that in Figure 4 and subsequent figures, a solid arrow indicates wired communication, and a two-dot dashed arrow indicates wireless communication.

[0032] (Figure 2) Figure 2 shows the relationship between the payment machine installed in the parking lot so that parking users can pay their parking fees, the parking space management server that manages the parking spaces in the parking lot, and the signage that outputs information about vacant spaces to drivers of vehicles attempting to park. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the spaces used by these parking users are often equipped with devices such as flap devices.

[0033] A parking lot user who uses a parking lot enters the vehicle number of their vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "vehicle number") and pays the usage fee. The payment machine sends the payment data indicating that the payment has been completed, along with the parking space ID corresponding to this vehicle number, to the parking space management server.

[0034] In the parking space management server, the parking space ID and the settlement data sent from the settlement machine are received by the settlement data receiving means. Then, the vacant space identifying means collates the parking space ID with a parking space database that stores parking space usage data, and identifies that the paid parking space ID has become vacant.

[0035] The vacant space data identified by the vacant space identification means is transmitted to the signage by the vacant space data transmission means. The signage receives the vacant space data by the vacant space data receiving means and outputs which spaces are scheduled to become vacant by the vacant space data output means. Drivers of vehicles looking for a parking space near the signage can look at the signage and decide whether or not to move to that space.

[0036] (Figure 3) Figure 3 shows the information processing procedure under a system in which photographic data of the vehicle number and a parking space ID that can identify the vehicle number and the parking space are obtained by an entrance / exit camera and stored in a parking space database, and parking lot users can complete payment by entering the vehicle number into a payment machine.

[0037] The entrance / exit camera transmits the captured image data including the vehicle number and the parking space ID to the parking space management server. The difference from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is that the data required for payment is transmitted not only from the payment machine but also from the entrance / exit camera.

[0038] Other procedures are the same as those in Fig. 2, and therefore will not be described here. The details of the functions of the entrance and exit cameras will be explained in Fig. 4.

[0039] (Figure 4) Figure 4 shows a conceptual diagram of the functions of the entrance and exit cameras. Entry / exit cameras installed in many locations throughout the parking lot (see Figure 7) periodically capture images of the license plate numbers of vehicles that enter the camera's field of view, and then perform OCR processing. The OCR processed data is combined with a timestamp representing the time the image was taken. The combination of the OCR processed data and the timestamp is stored in the parking space database.

[0040] In a garage entry / exit camera capable of photographing a specified vehicle compartment, if the vehicle number data is the same in multiple photographed data taken at a specified interval, it can be determined that the vehicle has entered that compartment. Also, if the vehicle number data determined to have entered the compartment disappears from the next photographed data, it can be determined that the vehicle has left the compartment.

[0041] The parking fee is settled for the member user based on the entry data indicating that the vehicle has entered the parking lot and the exit data indicating that the vehicle has left the parking lot.

[0042] Since there are many cameras installed for entering and leaving the depot, the vehicle numbers are compared for each area. If the comparison reveals that the data overlaps with the previous area (as will be explained in detail later, if the vehicle has passed through area A and reached area B, the "previous area" refers to area A) or with a past timestamp, the data is discarded (a).

[0043] At the time of payment, the parking area is displayed on the signage to guide the customer into the parking lot, and when production is completed, the area where the vehicle is scheduled to leave is displayed on the signage at the entrance to the parking lot, etc. (b).

[0044] (Figure 5) Figure 5 conceptually shows the procedure for detecting vehicle entry and exit using data captured by the entry / exit camera.

[0045] For example, suppose a vehicle with vehicle number (X) enters a parking space with ID = A (1). This state is constantly captured by a designated entrance / exit camera (2).

[0046] Note that the vehicle compartment ID (F2-03) here means that the vehicle compartment is the third on the second floor, but the number format itself has no meaning. It is sufficient as long as it is information that identifies the vehicle compartment.

[0047] The captured data is sent to the parking space management server (AI terminal) (3). Based on the received captured data, the parking space management server detects that the vehicle has entered space ID (A) (4).

[0048] The parking space management server then sends image data of the vehicle that has been detected entering the parking lot to a vehicle number authentication server located outside the parking lot (5). The vehicle number authentication server performs vehicle number authentication on the license plate portion of the image data and returns the data to the local AI terminal (6). Here, the vehicle number (X) is authenticated.

[0049] The parking space management server, which receives the vehicle number authentication from the vehicle number authentication server, sends the data "Vacation space ID = A, date and time when vehicle number (X) entered and left the parking space" to the overall management server (7). The overall management server stores the received data.

[0050] (Figure 6) Figure 6 is a perspective view of a large, four-story parking lot. The first floor parking lot, which is at the same height as the public road, corresponds to Area A, the second floor parking lot to Area B, and the third floor parking lot to Area C, which will be described later. Area A and Area B are continuously connected, and Area B and Area C are also continuously connected.

[0051] (Figure 7) FIG. 7 is a plan view showing how the entrance / exit cameras are arranged in the above-mentioned areas A, B, and C.

[0052] Entry / exit cameras a, b, c, d, h, j, and k are located in the outer aisles. Entry / exit cameras e, f, and g are located in the central aisle. All entry / exit cameras are configured to capture image data periodically (for example, every minute).

[0053] (Figure 8) 8 to 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process when a vehicle enters the parking lot and is able to enter area A, which is the first area.

[0054] First, a vehicle (X) enters a parking lot (S1). The driver of vehicle (X) sees a signage (S2). This signage displays a message that reads, "Parking in Area A is recommended." The driver of vehicle (X) then drives the vehicle toward Area A (S3).

[0055] A plurality of entrance / exit cameras installed in area A photograph the vehicle number of vehicle (X) (S4). The photographed data is then sent to the vehicle number confirmation server via the parking space management server, and the vehicle number data of vehicle (X) is photographed and temporarily stored in storage means (see FIG. 5).

[0056] The parking space management server searches past photographed data for the photographed vehicle number data and checks whether there is any duplicate vehicle number data among the past photographed data (S5). If duplicate vehicle number data has already been stored, the old vehicle number data is deleted from the storage means (S6). If there is no duplicate vehicle number data, the vehicle number data is saved (S7).

[0057] Whether or not vehicle (X) has been successfully parked in area A is confirmed by the parking space management server using photographic data acquired by multiple entrance / exit cameras installed in area A. The following will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.

[0058] For example, let us consider a case where the vehicle number data of vehicle (X) is acquired by the entrance / exit camera (h), and then the vehicle number data of vehicle (X) is acquired by the entrance / exit camera (k), and then the vehicle number data of vehicle (X) is acquired consecutively by the same entrance / exit camera (k). In this case, it can be determined that vehicle (X) has parked in a parking space in an area that can be photographed by the entrance / exit camera (k) (S8). At this point, the entry of vehicle (X) is complete (S9). After S9, the process proceeds to step "b".

[0059] On the other hand, if the entry of vehicle (X) cannot be confirmed by any of the entry / exit cameras in area A, proceed to step "a".

[0060] (Figure 9) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process when a vehicle enters a parking lot, but is unable to enter the first area, Area A, because it is full, and is able to enter Area B. This is the case where, after analyzing the data acquired by the entrance / exit camera installed in area A, it is determined that all parking spaces are occupied, and, after analyzing the data acquired by the entrance / exit camera installed in area B, it is determined that there is an empty parking space.

[0061] A vehicle (X) enters a parking lot (S1). The driver of the vehicle (X) sees a signage (S2). The signage displays a message that reads, "Parking in Area B is recommended." The driver of the vehicle (X) then moves the vehicle toward Area B (S10).

[0062] Vehicle (X) passes through Area A (S11). An entrance / exit camera installed at the boundary between Area A and Area B (for example, the ramp from the first floor to the second floor) photographs the vehicle number of vehicle (X) (S12).

[0063] The parking space management server checks whether there is any duplicate vehicle number data in the captured vehicle number data (S13). If duplicate vehicle number data has already been stored, the old vehicle number data is deleted from the storage means (S14). If there is no duplicate vehicle number data, the vehicle number data is saved (S15).

[0064] Next, assume that the vehicle (X) passes the boundary from area A to area B and moves into area B (S16). Note that in FIG. 8, even if parking in area A is not possible, data processing will start from S16.

[0065] The parking space management server checks whether or not the vehicle (X) has been parked in Area B using photographic data acquired by multiple entrance / exit cameras installed in Area B (S17-S22). The confirmation procedure is the same as the procedure for checking entry into Area A, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0066] (Figure 10) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process when a vehicle enters a parking lot and cannot enter the first area, Area A, or the next area, Area B, because both are full, but the vehicle can enter Area C.

[0067] A vehicle (X) enters a parking lot (S1). The driver of the vehicle (X) sees a signage (S2). The signage displays a message that reads, "Parking in Area C is recommended." The driver of the vehicle (X) then moves the vehicle toward Area C (S23).

[0068] Vehicle (X) passes through Area A (S24). At this time, an entrance / exit camera located at the boundary from Area A to Area B photographs the vehicle number of vehicle (X) (S12). Furthermore, vehicle (X) passes through Area B (S25). At this time, an entrance / exit camera located at the boundary from Area B to Area C photographs the vehicle number of vehicle (X) (S26).

[0069] The parking space management server checks whether there is any duplicate vehicle number data among the photographed vehicle number data (S27). If duplicate vehicle number data is already stored, the new vehicle number data is deleted from the storage means (S28). If there is no duplicate vehicle number data, the new vehicle number data is saved (S29).

[0070] When a vehicle (X) moves into Area C (S30), the parking space management server checks it using the photographic data acquired by multiple entrance / exit cameras installed in Area C (S31-S26). The confirmation procedure is the same as the procedure for checking entry into Area A, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0071] If the vehicle (X) is unable to park in area C, it will return to area A to search for a vacant parking space (S37).

[0072] (Figure 11) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of parking fee settlement to the output on the signage after completion. In all of Figures 8 to 10, once entry is complete, parking fee settlement is required when leaving the parking lot (b).

[0073] A parking lot user who has used a parking space in any of areas A to C begins settling the parking fee (S38). The information required for settlement is the information recorded on the parking ticket received when entering the parking lot, or the user's own vehicle number information.

[0074] The payment process will be explained below. After receiving the parking ticket, the parking lot user inserts it into the payment machine (S39). The parking ticket contains the time data of the entry start date, which is information necessary for payment, so the payment machine reads this time data. The difference between this time and the current time, which is the time of exit, is then calculated as the parking space usage time, and a parking fee corresponding to this usage time is presented to the parking lot user. The parking lot user then pays the presented parking fee.

[0075] When a person enters their own vehicle number into the payment machine along with inserting their parking ticket, the payment machine can determine which area and parking space the entered vehicle number began using and when, as will be described later.

[0076] There are various other ways to pay parking fees besides using a parking ticket. For example, a user can download a specific app to their smartphone in advance and have the app display a two-dimensional barcode. The parking fee can then be deducted from the user's account or card by reading the two-dimensional barcode with a payment machine. Alternatively, the payment machine may display a two-dimensional barcode and the user's smartphone may read it. Payment methods may include any commonly used method in addition to the methods listed above, and further explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, a method using a contactless IC card may also be used.

[0077] A parking lot user who parks using vehicle number authentication enters their vehicle number into the payment machine (S39). The payment machine retrieves from data stored in the parking space management server information about which area and space the entered vehicle number was used in and when (S40). The machine then calculates the time the parking space was used as the difference between this time and the current time, which is the time of departure, and presents the parking fee corresponding to that time to the parking lot user. The parking lot user then pays the presented parking fee (S41).

[0078] The parking space management server can determine which area and which space the parking fee has been paid for, and can therefore output data on the signage indicating in which area there is an available space (S42).

[0079] (Figure 12) Figure 12 shows the information processing procedure under a system in which a member user who has registered in advance with their name, vehicle number (license plate information), parking fee payment method, etc. uses a parking lot and can settle the payment by taking a photo of the vehicle number with an entrance / exit camera, etc. The member user can enter and exit the parking lot without going through any payment procedures.

[0080] The entrance / exit camera transmits payment data including the vehicle number and the parking space ID to the parking space management server. One difference from the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 is that the payment data is transmitted from the entrance / exit camera instead of the payment machine.

[0081] Another difference from the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 is that it is equipped with a member database that stores registered data of member users in advance. This member database is used by the vacant space identification means to identify vacant spaces for which settlement processing has been completed based on settlement data including the vehicle number.

[0082] (Figure 13) Fig. 13 shows a conceptual diagram of a parking lot with a multi-level structure, as shown in Fig. 6, where different data is displayed on each signage.

[0083] The parking space management server manages in a signage management database (not shown) where multiple signage displays are installed. For example, as shown in the figure, signage A is installed near the entrance to area A, signage B is installed near the entrance to area B, and signage C is installed near the entrance to area C.

[0084] The vacant space data transmission means in the parking space management server extracts and transmits vacant space data a that is appropriate for the location where signage A is installed. For example, the vacant space data may say, "Currently, there are no vacant spaces in area A. There are many vacant spaces in area C." The signage A outputs the above-mentioned vacant vehicle space data a to a vehicle x that is about to enter the area A.

[0085] The vacant space data transmission means in the parking space management server also extracts and transmits to signage B vacant space data b that is suitable for the area near the entrance to area B where signage B is installed. For example, this vacant space data may read, "A vacant space will be available in the second block of area B." The signage B outputs the above-mentioned vacant vehicle space data b to a vehicle y that is about to enter the area B.

[0086] The vacant space data transmission means in the parking space management server also extracts and transmits to signage C vacant space data c that is suitable for the vicinity of the entrance to area C where signage C is installed. For example, the vacant space data may be something like "There are vacant spaces in the third and fourth blocks of area C." The signage C outputs the above-mentioned vacant space data c to the vehicle z that is about to enter the area C.

[0087] Although various embodiments have been described above using FIGS. 2 to 13, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The present invention can be used in the parking lot management industry, the parking lot equipment manufacturing industry, the manufacturing industry of communication equipment for parking lot management data, the data management industry in data communication, and the development industry of application software for parking lot control units and parking lot management servers, etc.

Claims

1. A parking space management server that manages a number of parking spaces in a parking lot, comprising: A parking space database that stores a parking space ID, which is identification data of a parking space, and vacancy data relating to the usage status of the parking space; a payment data receiving means for receiving payment data from a payment machine or the like, the payment data including a notification that the parking space has been used and a space ID for identifying the space that has been used; a vacant parking space identification means for identifying a vacant parking space by comparing the parking space ID included in the received settlement data with the parking space database; a vacant vehicle space data transmission means for transmitting vacant vehicle space data output means for outputting vacant vehicle space data regarding where in the parking lot the vacant vehicle space identified by the vacant vehicle space identification means is located so that the vacant vehicle space data can be viewed by a vehicle that is trying to park; A parking space management server equipped with the above.

2. The parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces for each of a plurality of independent areas, The vacant parking space data is limited to data that identifies the area. The parking space management server according to claim 1.

3. The parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces for each of a plurality of independent areas, In the case where a plurality of the vacant vehicle space data output means are provided, The vacant vehicle space data transmission means transmits vacant vehicle space data suitable for the installation location where the vacant vehicle space data output means is installed. The parking space management server according to claim 1.

4. A computer program for controlling a parking space management server that manages a number of parking spaces in a parking lot, comprising: a parking space database storing data on parking space IDs, which are identification data of the parking spaces, and vacancy / occupancy data on the usage status of the parking spaces; a settlement data receiving step of receiving from an adjustment machine or the like settlement data including information indicating that use of each parking space has ended and a space ID for identifying the space that has been ended; a vacant parking space identification step of identifying a vacant parking space by comparing the parking space ID included in the settlement data received in the settlement data reception step with the parking space database; a vacant vehicle space data transmission procedure for transmitting to a vacant vehicle space data output means which outputs information about where in the parking lot the vacant vehicle space identified in the vacant vehicle space identification procedure is located so that the information can be viewed by the vehicle that is trying to park; A computer program to be executed by the parking space management server.

5. The parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces for each of a plurality of independent areas, The vacant parking space data is limited to data that identifies the area.

5. A computer program according to claim 4.

6. The parking lot has a plurality of parking spaces for each of a plurality of independent areas, In the case where the parking lot is provided with a plurality of the vacant parking space data output means, The vacant vehicle space data transmission procedure transmits vacant vehicle space data suitable for the installation location where the vacant vehicle space data output means is installed.

5. A computer program according to claim 4.

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