Management apparatus, management system, management method, and management program

Abstract

To manage inappropriate parking lot use that involves misuse of discount systems or the like.SOLUTION: A management apparatus that manages a parking lot, comprises: an identification unit for identifying a vehicle entering the parking lot; a storage unit for storing a history of the entry time and departure time of the vehicle in association with the vehicle; a calculation unit for calculating a usage fee based on the entry time when the vehicle departs the parking lot; a retrieval unit for retrieving the history when the vehicle enters the parking lot; a determination unit for, if it is determined that the vehicle has re-entered the parking lot, determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the retrieval result of the history and the departure time; and a deciding unit for deciding the usage fee based on the determination result by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a management program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a technique for managing parking lots by setting a so-called "initial free time" in which the first certain time is free when using the parking lot.

[0003] Specifically, a parking fee management system issues a card-like information storage medium having a data storage means to a user of the parking lot as a special parking ticket, either paid or free, in the form of, for example, a membership card. The card-like information storage medium is then valid for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, if a predetermined monthly maximum parking fee is paid as the parking fee for vehicle entry and exit within the same month, the vehicle is permitted to exit the parking lot without further charges for multiple entries and exits within the same month. This type of management enables fee management over a long period of time, such as monthly. Techniques for motivating users to actively use a parking lot multiple times in this way are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In another example, a parking fee management device detects the date and time of a vehicle's entry and exit and records the date and time, as well as the vehicle's registration number and the parking fee paid. The fee management device also includes a data storage means and an exit gate management device configured to calculate the vehicle's parking fee based on the date and time of entry and exit, and open the exit gate after the parking fee has been settled. When a predetermined parking fee has been paid, the fee management device prevents the exit gate management device from charging for further entry and exit of the vehicle within a predetermined time period after the parking fee has been paid. A technology is known that, in this way, prevents further charges from being charged for multiple entries and exits of the same vehicle within a certain time period once the predetermined parking fee has been paid (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-128647 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-248214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The conventional technology does not take into account cases where parking lot users abuse discount systems that allow users to use parking lot services for free or at a discounted price under certain conditions, such as "initial free time." Therefore, the conventional technology has a problem in that it cannot manage inappropriate parking lot use that abuses discount systems, etc.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a management device or the like that can manage inappropriate parking lot use that abuses discount systems or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, in one aspect of the present invention, a management device for managing a parking lot includes: an identification unit that identifies a vehicle entering the parking lot; a storage unit that stores a history of the vehicle in association with the vehicle's entry time and departure time; a calculation unit that calculates a usage fee based on the entry time when the vehicle leaves the parking lot; a search unit that searches the history when the vehicle is brought into the warehouse; a determination unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle has reentered, determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the search result of the history and the departure time; a determination unit that determines the usage fee based on the determination result by the determination unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a management device or the like that can manage inappropriate parking lot use that abuses discount systems or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of a management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a management example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of management of inappropriate parking lot use. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of overall processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a warning in the third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a warning in the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Specific examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same elements. Furthermore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific examples below, and the embodiments may include elements other than those shown in the drawings.

[0012] Hereinafter, an example of a service for providing a parking lot that temporarily rents out a space for parking a vehicle will be described. Specifically, the service is provided by preparing a parking space in advance.

[0013] In this example, the "specific area" is a vehicle compartment. Specifically, the vehicle compartment is a parking area partitioned to fit the size of a single vehicle. Note that the specific area is not limited to a vehicle compartment and may be a garage or the like.

[0014] The "service" refers to a service provided by a management company that provides a specific area for a vehicle and manages the specific area. The service provided in this embodiment is a so-called parking service, in which a vehicle is parked in a parking space.

[0015] An "object" is a tangible object that occupies a specific area when receiving a service. In this embodiment, the object is a vehicle. In the following example, the user is the owner and passenger of the vehicle. However, the user does not have to be the owner of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a so-called rental car. Alternatively, the user may be a so-called "passenger" who is not the driver.

[0016] A "usage fee" is a fee paid by a user in exchange for a service received. Hereinafter, the usage fee is calculated based on the time the service is received (hereinafter referred to as "service time"). However, the calculation method for the usage fee does not have to be based on the service time. For example, the usage fee may be a fixed amount for each number of times the service is received.

[0017] The "service time" is determined by the "start time" when the service begins and the "end time" when the service ends. For example, if parking a vehicle in a parking space starts at "9:00" and ends at "11:00," the "start time" is "9:00." Furthermore, the "end time" is "11:00." The "service time" is then "2 hours." For example, if the fee is set to be charged every hour, the usage fee is calculated based on "2 hours." Note that the "service time" does not have to be in units of "hours." For example, the "service time" may be in units of "months," "weeks," or "days."

[0018] The "restraint" is realized, for example, by a gate. Specifically, the gate is installed at the entrance and exit of a parking lot. When the gate is open, the vehicle is not restrained and can move freely, such as entering or exiting the vehicle compartment, based on the driver's driving.

[0019] On the other hand, when the gate is closed, the vehicle is confined. Specifically, when the gate is closed, the vehicle is unable to leave the parking lot because the gate is an obstacle in the vehicle's path.

[0020] In this way, by controlling the opening and closing of the gate, the vehicle can be switched between a "restrained" state and an "open" state.

[0021] A "gate" is installed, for example, at the entrance and exit of a parking lot. When the gate opens and closes, it can restrict the entry and exit of vehicles. The "gate" is controlled by information (hereinafter referred to as "instruction information") that controls opening and closing based on whether payment has been made. For example, when payment is completed at the payment machine, instruction information instructing the gate to open is output to the gate. On the other hand, when a vehicle enters the parking lot, instruction information instructing the gate to close is output to the gate. Note that the instruction information may also be output by operation by an administrator, etc.

[0022] The "gate" may be installed at any location, with any type of mechanism, any control method, or any device configuration, as long as it can "restrain" or "release" the vehicle. For example, a gate may be installed for each vehicle compartment.

[0023] [System configuration example] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a management system. For example, the management system 100 is configured to include a camera 11 and a server 13. The camera 11 and the server 13 are connected via a network 14, for example.

[0024] The following description will be given taking an example where the management device is the server 13. However, the management device is not limited to the server 13, and may be, for example, a plurality of information processing devices, or an adjustment machine or the like may also serve as the management device. The following description will be given taking an example of a system configuration in which the server 13 performs all the processing.

[0025] The management system 100 manages vehicles 16 that use a parking lot. For example, a user gets into the vehicle 16 and enters the parking lot. After entering the parking lot, the user parks the vehicle 16 and visits a nearby commercial facility or the like. Then, when the user has finished shopping or the like, the vehicle 16 leaves the parking lot under the user's driving control, and a usage fee is determined.

[0026] Camera 11 is a photographing device that is installed, for example, at the entrance / exit of a parking lot, in a specific area, or both. Therefore, camera 11 generates images of vehicles 16 using the parking lot. The images generated by camera 11 are then transmitted to server 13 and stored in a database or the like. Furthermore, camera 11 may be provided in server 13, or camera 11 and an information processing device such as server 13 may be integrated into one configuration.

[0027] The server 13 stores data such as images transmitted by the camera 11. For example, each piece of data is stored in the server 13 in the form of a database or the like. Therefore, the server 13 has a history of vehicles 16 that have used the parking lot in the past.

[0028] The management system 100 may include a sensor, a payment machine, or a control device that controls a gate. On the other hand, the management system 100 may be configured so that payment is made using a user's smartphone or the like, and may have a system configuration without a payment machine. The management system 100 may also have a system configuration without a gate.

[0029] In addition, the management system 100 may include an information processing device other than the server 13 .

[0030] [Hardware configuration example] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. For example, the server 13 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a "CPU 30") 30, a storage device 31, an input device 32, an output device 33, and a communication device .

[0031] The CPU 30 is an example of a computing device and a control device, and therefore performs various processes and controls various hardware components based on programs and the like.

[0032] The storage device 31 stores data, programs, etc. For example, the storage device 31 is a main storage device such as a memory and a hard disk, and an auxiliary storage device.

[0033] The input device 32 is a device that accepts operations, and is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel.

[0034] The output device 33 is a device that outputs processing results, etc. For example, the output device 33 is a display, a touch panel, or the like.

[0035] The communication device 34 is a device that transmits and receives data to and from an external device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0036] The hardware configuration is not limited to the above devices, and each information processing device may include a calculation device, a control device, a storage device, an input device, an output device, a communication device, an auxiliary device, or a sensor in addition to the above devices.

[0037] [Management example] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of management. For example, a time when the usage fee is free or when the usage fee is discounted (hereinafter referred to as "discount time"; in the following example, the usage fee is free during the discount time) is set in advance.

[0038] The discount time is not limited to "free." For example, the discount time may be a time when the discount is offered at half price for the first hour, or a discounted price such as 100 yen for the first two hours. There may also be conditions such as the discount time being applied only to purchasers or users at nearby commercial facilities.

[0039] For example, suppose vehicle 16 enters the parking lot and parks at a first entry time T11. Hereinafter, the time when vehicle 16 enters will be referred to as the "entry time." Let us assume that vehicle 16, which entered at first entry time T11, leaves the parking lot at a first exit time T12. Hereinafter, the time when vehicle 16 leaves the parking lot will be referred to as the "exit time."

[0040] Therefore, vehicle 16 is parked from the first entry time T11 to the first exit time T12. Hereinafter, the period from the entry time to the exit time, i.e., the time that vehicle 16 is parked, will be referred to as the "parking time." Furthermore, the parking time from the first entry time T11 to the first exit time T12 will be referred to as the first parking time T101.

[0041] When a vehicle 16 enters or leaves the warehouse, the entry time and departure time are stored as history for each vehicle 16 in the server 13. In addition, the entry time and departure time are stored in the history in association with an image of the vehicle 16, etc.

[0042] Hereinafter, a vehicle 16 with a history, i.e., a vehicle 16 with a history of using the parking lot, will be referred to as a “history vehicle.” Whether or not a vehicle is a history vehicle is determined by image recognition or the like, which determines whether or not the image in the history and the vehicle 16 shown in the image captured by the camera 11 are the same.

[0043] The discount time is, for example, a fixed period of time based on the time of entry. For example, the time at which the discount time based on the first entry time T11 expires (hereinafter referred to as the "first discount time T13") is one hour after the first entry time T11. Hereinafter, the period from the first entry time T11 to the first discount time T13 will be referred to as the "first discount time T102."

[0044] If the first parking time T101 is shorter than the first discount time T102, the usage fee will be free. Specifically, if a discount time is set, such as "the first hour is free," and the parking time is less than one hour, such as "30 minutes" or "45 minutes," the usage fee will be free.

[0045] On the other hand, if the first parking time T101 is longer than the first discount time T102, that is, if parking is performed beyond the first discount time T13, for example, the usage fee is calculated based on the first discount time T13.

[0046] The first parking time T101 is the "first" parking (hereinafter referred to as "first parking 51"). After leaving the parking lot for the first parking 51, the same vehicle 16 may be parked for a "second" time (hereinafter referred to as "second parking 52"), a "third" time (hereinafter referred to as "third parking 53"), and so on, and so on, and so on, with the vehicle repeatedly leaving and entering the parking lot.

[0047] Hereinafter, the time from the end of the first parking 51 to the start of the second parking 52, that is, the time from the first leaving time T12 to the second entering time T21, will be taken as an example of the "re-parking interval 50".

[0048] If the re-parking interval 50 is short, it is often the case that the first parking time T101 due to the first parking 51 ends and the second parking 52 begins, which is an inappropriate use of the parking lot.

[0049] Whether the re-parking interval 50 is short or not is determined by whether the entering vehicle entering at the second entry time T21 is the same as the departing vehicle that left at the first exit time T12 (which becomes a history vehicle because it is recorded in the history when it leaves), and whether the re-parking interval 50 is shorter than a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a reference time for determining whether the re-parking interval is short or not. For example, the predetermined time is set in advance. Specifically, the predetermined time is set to any time (for example, "15 minutes"), the smallest charging unit (for example, "30 minutes" if the fee setting is 200 yen per 30 minutes), or a time shorter than the parking time.

[0050] Inappropriate parking lot use is carried out by misusing the discount time. Specifically, the user leaves the vehicle 16 so that the first parking time T101 is shorter than the first discount time T102. After leaving the parking lot, the user re-enters the vehicle 16 after a short re-parking interval 50, for example, about 5 minutes after the first exit time T12. This re-entry marks the start of second parking 52.

[0051] The second parking 52 is a parking that has a second parking time T201 from a second entry time T21 to a second exit time T22. Furthermore, the first parking 51 and the second parking 52 are assumed to be performed with the same vehicle 16 in the same parking lot.

[0052] When the discount time is also applied to the second parking 52, the second discount time T202 for the second parking 52 is the time up to the second discount time T23, which is based on the second parking entry time T21, during which the second parking 52 is "free." Therefore, when the discount time is also applied to the second parking 52, if the second parking time T201 is shorter than the second discount time T202, the usage fee for the second parking 52 will be free.

[0053] In this way, by leaving and re-entering the parking lot, the first parking 51 and the second parking 52 are not consecutive, and the parking time that actually totals "first parking time T101 + second parking time T201" is divided into two or more parking times.

[0054] For example, if the first parking time T101 and the second parking time T201 are used consecutively, and "T101 + T201 > first discount time T102," then it would be appropriate to charge for parking time exceeding the first discount time T102 without applying the discount system. On the other hand, there is inappropriate parking use, such as "repeated parking," in which a driver abuses the discount system by leaving the parking lot and re-entering it within a short period of time, thereby receiving a discount not only for the first parking time T101 but also for the second parking time T201. It is important to specify specific examples and types of inappropriate parking use in the parking lot's rules and regulations and make them known to users to prevent inappropriate parking use in the first place.

[0055] If inappropriate parking is repeated, as in the case of parking for the third time 53, even if the total parking time exceeds the discount time, each individual use will be considered to be within the discount time, and all usage fees will be considered to be "free."

[0056] Inappropriate parking lot use that abuses discount systems such as "repeated parking" will be managed, for example, as follows:

[0057] Fig. 4 shows an example of management of inappropriate parking lot usage. For example, whether or not it is "repeated parking" is determined by whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed between the time of leaving the parking lot and the time of re-entry.

[0058] Specifically, if the re-parking interval 50 is shorter than a predetermined time 60, the vehicle 16 is determined to be "repeatedly parked." In other words, if the same vehicle 16 leaves and enters the parking lot within a short period of time, it is determined to be "repeatedly parked."

[0059] For the determination result of "repeated parking," the usage fee is calculated based on the total time from the first entry time T11 to the second exit time T22 (hereinafter referred to as "total time T100"). Note that the usage fee calculated based on the total time T100 may be discounted or otherwise applied to determine the usage fee.

[0060] Furthermore, the next fee after the settlement is completed based on the total time T100, i.e., the usage fee for third parking 53, may be subject to the same discount system as for first parking 51. On the other hand, if there has been inappropriate parking usage in the past, such as "repeated parking" (especially in the case of a user who parks multiple times), the fee from the next time onwards may not be calculated as if it were the first time, i.e., no discount may be applied to subsequent usages as a penalty.

[0061] [Overall processing example] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the overall processing. For example, the overall processing is processing in which the server 13 acquires data from an external device such as the camera 11 and executes the following.

[0062] In step S501, the server 13 identifies the vehicle 16 to be stored. For example, the server 13 identifies the vehicle 16 by performing image recognition on the number or the like written on the license plate (automobile registration plate, or vehicle number plate in the case of a light vehicle) of the vehicle 16. However, the vehicle 16 may also be identified using appearance information such as color, model, or size.

[0063] Step S501 is performed, for example, when the vehicle 16 is brought into storage. Note that, when the vehicle 16 is brought into storage, other processing related to the bringing into storage may be performed. Furthermore, step S501 does not necessarily have to be performed simultaneously with the bringing into storage, but may be performed after the processing related to the bringing into storage is completed. Then, the time when the vehicle 16 is parked in a specific area is stored as the bringing-in time.

[0064] After step S501, the vehicle 16 has entered the parking lot and is in a parked state. After that, when the user completes their business in the vicinity of the parking lot, the vehicle 16 leaves the parking lot.

[0065] In step S502, the server 13 settles the fee for the first parking 51. For example, the fee is settled by applying a discount system or the like.

[0066] In step S503, the server 13 identifies the leaving vehicle 16. For example, in step S503, similar to step S501, the server 13 takes a photo of the leaving vehicle 16 and identifies the vehicle 16 by image recognition or the like. Then, the server 13 stores the time when the vehicle 16 leaves the specific area as the leaving time.

[0067] In step S504, the server 13 stores the history. Specifically, the history is stored by associating the entry time determined in step S501, the departure time determined in step S503, and the vehicles 16 identified in steps S501 and S503.

[0068] The history may further be associated with the usage fee settled in step S502 or information about the user.

[0069] Steps S501 to S504 are processes performed for the first parking 51. The order of steps S502 to S504 is not limited to the above. For example, steps S502 and S503 may be performed in parallel, or the order may be reversed.

[0070] After the vehicle 16 has finished initial parking 51 and left the parking lot, if there is a vehicle 16 that enters the parking lot, step S505 is executed.

[0071] In step S505, the server 13 identifies the vehicle 16 to be stored. For example, step S505 is the same process as step S501. A search is performed to determine whether the same identification information as the result of identifying the vehicle to be stored in the history, and if it is possible to determine whether the vehicle 16 identified in step S505 is a historical vehicle, that is, whether the vehicle 16 has a history based on the search result, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is being stored again.

[0072] In step S506, the server 13 determines whether the vehicle 16 being stored is a re-entry vehicle. Based on the result of the identification in step S505, the server 13 determines whether the vehicle 16 being stored is a vehicle that has been previously stored.

[0073] Next, if it is determined that the item is being restocked (YES in step S506), the server 13 proceeds to step S507. On the other hand, if it is determined that the item is not being restocked (NO in step S506), the server 13 proceeds to step S509.

[0074] In step S506, the server 13 determines whether or not the re-entry has occurred after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0075] Next, if the predetermined time has passed (YES in step S507), the server 13 proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed (NO in step S507), the server 13 proceeds to step S508.

[0076] In step S508, the server 13 determines the usage fee based on the determination result. The determination result that proceeds to step S508 is re-entry (YES in step S506) and the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S507). In other words, the determination result that proceeds to step S508 is "repeated parking." In this way, if it is determined to be "repeated parking," the server 13 determines the usage fee corresponding to "repeated parking," such as determining the usage fee based on the total time T100 shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] In step S509, the server 13 settles the payment for the initial parking 51. For example, step S509 is the same process as step S501. The determination result to proceed to step S509 is that the vehicle is not being re-parked (NO in step S506) or that a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S507).

[0078] If the vehicle 16 is not a re-entry (NO in step S506), it is not a "repeated parking" because it is a vehicle 16 different from the previous vehicle. Therefore, the server 13 determines the usage fee for the first parking 51, that is, by applying a discount system or the like to the usage fee.

[0079] Even if the vehicle is being re-parked (YES in step S506), if the predetermined time has passed (YES in step S507), it is not "repeated parking" because a sufficient amount of time has passed since the first parking 51. Therefore, the server 13 again determines the usage fee for the first parking 51, i.e., by applying a discount system or the like to the usage fee.

[0080] As described above, the overall process is composed of a process for extracting inappropriate parking lot use such as "repeated parking" and a process for dealing with inappropriate parking lot use.

[0081] The overall processing is not limited to the above processing, and may be performed in a different order, or may further include other processing.

[0082] [Example of functional configuration] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management system 100. For example, the management system 100 includes a recognition unit 100F1, a storage unit 100F2, a calculation unit 100F3, a search unit 100F4, a determination unit 100F5, and a decision unit 100F6.

[0083] The identification unit 100F1 performs an identification procedure for identifying a vehicle entering a parking lot. For example, the identification unit 100F1 is realized by a camera 11 or the like.

[0084] The storage unit 100F2 performs a storage procedure for storing a history of various information such as the entry time of the vehicle 16 and the departure time of the vehicle 16 in association with the vehicle 16. For example, the storage unit 100F2 is realized by the storage device 31 or the like.

[0085] When the vehicle 16 leaves the garage, the calculation unit 100F3 performs a calculation procedure to calculate the usage fee based on the entry time. For example, the calculation unit 100F3 is realized by the CPU 30 or the like.

[0086] When a vehicle is brought into the warehouse, the search unit 100F4 performs a search procedure to search the history. For example, the search unit 100F4 is realized by the CPU 30 or the like.

[0087] When it is determined that the item is being restocked, the determination unit 100F5 performs a determination procedure to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the search result by the search unit 100F4 and the departure time. For example, the determination unit 100F5 is realized by the CPU 30 or the like.

[0088] The determination unit 100F6 performs a determination procedure for determining the usage fee based on the determination result by the determination unit 100F5. For example, the determination unit 100F6 is realized by the CPU 30 or the like.

[0089] Parking lot services may offer discounts such as "the first hour is free" for first-time parking 51 (including cases where the discount applies to a portion of the total parking time for first-time parking 51). In order to unfairly reduce the usage fee by abusing such discount systems, parking lots may be used inappropriately, such as by "repeated parking."

[0090] Therefore, the management system 100 measures the time interval between leaving and re-entering the parking lot, recognizes inappropriate parking lot usage such as "repeated parking," and takes appropriate measures such as charging fees.

[0091] First, by recognizing inappropriate parking lot usage such as "repeated parking," it is possible to deal with inappropriate parking lot usage by charging, etc. Furthermore, by dealing with inappropriate parking lot usage by charging, etc., it is possible to prevent parking lots from being used unfairly at low prices.

[0092] [Comparative Example] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a comparative example. The comparative example differs from the management method shown in Fig. 4 etc. in that a "flat rate" is set. The following mainly describes the differences.

[0093] For example, a "flat rate" sets an upper limit amount, etc. Specifically, the service is provided by setting in advance the upper limit amount to be charged to the user for parking lot use within a specified period, using "one day" as a unit, such as "maximum XX yen per day."

[0094] With this setting, if you set "the first hour free," it will not be possible to manage inappropriate parking lot usage such as "repeated parking."

[0095] [First Modification] 8 is a diagram showing a first modified example. For example, the management system 100 may include a sensor 71. The sensor 71 may be integrated with the camera 11 or the server 13, or may be a separate information processing device. There may also be multiple sensors 71.

[0096] The sensor 71 is, for example, a device that reads a barcode, etc. The sensor 71 may also be an input device such as a touch panel.

[0097] Vehicle 16 may be identified by identifying the user, for example. For example, the user registers information in advance with server 13 by so-called "membership registration," etc. This registered information may include information about vehicle 16. Therefore, once the user can be identified, vehicle 16 can be identified based on the information about vehicle 16 included in the registered information.

[0098] The vehicle 16 may be identified by a method other than an image. For example, the vehicle 16 may be identified by an identification number or the like. Specifically, an identification number is set in advance for the vehicle 16. The vehicle 16 may then be identified by acquiring the identification number from the sensor 71 or through communication. Therefore, the type of sensor 71 or input device used may differ depending on the identification method. Furthermore, performing multiple identifications allows for more accurate identification.

[0099] [Second Modification] In the case of inappropriate parking lot use, the usage fee may be determined retroactively.

[0100] 9 is a diagram showing a second modified example. For example, suppose that first parking 51 and second parking 52 are "repeated parking" and are therefore inappropriate parking lot usage.

[0101] In such a case, for example, when settling the third parking 53 or thereafter, there may be an "additional charge 72" that retroactively charges the usage fees for the first parking 51 and the second parking 52 (which may be partially discounted).

[0102] The additional charge 72 is not limited to being made at the time of settlement after the third parking 53. For example, if the user's contact information is known (for example, the user is a member of the parking service or has an information processing device with dedicated application software installed), the additional charge 72 may be notified to the user's information processing device after a determination is made that the parking lot has been used inappropriately, such as by "repeated parking."

[0103] In this way, by retroactively charging for inappropriate parking lot use, inappropriate parking lot use can be deterred.

[0104] [Third Modification] 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a warning in the third modified example. For example, a display 73 or the like is provided at a gate or the like. However, the display 73 may be a display on the user's information processing device (i.e., a display on dedicated application software installed on the user's information processing device).

[0105] The screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, for example, in conjunction with the screen for settlement when leaving the garage, or before or after it.

[0106] The first warning should preferably clearly indicate the conditions that constitute inappropriate parking, such as "repeated parking." In particular, it should preferably indicate the time period that constitutes inappropriate parking, such as "within 15 minutes." In this way, if the conditions that constitute inappropriate parking are clearly indicated and a warning is issued, the user can be made aware of the conditions that constitute inappropriate parking.

[0107] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second warning in the third modified example. The second warning is output on the display 73, for example, in the same way as the first warning.

[0108] The second warning is displayed, for example, when the vehicle 16 is identified during procedures such as entering the parking lot at the gate, and if there is a possibility of "repeated parking." If the second warning makes the user realize that inappropriate parking lot use, such as "repeated parking," is being properly managed, it will encourage the user to stop inappropriate parking lot use.

[0109] When the first warning, the second warning, or a combination thereof is output as described above, it is possible to deter inappropriate use of the parking lot.

[0110] The warning is not limited to a visual warning, but may be a sound warning or the like.

[0111] [Other embodiments] Each device does not have to be a single device, that is, each device may be configured by combining multiple devices.

[0112] The present invention may be realized by a management program (including firmware and programs equivalent thereto; hereinafter simply referred to as a "program") that executes processing for realizing the management method exemplified above, or processing equivalent to the processing shown above.

[0113] That is, the present invention may be realized by a program written in a programming language or the like so as to issue instructions to a computer and obtain a predetermined result. Note that the program may be configured so that part of the processing is executed by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit).

[0114] The program causes the computer to execute the above-described processes by cooperating with the arithmetic unit, control unit, storage device, etc. of the computer. That is, the program is loaded into the main storage device, etc., and issues instructions to the arithmetic unit to perform calculations, thereby operating the computer.

[0115] The program may also be provided via a computer-readable recording medium or via a telecommunications line such as a network.

[0116] The present invention may be realized in a system composed of multiple devices. That is, an information processing system using multiple computers may execute the above-described processes in a redundant, parallel, distributed, or combination thereof manner. Therefore, the present invention may be realized in devices and systems other than those having the hardware configurations described above.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention may be modified or added to without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. Therefore, all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above-described exemplary embodiments are preferred examples. Those skilled in the art will be able to realize various modifications from the disclosed content, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 11: Camera 13: Server 16: Vehicle 50: Re-parking interval 51: First time parking 52: Second Parking 53: Third Parking 60: Scheduled time 71: Sensor 72: Additional claim 73: Display 100: Management System 100F1:Identification part 100F2: Storage section 100F3: Calculation section 100F4: Search section 100F5: Judgment section 100F6: Decision section T100: Total time T101: 1st parking time T102: 1st discount time T11: 1st stocking time T12: First shipping time T13: 1st discount time T201: Second parking time T202: Second discount time T21: Second warehousing time T22:Second shipping time T23: Second discount time

Claims

1. A management device for managing a parking lot, an identification unit that identifies a vehicle entering the parking lot; a storage unit that stores a history of the vehicle in association with the vehicle's entry time and departure time; a calculation unit that calculates a usage fee based on the entry time when the vehicle leaves the parking lot; a search unit that searches the history when the vehicle is brought into the warehouse; a determination unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle has reentered, determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the search result of the history and the departure time; a determination unit that determines the usage fee based on the determination result by the determination unit; A management device comprising:

2. The determination unit If there are repeated withdrawals and returns within a specified time, The usage fee will be determined based on the time of first parking entry. The management device according to claim 1 .

3. If the usage fee is determined based on the time of first parking entry, The calculation unit Calculate the next fee as if it were the first time The management device according to claim 2 .

4. If the usage fee is determined based on the time of first parking entry, The calculation unit Subsequent charges will not be calculated as if they were the first time. The management device according to claim 1 .

5. The identification unit Identifying the vehicle based on a captured image; The calculation unit If it is determined that the vehicle is being used for the first time, the usage fee is waived or the usage fee is calculated based on a discount time for which the usage fee is discounted; The storage unit storing the image in the history; The search unit The search result is generated based on whether or not the incoming vehicle can be identified as the same vehicle among the vehicles that have used the parking lot in the past as indicated by the history. The management device according to claim 1 .

6. The determination unit If it is determined that the parking lot usage is inappropriate, the usage fee will be determined retroactively. The management device according to claim 1 .

7. A first warning is output to warn the vehicle leaving the parking lot of conditions that would result in inappropriate parking lot use, or a second warning is output to warn the vehicle entering the parking lot of conditions that would result in inappropriate parking lot use if there is a possibility that the vehicle entering the parking lot will be inappropriate parking lot use. The management device according to claim 1 .

8. A management system having a management device that manages a parking lot, an identification unit that identifies a vehicle entering the parking lot; a storage unit that stores a history of the vehicle in association with the vehicle's entry time and departure time; a calculation unit that calculates a usage fee based on the entry time when the vehicle leaves the parking lot; a search unit that searches the history when the vehicle is brought into the warehouse; a determination unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle has reentered, determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the search result of the history and the departure time; a determination unit that determines the usage fee based on the determination result by the determination unit; A management system comprising:

9. A management method performed by a management device that manages a parking lot, an identification procedure for identifying a vehicle entering the parking lot; a storage step of storing a history of the vehicle in association with the vehicle's entry time and departure time; a calculation step of calculating a usage fee based on the entry time when the vehicle leaves the parking lot; a search procedure for searching the history when the vehicle is received; a determination step of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the departure time based on the search result of the history and the departure time when it is determined that the vehicle has re-entered the depot; a determination procedure for determining the usage fee based on the determination result of the determination procedure; Management methods including.

10. A management program for causing a computer to execute the management method according to claim 9.

Images