Control system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control system, etc., capable of guiding a vehicle to a parking position in a charging space by means of an automatic driving function.SOLUTION: A control system comprises a plurality of reading devices each for reading a mark provided in a vehicle within a charging area including a plurality of charging spaces, and a control device which controls an automatic driving function that the vehicle of which the mark is read by the reading device includes. Based on an installation position of the reading device which reads the mark, the control device identifies a route for moving the vehicle of which the mark is read to a parking position in a charging space and instructs the automatic driving function of the vehicle to move on the basis of the identified route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become popular, and in addition to wired power supply systems using cables, wireless power supply systems have been developed that supply power wirelessly from a power transmission coil laid on the ground to a power receiving coil on the electric vehicle side. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that assists parking operations so that the ground coil can be aligned with the vehicle coil on the vehicle side when parking a vehicle in a parking space where a ground coil is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6168164 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the driver needs to drive the vehicle so that the ground mark and the vehicle mark on the screen overlap each other, and then park the vehicle in the parking space.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a control system and the like that can use an autonomous driving function to guide a vehicle to a parking position in a charging space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control system having a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles within a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, and a control device that controls the autonomous driving function of the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device, wherein the control device identifies a route for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space based on the installation position of the reading device that read the mark, and instructs the autonomous driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the autonomous driving function can guide the vehicle to a parking position in a charging space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a record layout of a DB stored in a server. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a vehicle rental processing procedure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure for a vehicle in a parking charging area. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process procedure for a vehicle to a boarding position. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a warning process procedure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation position of a camera. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing procedure for a vehicle in a parking charging area according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The control system, control method, and program of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a control system will be described that rents out a vehicle (electric vehicle) that has an automatic driving function (automatic travel function) and a charging function using a wireless power supply system. The control system of this embodiment is used by companies that rent out vehicles for commuting to employees, companies that own company cars for business use, rental car companies in tourist destinations, etc.

[0011] 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a control system. The control system of this embodiment includes a power supply device 1 (power supply device), multiple cameras 2 (photographing devices), a server 4 (see FIG. 3), a user terminal 5 (see FIG. 3), a warning device 6, and the like in a wireless power supply system. A vehicle 3 in the control system of this embodiment is equipped with an automatic driving control unit 33 (see FIG. 3) that controls an on-board motor (actuator), steering (steering device), brakes (braking device), and the like to realize automatic driving. The power supply device 1, the camera 2, the server 4, the user terminal 5, the warning device 6, and the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 are communicatively connected via a network N. The network N may be the Internet or a public telephone network, or may be a local area network (LAN) established within the premises where the control system is installed. The power supply device 1, the camera 2, and the warning device 6 may be configured to directly transmit and receive information to and from the server 4 via wired communication, for example, via a cable. The user terminal 5 and the automatic driving control unit 33 are configured to be connected to the network N via wireless communication.

[0012] In the control system of this embodiment, a closed area enclosed by a fence or the like and equipped with a gate that opens and closes when a vehicle enters and leaves the parking charging area is used as the parking charging area, and multiple charging spaces are provided within the parking charging area. Each charging space is equipped with a power transmission coil 11 that supplies power from a power supply device 1 to an onboard battery (not shown) of the vehicle in a contactless manner. The power supply device 1 and each power transmission coil 11 are connected via electric wires. The power transmission coils 11 are buried underground within the charging space, and the electric wires are buried underground within the parking charging area, including the charging space. At least three power transmission coils 11 are connected to one power supply device 1 (six power transmission coils 11 are connected in FIG. 1 ). The power supply device 1 sequentially switches the connection with each power transmission coil 11 to supply power to the connected power transmission coils 11. In the parking charging area shown in FIG. 1 , the charging spaces are arranged in a grid pattern, but this configuration is not limited thereto. A driving space for the vehicle 3 may be provided between the charging spaces.

[0013] Vehicle 3 of this embodiment is provided with a power receiving coil 32 (see FIG. 3 ) on its bottom surface, and is configured so that when vehicle 3 is parked in a charging space, power receiving coil 32 faces power transmitting coil 11 of the charging space. Therefore, when vehicle 3 is parked in a charging space, power is wirelessly supplied (transmitted) from power transmitting coil 11 to power receiving coil 32, and the onboard battery is charged via power receiving coil 32. Camera 2 of this embodiment is installed in multiple locations, including a position where it can capture an image of vehicle 3 stopped (parked) at the drop-off position and a predetermined position within the parking charging area. Note that vehicle 3 has a code 31 (QR code (registered trademark) in FIG. 2 ) containing vehicle information affixed or printed on the door on the left side, as shown in FIG. 2 , for example, and camera 2 is installed in a position where it can capture an image of the left side of vehicle 3 stopped in the predetermined position. The camera 2 (reading device) has a sensor that detects that a vehicle 3 (or a moving object) has entered its photographing range, and a function to read the code 31 contained in the photographed image, and when it detects that a vehicle 3 has entered its photographing range, it takes a photograph and reads vehicle information from the code 31 in the photographed image obtained by photographing the code 31 attached to the vehicle 3. The camera 2 transmits the read vehicle information (for example, the vehicle ID assigned to the vehicle 3) to the server 4, and the server 4 can grasp the vehicle 3 that has arrived at the installation position of each camera 2.

[0014] The position of the cord 31 provided on the vehicle 3 is not limited to the door on the left side of the vehicle 3, but may be the door on the right side or on the top surface of the vehicle 3. The cord 31 may be provided anywhere as long as it corresponds to the power receiving coil 32 and can be photographed by the camera 2. In this embodiment, by photographing the cord 31 with the camera 2, it is possible to determine that the vehicle 3 and the power receiving coil 32 mounted on the vehicle 3 are in a position (within the photographing range) corresponding to the installation position of the camera 2. Therefore, the vehicle 3 moves by the autonomous driving function to the installation position of the next camera 2, the installation position of the power transmitting coil 11 (parking position in the charging space), or the boarding position, and since the movement start position can be determined with high accuracy, the destination position after autonomous driving can also be controlled with high accuracy.

[0015] The installation position of the camera 2 may include, for example, a position positioned a predetermined distance in front of the power transmission coil 11 (charging space) (a position a predetermined distance in the opposite direction to the traveling direction indicated by the arrow) as shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, a position a predetermined distance away from an adjacent camera 2 as shown in the middle part of FIG. 2, and a position a predetermined distance away from the boarding position (not shown). The predetermined distance may be a distance at which the traveling distance (movement distance) of the vehicle 3 can be controlled with high precision by the autonomous driving control unit 33. For example, if the autonomous driving control unit 33 can control the movement of the vehicle 3 10 meters ahead with high precision, the camera 2 may be installed 10 meters in front of the power transmission coil 11, 10 meters away from the adjacent camera 2, and 10 meters away from the boarding position. The route on which the vehicle 3 travels autonomously is not limited to a straight line as shown in the upper and middle parts of FIG. 2, but may include a left or right turn as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2. In this case, the installation position of the camera 2 can be determined based on the distance and route that allow the automatic driving control unit 33 to control automatic driving to the destination position (boarding position, position of the power transmission coil 11, or position of the adjacent camera 2) with high precision. Note that if the cord 31 is provided on the top surface of the vehicle 3, the camera 2 is installed in a position that captures an image of the cord 31 from above the vehicle 3.

[0016] The warning device 6 is installed in or near the parking charging area and outputs a warning sound or a warning message to warn living organisms in or near the parking charging area. The warning device 6 is not limited to a configuration that warns by voice.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system. The server 4 is an information processing device capable of various information processing and information transmission and reception, such as a server computer or a personal computer. The server 4 has a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, a display unit 45, a reading unit 46, etc., and these units are connected via a bus. The control unit 41 has one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 41 performs processing to be executed by the server 4 by appropriately executing a program 42P stored in the storage unit 42. Note that if the control unit 41 has multiple processors, the control unit 41 may execute each process using a different processor.

[0018] The storage unit 42 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 42 pre-stores a program 42P (program product) executed by the control unit 41 and various data required for executing the program 42P. The storage unit 42 also temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 41 executes the program 42P. The storage unit 42 also stores a charging space DB 42a, a camera DB 42b, a vehicle DB 42c, and a user DB 42d. These DBs may be stored in another storage device connected to the server 4 or in another storage device with which the server 4 can communicate.

[0019] The communication unit 43 has a communication module for connecting to the network N by wired or wireless communication, and transmits and receives information to other devices via the network N. The input unit 44 accepts operation input by the user and sends a control signal corresponding to the operation content to the control unit 41. The display unit 45 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 41. A part of the input unit 44 and the display unit 45 may be an integrated touch panel. Note that the input unit 44 and the display unit 45 are not essential, and the server 4 may be configured to accept operations via a connected terminal device and output information to be displayed to an external display device.

[0020] The reading unit 46 reads information stored in a portable storage medium 4a, which may include a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SD (Secure Digital) card, etc. The program 42P and various data stored in the storage unit 42 may be read by the control unit 41 from the portable storage medium 4a via the reading unit 46 and stored in the storage unit 42. The program 42P and various data may be written to the storage unit 42 during the manufacturing stage of the server 4, or may be downloaded by the control unit 41 from another device via the communication unit 43 and stored in the storage unit 42.

[0021] The server 4 is not limited to a single computer, but may be a multi-computer including multiple computers. The server 4 may also be a virtual machine virtually constructed within a single device by software, or may be a cloud server. In the following description, the server 4 is assumed to be a single computer. The program 42P may be deployed and executed on a single computer or at a single site, or may be deployed to be executed on multiple computers distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a network N.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 5. The user terminal 5 is a terminal used by a user who rents a car rented using the control system of this embodiment, and may be a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, or the like. The user terminal 5 has a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, a display unit 55, a camera 56, and the like, and these units are connected via a bus. The control unit 51, the memory unit 52, the communication unit 53, the input unit 54, and the display unit 55 each have the same configuration as the control unit 41, the memory unit 42, the communication unit 43, the input unit 44, and the display unit 45 of the server 4, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition to the program 52P (program product), the memory unit 52 of the user terminal 5 also stores an application program (hereinafter referred to as a rental car application 52AP) for realizing the use of a rental car rented using the control system of this embodiment.

[0023] The camera 56 is an imaging unit having a lens, an imaging element, etc. The camera 56 takes a photograph in accordance with instructions from the control unit 51 in response to the user's operation of the shutter button, and acquires, for example, one piece of image data (still image). The image data (captured image) acquired by the camera 56 is stored in the storage unit 52. The user terminal 5 has a function to read the code 31 of the vehicle 3 when the code 31 is photographed by the camera 56, and can read vehicle information from the photographed code 31.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the record layout of DBs 42a to 42d stored by the server 4. FIG. 5A shows the charging space DB 42a. The charging space DB 42a is a database that stores information about charging spaces provided within a parking charging area. The charging space DB 42a shown in FIG. 5A includes a charging space ID column, a power transmitting coil position information column, a column of autonomous driving information to the boarding position, a charging history column, and the like. The charging space DB 42a stores the position information of the power transmitting coil 11 installed in each charging space, the autonomous driving information to the boarding position, and the history information of the charging process performed at each charging space, in association with the charging space ID assigned to each charging space. The position information of the power transmitting coil 11 may be expressed, for example, by coordinate values ​​where an arbitrary point within the parking charging area is the origin and two orthogonal directions passing through the origin are the X-axis and the Y-axis, respectively, or longitude and latitude may be used. The autonomous driving information to the boarding position is information for autonomously driving the vehicle 3 parked in each charging space to travel to the boarding position, and includes, for example, a route from the position of the power transmitting coil 11 in each charging space to the boarding position. The charging history information includes a vehicle ID assigned to the vehicle 3 charged in each charging space, and the start date and time and end date and time of the charging process. The contents stored in the charging space DB 42a are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5A, and may include information about the power transmitting coil 11, information about the power supply device 1 that supplies power to the power transmitting coil 11, etc.

[0025] 5B shows the camera DB 42b. The camera DB 42b is a database that stores information about the cameras 2 installed in the parking charging area and the drop-off location. The camera DB 42b shown in FIG. 5B includes a camera ID column, a position information column, an autonomous driving information column, etc., and stores information about the installation position of each camera 2 and autonomous driving information about the vehicle 3 captured by each camera 2, in association with the camera ID assigned to each camera 2. As with the position information of the power transmitting coil 11, the position information of the camera 2 may be represented by coordinate values ​​in a coordinate system in which an arbitrary point within the parking charging area is set as the origin and two orthogonal directions passing through the origin are designated as the X-axis and the Y-axis, respectively, or longitude and latitude may be used. The autonomous driving information is information for autonomously driving the vehicle 3 photographed by each camera 2 to the photographing position (installation position) of the next camera 2, the position of the power transmission coil 11 (parking position in the charging space), or the boarding position, and includes, for example, the route from the position where the vehicle 3 was photographed to the photographing position of the next camera 2, the route (first route) to the position of the power transmission coil 11, and the route (second route) to the boarding position. The contents stored in the camera DB 42b are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5B, and device information of the camera 2, etc. may be stored.

[0026] FIG. 5C shows a vehicle DB 42c. The vehicle DB 42c is a database that stores information about vehicles 3 rented out as rental cars using the control system of this embodiment. The vehicle DB 42c shown in FIG. 5C includes a vehicle ID column, a digital key column, a destination information column, a remaining battery charge column, a rental history column, and the like. Corresponding to a vehicle ID assigned to each vehicle 3, the vehicle DB 42c stores a digital key prepared for each vehicle 3, destination information for communicating with the autonomous driving control unit 33 installed in each vehicle 3, the remaining charge of the battery installed in each vehicle 3, and rental history information for each vehicle 3. The rental history information includes a user ID assigned to the user who rented each vehicle 3, and the start and end dates and times of the rental process. The contents stored in the vehicle DB 42c are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5C. Other information may also be stored, such as history information about charging processes performed on each vehicle 3 and the current location of each vehicle 3 (e.g., the current location within a parking charging area).

[0027] FIG. 5D shows the user DB 42d. The user DB 42d is a database that stores information about users who have registered to rent a car (vehicle 3) using the control system of this embodiment. The user DB 42d shown in FIG. 5D includes a user ID column, a user information column, etc., and stores information such as the name and contact information of each user in association with the user ID assigned to each user. The contents stored in the user DB 42d are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5D. For example, if a company uses the control system of this embodiment to rent vehicles 3 to its employees, the department to which each user belongs may be stored. Rental information about vehicles 3 that have been used in the past may also be stored, and if charging is based on the usage time or mileage of the vehicle 3, information regarding charging may also be stored.

[0028] The process of renting a vehicle 3 to a user in the control system of this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process procedure for renting a vehicle 3, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example screen. In FIG. 6, the left side shows the process performed by the control unit 51 of the user terminal 5, and the right side shows the process performed by the control unit 41 of the server 4. In this embodiment, a user can rent a vehicle 3 parked at a specified boarding location, and when the user wants to rent a vehicle 3, the user launches the rental car app 52AP on the user terminal 5. Note that each vehicle 3 automatically drives to the boarding location under control of the server 4, as will be described later.

[0029] When the control unit 51 of the user terminal 5 receives an instruction to start the rental car application 52AP via the input unit 54, the control unit 51 starts the rental car application 52AP (S11) and displays a code reading screen as shown in Fig. 7A on the display unit 55 (S12). The screen shown in Fig. 7A displays a message instructing the user to read the code 31 provided on the vehicle 3 that the user wishes to rent, and a dashed frame indicating the photographing position of the code 31.

[0030] The user photographs the code 31 of the vehicle 3 they wish to rent using the camera 56 of the user terminal 5. The control unit 51 photographs the code 31 of the vehicle 3 using the camera 56 and reads the vehicle ID (vehicle information) from the code 31 in the photographed image (S13). Note that the user terminal 5 may be configured to read the vehicle ID from the code 31 of the vehicle 3 using the camera 56. Alternatively, if the code 31 provided on the vehicle 3 is a barcode (one-dimensional code), the user terminal 5 may be configured to read the vehicle ID from the code 31 using a barcode reader. Furthermore, instead of the code 31, a mark associated with the vehicle information (vehicle ID) may be provided on the vehicle 3. In this case, the control unit 51 may photograph the mark of the vehicle 3 using the camera 56 and identify the vehicle information (vehicle ID) corresponding to the photographed mark. When the control unit 51 has read the vehicle ID from the code 31, a reading completion screen is displayed on the display unit 55 as shown in FIG. 7B (S14). Note that if the code 31 of the vehicle 3 includes the model and license plate number of the vehicle 3, the control unit 51 may read and display not only the vehicle ID but also the model and license plate number of the vehicle 3 from the code 31. Furthermore, when reading the vehicle ID from the captured image of the code 31, the control unit 51 may be configured to determine whether the code 31 was photographed from the front and read the vehicle ID if it is determined that the code 31 was photographed from the front. For example, the control unit 51 determines whether the code 31 was photographed from the front or from an oblique angle based on the frame of the code in the screen of FIG. 7A and the captured image of the code 31, and performs the vehicle ID reading process only if it is determined that the code 31 was photographed from the front. With this configuration, only users who are in a position where they can photograph the code 31 from the front can request rental of the vehicle 3. This prevents duplicate rental requests for the same vehicle 3 and allows for smooth rental of the vehicle 3.

[0031] The user checks the read completion screen and presses the send button. The control unit 51 determines whether the send button has been pressed on the read completion screen (S15), and if it determines that the send button has been pressed (S15: YES), it transmits the read vehicle ID and the user ID of the user of the user terminal 5 to the server 4 (S16). This causes the control unit 51 to request the server 4 to start renting the vehicle 3 identified by the transmitted vehicle ID to the user. If it determines that the send button has not been pressed (S15: NO), the control unit 51 waits until it is pressed. Note that if the vehicle information (e.g., vehicle ID, vehicle number) displayed on the read completion screen differs from the information of the vehicle the user plans to rent, the user can re-read the code 31, and the control unit 51 will repeat the process from step S12 onwards.

[0032] When the control unit 41 of the server 4 receives a vehicle ID and a user ID from the user terminal 5 and rental of a vehicle 3 is requested, the control unit 41 reads the digital key of the vehicle 3 from the vehicle DB 42c (S17) and transmits it to the user terminal 5 (S18). The control unit 41 may read rental history information of the vehicle 3 requested for rental from the vehicle DB 42c, determine whether the vehicle 3 is currently being rented, i.e., whether the vehicle 3 is available for rental at this time, and transmit the digital key to the user terminal 5 if the vehicle 3 is available for rental. When the current location of the vehicle 3 is stored in the vehicle DB 42c, the control unit 41 may determine whether the vehicle 3 requested for rental is available for rental based on whether the current location of the vehicle 3 is the boarding location, and transmit the digital key to the user terminal 5 after confirming that the vehicle 3 is available for rental. With this configuration, if rental of a rented vehicle 3 is requested, it is determined that the vehicle 3 is not available for rental, so that the rental (rental) of the rented vehicle 3 can be avoided. When determining that the vehicle 3 is not available for rental, the control unit 41 may transmit a message to the user terminal 5 indicating that the vehicle 3 is not available for rental because it is currently being rented. In this case, the control unit 51 of the user terminal 5 notifies the user that the vehicle is not available for rental by displaying a message on the display unit 55. In this case, the user photographs the code 31 of another vehicle 3, and the control unit 51 executes the processes from step S12 onwards.

[0033] After processing step S18, the control unit 41 associates the user ID of the user terminal 5 that transmitted the digital key with the current date and time (rental start date and time) as rental history information, and stores the information in the vehicle DB 42c in association with the vehicle ID of the rented vehicle 3 (S19). This allows the vehicle DB 42c to know that the vehicle 3 is currently being rented. When the control unit 51 of the user terminal 5 acquires the digital key from the server 4, it stores the acquired digital key in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 52 or in the rental car app 52AP (S20). Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the control unit 51 displays a notification screen on the display unit 55 notifying the user that the digital key has been acquired and that driving is now possible (S21). This allows the user (driver) to know that use of the vehicle 3 is now possible, and by carrying the user terminal 5, the user can use the vehicle 3 from which the code 31 was read.

[0034] Through the above-described process, the user can request the server 4 to rent the vehicle 3 by reading the code 31 provided on the vehicle 3 using the user terminal 5. The user can also use the vehicle 3 by obtaining the digital key for the vehicle 3 from the server 4. The user gets into the vehicle 3 whose rental has started at the boarding location and starts using it. For example, if the vehicle 3 is rented to an employee (user) as a vehicle for commuting, the user will drive the vehicle 3 to work on the next workday and return the vehicle 3 at the drop-off location.

[0035] Next, the processing after the user returns the vehicle 3 will be described. In the control system of this embodiment, when the user returns the rented vehicle 3, the user gets off at a predetermined drop-off location and returns the vehicle 3. When the vehicle 3 stops (parks) at the drop-off location, it moves to a charging space in the parking charging area by automatic driving under control of the server 4, and is charged by power supplied from the power supply device 1. The charged vehicle 3 moves to a boarding location by automatic driving under control of the server 4, and is rented to the user from the boarding location.

[0036] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing procedure for vehicle 3 within a parking charging area. In Figure 8, the processing performed by camera 2 is shown on the left, and the processing performed by server 4 is shown on the right. When each camera 2 installed within the parking charging area detects that a vehicle 3 has entered its shooting range, it photographs code 31 attached to vehicle 3, reads the vehicle ID from code 31 in the obtained captured image (S31), and transmits the read vehicle ID to server 4 (S32). The camera 2 transmits the vehicle ID to server 4 together with identification information (camera ID) assigned to each camera 2.

[0037] The control unit 41 of the server 4 acquires the vehicle ID transmitted from each camera 2 (S33). When the control unit 41 acquires the vehicle ID, it refers to the camera DB 42b to identify the position of the camera 2 that transmitted the vehicle ID, and determines whether or not the vehicle ID has been acquired from the camera 2 installed at the drop-off location (S34). When the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle ID has been acquired from the camera 2 at the drop-off location (S34: YES), it stores this date and time as the rental end date and time, and associates it with the acquired vehicle ID and stores it as the end date and time of the rental history information stored in the vehicle DB 42c (S35). This completes the return of the rented vehicle 3.

[0038] If the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle ID has not been acquired from the camera 2 at the disembarking position (S34: NO), that is, if the vehicle ID has been acquired from a camera 2 other than the camera 2 at the disembarking position, the control unit 41 skips step S35. By acquiring the vehicle ID from each camera 2, the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle 3 with the acquired vehicle ID has arrived at the installation position of each camera 2.

[0039] Next, the control unit 41 reads from the camera DB 42b the autonomous driving information set for the camera 2 for which the vehicle ID was acquired (S36). The autonomous driving information includes a route for autonomously driving the vehicle 3 photographed by the camera 2 (a vehicle 3 within the photographing range of the camera 2) to the installation location of the next camera 2 (within the photographing range), a charging space (power transmission coil 11), or a boarding position. Therefore, the control unit 41 can identify the route for moving the vehicle 3 based on the installation location of the camera 2 that photographed the code 31 of the vehicle 3. The control unit 41 also reads from the vehicle DB 42c destination information for controlling the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 for which the vehicle ID was acquired (S37). Then, the control unit 41 uses the read destination information to send autonomous driving information to the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 photographed by the camera 2 (S38), instructing it to perform autonomous driving. When the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 acquires the automatic driving information from the server 4, it controls the motor, steering, brakes, etc. mounted on the vehicle 3 to automatically drive the vehicle 3 along the route indicated by the automatic driving information. Thus, the server 4 can guide the vehicle 3 photographed by the camera 2 to a destination (the installation location of the next camera 2, a charging space, or a boarding position) according to the installation location of the camera 2.

[0040] As a result, if the route indicated by the autonomous driving information is the route to the installation location of the next camera 2, the vehicle 3 automatically drives to the installation location of the next camera 2; if the route indicated by the autonomous driving information is the route to a charging space (power transmission coil 11), the vehicle 3 automatically drives to the charging space; and if the route indicated by the autonomous driving information is the route to a boarding location, the vehicle 3 automatically drives to the boarding location. When instructing the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 to perform autonomous driving, the control unit 41 may instruct the execution of autonomous driving after confirming that there are no other vehicles 3 at the installation location (photography range) of the next camera 2, the charging space, or the boarding location, which are the destinations. Furthermore, when autonomous driving is performed along a route instructed by the server 4 (control device), the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 may start autonomous driving after confirming that there are no other vehicles 3 at the installation location (photography range) of the next camera 2, the charging space, or the boarding location, which are the destinations. This makes it possible to avoid collisions or contact between the vehicles 3.

[0041] The control unit 41 determines whether the vehicle 3 that has been instructed to perform autonomous driving has reached a charging space (S39). For example, the control unit 41 determines whether the autonomous driving information sent to the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 is a route to the charging space, and if it is a route to the charging space, determines that the vehicle 3 has reached the charging space. In this case, the control unit 41 may determine that the vehicle 3 has reached the charging space when the time required for the vehicle 3 to travel to the charging space has elapsed since the control unit 41 instructed the vehicle 3 to perform autonomous driving.

[0042] When the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle 3 has arrived at a charging space (S39: YES), it instructs the power supply device 1 to start charging the vehicle 3 via the power transmission coil 11 of the charging space that the vehicle 3 has arrived at (S40). The control unit 41 identifies the power supply device 1 to which the power transmission coil 11 of the charging space that the vehicle 3 has arrived at is connected, and instructs the identified power supply device 1 to start charging. The control unit 41 then associates the vehicle ID of the vehicle 3 that started charging with the date and time at that time (charging start date and time) as charging history information, and stores this information in the charging space DB 42a in association with the charging space ID of the charging space where charging started (S41). This makes it possible to know from the charging space DB 42a that charging is being performed in that charging space. Note that three or more power transmission coils 11 are connected to the power supply device 1, and when the power supply device 1 receives an instruction from the server 4 to start charging for multiple power transmission coils 11 (charging spaces), it sequentially switches the connection with each power transmission coil 11 and performs charging via each power transmission coil 11. For example, the power supply device 1 performs charging via each power transmission coil 11 in the order in which it receives a charging start instruction from the server 4. Alternatively, the remaining battery charge of each vehicle 3 instructed to start charging may be read from the vehicle DB 42c, and charging may be performed for each vehicle 3 in ascending or descending order of remaining battery charge. When each power supply device 1 simultaneously charges multiple vehicles 3, the server 4 instructs each power supply device 1 to charge a constant (similar) number of vehicles 3 simultaneously. Specifically, the server 4 instructs each power supply device 1 to simultaneously supply power to a similar number of power transmission coils and charge a similar number of vehicles 3. By maintaining a constant (similar) number of vehicles 3 simultaneously charged by each power supply device 1, the load of the output power from each power supply device 1 can be leveled, eliminating the need to provide each power supply device 1 with equipment for controlling the output power, thereby avoiding excessive capital investment. Furthermore, controlling the output power of each power supply device 1 can reduce electricity costs.

[0043] If the control unit 41 determines that the vehicle 3 has not reached the charging space (S39: NO), that is, if the destination of the vehicle 3 is the installation location of the next camera 2 or the boarding location, it skips steps S40 to S41. If the destination is the installation location of the next camera 2, the vehicle 3 is photographed by the next camera 2, and the processing of FIG. 8 is repeated. If the destination is the boarding location, the user begins renting the vehicle 3 through the processing of FIG. 6.

[0044] Through the above-described process, the vehicle 3 returned to the drop-off location is instructed to perform autonomous driving along the route to the next destination by reading the code 31 with each camera 2, and the vehicle 3 automatically travels to the destination according to the installation position of each camera 2. Thus, the vehicle 3 automatically travels along the route from the drop-off location to the first camera 2, the route between each camera 2, and the route from the camera 2 to the charging space, and is charged at the charging space.

[0045] Next, the process when charging is completed at each charging space will be described. In the control system of this embodiment, when charging is completed at each charging space, the vehicle 3 moves to a boarding position by automatic driving under control of the server 4 and waits until it is rented. Note that one to several boarding positions are prepared, for example, and the server 4 moves the vehicle 3 whose charging has been completed to the boarding position if there is an available boarding position. If there is no available boarding position, the vehicle 3 waits at the charging space even after charging is completed, and moves to the boarding position under control of the server 4. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process procedure for the vehicle 3 to move to the boarding position. In FIG. 9, the left side shows the process performed by the power supply device 1, and the right side shows the process performed by the server 4. The power supply device 1 performs charging processing for the vehicle 3 via the connected power transmission coil 11, and determines whether charging is completed (S51). If it determines that charging is not completed (S51: NO), the charging processing via the power transmission coil 11 continues. When the power supply device 1 determines that the charging process is completed (S51: YES), the power supply device 1 transmits the charging space ID of the charging space where charging has been completed to the server 4 to notify the server 4 of the completion of charging (S52).

[0046] When the control unit 41 of the server 4 is notified by the power supply device 1 that charging is complete, the control unit 41 stores this date and time as the charging end date and time, and associates it with the received charging space ID and stores it as the end date and time of the charging history information stored in the charging space DB 42a (S53). This records that charging at each charging space has been completed. The control unit 41 identifies the vehicle ID of the vehicle 3 that has completed charging by reading out the vehicle ID from the charging history information that stores the charging end date and time (S54). The control unit 41 also reads out, from the charging space DB 42a, the automatic driving information that is set for the charging space that stores the charging end date and time (S55). The automatic driving information here includes a route for automatic driving from the charging space to the boarding position.

[0047] The control unit 41 also reads, from the vehicle DB 42c, destination information for controlling the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 having the vehicle ID obtained in step S54 (S56). Then, the control unit 41 uses the read destination information to transmit automatic driving information to the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 that has completed charging (S57), instructing it to perform automatic driving. Having obtained the automatic driving information from the server 4, the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 controls the motor, steering, brakes, etc. mounted on the vehicle 3 to automatically drive the vehicle 3 along the route indicated by the automatic driving information and move it to the boarding position.

[0048] Through the above-described process, the vehicle 3 that has completed charging in the charging space moves to the boarding position and waits until it is rented. The control unit 41 of the server 4 is aware of the current position of each vehicle 3, and may determine whether another vehicle 3 is parked at the boarding position, and after confirming that there is no other vehicle 3 at the boarding position, may instruct the vehicle 3 that has completed charging to perform autonomous driving. In other words, if another vehicle 3 is parked at the boarding position, the control unit 41 causes the vehicle 3 that has completed charging to wait in the charging space, and then moves it to the boarding position once a boarding position becomes available.

[0049] Next, a process to be performed when a living organism such as an animal enters a parking charging area will be described. The control system of this embodiment detects whether a living organism such as an animal has entered the parking charging area based on images captured by a camera 2 installed in the parking charging area. The control system may also detect whether a living organism has entered the parking charging area or whether a living organism is likely to enter using a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a living organism in the parking charging area, or a sensor that detects a living organism that has entered or is likely to enter the parking charging area. Furthermore, when the control system of this embodiment detects a living organism that has entered or is likely to enter the parking charging area, it issues a warning sound or message via a warning device 6 installed in or near the parking charging area.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a warning process. The control unit 41 of the server 4 executes a process to detect whether a living organism has entered a parking charging area, for example, based on each image captured by the camera 2 (S61). For example, the control unit 41 detects a living organism in the image by performing an object detection process on the captured image. The object detection process can be performed using an object detection model that has been machine-learned to output a result of determining whether an object contained in an input image is one of the previously learned living organisms. The object detection process can also be performed by template matching using a template image that indicates the image features of the captured image of the living organism. When a sensor that detects the presence or intrusion of a living organism is used, the control unit 41 can detect whether a living organism has entered a parking charging area based on the detection signal from the sensor.

[0051] The control unit 41 determines whether a living organism has been detected as a result of the living organism detection process (S62). If it determines that a living organism has not been detected (S62: NO), the process returns to step S61 and continues the living organism detection process. If the control unit 41 determines that a living organism has been detected (S62: YES), the control unit 41 sends an instruction to the warning device 6 to output a predetermined warning sound or warning message, causing the warning device 6 to issue a warning (S63). Multiple warning devices 6 may be installed within or near the parking charging area. In this case, the control unit 41 issues a warning using the warning device 6 installed in a position close to the location where the living organism was detected. This prevents living organisms from entering the parking charging area. The control unit 41 may also sequentially switch between multiple warning devices 6 to output warning sounds so that animals such as dogs and cats that have entered the parking charging area can be guided out of the parking charging area. The above-described processing prevents the charging process from becoming unstable due to a living organism entering the parking charging area when wireless charging is performed between the transmitting coil 11 installed in the charging space and the receiving coil 32 installed in the vehicle 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, the charging space DB 42a registers autonomous driving information indicating the route from each charging space to the boarding position, and the camera DB 42b registers autonomous driving information indicating the route taken by the vehicle 3 photographed by each camera 2 to the installation position of the next camera 2, the charging space, or the boarding position, and the movement route of the vehicle 3 is identified by reading the autonomous driving information from the DBs 42a and 42b, but this is not limiting. For example, the movement route from the disembarkation position to the camera 2, the movement route between the cameras 2, the movement route from the camera 2 to the charging space, and the movement route from the charging space to the boarding position may be identified based on the position information of each camera 2 registered in the camera DB 42b and the position information of each charging space (power transmission coil 11) registered in the charging space DB 42a.

[0053] In the example of FIG. 1 , there is one drop-off location and one pick-up location. However, multiple drop-off locations and multiple pick-up locations may be provided. A parking area where fully charged vehicles 3 are parked may be provided between the charging space and the pick-up location. The fully charged vehicles 3 may be controlled to move to the parking area and then sequentially move to the pick-up location. A waiting area where vehicles 3 waiting to be charged may be provided between the drop-off location and the charging space. If there is no available charging space, the returned vehicle 3 may wait in the waiting area and then move to a available charging space when one becomes available. The number of charging spaces is preferably determined based on the number of vehicles 3 rented by the control system of this embodiment, the charging time required for each vehicle 3 when it is returned, the rental start time of each vehicle 3, and the like. By providing an appropriate number of charging spaces, charging of each vehicle 3 can be completed before it is rented, enabling efficient charging of the vehicles 3.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment described above, when the code 31 is captured by the camera 2 installed in the disembarkation location and the parking charging area, the vehicle 3 is controlled to automatically drive to the installation location of the next camera 2, the location of the charging space (power transmitting coil 11), or the boarding location based on the automatic driving information registered corresponding to the installation location of each camera 2. In this embodiment, a control system is described that, when the vehicle 3 moves to a charging space, fine-tunes the position of the vehicle 3 through automatic driving and accurately aligns the power receiving coil 32 of the vehicle 3 to a position facing the power transmitting coil 11 of the charging space. The control system of this embodiment can be realized using a device similar to the control system of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , so a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted. Note that in this embodiment, in addition to the installation locations in the first embodiment, the camera 2 is installed in a position where it can capture an image of the code 31 of the vehicle 3 parked in each charging space. The location information of such camera 2 may be stored in the camera DB 42b along with the charging space ID of the corresponding charging space.

[0055] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation position of the camera 2. Among the cameras 2 of this embodiment, the camera 2 installed in a position capable of capturing an image of a vehicle 3 parked in a charging space may be configured such that one camera 2 captures an image of the vehicle 3 in one charging space, as shown in FIG. 11A, or such that one camera 2 captures an image of the vehicles 3 in multiple charging spaces (three in FIG. 11E). When one camera 2 captures an image of one charging space, the camera 2 is installed so that the center of the power transmission coil 11 is in the imaging direction, as shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 11A. When one camera 2 captures an image of multiple charging spaces, the camera 2 is installed so that the target charging spaces are within the imaging range of the camera 2, as shown in FIG. 11E. Note that the camera 2 is preferably installed at a height that allows the cord 31 of the vehicle 3 to be positioned in the vertical center of the captured image.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the server 4 detects that the vehicle 3 has arrived at a charging space, it instructs the camera 2, which captures an image of the charging space, to capture the image and adjusts the parking position of the vehicle 3 relative to the charging space based on the image captured by the camera 2. For example, when the vehicle 3 is parked in the charging space as shown in FIG. 11B, the camera 2 captures an image as shown in FIG. 11C. Since the camera 2 is positioned relative to the power transmitting coil 11, when the vehicle 3 is parked so that the power receiving coil 32 of the vehicle 3 faces the power transmitting coil 11, the capturing position of the cord 31 in the captured image is determined. For example, the region R indicated by the dashed line in the captured image in FIG. 11C is the capturing region of the cord 31. In the captured image in FIG. 11C, the capturing position of the cord 31 is shifted from the region R, which indicates that the vehicle 3 is not parked in a position where the power receiving coil 32 faces the power transmitting coil 11. In this case, the server 4 identifies the amount of movement of the vehicle 3 to position the power receiving coil 32 of the vehicle 3 facing the power transmitting coil 11, based on the area R in the captured image and the captured position (captured area) of the code 31. Then, the server 4 instructs the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 to move the identified amount of movement. By moving (automatic driving) in accordance with the instruction from the server 4, the vehicle 3 can move to a position where the code 31 is captured within the area R in the captured image, as shown in FIG. 11D.

[0057] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing procedure for vehicle 3 in a parking charging area according to embodiment 2. The processing shown in Figure 12 is the processing shown in Figure 8 with steps S71 to S77 added between YES in step S39 and step S40. Explanations of the same steps as in Figure 8 will be omitted. Steps S31 to S38 in Figure 8 are not shown in Figure 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the control unit 41 of the server 4 determines that the vehicle 3 has reached a charging space (S39: YES), it identifies the camera 2 that will capture images of the charging space that the vehicle 3 has reached and requests the identified camera 2 to capture images (S71). The camera 2 that has been requested to capture images takes images (S72) and transmits the captured images to the server 4 (S73). In this case, since the vehicle 3 is parked in a charging space within the capture range, the camera 2 captures an image of the code 31 of the vehicle 3 and transmits the captured image of the code to the server 4.

[0059] The control unit 41 of the server 4 identifies the photographing position (photographing area) of the code 31 in the photographed image based on the photographed image acquired from the camera 2 (S74). The control unit 41 identifies the distance by which the vehicle 3 should be moved based on the identified photographing position of the code 31 in the photographed image and the position of the area R that is preset in the photographed image (S75). For example, by setting the distance in advance for the number of pixels in the left-right direction between the center of the photographing position of the code 31 and the center of the area R, the control unit 41 can count the distance (number of pixels) between the center of the photographing position of the code 31 in the photographed image and the center of the area R, and identify the distance of movement corresponding to the counted number of pixels. The control unit 41 reads destination information for controlling the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 that has arrived at the charging space from the vehicle DB 42c (S76), and uses the read destination information to transmit autonomous driving information to the autonomous driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 that has arrived at the charging space, instructing the autonomous driving control unit 33 to move the distance identified in step S75 (S77), thereby instructing the vehicle 3 to perform autonomous driving. When the automatic driving control unit 33 of the vehicle 3 acquires the automatic driving information from the server 4, the automatic driving control unit 33 causes the vehicle 3 to automatically travel (move) by the movement amount indicated by the automatic driving information.

[0060] This allows the vehicle 3 to be parked in the charging space with the power receiving coil 32 of the vehicle 3 facing the power transmitting coil 11. Thereafter, the control unit 41 executes the processes from step S40 onwards, and charges the vehicle 3 via the power transmitting coil 11 of the charging space that the vehicle 3 has arrived at. Through the above-described process, the power receiving coil 32 on the vehicle 3 side can be positioned to face the power transmitting coil 11 provided in the charging space in an appropriate position, allowing for stable wireless charging and preventing a decrease in charging efficiency.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 11E , when multiple charging spaces are photographed with one camera 2, the photographed position (photographed area) of the cord 31 when the vehicle 3 is parked in an appropriate position (predetermined position) in each charging space is preset as area R in the photographed image. The distance by which the vehicle 3 should be moved can be determined based on the distance between the actual position of the cord 31 in the photographed image and area R. Furthermore, after processing step S74, the control unit 41 of the server 4 extracts the photographed area of ​​the cord 31 in the photographed image and converts the extracted photographed area into a rectangular area of ​​a predetermined size using a transformation matrix. This allows the photographed area in which the cord 31 is photographed from an oblique direction to be corrected to the photographed area in which the cord 31 is photographed from the front. Then, by performing processing from step S75 onward based on the corrected photographed area of ​​the cord 31, the vehicle 3 can be parked in a position in the charging space where the power receiving coil 32 faces the power transmitting coil 11. Even in this case, wireless charging can be performed stably.

[0062] The control systems of the first and second embodiments described above are used, for example, by companies that rent out vehicles for commuting to employees and companies that own company cars. Therefore, for example, in factories in rural areas, where the parking lot is large, the company building may be far from the location where the vehicle is parked. However, with the control system of this embodiment, employees can simply disembark from their vehicle at a designated drop-off location and board their vehicle at a designated boarding location, eliminating the need to travel to a parking space in the large parking lot and improving the commuting environment by vehicle. Furthermore, in rural areas, for example, automobiles may be the only means of commuting. Renting a vehicle managed by the control system of this embodiment for commuting can be expected to increase employment opportunities. Furthermore, when the control system of this embodiment is used by a rental car company in a tourist destination, the vehicle that is dropped off (returned) at the designated drop-off location automatically drives to a charging space and is automatically charged under the control of server 4, reducing the burden of vehicle maintenance.

[0063] The following additional notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiments including the first and second embodiments.

[0064] (Appendix 1) A control system including a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles in a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, and a control device that controls an automatic driving function of the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device, The control device determining a route for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space based on an installation location of the reading device that read the mark; Instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. Control system.

[0065] (Appendix 2) a power transmitting coil that transmits power to a power receiving coil provided in the vehicle in a wireless manner is provided in each of the charging spaces; a power supply device that supplies power to the power transmitting coil; The power supply device is connected to at least three power transmission coils and supplies power to the power transmission coils by switching between them in sequence. 10. The control system of claim 1.

[0066] (Appendix 3) a plurality of the power supply devices; When each of the power supply devices simultaneously supplies power to a plurality of transmitting coils, each of the power supply devices simultaneously supplies power to a similar number of transmitting coils. 10. The control system of claim 2.

[0067] (Appendix 4) The mark is provided on the side or top of the vehicle. 4. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0068] (Appendix 5) The mark is a code containing vehicle information of the vehicle. 5. A control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0069] (Appendix 6) the reading device includes a reading device that reads a mark provided on a vehicle parked at a predetermined drop-off location where a driver gets off from the vehicle, The control device identifying a first route for moving the vehicle parked at the drop-off location to the charging space based on an installation location of the reading device that reads the mark on the vehicle parked at the drop-off location; instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified first route; determining a second route for moving the vehicle from the charging space to a predetermined boarding position where a driver boards the vehicle, based on the location of the charging space; Instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle that has completed charging in the charging space to move based on the identified second route. 6. A control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0070] (Appendix 7) the reading device is an imaging device positioned relative to the charging space; the mark is provided at a position corresponding to a power receiving coil provided in the vehicle, The control device specifies a route for moving the vehicle, whose image of the mark was captured, to a parking position of the charging space, based on the installation position of the photographing device that captured the image of the mark and the position of each charging space. 7. A control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6.

[0071] (Appendix 8) the reading device is an imaging device that is positioned with respect to a power transmission coil provided in the charging space and captures an image of a mark on a vehicle parked in the charging space, The control device determining a distance by which the vehicle, in which the mark is photographed, should be moved to a predetermined parking position in the charging space, based on a photographing position of the mark in the image photographed by the photographing device; Instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move the specified amount of movement. 8. The control system of claim 7.

[0072] (Appendix 9) a warning device that issues a warning when it detects an intrusion of a living organism into the charging area; 9. The control system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, further comprising:

[0073] (Appendix 10) among a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles within a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, based on the installation location of the reading device that read the mark, a route is identified for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space; Instructing the automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. A control method for computer-implemented processing.

[0074] (Appendix 11) among a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles within a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, based on the installation location of the reading device that read the mark, a route is identified for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space; Instructing the automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

[0075] The features described in each of the above embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. Multiple claims (multi-multi claims) that reference at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0076] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Power supply device 2 Cameras 3 vehicles 4 Server 5. User terminal 6 Warning device 11. Transmission coil 31 Code 32 receiving coil 33 Automatic driving control unit 41 Control Unit 42 Storage section 43 Communications Department 51 Control section 52 Storage section 53 Communications Department

Claims

1. A control system including a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles in a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, and a control device that controls an automatic driving function of the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device, The control device determining a route for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space based on an installation location of the reading device that read the mark; Instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. Control system.

2. a power transmitting coil that transmits power to a power receiving coil provided in the vehicle in a wireless manner is provided in each of the charging spaces; a power supply device that supplies power to the power transmitting coil; The power supply device is connected to at least three power transmission coils and supplies power to the power transmission coils by switching between them in sequence. The control system of claim 1 .

3. a plurality of the power supply devices; When each of the power supply devices simultaneously supplies power to a plurality of transmitting coils, each of the power supply devices simultaneously supplies power to a similar number of transmitting coils. The control system of claim 2 .

4. The mark is provided on the side or top of the vehicle. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mark is a code containing vehicle information of the vehicle. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the reading device includes a reading device that reads a mark provided on a vehicle parked at a predetermined drop-off location where a driver gets off from the vehicle, The control device identifying a first route for moving the vehicle parked at the drop-off location to the charging space based on an installation location of the reading device that reads the mark on the vehicle parked at the drop-off location; instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified first route; determining a second route for moving the vehicle from the charging space to a predetermined boarding position where a driver boards the vehicle, based on the location of the charging space; and instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle that has completed charging in the charging space to move based on the identified second route. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. the reading device is an imaging device positioned relative to the charging space; the mark is provided at a position corresponding to a power receiving coil provided in the vehicle, The control device specifies a route for moving the vehicle, whose image of the mark was captured, to a parking position of the charging space, based on the installation position of the photographing device that captured the image of the mark and the position of each charging space. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. the reading device is an imaging device that is positioned with respect to a power transmission coil provided in the charging space and captures an image of a mark on a vehicle parked in the charging space, The control device determining a distance by which the vehicle, in which the mark is photographed, should be moved to a predetermined parking position in the charging space, based on a photographing position of the mark in the image photographed by the photographing device; Instructing an automatic driving function of the vehicle to move the specified amount of movement. The control system of claim 7.

9. a warning device that issues a warning when it detects an intrusion of a living organism into the charging area; The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

10. among a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles within a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, based on the installation location of the reading device that read the mark, a route is identified for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space; Instructing the automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. A control method for computer-implemented processing.

11. among a plurality of reading devices that read marks provided on vehicles within a charging area having a plurality of charging spaces, based on the installation location of the reading device that read the mark, a route is identified for moving the vehicle whose mark has been read by the reading device to a parking position of the charging space; Instructing the automatic driving function of the vehicle to move based on the identified route. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

Images