Parking lot management server and computer program

Abstract

To provide information useful for a parking lot user waiting for a vacancy without depending on a reservation system and without depending on the scale of a parking lot.SOLUTION: A parking lot management DB that accumulates the entry time data and the exit time data, a scheduled exit time data receiving unit that receives a scheduled exit time input by a parking lot user at the time of entry together with user identification data, and an exit pace calculating unit that calculates an exit result value that is the number of exiting vehicles per unit time at a current time; This parking lot management server is provided with a prediction means for calculating waiting time prediction data until a vacancy is generated in a parking lot which is full by using a delivery result value and delivery scheduled time data, and a display device for outputting a prediction time based on the waiting time prediction data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology capable of providing appropriate information to a vehicle attempting to enter a crowded or full parking lot. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of information and communication technology, it is now possible to search for parking spaces and make reservations directly after the search operation. In addition, while it is possible to make reservations, it is also possible to cancel reserved parking spaces.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables reservations for multiple parking lots to be completed in a batch for waiting for cancellations and when cancellations occur.

[0004] Now, when there is a shortage of parking spaces in a parking lot, many vehicles will wait at the entrance of the parking lot, waiting for a space to become available. If there is a lot of traffic in and out of the parking lot, parking lot users will hope that they will be able to park if they wait. However, it is not uncommon for users to be disappointed and have to wait longer than expected before they get a parking opportunity.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a facility reservation management system that can improve facility utilization efficiency by encouraging users to set an end time for their use at facilities that accept reservations. In parking lot reservation management, users declare the end time of their use, so it is possible to predict which vehicles will leave the parking lot from the data on the end time of their use. As a result, parking lot operators can expect to improve utilization efficiency.

[0006] According to the reservation management system disclosed in Patent Document 2, it would be possible to use data on the end time of use to calculate how many minutes it will take for a vehicle to leave the parking lot at the current time. If this is the case, it would be possible to provide a "prediction system" that notifies parking lot users who are waiting for a vacant space of the calculation results using some means (for example, an electronic bulletin board, digital signage, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6923270 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-25933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Many parking lots currently do not have a reservation system, and it is common for parking lot users to simply go to the parking lot without making a reservation and park if there is a space available. On the other hand, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is premised on reservation for use. Therefore, it is difficult to provide appropriate information to a vehicle attempting to enter a parking lot that is full using the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. This is because the percentage of parking lot users who make reservations before using the parking lot is not high, and therefore improvement in prediction accuracy cannot be expected.

[0009] Let's say that the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied to provide a "prediction system" that notifies parking lot users who are waiting for a parking space. In this case, if the proportion of parking lot users who have made a reservation and are using the parking lot is high compared to the total number of users using the parking lot at that time, it is expected that the notification to parking lot users who are waiting for a parking space will function effectively. However, as mentioned above, the current situation is that the proportion of parking lot users who are using the reservation system itself (referred to as a "reservation management system" in Patent Document 2) is not high. Therefore, it is difficult to say that a "prediction system" that provides useful information to parking lot users who are waiting for a parking space can be provided.

[0010] In the reservation management system disclosed in Patent Document 2, even if the usage pattern in which parking lot users declare their usage end time becomes widespread, it is difficult for the predictions made by the above-mentioned "prediction system" to be accurate. This is because, although Patent Document 1 discloses a scheme to provide incentives to encourage parking lot users to keep to the declared usage end time, it is not guaranteed that the time will be strictly adhered to.

[0011] Even if parking lot users do not always strictly adhere to the requirement to declare their end time in advance, it is possible to improve prediction accuracy if a large number of parking lot users declare their end time, because the probability can be calculated using accumulated statistical data.

[0012] In other words, prediction accuracy can be improved in parking lots with a large number and a high percentage of parking lot users who declare their end times. Since the percentage of parking lot users who make reservations is not increasing easily, a large number of parking lot users who declare their end times is required. In other words, improvement in prediction accuracy can only be expected in large parking lots with an absolute large number of parking lot users.

[0013] There is a need for a technology that provides useful information to parking lot users waiting for spaces to become available, without relying on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. However, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 discloses such a technology.

[0014] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a technology that can provide useful information to parking lot users waiting for a vacant space, without relying on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, we provide a first invention relating to a parking lot management server that can provide useful information to parking lot users waiting for a vacancy, regardless of the reservation system or the size of the parking lot; a second invention relating to a computer program that controls the parking lot management server of the first invention; and a third invention relating to a computer program that is executed on a mobile terminal that communicates bidirectionally with the parking lot management server.

[0016] (First Invention) The first invention relates to a parking lot management server that predicts how long it will take for a parking lot to become vacant after it is fully booked. an entry time data receiving means for receiving entry time data including vehicle identification data (e.g., vehicle number) for identifying the entered vehicle and the entry time acquired by the entry confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a departure time data receiving means for receiving departure time data including vehicle identification data and departure time of the vehicle that has been left, which data is acquired by the departure confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a parking lot management database that stores the entry time data and the exit time data; a scheduled exit time data receiving means for receiving the scheduled exit time input by the parking lot user when entering the parking lot together with the user identification data; a departure pace calculation means for calculating an actual departure value, which is the number of leaving vehicles per hour at the current time, by using past data for each day of the week and each time period stored in the parking lot management database; a prediction means for calculating predicted waiting time data until a parking space becomes available in a full parking lot by using the actual leaving value and the scheduled leaving time; a display device that outputs a predicted time based on the waiting time prediction data; (See Figure 2.)

[0017] (Terminology) The "display device" refers to an electronic signboard (an electronic signboard and a second signboard in Figure 2). The electronic signboard is installed in a location (see Figure 1) that is easily visible to drivers of vehicles waiting to enter (or considering waiting to enter) the parking lot, which is full. An electronic sign is a display that can output text, images, videos, etc. using LCD, CRT, organic EL, etc. It is more preferable if it is equipped with a speaker that can output the "predicted time" as audio.

[0018] The "prediction means" calculates the time until a parking space becomes available and a vehicle can enter the parking lot, which is currently full and causing a waiting time, as "waiting time prediction data (predicted waiting time)" (see Figure 3). Using various data, the calculation is for the time until a space becomes available and a vehicle waiting outside the parking lot can enter the parking lot. However, taking into account the structure of the parking lot, etc., it is common to adjust the "predicted time" to the time until the lead vehicle waiting at the parking lot entrance can pass through the entrance. For example, instead of the time until a vehicle can actually enter the parking lot, the "predicted time" may be the time until a space becomes available. The display device outputs the adjusted "predicted time" (if no adjustment is required, the "waiting time prediction data" becomes the predicted time).

[0019] (action) An entry time data receiving means receives entry time data including vehicle identification data of an entered vehicle and the entry time acquired by an entry confirmation equipment in the parking lot. An exit time data receiving means receives exit time data including vehicle identification data of a left vehicle and the exit time acquired by an exit confirmation equipment in the parking lot. The entry time data and the exit time data are stored in a parking lot management database. The scheduled exit time data receiving means receives the scheduled exit time input by the parking lot user when entering the parking lot together with the user identification data.

[0020] Using the day-of-week and time-zone data stored in the parking lot management database, the departure pace calculation means calculates an actual departure value, which is the number of vehicles leaving per hour at the current time. Using the actual departure value and the scheduled departure time data, the prediction means calculates predicted waiting time data until a space becomes available in a full parking lot. The calculated predicted waiting time data is output as a predicted time by the display device and presented to parking lot users who are waiting for a space to become available. Parking lot users who are waiting for a space to become available can obtain information about the predicted time until they can enter the parking lot.

[0021] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, a scheduled departure time database that stores the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means; a waiting time data correcting means for correcting the waiting time predicted by the prediction means by using actual delivery data, which is a difference between past scheduled delivery time data stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the scheduled delivery time data linked to the scheduled delivery time data and the scheduled delivery time; (See Figures 4 and 5.)

[0022] (action) The scheduled delivery time database stores scheduled delivery time data received by the scheduled delivery time data receiving means and delivery time data received by the delivery time data receiving means. The waiting time data correction means calculates actual delivery data, which is the difference between the scheduled delivery time and the past scheduled delivery time data stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the delivery time data linked to that scheduled delivery time data. If there are multiple actual delivery data, the mean value and distribution, for example, are also calculated. Using these calculation results, the waiting time data correction means corrects the predicted waiting time data predicted by the prediction means.

[0023] By using the data on past parking retrievals, we can expect to improve the accuracy of waiting time predictions, which will contribute to providing more useful information to parking lot users waiting for vacant spaces.

[0024] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The scheduled departure time data receiving means receives the vehicle identification data and desired departure time data input from the entrance device (entrance gate device) (see FIG. 6). The "desired departure time data" is linked to the vehicle identification data and is input by the parking lot user.

[0025] (Variation 3 of the first invention) The scheduled departure time data receiving means receives desired departure time data input from a mobile information terminal (smartphone) of the parking lot user (see FIGS. 7 and 4). The "desired departure time data" is linked to the vehicle identification data and is input by the parking lot user.

[0026] (Variation 4 of the first invention) The first invention is more preferably formed as follows (see FIG. 9). That is, the display device includes at least two devices: a display device (electronic signboard) for the leading vehicle among vehicles waiting to park, and a display device (second signboard) for the following vehicles located behind the leading vehicle; the prediction means calculates a second predicted time until the next following vehicle after the leading vehicle can enter the warehouse; The following display device outputs the second vehicle predicted time ("waiting time predicted data (b)" in FIG. 9). The "second vehicle predicted time" is calculated as the time it takes for the second vehicle parked in the parking lot to leave at the time of calculation.

[0027] (action) The prediction means calculates the predicted time for the second vehicle until the next following vehicle can enter the parking lot after the lead vehicle. The predicted time is displayed on the display device, and the predicted time for the second vehicle is displayed on the following display device. In other words, the display device and the following display device are different. The driver of the following vehicle can see the time until the vehicle he or she is driving can enter the parking lot (second vehicle predicted time), instead of the time until the lead vehicle can enter the parking lot. This reduces the feeling of being kept waiting for the driver of the following vehicle. A vehicle driver who can see the display device and the following display device can obtain information to predict how long he or she will have to wait if he or she uses the parking lot.

[0028] (Variation 5 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, a departure time determination means for identifying early departure actual data, which is scheduled departure time data in which the departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time, using the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means; a point issuing means for calculating a benefit for a parking lot user associated with vehicle identification data linked to the early departure performance data identified by the departure time determination means; point transmission means for transmitting point data relating to the contents of the benefit calculated by the point issuing means to the user terminal of the parking lot user; (See Figure 10.)

[0029] (action) Using the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the departure time data receiving means, the departure time determination means identifies early departure actual data, which is scheduled departure time data for which the departure time was earlier than the scheduled departure time. The point issuing means calculates a benefit for the parking lot user related to the vehicle identification data linked to the early departure actual data. The point transmitting means transmits point data related to the calculated benefit to the user terminal of the parking lot user.

[0030] A parking lot user who inputs a scheduled exit time can receive a special benefit if they exit the parking lot earlier than the scheduled exit time they input. This contributes to increasing the number of parking lot users who exit the parking lot earlier than the scheduled exit time, thereby contributing to increasing the turnover rate of the parking lot.

[0031] (Second Invention) The second invention relates to a computer program executed by a parking lot management server that predicts how long it will take for a parking lot to become vacant once it is full. That is, a parking lot entry time data receiving procedure for receiving vehicle identification data (e.g., vehicle number) for identifying the entered vehicle acquired by the parking lot entry confirmation equipment and parking lot entry time data including the entry time; a step of receiving departure time data including vehicle identification data and departure time of the vehicle acquired by the departure confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a parking lot management data accumulation step of accumulating the entry time data and the exit time data in a parking lot management database; a scheduled exit time data receiving step for receiving the scheduled exit time input by the parking lot user when entering the parking lot together with the user identification data; a step of calculating an outgoing pace, which calculates an outgoing performance value, which is the number of outgoing vehicles per hour at the current time, by using past data for each day of the week and each time period stored in the parking lot management database; a prediction step of calculating predicted waiting time data until a parking space becomes available in a full parking lot by using the actual leaving value and the scheduled leaving time; a display step of outputting a predicted time based on the waiting time prediction data; The computer program is configured to cause the parking lot management server to execute the above.

[0032] (Terminology) Since the "parking lot management server" is a computer, it is equipped with input and output means for transmitting and receiving data to and from other terminals, storage means for storing data input from the input means and for providing a membership database and a reservation database, calculation means for performing calculations using input data from the input means and stored data stored in the storage means, and random access memory used by the calculation means during calculations.

[0033] (Variation 1 of the second invention) The second invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, a scheduled departure time data storage procedure for storing the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means in a scheduled departure time database; a waiting time data correction procedure for correcting the waiting time prediction data predicted by the prediction means by using actual delivery data, which is a difference between past scheduled delivery time data stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the delivery time data linked to the scheduled delivery time data and the scheduled delivery time; The above-mentioned parking lot management server is to execute the above (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0034] (Variation 2 of the second invention) In the procedure for receiving the scheduled departure time data, the vehicle identification data and desired departure time data input from the entrance device (entrance gate device) are received (see FIG. 6).

[0035] (Variation 3 of the second invention) In the procedure for receiving scheduled departure time data, desired departure time data input from a mobile information terminal (smartphone) of the parking lot user is received (see FIGS. 7 and 4).

[0036] (Variation 4 of the second invention) The second invention is more preferably formed as follows. That is, the display device on which the display procedure is executed includes at least two devices: a display device (electronic signboard) for the leading vehicle among the vehicles waiting to park, and a display device (second signboard) for the following vehicles located behind the leading vehicle; In the prediction step, a second predicted time until the next following vehicle after the leading vehicle can enter the parking lot is calculated, The second vehicle predicted time is output to the following display device (see FIG. 9).

[0037] (Variation 5 of the second invention) The second invention may be formed as follows. That is, a departure time determination procedure for identifying early departure actual data, which is scheduled departure time data in which the departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time, using the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means; a point issuing procedure for calculating a benefit for a parking lot user related to the vehicle identification data linked to the early exit performance data identified in the exit time determination procedure; a point transmission procedure for transmitting point data relating to the content of the benefit calculated in the point issuing procedure to a user terminal relating to the parking lot user; The above-mentioned parking lot management server is to execute the above (see FIG. 10).

[0038] (Third Invention) The third invention relates to a computer program that runs on a terminal (a mobile terminal such as a smartphone) that communicates two-way with a parking lot management server and predicts how long it will take for a parking space to become vacant once it is full. The computer program is a vehicle identification data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data for identifying the parked vehicle to the parking lot management server; a scheduled exit time data transmission procedure for inputting a scheduled time for the parked vehicle to leave the parking lot as scheduled exit time data and transmitting the data to the parking lot management server; a scheduled exit time data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data to the parking lot management server as an exit procedure for the parked vehicle; a point receiving step of identifying the departure time and scheduled departure time data linked to the vehicle identification data in the parking lot management server, comparing the scheduled departure time with the departure time, and receiving bonus data indicating that a bonus will be awarded if the scheduled departure time is earlier; It is a computer program that causes the terminal to execute the above.

[0039] (Terminology) Since a "terminal" is a computer, it is equipped with input and output means for transmitting and receiving data to and from other terminals, storage means for storing data input from the input means and for providing a membership database and a reservation database, calculation means for performing calculations using input data from the input means and stored data stored in the storage means, and random access memory used by the calculation means during calculations.

[0040] The computer program according to the present application may be installed and executed on a terminal, or may be executed by the terminal accessing a predetermined server and communicating bidirectionally with the frost damage server.

[0041] In a third aspect of the present invention, the parking lot management server can be caused to execute an electronic money output procedure in which the parking lot user uses the benefit data received in the point receiving procedure.

[0042] (Variation of the second or third invention) The computer program according to the second or third invention can be transmitted from a computer storing the program to another terminal means via a communication line, or can be provided to a parking lot management server or terminal (or executed on a parking lot management server or terminal) via a so-called cloud environment. The computer program according to the second or third invention can also be provided by storing it on a recording medium. Here, a "recording medium" is a medium capable of carrying a program that does not occupy space by itself. Examples include a hard disk, CD-R, DVD-R, and flash memory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a parking lot management server that can provide useful information to parking lot users waiting for a vacant space, without relying on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a computer program for controlling a parking management server that can provide useful information to parking lot users waiting for a vacant space, without relying on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. According to the third invention, it is possible to provide an application program for a mobile terminal that is capable of two-way communication with a parking lot management server that can provide useful information to parking lot users waiting for a vacant space, without depending on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing hardware related to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relationship between hardware related to the present invention and data processing by a parking lot management server according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a procedure of data processing according to the first embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] A conceptual diagram relating to a second embodiment showing the relationship between hardware related to the present invention and data processing between the parking lot management server according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a procedure of data processing according to the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a gate device and its touch panel installed at a storage gate. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that appears on a user terminal. [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing that a parking lot management server according to the present invention manages a plurality of parking lots. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how an electronic signage and a second signage are displayed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment for providing a benefit to a parking lot user. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for granting a benefit to a parking lot user who leaves the parking lot earlier than the scheduled departure time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. The drawings used here are Figs. 1 to 11.

[0046] (Figure 1) FIG. 1 shows an overview of a parking lot in which the present invention is implemented. This parking lot is roughly rectangular and has parking spaces for seven standard passenger cars. Access is possible from the main road, with an entrance gate. The parking lot is also equipped with a license plate camera for capturing the license plate numbers of vehicles entering the parking lot. In addition to the license plate camera, there are also license plate cameras for capturing the license plate numbers of vehicles parked in each parking space. In the illustration, there are license plate cameras for capturing the license plate numbers of vehicles parked in parking spaces 1 through 4, and another for capturing the license plate numbers of vehicles parked in parking spaces 5 through 7.

[0047] This parking lot has an electronic signboard and a second signboard installed along the front side of the parking lot entrance, starting from the entrance gate side. Both the electronic signboard and the second signboard are equipped with output displays commonly known as "kiosks." The electronic signboard outputs information to the driver of the lead vehicle parked just before the entrance gate. The second signboard outputs information to the driver of the following vehicle parked next to the lead vehicle. The output information will be described later using Figure 9.

[0048] The flap device installed in each parking space is not shown in Figure 1. The flap device is a device that raises a flap when a vehicle entering the parking space has entered and a predetermined time has passed, and the flap does not lower until the parking fee has been paid, preventing the vehicle from leaving the space. Figure 2 explains the exchange of information related to this flap device.

[0049] (Figure 2) Figure 2 shows the relationship between the data processing between the hardware related to the present invention and the parking lot management server according to the present invention in the first embodiment. In Figure 2 and subsequent figures, wired communication between the hardware is indicated by a solid arrow, and wireless communication is indicated by a two-dot dashed arrow.

[0050] The entrance gate is a device that requires vehicles attempting to enter a parking lot to stop temporarily. If there is a parking space available, the gate opens to allow the stopped vehicle to enter. However, as will be described later in FIG. 6, the gate device of the present invention requires the driver of the vehicle attempting to enter to input vehicle identification data (vehicle number) and the scheduled time of departure. Some drivers may not be able to input the scheduled time of departure, but if they do, the scheduled time of departure is sent to the parking lot management server as entry time data linked to the vehicle number.

[0051] A vehicle number camera installed near the entrance gate captures the vehicle number of the vehicle entering the parking lot, and the time of the image capture is recorded as the entry time. This entry time is linked to the vehicle number and sent to the parking lot management server as entry time data.

[0052] The payment machine communicates bidirectionally with the flap device. When a driver parks a vehicle in a designated parking space, specifies the space, and pays the parking fee, the flap of the flap device for that space lowers for a predetermined period of time (for example, five minutes). During this period, the driver can leave the parking space.

[0053] Although not shown in the figure, a license plate camera corresponding to each parking space captures the license plate of the vehicle parked in that space. The license plate camera then transmits the license plate number linked to data identifying the parking space to the payment machine. Note that the license plate camera transmits image data of the license plate number, which must undergo OCR processing to digitize the license plate number. It does not matter whether the OCR processing is performed by the license plate camera or by the parking lot management server.

[0054] The time when the flap of the flap device is lowered or the time when the settlement at the settlement machine is completed is transmitted by the settlement machine to the parking lot management server as departure time data together with the vehicle number (vehicle identification data).

[0055] In the parking lot management server, the vehicle number and scheduled departure time are received from the entrance gate by the scheduled departure time data receiving means, and are stored in a scheduled departure time database (database is abbreviated as "DB" in the figure).

[0056] In the parking lot management server, the vehicle number and entry time transmitted from the vehicle number camera installed near the entrance gate are received by the entry time data receiving means, and are then stored in the parking lot management database.

[0057] In the parking lot management server, the vehicle number and departure time transmitted from the payment machine are received by the departure time data receiving means, and are stored in the parking lot management database.

[0058] The parking lot management database stores entry and exit times linked to vehicle license plates. The stored past exits are then aggregated by day of the week and time period. Any common method can be used for this aggregation. For example, it may be calculated that on Monday mornings, 5 vehicles leave the parking lot per hour, and on Saturday afternoons, 14 vehicles leave the parking lot per hour. The exit rate may also be aggregated for specific holidays, such as showing that on public holidays in May, 20 vehicles leave the parking lot per hour. Based on this aggregated data, it is possible to determine the actual value of the exit rate (actual exit value) by specifying the day of the week and time period. The exit rate calculation means outputs this actual exit value.

[0059] The scheduled exit time database contains vehicles that entered the parking lot on the day and had their scheduled exit time data entered. By combining the scheduled exit time of such vehicles with the actual exit values ​​mentioned above, the prediction means calculates how much waiting time remains until a vehicle can enter the parking lot (waiting time prediction data) in a full parking lot. The actual value of the aforementioned delivery pace can be determined based on past performance by specifying the day of the week and time period, and the delivery pace, i.e., how many vehicles will be delivered per hour. If the scheduled departure time input by the driver at the time of entry is taken into account in addition to this "departure pace," it can be predicted that one vehicle will be scheduled to leave at 2:30 p.m., for example. By taking into account the scheduled departure time input by the driver in addition to the departure pace based on the actual departure values ​​in this way, the timing of departure, i.e., the timing when a parking space will become available, can be determined. The departure timing thus determined is then compared with the current time. As a result of this comparison, for example, if the current time is 2:20 p.m. and the next expected departure time is 2:35 p.m., it can be determined that the waiting time (waiting time prediction data) will be 15 minutes. The waiting time prediction data calculated by the prediction means is adjusted for timing of leaving the warehouse and timing of opening the entrance gate, etc., to become a "predicted time", which is transmitted to the electronic signboard and the second signboard by the predicted time data transmission means.

[0060] The prediction means calculates the waiting time prediction data at predetermined intervals (for example, every minute), and therefore the "predicted time" output on the digital signage and the second signage is also updated at predetermined intervals.

[0061] (Figure 3) FIG. 3 shows a data processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The parking lot operator requests that drivers of vehicles entering the parking lot input their "scheduled time of departure." However, since this is not mandatory, not all drivers enter their time. In the example shown in Figure 3, we will explain that, of the vehicles A, B, C, and D related to the vehicle identification data, only the drivers of vehicles A and D have entered their scheduled time of departure.

[0062] The driver of vehicle A entered the depot at 9:27 and entered 10:00 as the scheduled departure time. The driver of vehicle D entered the depot at 10:46 and entered 13:30 as the scheduled departure time. The entered scheduled departure times are linked to the vehicle identification data and stored in the scheduled departure time database.

[0063] The current time and day of the week are 13:25 on Tuesday. Using past data from the parking lot management database, the exit base calculation means calculates an actual exit value that indicates that an average of one vehicle leaves every 10 minutes during the time period from 13:00 to 14:00 on Tuesdays. Meanwhile, the prediction means extracts the scheduled exit time of 13:30 for vehicle D, which corresponds to the current time of 13:25, from the scheduled exit time data for the day stored in the scheduled exit time database. The prediction means calculates a predicted time taking these two types of exit actual values ​​into account, and transmits the calculated time to the output means via the predicted time data transmission means.

[0064] If the actual departure data shows that one vehicle leaves the depot every 10 minutes on average during the 13:25 time period, then even if one vehicle left immediately before, it is likely that one vehicle will leave 10 minutes later at the latest. Also, considering the scheduled departure time data, there are five minutes left until the scheduled departure time of vehicle D, 13:30, so it is likely that one vehicle will leave in five minutes. However, since vehicle D may not necessarily leave the depot exactly at 13:30, the scheduled departure time, it is assumed that one vehicle will leave between four and eight minutes, for example. The above is just one example, but the system calculates how much time is left for one vehicle to leave the warehouse based on the actual delivery value, the scheduled delivery time data, and the current time, and outputs the predicted time. The predicted time output by the output means is, for example, "If you wait another 7 minutes, there is a 75% chance that the vehicle will be able to leave the warehouse."

[0065] The "probability" is calculated from, for example, the calculated predicted time and the actual waiting time of the vehicle under similar conditions in the past. However, while the present invention calculates the predicted time, it is not essential to calculate or display the probability. Furthermore, the predicted time of 7 minutes and the predicted probability of 75% are merely examples, and may be calculated for each parking lot based on past performance, operational know-how, etc. The specific calculations for these calculations are not the main part of the present invention, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0066] (Figure 4) Figure 4 shows a second embodiment. The most distinctive feature compared to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2 is that it is equipped with a waiting time data correction means. Below, we will mainly explain the differences from the first embodiment.

[0067] The entry time and vehicle number are captured by a license plate camera installed at the entrance to the parking lot and sent to the parking lot management server. The exit time and vehicle number are captured by a license plate camera installed inside the parking lot that can capture the exiting vehicle space and sent to the parking lot management server. If an entrance gate (not shown) is installed, the timing of the entrance gate opening may be used as the entry time and sent to the parking lot management server as an auxiliary.

[0068] A motion detection camera is installed in the payment machine (see Figure 1). The motion detection camera captures a photo of a user starting to pay. The captured image, or image data, is then sent to the parking lot management server as payment user data, which includes the time of the photo. The motion detection camera acquires payment user data in order to determine whether there is a parking lot user who is paying the parking fee and intends to leave the parking lot, but does not identify the user. However, the payment user data is estimated and linked to the number of the vehicle that is leaving the parking lot immediately after the time of the photo, and is stored in the parking lot management database. This data is then used together with past data when the prediction means calculates the predicted time.

[0069] The scheduled exit time is input by the parking lot user via a mobile terminal (referred to as "user terminal" in the figure) associated with the parking lot user, and is transmitted to the parking lot management server together with the vehicle identification data. The user terminal can be configured to input the scheduled exit time data in a state where data transmission and reception with the parking lot management server is possible, or it can be configured to use dedicated application software. An example of input will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. However, as in the first embodiment, the scheduled exit time data may also be input at the entrance gate.

[0070] The vehicle number and departure time of a vehicle about to leave (exit) the parking lot are obtained by a vehicle number camera near the exit by photographing the vehicle about to leave (exit), and are transmitted as departure time data to the departure time data receiving means. The departure time data receiving means, having received the departure time data, stores the data in the parking lot management database.

[0071] The scheduled exit time database stores the departure time along with the vehicle number separately from the scheduled exit time data. Therefore, by linking the scheduled exit time to the vehicle number of the parking lot user who inputs the scheduled exit time, the entered scheduled exit time and the actual departure time can be stored. Therefore, the difference between the scheduled exit time and the actual exit time can be calculated and stored as the scheduled time error. The waiting time data correction means calculates waiting time prediction correction data by using the scheduled time error for the predicted time predicted by the prediction means. This waiting time correction data is expected to improve the accuracy of the predicted time.

[0072] (Figure 5) FIG. 5 specifically shows what data the waiting time data correcting means uses to correct the predicted time predicted by the predicting means.

[0073] For vehicles that have left the parking lot, the departure time data can be obtained regardless of whether the vehicle has entered a scheduled departure time. The scheduled departure time database is searched using the vehicle identification data (vehicle number) included in the departure time data as a key. If the vehicle has entered a scheduled departure time using the searched vehicle identification data, the actual departure time of the vehicle can be obtained (separate from the scheduled departure time). Therefore, for vehicles that have entered scheduled departure time data (A and D in the figure), the difference time from the scheduled departure time can be obtained.

[0074] For example, vehicle A's scheduled departure time was entered as 10:00, but the departure time was actually 9:56, so the difference time is minus 4 minutes. Vehicle D's scheduled departure time was entered as 13:30, but the departure time was actually 14:04, so the difference time is plus 34 minutes. The average difference in time between two vehicles, A and D, is +15 minutes. In other words, it can be seen that the scheduled departure time input by the parking lot user is 15 minutes later than the actual departure time. The data collected in this way is the "scheduled time error" as the average difference time. In this second embodiment, the scheduled departure time entered by the user is corrected using this scheduled time error, and this is combined with the actual departure value to obtain predicted waiting time data.

[0075] The estimated time error is not data that can be used on the day, but past data (for example, data up to the previous day). However, unlike the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, which calculates the predicted time by simply using the estimated time of departure input by the parking lot user, this is expected to increase the possibility of approximating reality.

[0076] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the waiting time data is calculated based on the scheduled delivery time stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the delivery pace calculated by the delivery pace calculation means, and then this waiting time data is corrected by the scheduled time error. However, it is also possible to first correct the scheduled delivery time stored in the scheduled delivery time database by the scheduled time error, and then calculate the waiting time data based on the correction and the delivery pace calculated by the delivery pace calculation means.

[0077] (Figure 6) Figure 6 shows the gate device and its touch panel installed at the entrance gate. The functions shown in Figure 2 correspond to the transmission of vehicle identification data and the transmission of the scheduled departure time. The upper part of the screen, which can also be entered via touch panel, displays the vehicle number captured by a vehicle number camera (see Figure 1) installed near the entrance gate, and if there is an error, the parking lot user is asked to correct it. This reduces the effort required for parking lot users to enter information and contributes to smooth use of the parking lot, including for following vehicles.

[0078] At the bottom of the screen, which can also be entered via touch panel, the parking lot user is prompted to enter the desired time of departure using the numeric keypad. Users can also select "None" without entering a desired time of departure.

[0079] After confirming the vehicle number (and correcting it if necessary) and inputting the desired departure time, the parking lot user presses the send button. When the send button is pressed, the scheduled departure time data receiving means in the parking lot management server receives the vehicle number (vehicle identification data) and the desired departure time data.

[0080] To encourage the user to input the desired departure time, an explanation such as "If you leave the parking lot before the scheduled time, a discount may be applied" may also be displayed. Instead of a discount, it may be possible to display "points" with economic value. An example of an algorithm for increasing points will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0081] (Figure 7) Figure 7 also corresponds to the functions shown in Figure 2, namely, the transmission of vehicle identification data and the transmission of scheduled departure time. The difference from Figure 6 is that instead of a gate device, a terminal related to the parking lot user (referred to as a "user terminal" in the figure) is used as the data input means and data transmission means. Functionally, it is the same as Figure 6, so a description of the functions will be omitted.

[0082] The parking lot user downloads an application program for implementing the vehicle identification data transmission means and the scheduled departure time transmission means shown in Figure 7 on the user terminal. A two-dimensional barcode for accessing the web page for the download is attached to the gate device, etc., although not shown.

[0083] (Figure 8) FIG. 8 shows how a parking lot management server according to the present invention collectively manages a plurality of parking lots. Although the explanation has been given that the "First Parking Lot Management System" is built within the parking lot management server, this is merely a concept. In other words, a system for each parking lot is not physically configured within the parking lot management server.

[0084] The location shown as the first parking lot has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. Naturally, parking lots configured as in the second embodiment can also be managed.

[0085] (Figure 9) FIG. 9 shows an example of how the electronic signboard and the second signboard are displayed in the first parking lot shown in FIG. The vehicle waiting just before the entrance gate is called the "leading vehicle," and the vehicle waiting just after the leading vehicle is called the "following vehicle."

[0086] The electronic sign displays the predicted time for the lead vehicle, and the second sign displays the predicted time for the following vehicle. The electronic sign is visible from the following vehicle, but the second sign is positioned so that it cannot be seen from the lead vehicle.

[0087] The waiting time prediction data (a) displayed on the electronic signboard is something like, "It will take about 5 minutes until you can enter the parking lot. The probability of this happening is about 80%." The waiting time prediction data (b) displayed on the second signboard is something like, "It will take about 10 minutes until you can enter the parking lot. The probability of this happening is about 70%."

[0088] In the first parking lot management system, the prediction means calculates waiting time prediction data separately for the electronic signboard for the leading vehicle and the second signboard for the following vehicle. Specifically, the waiting time prediction data (b) is calculated as the time it takes for the second vehicle parked in the first parking lot at the time of calculation to leave the parking lot.

[0089] By making the waiting time prediction data (b) different from the waiting time prediction data (a) output on the electronic signboard, the driver of the following vehicle can obtain information that is for him / herself, not for the leading vehicle, which contributes to a greater sense of security while waiting.

[0090] As shown in the figure, suppose there is a vehicle under consideration that is parked further behind the following vehicle and is considering whether to park in the first parking lot. If the driver of this vehicle can see both the electronic sign and the second sign, he or she can estimate how long the waiting time will be if the vehicle waits as the third vehicle.

[0091] For example, as shown in the figure, it is possible to make an assumption such as, "If it takes 5 minutes for the first car and 10 minutes for the second car, then the next person in line will probably have to wait about 15 minutes (if I have to wait 15 minutes, I'll look for another parking lot)," and make a decision based on that assumption.

[0092] (Figure 10) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a system that provides a special benefit to a parking lot user who has input a scheduled time of departure and leaves the parking lot before the scheduled time of departure that he or she has input.

[0093] Because the benefits given to parking lot users are based on electronic data, parking lot users who wish to receive the benefits must download a dedicated application to their own communication terminal (user terminal) in advance. The parking lot user then sends the vehicle identification data and scheduled departure time data to the parking lot management server using the dedicated application (see Figure 7). The parking lot user is identified by linking it to the vehicle identification data, and the scheduled departure time data is stored in the user database.

[0094] When the parking lot user transfers data related to the exit procedure to the parking lot adjustment machine, the adjustment machine transmits the vehicle identification data and the exit time to the parking lot management server, which stores the transmitted vehicle identification data and the exit time in the user database.

[0095] The scheduled departure time data and the actual departure time linked to the vehicle identification data are extracted from the user database, and the departure time determination means compares the scheduled departure time data with the departure time. If the departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time data, the point issuance means determines whether or not points are to be issued as early departure performance data. The determination algorithm will be described later using FIG. 11.

[0096] When the point issuing means issues points, the point transmitting means transmits electronic data relating to the points to the user terminal. The user terminal that receives the transmitted electronic data relating to the points can use the data as electronic money at the settlement machine for (the next) settlement, for example.

[0097] (Figure 11) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of how points are awarded to parking lot users in advance. Points are awarded only to parking lot users who have input their planned departure time. It is reasonable to determine the "time period" below based on the size of the parking lot. It may be every hour or every 30 minutes.

[0098] S1 is the case when a scheduled departure time is input. Here, let's say the scheduled departure time is input as 13:15. Next, it is determined whether the input scheduled departure time is during a time period when there are many vehicles waiting to enter (S2). This is because, from the perspective of the parking lot management, there is little point in having the departure time be earlier than scheduled during a time period when there are few vehicles waiting to enter.

[0099] Next, it is determined whether the time slot immediately preceding the time slot including the input scheduled departure time is a time slot with many vehicles waiting to enter (S3). Even if the departure time is advanced so that it falls within the immediately preceding time slot, if there are many vehicles waiting to enter even during the advanced time slot, there is little point in having the departure time advanced.

[0100] If the input scheduled departure time is a time period when there are few vehicles waiting to enter (if the answer is "No" in S2), and if there were also many vehicles waiting to enter in the previous time period (if the answer is "Yes" in S3), the system outputs an output indicating that only points will be awarded to the parking lot user as a thank you for inputting the scheduled departure time (S4).

[0101] If the actual departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time and the actual departure time falls in a time period when there are not many vehicles waiting to enter, an output is made indicating that the number of points to be awarded will increase (S5). This is to encourage the parking lot user to advance their actual departure time.

[0102] In FIG. 10, whether or not the points are increased (plus 100 points) depends on whether or not the actual departure time is between 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

[0103] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide useful information to parking lot users who are waiting for a parking space, without depending on a reservation system or the size of the parking lot. It also provides information to help the driver of the "vehicle under consideration" shown in Figure 9 decide whether or not to wait for a parking space.

[0104] Parking lot operators can expect to reduce the probability that parking lot users waiting for a space will flee to other nearby parking lots. In the above embodiment, the parking lot user inputs the estimated departure time via a mobile terminal associated with the parking lot user, but the estimated departure time may also be input using a car navigation device installed in the vehicle or an onboard device installed in the car sharing vehicle. Furthermore, the waiting time prediction data and other information may also be provided to the user via a car navigation device installed in the vehicle or an onboard device installed in the car sharing vehicle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present invention is applicable to the parking lot management industry, the manufacturing and maintenance industry of equipment required for parking lot management, and the data service industry that handles data related to parking lots.

Claims

1. A parking lot management server that predicts how long it will take for a parking lot to become vacant when the parking lot is full, an entry time data receiving means for receiving vehicle identification data for identifying an entered vehicle and entry time data including the entry time acquired by the entry confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a departure time data receiving means for receiving departure time data including vehicle identification data and departure time of the vehicle that has been left, which data is acquired by the departure confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a parking lot management database that stores the entry time data and the exit time data; a scheduled exit time data receiving means for receiving the scheduled exit time input by the parking lot user when entering the parking lot together with the user identification data; a departure pace calculation means for calculating an actual departure value, which is the number of vehicles leaving the parking lot per hour at the current time, by using past data for each day of the week and each time period stored in the parking lot management database; a prediction means for calculating predicted waiting time data until a parking space becomes available in a full parking lot by using the actual leaving value and the scheduled leaving time; a display device that outputs a predicted time based on the waiting time prediction data; A parking lot management server equipped with the above.

2. a scheduled departure time database for storing the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means; a waiting time data correcting means for correcting the waiting time predicted by the prediction means by using actual delivery data, which is a difference between past scheduled delivery time data stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the scheduled delivery time data linked to the scheduled delivery time data and the scheduled delivery time; It was decided to provide The parking lot management server according to claim 1.

3. The scheduled departure time data receiving means receives the vehicle identification data and the desired departure time data input from the entrance device.

3. The parking lot management server according to claim 1.

4. The scheduled departure time data receiving means receives desired departure time data input from a mobile information terminal of the parking lot user.

3. The parking lot management server according to claim 1.

5. The display device includes at least two devices, a display device for a leading vehicle among vehicles waiting to park, and a following display device for a following vehicle located behind the leading vehicle, the prediction means calculates a second predicted time until the next following vehicle after the leading vehicle can enter the warehouse; The following display device outputs the second vehicle predicted time. The parking lot management server according to claim 1.

6. a departure time determination means for determining early departure performance data, which is scheduled departure time data in which the departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time, using the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the departure time data receiving means; a point issuing means for calculating a benefit for a parking lot user associated with vehicle identification data linked to the early departure performance data identified by the departure time determination means; a point transmitting means for transmitting the benefit calculated by the point issuing means to the user terminal of the parking lot user; The parking lot management server according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. A computer program executed by a parking lot management server that predicts how long it will take for a parking lot to become vacant when the parking lot is fully booked, a receiving step of receiving vehicle identification data for identifying the entered vehicle and entry time data including the entry time, which are acquired by the entry confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a step of receiving departure time data including vehicle identification data and departure time of the vehicle acquired by the departure confirmation equipment in the parking lot; a parking lot management data accumulation step of accumulating the entry time data and the exit time data in a parking lot management database; a scheduled exit time data receiving step for receiving the scheduled exit time input by the parking lot user when entering the parking lot together with the user identification data; a step of calculating an outgoing pace, which calculates an outgoing performance value, which is the number of outgoing vehicles per hour at the current time, by using past data for each day of the week and each time period stored in the parking lot management database; a prediction step of calculating predicted waiting time data until a parking space becomes available in a full parking lot by using the actual leaving value and the scheduled leaving time; a display step of outputting a predicted time based on the waiting time prediction data; A computer program that causes the parking lot management server to execute the above.

8. a scheduled departure time data storage step of storing the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means in a scheduled departure time database; a waiting time data correction procedure for correcting the waiting time prediction data predicted by the prediction means by using actual delivery data, which is a difference between past scheduled delivery time data stored in the scheduled delivery time database and the delivery time data linked to the scheduled delivery time data and the scheduled delivery time; 8. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the computer program is executed by the parking lot management server.

9. In the procedure for receiving the scheduled departure time data, the vehicle identification data and the desired departure time data input from the entrance device are received. A computer program according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. In the procedure for receiving the scheduled departure time data, the desired departure time data input from the mobile information terminal of the parking lot user is received. A computer program according to claim 7 or claim 8.

11. The display device on which the display procedure is executed includes at least two devices, a display device for a leading vehicle among vehicles waiting to park, and a following display device for a following vehicle located behind the leading vehicle, In the prediction step, a second predicted time until the next following vehicle after the leading vehicle can enter the parking lot is calculated, The second vehicle predicted time is output to the following display device.

8. A computer program according to claim 7.

12. a departure time determination step of identifying early departure actual data, which is scheduled departure time data in which the departure time is earlier than the scheduled departure time, using the scheduled departure time data received by the scheduled departure time data receiving means and the departure time data received by the departure time data receiving means; a point issuing procedure for calculating a benefit for a parking lot user related to the vehicle identification data linked to the early exit performance data identified in the exit time determination procedure; a point transmission procedure for transmitting point data relating to the content of the benefit calculated in the point issuing procedure to a user terminal relating to the parking lot user; 8. The computer program according to claim 7, wherein the computer program is executed by the parking lot management server.

13. A computer program that runs on a terminal that communicates two-way with a parking lot management server to predict how long it will take for a parking space to become vacant if the parking lot is fully booked. a vehicle identification data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data for identifying the parked vehicle to the parking lot management server; a scheduled exit time data transmission procedure for inputting a scheduled time for the parked vehicle to leave the parking lot as scheduled exit time data and transmitting the data to the parking lot management server; a scheduled exit time data transmission procedure for transmitting vehicle identification data to the parking lot management server as an exit procedure for the parked vehicle; a point receiving step of identifying the departure time and scheduled departure time data linked to the vehicle identification data in the parking lot management server, comparing the scheduled departure time with the departure time, and receiving bonus data indicating that a bonus will be awarded if the scheduled departure time is earlier; A computer program for causing the terminal to execute the above.

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