Golf cart operation management system

Abstract

We offer a completely new golf cart operation management system. [Solution] The golf course is divided into multiple areas, and each golf cart 2,2,... stores multiple operating patterns consisting of each area and a driving mode. By transmitting weather information from the terminal device 3 to each golf cart 2,2,..., the driving state is controlled by automatically switching the driving mode for each area using the operating pattern according to the weather. As a result, by setting the driving mode for each area to match the usage pattern requested by the golf course operator, it is possible to operate the golf carts 2,2,... in the usage pattern requested by the golf course operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf cart operation management system. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement in the operation management mode of a golf cart that can be switched between manual driving and automatic driving. In this specification, the fairway and rough in a golf course are collectively referred to as the fairway. Therefore, the fairway driving in this specification is a concept that includes both the driving of a golf cart on the fairway and the driving of a golf cart on the rough.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as golf carts used in golf courses, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, there are those that perform manual driving (driving by the driving operation of a passenger) and those that perform automatic driving (driving along a cart path while detecting the low-frequency current of a cable buried in the cart path by an AGV sensor: hereinafter, sometimes referred to as electromagnetic induction driving). Further, Patent Document 2 also discloses that as automatic driving, it leaves the cart path and drives while recognizing its position on the fairway (the golf cart driving area including the fairway) using GPS or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when using golf carts, the usage methods required by the golf course operator may differ from those required by the golfer. For example, golfers may want to shorten the walking distance by having the golf cart driven close to their ball on the fairway. On the other hand, golf course operators may be concerned that driving golf carts onto the fairway when the grass conditions are poor (such as during rainy weather or if it rained the day before) could damage the grass, and therefore may want to prohibit golf carts from entering the fairway in such situations (a request that contradicts the golfer's request). Furthermore, while some golfers want to drive their golf carts manually in all areas (or sections; hereafter, the combined concept of "area" and "section" will be referred to as "area") on the golf course, golf course operators want to prohibit manual driving in areas where it could potentially cause danger (for example, the risk of the golf cart deviating from the cart path and falling, tipping over, or colliding with another cart due to manual driving in dangerous continuous S-curves or joint areas with large corners connecting each hole).

[0005] Furthermore, the aforementioned examples are not the only instances where the usage of golf carts as requested by the golf course operator differs from that requested by the golfer.

[0006] Until now, no system had been proposed that focused on the fact that the usage patterns of golf carts required by golf course operators differed from those required by golfers, and that this system was used to manage the operation of golf carts.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a novel golf cart operation management system unlike any other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a solution for achieving the above objectives, based on a golf cart operation management system that manages the operation of multiple golf carts configured to switch between manual and automatic driving modes. This golf cart operation management system is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores multiple assignment information for each of the multiple areas partitioned within a golf course, each of which is assigned a driving mode; a selection unit that selects one assignment information for each area from the multiple assignment information; and a control unit that controls the driving state of the golf cart in each area while automatically switching the driving mode for each area according to the assignment information selected by the selection unit.

[0009] Examples of golf cart operation management systems include those built using only golf carts and those built using both a system on the golf cart and a system outside the golf cart. When a golf cart operation management system is built using only golf carts, the information for the selection unit to select a single assignment (e.g., manual mode) is directly input to the golf cart. On the other hand, when a golf cart operation management system is built with communication capabilities between the system on the golf cart and a system outside the golf cart, it is assumed that the information for the selection unit to select a single assignment is provided to the golf cart via communication from the system outside the golf cart. In this case, it becomes possible to simultaneously send the information for selecting assignments to multiple golf carts.

[0010] As a result of the aforementioned specific requirements, the driving state of the golf cart in each area is controlled by automatically switching the driving mode for each area. By setting the driving mode for each area to match the usage pattern required by the golf course operator, it becomes possible to operate the golf cart in the usage pattern required by the golf course operator.

[0011] Furthermore, the golf cart operation management system, constructed by the aforementioned golf cart-side system and external golf cart system, includes an operation management device capable of communicating with each of the multiple golf carts, the operation management device includes a transmission unit that transmits information to each of the golf carts for selecting one assignment piece for each of the areas, the storage unit, the selection unit and the control unit are provided in each of the multiple golf carts, and the control unit controls the driving state of the golf cart in each of the areas by automatically switching the driving mode for each area according to the assignment piece selected by the selection unit in response to the information received from the operation management device.

[0012] Based on these specific requirements, when managing the operation of multiple golf carts (managing the driving status of each area), information is transmitted from the operation management device's transmitter to each golf cart, including information for selecting a driving mode for each area (selecting assigned information) (e.g., manual mode). This information includes a driving pattern (for example, a pattern where the cart drives manually within each hole in sunny weather and automatically at joint sections). Upon receiving this information, each golf cart, while driving on the golf course, automatically switches the driving mode assigned to each area according to the selected information, thereby controlling the driving status in each area.

[0013] For example, if a golf cart is selected for a sunny day operation pattern consisting of manual driving within each hole and automatic driving at joints, when it enters an area within the hole where manual driving is selected (for example, an area where manual driving poses a risk) from an area where automatic driving at joints is selected (for example, an area where manual driving poses a risk), manual driving will stop and it will automatically switch to automatic driving. Furthermore, by differentiating the information transmitted to each golf cart (operation patterns consisting of multiple driving modes) depending on whether it is a sunny day when driving on the fairway is possible, or a rainy day or if it rained the previous day when driving on the fairway is not possible, it is possible to create an operation pattern that allows golf carts to drive onto the fairway in sunny days, or an operation pattern that prohibits golf carts from driving onto the fairway in rainy days or if it rained the previous day, taking into consideration that the grass may be damaged.

[0014] In this way, by simultaneously transmitting information from the operation management device to each golf cart for selecting a single operation pattern or a single assignment, it is possible to provide information to each golf cart more easily and quickly than if information for selecting a specific operation pattern or driving mode for each area were to be individually entered for each golf cart.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned assignment information allows for the setting of multiple selectable driving modes for each area, such as a manual mode where the golfer drives manually, an AGV-type automatic driving mode that operates using electromagnetic induction, a new sensor fusion type cart path automatic driving mode that operates on cart paths using new sensors such as GPS, cameras, and LIDAR, and a new sensor fusion type fairway automatic driving mode that operates on the fairway using new sensors such as GPS, cameras, and LIDAR.

[0016] By selecting one of these multiple driving modes and assigning it individually to each area, the range of golf cart usage patterns required by golf course operators can be greatly expanded.

[0017] Furthermore, the memory unit stores multiple operating patterns, each consisting of a combination of the respective area and the operating mode, with each combination of the respective area and the operating mode being different from one another, and the selection unit selects any one operating pattern from among these multiple operating patterns. As representative examples of new operating patterns that satisfy the demands of both golfers and golf courses, we envision a fairway manual mode where the joint areas connecting each hole on the golf course are automated and the fairway is operated manually; a full manual mode where all areas within the golf course are operated manually; a cart path full auto mode where the cart path and the aforementioned joint areas are automated; and a fairway auto mode where the fairway, the cart path, and the aforementioned joint areas are automated. Of course, it is also possible to generate operating patterns other than these.

[0018] When introducing (including modifications and changes) golf carts and golf cart operation management systems at each golf course, multiple operation patterns suitable for each golf course can be set in advance by defining areas and setting different driving modes for each area. With this, for example, the golf course operator can operate the operation management device and send instructions (information) to each golf cart to select a specific operation pattern from the multiple pre-set operation patterns, and each golf cart will then select the appropriate driving pattern for each area. In other words, when the golf course operator operates the operation management device, it is not necessary to assign a driving mode for each area and send it to each golf cart, thus greatly simplifying the process of sending information to each golf cart. For example, if the golf cart is programmed with "Fairway Manual" as the operation pattern for sunny weather and "Cart Path Full Auto" as the operation pattern for rainy weather, then the only task required is to send instructions (information) to each golf cart to select a driving pattern, and the operation pattern selected by each golf cart will be one that is appropriate for the weather.

[0019] Furthermore, the multiple areas demarcated within the golf course include the holes, the joint areas connecting each hole, the area between the clubhouse and the holes, the area between the clubhouse and the cart storage area, and the area inside the cart storage area.

[0020] This allows for the individual assignment of driving modes to each area: the hole, the joint area, the area between the clubhouse and the hole, the area between the clubhouse and the cart storage, and the area inside the cart storage. Therefore, it is possible to assign the optimal driving mode to each area according to the various conditions such as the course characteristics and weather, which differ from golf course to golf course. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In the present invention, a plurality of allocation information is stored as information on driving modes assigned to each of a plurality of areas partitioned within a golf course. By selecting one piece of allocation information, the driving state of a golf cart in each area is controlled while automatically switching to the driving mode assigned to each area. For this reason, the driving mode for each area can be made to conform to the course characteristics of the golf course and the demands of customers (golfers) at each golf course, and to suit the usage form that satisfies the demands of each golf course. As a result, it is possible to satisfy both the demands of customers (golfers) for satisfaction, safety, and peace of mind, and the demands for improvement in the efficiency and productivity of the operation of the golf course.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a golf cart operation management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a golf cart used in a golf cart operation management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device used in a golf cart operation management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a part of a golf course to which a golf cart operation management system according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining each area partitioned in the range from a cart storage to the periphery of the 1st hole in a golf course to which a golf cart operation management system according to an embodiment is applied.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment will be explained using as an example a case in which a golf cart operation management system is constructed using multiple golf carts and an operation management device (a terminal device or system management device described later) that can communicate with the golf carts. The golf cart operation management system according to the present invention may be constructed for each of the multiple golf carts (without requiring an operation management device). Furthermore, this embodiment will be explained in the case in which the present invention is applied as a system for operating and managing multiple electric golf carts. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a system for operating and managing multiple electric golf carts, but can also be applied as a system for operating and managing multiple engine-driven golf carts, or as a system for operating and managing each golf cart in a golf course where electric and engine-driven golf carts are mixed.

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the golf cart operation management system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the golf cart operation management system 1 according to this embodiment is composed of a plurality of golf carts 2,2,..., a terminal device (e.g., a personal computer) 3 owned by the golf course operator, and a system management device 4 owned by the system manufacturer that provides the golf cart operation management system 1 and the golf carts 2,2,.... In this embodiment, at least one of these terminal devices 3 and system management device 4 corresponds to the operation management device in the present invention. Although only four golf carts 2,2,... are shown in Figure 1, actual golf courses are equipped with dozens of golf carts 2,2,.... Communication between the golf carts 2,2,..., the terminal device 3, and the system management device 4 is possible using a predetermined communication network 5. Examples of this communication network 5 include a mobile phone network with multiple base stations, the Internet network, and a dedicated communication network. Furthermore, the golf cart operation management system 1 is not limited to the one shown in Figure 1, and may consist of multiple golf carts 2,2,... and terminal devices 3 (a configuration that does not include the system management device 4), or it may consist of multiple golf carts 2,2,... and system management devices 4 (a configuration that does not include the terminal device 3). Moreover, as mentioned above, the golf cart operation management system 1 may be constructed for each of the multiple golf carts 2,2,... (without requiring an operation management device).

[0025] -Outline of a golf cart's configuration- This section describes the golf carts 2, 2, ... used in the golf cart operation management system 1 according to this embodiment. The configurations of each golf cart 2, 2, ... shown in Figure 1 are identical to those of the others. In the following description, we will use one golf cart 2 as an example. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control system of the golf cart 2 used in the golf cart operation management system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 mainly shows the configuration of the part of the control system of the golf cart 2 that is related to the golf cart operation management system 1.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the golf cart 2 has a body 21, a pair of front wheels 22a, and a pair of rear wheels 22b. The body 21 comprises a lower body 21a, pillars 21b, 21b, ... and a roof section 21c. The pillars 21b, 21b, ... are provided so as to extend upward from the four corners of the lower body 21a, and the roof section 21c is attached across the upper ends of the pillars 21b, 21b, .... The pair of front wheels 22a and the pair of rear wheels 22b are rotatably mounted at the front and rear ends, respectively, of the lower body 21a to support the body 21. The golf cart 2 according to this embodiment employs a four-wheel independent suspension system to improve ride comfort.

[0027] A front seat 21d is provided approximately in the center of the lower body 21a, and a rear seat 21e is provided at the rear of the lower body 21a. This configuration allows for the seating of 4 to 5 people. The golf cart 2 is not limited to this configuration; it may also have only a front seat 21d, allowing for seating of only 2 people. The golf cart 2 described in this embodiment is a specific specification, and various golf carts 2, such as those with or without various equipment, those with only standard equipment, or those with various options, are applicable to the present invention. Each seat 21d and 21e is equipped with a seat heater to ensure comfort in winter. A steering wheel 21f is provided in front of the front seat 21d. When driving manually (for example, when driving on the fairway in the fairway manual mode or in full manual mode, as described later), the occupant seated in the front seat 21d operates the steering wheel 21f to steer the front wheels 22a. A carrier 21g for carrying golf bags and the like is provided at the rear end of the lower body 21a.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the golf cart 2 mainly comprises a control device 23, a battery 24a, a drive motor 24b, a brake device 24c, a steering device 24d, an accelerator pedal 25a, a brake pedal 25b, and the steering wheel 21f. The golf cart 2 also includes sensing devices such as a GPS module 26a, a camera 26b, a LiDAR 26c, and an AGV sensor 26d. It is not necessary to have all of these sensing devices, and they can be selectively installed as needed. Alternatively, sonar or target sensors (sensing devices when using known target line painting technology) may be provided in place of or in addition to these sensing devices. Furthermore, the golf cart 2 is equipped with a communication device 27 for communicating with terminal devices 3 and system management devices 4 via a communication network 5. Each of these will be described below.

[0029] The control device 23 controls the operation of each part of the golf cart 2. This control device 23 is a generally known ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and backup RAM, etc. Details of the control device 23 will be described later.

[0030] The 24a battery uses a lithium-ion battery. However, other types of batteries such as lead-acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-cadmium batteries can also be used.

[0031] The drive motor 24b is connected to the drive shaft of the rear wheel 22b via the transmission. When the drive motor 24b is activated, its rotational force is transmitted to the rear wheel 22b via the transmission and drive shaft, causing the rear wheel 22b to rotate. During manual driving (for example, when driving on the fairway in the fairway manual mode or in full manual mode, as described later), the drive motor 24b is activated by the occupant's (driver's) operation of pressing the accelerator pedal 25a. The output torque of this drive motor 24b increases with the amount the accelerator pedal 25a is pressed. In addition, during automatic driving (for example, when driving on the cart path in the cart path full auto mode or when driving on the fairway in fairway auto mode, as described later), the output torque of the drive motor 24b is automatically controlled according to the conditions for starting and acceleration.

[0032] Brake devices 24c are provided on both the front wheels 22a and the rear wheels 22b. These brake devices 24c are composed of, for example, disc brakes or regenerative braking devices. During manual driving, the brake devices 24c are activated by the driver's operation of pressing the brake pedal 25b, applying braking force to both the front wheels 22a and the rear wheels 22b. During automatic driving, when braking conditions are met, the brake devices 24c are activated, automatically applying braking force to both the front wheels 22a and the rear wheels 22b, or to the rear wheels 22b alone. Furthermore, when the golf cart 2 is braked, the drive motor 24b becomes driven, and the drive motor 24b functions as a generator and electric brake (regenerative brake), converting the rotational force of the rear wheels 22b into electricity and simultaneously exerting braking force. This electricity (regenerative power) is supplied to the battery 24a, and the battery 24a is charged.

[0033] The steering device 24d is connected to the front wheels 22a of the golf cart 2 and steers the front wheels 22a. During manual driving, the steering device 24d operates in response to the driver's operation of the steering wheel 21f, steering the front wheels 22a. During automatic driving, the steering device 24d operates when the steering conditions are met, and the front wheels 22a are automatically steered. In this embodiment, a steering clutch is used to switch between steering linked to the operation of the steering wheel 21f and automatic steering by the steering device 24d. In other words, during manual driving, the steering clutch is engaged, and the steering device 24d operates in response to the driver's operation of the steering wheel 21f, while during automatic driving, the steering clutch is released, and the front wheels 22a are automatically steered by the steering device 24d.

[0034] The accelerator pedal 25a and brake pedal 25b are located in front of the front seat 21d and are operated by the driver seated in the front seat 21d. The amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 25a is detected by the accelerator position sensor. In manual driving mode, the drive motor 24b operates according to the value detected by this accelerator position sensor. The amount of depression of the brake pedal 25b is detected by the brake pedal sensor. In manual driving mode, the brake system 24c operates according to the value detected by this brake pedal sensor.

[0035] As mentioned above, the steering wheel 21f is located in front of the front seat 21d and is rotated by the driver seated in the front seat 21d. During manual driving, as mentioned above, the steering clutch is engaged and the front wheels 22a are steered according to the amount of steering wheel 21f is operated.

[0036] The GPS module 26a receives GPS signals transmitted from three or more (preferably four or more) satellites orbiting above the golf cart 2 and determines the position of the golf cart 2. The position information of the golf cart 2 determined by the GPS module 26a is output to the control device 23.

[0037] Camera 26b captures images of the area around the golf cart 2. This camera 26b can be, for example, a stereo camera or a monocular camera, and can be a digital camera with an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The surrounding image information captured by this camera 26b is output to the control device 23.

[0038] The LiDAR26c is an active sensor that uses light to detect objects around the golf cart 2. It emits light for detection around the golf cart 2 and detects objects by receiving the light reflected from objects around the golf cart 2. The information about the object detected by the LiDAR26c (such as the size of the object and the distance to the object) is output to the control device 23.

[0039] The AGV sensor 26d detects low-frequency currents in cables embedded in cart paths, etc. (such as cart paths, the area between the clubhouse and the hole (described later), and the area between the clubhouse and the cart storage area), and acquires information for electromagnetically inducting the golf cart 2 along the cart paths, etc. In other words, electromagnetic induction lines (not shown) for guiding the golf cart 2 are embedded in the cart paths, etc., and these electromagnetic induction lines are magnetically detected by the AGV sensor 26d, and a detection signal is output from the AGV sensor 26d to the control device 23. When driving along cart paths, etc. in automatic driving mode, the control device 23 controls the steering device 24d based on the detection signal from the AGV sensor 26d. This makes it possible to drive the golf cart 2 without deviating from the cart paths, etc. The concept of automatic driving in this golf cart operation management system 1 includes both the electromagnetic induction driving described above and automatic driving based on information from GPS module 26a, camera 26b, etc. (automatic driving including not only cart paths but also other areas).

[0040] The aforementioned sensing devices, such as the GPS module 26a, camera 26b, LiDAR 26c, and AGV sensor 26d, are preferably installed in positions on the vehicle body 21 where there is a low risk of damage, soiling, or other malfunctions, provided that each sensing device is in a position where it can function effectively, in order to avoid damage from contact with the ground when driving on the fairway.

[0041] The communication device 27 communicates with the terminal device 3 and the system management device 4 via the communication network 5 to send and receive various types of information. The various types of information received by the communication device 27 are output to the control device 23.

[0042] -Terminal device configuration- Next, I will describe the terminal device 3 owned by the golf course operator. This terminal device 3 is installed, for example, in the master's room of the golf course.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a terminal device 3 used in the golf cart operation management system 1 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 3 is composed of a general-purpose personal computer. Alternatively, the terminal device 3 may be a tablet, smartphone, dedicated device, etc.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 3 comprises, as its functional units, an input unit 31, a master information storage unit 32, a master information modification unit 33, a transmission information selection unit 34, and a transmission unit 35.

[0045] The input unit 31 acquires information from keyboards, pointing devices, communication networks, etc., which are operated by the golf course operator.

[0046] The information acquired by this input unit 31 includes the operation pattern information described later (for example, information extracted from golf cart 2 (a single golf cart 2 that travels around the golf course and acquires various information during system installation)). This information is stored as master information in the master information storage unit 32. This master information is transmitted to each golf cart 2,2,... (for example, when the system is installed), and is stored in the operation pattern storage unit 23a of each golf cart 2,2,... (details of the operation pattern information stored in golf cart 2 will be described later).

[0047] Furthermore, the information acquired by the input unit 31 also includes information for modifying various types of information stored in the master information storage unit 32. When this information is acquired, the master information modification unit 33 will rewrite the master information (the information stored in the master information storage unit 32). Situations in which this master information is modified include, for example, when the grass on some holes is being maintained and golf carts 2 are not to be driven into those grass areas, when some cart paths are under repair and unusable, or when it is necessary to change the settings for hazard areas on the course or change the settings for the driving speed of golf carts 2 in each area. In such cases, the master information is modified by inputting information from a keyboard or pointing device operated by the golf course operator.

[0048] Furthermore, the information acquired by the input unit 31 also includes status information received from each golf cart 2,2,... via the communication network 5.

[0049] The information transmission selection unit 34 is a functional unit that selects information for selecting an operating pattern for each golf cart 2,2,... (for example, information for selecting an operating pattern in rainy weather). In other words, it selects information corresponding to the information entered by the golf course operator as transmission information and outputs it to the transmission unit 35.

[0050] The transmission unit 35 has the function of transmitting information from the master information storage unit 32 and the transmission information selection unit 34 to each golf cart 2,2,… Specifically, it has the function of transmitting master information collected from golf cart 2 and stored in the master information storage unit 32 to each golf cart 2,2,…, transmitting master information modified in the master information modification unit 33 to each golf cart 2,2,…, and transmitting information selected in the transmission information selection unit 34 (for example, information for selecting an operating pattern in rainy weather) to each golf cart 2,2,… to allow each golf cart 2,2,… to select an operating pattern.

[0051] -Golf cart control system- As shown in Figure 2, the control device 23 of the golf cart 2 includes, as its functional units, a driving pattern storage unit (storage unit in this invention) 23a, a receiving unit 23b, a driving pattern extraction unit 23c, a driving mode switching unit 23d, a control command signal generation unit 23e, and an output unit 23f. Generally, these functions are integrated with the ACU (Automated Control Unit) that controls the automated driving system. A utonomous C control U nit), VCU (which controls the operation of the vehicle) V vehicle C control U nit) and MCU (which controls the operation of the motor) M otor C control U It will be implemented in nit, but the implementation form is not limited to this.

[0052] The operation pattern memory unit 23a stores multiple operation patterns, each of which is an operation pattern in which a driving mode is assigned to one of several pre-defined areas within the golf course. In other words, the operation pattern memory unit 23a stores multiple operation patterns that have been arbitrarily created in advance. Specifically, the pre-defined areas within the golf course include holes, joint areas (paths connecting each hole), the area between the clubhouse and the hole, the area between the clubhouse and the cart storage area, and the area inside the cart storage area. Furthermore, even within a hole, it is divided into multiple areas, such as the fairway and the cart path (a cart path laid along the side of the hole from the teeing ground to the green).

[0053] Figure 4 shows a portion of a golf course where the Golf Cart Operation Management System 1 is applied. In Figure 4, only the holes of the golf course are shown: Hole 1 (H1), Hole 2 (H2), Hole 3 (H3), Hole 4 (H4), and Hole 9 (H9). In addition, only the joint areas are shown: Joint area J1 connecting Hole 1 (H1) and Hole 2 (H2), Joint area J2 connecting Hole 2 (H2) and Hole 3 (H3), and Joint area J3 connecting Hole 3 (H3) and Hole 4 (H4). Figure 4 also shows the clubhouse CH and the cart storage CS.

[0054] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the areas demarcated within the golf course to which this golf cart operation management system 1 is applied, from the cart storage area CS to the area around the 1st hole H1. In Figure 5, each area is shown enclosed by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 5, the multiple areas within the golf course that are pre-demarcated include the area HA within the hole (1st hole H1), the joint area JA, the area A1 between the clubhouse CH and the hole (1st hole H1), the area A2 between the clubhouse CH and the cart storage area CS, and the area A3 within the cart storage area CS. Furthermore, the area HA within the hole (1st hole H1) is also divided into multiple areas, for example, the fairway FW and the cart path CP. Figure 5 shows the areas demarcated in the 1st hole H1, but similar areas are demarcated in other holes as well. In this invention, it is not necessarily required that all of these areas be demarcated within the golf course, and areas are demarcated as needed. In addition, other areas may be demarcated in place of or in addition to these areas.

[0055] Here, we will explain the operation of setting the operation pattern when introducing the golf cart operation management system 1 according to the present invention to a golf course. First, using one golf cart 2, the system is driven along the cart paths CP etc. on the golf course in conjunction with GPS location information to identify and store the driving area / section. Then, a driving mode is assigned to each driving area / section, and the operation pattern (usually two types: OK / NOT for entering the fairway) is set by the combination of these modes. The master information created in this way is collected by the terminal device 3 and stored in the master information storage unit 32, and at the same time, the master information is simultaneously transmitted to the other golf carts 2,2,..., and each golf cart 2,2,... downloads it and stores it in the operation pattern storage unit 23a. Furthermore, the method for identifying and memorizing driving areas and sections is not limited to those mentioned above, and may include methods such as identifying area / section boundaries by recognizing signs using a camera, or identifying such boundaries using information on the detection / non-detection of electromagnetic induction lines.

[0056] Next, we will explain a specific example of an operating pattern in which a driving mode is assigned to each of the pre-defined areas.

[0057] Representative examples of driving modes defined for each operating pattern include cart path full auto mode, fairway auto mode, fairway manual mode, and full manual mode. One of these driving modes is selected and individually assigned to each area to generate the operating pattern. In other words, each operating pattern is stored in the operating pattern storage unit 23a of the golf cart 2 as information on which driving modes are assigned to multiple areas within the golf course.

[0058] The following is an overview of each driving mode.

[0059] The Cart Path Full Auto Mode is a mode that automatically drives the golf cart (manual driving is prohibited) by setting a driving route on the cart paths and paved areas within each pre-defined area, preventing the cart from deviating from the designated route. This Cart Path Full Auto Mode is a driving mode designed to protect the turf in cases of rain the day before or early in the morning on the day of play. When driving on the cart paths in this Cart Path Full Auto Mode, the start and stop of the golf cart 2 are controlled by operating switches (start switch and stop switch) equipped on the golf cart 2 or by operating a remote control carried by the golfer.

[0060] The Fairway Auto mode is a mode in which the golf cart automatically drives along a predetermined route on the fairway FW in each designated area. Cart path In this Fairway Auto mode, the destination point (stopping position of the golf cart 2) when automatically driving along the fairway FW can be the point where the fairway driving ends (entry point to the cart path CP or joint area JA) or the position of the golfer or caddy holding the remote control on a predetermined path (a predetermined distance before the remote control position). It is also possible to set any position as the destination point by operating the remote control. In this Fairway Auto mode, in order to make it easier for the GPS module 26a to receive GPS signals, it is preferable to drive along the center of the fairway FW. In other words, as shown in Figure 5, if trees TR are planted on the side of the fairway FW, it is expected that it will be difficult to receive GPS signals around these trees TR even on the fairway FW, so it is preferable to drive along the center of the fairway FW. However, if multiple golf carts 2,2,... travel continuously along the same route in the center of the fairway, there is a concern that the grass along that route may be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable to have each golf cart 2,2,... travel with a slightly different route. As mentioned above, even on the fairway, there are areas where GPS signals are difficult to receive, and these areas differ from golf course to golf course and from hole to hole. Therefore, it is preferable to pre-set the area to be considered the fairway, taking into account the existence of these areas where GPS signals are difficult to receive. In addition, to anticipate areas where GPS signals are difficult to receive or where the signal is interrupted, a camera, LIDAR, IMU ( I nertial M easure U It is preferable to integrate technologies such as NIT (Inertial Measurement Device) to create a system that does not rely solely on GPS. In this fairway auto mode, when the golf cart 2 is traveling along the cart path CP, it is started and stopped according to the operation of switches (start switch and stop switch) equipped on the golf cart 2 or the operation of a remote control carried by the golfer.

[0061] The Fairway Manual Mode allows golfers to freely drive the golf cart manually within pre-defined fairway areas, excluding no-driving zones and hazard areas. However, if the cart enters a cart path (CP) within the designated area, it automatically switches to automatic driving, disabling manual driving. This Fairway Manual Mode is selected when weather conditions allow for driving onto the fairway and when golfers want to enjoy manual driving on the fairway. Furthermore, this mode offers significant advantages to golfers, as it allows them to drive the golf cart closer to the ball, greatly reducing the distance they have to walk.

[0062] Full manual mode is a mode in which all areas of the golf course, including the fairways (FW), cart paths (CP), and other paved areas, are subject to manual driving. This full manual mode is selected when the weather is fine and driving onto the fairways (FW) is permitted, allowing golfers to enjoy manual driving, and only in areas where there are no dangerous spots on the cart paths (CP) or joint areas (JA) within the pre-defined areas.

[0063] In the aforementioned driving modes, manual and automatic driving are defined mainly for certain areas (such as the fairway FW, cart path CP, and joint area JA), but manual and automatic driving may also be defined for each of the other areas (area A1 between the clubhouse CH and the 1st hole H1, area A2 between the clubhouse CH and the cart storage area CS, and area A3 inside the cart storage area).

[0064] Furthermore, in any of the aforementioned driving modes, a safety support function can be added that controls the braking system 24c and steering system 24d based on information received from the camera 26b, LiDAR 26c, etc. (for example, information on the presence or absence of obstacles ahead). For example, in both the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode, when an obstacle (person, other golf cart 2, golf course maintenance vehicle, tree, etc.) is present in front of the golf cart 2 and the distance to the obstacle falls below a predetermined value, the braking system 24c activates to apply braking force to the front wheels 22a and rear wheels 22b, or to the rear wheels 22b (collision prevention function). Before activating the braking system 24c, a warning may be displayed on the monitor screen mounted on the golf cart 2 (for example, the golf cart navigation screen), or a warning sound may be emitted to the occupants. In addition, if contact with an obstacle can be avoided by steering and there is no problem even if the driving path is changed by steering, the steering system 24d activates and the front wheels 22a are steered. Other safety support features may include not only collision avoidance but also rollover prevention and hazard area entry prevention. For rollover prevention, the golf cart 2 may be equipped with an angle sensor (a sensor that detects the tilt of the vehicle body 21). Based on the detection signal from this angle sensor and the driving speed of the golf cart 2, the possibility of rollover is determined, and if there is a possibility of rollover, the cart automatically slows down. Furthermore, hazard area entry prevention features may include slowing down or stopping before areas such as teeing grounds, greens, sand hazards, areas under turf maintenance, trees, cliffs, ponds, steep slopes, and rough surfaces.

[0065] Furthermore, this safety support function does not necessarily need to be included in all driving modes. For example, the safety support function could be included in the automatic driving mode, while the presence or absence of the safety support function could be selected in the manual driving mode. For instance, in the fairway manual mode, the safety support function is activated to prevent accidents such as collisions, rollovers, and falls during manual driving. Also, in the full manual mode, it is possible to select whether or not to include the safety support function. Alternatively, the safety support function could be included in all holes, or it could be included in long and medium holes, but not in short holes.

[0066] Furthermore, in Cart Path Full Auto mode and Fairway Auto mode, the golfer can switch the start and stop of Golf Cart 2 using a remote control they carry. Additionally, the driver can stop and start Golf Cart 2 at their desired location by operating the switches (start switch and stop switch) equipped on the Golf Cart 2.

[0067] Furthermore, in cart path full auto mode and fairway auto mode, a follow function is activated to track the preceding golf cart 2. This follow function automatically stops the vehicle when the collision prevention sensor detects an obstacle (person, object, or other golf cart) a certain distance ahead on the road during automatic driving, and then automatically restarts the vehicle once the obstacle has been removed.

[0068] As described above, each driving mode is defined, and the following are examples of operating patterns that are generated by assigning a driving mode to each area.

[0069] <Operation Pattern A> Operating pattern A is the operating pattern used when the weather and turf conditions are good and driving on the fairway is possible. In operating pattern A, for example, the driving mode for area HA (including both the fairway FW and cart path CP) within each hole is assigned to the fairway auto mode, and the driving mode for joint area JA is assigned to the cart path full auto mode. In addition, the driving modes for area A1 between the clubhouse CH and the hole, area A2 between the clubhouse CH and the cart storage CS, and area A3 within the cart storage CS can be arbitrarily assigned, but in this embodiment, an automatic driving mode is assigned.

[0070] <Operation Pattern B> Operation Pattern B is for situations where the weather and turf conditions are poor and driving on the fairway is not possible. In other words, Operation Pattern B prohibits driving Golf Cart 2 onto the fairway in order to protect the turf on the fairway.

[0071] Specifically, in this operation pattern B, for example, the cart path fully automatic mode is assigned as the driving mode for the cart path CP, and the cart path fully automatic mode is also assigned as the driving mode for the joint area JA. Furthermore, the driving modes for area A1 between the clubhouse CH and the hole, area A2 between the clubhouse CH and the cart storage CS, and area A3 within the cart storage CS can be arbitrarily assigned, but in this embodiment, an automatic driving mode is assigned.

[0072] <Operation Pattern C> In addition, the following operating pattern C can be given as an example of another operating pattern. Similar to operating pattern A, this operating pattern C is an operating pattern for when the weather and turf conditions are good and driving on the fairway is possible. In this operating pattern C, for example, the driving mode for area HA (including both the fairway FW and cart path CP) within each hole is assigned to the fairway manual mode, and the driving mode for joint area JA is assigned to the cart path full auto mode. Furthermore, the driving modes for area A1 between the clubhouse CH and the hole, area A2 between the clubhouse CH and the cart storage CS, and area A3 within the cart storage CS can be arbitrarily assigned, but in this embodiment, an automatic driving mode is assigned.

[0073] In addition, while the aforementioned operating patterns used a common driving mode for each hole, it is also possible to assign different driving modes to each hole. For example, one could assign the Fairway Auto mode to long and medium holes, while assigning the Fairway Manual mode or Cart Path Full Auto mode to short holes.

[0074] The receiving unit 23b of the golf cart 2 receives information (information for selecting the operation pattern) transmitted from the transmitting unit 35 of the terminal device 3 via the communication device 27. In addition, the receiving unit 23b of the golf cart 2 can also receive other information, such as master information at the time of system installation, master information if the master information is rewritten, and command information corresponding to any trouble that occurs (for example, power off information or remote operation command information).

[0075] The operation pattern extraction unit 23c extracts operation pattern information from among the operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage unit 32 that corresponds to the information received by the receiving unit 23b (information input by the golf course operator: weather information, etc.). For example, if the receiving unit 23b acquires information that extracts operation pattern A (for example, information such as a pattern in which the cart manually drives through each hole and automatically drives through the joint sections in sunny weather), it extracts operation pattern A from among the operation patterns stored in the operation pattern storage unit 32 and defines the driving modes assigned to each area in operation pattern A as the driving modes for each golf cart 2,2,...

[0076] The driving mode switching unit 23d recognizes the driving mode corresponding to the area in which the golf cart 2 is currently driving, in accordance with the information received by the receiving unit 23b. If the current driving mode of the golf cart 2 differs from the driving mode in light of the received information, it outputs a signal to automatically switch to the driving mode corresponding to the received information.

[0077] The control command signal generation unit 23e generates command signals to be output to the drive motor 24b, brake device 24c, and steering device 24d, respectively, based on signals from the driving mode switching unit 23d. Specifically, if the driving mode corresponding to the currently driven area is the automatic driving mode, it generates a command signal for automatic driving. On the other hand, if the driving mode corresponding to the currently driven area is the manual driving mode, it generates command signals corresponding to the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 25a, brake pedal 25b, and steering wheel 21f.

[0078] The output unit 23f receives the control command signal output by the control command signal generation unit 23e and outputs the control command signal to the drive motor 24b, the brake device 24c, and the steering device 24d, respectively. As a result, the drive motor 24b starts and drives the golf cart 2, the brake device 24c applies braking force, and the steering device 24d steers the front wheels 22a.

[0079] Through the above operations, one of several driving modes is selected for each area partitioned within the golf course. Thus, the driving pattern extraction unit 23c constitutes the selection unit as defined in this invention, and the driving mode switching unit 23d and the control command signal generation unit 23e constitute the control unit as defined in this invention.

[0080] -Operation example- Next, we will describe an example of operation of the golf cart operation management system 1 configured as described above. Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, we will describe an example of operation in both cases where fairway driving is possible and when it is not. In other words, we will describe the case in which the operation pattern storage unit 23a stores both the operation pattern when fairway driving is possible and the operation pattern when fairway driving is not possible.

[0081] First, if fairway driving is permitted, early in the morning (before the golf course opens), the golf course operator operates terminal device 3 located in the master room to select a driving pattern that allows fairway driving. This information is then transmitted from transmission unit 35 to all golf carts 2,2,…. Upon receiving this information, the golf carts 2,2,… use the driving pattern extraction unit 23c to extract a driving pattern corresponding to sunny weather from the various driving patterns stored in the driving pattern storage unit 23a. Then, according to the operation of the driving mode switching unit 23d and the control command signal generation unit 23e, the driving is controlled by switching to the appropriate driving mode for each area. For example, if the aforementioned driving pattern A is selected, the driving mode for area HA (including both the fairway FW and cart path CP) within each hole will be set to fairway auto mode, and the driving mode for joint area JA will be set to cart path full auto mode. When the driving mode is automatically switched in this way, it is necessary to notify the driver of golf cart 2. For this reason, the current driving mode is displayed on the monitor screen installed in golf cart 2. The display on this monitor screen may show whether the vehicle is currently in manual or automatic driving mode, or it may show which of the aforementioned driving modes (cart path full auto mode, fairway auto mode, fairway manual mode, and full manual mode) the vehicle is in. In this case, since it is possible that the driver may not be familiar with the details of each driving mode, it is preferable to display on the monitor screen the areas where manual driving is possible and the areas where automatic driving is performed in the current driving mode to help the driver understand.

[0082] On the other hand, if fairway driving is not permitted, the golf course operator operates terminal device 3 early in the morning of the day to select a driving pattern that does not allow fairway driving, and this information is transmitted from transmission unit 35 to all golf carts 2,2,... Upon receiving this information, the golf carts 2,2,... use the driving pattern extraction unit 23c to extract a driving pattern that does not allow fairway driving from among the driving patterns stored in the driving pattern storage unit 23a. Then, according to the operation of the driving mode switching unit 23d and the control command signal generation unit 23e, the driving is controlled by switching to the appropriate driving mode for each area. For example, if the aforementioned driving pattern B is selected, the driving mode for area HA within each hole will be set to cart path full auto mode, and driving onto the fairway FW will be prohibited. The driving mode for joint area JA will also be set to cart path full auto mode. In this case as well, the current driving mode is displayed on the monitor screen mounted on golf cart 2.

[0083] -Effects of the embodiment- As explained above, in this embodiment, when managing the operation of multiple golf carts 2,2,… (operational management of the driving status for each area), information for selecting the driving mode for each area is transmitted from the transmission unit 35 of the terminal device 3 to each golf cart 2,2,…. Furthermore, when each golf cart 2,2,… receives this information and drives within the golf course, it extracts the driving mode assigned to each area according to the received information, and controls the driving status in each area by automatically switching between these driving modes. In this way, the driving status of the golf carts 2,2,… in each area is controlled by automatically switching between driving modes, so by setting the driving mode for each area to correspond to the usage pattern requested by the golf course operator, it becomes possible to operate the golf carts 2,2,… in the usage pattern requested by the golf course operator (for example, a usage pattern contrary to the requests of golfers).

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple operating patterns, each with a different combination of area and driving mode, are stored in the operating pattern storage unit 23a, and any one operating pattern can be selected from these multiple operating patterns. Therefore, when the golf course operator operates the terminal device 3 and transmits information for selecting a driving mode to each golf cart 2,2,..., an operating pattern that aggregates the driving mode information for each area will be selected for each golf cart 2,2,... In other words, when the golf course operator operates the terminal device 3, it is not necessary to assign a driving mode to each area and transmit it to each golf cart 2,2,..., thus greatly simplifying the information transmission work to each golf cart 2,2,... As a result, the practicality of this golf cart operation management system 1 can be increased.

[0085] -Other Embodiments- Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and all modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0086] For example, since the present invention enables communication between terminal devices 3 and system management devices 4 and each golf cart 2,2,... using a communication network 5, this communication method can also be used when performing maintenance on the golf carts 2,2,... or when upgrading their software.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the golf cart operation management system 1 was described as being constructed using a plurality of golf carts 2,2,... and an operation management device (terminal device 3 and system management device 4) as an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and as mentioned above, the golf cart operation management system 1 may be constructed for each of the plurality of golf carts 2,2,... (without requiring an operation management device). In this case, the information for which the operation pattern extraction unit 23c extracts the operation pattern will be directly input to each golf cart 2,2,... Specifically, this could involve connecting a terminal device to each golf cart 2,2,... to input information, or providing each golf cart 2,2,... with an operation unit for inputting information.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operation pattern storage unit 23a, operation pattern extraction unit 23c, driving mode switching unit 23d, and control command signal generation unit 23e were each provided in the golf cart 2. The present invention is not limited to this, and the operation pattern storage unit 23a and the operation pattern extraction unit 23c may be provided in the terminal device 3, or the operation pattern storage unit 23a, the operation pattern extraction unit 23c, the driving mode switching unit 23d, and the control command signal generation unit 23e may each be provided in the terminal device 3.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, examples of selectable driving modes were given as fairway manual mode, full manual mode, cart path full auto mode, and fairway auto mode. The present invention is not limited to these, and other modes may be applied in place of or in addition to these driving modes.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the golf course operator operated the terminal device 3 to transmit information for selecting an operating pattern (for example, information such as a pattern where the cart manually drives through each hole in sunny weather and automatically drives through the joint sections) to each golf cart 2,2,... The present invention is not limited to this, and the system manufacturer's administrator may operate the system management device 4 to transmit information for selecting an operating pattern to each golf cart 2,2,... Furthermore, information for selecting an operating pattern may be transmitted to each golf cart 2,2,... from either the terminal device 3 or the system management device 4. In this case, it is preferable to decide in advance which of the information from the terminal device 3 and the information from the system management device 4 will be given priority.

[0091] Furthermore, the embodiments and other matters disclosed herein can also be understood as the technical concepts described in the following appendix.

[0092] (Note 1) In a golf cart operation management system that manages the operation of multiple golf carts configured to switch between manual and automatic driving, Assignment information, in which a driving mode is assigned to each of the multiple areas partitioned within the golf course, is stored in a storage unit that stores multiple such assignments for each of the aforementioned areas. A selection unit that selects one assignment piece for each area from among the multiple assignment pieces mentioned above, A golf cart operation management system comprising a control unit that controls the driving state of the golf cart in each of the areas while automatically switching the driving mode for each of the areas according to the assignment information selected by the selection unit.

[0093] (Note 2) In the golf cart operation management system described in Appendix 1, Each of the aforementioned multiple golf carts is equipped with a traffic management device capable of communicating with it, The aforementioned operation management device includes a transmission unit that transmits information to each of the golf carts for selecting one assignment piece for each of the respective areas. The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the storage unit, the selection unit, and the control unit are provided in each of the plurality of golf carts, and the control unit controls the driving state of the golf cart in each of the respective areas while automatically switching the driving mode for each area according to the assignment information selected by the selection unit in response to information received from the operation management device.

[0094] (Note 3) In the golf cart operation management system described in Appendix 1 or 2, A golf cart operation management system characterized in that the multiple driving modes in the aforementioned assignment information include a fairway manual mode in which the joint areas connecting each hole on the golf course are driven automatically and the fairway is driven manually; a full manual mode in which all areas within the golf course are driven manually; a cart path full auto mode in which the cart path and the aforementioned joint areas are driven automatically; and a fairway auto mode in which the fairway, the cart path and the aforementioned joint areas are driven automatically.

[0095] (Note 4) In the golf cart operation management system described in Appendix 1, 2, or 3, The memory unit stores a plurality of operating patterns, each consisting of a combination of each of the aforementioned regions and the aforementioned driving mode, in which each combination of the aforementioned regions and the aforementioned driving mode is different from the others. The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the selection unit selects any one operation pattern from among these multiple operation patterns.

[0096] (Note 5) In the golf cart operation management system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the multiple areas partitioned within the golf course include holes, joint areas connecting each hole, areas between the clubhouse and the holes, areas between the clubhouse and the cart storage area, and areas inside the cart storage area. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] This invention is applicable to a golf cart operation management system that manages the operation of multiple golf carts, each capable of switching between manual and automatic driving modes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Golf cart operation management system 2 golf carts 23 Control device 23a Operation pattern memory unit (memory unit) 23c Operation pattern extraction unit (selection unit) 23d Driving mode switching unit (control unit) 23e Control command signal generation unit (control unit) 3. Terminal equipment (operation management equipment) 4. System Management Device (Operation Management Device) FW Fairway CP Cart Path JA Joint Area Halls H1-H9 CH Clubhouse CS Cart Storage A1 Area between the clubhouse and the hall A2 Area between the clubhouse and the cart storage area A3 Area inside the cart storage

Claims

1. In a golf cart operation management system that manages the operation of multiple golf carts configured to switch between manual and automatic driving, Assignment information, in which a driving mode is assigned to each of the multiple areas partitioned within the golf course, is stored in a storage unit that stores multiple such assignments for each of the aforementioned areas. A selection unit that selects one assignment piece for each area from among the multiple assignment pieces mentioned above, A golf cart operation management system comprising a control unit that controls the driving state of the golf cart in each of the areas while automatically switching the driving mode for each of the areas according to the assignment information selected by the selection unit.

2. In the golf cart operation management system according to claim 1, Each of the aforementioned multiple golf carts is equipped with a traffic management device capable of communicating with it, The aforementioned operation management device includes a transmission unit that transmits information to each of the golf carts for selecting one assignment piece for each of the respective areas. The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the storage unit, the selection unit, and the control unit are provided in each of the plurality of golf carts, and the control unit controls the driving state of the golf cart in each of the respective areas while automatically switching the driving mode for each area according to the assignment information selected by the selection unit in response to information received from the operation management device.

3. In the golf cart operation management system according to claim 1 or 2, A golf cart operation management system characterized in that the multiple driving modes in the aforementioned assignment information include a fairway manual mode in which the joint areas connecting each hole on the golf course are driven automatically and the fairway is driven manually; a full manual mode in which all areas within the golf course are driven manually; a cart path full auto mode in which the cart path and the aforementioned joint areas are driven automatically; and a fairway auto mode in which the fairway, the cart path and the aforementioned joint areas are driven automatically.

4. In the golf cart operation management system according to claim 1 or 2, The memory unit stores a plurality of operating patterns, each consisting of a combination of each of the aforementioned regions and the aforementioned driving mode, in which each combination of the aforementioned regions and the aforementioned driving mode is different from the others. The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the selection unit selects any one operation pattern from among these multiple operation patterns.

5. In the golf cart operation management system according to claim 1 or 2, The golf cart operation management system is characterized in that the multiple areas partitioned within the golf course include holes, joint areas connecting each hole, areas between the clubhouse and the holes, areas between the clubhouse and the cart storage area, and areas inside the cart storage area.

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