Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to provide technology that enables the simplification of equipment. [Solution] Network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n include an entry / exit authentication unit 11-51-1 that authenticates the entry and exit of vehicles V1-1 to V1-p, and an entry / exit status provision unit 11-51-2 that provides entry / exit status information indicating the entry or exit status to the vehicle management server 1. The vehicle management server 1 includes an entry / exit status acquisition unit 11-1-1 that acquires entry / exit status information from network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n, and an entry / exit status management unit 11-1-2 that manages the entry or exit status based on the entry / exit status information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Management systems for managing paid parking lots are roughly classified into a management system with gates provided at the entrance and exit of the parking lot to manage the entry and exit of vehicles at the gates, and a management system without gates that manages the entry and exit for each parking space where vehicles are parked and does not have gates at the entrance and exit of the parking lot. For example, as the former management system with gates, the parking lot has an entrance and an exit, and an entrance gate and an exit gate are provided respectively. A ticket dispenser is provided at the entrance gate, and a cashier is provided at the exit gate. In the management system with gates, when a user takes a parking ticket from the ticket dispenser, the entrance gate opens and the user can enter. On the other hand, when the user exits, when the parking ticket is inserted into the cashier, the cashier calculates the settlement amount, and the settlement amount is displayed on the display unit of the cashier. When the user inserts the displayed settlement amount into the cashier, the exit gate opens and the user can exit the parking lot. On the contrary, for example, as the latter management system without gates, a flap device that physically restrains the vehicle, a detector that detects the presence of the vehicle, and a cashier are provided in each parking space. The flap device can cause a plate-shaped flap to be raised when the wheels pass and the detector detects the vehicle, preventing the wheels from crossing over. In addition, due to the presence of the flap device and the detector, power lines and signal lines are laid for each parking space. When a vehicle that has entered the parking lot parks in an empty parking space, the vehicle is detected by the detector and the flap device operates, and the vehicle is mechanically restrained. On the other hand, when exiting, when the user inserts the settlement amount into the cashier, the flap device is knocked down and the mechanical restraint of the vehicle is released, and the user can exit the parking space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-339081 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In conventional management systems, including the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to lay power lines and signal lines for each vehicle compartment, resulting in a large-scale system.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances and aims to provide a technology that can simplify equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is: A network connection device placed in the parking lot that connects to the internet. One or more vehicle detection devices are provided for each lane of the parking lot, and each device communicates wirelessly with the network connection device. and The first information processing device communicates with the network connection device via the Internet. An information processing system including, The aforementioned network connection device, For each of the one or more lanes, an entry / exit authentication means is provided to authenticate the entry and exit of a vehicle to and from that lane based on the detection results from the vehicle detection device. For each of the one or more lanes, an inbound / outbound status providing means provides inbound / outbound status information indicating the inbound or outbound status authenticated by the inbound / outbound authentication means to the first information processing device via the Internet, Equipped with, The first information processing device is An inbound / outbound status acquisition means that acquires pre-filled outbound status information for each of the one or more lanes from the network connection device via the Internet, For each of the one or more lanes, there is an inbound / outbound status management means for managing the inbound or outbound status based on the inbound / outbound status information, It is equipped with.

[0007] An information processing method and program according to one aspect of the present invention are a method and program corresponding to an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the equipment can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the service provided by the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle management server within the information processing system. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network connection device, vehicle management server, and billing server that make up the information processing system. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a payment machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the service provided by the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] First, referring to FIG. 1, a service provided by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this service") will be briefly described. This service is as follows. That is, this service is a service that enables authentication of vehicle entry and exit without laying power lines and signal lines for each passenger compartment in a parking lot (paid parking lot) having a plurality of passenger compartments, for example. In addition, this service is a service that enables management of the state of vehicle entry or exit. In addition, this service is a service that enables charging users (user terminals 3) using the parking lot according to the staying time of the vehicle in the passenger compartment.

[0012] The above-mentioned user is a person who uses the parking lot, and for example, a person who drives the above-mentioned vehicle (driver), a passenger, etc. are applicable. In this embodiment, there are parking lots C1 to Cn (n is an integer value of 1 or more) as shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish parking lots C1 to Cn individually, they will be referred to as "parking lot C".

[0013] Each of the parking lots C1 to Cn is provided with one or more passenger compartments (lanes) as spaces where vehicles are parked. For example, in parking lot C1, passenger compartments C1-1 to C1-p (p is an integer value of 1 or more) are provided, and a maximum of p vehicles can be parked. In addition, in parking lot Cn, passenger compartments C1-n to C1-q (q is an integer value of 1 or more) are provided, and a maximum of q vehicles can be parked.

[0014] [[ID=*27]] In this embodiment, when a vehicle is parked (when entering) in passenger compartment C1-1 in parking lot C1, the vehicle is assigned a code V1-1 and is referred to as vehicle V1-1. Furthermore, when a vehicle is parked in parking space C1-p in parking lot C1 (i.e., when it is entered into the parking lot), the vehicle will be assigned the designation V1-p and referred to as vehicle V1-p. Furthermore, when a vehicle is parked in a parking space Cn-q in parking lot Cn (i.e., entered into a parking space), the vehicle will be assigned the designation Vn-q and referred to as vehicle Vn-q. In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between them individually, we will refer to them as "Vehicle V".

[0015] In order to provide this service, network connection devices are installed in each of the parking areas C1 through Cn. Specifically, network connection device 51-1 is installed in parking lot C1. Network connection device 51-n is installed in parking lot Cn (although not specifically shown in the diagram, network connection device 51-2 is installed in parking lot C2, network connection device 51-3 is installed in parking lot C3, etc.). In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between them individually, they will be referred to as "network connection device 51".

[0016] The network connection device 51-1 in parking lot C1 is fixed, for example, to a predetermined position on a column member H1 installed on the ground using a predetermined fixing method (network connection devices 51-2 to 51-n are fixed in the same manner). One example of the aforementioned method of securing is fastening with a metal band.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to provide this service, a vehicle detection device is installed in each individual vehicle compartment. Specifically, vehicle detection device 52-1-1 is installed in parking space C1-1, and vehicle detection device 52-1-p is installed in parking space C1-p. Furthermore, vehicle detection device 52-n-1 is installed in parking space Cn-1, and vehicle detection device 52-nq is installed in parking space Cn-q. In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between them individually, they will be referred to as "vehicle detection device 52".

[0018] The vehicle detection device 52-1-1 in the vehicle compartment C1-1 is fixed to a predetermined position on a column member h1-1 installed on the ground using a predetermined fixing method (other vehicle detection devices 52-1-2, etc., are similarly fixed to column members h1-2, etc.). One example of the aforementioned method of securing is fastening with a metal band.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to provide this service, the service is equipped with a vehicle management server 1 and a billing server 2. These vehicle management server 1 and billing server 2 are managed by the service provider that provides this service.

[0020] From here, we will explain examples of vehicle V entering or leaving the depot. First, let's explain an example of parking in parking lot C1. According to this service, for example, if a vehicle V1-1 driven by a user enters parking lot C1, and the user then selects parking space C1-1 and attempts to park in this space C1-1, the vehicle V1-1 is detected by the vehicle detection device 52-1-1 installed in parking space C1-1.

[0021] As shown in step S1 of Figure 1, the vehicle detection device 52-1-1 repeatedly checks whether an object (vehicle V1-1) has been detected within 2m, for example, every 10 seconds, and the detection result obtained from this repetition is transmitted wirelessly to the network connection device 51-1.

[0022] The network connection device 51-1 authenticates the entry of vehicle V1-1 into parking space C1-1 based on the detection results received from the vehicle detection device 52-1-1, and provides the parking space management server 1 via a network N (see Figure 2) such as the Internet, indicating the authenticated entry status.

[0023] With respect to the network connection device 51-1, in this embodiment, as shown in step S2 of Figure 1, if object detection is confirmed 10 times in a row, for example, it is determined that vehicle V1-1 has entered the depot, and this is generated as depot entry / exit status information.

[0024] Next, we will explain an example of parking in parking lot Cn. For example, if a vehicle Vn-2 driven by a user enters parking lot Cn, and the user then selects parking space Cn-2 and attempts to park in this space Cn-2, the vehicle Vn-2 is detected by the vehicle detection device 52-n-2 installed in parking space Cn-2.

[0025] The vehicle detection device 52-n-2 repeatedly checks, for example, every 10 seconds whether or not an object (vehicle Vn-2) has been detected within 2 meters, and the detection result obtained from this repetition is transmitted wirelessly to the network connection device 51-n.

[0026] The network connection device 51-n authenticates the entry of vehicle Vn-2 into vehicle compartment Cn-2 based on the knowledge received from vehicle detection device 52-n-2, and provides entry / exit status information indicating the authenticated entry status to the vehicle compartment management server 1 via network N such as the Internet (see Figure 2).

[0027] With respect to the network connection device 51-n, in this embodiment, as described above, if object detection is confirmed 10 times in a row, for example, it is determined that vehicle Vn-2 has entered the depot, and this is generated as depot entry / exit status information.

[0028] Next, we will explain an example of exiting parking lot C1. For example, when a user returns to parking lot C1 after completing a predetermined task or errand and attempts to exit vehicle V1-p from parking space C1-p, vehicle V1-p continues to be detected by the vehicle detection device 52-1-p installed in parking space C1-p until this point. In other words, the vehicle detection device 52-1-p repeatedly checks whether or not an object (vehicle V1-p) has been detected, as described above, and the detection result obtained from this repetition is transmitted to the network connection device 51-1 via wireless communication.

[0029] When the vehicle V1-p starts moving due to the user's driving, the vehicle detection device 52-1-p enters a state where it does not detect objects, and the detection result (detection result) of this state is transmitted wirelessly to the network connection device 51-1.

[0030] In the network connection device 51-1, if the vehicle detection device 52-1-p has not detected an object for, for example, three times in a row, it is determined that vehicle V1-p has left the depot (see step S2 in Figure 1). In other words, the outbound shipment is authenticated, and this authentication generates inbound / outbound status information indicating the status of the shipment. The generated vehicle departure status information is provided to the vehicle management server 1 via a network N such as the Internet (see Figure 2).

[0031] Next, we will explain an example of exiting parking lot Cn. For example, when a user returns to parking lot Cn after completing a predetermined purpose such as shopping, and attempts to exit vehicle V1-p from parking space Cn-q, vehicle Vn-q continues to be detected by the vehicle detection device 52-nq installed in parking space Cn-q until this point. In other words, the vehicle detection device 52-nq repeatedly checks whether or not an object (vehicle Vn-q) has been detected, as described above, and the detection result obtained from this repetition is transmitted to the network connection device 51-n via wireless communication.

[0032] When the vehicle Vn-q starts moving due to the user's driving, the vehicle detection device 52-nq enters a state where it does not detect objects, and the detection result (detection result) of this state is transmitted wirelessly to the network connection device 51-n.

[0033] In the network connection device 51-n, if the vehicle detection device 52-nq fails to detect an object for, for example, three times in a row, it is determined that the vehicle Vn-q has left the depot (see step S2 in Figure 1). In other words, the outbound shipment is authenticated, and this authentication generates inbound / outbound status information indicating the status of the shipment. The generated vehicle departure status information is provided to the vehicle management server 1 from the network connection device 51-n via a network N such as the Internet (see Figure 2).

[0034] In this embodiment, the battery levels of each vehicle detection device 52-1-1 to 52-1-p, ..., and vehicle detection devices 52-n-1 to 52-nq are transmitted from each of the network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n to the vehicle room management server 1, for example, at 5-minute intervals. In other words, the battery levels of each vehicle detection device 52-1-1 to 52-1-p, ..., and vehicle detection devices 52-n-1 to 52-nq are provided to the vehicle room management server 1, for example, every 5 minutes (see step S2 in Figure 1). This enables better management.

[0035] The parking space management server 1 receives entry and exit status information for each of the parking spaces C1-1 to C1-p, ..., and parking spaces Cn-1 to C1-q from each of the network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n via the network N (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the parking space management server 1 manages the entry and exit status for each of the parking spaces C1-1 through C1-p, ..., and parking spaces Cn-1 through C1-q based on the acquired entry and exit status information. In other words, the parking space management server 1 manages the entry and exit status of each parking space, for example, on the cloud, as shown in step S3 of Figure 1.

[0036] In the parking space management server 1, when it is determined that a vehicle V has transitioned from being parked to being parked out of a designated parking space among parking spaces C1-1 to C1-p, ..., and parking spaces Cn-1 to C1-q, the time the vehicle V stays in that designated parking space is generated through a predetermined calculation. This generated dwell time is notified from the vehicle management server 1 to the billing server 2, for example, via cloud API integration (see step S4 in Figure 1).

[0037] The billing server 2 communicates with the user terminal 3 of the user using the designated parking space, for example, via the network N (see Figure 2), and performs billing processing based on the length of stay notified by the parking space management server 1 (see step S5 in Figure 1). In this embodiment, it is preferable to display a QR code (registered trademark) and have the user read it using the user terminal 3 to proceed with payment (settlement) (this is just one example).

[0038] Regarding the arrows in Figure 1, for example, the arrow pointing from the vehicle detection device 52-1-1 to vehicle V1-1 indicates that vehicle entry or exit has been detected. Furthermore, for example, an arrow pointing from the vehicle detection device 52-1-1 to the network connection device 51-1 indicates that the detection result of vehicle entry or exit is being transmitted via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth®. Furthermore, the arrows from the network connection device 51-1 to the vehicle management server 1, and from the billing server 2 to the user terminal 3, indicate that they are interconnected via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. Furthermore, the arrows pointing from the vehicle management server 1 to the billing server 2 indicate that they are interconnected, for example, through cloud API integration.

[0039] As explained above with reference to Figure 1, this service can authenticate the entry and exit of vehicles V in a parking lot C having multiple parking spaces, for example, without having to lay power lines or signal lines for each parking space, and can also manage the entry or exit status of vehicles V. This service allows for a simplification of equipment compared to conventional methods.

[0040] Furthermore, this service allows users of parking lot C (user terminal 3) to be charged based on the duration of their vehicle V's stay in the parking space. This service can improve user convenience.

[0041] Next, referring to Figure 2, we will explain the configuration of the information processing system that enables the provision of the service shown in Figure 1 above. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The information processing system shown in Figure 2 is configured to include a parking space management server 1, a billing server 2, a user terminal 3, and network connection devices 51 (network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n) and vehicle detection devices 52 (vehicle detection devices 52-1-1 to 52-1-p, ..., vehicle detection devices 52-n-1 to 52-nq) in parking lot C.

[0043] The vehicle management server 1, billing server 2, user terminal 3, and network connection device 51 are interconnected via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. Furthermore, the network connection device 51 and the vehicle detection device 52 are interconnected by wireless communication, such as Bluetooth®.

[0044] The vehicle room management server 1 is an information processing device managed by the service provider of this service shown in Figure 1. The vehicle management server 1 performs various processes necessary to implement this service while communicating with the billing server 2 and the network connection device 51 as needed.

[0045] The billing server 2, like the vehicle management server 1, is an information processing device managed by the service provider of this service shown in Figure 1. The billing server 2 performs various processes necessary to implement this service while communicating with the vehicle management server 1 and the user terminal 3 as needed.

[0046] User terminal 3 is an information processing device managed and operated by the user, and consists of a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. Although only one user terminal 3 is shown here, there are actually multiple users, so we will assume there are multiple terminals accordingly.

[0047] Network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n are information processing devices managed by the service provider of this service shown in Figure 1. Each of the network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n is provided to be incorporated into, for example, payment machines T1 to Tn installed in each of the parking lots C1 to Cn. Each of the payment machines T1 to Tn is fixed to each of the column members H1 to Hn in Figure 1, for example, using a metal band. In the following discussion, unless otherwise necessary, each item will be referred to as "Payment Machine T." Payment Machine T will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0048] Vehicle detection devices 52-1-1 to 52-1-p, ..., and vehicle detection devices 52-n-1 to 52-nq are information processing devices managed by the service provider of the Service in Figure 1, similar to the network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n, and are operated, for example, by batteries. Each of the vehicle detection devices 52-1-1, ... is configured to include a sensor (such as a TOF sensor capable of object detection) for detecting the entry and exit of a vehicle V, a camera for acquiring information related to the vehicle V (such as information for license plate authentication, vehicle type and user information, etc.), a communication device, etc. The aforementioned communication device transmits detection results from sensors, information related to vehicle V acquired by cameras, its own battery level, etc., to network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n via wireless communication.

[0049] Next, referring to Figure 3, an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle room management server 1 in the information processing system shown in Figure 2 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle management server within the information processing system shown in Figure 2.

[0050] The vehicle room management server 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0051] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. RAM13 also stores data and other information necessary for the CPU11 to perform various processes.

[0052] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is connected to an input unit 16, an output unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0053] The input unit 16 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various types of information. The output unit 17 consists of a display such as an LCD and a speaker, and outputs various information as images and sounds. The memory unit 18 is composed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices (for example, the user terminal UT and server SV in Figure 2) via a network N, including the Internet.

[0054] A removable media 30, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 30 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable media 30 can store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18, just as the storage unit 18 does.

[0055] Although not shown in the diagram, the billing server 2, user terminal 3, and network connection device 51 in Figure 2 can have essentially the same hardware configuration as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, a description of the hardware configuration of the billing server 2, user terminal 3, and network connection device 51 of the information processing system will be omitted.

[0056] Through the cooperation of various hardware and software components that make up the information processing system shown in Figure 2, including the vehicle room management server 1 shown in Figure 3, the vehicle room management server 1 can perform various processes.

[0057] The following describes the functional configurations performed in the network connection device 51, the vehicle management server 1, and the billing server 2, which constitute the information processing system shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network connection device, the vehicle management server, and the billing server that make up the information processing system shown in Figure 2.

[0058] Furthermore, for components such as CPU 11, a hyphen (-) is added to the end of the code, followed by the code of each device, to clearly indicate that it is a component of a specific device. For example, the CPU 11 of the vehicle management server 1 is written as "CPU11-1," while the CPU 11 of the billing server 2 is written as "CPU11-2." On the other hand, the CPU 11 of the network connection device 51 is written as "CPU11-51."

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the CPU 11-51 of the network connection device 51 functions as an inbound / outbound authentication unit 11-51-1 and an inbound / outbound status provision unit 11-51-2. Furthermore, the CPU 11-1 of the vehicle storage management server 1 functions as follows: an entry / exit status acquisition unit 11-1-1, an entry / exit status management unit 11-1-2, and a dwell time notification unit 11-1-3. Furthermore, the billing unit 11-2-1 functions on CPU 11-2 of billing server 2.

[0060] The entry / exit authentication unit 11-51-1 of the CPU 11-51 in the network connection device 51 authenticates the entry (e.g., "entry" enclosed in a rectangular frame as shown in Figure 1) and exit (e.g., "exit" enclosed in a rectangular frame as shown in Figure 1) of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle V1-1 to V1-p as shown in Figure 1) into the vehicle compartment (e.g., vehicle V1-1 to V1-p as shown in Figure 1) based on the detection results from a vehicle detection device (e.g., vehicle detection devices 52-1-1 to 52-1-p as shown in Figure 1).

[0061] Furthermore, the entry / exit authentication unit 11-51-1 authenticates that, for each of one or more parking spaces, the vehicle has entered the entry state if, as a first condition, object detection by a sensor (e.g., a TOF sensor, a license plate authentication camera, etc.) (which is detection of a vehicle V, and as shown in step S1 of Figure 1, the system checks whether an object within 2m is detected at 10-second intervals) has occurred at a first threshold or higher (as shown in step S2 of Figure 1, the system makes an entry judgment if object detection is confirmed 10 times in a row). In the entry state, the system authenticates that the vehicle has entered the exit state if object detection by the sensor has not occurred at a second threshold or higher (as shown in step S2 of Figure 1, the system makes an exit judgment if object detection is not confirmed 3 times in a row after the entry judgment).

[0062] The entry / exit status provision unit 11-51-2 of the CPU 11-51 in the network connection device 51 provides entry / exit status information (for example, information related to the entry or exit decision described above) indicating the entry or exit status authenticated by the entry / exit authentication unit 11-51-1 for each of the one or more parking spaces to the parking space management server 1 via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

[0063] The entry / exit status acquisition unit 11-1-1 of the CPU 11-1 in the vehicle storage management server 1 acquires entry / exit status information for one or more vehicle storage spaces from the network connection device 51 via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. The entry / exit status management unit 11-1-2 of the CPU 11-1 in the vehicle storage management server 1 manages the entry or exit status for one or more vehicle storage spaces based on the acquired entry / exit status information. The dwell time notification unit 11-1-3 of the CPU 11-1 in the parking space management server 1 notifies the billing server 2 of the dwell time in a designated parking space (for example, the time from entry to exit) when one or more parking spaces transition to the exit state.

[0064] When the billing server 2 receives notification from the parking space management server 1 of the time spent in a designated parking space, the billing unit 11-2-1 of the CPU 11-2 communicates with the user terminal 3 of the user in that designated parking space via a predetermined network N such as the Internet, and executes billing processing according to the time spent in that parking space.

[0065] As described above, the network connection device 51, the vehicle management server 1, and the billing server 2 each function in a manner that enables the provision of the service described above, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, with this service, for example, in a parking lot C with multiple parking spaces, it is possible to authenticate the entry and exit of vehicles V without laying power lines or signal lines for each parking space, and to manage the entry or exit status of vehicles V. In other words, the equipment can be simplified compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, this service allows for charging users of parking lot C (using their user terminal 3) based on the duration of their vehicle V's stay in the parking space. In other words, it improves user convenience.

[0066] Next, we will describe an example of a payment machine T. Figure 5 shows an example of the payment machine shown in Figure 2.

[0067] The payment machine T is installed in parking lot C. This payment machine T is equipped with a payment machine circuit board 55 and a relay 56. The payment machine T also incorporates the aforementioned network connection device 51. The payment machine T, which includes the network connection device 51, is controlled by the parking space management server 1 and the billing server 2, and performs payment processing based on the above-mentioned entry and exit status information. Furthermore, the payment machine T is controlled by the parking space management server 1, and based on the entry / exit status information, the occupancy indicator light 57 is illuminated to show whether the parking lot is full or not.

[0068] In the payment machine T of this embodiment, as shown in step S11, customers who wish to pay in cash can do so at the payment machine T. Furthermore, as shown in step S12, a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed to those who wish to make an online payment. By scanning this code with the user terminal 3, the user can proceed with the payment (settlement), and as shown in step S13, the user is redirected to the payment company.

[0069] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are considered to be included in the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle management server 1 and the billing server 2 were provided as separate information processing devices, but the system is not limited to this configuration and may be configured to function as a single server. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment specified object detection as occurring at "10-second intervals" and detecting "objects within 2 meters," it is not limited to these conditions. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the decision to accept goods into storage was made after "10 consecutive checks," and the decision to accept goods out of storage was made after "3 consecutive checks," but the embodiment is not limited to these.

[0070] Furthermore, the functional block diagram shown in Figure 4 is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient that the information processing system in Figure 4 has the functionality to execute the above-described process as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this functionality are not particularly limited to the example in Figure 4.

[0071] Furthermore, the location of the functional blocks and database is not limited to Figure 4, but can be any location. In the example in Figure 4, each process is controlled by the CPUs 11-1, 11-2, and 11-51 of the vehicle management server 1, billing server 2, and network connection device 51, which constitute the information processing system in Figure 2, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, at least a portion of the functional blocks and databases located on the vehicle management server 1, billing server 2, and network connection device 5 side may be provided on the user terminal 3 side or on other information processing devices not shown.

[0072] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0073] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware. Furthermore, a computer can be any computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0074] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to the user, but also of recording media provided to the user in a state where they are pre-installed in the main unit of the device.

[0075] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually.

[0076] In summary, the information processing system to which the present invention applies only needs to have the following configuration, and can take various forms.

[0077] In other words, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system shown in Figures 1 and 2) is: Network connection devices (e.g., network connection devices 51-1 to 51-n in Figures 1 and 4) are placed in a parking lot (e.g., parking lot C1 to Cn in Figure 1) and connected to the internet (e.g., network N in Figure 2), One or more vehicle detection devices (e.g., 52-1-1 to 52-1-p in Figures 1 and 2) are provided for each lane (e.g., parking spaces C1-1 to C1-n in Figure 1) of the parking lot, and each device communicates wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth®) with the network connection device. and A first information processing device (for example, the vehicle room management server 1 in Figures 1 and 4) communicates with the network connection device via the Internet. An information processing system including, The aforementioned network connection device, For each of the one or more lanes, an entry / exit authentication means (for example, the entry / exit authentication unit 11-51-1 in Figure 4) is provided to authenticate the entry (for example, "entry" enclosed in a rectangular frame as shown in Figure 1) and exit (for example, "exit" enclosed in a rectangular frame as shown in Figure 1) of a vehicle (for example, vehicles V1-1 to V1-p in Figure 1, etc.) into that lane based on the detection results by the vehicle detection device, For each of the one or more lanes, an inbound / outbound status providing means (for example, the inbound / outbound status providing unit 11-51-2 in Figure 4, etc.) provides inbound / outbound status information indicating the inbound or outbound status authenticated by the inbound / outbound authentication means to the first information processing device via the Internet, Equipped with, The first information processing device is An entry / exit status acquisition means (for example, entry / exit status acquisition unit 11-1-1 in Figure 4, etc.) that acquires pre-entered exit status information for each of the one or more lanes from the network connection device via the Internet, For each of the one or more lanes, there is an in / out status management means (for example, the in / out status management unit 11-1-2 in Figure 4) that manages the in / out status based on the in / out status information, Having that will suffice.

[0078] In an information processing system to which the present invention is applied, The information processing system further includes a second information processing device (for example, the billing server 2 in Figures 1 and 4) that communicates with the first information processing device and also communicates via the Internet with user terminals (for example, user terminal 3 in Figure 1) of users of any of the one or more lanes in the parking lot. The first information processing device further, When a predetermined lane (for example, parking spaces C1-q and Cn-q in Figure 1) among the one or more lanes transitions to the exit state, a stay time notification means (for example, a stay time notification unit 11-1-3 in Figure 4) notifies the second information processing device of the stay time in the predetermined lane (for example, the time from when the vehicle V enters the parking space until it exits the parking space). Equipped with, The second information processing device is When the stay time is notified from the first information processing device, a billing means (for example, the billing unit 11-2-1 in Figure 4, etc.) communicates with the user terminal of the user in the predetermined lane via the Internet and performs billing processing according to the stay time. Equipped with, It is possible.

[0079] In an information processing system to which the present invention is applied, The network connection device is located in the parking lot and is installed in a payment machine (for example, payment machine T in Figures 2 and 5) that performs payment processing based on the entry / exit status information. It is possible.

[0080] In an information processing system to which the present invention is applied, The vehicle detection device is a sensor (such as the TOF sensor described above) that repeatedly checks whether or not to detect an object within a predetermined distance (such as 2m in step S1 of Figure 1) at a predetermined period (such as a 10-second period in step S1 of Figure 1), and wirelessly transmits the detection result of the object to the network connection device using a predetermined wireless communication method (such as Bluetooth®). The aforementioned entry / exit authentication means authenticates that for each of the one or more lanes, the sensor has detected the object at a first threshold or higher as a first condition, and that the state has transitioned to the entry state (for example, as shown in step S2 of Figure 1, if object detection is confirmed 10 times in a row, an entry decision is made), and in the entry state, the sensor has not detected the object at a second threshold or higher as a second condition, and that the state has transitioned to the exit state (for example, as shown in step S2 of Figure 1, if object detection is not confirmed 3 times in a row after the entry decision, an exit decision is made), It is possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1...Parking space management server, 2...Billing server, 3...User terminal, 11...CPU, 11-1-1...Entry / exit status acquisition unit, 11-1-2...Entry / exit status management unit, 11-2-1...Billing unit, 11-51-1...Entry / exit authentication unit, 11-51-2...Entry / exit status provision unit, 18...Storage unit, 20...Drive, 31...Removable media, 51-1 to 51-n...Network connection device, 52-1-1 to 52-1-p, 52-n-1 to 52-nq...Vehicle detection device, C1 to Cn...Parking lot, C1-1 to C1-p, Cn-1 to Cn-q...Parking space, V1-1 to V1-p, Cn-1 to Cn-q...Vehicle

Claims

1. A network connection device placed in the parking lot that connects to the internet. One or more vehicle detection devices are provided for each lane of the parking lot, and each device communicates wirelessly with the network connection device. and The first information processing device communicates with the network connection device via the Internet. An information processing system including, The aforementioned network connection device, For each of the one or more lanes, an entry / exit authentication means is provided to authenticate the entry and exit of a vehicle to and from that lane based on the detection results from the vehicle detection device. For each of the one or more lanes, an inbound / outbound status providing means provides inbound / outbound status information indicating the inbound or outbound status authenticated by the inbound / outbound authentication means to the first information processing device via the Internet, Equipped with, The first information processing device is An inbound / outbound status acquisition means that acquires pre-filled outbound status information for each of the one or more lanes from the network connection device via the Internet, For each of the one or more lanes, there is an inbound / outbound status management means for managing the inbound or outbound status based on the inbound / outbound status information, Equipped with, Information processing system.

2. The information processing system further includes a second information processing device that communicates with the first information processing device and communicates with user terminals of users of any of the one or more lanes in the parking lot via the Internet. The first information processing device further, When a predetermined lane among the one or more lanes transitions to the outbound state, a stay time notification means notifies the second information processing device of the stay time in the predetermined lane. Equipped with, The second information processing device is When the first information processing device notifies the user of the stay, the billing means communicates with the user terminal of the user in the predetermined lane via the Internet and performs billing processing according to the stay time. Equipped with, The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The network connection device is located in the parking lot and is installed in a payment machine that performs payment processing based on the entry / exit status information. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The vehicle detection device is a sensor that repeatedly checks whether or not to detect an object within a predetermined distance at predetermined intervals, and wirelessly transmits the detection result of the object to the network connection device using a predetermined wireless communication method. The aforementioned entry / exit authentication means authenticates that for each of the one or more lanes, the sensor has detected the object at a first threshold or higher, which is the first condition for transitioning to the entry state, and that in the entry state, the sensor has not detected the object at a second threshold or higher, which is the second condition for transitioning to the exit state. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. A network connection device placed in the parking lot that connects to the internet. One or more vehicle detection devices are provided for each lane of the parking lot, and each device communicates wirelessly with the network connection device. and The first information processing device communicates with the network connection device via the Internet. An information processing method performed by an information processing system including, The steps performed by the aforementioned network connection device include: For each of the one or more lanes, an entry / exit authentication step is performed to authenticate the entry and exit of a vehicle into and out of that lane based on the detection results by the vehicle detection device. A step to provide an inbound / outbound status to the first information processing device via the Internet, for each of the one or more lanes, which provides inbound / outbound status information indicating the inbound or outbound status authenticated by the processing of the inbound / outbound authentication step, Includes, The first information processing device performs the following steps: An entry / exit status acquisition step in which pre-filled exit status information for each of the one or more lanes is acquired from the network connection device via the Internet, For each of the one or more lanes, an inbound / outbound status management step is performed to manage the inbound or outbound status based on the inbound / outbound status information, including, Information processing methods.

6. A network connection device placed in the parking lot that connects to the internet. One or more vehicle detection devices are provided for each lane of the parking lot, and each device communicates wirelessly with the network connection device. and The first information processing device communicates with the network connection device via the Internet. A program that causes a computer included in an information processing system to perform control processing, The computer that controls the aforementioned network connection device, For each of the one or more lanes, an entry / exit authentication step is performed to authenticate the entry and exit of a vehicle into and out of that lane based on the detection results by the vehicle detection device. A step to provide an inbound / outbound status to the first information processing device via the Internet, for each of the one or more lanes, which provides inbound / outbound status information indicating the inbound or outbound status authenticated by the processing of the inbound / outbound authentication step, The control process including this is executed, The computer that controls the first information processing device, An entry / exit status acquisition step in which pre-filled exit status information for each of the one or more lanes is acquired from the network connection device via the Internet, For each of the one or more lanes, an inbound / outbound status management step is performed to manage the inbound or outbound status based on the inbound / outbound status information, To execute control processing that includes, program.

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