Arrival delay suppression device, arrival delay suppression system, arrival delay suppression method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an arrival delay suppression device that can prevent response vehicles from arriving late at their destination. [Solution] The arrival delay suppression device includes a detection unit that detects a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means provided at the destination of the target vehicle with the scheduled arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination, and an allocation unit that assigns one of a plurality of parking spaces in the facility's parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle, wherein the allocation unit prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot to the parked vehicle rather than a parking space further from the entrance if no delay in the target vehicle is detected, and prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance to the parked vehicle rather than a parking space closer to the entrance if a delay in the target vehicle is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an arrival delay suppression device, an arrival delay suppression system, an arrival delay suppression method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for guiding a passenger of a vehicle parked in a parking lot to an empty space in the parking lot (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when a parking lot at a facility such as an airport or a station is congested, a queue of vehicles waiting to enter the parking lot may form on a general road connected to the parking lot. Then, traffic congestion occurs on the road accessing the facility, and vehicles carrying facility users (private cars, taxis, bus routes, etc.) and transport vehicles of carriers carrying in and out goods to and from the facility may not be able to reach destinations such as the facility, a bus stop of a bus route, or a loading and unloading place of a transport vehicle at the scheduled time (for example, the boarding time of an airplane).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrival delay suppression device, an arrival delay suppression system, an arrival delay suppression method, and a program that can suppress a target vehicle from arriving at a destination with a delay.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the arrival delay suppression device includes a detection unit that detects a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means provided at the destination of the target vehicle with the scheduled arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination, and an allocation unit that assigns one of a plurality of parking spaces in the facility's parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle, wherein the allocation unit, when no delay in the target vehicle is detected, prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot to the parked vehicle over a parking space further from the entrance, and when a delay in the target vehicle is detected, prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance to the parked vehicle over a parking space closer to the entrance.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the method for suppressing arrival delays includes the steps of: detecting a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means provided at the destination of the target vehicle with the scheduled time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination; and assigning one of a plurality of parking spaces in the parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle, wherein in the step of assigning a parking space, if no delay in the target vehicle is detected, a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot is given priority over a parking space further from the entrance of the parking lot when assigning the vehicle, and if a delay in the target vehicle is detected, a parking space further from the entrance is given priority over a parking space closer to the entrance when assigning the vehicle.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the program causes an arrival delay suppression device to perform the following steps: detect a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means provided at the destination of the target vehicle with the scheduled time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination; and assign one of a plurality of parking spaces in the parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot, based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle, wherein in the step of assigning a parking space, if no delay in the target vehicle is detected, the program prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot to the parked vehicle over a parking space further from the entrance; and if a delay in the target vehicle is detected, the program prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance to the parked vehicle over a parking space closer to the entrance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to suppress the target vehicle from arriving at its destination late. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows the functional configuration of the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a first flowchart showing an example of processing by the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a second flowchart showing an example of processing by the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a first diagram illustrating the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of guidance information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a third flowchart showing an example of processing by the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a second diagram illustrating the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 3 for explaining the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. for explaining the parking space allocation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. showing an example of guidance information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the arrival delay suppression device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. showing an example of guidance information according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the arrival delay suppression device according to the fourth embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0012] (Functional Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. The arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the present embodiment guides the parking vehicle V2 using the parking lot 2 possessed by the facility to a parking space. The facility includes, for example, an airport, a station, a commercial facility, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the arrival delay suppression device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, and a communication interface 14.

[0013] The processor 11 functions as a detection unit 101, an allocation unit 102, and a display processing unit 103 by operating according to a predetermined program.

[0014] The detection unit 101 detects a delay of the target vehicle V1 when the target vehicle V1 has not arrived at the destination at the scheduled time. The target vehicle V1 is a vehicle for which the arrival time at the destination has been registered in advance, and includes, for example, a route bus, a transport vehicle of a carrier, a vehicle that has made a reservation in advance for using a reserved parking lot such as Parking Lot 2 or a parking lot near the facility, etc. The destination of the target vehicle V1 is a stop of the route bus, a loading / unloading location of the transport vehicle, or a reserved parking lot. At the destination of the target vehicle V1, arrival detection means 21 for detecting the arrival of the target vehicle V1 is provided. The arrival detection means 21 is a computer operated by an operator. When the target vehicle V1 arrives at the destination, the operator records the arrival time of this target vehicle V1 in the arrival detection means 21. The detection unit 101, for example, acquires the arrival time of each target vehicle V1 from the arrival detection means 21, and acquires operation information of the route bus or the transport vehicle, reservation information for using the reserved parking lot, etc. from a server 20 such as a management server of the route bus or the carrier, or a management server of the reservation system. The operation information and the reservation information include the scheduled arrival time of each target vehicle V1 at the destination. The detection unit 101 compares the arrival time of the target vehicle V1 with the scheduled arrival time to determine whether there is a delay of the target vehicle V1. Note that the arrival time of the target vehicle V1 recorded by the arrival detection means 21 may be aggregated in the server 20. In this case, the detection unit 101 acquires the arrival time of the target vehicle V1 from the server.

[0015] Based on whether there is a delay of the target vehicle V1, the allocation unit 102 allocates one of a plurality of parking spaces (empty spaces) available in Parking Lot 2 to the parking vehicle V2 parked in Parking Lot 2 of the facility. Specifically, when no delay of the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 preferentially allocates a parking space closer to the entrance to the parking vehicle V2 than a parking space farther from the entrance of Parking Lot 2. Also, when a delay of the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 preferentially allocates a parking space farther from the entrance to the parking vehicle V2 than a parking space closer to the entrance.

[0016] The display processing unit 103 causes the guidance board 3 provided in Parking Lot 2 to display guidance information. The guidance information includes information indicating the parking space allocated to the parking vehicle V2.

[0017] Memory 12 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 11.

[0018] Storage 13 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage 13 stores data that is acquired, generated, or referenced by various parts of the processor 11 during processing.

[0019] The communication interface 14 is an interface for sending and receiving various data and control signals with external devices.

[0020] (Example of delay detection process for target vehicles) Figure 2 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing of the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows an example of the process of detecting the delay of the target vehicle V1 and switching the parking space allocation logic.

[0021] The detection unit 101 determines whether it has detected a delay in the target vehicle V1 (step S101). For example, if the target vehicle V1 is a route bus, the detection unit 101 obtains route bus operation information from the server 20 that manages the operation of the route bus. The operation information includes the scheduled arrival time of the route bus to its destination. The detection unit 101 also obtains the arrival time of this route bus from the arrival detection means 21. The detection unit 101 compares the scheduled arrival time included in the operation information obtained from the server 20 with the arrival time obtained from the arrival detection means 21 to determine whether the target vehicle V1 arrived on time or was delayed. The detection unit 101 determines that the target vehicle V1 was delayed if the arrival time was delayed by a predetermined allowable time or more than that of the scheduled arrival time. In other words, the detection unit 101 determines that the target vehicle V1 arrived on time if the delay is less than the allowable time. If the target vehicle V1 is a transport vehicle, the detection unit 101 similarly obtains operational information, including the estimated arrival time, from the server 20 provided by the transport company, and obtains the arrival time of the transport vehicle from the arrival detection means 21, and compares these to determine whether there is a delay. Also, if the target vehicle V1 is a vehicle that has made a reservation to use a reserved parking space, the detection unit 101 obtains reservation information, including the reservation time (estimated arrival time), of the vehicle from the reservation system server 20, and obtains the arrival time of this vehicle from the arrival detection means 21, and compares these to determine whether there is a delay.

[0022] If the detection unit 101 detects a delay in the target vehicle V1 (step S101; YES), it infers that the road leading to the parking lot 2 is congested and switches to the parking space allocation process for congested conditions (step S102).

[0023] On the other hand, if the detection unit 101 does not detect a delay in the target vehicle V1 (step S101; NO), it infers that the road connecting to the parking lot 2 is not congested and switches to the parking space allocation process for when there is no congestion (step S103).

[0024] The detection unit 101 executes a series of processes shown in Figure 2 each time it obtains the arrival time of each target vehicle V1 from the arrival detection means 21. In step S101, the detection unit 101 may determine whether or not a delay has occurred in the target vehicle V1 based on whether or not there have been delays in the arrival of multiple target vehicles V1 over a certain period from the present to the past. For example, if the number of target vehicles V1 that have been delayed during a certain period exceeds a predetermined number or a predetermined percentage, the detection unit 101 determines that a delay has occurred in the target vehicle V1 (step S101; YES) and switches to the allocation process for congested times (step S102). Also, if the number of target vehicles V1 that have not been delayed during a certain period exceeds a predetermined number or a predetermined percentage, the detection unit 101 determines that no delay has occurred in the target vehicle V1 (step S101; NO) and switches to the allocation process for non-congested times (step S103). In this way, it is possible to suppress frequent switching of the allocation process when one target vehicle V1 happens to be delayed or arrives early.

[0025] (Example of parking space allocation process when there is no congestion) Figure 3 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing of the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a first diagram for explaining the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 show an example of the parking space allocation process when there is no congestion.

[0026] For example, as shown in Figure 4, parking lot 2 can be accessed from road R through entrance IN. Parking lot 2 includes multiple parking blocks A to K. Between the parking blocks are driveways P1 to P8 for parked vehicles V2 to move and park. Each of parking blocks A to K includes multiple parking spaces. Parked vehicles V2 move from entrance IN through the driveway to their assigned parking space and park. Entrance IN of parking lot 2 is provided with an entrance vehicle detector 4 that detects the entry of parked vehicles V2 into parking lot 2. The entrance vehicle detector 4 is, for example, These include loop coils and photoelectric sensors embedded in the road surface on the near side of the entrance (IN). For example, if the entrance vehicle detector 4 is a ticket machine, the system may be configured to detect the entry of parked vehicle V2 when the occupant of parked vehicle V2 presses the ticket button. An exit vehicle detector 5 is provided at the exit (OUT) of parking lot 2 to detect when parked vehicle V2 leaves parking lot 2. The exit vehicle detector 5 is a loop coil and photoelectric sensor embedded in the road surface on the far side of the exit (OUT). In addition, a sign 3 is provided near the entrance (IN) of parking lot 2 so that it can be seen by parked vehicle V2 entering parking lot 2.

[0027] When the entrance vehicle detector 4 detects that a parked vehicle V2 has entered the parking lot 2 (step S201), the allocation unit 102 assigns a parking space for the parked vehicle V2 (step S202). If the road R is not congested, the allocation unit 102 prioritizes assigning parking spaces (empty spaces) near the entrance IN of the parking lot 2 to the parked vehicle V2. For example, as shown in Figure 4, suppose eight parked vehicles V2_1 to V2_8 enter the parking lot 2 in order. In this case, the allocation unit 102 assigns parking spaces K1, J30, K2, D1, J29, E1, F1, and C1 to each of the parked vehicles V2_1 to V2_8 in order of proximity to the entrance IN. Alternatively, the allocation unit 102 may pre-set priority levels for each parking space and assign parking spaces to each parked vehicle V2 in order of priority level.

[0028] Next, the display processing unit 103 displays guidance information, including the information of the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle V2 by the allocation unit 102, on the guidance board 3 (step S203).

[0029] Figure 5 shows an example of guidance information according to the first embodiment. For example, suppose that a parked vehicle V2_11 enters parking lot 2 and is assigned parking space K1, as shown in the example in Figure 5. In this case, the display processing unit 103 displays guidance information including the parking space number (K1) on the guidance board 3. The display processing unit 103 may also include information (a schematic map) showing the route to parking space K1 in the guidance information.

[0030] Furthermore, the display processing unit 103 hides the guidance information on the guidance board 3 at a predetermined timing (step S204). For example, the display processing unit 103 stops displaying (hides) the guidance information after a predetermined time has elapsed since displaying the guidance information.

[0031] Furthermore, if multiple parking vehicles V2 enter consecutively, the display processing unit 103 may display multiple pieces of guidance information for each of these parking vehicles V2 side by side on the guidance board 3. For example, guidance information for three vehicles can be displayed side by side on the guidance board 3, and the display processing unit 103 adds and displays guidance information each time a parking space is assigned to a parking vehicle V2. In addition, each guidance display is stopped sequentially after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0032] (Example 1 of parking space allocation process during congestion) Figure 6 is a third flowchart showing an example of the processing of the arrival delay suppression device according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a second diagram illustrating the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the parking space allocation process during congestion.

[0033] When the entrance vehicle detector 4 detects that a parked vehicle V2_21 is entering the parking lot 2 (step S301), the allocation unit 102 assigns a parking space for the parked vehicle V2_21. If the parked vehicle V2_21 attempts to park in a parking space close to the entrance IN of the parking lot 2 (for example, parking spaces K1 or J30 in Figure 4), the following parked vehicles V2_22 must wait near the entrance IN until the parked vehicle V2_21 has finished parking. This could cause parked vehicles V2_23 to V2_25 to line up on the road R, potentially making the road R even more congested. Therefore, when the road R is congested, the allocation unit 102 prioritizes assigning parking spaces farther from the entrance IN to the parked vehicle V2_21, thereby drawing as many parked vehicles V2 into the parking lot 2 as possible and suppressing congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN and on the road R.

[0034] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the allocation unit 102 determines the parking spaces to be allocated to each parked vehicle V2 so that multiple parked vehicles V2_31 to V2_38 entering consecutively are distributed across each lane. First, the allocation unit 102 selects one lane from lane P1 to P8 in a predetermined order (step S302). The movement path of a parked vehicle V2 in the parking lot 2 consists of a combination of one or more lane paths. If a parked vehicle V2 parks in the middle of its movement path (upstream), subsequent vehicles will be unable to move to a lane further downstream. For this reason, the allocation unit 102 selects lane paths in order from the downstream lane of each movement path, for example. In addition, to prevent parked vehicles V2 from lingering in the uppermost lane paths P7 and P8 of the movement path, the allocation unit 102 may refrain from selecting lane paths P7 and P8 until each lane P1 to P6 has been selected a predetermined number of times. The order of lane selection may be predetermined.

[0035] Next, the allocation unit 102 selects one parking space (empty space) from the parking blocks connected to the selected driveway and assigns it to the parked vehicle V2 (step S303). At this time, the allocation unit 102 may, for example, select parking spaces in order from the downstream side of the selected driveway, or it may select parking spaces in a predetermined priority order.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 7, the allocation unit 102 selects the driveways P6, P5, P3, P1, P2, P4, P3, and P7 in that order for each of the parked vehicles V2_31 to V2_38 in step S302. Then, in step S303, the allocation unit assigns each of the parked vehicles V2_31 to V2_38 a parking space in the parking block connected to the selected driveway. By distributing and guiding multiple parked vehicles V2 to each driveway in this way, congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN and on the road R can be suppressed. Furthermore, for example, by the time the system guides the subsequent parking vehicle V2_21 after the preceding parking vehicles V2_31~V2_38, the earlier-guided parking vehicles V2_31~V2_36 will have finished parking, making it possible to smoothly guide the subsequent parking vehicle V2_21 into the same lane P6, P5, P2, and P4 that guided the preceding parking vehicles V2_31, V2_32, V2_35, and V2_36. In other words, it becomes possible to efficiently park multiple parking vehicles V2 entering in succession.

[0037] Next, the display processing unit 103 displays guidance information, including the parking space information assigned to the parked vehicle V2 by the allocation unit 102, on the guidance board 3 (step S304), and then hides the guidance information on the guidance board 3 at a predetermined timing (step S305). These processes are the same as steps S203 to S204 in Figure 3.

[0038] (Example 2 of parking space allocation processing during congestion) Figure 8 is a third diagram illustrating the parking space allocation process according to the first embodiment. In steps S302 to S303, instead of the process described above, the allocation unit 102 may, as shown in Figure 8, select a predetermined number of parking spaces separated by a certain number of spaces, starting from the far side (farthest from the entrance IN) of any one of the driveways, and assign them to each parked vehicle V2. As shown in Figure 8, first sensors 6 (6a to 6d) are provided at predetermined detection positions X1 at the entrances of driveways P1 to P4, and if the selected driveway becomes congested with parked vehicles V2, the allocation unit 102 selects another driveway and similarly assigns them to each parked vehicle V2, starting from the far side. The first sensors 6 are, for example, laser sensors or cameras, and detect whether a vehicle has passed through or stopped at the entrance of the driveway (detection position X1). If the first sensors 6 are cameras, they may also detect whether a vehicle is performing a parking maneuver at the entrance of the driveway (detection position X1). The allocation unit 102 determines that the lane is congested with parked vehicles V2 if it detects a vehicle parked at the entrance to the lane, or if it detects a vehicle performing a parking maneuver at the entrance to the lane. The allocation unit 102 may also determine that the lane is congested with parked vehicles V2 if the number of parked vehicles V2 that enter the lane within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number. The predetermined time and predetermined number are set according to the length of the lane, etc.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the system selects lane P1 for the first parked vehicle V2_41 to enter (step S302), and assigns it the innermost parking space A40 from among the available blocks of parking block A connected to lane P1 (step S303). When the assignment unit 102 detects the entry of the next parked vehicle V2_42 (step S301), if it determines from the detection result of the first sensor 6a that lane P1 is not congested, it selects the same lane P1 again (step S302). Then, it selects parking space A37, which is a predetermined number of spaces away from parking space A40 assigned to the preceding parked vehicle V2_41, and assigns it to parked vehicle V2_42 (step S303). The predetermined number is set so that each parked vehicle V2 can park simultaneously. Therefore, the subsequent parked vehicle V2_42 does not need to wait until the preceding parked vehicle V2_41 has finished parking, thus shortening the time that parked vehicle V2 stays in the driveway P1. The allocation unit 102 similarly allocates parking spaces connected to the driveway P1 for subsequent parked vehicles V2_43 to V2_44. Also, when the entry of parked vehicle V2_45 is detected (step S301), suppose parked vehicle V2_44 is performing a parking operation at the entrance of the driveway P1. In this case, the allocation unit 102 determines from the detection result of the first sensor 6a that the previously selected driveway P1 is congested and selects a different driveway from driveway P1 (step S302). In the example in Figure 8, the allocation unit 102 newly selects driveway P2. For example, if a subsequent parked vehicle V2_45 is guided to lane P1 after lane P1 has become congested, this subsequent parked vehicle V2_45 will not be able to enter lane P1 and will have to wait in lane P7 upstream. If the number of parked vehicles V2 waiting in lane P7 increases and the queue extends to the entrance of lane P2, it will become difficult to enter lane P2 even though it is empty. To prevent this, when the allocation unit 102 determines that lane P1 is congested, it selects a different lane P2 instead. Then, of the empty blocks in parking block C connected to the newly selected lane P2, the innermost parking space C40 is assigned to parked vehicle V2_45 (step S303).The allocation unit 102 continues to allocate parking spaces connected to the vehicle lane P2 for subsequent parked vehicles V2_46 to V2_48 until it determines that the vehicle lane P2 is congested.

[0040] In this way, as many vehicles as possible can be placed in each lane without hindering the parking operation of each parked vehicle V2. This helps to suppress congestion of parked vehicles V2 in each lane of parking lot 2, near the entrance IN, and on road R.

[0041] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 101 that detects a delay in the target vehicle V1 when the target vehicle V1 has not arrived at the facility at the scheduled time, and an allocation unit 102 that assigns one of a plurality of parking spaces in the facility's parking lot 2 to a parked vehicle V2 to be parked in the facility's parking lot 2 based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle V1. If no delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance IN of the parking lot 2 to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space further away from the entrance IN, and if a delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, it prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance IN to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space closer to the entrance IN.

[0042] In this way, if the arrival delay suppression device 10 is presumed to have no delays to the target vehicle V1 and that road R is not congested, it can allocate a parking space near the entrance IN of parking lot 2, thereby keeping the parking spaces further back empty in preparation for potential congestion on road R. On the other hand, if the target vehicle V1 is delayed and road R is presumed to be congested, the device can suppress or reduce the delay of the target vehicle V1 by allowing as many parked vehicles V2 as possible to enter parking lot 2, thereby preventing the parked vehicles V2 from accumulating near the entrance IN of parking lot 2 or on road R, and thus preventing further congestion on road R.

[0043] Furthermore, when a delay is detected in the target vehicle V1, the allocation unit 102 sequentially selects parking spaces from the parking blocks connected to each of the multiple parking vehicles V2 so that the multiple parked vehicles V2 are distributed across each of the multiple driveways, and assigns them to each of the multiple parked vehicles V2.

[0044] The arrival delay suppression device 10 enables multiple parked vehicles V2 to park simultaneously within the parking lot 2 without each vehicle V2 having to wait for the preceding vehicle V2 to finish parking. This suppresses congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN and on the road R. Furthermore, by the time it is time to guide a subsequent parked vehicle V2, for example, the preceding vehicle V2 will have finished parking, allowing another parked vehicle V2 to be smoothly guided into the lane that guided the preceding vehicle V2. In other words, it becomes possible to efficiently park multiple parked vehicles V2 entering in succession.

[0045] Furthermore, when a delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 selects one of several driveways, and from the parking spaces of the parking block connected to the selected driveway, selects a predetermined number of parking spaces separated by the furthest point from the entrance IN, and assigns them to each of the multiple parked vehicles V2.

[0046] This allows as many vehicles as possible to be placed in each lane without hindering the parking operation of each parked vehicle V2. This reduces congestion of parked vehicles V2 in each lane, near the entrance IN, and on road R in parking lot 2. It also makes it possible to park multiple parked vehicles V2 entering in succession efficiently.

[0047] Furthermore, the allocation unit 102, based on the detection results of the first sensor 6 installed at the entrance of the lane, selects another lane if it determines that the selected lane is congested with parked vehicles V2.

[0048] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can prevent the formation of a queue of parked vehicles V2 that cannot enter the selected lane, which would make it difficult for them to enter other lanes.

[0049] Furthermore, the allocation unit 102 determines that the selected lane is congested if the number of parked vehicles V2 that enter the selected lane within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number, based on the detection results of the first sensor 6.

[0050] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can easily determine whether or not the roadway is congested based on the number of parked vehicles V2 that have entered the roadway.

[0051] Furthermore, the allocation unit 102 determines that the selected lane is congested when it detects a parked vehicle V2 stopping or parking at the entrance of the lane selected by the first sensor 6.

[0052] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can easily determine the congestion of the driveway. Furthermore, even if, for example, only a small number of parked vehicles V2 enter the driveway, unexpected congestion may occur due to vehicles exiting parking spaces or accidents. The arrival delay suppression device 10 can detect such unexpected congestion by monitoring whether or not parked vehicles V2 are accumulating at the entrance to the driveway and guide the parked vehicles V2 to other driveways. Conversely, even if a large number of parked vehicles V2 have been guided to a driveway, if each parked vehicle V2 completes parking relatively smoothly, it may be possible to allow several more parked vehicles V2 to enter the driveway. Therefore, by monitoring whether or not parked vehicles V2 are accumulating at the entrance to the driveway, it is possible to guide parked vehicles V2 to the driveway up to the permissible limit. In this way, by allowing as many parked vehicles V2 as possible to enter each driveway, it is possible to more reliably suppress congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN of the parking lot 2 and on road R.

[0053] Furthermore, the arrival delay suppression device 10 is further equipped with a display processing unit 103 that displays guidance information, including information about the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle V2, on a guide board 3 installed in the parking lot 2.

[0054] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can easily make it possible for the occupants of each parked vehicle V2 to recognize which parking space has been assigned to them.

[0055] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. Components common to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0056] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the parking space allocation process according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment (Figure 8), an example was described in which the allocation unit 102 uses the first sensor 6 to monitor whether or not each lane is congested. In this embodiment, the parking lot 2 is provided with second sensors 7 (7a to 7d) that monitor each lane, either in place of the first sensor 6 or in addition to the first sensor 6. The second sensors 7 are, for example, cameras, LiDAR, etc., that can detect vehicles present in the range from the entrance to the exit of the installed lane. The second sensors 7 may also further detect whether or not there are vehicles in each parking space connected to the lane.

[0057] In this embodiment, in step S302 of Figure 6, the allocation unit 102 performs the following processing. For example, the allocation unit 102 detects the vehicle status of each lane from the detection results of the second sensor 7. The vehicle status includes the position and number of parked vehicles V2 that are moving, parked vehicles V2 that are stopped (waiting) in the lane, and parked vehicles V2 that are performing parking operations. The vehicle status may also include whether or not there are parked vehicles V2 driving in the wrong direction, whether or not there are parked vehicles V2 in each parking space, and whether or not parked vehicles V2 are about to exit a parking space. From the detected vehicle status, the allocation unit 102 determines the current degree of congestion of each lane and predicts the future degree of congestion. For example, the allocation unit 102 predicts that the more parked vehicles V2 that are about to exit a parking space, the higher the future degree of congestion will be. Also, in step S302, if the allocation unit 102 predicts that the lane selected last time is currently congested or will be congested in the future, it selects a different lane than the one selected last time. At this point, the allocation unit 102 may select a lane that is predicted to be the least congested. Then, in step S303 of Figure 6, the newly selected lane is allocated to each parked vehicle V2 in order from the far end.

[0058] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can more accurately determine whether or not each lane is congested. This allows it to guide parked vehicles V2 to other lanes before the selected lane becomes full. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent queues of parked vehicles V2 from forming, which would make it difficult for them to enter other lanes. In addition, since it is possible to guide parked vehicles V2 to the lane up to the permissible limit, it is possible to more reliably prevent parked vehicles V2 from accumulating near the entrance IN of parking lot 2 or on road R.

[0059] Furthermore, the allocation unit 102 may determine from the detected vehicle status whether or not an event (accident, breakdown, wrong-way driving, etc.) has occurred in each lane that obstructs traffic. If an event that obstructs traffic occurs in the previously selected lane, the allocation unit 102 will select a different lane. In this way, if an event that obstructs the passage of a parked vehicle V2 occurs in a lane, this can be quickly detected and subsequent parked vehicles V2 can be guided to another lane. This prevents parked vehicles V2 from accumulating near the lane where the accident or other incident occurred.

[0060] For example, suppose a vehicle breaks down and becomes immobile near parking space A2 on roadway P1. Normally, roadway P1 is one-way, and only traffic from roadway P7 towards roadway P1 is permitted (the direction from bottom to top in Figure 9). In this case, the broken-down vehicle makes the route from roadway P7 to roadway P1 unusable. On the other hand, suppose no events are occurring that obstruct traffic on roadway P1 between parking spaces A3 to A42. If the entire roadway P1 is made unusable, the number of parked vehicles V2 that can enter (park) parking lot 2 will decrease, and the capacity of parking lot 2 will not be effectively utilized. Therefore, if the allocation unit 102 determines from the detection result of the second sensor 7a that only a part of the roadway P1 (near parking space A2) is impassable, and the other areas (parking spaces A3 to A42) are passable, it may temporarily reverse the direction of traffic on the roadway P1 and guide the parked vehicle V2 to the passable area. For example, in steps S302 to S303 of Figure 6, parking space A40 is assigned to the parked vehicle V2. At this time, the allocation unit 102 also specifies the travel route to parking space A40 (roadway P7 → roadway P2 → roadway P5 → roadway P1). Then, the display processing unit 103 displays guidance information including the assigned parking space A40 and the specified travel route on the guide board 3. In this way, even if an event occurs in which a part of the roadway P1 becomes unusable, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can minimize the impact and accommodate the parked vehicle V2 in the parking lot 2 as much as possible.

[0061] <Modified form of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the allocation unit 102 determines the current degree of congestion of the lane and predicts the future degree of congestion. In this modified example, the allocation unit 102 scores the congestion status of each lane and parking space, and determines the lane and parking space to which the parked vehicle V2 will be guided based on this score.

[0062] In other words, in this modified example, in step S302 of Figure 6, the allocation unit 102 performs the following processing. For example, the allocation unit 102 calculates a congestion score for each lane based on the detection results of the second sensor 7, the number of parked vehicles V2 present in the lane, the stopping time of the parked vehicles V2 in the lane, the number of available spaces, etc. The number of available spaces is measured from the detection results of the second sensor 7 or by sensors provided in each parking space. For example, a higher score indicates a higher degree of congestion. The allocation unit 102 calculates the score so that a higher value is obtained when there are many parked vehicles V2 present in the lane. The allocation unit 102 also calculates the score so that a higher value is obtained when there are many parked vehicles V2 in the lane. Furthermore, the allocation unit 102 calculates the score so that a higher value is obtained when there are few available spaces.

[0063] In step S302, if the score of the previously selected lane exceeds a predetermined value, the allocation unit 102 selects a different lane than the previous one. In this case, the allocation unit 102 may newly select the lane with the lowest score. Then, in step S303 of Figure 6, the newly selected lane is assigned to each parked vehicle V2 in order from the far end.

[0064] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can evaluate the roadway based on a score that includes the availability of parking spaces, and can effectively utilize the overall capacity of the parking lot 2, including the roadway and parking spaces, to accommodate the parked vehicles V2 within the parking lot 2. This effectively suppresses the congestion of parked vehicles V2 on the road R.

[0065] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 10 to 11. Components common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0066] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of guidance information according to the third embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the arrival delay suppression device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, in addition to the guidance board 3 (entrance guidance board 3a) provided near the entrance IN, the parking lot 2 is also provided with guidance boards 3 (3b~3i) at predetermined locations. The predetermined locations are the intersections of each lane. The display processing unit 103 of the arrival delay suppression device 10 displays guidance information for each intersection using each guidance board 3 for the parked vehicle V2. Furthermore, as in the example in Figure 11, the guidance information displayed on each guidance board 3 may also include direction of travel information indicating the direction of the parking space.

[0067] Figure 11 shows an example of the processing of the display processing unit 103. For example, the processing flow for sequentially displaying guidance information on each guidance board 3 for the parked vehicle V2_51 in Figure 10 will be explained. Assume that parking space I58 of parking block I is assigned to the parked vehicle V2_51. In this case, first, the display processing unit 103 extracts guidance boards 3i, 3h, and 3g from among the multiple guidance boards 3b to 3i that are located on the path to parking space I58 assigned to the parked vehicle V2_51, and creates guidance information to be displayed on each of the extracted guidance boards 3i, 3h, and 3g (step S401). Note that for the entrance guidance board 3a, the display start and stop of guidance information are performed separately by steps S203 to S204 in Figure 3, or steps S304 to S305 in Figure 6. As in the example in Figure 10, the guidance information displayed on the entrance guidance board 3a may also include direction of travel information.

[0068] Next, the display processing unit 103 determines whether it is time to start displaying the next information board (step S402). For example, the display processing unit 103 pre-sets the time from when it detects the entry of a parked vehicle V2 until it starts displaying on each information board 3, according to the distance from the entrance IN to each intersection. The display processing unit 103 displays information about the parked vehicle V2_51 on the information board 3i if the elapsed time since the entry of the parked vehicle V2_51 is detected is equal to or greater than the set time for starting the display on the information board 3i (step S403). Also, the display processing unit 103 stops displaying the information on the information board 3i after a predetermined time has elapsed since the information was displayed on the information board 3i (step S404).

[0069] Furthermore, the display processing unit 103 determines whether guidance for the parked vehicle V2_51 has been completed for all extracted guidance boards 3 (step S405). For example, if the processing of guidance boards 3h and 3g is incomplete among the extracted guidance boards 3i, 3h, and 3g (step S405; NO), the process returns to step S402 and executes steps S402 to S404 for guidance boards 3h and 3g respectively. Also, if the processing of all extracted guidance boards 3i, 3h, and 3g is completed (step S405; YES), the display processing of guidance information for the parked vehicle V2_51 is terminated.

[0070] The display processing unit 103 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 11 in parallel for each parked vehicle V2.

[0071] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can help parked vehicles V2 reach their assigned parking spaces smoothly. Furthermore, the display processing unit 103 controls each guide board 3 to stop displaying guidance information after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, power consumption of the guide boards can be suppressed in a simple and inexpensive configuration without having to install vehicle detection sensors on each guide board 3.

[0072] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Components common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0073] Figure 12 shows an example of guidance information according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, each guidance board 3 (3a to 3i) and the entrance vehicle detector 4 are provided with identification sensors 8 (8a to 8j) for identifying the parked vehicle V2. The identification sensor 8 is either a license plate reader (NP reader) or a wireless communication device. If the identification sensor 8 is an NP reader, it acquires information (NP information) read from the license plate attached to the parked vehicle V2 as identification information for the parked vehicle V2. If the identification sensor 8 is a wireless communication device, it communicates with an on-board unit installed in the parked vehicle V2 and acquires the identification information of the on-board unit (e.g., WCN; Wireless Code Number) as identification information for the parked vehicle V2. Note that if the entrance vehicle detector 4 is a wireless communication device and the identification information of the on-board unit is used as the identification information for the parked vehicle V2, the identification sensor 8j may be omitted.

[0074] In step S201 in Figure 3 and step S301 in Figure 6, when the entrance vehicle detector 4 detects the entry of a parked vehicle V2, the allocation unit 102 acquires the identification information obtained by the identification sensor 8j. The allocation unit 102 also associates the information of the assigned parking space (parking space number) in step S202 in Figure 3 or steps S302 to S303 in Figure 6 with the identification information of the parked vehicle V2 and records it in the storage 13. In the example in Figure 12, suppose parking space I58 is assigned to parked vehicle V2_61. In this case, the allocation unit 102 associates the parking space number of parking space I58 with the identification information of parked vehicle V2_61 and records it.

[0075] Furthermore, when a parked vehicle V2 approaches the entrance guide board 3a, the display processing unit 103 acquires identification information of the parked vehicle V2 from the identification sensor 8a. In step S203 of Figure 3 or step S305 of Figure 6, the display processing unit 103 reads the parking space associated with the identification information acquired from the identification sensor 8a from the storage 13. The display processing unit 103 then displays guidance information, including the information of the read parking space (parking space number), on the entrance guide board 3a. In the example in Figure 12, the display processing unit 103 displays guidance information, including parking space I58 associated with the identification information of parked vehicle V2_61, on the entrance guide board 3a. At this time, the guidance information may further include direction of travel information indicating the direction of parking space I58. Furthermore, in step S204 in Figure 3 or step S305 in Figure 6, if the identification sensor 8a can no longer acquire identification information for the parked vehicle V2_61, the display processing unit 103 determines that the parked vehicle V2_61 has passed the entrance guide board 3a and stops displaying the guide information for the parked vehicle V2_61.

[0076] Furthermore, the display processing unit 103 executes the process shown in Figure 13 for the guide boards 3b to 3i provided at each intersection, instead of the process in the third embodiment (Figure 10). When a parked vehicle V2 approaches each guide board 3, the display processing unit 103 obtains identification information of the parked vehicle V2 from the identification sensor 8 provided on each guide board 3 (step S501). For example, suppose a parked vehicle V2_61 approaches a guide board 3i and the identification information of the parked vehicle V2_61 is obtained from the identification sensor 8i. The display processing unit 103 reads the parking space information (parking space number) associated with the identification information obtained from the identification sensor 8i from the storage 13. Then, the display processing unit 103 displays the guidance information including the read parking space information on the guide board 3i (step S502). As shown in Figure 12, the display processing unit 103 displays the guidance information including the parking space I58 associated with the identification information of the parked vehicle V2_61 on the guide board 3i. In this case, the guidance information may further include direction-of-travel information indicating the direction to parking space I58.

[0077] Next, when the identification sensor 8i can no longer acquire identification information for the parked vehicle V2_61 (step S504), the display processing unit 103 determines that the parked vehicle V2_61 has passed the intersection where the guide sign 3i is installed, and stops displaying the guide information for the parked vehicle V2_61 on the guide sign 3i (step S504).

[0078] The display processing unit 103 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 14 each time it obtains identification information of a parked vehicle from the identification sensor 8 of each information board 3.

[0079] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can display guidance information for each parked vehicle V2 only when the vehicle approaches each guidance board 3. This allows for accurate guidance to the assigned parking space for each parked vehicle V2. Furthermore, since the display of guidance information stops when the parked vehicle V2 passes the guidance board 3, the power consumption of the guidance board 3 can be kept to a minimum.

[0080] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes are possible. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel.

[0081] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains an example in which parking lot 2 is a surface parking lot having multiple parking blocks within a single site, the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, parking lot 2 may have one or more parking blocks in each of multiple sites (e.g., first parking lot, second parking lot), in which case the arrival delay suppression device 10 may also treat the roads connecting each site as vehicle lanes and perform the above-described processing. Alternatively, parking lot 2 may be a multi-story parking lot having one or more parking blocks in each of multiple floors, in which case the arrival delay suppression device 10 may also treat the passages connecting each floor as vehicle lanes and perform the above-described processing.

[0082] <Note> The above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0083] (1) According to the first embodiment, the arrival delay suppression device 10 includes a detection unit 101 that detects a delay in the target vehicle V1 by comparing the arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means provided at the destination of the target vehicle with the scheduled arrival time of the target vehicle to the destination, and an allocation unit 102 that assigns one of a plurality of parking spaces in the facility's parking lot 2 to a parked vehicle V2 parked in the parking lot 2 based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle V1, wherein the allocation unit 102 prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot 2 to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space further from the entrance if no delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, and prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space closer to the entrance if a delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected.

[0084] In this way, if the arrival delay suppression device 10 is presumed to have no delays to the target vehicle V1 and that road R is not congested, it can allocate a parking space near the entrance IN of parking lot 2, thereby keeping the parking spaces further back empty in preparation for road R congestion. On the other hand, if the target vehicle V1 is delayed and road R is presumed to be congested, the device can suppress or reduce the delay of the target vehicle V1 by allowing as many parked vehicles V2 as possible to enter parking lot 2, thereby preventing congestion on road R due to the accumulation of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN of parking lot 2 and on road R.

[0085] (2) According to the second embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the first embodiment, the parking lot 2 has a plurality of parking blocks, each containing a plurality of parking spaces, and a plurality of driveways connected to the parking blocks, and when a delay of the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 sequentially selects parking spaces from the parking blocks connected to each driveway and assigns them to each of the plurality of parked vehicles V2 so that the plurality of parked vehicles V2 are distributed to each of the plurality of driveways.

[0086] The arrival delay suppression device 10 enables multiple parked vehicles V2 to park simultaneously within the parking lot 2 without each vehicle V2 having to wait for the preceding vehicle V2 to finish parking. This suppresses congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN and on the road R. Furthermore, by the time it is time to guide a subsequent parked vehicle V2, for example, the preceding vehicle V2 will have finished parking, allowing another parked vehicle V2 to be smoothly guided into the lane that guided the preceding vehicle V2. In other words, it becomes possible to efficiently park multiple parked vehicles V2 entering in succession.

[0087] (3) According to the first embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the first embodiment, the parking lot 2 has a plurality of parking blocks, each containing a plurality of parking spaces, and a driveway connected to the parking block. When a delay of the target vehicle V1 is detected, the allocation unit 102 selects one of the plurality of driveways, and from the parking spaces of the parking block connected to the selected driveway, selects a predetermined number of parking spaces separated by the furthest point from the entrance, and assigns them to each of the plurality of parked vehicles.

[0088] This allows as many vehicles as possible to be placed in each lane without hindering the parking operation of each parked vehicle V2. This reduces congestion of parked vehicles V2 in each lane, near the entrance IN, and on road R in parking lot 2. It also makes it possible to park multiple parked vehicles V2 entering in succession efficiently.

[0089] (4) According to the fourth embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the third embodiment, the allocation unit 102 selects another lane when it determines that the selected lane is congested with parked vehicles V2, based on the detection result of a first sensor 6 provided at the entrance of the lane and capable of detecting parked vehicles V2 passing through the lane.

[0090] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can prevent the formation of a queue of parked vehicles V2 that cannot enter the selected lane, which would make it difficult for them to enter other lanes.

[0091] (5) According to the fifth embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the allocation unit 102 determines from the detection results of the first sensor 6 that the selected lane is congested when the number of parked vehicles V2 that have entered the selected lane within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number.

[0092] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can easily determine whether or not the roadway is congested based on the number of parked vehicles V2 that have entered the roadway.

[0093] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the fourth aspect, the allocation unit 102 determines that the selected lane is congested when it detects a parked vehicle V2 stopping or parking at the entrance of the lane selected by the first sensor 6.

[0094] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can easily determine the congestion of the driveway. Furthermore, even if, for example, only a small number of parked vehicles V2 enter the driveway, unexpected congestion may occur due to vehicles exiting parking spaces or accidents. The arrival delay suppression device 10 can detect such unexpected congestion by monitoring whether or not parked vehicles V2 are accumulating at the entrance to the driveway and guide the parked vehicles V2 to other driveways. Conversely, even if a large number of parked vehicles V2 have been guided to a driveway, if each parked vehicle V2 completes parking relatively smoothly, it may be possible to allow several more parked vehicles V2 to enter the driveway. Therefore, by monitoring whether or not parked vehicles V2 are accumulating at the entrance to the driveway, it is possible to guide parked vehicles V2 to the driveway up to the permissible limit. In this way, by allowing as many parked vehicles V2 as possible to enter each driveway, it is possible to more reliably suppress congestion of parked vehicles V2 near the entrance IN of the parking lot 2 and on road R.

[0095] (7) According to the first embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the third embodiment, the allocation unit 102 selects another lane if it determines that the selected lane is currently congested, is predicted to become congested in the future, or has determined that an event has occurred that makes it difficult for the parked vehicle V2 to pass, based on the detection results of the second sensor 7 which can detect parked vehicles V2 in the range from the entrance to the exit of the lane.

[0096] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can more accurately determine whether or not each lane is congested. This allows the parked vehicle V2 to be guided to another lane before the selected lane becomes full. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent queues of parked vehicles V2 from forming, which would make it difficult for them to enter other lanes. In addition, since the parked vehicles V2 can be guided to the lane up to the permissible limit, it is possible to more reliably prevent parked vehicles V2 from accumulating near the entrance of the parking lot 2 or on road R.

[0097] (8) According to the eighth aspect, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the third aspect, the allocation unit 102 calculates a score indicating the degree of congestion for each of the multiple roadways based on the detection results of the second sensor 7 which can detect parked vehicles V2 in the range from the entrance to the exit of the roadway and in the parking blocks connected to the roadway, and if the score of the selected roadway is higher than a predetermined value, the allocation unit 102 selects the roadway with the lowest score among the other roadways.

[0098] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can evaluate the roadway based on a score that includes the availability of parking spaces, and can effectively utilize the overall capacity of the parking lot 2, including the roadway and parking spaces, to accommodate the parked vehicles V2 within the parking lot 2. This effectively suppresses the congestion of parked vehicles V2 on the road R.

[0099] (9) According to the ninth aspect, the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further comprises a display processing unit 103 that displays guidance information, including information on the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle V2, on a guide board 3 provided in the parking lot 2.

[0100] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 makes it easy for the occupants of each parked vehicle V2 to recognize which parking space has been assigned to them. Furthermore, by installing guide signs 3 in multiple locations, it is possible to assist parked vehicles V2 in smoothly reaching their assigned parking spaces.

[0101] (10) According to the tenth embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the ninth embodiment, the display processing unit 103 starts displaying guidance information on the guidance board 3 based on the time since the parked vehicle V2 entered the parking lot 2, and stops displaying the guidance information based on the time since the start of the display.

[0102] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can suppress the power consumption of the information boards in a simple and inexpensive configuration without having to install a vehicle detection sensor on each information board 3.

[0103] (11) According to the 11th embodiment, in the arrival delay suppression device 10 according to the 9th or 10th embodiment, the allocation unit 102 acquires identification information of a parked vehicle V2 from an identification sensor 8j provided at the entrance of the parking lot 2, records the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle V2 in association with the identification information, and the display processing unit 103 acquires identification information of the parked vehicle V2 from identification sensors 8a to 8i provided on the guide board 3, and displays guide information including the information of the parking space associated with the acquired identification information on the guide board 3.

[0104] In this way, the arrival delay suppression device 10 can display guidance information for each parked vehicle V2 only when the vehicle approaches each guidance board 3. This allows for accurate guidance to the assigned parking space for each parked vehicle V2. Furthermore, since the display of guidance information stops when the parked vehicle V2 passes the guidance board 3, the power consumption of the guidance board 3 can be kept to a minimum.

[0105] (12) According to the twelfth aspect, the arrival delay suppression system 1 comprises an arrival delay suppression device 10 according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, and an arrival detection means 21 provided at the destination of the target vehicle V1 for recording the arrival time of the target vehicle V1 at its destination.

[0106] (13) According to the 13th embodiment, the arrival delay suppression method includes the steps of detecting a delay in the target vehicle V1 when the target vehicle V1 has not arrived at the facility at the scheduled time, and assigning one of the multiple parking spaces available in the facility's parking lot 2 to a parked vehicle V2 to be parked in the facility's parking lot 2 based on whether or not there is a delay in the target vehicle V1, wherein in the step of assigning a parking space, if no delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot 2 is given priority over a parking space further from the entrance and is assigned to the parked vehicle V2, and if a delay in the target vehicle V1 is detected, a parking space further from the entrance is given priority over a parking space closer to the entrance and is assigned to the parked vehicle V2.

[0107] (14) According to the 13th embodiment, the program causes the arrival delay suppression device 10 to perform the following steps: to detect a delay in the target vehicle V1 if the target vehicle V1 has not arrived at the facility at the scheduled time; and to assign one of the multiple parking spaces available in the facility's parking lot 2 to a parked vehicle V2 to be parked in the facility's parking lot 2, wherein in the step of assigning a parking space, if no delay is detected in the target vehicle V1, the program prioritizes assigning a parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot 2 to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space further from the entrance; and if a delay is detected in the target vehicle V1, the program prioritizes assigning a parking space further from the entrance to the parked vehicle V2 rather than a parking space closer to the entrance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Arrival Delay Reduction System 10. Arrival delay suppression device 11 processors 101 Detection unit 102 Allocation Section 103 Display Processing Unit 12 memory 13 Storage 14. Communication Interface 2 Parking 3. Information board 4. Entrance Vehicle Detector 5. Exit Vehicle Detector 6. First Sensor 7. Second Sensor 8. Identification Sensor 20 servers 21 Arrival detection means V1 Applicable Vehicles V2 Parking Vehicles

Claims

1. A detection unit detects a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means installed at the target vehicle's destination with the scheduled time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination. An allocation unit that assigns one of several parking spaces available in the facility's parking lot to a parked vehicle based on whether or not the target vehicle is delayed, Equipped with, The aforementioned allocation unit is, If no delay is detected for the vehicle in question, the parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot will be given priority over parking spaces further from the entrance when assigning the vehicle to the parking space. If a delay is detected in the aforementioned vehicle, priority will be given to assigning the vehicle to a parking space further from the entrance rather than one closer to the entrance. Arrival delay suppression device.

2. The aforementioned parking lot has multiple parking blocks, each containing multiple parking spaces, and multiple driveways connected to the parking blocks. When a delay in the target vehicle is detected, the allocation unit sequentially selects parking spaces from the parking blocks connected to each of the multiple vehicle lanes and assigns them to each of the multiple parked vehicles, so that the multiple parked vehicles are distributed to each of the multiple vehicle lanes. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned parking lot has multiple parking blocks, each containing multiple parking spaces, and multiple driveways connected to the parking blocks. The aforementioned allocation unit is, If a delay is detected in the aforementioned vehicle, select one of several roads. From among the parking spaces in the parking block connected to the selected driveway, select a predetermined number of parking spaces separated by the distance from the entrance, and assign them to each of the multiple parked vehicles. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 1.

4. The allocation unit, provided at the entrance to the lane, selects another lane if it determines that the selected lane is congested, based on the detection results of a first sensor capable of detecting parked vehicles passing through the lane. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 3.

5. The allocation unit determines, based on the detection results of the first sensor, that the selected lane is congested if the number of parked vehicles that enter the selected lane within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 4.

6. The allocation unit determines that the selected lane is congested when it detects the stopping or parking action of a parked vehicle at the entrance of the lane selected by the first sensor. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 4.

7. The allocation unit, based on the detection results of a second sensor capable of detecting parked vehicles within the range from the entrance to the exit of the lane, determines if the selected lane is currently congested, if it is predicted to become congested in the future, or if it determines that an event has occurred that makes it difficult for the parked vehicle to pass, and selects another lane. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 3.

8. The allocation unit calculates a score indicating the degree of congestion for each of the multiple roadways based on the detection results of a second sensor capable of detecting parked vehicles in the area from the entrance to the exit of the roadway and in the parking blocks connected to the roadway, and if the score of the selected roadway is higher than a predetermined value, it selects the roadway with the lowest score among the other roadways. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 3.

9. The aforementioned parking lot is further equipped with a display processing unit that displays information including information about the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle on a signpost installed in the parking lot. The arrival delay suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The display processing unit starts displaying the guidance information on the information board based on the time elapsed since the parked vehicle entered the parking lot, and stops displaying the guidance information based on the time elapsed since the start of the display. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 9.

11. The allocation unit acquires identification information of the parked vehicle from an identification sensor provided at the entrance of the parking lot, and records the parking space assigned to the parked vehicle in association with the identification information. The display processing unit acquires identification information of the parked vehicle from the identification sensor provided on the guide board, and displays the guide information, including the information of the parking space associated with the acquired identification information, on the guide board. The arrival delay suppression device according to claim 9.

12. An arrival delay suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An arrival detection means is provided at the destination of the target vehicle and records the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination, An arrival delay reduction system equipped with the following features.

13. A step of detecting a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means installed at the target vehicle's destination with the scheduled time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination, Based on whether or not the aforementioned target vehicle is delayed, the step of assigning one of the multiple parking spaces available in the facility's parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot, It has, In the step of allocating the aforementioned parking space, If no delay is detected for the vehicle in question, the parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot will be given priority over parking spaces further from the entrance when assigning the vehicle to the parking space. If a delay is detected in the aforementioned vehicle, priority will be given to assigning the vehicle to a parking space further from the entrance rather than one closer to the entrance. Methods to reduce arrival delays.

14. A step of detecting a delay in the target vehicle by comparing the time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination recorded by an arrival detection means installed at the target vehicle's destination with the scheduled time of arrival of the target vehicle to the destination, Based on whether or not the aforementioned target vehicle is delayed, the step of assigning one of the multiple parking spaces available in the facility's parking lot to a parked vehicle parked in the facility's parking lot, A program that causes the arrival delay suppression device to execute, In the step of allocating the aforementioned parking space, If no delay is detected for the vehicle in question, the parking space closer to the entrance of the parking lot will be given priority over parking spaces further from the entrance when assigning the vehicle to the parking space. If a delay is detected in the aforementioned vehicle, priority will be given to assigning the vehicle to a parking space further from the entrance rather than one closer to the entrance. program.

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