A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility, a control device for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility, and a gate-type car wash facility

Abstract

Vehicles that do not meet the permit requirements will be restricted from entering the gated car wash. [Solution] The method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility 10 is as follows: When a target vehicle CA1 intending to enter the car wash 20 reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, the information acquisition unit 60 photographs or reads a target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, acquires predetermined information from the target object, and if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 60 satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to the permission state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling admission regulations in a gate-type car wash facility, a control device for admission regulations in a gate-type car wash facility, and a gate-type car wash facility.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a gate-type car wash system. In this car wash system, an automatic gate is provided at the entrance and exit of the car wash, and the car wash is partitioned into a number of garage-like car wash rooms. In each car wash room, a shower device and an air blowing device are provided on the ceiling. The automatic gate is provided with an entrance gate, an exit gate, a full car broadcast device, and a toll collection port. The toll collection port is provided on the entrance gate side. The user enters the entrance gate while remaining in the vehicle, and when the toll is put into the toll collection port, the entrance gate opens. When the vehicle that has exited the car wash room after washing exits through the exit gate and is detected by the entrance / exit vehicle sensor, the entrance gate opens to accept the next user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the car wash system of Patent Document 1, a vehicle that enters near the entrance gate can enter the car wash as long as the toll is paid and the car wash is not full. This system has a problem that even a vehicle that the entity operating the car wash wants to restrict from entering can freely enter the car wash as long as the toll is paid. Not limited to such an example, there may be a situation where it is desired to restrict the entry of vehicles that do not meet the permission conditions into the gate-type car wash.

[0005] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide technology that can restrict vehicles that do not meet the permit requirements from entering a gated car wash. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the disclosures is a method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility. A gate-type car wash facility comprising a car wash area comprising multiple car wash spaces, which are areas for washing vehicles, and an entrance through which vehicles can pass; an entrance gate device that switches between an permitted state, which allows vehicle passage, and a restricted state, which prohibits vehicle passage, wherein when the entrance gate device is in the permitted state, vehicles can enter through the entrance, and vehicles that have entered through the entrance can move under their own power to any of the car wash spaces and stop, wherein a control method for controlling the entry restriction by the entrance gate device, When the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, the information acquisition unit photographs or reads the target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object; A control step in which the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition step satisfies the permission conditions, Includes.

[0007] One of the disclosures is an entry control device for a gate-type car wash facility, A gate-type car wash facility comprising: a When the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, an information acquisition unit photographs or reads a target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object. When the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permission state, Includes.

[0008] One of the disclosures, a gate-type car wash facility, is equipped with a control device for restricting entry to the gate-type car wash facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The technology disclosed herein can restrict vehicles that do not meet the permit requirements from entering a gated car wash. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a gate-type car wash facility according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the communication infrastructure of a gate-type car wash facility. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a license plate as captured by the camera unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the permission conditions and the classification number obtained by the information acquisition unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when determining whether a vehicle is allowed to enter the facility. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when a vehicle enters the facility during blacklist registration according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when an application for a mobile terminal according to Embodiment 3 is launched. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control unit when a vehicle enters the facility. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display unit of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when a vehicle enters using a two-dimensional code. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when an application of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 5 is started. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the settlement processing of the settlement unit when a vehicle according to Embodiment 5 exits. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit when a vehicle according to Embodiment 6 enters.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Each of the following [1] to

[10] is an example of a control method for admission regulation in a gate-type car wash facility included in the present disclosure or a gate-type car wash facility.

[0012] [1] A car wash facility including a plurality of car wash spaces where vehicles are washed and an entrance through which vehicles can pass, and an entrance gate device that switches between a permitted state in which vehicle passage is permitted and a regulated state in which vehicle passage is prohibited at the entrance. When the entrance gate device is in the permitted state, a vehicle can enter from the entrance, and the vehicle that has entered from the entrance can move to any one of the car wash spaces by self-driving and park. A control method for controlling the admission regulation by the entrance gate device, When the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, an acquisition step of photographing or reading a target object defined as an object used for解除 of admission regulation by an information acquisition unit and acquiring predetermined information from the target object; A control step in which the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state when the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition step satisfies the permission conditions; including Control method for admission regulation in a gate-type car wash facility.

[0013] In the control method for admission regulation in the gate-type car wash facility described in [1] above, when the target vehicle attempting to enter the car wash reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance of the car wash, the information acquisition unit performs photographing or reading of the target object defined as the object used for releasing the admission regulation, and performs an acquisition process to acquire predetermined information from the target object. Then, when the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition process satisfies the permission condition, the control unit performs a control process to control the entrance gate device to the permission state. When the entrance gate device thus switches to the permission state, the user of the car wash can drive the vehicle through the entrance of the car wash and can enter the car wash and use the facilities inside the car wash. On the other hand, when the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit does not satisfy the permission condition, the entrance gate device does not switch from the regulation state that prohibits the passage of the vehicle at the entrance to the permission state that permits the passage of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the entry of vehicles that cannot satisfy the permission condition.

[0014] When applying the control method of [1] above, for example, for vehicles that are considered not suitable for using the car wash, such as vehicles of users with bad manners or overly dirty business vehicles, if the predetermined information is set so as not to satisfy the permission condition, it is possible to regulate the entry of such vehicles into the car wash.

[0015] (2) A registration process of registering each specific information for identifying each of a plurality of usage entities in the registration unit in a state where the corresponding predetermined information can be specified, In the acquisition process, when the information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined information, the settlement unit identifies the usage entity corresponding to the acquired predetermined information based on the registration content of the registration unit, and executes a settlement process in which the usage entity pays the usage fee of the gate-type car wash facility. including The control method for admission regulation in the gate-type car wash facility described in [1].

[0016] The control method described in [2] above allows the predetermined information used to determine the permission conditions to also be used in the payment process, thereby improving the efficiency of information utilization and enhancing user convenience.

[0017] [3] Assignment process: Assigning each user each piece of identification information, An issuance step of issuing a medium on which the identification information is recorded or readable to each of the aforementioned users, Includes, In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit photographs or reads the medium and acquires the identification information from the medium. In the control step, if the identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition step satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permission state. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0018] The control method described in [3] above involves issuing a medium on which identification information is recorded to the user, and using this medium, it is possible to determine whether to grant or deny entry.

[0019] [4] In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit reads the information code displayed on the mobile terminal's display unit as the target object and acquires the predetermined information based on the information recorded in the information code. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0020] The control method described in [4] above can determine whether to permit or deny access using the information code displayed on the mobile device's display. Therefore, the burden on the user of having to carry a special medium other than the mobile device in order to determine whether to permit or deny access is reduced or eliminated.

[0021] [5] Using a registration unit that registers part or all of the symbol information of the license plate of each vehicle permitted to enter as registration information, The information acquisition unit has a shooting unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle. The control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state when the symbol information of the license plate captured by the camera unit matches the registration information registered in the registration unit. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0022] The control method described in [5] above utilizes the feature of "using the vehicle's license plate to determine whether to permit or deny entry to the self-driving area of ​​the gate-type car wash," allowing entry to be limited to license plates that match the registered symbol information. This method reduces or eliminates the burden on users of having to carry a special medium to determine whether to permit or deny entry.

[0023] [6] Using a registration unit that registers some or all of the symbol information on the license plate of each vehicle that is not permitted to enter as denied information, The information acquisition unit has a shooting unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle. The control unit controls the entrance gate device to a denied state if the symbol information of the license plate captured by the camera unit matches the denied information registered in the registration unit. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0024] The control method described in [6] above utilizes the feature of "using the vehicle's license plate to determine whether to permit or deny entry to the self-driving area of ​​the gate-type car wash," and can prohibit entry of vehicles with license plates that match the registered denial information. This method reduces or eliminates the burden on users of having to carry a special medium to determine whether to permit or deny entry.

[0025] [7] The information acquisition unit has a photographing unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle, The control unit determines, based on the information of the license plate captured by the camera unit, which of a predetermined classifications the type of vehicle represented by the license plate belongs to, and controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state if it belongs to a predetermined classification. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0026] The control method described in [7] above can determine whether to permit or deny entry to a vehicle by using the classification distinguished by its license plate, and can permit entry only to vehicles of a predetermined classification.

[0027] [8] The control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state when the classification number of the license plate photographed by the photography unit matches the permitted number. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [6].

[0028] The control method described in [8] above can determine whether to permit or deny entry to a vehicle using the classification number specified on the license plate, and can permit entry only to vehicles with predetermined classification numbers.

[0029] [9] Includes a detection step in which the detection unit detects that the vehicle has been placed in the predetermined position, In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined information from the target object, provided that the detection unit has detected the vehicle. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0030] The control method described in [9] above allows the information acquisition unit to operate in such a way that it acquires predetermined information from the target object when the vehicle is in a predetermined position. Therefore, the information acquisition unit does not need to constantly attempt to acquire predetermined information from the target object, enabling more efficient operation.

[0031]

[10] When the vehicle reaches the predetermined position, if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit does not meet the permit conditions, or if the predetermined information cannot be acquired, the notification unit includes a notification step in which it notifies that entry to the car wash is not permitted. A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility as described in [1] or [2].

[0032] The control method described in

[10] above can notify users that they are not permitted to enter the car wash, making it easier for those who are denied entry to take appropriate action (such as moving their vehicle away from the entrance).

[0033]

[11] A gate-type car wash facility comprising a car wash area comprising a car wash area comprising a plurality of car wash spaces which are places for washing vehicles and an entrance through which vehicles can pass, and an entrance gate device which switches between an permitted state which allows vehicle passage and a restricted state which prohibits vehicle passage, wherein when the entrance gate device is in the permitted state, vehicles can enter from the entrance, and vehicles that have entered from the entrance can move under their own power to any of the car wash spaces and stop, wherein a control device for controlling the entry restriction by the entrance gate device, An information acquisition unit, which, when the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, photographs or reads a target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object, When the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permission state, including A control device for restricting entry to a gate-type car wash facility.

[0034] The control device described in

[11] above has the same effect as the control method described in [1] above.

[0035]

[12] A gate-type car wash facility comprising an entry restriction control device in the gate-type car wash facility according to claim 11.

[0036] The gate-type car wash facility described in

[12] above has the same effect as the control method described in [1] above.

[0037] <First Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to the first embodiment. 1. Configuration of the gate-type car wash facility 10 The gate-type car wash facility 10 comprises a car wash area 20, gate devices 30A and 30B, and a control unit 40.

[0038] The car wash 20 is located adjacent to, for example, two intersecting roads RA and RB, and has an entrance 26A for entering the car wash 20 from road RA and an exit 26B for exiting to road RB outside the car wash 20. The car wash 20 is equipped with multiple car wash spaces 21 and a pre-wash area 25, which are places for washing vehicles CA1. The multiple car wash spaces 21 are arranged in a line in a predetermined direction. Adjacent car wash spaces 21 are separated by partition walls 22. The rear side of the car wash spaces 21 is closed off by a bulkhead 23. The front side of the car wash spaces 21 is open, allowing a vehicle CA1 advancing on the road from entrance 26A to enter any of the car wash spaces 21. In Figure 1, six car wash spaces 21 are arranged side by side, but the car wash spaces 21 can be arranged in any number and configuration. A toilet 24 for users is located next to the car wash space 21 on the far right.

[0039] Within the car wash space 21, a car wash machine (not shown) is provided for washing the vehicle CA1. The car wash machine is a known type of car wash machine that can be operated by the user, such as a spray-type car wash machine or a brushless car wash machine, and is equipped with a coin slot, a car wash course selection switch, and nozzles for spraying water and detergent at high pressure. Note that it is not limited to car washes that the user washes themselves; an automatic car wash machine such as a gantry type may also be installed in the car wash space 21. The user washes the vehicle CA1 by selecting a car wash course on the automatic car wash machine or by using the spray of the high-pressure washing device themselves. The area in front of the six car wash spaces 21 and the toilet 24 is a self-propelled path (passageway) that allows the vehicle CA1 to move under its own power, and is configured so that the vehicle CA1 that has passed through the entrance gate device 30A can enter an empty car wash space 21, use the pre-wash area 25 after washing in the car wash space 21, or move towards the exit 26B via the self-propelled path.

[0040] On the opposite side of the self-driving road from the car wash space 21, there are several pre-wash areas 25. Each pre-wash area 25 is equipped with a tap with running water, brushes, buckets, etc., so that areas that are difficult to reach with the car wash brushes can be washed using the brushes in the pre-wash area 25.

[0041] Of the side-by-side car wash spaces 21, the entrance 26A for vehicle CA1 is located in front of the rightmost car wash space 21, and an entrance gate device 30A is installed there. The area in front of the entrance gate device 30A (right side in Figure 1) is designated as the parking spot for the first vehicle CA1 entering the car wash 20 (the location of vehicle CA1 in Figure 1). The designated parking spot before the vehicle entering the car wash passes through the entrance 26A is at least in front of the entrance gate device 30A (to the right of the entrance gate device 30A in Figure 1, and within the area to the left of road RA). To the side of the first vehicle CA1 (below in Figure 1), the second vehicle CA2 and the third vehicle CA3 are waiting in the waiting spaces SW2 and SW3. Fences 38 and price signs 39 are provided around the waiting spaces SW2 and SW3, and the car wash area is partitioned by the fences 38 and price signs 39. After the first vehicle CA1 passes through the entrance gate device 30A, the second vehicle CA2 moves to the area in front of the entrance gate device 30A, and the third vehicle CA3 moves to the waiting space SW2. If entry to the entrance gate device 30A is not permitted, the first vehicle CA1 will not be able to enter the car wash 20 and will have to back up onto road RA to look for another car wash.

[0042] Entrance 26A is for vehicles CA1 entering the car wash 20 from road RA outside the car wash 20. In the example in Figure 1, the car wash 20 has one entrance 26A, but there may be two or more entrances 26A. In this case, two or more entrance gate devices 30A are provided corresponding to the number of entrances 26A. Exit 26B is for vehicles CB1 moving from the car wash 20 to road RB. In the example in Figure 1, there is one exit 26B, but there may be two or more exits 26B.

[0043] The gate devices 30A and 30B comprise an entrance gate device 30A provided at the entrance 26A and an exit gate device 30B provided at the exit 26B. The gate devices 30A and 30B comprise a gate bar 31 and a support part 32 that rotatably supports one end of the gate bar 31. The support part 32 is equipped with a motor, which drives the angle of the gate bar 31 to change between a position perpendicular to the ground and a position horizontal to the ground. When the gate bar 31 is in a horizontal position (angle) relative to the ground, it is in a restricted state that restricts the passage of vehicle CA1. The restricted state means that vehicle CA1 cannot move forward on its own due to the gate bar 31 in front of it, and vehicle CA1 must stop before the gate bar 31. When the gate bar 31 is in a perpendicular position (angle) relative to the ground, it is in a permitted state that allows the passage of vehicle CA1. The permitted state is a condition in which the front of vehicle CA1 is not obstructed by the gate bar 31, vehicle CA1 can move forward under its own power, and vehicle CA1 can pass through the entrance 26A. The motor of the support unit 32 is capable of switching the direction of rotation, and the permitted state and the restricted state are switched by rotating one end of the gate bar 31.

[0044] The entrance gate device 30A switches between an permitted state, allowing vehicle CA1 to pass, and a restricted state, prohibiting vehicle CA1 from passing, at the entrance 26A. When the entrance gate device 30A is in the permitted state, vehicle CA1 can enter from the entrance 26A, and vehicle CA1 that has entered from the entrance 26A can move under its own power to any of the car wash spaces 21 and stop. The exit gate device 30B switches between an permitted state, allowing vehicle CA1 to pass, and a restricted state, prohibiting vehicle CA1 from passing, at the exit 26B. When the exit gate device 30B is in the permitted state, vehicle CA1 can exit from the exit 26B.

[0045] The entrance 26A is equipped with an entrance gate device 30A and vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, which serve as detection units for detecting the position of vehicle CA1. The exit 26B is equipped with an exit gate device 30B and vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, which serve as detection units for detecting the position of vehicle CA1. The vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 are provided as a pair, flanking the gate bar 31 in the entrance gate device 30A. The vehicle position detection coil 35 on the near side detects the vehicle CA1 entering the waiting position, and the vehicle position detection coil 36 on the far side in the direction of self-propulsion detects that the vehicle CA1 has passed the gate bar 31. The vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 are loop coils embedded in the ground. The passage of vehicle CA1 is detected by detecting the change in current caused by the passage of the metal vehicle CA1 through the magnetic field generated by the loop coil.

[0046] Furthermore, the detection unit is not limited to loop coils; various detection methods can be used, such as known proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors that detect optical axis obstruction, and ultrasonic sensors. For example, the detection unit provides an object detection signal to the control unit when an object is present at a predetermined position (e.g., the central position), and provides a non-detection signal to the management device when no object is present at the predetermined position. The object detection signal provided by the detection unit to the management device only needs to contain information that identifies the presence of an object, and the non-detection signal only needs to contain information that identifies the absence of an object.

[0047] 2. Communication relationship with the control unit Figure 2 illustrates the communication infrastructure of a gate-type car wash facility. The control unit 40 is composed of control devices such as a central processing unit (CPU) and memory. The control unit 40 is configured to communicate with the information acquisition unit 60, the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 as detection units, the registration unit 61, the gate devices 30A and 30B, the operating device 46, the reading unit 63, the settlement unit 64, the notification unit 45, and the mobile terminal TS via wired or wireless communication means.

[0048] The information acquisition unit 60 acquires information about vehicle CA1 and includes a shooting unit 43 consisting of a camera or the like. The shooting unit 43 is provided in correspondence with the entrance gate device 30A and the exit gate device 30B, respectively, and photographs the target object OB which is designated as the object used to lift the entrance restriction. The target object OB is the object used to lift the entrance restriction, and in this embodiment it is the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 (and vehicle CB1). Therefore, multiple shooting units 43 are arranged in positions (positions in which the dashed line area in Figure 1 can be photographed) that can photograph the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 when it is stopped at a predetermined position before passing through the restricted gate when it is about to enter the car wash 20, and the license plate NP of vehicle CB1 when it is stopped at a predetermined position before passing through the restricted gate when it is about to exit the car wash 20. Furthermore, the target object OB is not limited to the vehicle's license plate NP, but may also be, for example, the information code CD on the display unit 51 of a smartphone or a special car wash ticket. In this case, the imaging unit 43 can be provided, for example, on the operating device 46 near the parking position (predetermined position) of the vehicle CA1, and can be a reading unit 63 capable of reading the information code CD on the display unit 51 of a smartphone or a car wash ticket.

[0049] The registration unit 61 registers permission conditions related to the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type). The permission conditions are the conditions for the entry restriction by the entrance gate device 30A to enter an permitted state, and in this embodiment, this is the information of the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type). For example, the information of the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type) can be registered as permission conditions by a personal computer connected to the administrator's server. When the information of the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type) is registered in the registration unit 61, if a vehicle with the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type) registered in the registration unit 61 approaches the predetermined position of the entrance gate device 30A, the gate device 30A will enter an permitted state (open state). On the other hand, even if a vehicle other than the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type) registered in the registration unit 61 approaches the predetermined position of the entrance gate device 30A, the gate device 30A will remain in a restricted state (closed state) and will not move (will not enter an permitted state).

[0050] The operating device 46 comprises an entry-side operating device 46 located in front of the entry gate device 30A, and an exit-side operating device 46 located in front of the exit gate device 30B. The entry-side operating device 46 may include, for example, a reader 63 (scanner) capable of reading the information code CD of the mobile terminal TS, a car wash ticket issuing device, etc. The exit-side operating device 46 may include, for example, a reader 63 (scanner) capable of reading the information code CD of the mobile terminal TS, and a payment device. The payment device may enable credit card or code payment using the mobile terminal TS, etc.

[0051] The notification unit 45 consists of speakers and the like, located near the gate devices 30A and 30B and the operating device 46. It notifies vehicles (or their users) that the car wash 20 is unavailable, and prompts them to move vehicle CA1 from a predetermined position in front of the gate device 30A.

[0052] The information acquisition unit 60 acquires information about the vehicle CA1 and consists of the imaging unit 43 and the scanner of the operating device 46. In this embodiment, the vehicle type classification number NP1 of the vehicle CA1 is photographed by the camera, which is the imaging unit 43, and acquired as predetermined information. The predetermined information is information used to determine whether or not the permit conditions for allowing the vehicle CA1 to pass through the entrance gate device 30A are met. In this embodiment, the vehicle type classification number NP1 in the upper right of the license plate NP is considered predetermined information. The vehicle type classification number NP1 is a number assigned according to the vehicle type. For example, small cars and regular cars are assigned numbers from 1 to 799, while large cars other than small cars and regular cars are assigned numbers from 800 to 999. Therefore, if you do not want large cars to enter the car wash 20, you register a vehicle type classification number from 1 to 799 as a permit condition in advance and store it in memory. Then, when vehicle CA1 enters a predetermined position in the entrance gate device 30A and the camera unit 43 photographs the license plate NP, if the vehicle classification number NP1 acquired as predetermined information is in the range of 1 to 799, it is considered a small vehicle, etc., and the permit conditions are met, so the gate of the entrance gate device 30A is opened, resulting in a permitted state. If the vehicle classification number NP1 acquired as predetermined information is in the range of 800 to 999, for example, it is considered a large vehicle, etc., and the permit conditions are not met, so the gate is not opened, resulting in a restricted state. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the vehicle classification number NP1 acquired as predetermined information by the camera unit 43 when it photographs the license plate NP is "399", so the permit conditions (range of 1 to 799) are met, and the gate bar 31 of the entrance gate device 30A is opened (raised), resulting in a permitted state. Since the camera unit 43 photographs the license plate NP to acquire predetermined information, the target object designated as the object used to release the entrance restriction in this embodiment is the license plate of vehicle CA1.

[0053] 3. Control of the entrance gate device 30A Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the entrance gate device 30A when vehicle CA1 enters. Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered in front of the gate), in step S11, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 stops and waits in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S12, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position of the entrance 26A (if No in step S12), the entrance gate device 30A maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0054] If the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position in front of the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13, and the control unit 40 outputs a shooting start signal to the shooting unit 43. When vehicle CA1 is detected at the predetermined position, the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 is located within the shooting range of the shooting unit 43. Therefore, when the shooting start signal is input to the shooting unit 43, it photographs the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 in the state detected at the predetermined position and outputs the image information of the photographed license plate NP to the control unit 40. The shooting unit 43 may be set to shoot continuously (regardless of the position of vehicle CA1), in which case, for example, when it is detected that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, the shooting unit 43 may output the information of the license plate NP it has photographed to the control unit 40. When image information of license plate NP is input to the control unit 40, in step S14, it extracts predetermined information from the symbolic information of license plate NP, consisting of the type classification number NP1 in the upper right corner, stores the type classification number NP1 (predetermined information) in memory, and proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control unit 40 determines whether the extracted type classification number NP1 corresponds to the permit number. The permit number is stored in memory in advance. Administrators can register or change permit numbers from a management PC or the like.

[0055] If the vehicle classification number NP1 does not correspond to the permit number (if it is No in step S15), it is determined that the vehicle is of a type that is not permitted to enter the car wash 20 (e.g., a large vehicle). Therefore, the entrance gate device 30A remains in a restricted state, the gate bar 31 is not opened, and the process proceeds to step S19. A notification unit 45 located near the entrance gate device 30A notifies the vehicle that it cannot enter the car wash 20 and prompts it to exit to roads RA and RB. After step S19, the process returns to step S11 and repeats, waiting for the detection of the next vehicle CA1 at its designated position.

[0056] On the other hand, if the vehicle classification number NP1 corresponds to the permission number (Yes in step S15), then vehicle CA1 is a vehicle that is permitted to enter the car wash 20, such as a small car or a regular car. Therefore, in step S16, the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permission state, the gate bar 31 is opened, and the process proceeds to step S17. Once the entrance gate device 30A is switched to the permission state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 drives vehicle CA1 forward. In step S17, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36. The control unit 40 repeatedly detects vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (No in step S17), and the entrance gate device 30A maintains the permission state. When vehicle CA1 enters the car wash area 20 through the entrance gate device 30A at entrance 26A, and signals from vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 detect that vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S18, where the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 through entrance 26A, so the next vehicle CA1 waits in front of the gate bar 31.

[0057] 4. Examples of effects The method for controlling entry restrictions in the gate-type car wash facility 10 comprises a car wash 20 having multiple car wash spaces 21 where vehicles CA1 are washed, and an entrance 26A through which vehicles CA1 can pass; and an entry gate device 30A that switches between an permitted state allowing the passage of vehicles CA1 and a restricted state prohibiting the passage of vehicles CA1 at the entrance 26A, and when the entry gate device 30A is in the permitted state, vehicles CA1 can enter from the entrance 26A, and vehicles CA1 that have entered from the entrance 26A can move under their own power to any of the car wash spaces 21 and stop. In a gate-type car wash facility 10 designated as permissible, a control method for controlling entry restrictions by an entrance gate device 30A is provided, in which, when a target vehicle CA1 intending to enter the car wash 20 reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, the information acquisition unit 60 photographs or reads the license plate NP (target object OB) designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, acquires the type classification number NP1 (predetermined information) from the target object OB, and if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 60 satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to the permission state.

[0058] The method for controlling entry restrictions in the gate-type car wash facility 10 is as follows: When a target vehicle CA1 intending to enter the car wash 20 reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A of the car wash 20, the information acquisition unit 60 photographs or reads a target object OB designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object OB. If the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 60 satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit 40 controls the entry gate device 30A to a permitted state that allows the vehicle CA1 to pass through the entrance 26A. Once the entry gate device 30A switches to the permitted state, users of the car wash 20 can drive the vehicle CA1 through the entrance 26A of the car wash 20, enter the car wash 20, and use the facilities of the car wash 20. On the other hand, if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 60 does not satisfy the permission conditions, the entry gate device 30A does not switch from a restricted state that prohibits the vehicle CA1 from passing through the entrance 26A to a permitted state that allows the vehicle CA1 to pass through. Therefore, for example, for vehicles CA1 that are considered undesirable to use the car wash 20, such as vehicles CA1 belonging to users with poor manners or excessively dirty commercial vehicles CA1, it becomes possible to restrict entry of undesirable vehicles CA1 to the car wash 20 by setting the vehicle type classification number NP1 (prescribed information) of the vehicle that you do not want to use the car wash 20 to not meet the permission conditions.

[0059] The information acquisition unit 60 has a shooting unit 43 that photographs the license plate NP of the target vehicle CA1, and the control unit 40 determines, based on the information of the license plate NP photographed by the shooting unit 43, which of a predetermined number of classifications (small car, regular car, large car, etc.) the type of vehicle CA1 represented by the license plate NP belongs to, and controls the entrance gate device 30A to the permitted state if it belongs to a predetermined classification (small car or regular car). Even without prior registration of information regarding individual vehicles CA1, entry to the car wash 20 of undesirable vehicles can be restricted based on the classification of vehicle types.

[0060] The control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to the permitted state if the classification number of the license plate NP photographed by the photography unit 43 matches the permitted number. Depending on the vehicle type, entry of vehicle CA1 into car wash 20 can be restricted.

[0061] The vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 (detection unit) detect that the vehicle CA1 is positioned at a predetermined location, and the information acquisition unit 60 acquires predetermined information from the target object OB, provided that the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 have detected the vehicle CA1. When vehicle CA1 reaches the designated waiting position (predetermined position) for the leading vehicle CA1 in front of the entrance gate device 30A, predetermined information can be acquired.

[0062] <Second Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to a second embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 40 when vehicle CA1 enters the facility. In the second embodiment, the gate-type car wash facility 10 prevents vehicles CA1 that have been registered in advance as blacklisted from entering the gate-type car wash facility 10 by not allowing entry to the entrance gate device 30A. In the following, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] The registration unit 61 stores information about vehicles that should not be allowed to use the car wash 20, instead of the permission conditions related to the vehicle type classification number NP1 (vehicle type) in Embodiment 1. Specifically, information about license plate NP that allows the administrator to identify vehicle CA1 is registered as non-permitted information (blacklist information). Non-permitted information can be registered, for example, by a PC connected to the administrator's server. When non-permitted information (blacklist information) is registered in the registration unit 61, even if vehicle CA1 moves to a predetermined position when the entrance gate device 30A is in a restricted state (closed state), the gate device 30A will remain in the restricted state, the gate bar 31 will not rise, and the vehicle will not enter a permitted state. Note that the registration unit 61 is not limited to the above, and for example, the registration unit 61 may also store permission conditions related to the vehicle type classification number NP1 in Embodiment 1 along with the non-permitted information.

[0064] (Control of entrance gate device 30A) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the entrance gate device 30A when vehicle CA1 enters the facility.

[0065] Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered the gate), in step S21, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 will stop and wait in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S22, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position of the entrance 26A (if the result in step S22 is No), the entrance gate device 30A maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0066] If the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position in front of the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23, and the control unit 40 outputs a shooting start signal to the shooting unit 43. When vehicle CA1 is detected at the predetermined position, the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 is located within the shooting range of the shooting unit 43. Therefore, when the shooting start signal is received, the shooting unit 43 takes a picture of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 as it is detected at the predetermined position, and outputs the image information of the captured license plate NP to the control unit 40. The shooting unit 43 may also be set to shoot continuously (regardless of the position of vehicle CA1). In this case, for example, when the shooting unit 43 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, it may output the information of the license plate NP that it has captured to the control unit 40. When the control unit 40 receives the image information of the license plate NP, it determines in step S24 whether the symbol information of the license plate NP extracted from the image information of the license plate NP matches the prohibited information. The disallowance information is used to pre-register (as a blacklist) vehicles CA1 of users who are not permitted to use the car wash 20. For example, this information may include the license plate NP of the vehicle CA1 in question and is stored in the memory of the registration unit 61. The disallowance information may include all of the license plate NP information, or only some of the license plate NP information.

[0067] If the symbol information of the license plate NP matches the prohibited information (if the answer is Yes in step S24), the vehicle CA1 is a vehicle of a user whose entry into the car wash 20 is undesirable. Therefore, the entrance gate device 30A remains in a restricted state, the gate bar 31 is not opened, and the process proceeds to step S28. The notification unit 45 located near the entrance gate device 30A notifies that entry into the car wash 20 is not permitted and urges the user to exit onto roads RA and RB.

[0068] On the other hand, if the symbol information of the license plate NP does not match the disallowance information (if it is No in step S24), then it is not the vehicle CA1 of a user whose entry into the car wash 20 is undesirable, so in step S25 the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permitted state, the gate bar 31 is opened, and the process proceeds to step S26. Once the entrance gate device 30A is switched to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 drives vehicle CA1 forward. In step S26, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, and repeatedly detects vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if it is No in step S26), and the entrance gate device 30A maintains the permitted state. If the signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 detect that vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S26), the process proceeds to step S27, where the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 at the entrance 26A, so the next vehicle CA1 stops and waits before the gate bar 31.

[0069] (Example of the effects of Embodiment 2) A registration unit 61 is used to register some or all of the symbol information of the license plate NP of each vehicle CA1 that is not permitted to enter as disallowed information. The information acquisition unit 60 has a shooting unit 43 that photographs the license plate NP of the target vehicle CA1. The control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a disallowed state if the symbol information of the license plate NP photographed by the shooting unit 43 matches the disallowed information registered in the registration unit 61.

[0070] The registration unit 61 registers some or all of the symbol information of the license plate NP of each vehicle CA1 that is not permitted to enter as prohibited information. The control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state if the symbol information of the license plate NP captured by the camera unit 43 matches the prohibited information registered in the registration unit 61. For vehicles CA1 that are considered undesirable to use the car wash 20, the administrator or the like can register the prohibited information in the registration unit 61 in advance, thereby restricting entry to the car wash 20 for vehicles CA1 that are undesirable to use the car wash 20 (by registering them in advance as a blacklist).

[0071] <Third Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of registering predetermined information for vehicle CA1 using an application or website on the mobile terminal TS. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 40 when vehicle CA1 enters the facility.

[0072] The gate-type car wash facility 10 of the third embodiment allows entry of a vehicle CA1 having pre-registered license plate NP symbol information. In the following, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0073] (Registration to mobile device TS) As shown in Figure 7, those who wish to use the car wash 20 must first install an application for using the car wash 20 on their smartphone or other device and wait for the application on the mobile terminal TS to start (if No in step S31).

[0074] In step S31, when the application on the mobile terminal TS is launched (if the answer is Yes in step S32), in step S32, the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal TS displays a screen for inputting registration information consisting of part or all of the symbol information of the license plate NP, as well as user information as an optional input item. The symbol information of the license plate NP must be entered to the extent that the vehicle CA1 can be identified. User information includes the user's name, telephone number, etc. In step S33, the control unit 40 determines whether the registration information, etc. has been entered appropriately, and if the registration information, etc. has been entered appropriately (if the answer is Yes in step S33), in step S34, the registration information, etc. is registered and stored in memory.

[0075] (Control of entrance gate device 30A) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the entrance gate device 30A when vehicle CA1 enters. Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered in front of the gate), in step S41, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 stops and waits in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S42, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position of the entrance 26A (if the result is No in step S42), the entrance gate device 30A maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0076] If the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position in front of the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43, and the control unit 40 outputs a shooting start signal to the shooting unit 43. When vehicle CA1 is detected at the predetermined position, the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 is located within the shooting range of the shooting unit 43. Therefore, when the shooting start signal is input to the shooting unit 43, it takes a picture of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 as it is detected at the predetermined position and outputs the image information of the captured license plate NP to the control unit 40. The shooting unit 43 may also be set to shoot continuously (regardless of the position of vehicle CA1). In this case, for example, when it is detected that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, the shooting unit 43 may output the information of the license plate NP it has captured to the control unit 40. When image information of license plate NP is input to the control unit 40, in step S44 it determines whether the symbol information of license plate NP extracted from the image information of license plate NP matches the registration information of license plate NP that was previously registered in the application of the mobile terminal TS.

[0077] If the symbol information of the license plate NP does not match the registration information (if it is No in step S44), the vehicle CA1 belongs to an unregistered user, so the entrance gate device 30A remains restricted, the gate bar 31 does not open, and the process proceeds to step S48. An alert unit 45 or other alert unit located near the entrance gate device 30A will alert the user that they cannot enter the car wash 20 and that they should exit to roads RA or RB. For example, the operating device 46 may be used to allow new user registration on the spot or through an application on a mobile terminal TS.

[0078] On the other hand, if the symbol information of the license plate NP matches the registration information (Yes in step S44), it is the vehicle CA1 of a pre-registered user, so in step S45 the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permitted state, the gate bar 31 is opened, and the process proceeds to step S46. Once the entrance gate device 30A is switched to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 drives vehicle CA1 forward. In step S46, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, and continues to detect vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (No in step S46), and the entrance gate device 30A maintains the permitted state. When vehicle CA1 enters the car wash area 20 through the entrance gate device 30A at entrance 26A, and the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 detect that vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S46), the process proceeds to step S27, where the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 through entrance 26A, so the next vehicle CA1 stops and waits before the gate bar 31.

[0079] (Example of the effects of Embodiment 3) A registration unit 61 is used to register part or all of the symbol information of the license plate NP of each vehicle CA1 that is permitted to enter as registered information. The information acquisition unit 60 has a shooting unit 43 that photographs the license plate NP of the target vehicle CA1. The control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to the permitted state when the symbol information of the license plate NP photographed by the shooting unit 43 matches the registered information registered in the registration unit 61.

[0080] Users register their vehicle CA1 information in advance (before entering the car wash 20). At the entrance 26A of the car wash 20, if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 60 matches the registered information registered in the registration unit 61, the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permitted state. Because the user's registration information is registered in advance, permission to enter the car wash 20 can be granted at the entrance 26A for preferred (user's) vehicle CA1.

[0081] <Fourth Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the gate-type car wash facility 10 allows users of a vehicle CA1 waiting at the restricted entrance gate device 30A to display a two-dimensional code as an information code CD on their mobile terminal TS to obtain information about the vehicle CA1. In the following, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0082] (Control of entrance gate device 30A) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the entrance gate device 30A when vehicle CA1 enters. Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered in front of the gate), in step S51, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 stops and waits in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S22, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position of the entrance 26A (if No in step S52), the entrance gate device 30A maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0083] If the signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A (if the answer is Yes in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53, and the control unit 40 outputs a shooting start signal to the shooting unit 43. When vehicle CA1 is detected at the predetermined position, the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 is located within the shooting range of the shooting unit 43. Therefore, when the shooting start signal is input to the shooting unit 43, it takes a picture of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 as it is detected at the predetermined position and outputs the image information of the captured license plate NP to the control unit 40. The shooting unit 43 may also be set to shoot continuously (regardless of the position of vehicle CA1). In this case, for example, when it is detected that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A, the shooting unit 43 may output the information of the license plate NP it has captured to the control unit 40. Next, in step S54, the control unit 40 detects whether or not the two-dimensional code as information code CD has been read by the reading unit 63 of the operating device 46. If the QR code is not read (resulting in No in step S54), the process in step S54 is repeated.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, the user of vehicle CA1 launches the application on the mobile terminal TS to display a two-dimensional code and has the reader unit 63 of the operating device 46 read the two-dimensional code. User information and the symbol information of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 are pre-registered in the application for the car wash system on the mobile terminal TS. If the two-dimensional code is read by the reader unit 63 (if Yes in step S54), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S55 and determines whether the registered information of the two-dimensional code matches the information of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 captured by the shooting unit 43.

[0085] If the symbol information of the license plate NP does not match the prohibited information (if it is No in step S54), the vehicle CA1 is a vehicle of a user whose entry into the car wash 20 is undesirable. Therefore, the entrance gate device 30A remains in a restricted state, the gate bar 31 is not opened, and the process proceeds to step S59. The notification unit 45 located near the entrance gate device 30A notifies that entry into the car wash 20 is not permitted and urges the user to exit to roads RA and RB.

[0086] On the other hand, if the symbol information of the license plate NP matches the information of non-permission (if Yes in step S55), then the vehicle CA1 is not that of a user whose entry into the car wash 20 is undesirable, so in step S56, the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permission state and the gate bar 31 is opened. Once the entrance gate device 30A is switched to the permission state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 drives vehicle CA1 forward. In step S57, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, and continues to detect vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if No in step S57), and the entrance gate device 30A maintains the permission state. When vehicle CA1 enters the car wash area 20 through the entrance gate device 30A at entrance 26A, and signals from vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 detect that vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58, where the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 through entrance 26A, so the next vehicle CA1 waits in front of the gate bar 31.

[0087] (Example of the effects of Embodiment 4) The information acquisition unit 60 reads the information code displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal TS as the target object OB, and acquires predetermined information based on the information recorded in the information code. For example, it can identify a vehicle CA1 that is suitable for use in the car wash 20 without having to register the license plate NP information of the vehicle CA1 in advance.

[0088] <Fifth Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment allows for automatic payment upon exiting the gate-type car wash facility 10 by registering payment information in advance using an application on a mobile terminal TS. In the following, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0089] (Registering payment information in the application) Those who wish to use the car wash 20 must install the application for using the car wash 20 on their smartphone or other device beforehand. They then launch the application on the mobile device TS and wait for the application to start (if the answer is No in step S61).

[0090] In step S61, when the application on the mobile terminal TS is launched (if the answer is Yes in step S61), in step S62, an input screen for registration information such as user information and specific information such as payment information is displayed. Those who wish to use the car wash 20 enter the registration information and specific information according to the instructions on the input screen. User information includes the user's name, telephone number, license plate number NP, etc. Payment information includes credit card number, bank account information, etc. In step S63, the control unit 40 determines whether the registration information such as user information and specific information such as payment information have been entered. If the registration information such as user information and specific information such as payment information have been entered (if the answer is Yes in step S63), the control unit 40 registers the registration information and specific information in step S64.

[0091] (Control of exit gate device 30B) Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the exit gate device 30B when vehicle CA1 exits. Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered the gate), in step S71, the control unit 40 controls the exit gate device 30B to enter a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 stops and waits in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S72, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position in front of the exit gate device 30B (if the result is No in step S72), the exit gate device 30B maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0092] If the signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A (if the answer is Yes in step S72), the process proceeds to step S73, and the control unit 40 outputs a shooting start signal to the shooting unit 43. When vehicle CA1 is detected at the predetermined position, the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 is located within the shooting range of the shooting unit 43. Therefore, when the shooting start signal is input to the shooting unit 43, it takes a picture of the license plate NP of vehicle CA1 as it is detected at the predetermined position and outputs the image information of the captured license plate NP to the control unit 40. The shooting unit 43 may also be set to shoot continuously (regardless of the position of vehicle CA1). In this case, for example, when it is detected that vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before the exit gate device 30B, the shooting unit 43 may output the information of the captured license plate NP to the control unit 40.

[0093] Next, the control unit 40 identifies vehicle CA1 based on the license plate NP information acquired in step S74, calculates the fee according to the usage time of the car wash 20, and proceeds to step S75. In step S75, it is determined whether vehicle CA1, which has been detected to have reached a predetermined position in front of the exit gate device 30B, is vehicle CA1 for which payment information has been registered. If vehicle CA1 is not vehicle CA1 for which payment information has been registered (the result is No in step S75), the user pays the fee using the payment machine. Payment at this time can be made using, for example, cash, credit card, code payment, or IC card. If payment is completed in step S80, the process proceeds to step S77, where the exit gate device 30B is controlled to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened. Once the exit gate device 30B is switched to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 can drive vehicle CA1 out of the car wash 20.

[0094] If vehicle CA1 has registered payment information in step S75 (if the answer is Yes in step S75), the process proceeds to step S76, where automatic payment processing is performed using the previously registered payment method, such as a credit card. Once the automatic payment processing is complete, step S77 controls the exit gate device 30B to the permit state and opens the gate bar 31. When the exit gate device 30B switches to the permit state and the gate bar 31 opens, the user of vehicle CA1 can drive vehicle CA1 out of the car wash 20. In step S78, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36, and continues to detect vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the exit gate device 30B (if the answer is No in step S78), and the exit gate device 30B maintains the permit state. If the user drives vehicle CA1 under its own power and the system detects from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 that vehicle CA1 has passed through the exit gate device 30B (if the answer is Yes in step S78), the system proceeds to step S79, where the control unit 40 controls the exit gate device 30B to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 at exit 26B, so the next vehicle CA1 stops and waits before the gate bar 31.

[0095] (Example of the effects of Embodiment 5) Each of the multiple user entities (users) is identified by specific information, and the corresponding predetermined information is registered in the registration unit 61 in a manner that allows for identification. When the predetermined information is acquired by the information acquisition unit 60, the settlement unit 64 identifies the user (user) corresponding to the acquired predetermined information based on the registration contents of the registration unit 61 and executes a settlement process in which the user (user) pays the usage fee for the gate-type car wash facility 10. For example, it can improve convenience for vehicle users by eliminating the need for passengers to perform payment procedures at exit gates, etc.

[0096] <Sixth Embodiment> The following description relates to a gate-type car wash facility 10 according to the sixth embodiment. The gate-type car wash facility 10 of the sixth embodiment allows users of vehicles CA1 waiting at the restricted entrance gate device 30A to read the target object and obtain user-specific information. In the following, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0097] (Control of entrance gate device 30A) Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the entrance gate device 30A when vehicle CA1 enters. Under normal circumstances (when vehicle CA1 has not entered in front of the gate), in step S81, the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to a restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 is in a closed state (lowered). In this state, vehicle CA1 cannot pass through the entrance 26A due to the gate bar 31, so vehicle CA1 stops and waits in front of the gate bar 31. Next, in step S82, the control unit 40 detects whether or not vehicle CA1 has entered based on a signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35. If vehicle CA1 has not entered the predetermined position of the entrance 26A (if the result in step S82 is No), the entrance gate device 30A maintains the restricted state in which the passage of vehicle CA1 is restricted, and the gate bar 31 remains closed.

[0098] If the signal from the vehicle position detection coil 35 detects that the vehicle CA1 has reached a predetermined position before passing through the entrance 26A (if the result is Yes in step S82), the process proceeds to step S83 to determine whether the object to be read is readable. The object to be read is, for example, a uniquely provided medium (such as a membership card). If the object to be read is a uniquely provided medium (such as a membership card), step S83 determines whether the medium was provided by the user and whether the medium was read by the reader. If step S83 determines that the medium (such as a membership card) was read by the reader, step S84 determines whether it is a legitimate object. Specifically, in step S84, it is determined whether the unique information recorded on the read medium matches the information of the authorized person registered in advance (for example, the authorized registration number). If the read unique information does not match the information of the authorized person registered in advance (for example, the authorized registration number), it is determined that the vehicle CA1 belongs to a user whose entry into the car wash 20 is undesirable. Therefore, the entrance gate device 30A remains in a restricted state, the gate bar 31 is not opened, and the process proceeds to step S86. A notification unit 45 located near the entrance gate device 30A notifies that entry into the car wash 20 is not permitted and urges the user to exit to roads RA and RB.

[0099] On the other hand, if the unique information read in step S84 is determined to match the information of a pre-registered authorized person (for example, the authorized registration number), then vehicle CA1 is not that of a user whose entry to the car wash 20 is undesirable. Therefore, in step S85, the entrance gate device 30A is controlled to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened. Once the entrance gate device 30A is switched to the permitted state and the gate bar 31 is opened, the user of vehicle CA1 drives vehicle CA1 forward. In step S87, the control unit 40 detects whether vehicle CA1 has passed through the gate based on signals from the vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36. It repeatedly detects vehicle CA1 until vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the result in step S87 is No), and the entrance gate device 30A maintains the permitted state. When vehicle CA1 enters the car wash area 20 through the entrance gate device 30A at entrance 26A, and signals from vehicle position detection coils 35 and 36 detect that vehicle CA1 has passed through the entrance gate device 30A (if the answer is Yes in step S87), the process proceeds to step S88, where the control unit 40 controls the entrance gate device 30A to enter a restricted state. As a result, after one vehicle CA1 has passed, the gate bar 31 closes again (lowers), restricting the passage of vehicle CA1 through entrance 26A, so the next vehicle CA1 waits in front of the gate bar 31.

[0100] In the example above, the object to be read in step S83 was the aforementioned medium, but the object to be read may also be a part of the user (fingerprint, veins, face, iris, auricle, etc.). In this case, the user's biometric information is read in step S83, and if the read biometric information is permitted information, the process proceeds to Yes in step S84; otherwise, the process proceeds to No in step S84.

[0101] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of the features of the embodiments described above or below is possible as long as it does not contradict each other. Furthermore, any feature of the embodiments described above or below may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. In addition, the embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

[0102] The car wash 20 is shown as a flat-type car wash 20, but is not limited to this, and may also be a multi-story car wash with car washes on multiple floors.

[0103] The fees for the car wash 20 may be determined based on factors such as usage time, water discharge time, and water discharge volume. Alternatively, fees may be collected either in advance or after use. Furthermore, fees for air conditioning, ventilation, vacuum cleaners, fans, circulators, and blowers may be determined based on usage time, and fees may be collected either in advance or after use.

[0104] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope set forth in the claims or equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 10: Gate-type car wash facility 20: Car wash 21: Car wash space 26A: Entrance 26B: Exit 30A: Entrance gate device 30B: Exit gate device 35,36: Vehicle position detection coil 40: Control Unit 43: Photography Department 45: Speaker (News Department) 46: Operating device 51: Display section 60: Information acquisition department 61: Registration Department 63: Reading section 64: Payment Department CA1, CB1: Vehicle CD: Information Code NP: License Plate NP1: Classification number OB: Target object TS: Mobile device

Claims

1. A gate-type car wash facility comprising a car wash area comprising multiple car wash spaces, which are areas for washing vehicles, and an entrance through which vehicles can pass; an entrance gate device that switches between an permitted state, which allows vehicle passage, and a restricted state, which prohibits vehicle passage, wherein when the entrance gate device is in the permitted state, vehicles can enter through the entrance, and vehicles that have entered through the entrance can move under their own power to any of the car wash spaces and stop, wherein a control method for controlling the entry restriction by the entrance gate device, When the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, the information acquisition unit photographs or reads the target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object; A control step in which the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition step satisfies the permission conditions, including A method for controlling entry restrictions at a gate-type car wash facility.

2. A registration step in which each of the identifying pieces of information that identifies each of the multiple users is registered in the registration unit in a manner that allows for the identification of the corresponding predetermined information, In the acquisition step, if the information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined information, the settlement unit identifies the user corresponding to the acquired predetermined information based on the registration contents of the registration unit, and performs a settlement process in which the user pays the usage fee for the gate-type car wash facility. including A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1.

3. The process of assigning each user a unique set of identification information, An issuance step of issuing a medium on which the identification information is recorded or readable to each of the aforementioned users, Includes, In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit photographs or reads the medium and acquires the identification information from the medium. In the control step, if the identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit in the acquisition step satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permission state. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit reads the information code displayed on the mobile terminal's display unit as the target object and acquires the predetermined information based on the information recorded in the information code. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Using a registration unit that registers some or all of the symbolic information of the license plate of each vehicle permitted to enter as registration information, The information acquisition unit has a shooting unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle. The control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state when the symbol information of the license plate captured by the camera unit matches the registration information registered in the registration unit. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. Using a registration unit that registers some or all of the license plate symbol information of each vehicle that is not permitted to enter as denied information, The information acquisition unit has a shooting unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle. The control unit controls the entrance gate device to a denied state if the symbol information of the license plate captured by the camera unit matches the denied information registered in the registration unit. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The information acquisition unit includes a photography unit that photographs the license plate of the target vehicle. The control unit determines, based on the information of the license plate captured by the camera unit, which of a predetermined classifications the type of vehicle represented by the license plate belongs to, and controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state if it belongs to a predetermined classification. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permitted state when the classification number of the license plate captured by the camera unit matches the permitted number. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 6.

9. The process includes a detection step in which a detection unit detects that the vehicle has been positioned at the predetermined location, In the acquisition step, the information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined information from the target object, provided that the detection unit has detected the vehicle. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. When the vehicle reaches the predetermined location, if the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit does not meet the permit conditions, or if the predetermined information cannot be acquired, the notification unit includes a notification step in which it notifies that entry to the car wash is not permitted. A method for controlling entry restrictions in a gate-type car wash facility according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A gate-type car wash facility comprising: a When the target vehicle reaches a predetermined position before passing through the entrance, an information acquisition unit photographs or reads a target object designated as an object to be used to lift the entry restriction, and acquires predetermined information from the target object. When the predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit satisfies the permission conditions, the control unit controls the entrance gate device to the permission state, including A control device for restricting entry to a gate-type car wash facility.

12. A gate-type car wash facility comprising an entry restriction control device in the gate-type car wash facility according to claim 11.

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