Information processing device, parking management system, parking management method and program

Abstract

The aim is to manage parking space availability without requiring any extra effort from users in parking lots where multiple usage patterns, including season tickets, are used. [Solution] The system includes a vehicle number information recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used as either a first usage mode in which a vehicle can be used within the range of a first number of vehicle spaces, or a second usage mode in which a second number of vehicle spaces or more set separately from the first number of vehicle spaces can be used, and which differs from the first usage mode and can be used by a user who has registered to use the parking lot for a certain period of time; and a determination unit that, if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage mode, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage mode, and if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage mode and the number of vehicles of the second usage mode exceeds the second number of vehicle spaces.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a parking lot where multiple usage forms such as monthly parking and hourly rental coexist, a parking management system that manages the availability of compartments for hourly rental (vacancy / occupancy management) is known. Monthly parking means a usage form in which a user contracts with a parking lot management company, for example, on a monthly basis, and a compartment for the user to park is secured. Also, hourly rental means a usage form in which an available compartment is used by an unspecified user, and the parking fee is generally calculated on a quantity basis according to the time the vehicle has parked in the compartment.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses setting the number of full vehicles for hourly rental as the number obtained by subtracting the number of compartments secured by a monthly parking contract from the parking capacity (total number of compartments) of the parking lot, and discriminating the usage form of vehicles entering and leaving by a parking ticket issuing machine near the entrance and a fee settlement machine near the exit to perform vacancy / occupancy management.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, according to the conventional technology, for a user of monthly parking, it was necessary to insert a monthly parking ticket into a parking ticket issuing machine or a fee settlement machine, and for a user of hourly rental, it was necessary to obtain a parking ticket from a parking ticket issuing machine and insert the parking ticket into a fee settlement machine. That is, there was a problem that it took time for the user to operate the parking ticket issuing machine and the fee settlement machine to discriminate the usage form of the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 did not consider occupancy management in a parking lot where usage patterns such as season tickets (which allow use for a fixed fee over a certain period) are mixed. Season ticket usage refers to a usage pattern in which, for example, a user contracts with a parking management company for a fixed fee lower than that of monthly rentals, and is able to use a parking space for a certain period in the same way as hourly rentals.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to manage the occupancy rate of a parking lot without causing inconvenience to users, in a parking lot where multiple usage patterns, including the use of season tickets, are mixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention includes a vehicle number information recognition unit that recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used as either a first usage form in which a vehicle can be used within the range of a first number of vehicle spaces, or a second usage form in which a second number of vehicle spaces or more set separately from the first number of vehicle spaces can be used, and which differs from the first usage form in that it can be used by a user who has registered to use it for a certain period of time; and a determination unit that, if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage form, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage form, and if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage form and the number of vehicles of the second usage form exceeds the second number of vehicle spaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a parking lot where multiple usage patterns, including the use of season tickets, are mixed, it is possible to manage the occupancy rate without causing any inconvenience to the users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a parking management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device and the vehicle room management server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of a vehicle room management server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the information stored in the excluded vehicle number database and the commuter pass vehicle number database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle counting procedure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the occupancy management procedure for a parking management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a parking lot availability display using an information display device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a vehicle counting procedure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the vehicle counting procedure according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the information processing device, parking management system, parking management method, and program will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a parking management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The parking management system 1 of the present embodiment includes an information display device 10, an information processing device 20, a vehicle compartment management server 30, and a camera 40 that are connected to each other via a communication network 50 such as the Internet. Here, the information display device 10 is installed near the entrance of a parking lot P having a plurality of parking spaces (vehicle compartments) managed by the vehicle compartment management server 30, and is a display device that displays information such as whether there is an available space in the parking lot P.

[0013] The information processing device 20 and the vehicle compartment management server 30 are computers such as a server, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or a desktop PC, for example. The camera 40 is installed near the entrance and the exit of the parking lot P and captures images of vehicles entering and leaving. Note that the camera 40 is an example of an imaging unit.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the parking lot P is assumed to be available in a first usage form in which a vehicle compartment can be used within the range of the first number of vehicle compartments, a second usage form in which vehicle compartments with the second number of vehicle compartments or more can be used, and a third usage form in which available vehicle compartments are secured.

[0015] Hourly rental is an example of the first usage form. A vehicle in the first usage form can park in the parking lot P when the number of vehicles using the parking lot P as the first usage form is less than the first number of vehicle compartments.

[0016] Season ticket usage available to a user who has registered for use for a certain period is an example of the second usage form. A vehicle in the second usage form can use the parking lot P with a number of vehicles equal to or more than the second number of vehicle compartments set separately from the first number of vehicle compartments.

[0017] Parking lot P is considered "full" when the number of vehicles using parking lot P as a first-type vehicle (number of vehicles n) reaches the number of first-type parking spaces. Here, number of vehicles n is the number of first-type vehicles using parking spaces if the number of second-type vehicles using parking spaces is less than or equal to the number of second-type parking spaces. If the number of second-type vehicles using parking spaces exceeds the number of second-type parking spaces, number of vehicles n is the sum of the number of first-type vehicles using parking spaces and the number of second-type vehicles using parking lot P that exceeds the number of second-type parking spaces.

[0018] If parking lot P is full, no new vehicles using the first usage pattern can use parking lot P until the number of vehicles n falls below the number of first parking spaces. On the other hand, even if parking lot P is full, new vehicles using the second usage pattern can use parking lot P until the number of vehicles using the second usage pattern reaches the number of second parking spaces.

[0019] Furthermore, vehicles using the second usage method may park in parking lot P until it is full, even if the number of vehicles using the second usage method exceeds the number of parking spaces for the second method. In this case, when the number of vehicles n reaches the number of parking spaces for the first method, parking lot P becomes full, and no new vehicles using the second usage method can use parking lot P. If the number of vehicles using the second usage method exceeds the number of parking spaces for the second method, it may be possible to prevent new vehicles using the second usage method from using parking lot P.

[0020] Monthly rentals are an example of the third type of rental. In the third type of rental, a number of parking spaces equal to the third type, separate from the number of first and second type parking spaces, are reserved in the parking lot P. In other words, the number of vehicles using the third type of rental and the number of third type parking spaces are not used for managing the occupancy of the parking lot P. Therefore, vehicles using the third type of rental can use the parking lot P even if it is full. Vehicles using the third type of rental may park in a designated parking space in the parking lot P, in a parking space within a designated area of ​​the parking lot P, or in any available parking space in the parking lot P.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30. Note that the hardware elements of the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2; they may also include other hardware elements (e.g., input devices such as cameras and microphones, speakers, hard disks, etc.).

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 601, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 602, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 603, a display unit 604, a communication I / F (interface) unit 605, a storage unit 606, and a bus 610.

[0023] The MPU601 comprehensively controls the operation of the installed devices (information processing device 20 or vehicle room management server 30) by executing programs specific to each device, thereby realizing the various functions of the installed devices. The various functions of the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 will be described later.

[0024] ROM 602 is a non-volatile memory that stores various information, including programs executed by the MPU 601. RAM 603 is a volatile memory that contains the working area for the MPU 601. Display unit 604 is a device that displays various information and may be, for example, a liquid crystal type display input device with touch panel functionality.

[0025] The communication interface unit 605 is an interface for connecting to the communication network 50. The storage unit 606 is a storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk. The MPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, display unit 604, communication interface unit 605, and storage unit 606 are all connected to each other via the bus 610 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0026] Next, the functions of the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle room management server 30. Note that Figures 3 and 4 only illustrate the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to these.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 20 has a vehicle number information recognition unit 200 and a decision unit 280. The decision unit 280 has a first decision unit 210, a second decision unit 220, a third decision unit 230, and a count unit 240. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the vehicle room management server 30 has an excluded vehicle number database 300, a commuter pass vehicle number database 301, and a transmission unit 310. Of these, the functions of the vehicle number information recognition unit 200, the decision unit 280 (first decision unit 210, second decision unit 220, third decision unit 230, count unit 240), and the transmission unit 310 are realized by executing programs on the MPU 601 installed in each device. Note that the functions of these functional units may be configured to be executed by arithmetic devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0028] The license plate number recognition unit 200 recognizes the license plate number information of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot P. The license plate number recognition unit 200 recognizes the license plate number information (numbers on the license plate, etc.) of vehicles entering and exiting from the image captured by the camera 40.

[0029] The first determination unit 210 determines whether a vehicle entering or leaving is a vehicle of the third usage type based on the vehicle number information recognized by the vehicle number information recognition unit 200. For example, the first determination unit 210 queries the vehicle room management server 30 to determine whether the vehicle number information recognized by the vehicle number information recognition unit 200 is included in the excluded vehicle number database 300 (see Figure 4), which stores vehicle number information for vehicles of the third usage type, as described later. The first determination unit 210 receives the query result from the transmission unit 310 (see Figure 4), which will be described later, and determines whether the vehicle is a vehicle of the third usage type based on this result.

[0030] If the second determination unit 220 determines that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the third usage type, it determines whether the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type based on the vehicle number information recognized by the vehicle number information recognition unit 200. The second determination unit 220 queries the vehicle room management server 30 to find out, for example, whether the vehicle number information recognized by the vehicle number information recognition unit 200 is included in the commuter pass vehicle number database 301 (see Figure 4), which stores vehicle number information for vehicles of the second usage type, as described later. The second determination unit 220 receives the query result from the transmission unit 310, which will be described later, and determines whether the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type based on this result.

[0031] If the second determination unit 220 determines that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type, the third determination unit 230 determines whether the number of vehicles of the second usage type counted by the counting unit 240 (described later) exceeds the number of second passenger compartments.

[0032] The counting unit 240 counts a vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type if the second determination unit 220 determines that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage type. In addition, the counting unit 240 also counts a vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type if the second determination unit 220 determines that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type and the third determination unit 230 determines that the number of vehicles of the second usage type exceeds the number of the second passenger compartments.

[0033] Furthermore, the counting unit 240 will not count the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type in the following cases: (A) When the first determination unit 210 determines that the vehicle is a vehicle of the third usage type. (B) When the second determination unit 220 determines that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type and the third determination unit 230 determines that the number of vehicles of the second usage type does not exceed the number of second passenger compartments.

[0034] Furthermore, in the case of (B) above, the counting unit 240 counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the second usage type.

[0035] The excluded vehicle number database 300 and the commuter pass vehicle number database 301 are implemented using the storage unit 606. The excluded vehicle number database 300 stores vehicle number information for vehicles used in the third usage mode. The commuter pass vehicle number database 301 stores vehicle number information for vehicles used in the second usage mode.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of the information stored in the excluded vehicle number database 300 and the commuter pass vehicle number database 301. Figure 5(a) shows an example of vehicle number information for the second usage type (excluded vehicle number information) stored in the excluded vehicle number database 300. Figure 5(b) shows an example of vehicle number information for the second usage type (commuter pass vehicle number information) stored in the commuter pass vehicle number database 301.

[0037] The transmitting unit 310 transmits to the information processing device 20 the result of whether or not the vehicle number information queried from the first determination unit 210 is included in the excluded vehicle number database 300. The transmitting unit 310 also transmits to the information processing device 20 the result of whether or not the vehicle number information queried from the second determination unit 220 is included in the commuter pass vehicle number database 301.

[0038] Alternatively, instead of storing two tables as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a single table may be stored. For example, a table containing vehicle number information and information indicating its usage may be stored, as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0039] In this case, the transmitting unit 310 responds to the inquiry from the first determination unit 210 by sending to the information processing device 20 the result of whether or not the vehicle number information inquired about is included in this table, and if it is included, the usage type corresponding to the vehicle number information inquired about. The first determination unit 210 determines that "it is a vehicle of the third usage type" if the vehicle number information is included in this table and the usage type is "monthly contract".

[0040] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 310, in response to an inquiry from the second determination unit 220, transmits to the information processing device 20 the result of whether or not the vehicle number information inquired about is included in this table, and if it is included, the usage type corresponding to the vehicle number information inquired about. The second determination unit 220 determines that "it is a vehicle of the second usage type" if the vehicle number information is included in this table and the usage type is "commuter pass".

[0041] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the vehicle counting procedure according to the first embodiment. In the following explanation, the number of first parking spaces will be N1, the number of second parking spaces will be N2, the number of vehicles in the first usage mode using parking lot P will be n1, and the number of vehicles in the second usage mode using parking lot P will be n2. Furthermore, if there are no vehicles in the first usage mode using parking lot P, n1 will be set to 0, and if there are no vehicles in the second usage mode using parking lot P, n2 will be set to 0. In addition, if there are no vehicles in the first usage mode using parking lot P and the number of vehicles in the second usage mode does not exceed N2, the number of vehicles counted as vehicles in the first usage mode, n, will be set to 0.

[0042] First, the license plate number information recognition unit 200 recognizes the vehicle information of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot P (step S10), and the first determination unit 210 determines whether the vehicle with the recognized license plate number information is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S11). If it is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S11: Yes), the counting unit 240 does not count the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type (step S12). In this case, the information processing device 20 does not perform the determinations of the second determination unit 220 and the third determination unit 230.

[0043] If the vehicle is not of the third usage type in step S11 (step S11: No), the second determination unit 220 determines whether or not the vehicle is of the second usage type (step S13). If the vehicle is not of the second usage type (step S13: No), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles of the first usage type (step S16) and counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type (step S17).

[0044] In step S16, the counting unit 240 adds 1 to the number of vehicles n1 if the vehicle has entered, and subtracts 1 from the number of vehicles n1 if the vehicle has left. Also, in step S17, the counting unit 240 adds 1 to the number of vehicles n if the vehicle has entered, and subtracts 1 from the number of vehicles n if the vehicle has left.

[0045] If the vehicle is in the second usage mode in step S13 (step S13: Yes), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles in the second usage mode (step S14). That is, if the vehicle is an incoming vehicle, 1 is added to the number of vehicles n2, and if the vehicle is an outgoing vehicle, 1 is subtracted from the number of vehicles n2.

[0046] Next, the third determination unit 230 determines whether the number of vehicles n2 in the second usage mode exceeds the number of second passenger compartments N2 (step S15). If the number of vehicles n2 exceeds N2 (step S15: No), the counting unit 240 counts the vehicle as a vehicle in the first usage mode (step S17).

[0047] If the number of vehicles n2 in step S15 does not exceed the number of second compartments N2 (step S15: Yes), the counting unit 240 does not count the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type (step S12).

[0048] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the occupancy management procedure of the parking management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The number of vehicles n counted as vehicles in the first usage mode according to the processing procedure in Figure 6 described above is expressed by the following equations (1) and (2).

[0049] n=n1 (when n2≦N2) ...(1) n = n1 + (n2 - N2) (when n2 > N2) ... (2)

[0050] First, the parking management system 1 determines whether or not there is a parking space of type 1 available (step S20). That is, the parking management system 1 determines whether or not the number of vehicles n is less than N1. If there is a parking space of type 1 available (the number of vehicles n is less than N1) (step S20: Yes), the information display device 10 displays information indicating that there is space available in parking lot P (parking lot P is not full) (step S22). At this time, both vehicles using the first type of usage, such as hourly rentals, and vehicles using the second type of usage, such as season tickets, can use parking lot P.

[0051] In step S20, if the first type of passenger compartment is not available (the number of vehicles n is N1 or greater) (step S20: No), it is determined whether or not the second type of passenger compartment is available (whether or not the number of vehicles n2 is less than N2) (step S21).

[0052] Then, regardless of the decision in step S21, the information display device 10 displays information indicating that there are no available spaces in parking lot P (parking lot P is full) (steps S23, S24).

[0053] In step S21, if a second-type vehicle compartment is available (the number of vehicles n2 is less than N2) (step S21: Yes), then the vehicles for the first usage type are unavailable, while the vehicles for the second usage type are available (step S23).

[0054] If, in step S21, there are no available seats in the second type of vehicle (the number of vehicles n2 is greater than or equal to N2) (step S21: No), then both the vehicles in the first type of use and the vehicles in the second type of use become unavailable (step S24).

[0055] Figure 8 shows an example of the information display device 10 showing whether parking lot P is available or not. Figure 8(a) is an example of the information display showing that parking lot P has available spaces, with LEDs indicating the word "available" lit up. Figure 8(b) is an example of the information display showing that parking lot P does not have available spaces, with LEDs indicating the word "available" turned off. Users using the first usage form, such as hourly rentals, can check the display on the information display device 10 installed near the entrance of parking lot P to determine in advance whether parking is available or not.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a parking lot P where multiple usage patterns, including a second usage pattern such as the use of a commuter pass, are mixed, occupancy management can be performed without requiring users to operate a parking ticket issuing machine or a payment machine. In the above description, the information processing device 20 has a vehicle number information recognition unit 200, a first determination unit 210, a second determination unit 220, a third determination unit 230, and a counting unit 240, and the parking space management server 30 has an excluded vehicle number database 300, a commuter pass vehicle number database 301, and a transmission unit 310, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may have all of these functional units to realize the functions of this embodiment, or the parking space management server 30 may have all of these functional units to realize the functions of this embodiment.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it allows the number of first and second parking spaces to be set according to predetermined conditions. For example, if the ratio of vehicles using the first usage pattern to the number of vehicles using the second usage pattern differs depending on the day of the week, more appropriate occupancy management can be performed by changing the settings for the number of first and second parking spaces according to this ratio. In the following description of the second embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment. Note that Figure 9 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the information processing device 20 are not limited to these. The difference from the first embodiment is that the information processing device 20 further includes a vehicle compartment number setting unit 250. The function of the vehicle compartment number setting unit 250 is realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. Note that this function may be configured to be executed by an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, DSP, or FPGA.

[0059] The parking space setting unit 250 changes the setting of at least one of the first parking space number and the second parking space number according to predetermined conditions. More specifically, the parking space setting unit 250 changes the setting of the second parking space number according to the ratio of the number of vehicles using the first usage pattern to the number of vehicles using the second usage pattern. For example, the ratio of the number of vehicles using the first usage pattern to the number of vehicles using the second usage pattern changes for at least one of the following: day of the week, time of day, or the level of congestion in the parking lot P.

[0060] For example, if the ratio of the number of vehicles in the first usage mode to the number of vehicles in the second usage mode is Rs1:Rs2 on Saturdays and Sundays, and Rw1:Rw2 on other days, the number of compartments setting unit 250 sets the second number of compartments N2 as shown in the following equations (3) and (4).

[0061] N2 = (T - N3) × Rs2 / (Rs1 + Rs2) (For Saturdays and Sundays) ... (3) N2 = (T - N3) × Rw2 / (Rw1 + Rw2) (For other days of the week) ... (4)

[0062] However, N3 is the number of the third parking space, and T(T=N1+N2+N3) is the total number of parking spaces in parking lot P. Also, the results of equations (3) and (4) should be rounded to natural numbers by rounding or truncating.

[0063] Furthermore, the number of compartments setting unit 250 uses the N2 set as described above to set the first number of compartments N1 as shown in equation (5) below.

[0064] N1 = (T - N3) - N2 ... (5)

[0065] The aforementioned vehicle ratios are determined, for example, based on the actual usage of the parking lot P on each day of the week. Furthermore, the vehicle ratios used to determine the number of first and second parking spaces may be determined based on time of day, the level of congestion in the parking lot P, etc.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a parking lot P where multiple usage patterns, including a second usage pattern such as the use of a commuter pass, are mixed, occupancy management can be performed without requiring users to operate a parking ticket issuing machine or a payment machine. Furthermore, since the number of first and second parking spaces is set according to predetermined conditions, it becomes possible to perform occupancy management according to the number of vehicles for each usage pattern. In the above description, the information processing device 20 is assumed to set the number of first and second parking spaces, but the configuration of this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the parking space management server 30 may have a parking space setting unit 250 to set the number of first and second parking spaces.

[0067] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the first or second embodiment in that, when a vehicle using the second usage mode (using a commuter pass) enters the station, if there are no vacancies in the second number of compartments and there are vacancies in the first number of compartments, the number of second compartments is increased and the number of first compartments is decreased so that the vehicle can consume the number of compartments used in the first usage mode (using a time-based rental). This allows for occupancy management similar to the first or second embodiment without using the number of vehicles n mentioned above. As the number of first and second compartments fluctuates according to the vacancy status, in this embodiment, the first usage mode is "a usage mode in which the first number of compartments can be used," and the second usage mode is "a usage mode in which the second number of compartments can be used." In the following description of the third embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first or second embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first or second embodiment will be explained.

[0068] Figure 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment. Note that Figure 10 only illustrates the functions necessary for explaining the main parts of this embodiment, but the functions of the information processing device 20 are not limited to these. The difference from the first embodiment is that the decision unit 280 of the information processing device 20 further includes a fourth decision unit 260 and a vehicle compartment number determination unit 270. Furthermore, when the second embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the information processing device 20 includes the vehicle compartment number setting unit 250 of the second embodiment. The functions of the fourth decision unit 260 and the vehicle compartment number determination unit 270 are realized by executing a program on the MPU 601. Note that these functions may be configured to be executed by an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, DSP, or FPGA.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first usage mode is a time-based rental usage mode in which a first number of parking spaces can be used. The second usage mode is a usage mode in which a second number of parking spaces, set separately from the first number of parking spaces, can be used, and unlike the first usage mode, it is a usage mode using a season ticket that can be used for a fixed period at a fixed price.

[0070] The fourth determination unit 260 determines whether the number of vehicles n1 in the first usage pattern is smaller than the number of compartments N1 in the first usage pattern.

[0071] The parking space number determination unit 270 changes at least one of the first parking space number and the second parking space number according to predetermined conditions when a vehicle enters or exits. More specifically, if the parking space number determination unit 270 determines that the entering vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type based on the vehicle number information, and the number of vehicles of the second usage type n2 parked in parking lot P matches the second parking space number N2, then it increases N2 by 1 and decreases N1 by 1. In other words, the first parking space number N1 is consumed by the parking space number determination unit 270 and allocated to the second parking space number N2.

[0072] If n1 has already reached N1 (n1=N1) as described above, the parking space determination unit 270 does not increase N2 by 1 and decrease N1 by 1. In this case, vehicles using the second usage mode that have entered will be unable to use parking lot P (waiting for parking) until a parked vehicle leaves, causing n2 to become smaller than N2 or n1 to become smaller than N1.

[0073] In this embodiment, "parking lot P is full" means that the number of vehicles n1 in the first usage mode has reached the first number of available parking spaces N1. Vehicles in the second usage mode can use parking lot P even if it is full, as long as n2 reaches N2. However, if parking lot P is full and n2 has reached N2, the vehicles will have to wait for a parking space. Furthermore, even if n2 has reached N2, vehicles in the second usage mode can still use parking lot P if n1 has not reached N1, as the number of available parking spaces in the first usage mode will be consumed (N2 will be increased and N1 will be decreased).

[0074] The parking space determination unit 270 determines, based on the vehicle number information, that the vehicle exiting is a vehicle of the second usage type, and if the first parking space has been consumed by the parking space determination unit 270, it decreases the second parking space N2 by 1 and increases the first parking space N1 by 1. Here, a vehicle of the second usage type may be either a vehicle whose first parking space was consumed by the parking space determination unit 270 upon entry, or a vehicle whose first parking space was not consumed by the parking space determination unit 270 upon entry.

[0075] The compartment number determination unit 270 determines, for example, that the first compartment has been consumed if the first compartment is smaller than the initial value of the first compartment. The compartment number determination unit 270 may also determine that the first compartment has been consumed if the second compartment is larger than the initial value of the second compartment. When the second embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the compartment number setting unit 250 of the second embodiment changes the setting of at least one of the initial values ​​of the first compartment and the second compartment according to the ratio of the number of vehicles in the first usage mode to the number of vehicles in the second usage mode.

[0076] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the vehicle counting procedure according to the third embodiment. Here, we will explain the procedure when a vehicle enters parking lot P.

[0077] In the following explanation, let N1 be the number of first parking spaces, N2 be the number of second parking spaces, n1 be the number of vehicles in the first usage mode using parking lot P, and n2 be the number of vehicles in the second usage mode using parking lot P. Also, if there are no vehicles in the first usage mode using parking lot P, let n1 be 0, and if there are no vehicles in the second usage mode using parking lot P, let n2 be 0. Furthermore, let D1 be the initial value of N1 and D2 be the initial value of N2.

[0078] First, the license plate number information recognition unit 200 recognizes the vehicle information of a vehicle that has entered the parking lot P (step S300), and the first determination unit 210 determines whether the vehicle with the recognized license plate number information is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S301). If it is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S301: Yes), the process ends. In this case, the information processing device 20 does not perform the determinations of the second determination unit 220, the third determination unit 230, and the fourth determination unit 260.

[0079] If the vehicle is not of the third usage type in step S301 (step S301: No), the second determination unit 220 determines whether or not the vehicle is of the second usage type (step S302). If the vehicle is not of the second usage type (step S302: No), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles of the first usage type n1 (i.e., adds 1 to n1) (step S307), and the process ends.

[0080] If the vehicle is in the second usage mode in step S302 (step S302: Yes), the third determination unit 230 determines whether the number of vehicles in the second usage mode n2 is equal to the number of second compartments N2 (step S303). If n2 is not equal to N2 (step S303: No), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles in the second usage mode n2 (i.e., adds 1 to n2) (step S304), and the process ends.

[0081] If n2 is equal to N2 in step S303 (step S303: Yes), the fourth determination unit 260 determines whether the number of vehicles n1 in the first usage mode is less than N1 (step S305). If n1 is less than N1 (step S305: Yes), the number of compartments determination unit 270 increases N2 by 1 and decreases N1 by 1 (step S306). As a result, the value of N1 becomes less than the initial value D1, and the value of N2 becomes greater than the initial value D2.

[0082] On the other hand, if n1 reaches N1 in step S305 (step S305: No), the process terminates.

[0083] Although omitted in the vehicle counting procedure for the first embodiment (see Figure 6), in the first embodiment as well, if n2 becomes equal to N2 (step S15: No), the same determination as in step S305 is made. That is, it is determined whether or not a vehicle for the first usage mode is available. If it is not available (n has reached N1), the process proceeds to step S12, the vehicle that entered is not counted as a vehicle for the first usage mode, and the process ends.

[0084] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the vehicle counting procedure according to the third embodiment. Here, we will explain the procedure when a vehicle exits parking lot P.

[0085] First, the license plate number information recognition unit 200 recognizes the vehicle information of a vehicle that has exited the parking lot P (step S350), and the first determination unit 210 determines whether the vehicle with the recognized license plate number information is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S351). If it is a vehicle of the third usage type (step S351: Yes), the process ends. In this case, the information processing device 20 does not perform the determinations of the second determination unit 220, the third determination unit 230, and the fourth determination unit 260.

[0086] If the vehicle is not of the third usage type in step S351 (step S351: No), the second determination unit 220 determines whether or not the vehicle is of the second usage type (step S352). If the vehicle is not of the second usage type (step S352: No), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles of the first usage type n1 (i.e., subtracts 1 from n1) (step S356), and the process ends.

[0087] If the vehicle is in the second usage mode in step S352 (step S352: Yes), the number of compartments determination unit 270 determines whether the number of compartments for the first usage mode has been consumed (step S353). The number of compartments determination unit 270 determines, for example, whether N1 is smaller than the initial value D1, and if N1 is smaller than the initial value D1, it determines that the number of compartments for the first usage mode has been consumed. Alternatively, the number of compartments determination unit 270 may determine whether N2 is larger than the initial value D2, and if N2 is larger than the initial value D2, it may determine that the number of compartments for the first usage mode has been consumed.

[0088] If the number of passenger compartments for the first usage mode has not been consumed in step S353 (step S353: No), the counting unit 240 counts the number of vehicles n2 for the second usage mode (i.e., subtracts 1 from n2) (step S354), and the process ends.

[0089] If the number of parking spaces for the first usage mode has been consumed in step S353 (step S353: Yes), the parking space determination unit 270 decreases N2 by 1 and increases N1 by 1 (step S355), and the process proceeds to step S354.

[0090] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a parking lot P where multiple usage patterns, including a second usage pattern such as the use of a commuter pass, are mixed, occupancy management can be performed without requiring users to operate a parking ticket issuing machine or a payment machine. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a vehicle using the second usage pattern enters, and there are no vacancies in the second parking space but there are vacancies in the first parking space, the number of second parking spaces can be increased and the number of first parking spaces decreased so that the vehicle can consume a parking space used by the first usage pattern. This allows for occupancy management similar to the first embodiment without using the number of vehicles n using the parking lot P as a vehicle using the first usage pattern.

[0091] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0092] The apparatus described in each embodiment represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 include multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network or shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein.

[0093] In each embodiment, the information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 are not limited to servers, notebook PCs, desktop PCs, etc., as long as they are devices equipped with communication functions. The information processing device 20 and the vehicle room management server 30 may be, for example, smartphones or tablet terminals.

[0094] The program executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0095] Furthermore, the program executed on the MPU601 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed on the MPU601 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0096] Alternatively, the program to be executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like.

[0097] The program executed by the MPU601 in this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-mentioned functional units (vehicle number information recognition unit 200, first decision unit 210, second decision unit 220, third decision unit 230, count unit 240, transmission unit 310, etc.). In actual hardware, the MPU601 (processor) reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby loading and generating the above-mentioned functional units on the main memory. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1. Parking Management System 10 Information display device 20 Information Processing Devices 30. Parking space management server 50 Communication Networks 200 Vehicle number information recognition unit 210 1st Judgment Department 220 Second Judgment Department 230 Third Judgment Department 240 count section 250 Number of compartments setting section 260 4th Judgment Department 270 Number of cabins determining section 280 Judgment Department 300 Excluded Vehicle Number Database 301 Commuter Pass Vehicle Number Database

Claims

1. A vehicle number information recognition unit recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used as either a first usage mode in which a vehicle can be used within the range of a first number of vehicle spaces, or a second usage mode in which a second number of vehicle spaces or more, set separately from the first number of vehicle spaces, can be used, and which differs from the first usage mode in that it can be used by a user who has registered for use for a certain period of time. A determination unit that, when it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage type, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type, and when it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type and the number of vehicles of the second usage type exceeds the number of second compartments, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The aforementioned parking lot is also available for use in a third usage scenario, which differs from the first and second usage scenarios, and for which available parking spaces are secured. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines, based on the vehicle number information, that the vehicle is a vehicle of the third usage type, and does not count the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a compartment number setting unit that sets at least one of the first compartment number and the second compartment number according to the ratio of the number of vehicles in the first usage mode to the number of vehicles in the second usage mode.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the number of parking spaces setting unit sets the number of second parking spaces according to the ratio of the number of vehicles in the first usage pattern to the number of vehicles in the second usage pattern for each day of the week, time of day, and the degree of congestion of the parking lot.

5. A vehicle number information recognition unit recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used in a first usage mode in which a first number of parking spaces are available, or a second usage mode in which a second number of parking spaces, set separately from the first number of parking spaces, are available, and which differs from the first usage mode in that it can be used by a user who has registered for use for a certain period of time. A determination unit that determines that a vehicle entering the parking lot is a vehicle of the second usage type based on the vehicle number information, and that if the number of vehicles of the second usage type parked in the parking lot matches the number of second parking spaces and the number of vehicles of the first usage type is less than the number of first parking spaces, then increases the number of second parking spaces by 1 and decreases the number of first parking spaces by 1, and counts the entering vehicle as a vehicle of the second usage type. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

6. The determination unit determines, based on the vehicle number information, that the vehicle exiting is a vehicle of the second usage type, and if the first number of parking spaces has been consumed, it decreases the second number of parking spaces by 1 and increases the first number of parking spaces by 1, and counts the vehicle exiting as a vehicle of the second usage type. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. An imaging unit that captures images of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot, An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A vehicle room management server that manages vehicle number information for the second usage mode of the vehicle, A parking management system equipped with [features / equipment].

8. A parking management method implemented in a parking management system, A vehicle number information recognition process that recognizes the vehicle number information of vehicles entering and exiting a parking lot from captured images, which can be used as either a first usage form for hourly rentals where a vehicle can be used within the range of the first number of vehicle spaces, or a second usage form for season tickets that allows the use of a second or more vehicle spaces set separately from the first number of vehicle spaces and differs from the first usage form in that it can be used for a fixed price over a certain period, A determination step in which, if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage type, the vehicle is counted as a vehicle of the first usage type, and if it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type and the number of vehicles of the second usage type exceeds the number of second compartments, the vehicle is counted as a vehicle of the first usage type. A parking management method characterized by including the following.

9. A parking management method implemented in a parking management system, A vehicle number information recognition step that recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used as either a first usage mode in which a first number of parking spaces are available, or a second usage mode in which a second number of parking spaces set separately from the first number of parking spaces are available, and which differs from the first usage mode in that it can be used by a user who has registered for use for a certain period of time, A determination step in which, based on the vehicle number information, it is determined that the vehicle entering the parking lot is a vehicle of the second usage type, and if the number of vehicles of the second usage type parked in the parking lot matches the number of second parking spaces and the number of vehicles of the first usage type is less than the number of first parking spaces, the number of second parking spaces is increased by 1 and the number of first parking spaces is decreased by 1, and the vehicle entering the parking lot is counted as a vehicle of the second usage type, A parking management method characterized by including the following.

10. Computers, A first usage form is a time-based rental where a parking space can be used within the range of the first number of parking spaces, or a second usage form is a season ticket usage where a second or more parking spaces, set separately from the first number of parking spaces, can be used, and unlike the first usage form, it can be used for a fixed price over a certain period, and includes a vehicle number information recognition means that recognizes the vehicle number information of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot from captured images, A determination means that, when it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is not a vehicle of the second usage type, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type, and when it is determined based on the vehicle number information that the vehicle is a vehicle of the second usage type and the number of vehicles of the second usage type exceeds the number of second compartments, counts the vehicle as a vehicle of the first usage type. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

11. Computers, A vehicle number information recognition means that recognizes the vehicle number information of a vehicle from an image of a vehicle entering or exiting a parking lot that can be used as either a first usage mode in which a first number of parking spaces are available, or a second usage mode in which a second number of parking spaces, set separately from the first number of parking spaces, are available, and which differs from the first usage mode in that it can be used by a user who has registered for use for a certain period of time, A determination means that determines that a vehicle entering the parking lot is a vehicle of the second usage type based on the vehicle number information, and when the number of vehicles of the second usage type parked in the parking lot matches the number of second parking spaces and the number of vehicles of the first usage type is less than the number of first parking spaces, increases the number of second parking spaces by 1 and decreases the number of first parking spaces by 1, and counts the entering vehicle as a vehicle of the second usage type. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

Images