Parking management system, parking management method, and parking management program

Abstract

To provide a parking management system, a parking management method, and a parking management program that can properly settle parking fees and improve the convenience of parking lots. [Solution] The parking management system 10 includes: an acquisition processing unit 111 that acquires parking information corresponding to a parking space when a two-dimensional code placed in a parking space in the parking lot is read by a camera 2 of a vehicle entering the parking space; an entry processing unit 311 that executes vehicle entry processing based on entry information including the parking information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 and user information corresponding to the vehicle; a determination processing unit 113 that determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot based on the vehicle's location information; and an exit processing unit 312 that executes exit processing when the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technology for settling parking fees for vehicles parked in a parking lot.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method is known in which a parking ticket is issued at the entrance gate of a parking lot and the parking fee is settled using the parking ticket. In this method, there is a problem that congestion occurs in front of the gate when receiving the parking ticket or paying the parking fee. As a technology for eliminating such congestion, a system has been proposed that captures a two-dimensional code installed in the passenger compartment with an in-vehicle camera and settles the parking fee based on the information of the passenger compartment obtained from the two-dimensional code and the time information at the time of shooting (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, for example, when a long time elapses from when a user settles the parking fee until the vehicle exits the parking lot, the parking fee and the actual usage time may not match, and there is a problem that unauthorized use becomes possible. This unauthorized use may occur even when the user does it without malice, and in this case, there is also a problem that convenience decreases.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide a parking management system, a parking management method, and a parking management program that can appropriately settle the parking fee of a parking lot and improve the convenience of the parking lot.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a parking management method in which one or more processors perform the following actions: when a reading medium placed in a parking space in a parking space is read by a reading unit of a vehicle entering the parking space, the processor obtains parking space information corresponding to the parking space; the processor performs vehicle entry processing based on the parking space information and entry information including user information corresponding to the vehicle; the processor determines whether the vehicle has left the parking space based on the vehicle's location information; and the processor performs exit processing if the vehicle leaves the parking space within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed.

[0008] A parking management program according to another aspect of this disclosure is a program that causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: when a reading medium placed in a parking space in a parking space is read by a reading unit of a vehicle entering the parking space, acquire parking information corresponding to the parking space; execute vehicle entry processing based on the parking information and entry information including user information corresponding to the vehicle; determine whether the vehicle has left the parking space based on the vehicle's location information; and execute exit processing if the vehicle leaves the parking space within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a parking management system, a parking management method, and a parking management program that can appropriately settle parking fees and improve the convenience of parking lots. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the application of a parking management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a camera in a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure reads a two-dimensional code. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a parking management system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of parking management information used in the parking management system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of user management information used in the parking management system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for vehicle detection processing performed in the parking management system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing application examples of the parking management system 10 according to the embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the parking management system 10. The parking management system 10 is applied to a parking lot Ps where vehicles are parked, and manages the entry and exit of vehicles and parking fees in the parking spaces Pa (parking spaces) of the parking lot Ps. As shown in Figure 3, the parking management system 10 includes an in-vehicle device 1, a camera 2, and a management server 3.

[0013] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the parking lot Ps is equipped with multiple (eight in Figure 1) parking spaces Pa, and one vehicle can be parked in each parking space Pa. The parking management system 10 manages the presence or absence of vehicles in each parking space Pa (entry / exit) and also manages whether the parking lot Ps is full or empty. The parking management system 10 also calculates the parking time (usage time) of vehicles in each parking space Pa and manages and settles parking fees.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a two-dimensional code C1 is placed in each parking space Pa of the parking lot Ps. For example, the two-dimensional code C1 is placed on a stand installed at the rear of each parking space Pa. The two-dimensional code C1 may be a paper medium affixed to the stand, or it may be an image (e.g., electronic paper) displayed on a display installed on the stand. The two-dimensional code C1 is placed at a position (height) that can be captured by the camera 2 mounted on the vehicle. The two-dimensional code C1 has the identification information of the parking lot Ps (parking lot ID) and the identification information of the parking space Pa (parking space ID) embedded in it (encoded), and when captured by the camera 2, this information can be read (decoded). The two-dimensional code C1 is an example of a reading medium in this disclosure. The reading medium in this disclosure is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be other information codes. In addition, the parking management system in this disclosure may use an electronic device (such as an IC tag) that can communicate with a mobile terminal (smartphone) carried by the user (parking lot user) instead of the reading medium.

[0015] [In-vehicle device 1] As shown in Figure 3, the in-vehicle device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, a GPS 14, a communication unit 15, and the like. The in-vehicle device 1 may be a device fixed to the vehicle or a device that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the in-vehicle device 1 may be distributed and executed by one or more processors.

[0016] In addition, the in-vehicle device 1 is communicably connected to the camera 2 and acquires the captured image of the camera 2. The camera 2 may be built into the in-vehicle device 1 or may be installed separately from the in-vehicle device 1. Further, the camera 2 may be mounted on the user's mobile terminal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the camera 2 is configured separately from the in-vehicle device 1 and is arranged, for example, to be able to photograph the front and rear of the vehicle. Also, the camera 2 may be composed of a front camera and a rear camera.

[0017] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle device 1 to the network N1 by wire or wirelessly and performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with the management server 3 via the network N1. The network N1 is composed of, for example, the Internet, a LAN, etc.

[0018] The GPS 14 is a system for measuring the current position of the in-vehicle device 1. Note that the GPS 14 may be mounted on the user's mobile terminal. Based on the measurement result of the GPS 14, it is possible to acquire the current position of the vehicle.

[0019] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display for displaying various information and an operation unit such as a touch panel for receiving operations. For example, the operation display unit 13 can display the captured image of the camera 2, map information, etc.

[0020] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory for storing various information. In the storage unit 12, a control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute various processes such as the parking management process (see FIG. 6) described later is stored. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and read by a reading device (not shown) provided in the in-vehicle device 1 and stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the control program may be distributed from a cloud server and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0021] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as BIOS and OS for causing the CPU to execute various processes are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. Then, the control unit 11 controls the in-vehicle device 1 by causing the CPU to execute various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0022] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 111, an output processing unit 112, a determination processing unit 113, and a notification processing unit 114. The control unit 11 functions as the various processing units by causing the CPU to execute various processes according to the control program. Also, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured by electronic circuits. The control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing units.

[0023] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires identification information (parking lot information) of the parking lot Ps and the passenger compartment Pa based on the two-dimensional code C1. Specifically, when the vehicle enters the parking lot Ps and enters the passenger compartment Pa, the camera 2 recognizes the two-dimensional code C1 (see FIG. 2). The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires a captured image of the two-dimensional code C1 from the camera 2 and decodes the two-dimensional code C1 to acquire parking lot information including identification information (parking lot ID) of the parking lot Ps and identification information (passenger compartment ID) of the passenger compartment Pa.

[0024] The output processing unit 112 outputs information (an inquiry) to the user to confirm whether or not to use the parking lot Ps. Specifically, the output processing unit 112 displays a message on the operation display unit 13 asking whether or not to use the parking lot Ps. The user can select an answer ("Approve" or "Do not approve") on the operation display unit 13 to indicate whether or not to use the parking lot Ps. For example, the user selects "Approve" if they intend to use the parking lot Ps.

[0025] In another embodiment, the output processing unit 112 may output the message to the user's mobile terminal (e.g., by sending an email).

[0026] When a user approves the use of a parking space Ps, the output processing unit 112 outputs parking space Ps entry information to the management server 3. Specifically, the output processing unit 112 outputs entry information to the management server 3, which includes the parking space ID and vehicle space ID acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111, and identification information (user information) corresponding to the vehicle (or user). The user information includes, for example, identification information of the in-vehicle device 1 (device number, device address, etc.), the user's personal information, and identification information of the mobile terminal. When the management server 3 acquires the entry information, it executes the entry process (described later). Once the entry process is complete, the status of the vehicle space Pa becomes "In Use" (see Figure 4).

[0027] Once the entry process is complete, users can pay their parking fees at a designated time. For example, users can pay before leaving the parking lot (Ps). The payment method is not limited and various methods can be applied, such as cashless payment (mobile payment, card payment), cash payment at a payment machine, or card payment. For example, users can pay their parking fees at a payment machine by entering the parking space number (Pa).

[0028] Once the payment process is complete, the user can exit the parking lot Ps with their vehicle. Upon completion of the payment process, the user also inputs information indicating the completion of payment on the operation display unit 13 (for example, by pressing the payment completion button). The output processing unit 112 outputs information indicating the completion of payment (payment information) to the management server 3 once the payment process is complete. After the payment process is complete and the vehicle exits the parking lot Ps, the management server 3 executes the exit process (described later). The status of a parking space Pa after the exit process is complete becomes "vacant" (see Figure 4).

[0029] The determination processing unit 113 determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps. Specifically, the determination processing unit 113 obtains the vehicle's current location based on the measurement results of the GPS 14 and determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps. For example, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps based on the vehicle's location information and parking lot range information indicating the range of the parking lot Ps.

[0030] Furthermore, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the settlement process. The first predetermined time is set in advance, for example, by the administrator who manages the parking lot Ps. If the determination processing unit 113 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the settlement process, it determines whether an additional settlement (re-settlement) of the parking fee is required.

[0031] The notification processing unit 114 notifies the user of warning information. For example, the notification processing unit 114 displays a message on the operation display unit 13 or the user's mobile terminal stating that the exit process will not be completed unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a first predetermined time after the settlement process is completed, or a message that an additional charge will be incurred unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a first predetermined time after the settlement process is completed. Subsequently, if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps within a second predetermined time after the notification processing unit 114 notifies the user of the warning information, or if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps after the second predetermined time has elapsed, the determination processing unit 113 determines that re-settlement of the parking fee is necessary. Also, if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within the second predetermined time, the determination processing unit 113 determines that re-settlement of the parking fee is not necessary.

[0032] If it is determined that repayment of the parking fee is necessary, the user will then repay the parking fee. Once the repayment is complete, the user will input information indicating that the repayment has been completed on the operation display unit 13 (for example, by pressing the payment completion button). The output processing unit 112 outputs information indicating that the repayment has been completed (payment information) to the management server 3. As a result, the management server 3 executes the parking exit process (described later).

[0033] [Management Server 3] As shown in Figure 3, the management server 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation display unit 33, a communication unit 34, and the like. The management server 3 may consist of one or more cloud servers, or one or more physical servers.

[0034] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 3 to the network N1 by wire or wireless connection and for performing data communication with the in-vehicle device 1 via the network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0035] The operation display unit 33 is a user interface comprising a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various types of information, and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that accepts operations.

[0036] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. The storage unit 32 stores a control program that causes the control unit 31 to execute the parking management process (see Figure 6) described later. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and read by a reader (not shown) provided on the management server 3 and stored in the storage unit 32. Alternatively, the control program may be distributed from a cloud server and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0037] Furthermore, the memory unit 32 stores data such as parking management information D1, which manages the usage status of the parking lot, and user management information D2, which manages the usage status of users.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of parking lot management information D1. Parking lot management information D1 is stored corresponding to each of the multiple parking lots managed by the management server 3. The parking lot management information D1 shown in Figure 4 corresponds to a specific parking lot Ps (see Figure 1).

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the parking management information D1 registers information such as the parking space ID, entry date and time, user information, and status for each parking space Pa. The parking space ID is the identification information of parking space Pa, for example, the parking space number. The entry date and time is the date and time when the vehicle entered (stopped) in parking space Pa, for example, the date and time when the management server 3 obtained the entry information (parking space ID, parking space ID, user information) from the in-vehicle device 1. The user information is the identification information of the user, for example, the user's name, user ID, and the identification information of the in-vehicle device 1 (device number, device address, etc.). The status is information indicating the usage status of each parking space Pa, and "In Use" or "Vacant" is registered. For example, if a vehicle is parked in parking space Pa (when the entry process is completed), "In Use" is registered in the status. Also, for example, if a vehicle is not parked in parking space Pa (when the exit process is completed or when the vehicle leaves parking space Pa), "Vacant" is registered in the status. The control unit 31 manages the usage status of each parking space Pa. The control unit 31 also updates the usage status of each parking space Pa to manage whether the parking lot Ps is full or empty.

[0040] When a vehicle enters a designated parking space Pa, the control unit 31 registers the entry date and time, user information, and "In Use" in the parking space Pa of the parking management information D1, associating them with the parking space Pa. When a vehicle leaves the designated parking space Pa, the control unit 31 deletes the entry date and time and user information registered in the parking space Pa of the parking management information D1 and registers "Vacant". Alternatively, the control unit 31 may delete the entry date and time and user information and register "Vacant" when the vehicle leaves the parking space Pa, or when the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the user management information D2 registers information for each user, such as user information, parking space ID, entry date and time, payment date and time, exit date and time, and status. The user information, parking space ID, and entry date and time are the same as the information registered in the parking management information D1 and are updated according to the vehicle's entry and exit processes. The payment date and time is the date and time when the user pays the parking fee (payment completion date and time). The control unit 31 registers the payment date and time based on payment information obtained from the in-vehicle device 1 or the user's mobile terminal. In another embodiment, the control unit 31 may obtain payment information from the payment machine and register the payment date and time. The exit date and time is the date and time when the vehicle leaves the parking space Pa (exits the parking lot Ps), for example, the date and time when the payment process is completed, the vehicle exits the parking lot Ps, and the management server 3 obtains the payment information (parking lot ID, parking space ID, user information) from the in-vehicle device 1. The control unit 31 registers the departure date and time when the settlement process is completed and the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps.

[0042] The aforementioned statuses include the state in which the vehicle is parked in the parking space Pa ("In Use"), the state in which payment processing has been completed and the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps ("Exit Complete") ("Exit Complete"), and the state in which repayment of the parking fee is required but has not yet been completed ("Waiting for Repayment"). When the vehicle entry process is completed, the control unit 31 registers "In Use" as the status. The control unit 31 also registers "Exit Complete" as the status when payment processing is completed and the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps. Furthermore, if repayment of the parking fee is required but has not yet been completed, the control unit 31 registers "Waiting for Repayment" as the status.

[0043] The control unit 31 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM pre-stores control programs such as a BIOS and OS for the CPU to perform various operations. The RAM stores various information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU. The control unit 31 controls the management server 3 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or storage unit 32 using the CPU.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 31 includes various processing units such as an inventory receiving processing unit 311 and an inventory dispatch processing unit 312. The control unit 31 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the control program. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 31 may be composed of electronic circuits. The control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as these various processing units.

[0045] The parking processing unit 311 executes the vehicle parking process. Specifically, the parking processing unit 311 executes the vehicle parking process based on the parking information output from the on-board device 1. For example, the parking processing unit 311 acquires parking information including the parking lot information (parking lot ID, parking space ID) acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 and user information corresponding to the vehicle (user name, user ID, on-board device 1 equipment number, equipment address, etc.), and executes the vehicle parking process. In the parking process, the parking processing unit 311 registers the parking date and time of the parking space Pa into the parking lot management information D1 (see Figure 4) and the user information into the user management information D2 (see Figure 5), respectively, and registers "In Use" as the status of the parking space Pa.

[0046] The exit processing unit 312 executes the vehicle exit process. Specifically, the exit processing unit 312 executes the exit process when the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed.

[0047] For example, when the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed and the exit processing unit 312 receives information from the on-board device 1 indicating that settlement is complete (settlement information), it outputs parking area information indicating the range of the parking lot Ps to the on-board device 1. The on-board device 1 (determination processing unit 113) determines whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time based on the parking area information and the vehicle's location information (GPS 14 location information). If the on-board device 1 determines that the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time, it outputs information indicating that the vehicle has left to the management server 3. When the exit processing unit 312 receives the above information from the on-board device 1, it deletes the entry date and time and user information registered in the parking space Pa of the parking management information D1 (see Figure 4), registers "vacant," and registers the exit date and time and "exit completed" in the user management information D2 (see Figure 5).

[0048] Furthermore, the exit processing unit 312 may delete the entry date and time and user information and register "vacant" in the parking management information D1 if any of the following conditions are met: the vehicle has left the parking space Pa, a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the vehicle left the parking space Pa, or the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps. In other words, even if the payment of parking fees (exit processing) has not been completed, the exit processing unit 312 may update the status of the parking management information D1 to "vacant" on the condition that the vehicle has left the parking space Pa.

[0049] Furthermore, if, for example, a first predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the settlement process and a re-settlement of the parking fee becomes necessary, the exit processing unit 312 will execute the exit process when the re-settlement is completed and the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps.

[0050] As described above, the control unit 31 communicates data with the on-board device 1 of each vehicle to manage the usage status of each parking space in each parking lot.

[0051] [Parking management processing] The following describes an example of the procedure for parking management processing performed in the parking management system 10, with reference to Figure 6. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the in-vehicle device 1 and the control unit 31 of the management server 3 cooperate to perform the parking management processing.

[0052] This disclosure may also be a parking management method that performs one or more steps included in the parking management process, and one or more steps included in the parking management process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. The execution order of each step in the parking management process may differ to the extent that similar effects are produced. Furthermore, although this description uses the case in which each control unit performs each step in the parking management process as an example, a parking management method in which one or more processors distribute and execute each step in the parking management process can also be considered as another embodiment.

[0053] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 11 acquires an image of the two-dimensional code C1. For example, when a vehicle enters the parking lot Ps and enters the parking space Pa, the camera 2 recognizes the two-dimensional code C1. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires an image of the two-dimensional code C1 from the camera 2.

[0054] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 decodes the two-dimensional code C1 to obtain parking information including the identification information of the parking lot Ps (parking lot ID) and the identification information of the parking space Pa (parking space ID).

[0055] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 13 of the in-vehicle device 1 to display a message asking whether or not to use the parking lot Ps.

[0056] <Step S4> In step S4, the user selects the option to indicate that they will use the parking lot Ps ("Approve").

[0057] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 11 outputs parking entry information for parking lot Ps to the management server 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 outputs entry information to the management server 3, which includes the parking lot ID and vehicle space ID acquired in step S2, and identification information (user information) corresponding to the vehicle.

[0058] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 31 of the management server 3 executes the parking entry process. Specifically, based on the parking entry information output from the in-vehicle device 1, the control unit 31 registers the date and time of entry of the parking space Pa into the parking management information D1 (see Figure 4) and the user information into the user management information D2 (see Figure 5), respectively, and registers "In Use" as the status of the parking space Pa.

[0059] <Step S7> In step S7, the user performs the payment process. For example, the user enters the parking space number Pa of the parking space where the vehicle is parked into the payment machine and pays the parking fee. Once the payment is complete, the user enters information indicating that the payment is complete on the operation display unit 13 of the in-vehicle device 1 (for example, by pressing the payment complete button).

[0060] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 11 outputs settlement information to the management server 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 outputs settlement information including the parking lot ID, parking space ID, and user information to the management server 3.

[0061] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 31 outputs parking area information indicating the range of parking area Ps to the in-vehicle device 1.

[0062] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 11 notifies the user of a warning. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a message on the operation display unit 13 or the user's mobile terminal stating that the exit process will not be completed unless the user leaves the parking lot Ps within the first predetermined time, or a message stating that an additional charge will be incurred unless the user leaves the parking lot Ps within the first predetermined time.

[0063] <Step S11> In step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps based on the parking lot range information and the vehicle's location information (GPS 14 location information). If the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps (S11: Yes), it proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle has not left the parking lot Ps (S11: No), it proceeds to step S13.

[0064] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 31 executes the vehicle departure process. Specifically, the control unit 31 deletes the vehicle entry date and time and user information registered in the vehicle compartment Pa in the parking management information D1 (see Figure 4), registers "vacant," and registers the vehicle departure date and time and "departure completed" in the user management information D2 (see Figure 5).

[0065] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 11 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the settlement process. If the first predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the settlement process (S13: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14. If the first predetermined time has not elapsed since the completion of the settlement process (S13: No), the control unit 11 returns to step S11 to determine whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps.

[0066] In other words, the control unit 31 executes the vehicle exit process if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the settlement process is completed. Conversely, if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps between the completion of the settlement process and the first predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle exit process is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0067] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not re-settling of the parking fee is necessary. For example, if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps within the second predetermined time after the control unit 11 notifies the user of the message, or if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps after the second predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 11 determines that re-settling of the parking fee is necessary. On the other hand, if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within the second predetermined time, the control unit 11 determines that re-settling of the parking fee is not necessary. If the control unit 11 determines that re-settling of the parking fee is necessary (S14: Yes), it moves the process to step S16. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that re-settling of the parking fee is not necessary (S14: No), it moves the process to step S15.

[0068] In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may determine that re-payment of parking fees is necessary if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps within a first predetermined time after the settlement process is completed, or if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

[0069] Furthermore, if the control unit 31 of the management server 3 determines that re-settlement is necessary in the in-vehicle device 1, it registers "Waiting for re-settlement" in the status of the user management information D2 (see Figure 5).

[0070] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 31 performs the same inventory processing as in step S11.

[0071] <Step S16> In step S16, the control unit 11 requests the user to re-pay the parking fee. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays information about the additional charge and a message prompting the user to process the payment of the additional charge on the operation display unit 13 or the user's mobile terminal.

[0072] <Step S17> In step S17, the user performs the additional payment process (re-payment process). For example, the user enters the parking space number Pa in the payment machine and pays the additional parking fee. Once the payment of the additional fee is complete, the user enters information indicating that the payment is complete on the operation display unit 13 of the in-vehicle device 1 (for example, by pressing the payment complete button).

[0073] <Step S18> In step S18, the control unit 11 determines whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps based on the parking lot range information and the vehicle's location information (GPS 14 location information). If the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps (S18: Yes), it proceeds to step S19. The control unit 11 waits until the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps (S18: No).

[0074] <Step S19> In step S19, the control unit 11 outputs settlement information to the management server 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 outputs settlement information including the parking lot ID, parking space ID, and user information to the management server 3.

[0075] <Step S20> In step S20, the control unit 31 performs the same exit process as in step S11. For example, the control unit 31 updates the status of user management information D2 (see Figure 5) from "Waiting for re-settlement" to "Exit completed". In this way, the control unit 31 performs the exit process when it determines that additional settlement of parking fees is required, and when the additional settlement process is completed and the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps.

[0076] As described above, the in-vehicle device 1 and the management server 3 execute the parking management process. If a re-payment is required and the user completes the re-payment, and the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 11 will request the user to pay an additional fee again. In this way, the control unit 11 continues to bill for parking fees according to the usage time until the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps.

[0077] As described above, the parking management system 10 according to this embodiment acquires parking information corresponding to a vehicle space Pa when a two-dimensional code C1 (reading medium) placed in a vehicle space Pa within the parking lot Ps is read by a camera 2 (reading unit) of a vehicle entering the vehicle space Pa, and executes vehicle entry processing based on the acquired parking information and entry information including user information corresponding to the vehicle. Furthermore, the parking management system 10 determines whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps based on the vehicle's location information, and executes exit processing if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed.

[0078] Furthermore, the parking management system 10 will not perform the exit procedure if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot Ps after a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the payment process.

[0079] Furthermore, the parking management system 10 notifies the user of a warning that the exit process will not be completed unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time after the payment process is completed, or a warning that additional parking fees will be incurred unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time after the payment process is completed, and determines whether additional payment for parking fees is required. If the parking management system 10 determines that additional payment for parking fees is required, it executes the exit process once the additional payment process is completed and the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps.

[0080] With the above configuration, users can complete the entry process simply by entering their vehicle into a parking space (Pa). Furthermore, users can complete the exit process simply by leaving the parking lot (Ps) within a specified time after completing the payment of parking fees. However, if a user fails to leave the parking lot (Ps) within the specified time after completing the payment of parking fees, the exit process will not be completed. This prevents fraudulent use, for example, by preventing the exit process from being completed if there is a difference between the paid usage time and the actual usage time. Additionally, it improves convenience by allowing for additional payment processing based on actual usage time.

[0081] [Other embodiments] The parking management system 10 relating to this disclosure may have the following configuration.

[0082] In another embodiment of this disclosure, if a vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps before the payment process is completed, the parking management system 10 may perform the payment process based on the elapsed time (usage time) from when the vehicle enters the parking space Pa until it leaves the parking lot Ps. In this way, even if a user leaves the parking lot Ps without paying the parking fee, the parking management system 10 can collect the parking fee corresponding to the actual time the user used the parking lot Ps. For example, if a user has registered for a parking lot Ps usage service (such as a parking usage application), the parking management system 10 may automatically settle the parking fee according to the usage time using the registered payment method.

[0083] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the management server 3 may execute each process of the in-vehicle device 1. Specifically, the control unit 31 of the management server 3 may acquire parking information corresponding to the two-dimensional code C1 (steps S1 and S2 in Figure 6) and output a message asking the user whether or not to use the parking lot Ps (step S3). The control unit 31 may also acquire vehicle location information and determine whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps before a first predetermined time has elapsed after the settlement process is completed (steps S10 and S12). The control unit 31 may also determine whether or not re-settlement of the parking fee is necessary and, if re-settlement is necessary, may request the user to re-settle the parking fee (steps S14 and S15).

[0084] In other words, the management server 3 may, when a two-dimensional code C1 placed in a parking space Pa within the parking lot Ps is read by the camera 2 of a vehicle entering the parking space Pa, acquire parking information corresponding to the parking space Pa, and execute vehicle entry processing based on the acquired parking information and entry information including user information corresponding to the vehicle. Alternatively, the management server 3 may determine whether the vehicle has left the parking lot Ps based on the vehicle's location information, and execute exit processing if the vehicle leaves the parking lot Ps within a predetermined time after the vehicle's parking fee settlement process is completed.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the management server 3 may perform the parking management process by communicating data with the user's mobile terminal (smartphone). In other words, the user's mobile terminal may be used instead of the in-vehicle device 1. In this case, the mobile terminal is equipped with a function to photograph the two-dimensional code C1, a payment function to settle parking fees, and a GPS function to acquire location information. In addition, it is desirable that the mobile terminal and the vehicle be connected, for example, by short-range wireless communication, in order to determine the location of the vehicle. When communication between the mobile terminal and the vehicle is established, the location of the mobile terminal can be considered as the location of the vehicle by acquiring the location information of the mobile terminal.

[0086] As described above, the parking management system relating to this disclosure may consist of a parking management system 10 including an in-vehicle device 1 and a management server 3, or it may consist of the management server 3 alone, or it may consist of an in-vehicle device 1 and a mobile terminal.

[0087] The control unit 11 of the in-vehicle device 1 controls the entire in-vehicle device 1. The control unit 11 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 12 (for example, storage or ROM). The control unit 11 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPU (Central Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip)). In addition, the control unit 11 may be composed of one or more control circuits (electronic circuits).

[0088] Similarly, the control unit 31 of the management server 3 controls the entire management server 3. The control unit 31 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 32 (e.g., storage or ROM). The control unit 31 may be realized by one or more control devices / arithmetic units (CPU, SoC). The control unit 31 may also be composed of one or more control circuits (electronic circuits).

[0089] [Note on disclosure] The following is an overview of the disclosures extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described in the following notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0090] <Note 1> When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reading unit of a vehicle entering that parking space, an acquisition processing unit acquires parking information corresponding to that parking space. An entry processing unit that executes vehicle entry processing based on entry information including the parking information and user information corresponding to the vehicle, obtained by the acquisition processing unit, A determination processing unit that determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot based on the location information of the vehicle, A vehicle exit processing unit that executes an exit process when the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, A parking management system equipped with [features / equipment].

[0091] <Note 2> The vehicle exit processing unit shall not perform the vehicle exit processing if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot after the settlement processing is completed and the predetermined time has elapsed. The parking management system described in Appendix 1.

[0092] <Note 3> The system includes a notification processing unit that notifies the user of warning information that the vehicle will not be able to exit the parking lot unless it leaves the parking lot within the predetermined time after the settlement process is completed, or warning information that additional parking fees will be incurred unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot within the predetermined time after the settlement process is completed. The parking management system described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0093] <Note 4> The determination processing unit determines whether additional payment for parking fees is required if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot after the settlement process is completed and the predetermined time has elapsed. The parking management system described in Appendix 3.

[0094] <Note 5> If the determination processing unit determines that additional payment processing for parking fees is required, the exit processing unit shall execute the exit processing when the additional payment processing is completed and the vehicle has left the parking lot. The parking management system described in Appendix 4.

[0095] <Note 6> If the vehicle leaves the parking lot before the settlement process is completed, the settlement process will be executed based on the elapsed time from when the vehicle entered the parking space until it left the parking lot. A parking management system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0096] <Note 7> The determination processing unit determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot based on the vehicle's location information and the range information indicating the extent of the parking lot. A parking management system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0097] <Note 8> The reading unit is an on-board camera mounted on the vehicle, The aforementioned reading medium is an information code that can be read by a camera. When the on-board camera recognizes the information code, the parking processing unit acquires identification information of the vehicle compartment where the information code is located and user information corresponding to the vehicle on which the on-board camera is installed. A parking management system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0098] <Note 9> When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reader of a vehicle entering that space, parking information corresponding to that space is obtained. Based on the parking information and the user information corresponding to the vehicle, the vehicle entry process is executed. Based on the location information of the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot. If the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, the vehicle will be made to exit the parking lot. A parking management method performed by one or more processors.

[0099] <Note 10> When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reader of a vehicle entering that space, parking information corresponding to that space is obtained. Based on the parking information and the user information corresponding to the vehicle, the vehicle entry process is executed. Based on the location information of the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot. If the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, the vehicle will be made to exit the parking lot. A parking management program for causing one or more processors to run, or a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium on which the parking management program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1: In-vehicle device 2: Camera 3: Management Server 10: Parking Management System 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Operation display section 14: GPS 15: Communications Department 31: Control Unit 32: Storage section 33: Operation display section 34: Communications Department 111: Acquisition Processing Unit 112: Output Processing Unit 113: Determination Processing Unit 114: Notification Processing Unit 311: Inbound Processing Unit 312: Inventory Processing Unit C1: 2D code D1: Parking Management Information D2: User management information Pa: Vehicle interior Ps: Parking lot

Claims

1. When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reading unit of a vehicle entering that parking space, an acquisition processing unit acquires parking information corresponding to that parking space. An entry processing unit that executes vehicle entry processing based on entry information including the parking information and user information corresponding to the vehicle, obtained by the acquisition processing unit, A determination processing unit that determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot based on the location information of the vehicle, A vehicle exit processing unit that executes an exit process when the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, A parking management system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The vehicle exit processing unit shall not perform the vehicle exit processing if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot after the settlement processing is completed and the predetermined time has elapsed. The parking management system according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a notification processing unit that notifies the user of warning information that the vehicle will not be able to exit the parking lot unless it leaves the parking lot within the predetermined time after the settlement process is completed, or warning information that additional parking fees will be incurred unless the vehicle leaves the parking lot within the predetermined time after the settlement process is completed. The parking management system according to claim 1.

4. The determination processing unit determines whether additional payment for parking fees is required if the vehicle does not leave the parking lot after the settlement process is completed and the predetermined time has elapsed. The parking management system according to claim 3.

5. If the determination processing unit determines that additional payment processing for parking fees is required, the exit processing unit shall execute the exit processing when the additional payment processing is completed and the vehicle has left the parking lot. The parking management system according to claim 4.

6. If the vehicle leaves the parking lot before the settlement process is completed, the settlement process will be executed based on the elapsed time from when the vehicle entered the parking space until it left the parking lot. The parking management system according to claim 1.

7. The determination processing unit determines whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot based on the vehicle's location information and the range information indicating the extent of the parking lot. The parking management system according to claim 1.

8. The reading unit is an on-board camera mounted on the vehicle, The aforementioned reading medium is an information code that can be read by a camera. When the on-board camera recognizes the information code, the parking processing unit acquires identification information of the vehicle compartment where the information code is located and user information corresponding to the vehicle on which the on-board camera is installed. A parking management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reader of a vehicle entering that space, parking information corresponding to that space is obtained. Based on the parking information and the user information corresponding to the vehicle, the vehicle entry process is executed. Based on the location information of the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot. If the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, the vehicle will be made to exit the parking lot. A parking management method performed by one or more processors.

10. When a reading medium placed in a parking space is read by the reader of a vehicle entering that space, parking information corresponding to that space is obtained. Based on the parking information and the user information corresponding to the vehicle, the vehicle entry process is executed. Based on the location information of the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the vehicle has left the parking lot. If the vehicle leaves the parking lot within a predetermined time after the payment process for the parking fee for the vehicle has been completed, the vehicle will be made to exit the parking lot. A parking management program that causes one or more processors to run.

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