Parking system

Abstract

To provide a parking device that can be monitored stably. [Solution] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a parking device is provided, comprising: a light projector that projects light having one optical axis; a first light receiver provided in correspondence with the light projector and receiving the light; a second light receiver provided in correspondence with the light projector and adjacent to the first light receiver and receiving the light; and a control unit including a determination unit that determines an abnormality in accordance with information detected by at least one of the first light receiver and the second light receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking device for parking vehicles such as cars.

Background Art

[0002] Multi-story parking devices are widely used in densely populated residential areas and the like as parking facilities that can efficiently park a large number of vehicles on land with limited space. The multi-story parking device is provided with an entrance / exit for the entry and exit of vehicles, and an operation panel is provided outside this entrance / exit. When a vehicle is to be stored in the multi-story parking device, after the vehicle is moved to the entrance / exit and parked at a predetermined position, the driver exits to the outside of the multi-story parking device. After that, the vehicle is transferred to a predetermined storage position and stored by the driver or an operator operating the operation panel. Conversely, when a vehicle is to be retrieved, the vehicle is transferred from the storage position to the entrance / exit by operating the operation panel. After that, the driver boards the vehicle and exits the multi-story parking device.

[0003] When the parking device performs the above-mentioned entry / exit operation, if a person enters the entrance / exit and the boarding / alighting area of the vehicle, a major accident may occur. Therefore, in order to detect intrusion into the boarding / alighting area, a detection device (photoelectric sensor) is adopted in the parking device. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose parking devices provided with a detection device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In conventional detection devices, detection processing is performed only when a user operates the control panel. Therefore, if the detection device malfunctions between operations, the detection function may not work. In this case, it may not be possible to operate the parking system safely.

[0006] In view of the above issues, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a parking device that can be monitored stably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a parking device is provided, comprising: a light projector that projects light having one optical axis; a first light receiver provided in correspondence with the light projector and receiving the light; a second light receiver provided in correspondence with the light projector and adjacent to the first light receiver and receiving the light; and a control unit including a determination unit that determines an abnormality in accordance with information detected by at least one of the first light receiver and the second light receiver.

[0008] In the above-described parking device, the control unit may include a first light-receiving information acquisition unit that acquires first light-receiving information transmitted from the first light-receiving device, and a second light-receiving information acquisition unit that acquires second light-receiving information transmitted from the second light-receiving device.

[0009] In the above-described parking device, if the first light reception information and the second light reception information are different, the determination unit may determine that either the first light receiver or the second light receiver is malfunctioning.

[0010] In the above-described parking device, the distance between the light emitter and the first and second light receivers may be 2.5m or more.

[0011] In the above-described parking device, the first light receiver and the second light receiver may be provided within a range of 100 mm with respect to the optical axis of the light projected from the light emitter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] By using one embodiment of the present invention, a parking device that can be monitored stably can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of the entrance / exit floor of a parking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement configuration of a photoelectric sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a control panel relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a control panel relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of a control unit according to one embodiment of the invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of a control method according to one embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of a control method relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic plan view of a parking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of a control panel relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the invention disclosed in this application will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence, and is not to be construed as being limited to the embodiments described below.

[0015] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals (reference numerals with A, B, etc. appended after the numbers) are assigned to the same parts or parts having the same or similar functions. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios for convenience of explanation, or a part of the configuration may be omitted from the drawings.

[0016] <First Embodiment> (1-1. Configuration of Parking Device) FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a parking device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the parking device 100 as seen from the side (when the surface with the loading / unloading port 109 is taken as the front).

[0017] The parking device 100 is configured with a support column 102, and a pallet 104 on which a vehicle 101 is placed is installed inside the structure. The pallet 104 can be moved up and down along the support column 102 by a conveying device 106. Inside the structure, when a plurality of vehicles 101 are stacked vertically, the pallet 104 is provided at an interval such that the vehicles do not interfere with each other. Thereby, the structure formed by the support column 102 forms parking areas P1, P2, P3, P4 stacked in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction.

[0018] The parking device 100 is operated by an operation panel 105. The operation panel 105 is provided outside the parking device 100. For example, the operation panel 105 is installed on the support column 102 near the loading / unloading port 109 of the parking device 100. The user operates the operation panel 105 from the outside of the parking device 100 to move the target pallet 104 to the loading / unloading port 109 or to open and close the gate 108. The configuration of the operation panel 105 will be described later.

[0019] The gate 108, located at the entrance / exit 109 of the parking system 100, can be opened and closed by the control panel 105. The gate 108 is kept closed except when opened to allow a vehicle 101 to enter or exit. Therefore, the gate 108 is also closed when the pallet 104 is moving. Because the gate 108 is closed, people are normally prevented from entering the parking system 100. In this example, a control panel 110 is located in the direction of vehicle 101 entry. Signals output from the control panel 105 are sent to the control panel 110, which then outputs control signals to the transport device 106 that moves the pallet 104, the drive device that opens and closes the gate 108, etc. In the above example, the control panel 110 is shown as being located in the direction of entry, but it is not limited to this. The control panel 110 may also be located on the side of the parking system 100. The configuration of the control panel 110 will be described later.

[0020] In a parking system 100 that forms a parking area stacked vertically in multiple levels to store and park vehicles 101 in a three-dimensional manner, the pallets 104 are raised and lowered to move the desired pallet 104 to the entrance / exit 109, thereby allowing vehicles 101 to be loaded and unloaded. There are several methods for moving the desired pallet 104 to the entrance / exit 109. For example, a method is employed in which the lower pallet 104 is lowered into an underground pit in order to unload a vehicle 101 parked on the upper pallet 104, a method is employed in which the lower or upper pallet 104 is lowered into a space where the lower pallet 104 does not exist by sliding the lower or upper pallet 104 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body (the depth direction of the paper in Figure 1), or a method that combines these methods.

[0021] The example shown in Figure 1 illustrates a configuration in which parking areas P1, P2, P3, and P4 are arranged from the first floor upwards. The number of parking areas is not limited to four; it may be three or fewer, or five or more.

[0022] Parking area P5 is located laterally to parking area P1 (towards the back of the page in Figure 1), and parking area P9 is located further laterally to that (towards the back of the page in Figure 1). In this case, when lowering the pallet 104 in the upper parking area P4 to allow vehicle 101 to enter or exit, the pallets 104 in the lower parking areas P1, P2, and P3 become an obstacle. In this case, raising the pallet 104 in parking area P5 and sliding the pallets 104 in parking areas P1, P2, and P3 laterally removes the obstacles, making it possible to lower the pallet 104 in parking area P4 to the entrance / exit 109.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each piece of equipment on the entry / exit floor of the parking system. As shown in Figure 2, the parking system 100 includes a pallet 104, an operation panel 105, and a control panel 110, as well as a local panel 130, photoelectric sensors 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, and an unmanned confirmation input device 270. The pallet 104, operation panel 105, gate 108, control panel 110, local panel 130, photoelectric sensors 210-260, and unmanned confirmation input device 270 are connected via a communication bus.

[0024] (1-2. Photoelectric Sensors) Photoelectric sensors 210-260 are used to detect objects. Photoelectric sensors 210, 220, and 230 are installed on the side of the parking device's entrance / exit 109. Photoelectric sensors 240 and 250 are installed on the rear side of the parking device 100. Photoelectric sensor 260 is installed along the side of the pallet 104 (in the direction of entry / exit).

[0025] The photoelectric sensor 210 is positioned below the gate 108 at the entrance / exit 109 of the parking system. The photoelectric sensor 210 is positioned in front of the gate 108. The photoelectric sensor 210 detects objects entering the entrance / exit 109 (the area near the gate 108). The photoelectric sensor 210 has one light emitter (light emitter 210a) and a pair of light receivers (light receivers 210b1 and 210b2). Light emitter 210a and light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are arranged correspondingly in the vehicle width direction. Light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are arranged adjacent to each other. In this example, light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are arranged side by side in the entrance / exit direction, but they may be arranged adjacent to each other in the height direction. The light projected from the floodlight 210a is either red light or near-infrared light.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2. As shown in Figure 3, the light projected from the light emitter 210a forms an optical axis 210c in the vehicle width direction. The distance D1 between the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 may be 2.5m or more. The light receivers 210b1 (more specifically, the sensing unit provided in the light receiver 210b1 (also called the first light receiving unit)) and 210b2 (more specifically, the sensing unit provided in the light receiver 210b2 (also called the second light receiving unit)) are provided within a distance D2 from the optical axis 210c (specifically, within a range of 100mm, preferably 20mm, more preferably 10mm) to detect the light projected from the light emitter 210a. In other words, this embodiment has a configuration in which two light receivers detect light projected from one light emitter. The sensing sections of light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are used as light-receiving elements such as CMOS sensors or CCD sensors.

[0027] The light emitter 210a, light receiver 210b1, and light receiver 210b2 are driven by power supplied from an external source (power supply unit 119). The light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are electrically connected to the control panel 110 (control unit 111), and when driven, the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 transmit light reception information to the control panel 110 (control unit 111). The light reception information includes the amount of light detected. The light reception information may also include a voltage value corresponding to the amount of light received, or information generated from the amount of light received and the voltage value.

[0028] Receivers 210b1 and 210b2 each have the same detection sensitivity. Therefore, the amount of light received by receivers 210b1 and 210b2 when they detect light is approximately the same. Receivers 210b1 and 210b2 detect light at the same time.

[0029] The photoelectric sensor 220 is positioned above the gate 108 at the entrance / exit 109 of the parking system. Therefore, the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor 220 is also positioned above the upper surface of the gate 108. The photoelectric sensor 220 is provided to detect objects present in the opening and closing portion of the gate 108 of the parking system 100. The photoelectric sensor 220 has a light emitter 220a, a light receiver 220b1, and a light receiver 220b2. The light emitter 220a and the light receivers 220b1 and 220b2 are provided correspondingly in the vehicle width direction. The light receivers 220b1 and 220b2 are provided adjacent to each other. The arrangement of the light emitter 220a and the light receivers 220b1 and 220b2 is the same as the arrangement of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2.

[0030] The photoelectric sensor 230 is positioned at the same height as the photoelectric sensor 210. The photoelectric sensor 230 is positioned behind the gate 108 such that the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor 230 is at the front of the pallet 104. The photoelectric sensor 230 is provided to detect the front end of the vehicle 101 (the overhang of the vehicle 101). The photoelectric sensor 230 has a light emitter 230a, a light receiver 230b1, and a light receiver 230b2. In this case, each of the light emitter 230a, light receiver 230b1, and light receiver 230b2 of the photoelectric sensor 230 is positioned on the opposite side from each of the light emitter 210a, light receiver 210b1, and light receiver 210b2 of the photoelectric sensor 210 to prevent interference with the photoelectric sensor 210. In this case, the direction of the light projected from the light emitter 230a is opposite to the direction of the light projected from the light emitter 210a. The light emitter 230a and the light receivers 230b1 and 230b2 are installed correspondingly in the vehicle width direction. The light receivers 230b1 and 230b2 are installed side by side. The arrangement of the light emitter 230a and the light receivers 230b1 and 230b2 is the same as the arrangement of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2.

[0031] The photoelectric sensor 240 is provided to detect the upper rear of the vehicle 101. The photoelectric sensor 240 has a light emitter 240a, a light receiver 240b1, and a light receiver 240b2. The light emitter 240a and the light receivers 240b1 and 240b2 are provided correspondingly in the vehicle width direction. The light receivers 240b1 and 240b2 are provided side by side. The arrangement of the light emitter 240a and the light receivers 240b1 and 240b2 is the same as the arrangement of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2.

[0032] The photoelectric sensor 250 is provided to detect the rear lower part of the vehicle 101. The photoelectric sensor 250 has a light emitter 250a, a light receiver 250b1, and a light receiver 250b2. The light emitter 250a and the light receivers 250b1 and 250b2 are provided correspondingly in the vehicle width direction. The light receivers 250b1 and 250b2 are provided side by side. The arrangement of the light emitter 250a and the light receivers 250b1 and 250b2 is the same as the arrangement of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2.

[0033] The photoelectric sensor 260 is provided to detect objects present in the vehicle-length direction (in / out direction) of each parking area P. The photoelectric sensor 260 has a light emitter 260a, a light receiver 260b1, and a light receiver 260b2. The light emitter 260a and the light receivers 260b1 and 260b2 are provided correspondingly in the vehicle-length direction. Therefore, the optical axis extends in the vehicle-length direction. The light receivers 260b1 and 260b2 are provided side by side. The arrangement of the light emitter 260a and the light receivers 260b1 and 260b2 is the same as that of the light emitter 210a and the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2, except for the direction of the optical axis.

[0034] (1-3.Operation panel) Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control panel 105. The control panel 105 includes at least an operation unit 1051, a control unit 1053, a display unit 1055, and a communication unit 1057.

[0035] The operation unit 1051 includes operable components. By performing actions such as moving up, down, left, or right, pressing, or rotating using the operation unit 1051, information based on those actions is input to the control unit 1053. In this example, the operation unit 1051 includes a pressable button 1051a, a key switch 1051b, and a numeric keypad 1051c. Button 1051a includes a safety confirmation button 1051a1 and a start button 1051a2. The safety confirmation button 1051a1 is pressed after safety confirmation has been performed. The start button 1051a2 becomes operable after the safety confirmation button 1051a1 is pressed and, in combination with information input via the numeric keypad 1051c, allows control of the movement of the pallet 104 or gate 108. The key switch 1051b allows for ON / OFF operation of monitoring control. The numeric keypad 1051c allows input of the pallet 104 number information. The number of control units 105 may be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the function.

[0036] The control unit 1053 controls the operation of each part of the parking device 100. The control unit 1053 includes a processor equipped with, for example, a arithmetic processing unit exemplified by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and memory exemplified by ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). In this example, when the key switch 1051b is turned ON, the control unit 1053 generates monitoring request information. When the key switch 1051b is turned OFF, the control unit 1053 generates monitoring termination request information.

[0037] The display unit 1055 displays control information (in this example, communication management information) based on the control of the control unit 1053. At this time, the display unit 1055 may display the control information via a GUI (Graphical User Interface), or, if it has the functionality of the operation unit 1051, it may be used as a touch panel.

[0038] The communication unit 1057 transmits and receives information with the control panel 110 based on the control of the control unit 111.

[0039] (1-4. Control Panel) Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control panel 110. The control panel 110 includes at least a control unit 111, a storage unit 113, a display unit 115, a communication unit 117, and a power supply unit 119.

[0040] The control unit 111 controls the operation of each part of the parking device 100. The control unit 111 includes, for example, a processor equipped with an arithmetic processing unit exemplified by a CPU, and memory exemplified by ROM and RAM. The control unit 111 receives signals sent from the operation panel 105, for example, and outputs control signals to the transport device 106 that moves the pallet 104 and the drive device that opens and closes the gate 108, thereby controlling the movement of the pallet 104 and the opening and closing of the gate 108.

[0041] The storage unit 113 can use memory, solid state drive (SSD) semiconductor memory, magnetic recording media (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media, and storage-capable elements that serve as storage media. The storage unit 113 has the function of storing control programs and various types of information used in the control programs.

[0042] The display unit 115 displays control information (in this example, communication management information) based on the control of the control unit 111. In this case, the display unit 115 may also display the control information via a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0043] The communication unit 117 transmits and receives information with each device based on the control of the control unit 111.

[0044] The power supply unit 119 is connected to an external power supply and supplies power to each device based on the control of the control unit 111.

[0045] Furthermore, the control panel 110 may be equipped with control devices such as a ground fault circuit breaker, inverter, and relay, in addition to the control unit 111, storage unit 113, display unit 115, communication unit 117, and power supply unit 119.

[0046] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 111. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 111 includes a monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111, a monitoring control processing unit 1113, a first light reception information acquisition unit 1115, a second light reception information acquisition unit 1116, a determination unit 1117, and an abnormality processing unit 1119 as functional units.

[0047] The monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111 acquires monitoring request information and monitoring request completion information transmitted from the control panel 105.

[0048] The monitoring and control processing unit 1113 transmits control instruction information to each device of the parking system based on monitoring request information and monitoring termination request information. In this example, the monitoring and control processing unit 1113 transmits illumination instruction information to each floodlight.

[0049] The first light reception information acquisition unit 1115 acquires light reception information transmitted from one of a pair of light receivers. For example, the first light reception information acquisition unit 1115 acquires light reception information (also called first light reception information) transmitted from the light receiver 210b1 in the photoelectric sensor 210.

[0050] The second light reception information acquisition unit 1116 acquires light reception information transmitted from the other of a pair of light receivers. For example, the second light reception information acquisition unit 1116 acquires light reception information (also called second light reception information) transmitted from the light receiver 210b2 in the photoelectric sensor 210.

[0051] The determination unit 1117 determines whether the received light information is normal. For example, it sets a reference light intensity and determines whether the light intensity detected by the light receiver exceeds the reference value. If light of a predetermined intensity or more is received, the determination unit 1117 determines it is normal. If light of a predetermined intensity or less is received, the determination unit 1117 determines it is abnormal. Furthermore, if at least one of the first received light information and the second received light information is abnormal, the determination unit 1117 determines the whole system is abnormal.

[0052] The abnormality processing unit 1119 performs processing corresponding to the abnormality when the determination unit 1117 determines that an abnormality exists. Specifically, it transmits instruction information to the display unit 115 to indicate that an abnormality exists. The abnormality processing unit 1119 also transmits command information to stop the driving of the pallet 104, the transport device 106, and the gate 108.

[0053] Local panels 130 are positioned corresponding to each pallet 104. In this example, in parking area P1, local panel 130-1 is provided for pallet 104-1. In parking area P5, local panel 130-2 is provided for pallet 104-2. In parking area P9, local panel 130-3 is provided for pallet 104-3. The same local panel 130 may be used for pallets 104 arranged in the vertical direction. Specifically, local panel 130-1 may be used for pallets 104 in parking areas P1 to P4. The local panel 130 is positioned between the control panel 110 and the unmanned confirmation input device 270 and the photoelectric sensor 260. The local panel 130 may also be used as a relay. Furthermore, if the control panel 110 and the unmanned confirmation input device 270 and the photoelectric sensor 260 are directly connected, the local panel 130 may not be provided.

[0054] The unmanned confirmation input device 270 includes a control unit 271, an operation unit 273, and a display unit 275.

[0055] The control unit 271 controls the operation of each part of the unmanned verification input device 270. The control unit 271 includes, for example, a processor equipped with an arithmetic processing unit exemplified by a CPU, and memory exemplified by ROM and RAM. The control unit 271 performs unmanned verification input based on the information input using the operation unit 273.

[0056] The operation unit 273 is located on the outside of the unmanned confirmation input device 270. In this example, a switch is used for the operation unit 273. However, the operation unit 273 is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that can be operated by the user. The user can operate the operation unit 273 after performing unmanned confirmation with the gate 108 open.

[0057] The display unit 275 is provided to indicate that the system is in unattended monitoring mode. In this example, the display unit 275 is equipped with a lamp. The display unit 275 may also be a device that lights up or flashes light like a lamp, emits sound like a buzzer, or displays text like a display.

[0058] (1-5. Control Method for Parking System) Next, we will explain the control of the parking system. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the parking system. Since each of the photoelectric sensors 210 to 260 performs the same operation, for the sake of explanation, we will describe the operation of photoelectric sensor 210.

[0059] First, the user turns ON the operation unit 1051 (key switch 1051b) of the control panel 105. At this time, based on the signal input by turning ON the key switch 1051b, the control unit 1053 generates monitoring request information. The generated monitoring request information is transmitted to the control unit 111 of the control panel 110. The monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111 of the control unit 111 acquires the monitoring request information (S101).

[0060] When the monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111 acquires monitoring request information, the monitoring control processing unit 1113 performs monitoring control processing (S103). At this time, the monitoring control processing unit 1113 transmits light emission instruction information to the light emitter 210a.

[0061] When the light emitter 210a receives light emission instruction information, the light emitter 210a starts the light emission process. The light emitter 210a projects light toward the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2. At this time, as described above, the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 are within a 100 mm range of the optical axis 210c, so they can receive the light projected from the light emitter 210a as long as there are no obstructions.

[0062] The information received by the light receiver 210b1 (first received information) and the information received by the light receiver 210b2 (second received information) are transmitted to the control unit 111. The first received information acquisition unit 1115 acquires the first received information (S105). The second received information acquisition unit 1116 acquires the second received information (S107).

[0063] The determination unit 1117 determines whether the first light reception information and the second light reception information are normal (S109, S111). At this time, the determination unit 1117 sets a reference value for light intensity and determines whether the amount of light detected by the light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 included in the light reception information exceeds the reference value. If the amount of light received in the first light reception information and the second light reception information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light, the determination unit 1117 determines that it is normal. Furthermore, if at least one of the first light reception information and the second light reception information is abnormal, the determination unit 1117 determines that the whole is abnormal.

[0064] When the first light reception information is abnormal (S109; No), or when the second light reception information is abnormal (S111; No), the abnormality processing unit 1119 performs abnormality control processing (S113). In this example, the abnormality processing unit 1119 transmits operation stop instruction information to each part of the parking device 100. The abnormality processing unit 1119 also transmits instruction information to display the abnormal state on the display unit 115.

[0065] If the first light reception information is normal (S109; Yes) and the second light reception information is normal (S111; Yes), the determination unit 1117 determines that there is no abnormality. Furthermore, the determination unit 1117 determines whether monitoring termination request information has been acquired (S115). If monitoring termination request information has not been acquired (S115; No), the process returns to acquiring the first light reception information (S105) and the loop process is performed. As a result, during the monitoring control process, intruders are constantly detected by the photoelectric sensor 210. If monitoring termination request information is acquired (S115; Yes), the monitoring control process ends.

[0066] In this embodiment, each photoelectric sensor includes a pair (two) of light receivers. This allows detection to continue even if one light receiver fails, using the other. Therefore, detection processing by the detection device can be performed not only when a user operates the control panel, but at all times. Consequently, stable monitoring processing can be achieved by using this embodiment.

[0067] In this embodiment, each photoelectric sensor is equipped with one light emitter. This is because if the light emitter malfunctions, the system will always detect an abnormality based on the received light information (it will be determined that there is something blocking the light), thus minimizing the impact on safety. Furthermore, if two light emitters are provided, an abnormality will be detected if there is an abnormality on the light receiver side, regardless of the state of the light emitter side. Also, the effectiveness of having two light emitters is low because the two lights interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the parking device (more specifically, the photoelectric sensor) while enhancing safety.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, a control method different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, an example of specifically determining an abnormality in the parking system will be described.

[0069] (2-1. Control method for parking system) The control of the parking system will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the parking system. Since each of the photoelectric sensors 210 to 260 performs the same operation, for the sake of explanation, the operation of photoelectric sensor 210 will be described.

[0070] First, the user turns ON the operation unit 1051 (key switch 1051b) of the control panel 105. At this time, based on the signal input by turning ON the key switch 1051b, the control unit 1053 generates monitoring request information. The generated monitoring request information is transmitted to the control unit 111 of the control panel 110. The monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111 of the control unit 111 acquires the monitoring request information (S201).

[0071] When the monitoring request information acquisition unit 1111 acquires monitoring request information, the monitoring control processing unit 1113 performs monitoring control processing (S203). At this time, the monitoring control processing unit 1113 transmits light emission instruction information to the light emitter 210a.

[0072] The information received by the light receiver 210b1 (first received information) and the information received by the light receiver 210b2 (second received information) are transmitted to the control unit 111. The first received information acquisition unit 1115 acquires the first received information (S205). The second received information acquisition unit 1116 acquires the second received information (S207).

[0073] The determination unit 1117 determines whether the first light reception information is normal (S209). At this time, the determination unit 1117 sets a reference value for the amount of light and determines whether the amount of light detected by the light receiver 210b1 included in the light reception information exceeds the reference value. If the amount of light received in the first light reception information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light, the determination unit 1117 determines that it is normal. If the amount of light received in the light reception information is less than a predetermined amount of light, the determination unit 1117 determines that the first light reception information is abnormal.

[0074] Next, the determination unit 1117 determines whether the second light reception information is normal (S211, S213). The determination method is the same as described above. If the amount of light received in the second light reception information is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light, the determination unit 1117 determines that it is normal. If the amount of light received in the light reception information is less than a predetermined amount of light, the determination unit 1117 determines that the second light reception information is abnormal.

[0075] When the first light reception information is abnormal (S209; No) and the second light reception information is also abnormal (S213; No), the determination unit 1117 determines that there is an intrusion and performs an abnormal processing operation (S215). In this example, the abnormal processing unit 1119 transmits an operation stop instruction to each part of the parking device 100 and also transmits instruction information to display information to notify the intruder on the display unit 115 of the control panel 110 or the display unit 1055 of the operation panel 105.

[0076] If the first light reception information is normal (S209; Yes) and the second light reception information is abnormal (S211; No), or vice versa, the determination unit 1117 determines that either the light receiver 210b1 or the light receiver 210b2 is malfunctioning, and the abnormality processing unit 1119 performs abnormality processing (S217). In this example, the abnormality processing unit 1119 transmits operation stop instruction information to each part of the parking device 100, and also transmits instruction information to display information indicating the malfunction of the light receiver on the display unit 115 of the control panel 110 or the display unit 1055 of the operation panel 105.

[0077] If the first light reception information is normal (S209; Yes) and the second light reception information is normal (S211; Yes), the determination unit 1117 determines that there is no abnormality and also determines whether monitoring termination request information has been acquired (S219). If monitoring termination request information has not been acquired (S219; No), the process returns to acquiring the first light reception information (S205) and loop processing is performed. As a result, during monitoring and control processing, intruders are constantly detected by the photoelectric sensor 210. If monitoring termination request information has been acquired (S219; Yes), the monitoring and control processing is terminated.

[0078] In this embodiment, each photoelectric sensor includes one pair (two) of light receivers. This allows detection to occur even if one light receiver fails, using the other light receiver. Therefore, stable unattended verification can be performed using this embodiment. Furthermore, when one of the first and second light reception information is normal and the other is abnormal (i.e., when the first and second light reception information are different), the determination unit 1117 can determine that there is a malfunction. In other words, this embodiment can not only detect abnormalities but also identify what kind of abnormality it is.

[0079] <Third Embodiment> This embodiment describes a parking device with a different configuration from the first embodiment. Specifically, it describes an example in which a control unit corresponding to each of the two light receivers is provided in the control panel.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the entry / exit floor of the parking system. As shown in Figure 9, the parking system 100A includes a pallet 104, an operation panel 105, a control panel 110A, a local panel 130, photoelectric sensors 210-260, and an unmanned confirmation input device 270.

[0081] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the control panel 110A of the parking device 100. As shown in Figure 10, the control panel 110A has at least a first control unit 111A-1, a first storage unit 113A-1, a second control unit 111A-2, a second storage unit 113A-2, a display unit 115, a communication unit 117, and a power supply unit 119. The first control unit 111A-1 and the first storage unit 113A-1 are provided on the first circuit board 112-1. The second control unit 111A-2 and the second storage unit 113A-2 are provided on the second circuit board 112-2. The first control unit 111A-1 and the second control unit 111A-2 are connected via a communication bus.

[0082] The first control unit 111A-1 is electrically connected to the light emitters 210a, 220a, 230a, 240a, 250a, 260a, light receivers 210b1, 220b1, 230b1, 240b1, 250b1, 260b1 and the unmanned confirmation input device 270. The second control unit 111A-2 is electrically connected to the light receivers 210b2, 220b2, 230b2, 240b2, 250b2, and 260b2.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first control unit 111A-1 may be used in the same way as the control unit 111 in the first embodiment. In this case, the second control unit 111A-2 may acquire information acquired by the first control unit 111A-1 as a backup. By using this embodiment, even if one control unit fails, the other control circuit can make a decision. Therefore, stable unattended verification can be performed.

[0084] Furthermore, the first control unit 111A-1 may be used to acquire first light reception information, and the second control unit 111A-2 may be used to acquire second light reception information. In this case, the first control unit 111A-1 may include a first light reception information acquisition unit 1115 as a functional unit. The second control unit 111A-2 may include a second light reception information acquisition unit 1116 as a functional unit. The first light reception information and the second light reception information can be acquired using separate control circuits. This reduces the load on the control units.

[0085] (modified version) Within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any addition, deletion, or design change of components, or addition, omission, or modification of processing conditions, made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the gist of the present invention.

[0086] Furthermore, any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to those skilled in the art, are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which each photoelectric sensor includes two light receivers, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a photoelectric sensor may include three light receivers, or three or more light receivers. In addition, multiple control units may be provided accordingly.

[0088] Furthermore, although the first embodiment of the present invention shows an example in which photoelectric sensors 210 to 260 are provided, the present invention is not limited thereto. The effects of the present invention can be obtained by having at least one photoelectric sensor (one light emitter and two corresponding light receivers).

[0089] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first light reception information and the second light reception information are shown as examples that include the amount of detected light, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first light reception information and the second light reception information may be binary information. For example, the first light reception information and the second light reception information may be "1" when light is detected, and the first light reception information and the second light reception information may be "0" when no light is detected.

[0090] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which the photodetectors 210b1 and 210b2 each have the same sensitivity, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a pair of photodetectors may be used alternately as the main photodetector at predetermined time intervals. This can extend the lifespan of the photodetectors.

[0091] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which light receivers 210b1 and 210b2 detect light projected from light emitter 210a at the same time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the timing at which light receiver 210b1 detects light and the timing at which light receiver 210b2 detects light may be different. In this case, when one of the pair of light receivers is detecting light, the other light receiver does not need to detect light. This can extend the lifespan of the light receivers.

[0092] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which monitoring and control is performed triggered by a key switch 1051b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, monitoring and control may be started based on the start of operation of the parking device 100 (specifically, the power of the control panel being turned ON). Furthermore, monitoring and control may be performed based on other monitoring and control initiation methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100...Parking device, 101...Vehicle, 102...Support column, 104...Pallet, 105...Operation panel, 106...Transport device, 108...Gate, 109...Inlet / Outlet gate, 110...Control panel, 111...Control unit, 113...Storage unit, 113A-1...First storage unit, 113A-2...Second storage unit, 115...Display unit, 117...Communication unit, 119...Power supply unit, 130...Local panel ,130-2···Local panel,130-3···Local panel,170···Unattended confirmation input device,210···Photoelectric sensor,210a···Floodlight,210b1···Receiver,210b2···Receiver,210c···Optical axis,220···Photoelectric sensor,220a···Floodlight,220b1···Receiver,220b2···Receiver,230···Photoelectric sensor,230a···Floodlight,230b1···Receiver,23 0b2...Receiver, 240...Photoelectric sensor, 240a...Light emitter, 240b1...Receiver, 240b2...Receiver, 250...Photoelectric sensor, 250a...Light emitter, 250b1...Receiver, 250b2...Receiver, 260...Photoelectric sensor, 260a...Light emitter, 260b1...Receiver, 260b2...Receiver, 270...Unattended confirmation input device, 271...Control unit, 273...Operation unit 275...Display unit, 1051...Operation unit, 1051a...Button, 1051b...Key switch, 1051c...Numeric keypad, 1053...Control unit, 1055...Display unit, 1057...Communication unit, 1111...Monitoring request information acquisition unit, 1113...Monitoring control processing unit, 1115...First light reception information acquisition unit, 1116...Second light reception information acquisition unit, 1117...Determination unit, 1119...Anomaly processing unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A parking device, A single projector that emits light with a single optical axis, A first light receiver is provided in correspondence with one of the aforementioned light emitters and receives the aforementioned light, A second light receiver is provided in correspondence with one of the light emitters and adjacent to the first light receiver, and receives the light. The system includes a control unit that includes a determination unit that determines an abnormality based on information detected by at least one of the first light receiver and the second light receiver, Parking device.

Images