Vehicle detection system, vehicle detection method, and vehicle detection program

Abstract

This invention provides a vehicle detection system, a vehicle detection method, and a vehicle detection program capable of detecting vehicles parked outside of parking spaces. [Solution] The vehicle detection system 10 includes an operation processing unit 112 that executes a detection operation using a distance measuring sensor 22 installed in the parking space when a magnetic sensor 21 installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, and a determination processing unit 113 that determines whether the vehicle has stopped inside the parking space or outside the parking space based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 21 and the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space such as a parking lot using a sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle detection device is known that installs a magnetic sensor on the parking surface (ground) in a parking space of a parking lot and detects a change in geomagnetism caused by the presence or absence of a vehicle to determine the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space (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] Normally, in a parking lot, a parking fee is generated when a vehicle parks in a parking space. In the conventional technology, for example, when a vehicle parks outside the parking space, the vehicle cannot be detected, resulting in a problem of free parking.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle detection system, a vehicle detection method, and a vehicle detection program capable of detecting a vehicle parked outside a parking space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a system for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. The vehicle detection system comprises an operation processing unit that executes a detection operation by a second sensor installed in the parking space when a first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, and a determination processing unit that determines whether the vehicle is parked in the parking space or outside the parking space based on the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle detection method for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. The vehicle detection method is a method in which one or more processors perform the following actions: when a first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, a detection operation is performed by a second sensor installed in the parking space; and based on the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor, a determination is made as to whether the vehicle has stopped in the parking space or outside the parking space.

[0008] Another vehicle detection program according to another aspect of this disclosure is a program for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space. The vehicle detection program is a program for causing one or more processors to perform the following actions: when a first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, a detection operation is performed by a second sensor installed in the parking space; and based on the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor, a determination is made as to whether the vehicle has stopped in the parking space or outside the parking space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a vehicle detection system, a vehicle detection method, and a vehicle detection program capable of detecting vehicles parked outside of parking spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the application of a vehicle detection system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle detection system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of vehicle detection within a parking space in a vehicle detection system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the changes in the Earth's magnetic field when a vehicle is detected in a parking space according to the vehicle detection system of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of detecting a vehicle outside a parking space in a vehicle detection system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing the changes in the Earth's magnetic field when a vehicle is detected outside a parking space in the vehicle detection system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for vehicle detection processing performed in the vehicle detection system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of vehicle detection in a parking lot using a vehicle detection system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of detecting a vehicle outside a parking lot in a vehicle detection system according to an 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] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of a vehicle detection system 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The vehicle detection system 10 includes a vehicle detection device 1 and a vehicle detection sensor 2. The vehicle detection system 10 is applied to a parking lot Ps where vehicles are parked, and determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space Pa (vehicle compartment) of the parking lot Ps. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the parking lot Ps is provided with multiple parking spaces Pa, and it is possible to park one vehicle in one parking space Pa. The vehicle detection system 10 determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in each parking space Pa and manages whether the parking lot Ps is full or empty. Furthermore, if the vehicle detection system 10 is applied to a parking lot Ps where parking fees are charged, the vehicle detection system 10 calculates the parking time of a vehicle in a parking space Pa and manages the parking fee.

[0013] A vehicle detection sensor 2 capable of detecting vehicles is installed on the parking surface (ground) within each parking space Pa in the parking lot Ps. The vehicle detection sensor 2 is fixed to the ground near the center of the parking space Pa. The position where the vehicle detection sensor 2 is installed is not limited to the center of the parking space Pa, but may be at the rear or front of the parking space Pa. In another embodiment, the vehicle detection sensor 2 may be installed at a predetermined height from the ground at the rear of the parking space Pa. The number of vehicle detection sensors 2 installed corresponds to the number of parking spaces Pa in the parking lot Ps.

[0014] [Vehicle detection sensor 2] The vehicle detection sensor 2 comprises two sensors with different detection methods. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle detection sensor 2 comprises a magnetic sensor 21 capable of detecting magnetism (an example of the first sensor in this disclosure) and a distance measuring sensor 22 using millimeter-wave radar or infrared light (an example of the second sensor in this disclosure). The vehicle detection sensor 2 is electrically connected to the vehicle detection device 1 via a network N1.

[0015] The magnetic sensor 21 detects the intensity (magnetic flux density) of a magnetic field including the geomagnetism near the installation position, using a magnetic sensor element such as a coil, a Hall element, a magnetoresistive element (MR element), or a magnetic impedance element (MI element). Specifically, the magnetic sensor 21 detects a scalar quantity that is the magnitude component of the detected magnetic field vector (magnetic field vector), and outputs this scalar quantity as a detection value to the vehicle detection device 1. In addition to the magnetic sensor element, the magnetic sensor 21 includes an amplifier circuit, an AD conversion circuit, and the like. When the magnetic sensor 21 is of a three-axis (3D) type, the magnetic sensor 21 outputs, as a detection value to the vehicle detection device 1, the scalar quantity of the component force in the XYZ plane including the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis among the detected magnetic field vectors. The magnetic sensor 21 has the characteristic of low power consumption compared to the distance measurement sensor 22.

[0016] The distance measurement sensor 22 using a millimeter-wave radar is a radar sensor that measures the distance, speed, and angle to an object using radio waves in the millimeter-wave band (for example, the 60 GHz band). Detection methods include FMCW, pulse, CW Doppler, two-frequency CW, pulse compression, and other methods. In this embodiment, for example, the FMCW method is adopted. The distance measurement sensor 22 outputs the distance, speed, and angle to the object as detection values to the vehicle detection device 1. The distance measurement sensor 22 has the characteristic of excellent straightness compared to the magnetic sensor 21.

[0017] In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 21 and the distance measurement sensor 22 are built into one housing and configured as an integrated vehicle detection sensor 2. As another embodiment, the magnetic sensor 21 and the distance measurement sensor 22 may be configured separately and each may be individually installed within the parking space Pa.

[0018] Also, the vehicle detection sensor 2 executes a detection operation according to an instruction from the control unit 11 of the vehicle detection device 1. In addition, the magnetic sensor 21 and the distance measurement sensor 22 are each driven by the power of a built-in battery.

[0019] [Vehicle Detection Device 1] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle detection device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, a communication unit 14, and the like. The vehicle detection device 1 is not limited to a single computer; it may be a computer system in which multiple computers work together, or it may be configured as a cloud server. Furthermore, the various processes performed by the vehicle detection device 1 may be distributed and executed by one or more processors.

[0020] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface for connecting the vehicle detection device 1 to the network N1 by wire or wireless connection and for performing data communication with the vehicle detection sensor 2 via the network N1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0021] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory that stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 stores a control program that causes the control unit 11 to execute various processes, such as the vehicle detection process described later (see Figure 7). For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or DVD, read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or DVD drive provided by the vehicle detection device 1, and stored in the storage unit 12. The control program may also be distributed from a cloud server and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0022] Furthermore, the memory unit 12 stores information corresponding to the determination result by the control unit 11 for each parking space Pa, such as information about the parked vehicle, the time of entry, and the time of exit.

[0023] The control unit 11 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and OS are pre-stored to cause the CPU to perform various operations. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various information and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various operations performed by the CPU. The control unit 11 controls the vehicle detection device 1 by executing various control programs pre-stored in the ROM or storage unit 12 using the CPU.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as an acquisition processing unit 111, an operation processing unit 112, a determination processing unit 113, a notification processing unit 114, and an output processing unit 115. The control unit 11 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the control program using the CPU. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be composed of electronic circuits. The control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as these various processing units.

[0025] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires detected values ​​from the vehicle detection sensor 2. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the magnetic flux density value (geomagnetism), which indicates the strength of the magnetic field, from the magnetic sensor 21. For example, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the detected values ​​from the magnetic sensor 21 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 5 seconds).

[0026] Here, when the magnetic sensor 21 is installed in the parking space Pa, it may detect not only vehicles approaching the parking space Pa and vehicles parked within the parking space Pa, but also ferromagnetic materials such as reinforcing bars used in surrounding structures and vehicles traveling nearby. For this reason, the acquisition processing unit 111 also acquires the detected value from the magnetic sensor 21 when the magnetic sensor 21 detects a ferromagnetic material other than a vehicle.

[0027] Figures 3 and 4 show the process from when a vehicle enters the parking lot Ps until it stops in a parking space Pa. Figure 4 shows the change in the detected value (geomagnetic field) by the magnetic sensor 21 over time. For example, when a vehicle enters the parking lot Ps and approaches a parking space Pa, the magnetic sensor 21 installed in the parking space Pa detects the vehicle at time t1 and outputs a detected value. Subsequently, as the vehicle enters the parking space Pa and approaches the magnetic sensor 21, the geomagnetic field value increases (times T1 to T2). After that, when the vehicle stops in the parking space Pa, the geomagnetic field value reaches its maximum (time t2), and thereafter the geomagnetic field value remains constant (from time t2 onward).

[0028] Figures 5 and 6 show the process from when a vehicle enters the parking lot Ps until it stops near a parking space Pa. For example, when a vehicle enters the parking lot Ps and approaches a parking space Pa, the magnetic sensor 21 installed in the parking space Pa detects the vehicle at time t1 and outputs a detected value. Subsequently, as the vehicle gets closer to the parking space Pa, the value of the Earth's magnetic field increases (times T1 to T3). After that, when the vehicle stops outside the parking space Pa, the value of the Earth's magnetic field reaches its maximum (time t3), and thereafter the value of the Earth's magnetic field becomes constant (from time t3 onward). Figure 6 compares the changes in the Earth's magnetic field when the vehicle stops inside the parking space Pa with the changes in the Earth's magnetic field when the vehicle stops outside the parking space Pa.

[0029] Thus, the characteristics of the change in the Earth's magnetic field differ depending on whether the vehicle is parked inside or outside the parking space Pa.

[0030] Furthermore, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires detected values ​​from the distance measuring sensor 22. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the distance, speed, and angle values ​​from the distance measuring sensor 22 to the object.

[0031] The operation processing unit 112 controls the detection operation of the vehicle detection sensor 2. Specifically, the operation processing unit 112 controls the detection operation of the vehicle detection sensor 2 by outputting commands such as start and stop commands to the vehicle detection sensor 2.

[0032] For example, the operation processing unit 112 outputs a command to the magnetic sensor 21 to perform a detection operation at a predetermined interval (for example, every 5 seconds). The magnetic sensor 21 performs a detection operation according to the command from the operation processing unit 112 and outputs a detected value. In this case, the magnetic sensor 21 performs a detection operation once every 5 seconds and outputs the detected value to the vehicle detection device 1.

[0033] For example, the operation processing unit 112 outputs a command to the distance measuring sensor 22 to perform a detection operation. The distance measuring sensor 22 performs a detection operation using a millimeter-wave radar in a preset frequency band according to the command from the operation processing unit 112 and outputs a detected value. In this case, the distance measuring sensor 22 performs a detection operation using a 60GHz band radar and outputs the detected value to the vehicle detection device 1.

[0034] Furthermore, when the magnetic sensor 21 detects an object, the operation processing unit 112 outputs a command to the distance measuring sensor 22 to perform a detection operation. In other words, the distance measuring sensor 22 starts its detection operation only when the magnetic sensor 21 detects an object. This reduces the frequency of operation of the distance measuring sensor 22, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing unnecessary consumption of the battery capacity of the distance measuring sensor 22.

[0035] Furthermore, the operation processing unit 112 may be configured to execute a detection operation by the distance measuring sensor 22 if the detection state continues for a predetermined time after the magnetic sensor 21 detects the target object. Alternatively, the operation processing unit 112 may be configured not to execute a detection operation by the distance measuring sensor 22 if the detection state does not continue for a predetermined time after the magnetic sensor 21 detects the target object. In other words, the operation processing unit 112 may initiate a detection operation by the distance measuring sensor 22 on the condition that the magnetic sensor 21 has detected the target object for a predetermined time.

[0036] Specifically, the operation processing unit 112 may be configured such that, if the detection state continues for a predetermined time after the magnetic sensor 21 detects the target, it determines that the target is a vehicle and executes a detection operation using the distance measuring sensor 22. If the detection state does not continue for a predetermined time after the magnetic sensor 21 detects the target, it determines that the target is not a vehicle and does not execute a detection operation using the distance measuring sensor 22.

[0037] For example, in the detection value of the magnetic sensor 21 shown in Figure 4, if the time during which the Earth's magnetic field is above a predetermined value continues for a predetermined period of time, the operation processing unit 112 may determine that the object being detected is a vehicle and cause the distance measuring sensor 22 to perform a detection operation. If the time during which the Earth's magnetic field is above a predetermined value does not continue for the predetermined period of time, the operation processing unit 112 may determine that the object being detected is not a vehicle, for example, a railway running on an elevated structure above the parking lot Ps, and may cause the distance measuring sensor 22 to wait without performing a detection operation.

[0038] With the above configuration, the detection operation of the distance measuring sensor 22 can be stopped when the detection target is something other than a vehicle, thereby reducing power consumption due to unnecessary detection operations in the distance measuring sensor 22.

[0039] The determination processing unit 113 determines whether or not a vehicle is present in the parking space Pa. Specifically, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether a vehicle has stopped inside or outside the parking space Pa based on the detection results of the magnetic sensor 21 and the detection results of the distance measuring sensor 22. Specifically, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped inside the parking space Pa if the distance measuring sensor 22 detects the target. In the example shown in Figure 1, the distance measuring sensor 22 installed in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 6 detects the target, so the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped inside parking space Pa of vehicle space number 6.

[0040] Furthermore, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa if the distance measuring sensor 22 does not detect the target object, and the change in the detected value (geomagnetic field) between the previously detected value (geomagnetic field) and the currently detected value (geomagnetic field) by the magnetic sensor 21 is less than a threshold. In the example shown in Figure 1, the distance measuring sensor 22 installed in parking space Pa of vehicle room number 2 does not detect the target object because there is no target object directly above it. Therefore, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped inside parking space Pa of vehicle room number 2. Also, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa because the magnetic sensor 21 installed in parking space Pa of vehicle room number 2 detects the target object, and the change in its geomagnetic field is less than a threshold.

[0041] Furthermore, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped in a parking space Pa adjacent to a parking space Pa if the distance measuring sensor 22 does not detect an object, and the change in the detected value (geomagnetic field) between the previously detected value (geomagnetic field) and the currently detected value (geomagnetic field) by the magnetic sensor 21 is greater than or equal to a threshold. In the example shown in Figure 1, the distance measuring sensor 22 installed in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 5 does not detect an object because there is no object directly above it. Therefore, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 5. Also, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 6 because the magnetic sensor 21 installed in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 5 detects an object that has stopped in parking space Pa of vehicle space number 6, and the change in its geomagnetic field is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0042] Thus, the determination processing unit 113 determines that a vehicle has stopped within the parking space Pa if the distance measuring sensor 22 detects an object, and determines whether a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa based on the amount of change in the Earth's magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 21 if the distance measuring sensor 22 does not detect an object.

[0043] The notification processing unit 114 issues a warning when it determines that a vehicle has parked outside of a parking space Pa. Specifically, if a vehicle parks outside of a parking space Pa, it will be considered a non-paying (violation) parking situation, and therefore the notification processing unit 114 issues a warning. For example, the notification processing unit 114 may output sound or light from the parking lot Ps, parking space Pa, or payment machine. Alternatively, the notification processing unit 114 may photograph the vehicle using a camera installed in the parking lot Ps and notify the administrator. Furthermore, the notification processing unit 114 may photograph the vehicle's license plate with the camera and issue a warning at the next payment.

[0044] The output processing unit 115 outputs the result of determining whether a vehicle is present or absent. For example, the output processing unit 115 outputs information such as information about the parked vehicle, the time of entry, and the time of exit. The output processing unit 115 also stores each of the above information in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 manages whether a vehicle is present or absent in each parking space Pa of the parking lot Ps based on the above information. The control unit 11 also manages the location of vehicles parked outside of parking spaces Pa based on the determination result of the determination processing unit 113. That is, if the control unit 11 (determination processing unit 113) determines that a vehicle has been parked outside of parking spaces Pa, it may identify the location of the vehicle based on the detection results of each of the multiple magnetic sensors 21.

[0045] [Vehicle detection process] The following describes an example of the procedure for vehicle detection processing performed in the vehicle detection system 10, with reference to Figure 7. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the vehicle detection device 1 works together to execute the vehicle detection processing.

[0046] This disclosure may also describe a vehicle detection method that performs one or more steps included in the vehicle detection process, and the one or more steps included in the vehicle detection process described herein may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the execution order of each step in the vehicle detection process may differ to the extent that similar effects are produced. In addition, although this description uses the case in which each control unit performs each step in the vehicle detection process as an example, a vehicle detection method in which one or more processors distribute and execute each step in the vehicle detection process can also be considered as another embodiment.

[0047] The control unit 11 executes the following vehicle detection processes in parallel for each parking space Pa (vehicle detection sensor 2) in the parking lot Ps.

[0048] <Step S1> First, in step S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has acquired a detected value (geomagnetic field change) from the magnetic sensor 21. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has acquired a change in the geomagnetic field (detected value) relative to the detection target (ferromagnetic material) from the magnetic sensor 21, which performs detection operations at 5-second intervals. If the control unit 11 acquires a detected value from the magnetic sensor 21 (S1:Yes), it moves the process to step S2. The control unit 11 waits until it acquires a detected value from the magnetic sensor 21 (S1:No).

[0049] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 causes the distance measuring sensor 22 to perform a detection operation. That is, the control unit 11 starts the detection operation by the distance measuring sensor 22. The distance measuring sensor 22 performs the detection operation using, for example, a 60GHz band radar and outputs the detected value to the vehicle detection device 1.

[0050] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has detected a vehicle. For example, if the distance measuring sensor 22 detects a target (vehicle), the control unit 11 determines that it has detected a vehicle (S3: Yes) and proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the distance measuring sensor 22 does not detect a target (vehicle), the control unit 11 determines that it has not detected a vehicle (S3: No) and proceeds to step S5.

[0051] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 11 determines that a vehicle has stopped (is present) in the parking space Pa. The control unit 11 outputs the determination result (parking time, vehicle information, etc.).

[0052] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether the change in the geomagnetic field of the magnetic sensor 21 is below a threshold. If the change in the geomagnetic field of the magnetic sensor 21 is below the threshold (S5: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the change in the geomagnetic field of the magnetic sensor 21 is above the threshold (S5: No), the control unit 11 returns to step S1.

[0053] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 11 determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa (illegal parking). The control unit 11 outputs the determination result (vehicle information, etc.). The control unit 11 may also issue a predetermined warning if it determines that the vehicle is illegally parked.

[0054] As described above, the control unit 11 executes the vehicle detection process in parallel for each parking space Pa (vehicle detection sensor 2) and determines whether or not there is a vehicle in each parking space Pa.

[0055] As described above, the vehicle detection system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space Pa. Furthermore, when the magnetic sensor 21 (first sensor) installed in the parking space Pa detects an object, the vehicle detection system 10 performs a detection operation using the distance measuring sensor 22 (second sensor) installed in the parking space Pa, and determines whether the vehicle has stopped inside or outside the parking space Pa based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 21 and the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 22.

[0056] Specifically, the vehicle detection system 10 determines that a vehicle has stopped within the parking space Pa when the distance measuring sensor 22 detects an object to be detected. The vehicle detection system 10 also determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa when the distance measuring sensor 22 does not detect an object to be detected, and the change in the amount between the previously detected value and the currently detected value by the magnetic sensor 21 is less than a threshold.

[0057] According to the above configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether a vehicle has stopped within the parking space Pa. It is also possible to determine whether a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa. Therefore, illegal parking and parking without payment can be prevented.

[0058] [Other embodiments] The vehicle detection system 10 relating to this disclosure may have the following configuration.

[0059] If the control unit 11 determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa, it may further determine whether the vehicle is located inside or outside the parking lot Ps. For example, the control unit 11 may acquire detected values ​​(geomagnetic field) from each magnetic sensor 21 installed inside the parking lot Ps and determine (estimate) the vehicle's position according to the magnitude of the geomagnetic field.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when a vehicle is located within the parking lot Ps, the geomagnetic field of the magnetic sensor 21 at parking space number 2 will have the largest value, followed by the magnetic fields of the magnetic sensors 21 at parking spaces 1 and 3, then parking space 4, then parking space 6, then parking spaces 5 and 7, and finally parking space 8. In this case, the control unit 11 can estimate that the vehicle is located within the parking lot Ps and near parking space 2, based on the magnitude (distribution) of each magnetic field.

[0061] In contrast, as shown in Figure 9, when the vehicle is located outside the parking lot Ps (on the street, etc.), the geomagnetic field of the magnetic sensor 21 at parking space number 6 will have the largest value, followed by the magnetic fields of the magnetic sensors 21 at parking spaces 5 and 7, then parking space 8, then parking space 2, then parking space 1 and 3, and finally parking space 4. In this case, the control unit 11 can estimate that the vehicle is located outside the parking lot Ps on the side of parking spaces 5 to 8, based on the magnitude (distribution) of the magnetic fields in each location.

[0062] Thus, when the control unit 11 (determination processing unit 113) determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space Pa, it may identify the vehicle's position based on the detection results of each of the multiple magnetic sensors 21. In the above configuration, the control unit 11 (notification processing unit 114) may be configured to issue a warning when it determines that the vehicle is located inside the parking lot Ps (see Figure 8), and not issue a warning when it determines that the vehicle is located outside the parking lot Ps (see Figure 9). Furthermore, when the control unit 11 determines that the vehicle is located inside the parking lot Ps (see Figure 8), it may issue a warning from the parking lot Ps, parking space Pa, or payment machine, and when it determines that the vehicle is located outside the parking lot Ps (see Figure 9), it may notify the road administrator (local government, police, etc.) of the illegal parking.

[0063] In this embodiment, the vehicle detection device 1 alone corresponds to the vehicle detection system according to this disclosure, but the vehicle detection system according to this disclosure may be configured to include the vehicle detection device 1 and the vehicle detection sensor 2. That is, the vehicle detection system according to this disclosure may be a vehicle detection system 10.

[0064] The control unit 11 of the vehicle detection device 1 controls the entire vehicle detection 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)). The control unit 11 may also be composed of one or more control circuits (electronic circuits).

[0065] [Disclosure Note] 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.

[0066] <Note 1> A vehicle detection system that determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, an operation processing unit executes a detection operation using the second sensor installed in the parking space. A determination processing unit that determines whether the vehicle is parked inside the parking space or outside the parking space based on the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor, A vehicle detection system equipped with the following features.

[0067] <Note 2> The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped in the parking space when the second sensor detects the object to be detected. The vehicle detection system described in Appendix 1.

[0068] <Note 3> The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space if the second sensor does not detect the object to be detected, and the change in the detected value between the previously detected value and the currently detected value by the first sensor is less than a threshold. The vehicle detection system described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0069] <Note 4> The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped in a parking space adjacent to the parking space if the second sensor does not detect the object to be detected, and the change in the detected value between the previously detected value and the currently detected value by the first sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold. A vehicle detection system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0070] <Note 5> The system includes a notification processing unit that issues a warning when it is determined that a vehicle has stopped outside the aforementioned parking space. A vehicle detection system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0071] <Note 6> The notification processing unit causes the parking space or payment machine to output sound or light. The vehicle detection system described in Appendix 5.

[0072] <Note 7> When the determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space, it determines the location of the vehicle based on the detection results of each of the multiple first sensors. A vehicle detection system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0073] <Note 8> The system includes a notification processing unit that issues a warning when it is determined that a vehicle has stopped outside the aforementioned parking space. The notification processing unit shall execute a notification process to issue a warning if the location of the vehicle identified by the determination processing unit is outside the parking space within the parking lot, and shall not execute the notification process if the location of the vehicle identified by the determination processing unit is outside the parking lot. The vehicle detection system described in Appendix 7.

[0074] <Note 9> The first sensor is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetism, The second sensor is a distance measuring sensor that uses millimeter-wave radar or infrared light. A vehicle detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0075] <Note 10> A vehicle detection method for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, the second sensor installed in the parking space performs a detection operation. Based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor, it is determined whether the vehicle has stopped within the parking space or outside the parking space. A vehicle detection method performed by one or more processors.

[0076] <Note 11> A vehicle detection program that determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, the second sensor installed in the parking space performs a detection operation. Based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor, it is determined whether the vehicle has stopped within the parking space or outside the parking space. A vehicle detection program for causing one or more processors to execute, or a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium on which the vehicle detection program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1: Vehicle detection device 2: Vehicle detection sensor 10: Vehicle detection system 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Operation display section 14: Communications Department 21: Magnetic sensor 22: Distance measuring sensor 111: Acquisition Processing Unit 112: Operation Processing Unit 113: Determination Processing Unit 114: Notification Processing Unit 115: Output Processing Unit Ps: Parking lot Pa: Parking space

Claims

1. A vehicle detection system that determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, an operation processing unit executes a detection operation using the second sensor installed in the parking space. A determination processing unit that determines whether the vehicle is parked inside the parking space or outside the parking space based on the detection result of the first sensor and the detection result of the second sensor, A vehicle detection system equipped with the following features.

2. The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped in the parking space when the second sensor detects the object to be detected. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1.

3. The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space if the second sensor does not detect the object to be detected, and the change in the detected value between the previously detected value and the currently detected value by the first sensor is less than a threshold. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1.

4. The determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped in a parking space adjacent to the parking space if the second sensor does not detect the object to be detected, and the change in the detected value between the previously detected value and the currently detected value by the first sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1.

5. The system includes a notification processing unit that issues a warning when it is determined that a vehicle has stopped outside the aforementioned parking space. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1.

6. The notification processing unit causes the parking space or payment machine to output sound or light. The vehicle detection system according to claim 5.

7. When the determination processing unit determines that a vehicle has stopped outside the parking space, it determines the location of the vehicle based on the detection results of each of the multiple first sensors. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1.

8. The system includes a notification processing unit that issues a warning when it is determined that a vehicle has stopped outside the aforementioned parking space. The notification processing unit shall execute a notification process to issue a warning if the location of the vehicle identified by the determination processing unit is outside the parking space within the parking lot, and shall not execute the notification process if the location of the vehicle identified by the determination processing unit is outside the parking lot. The vehicle detection system according to claim 7.

9. The first sensor is a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetism, The second sensor is a distance measuring sensor that uses millimeter-wave radar or infrared light. A vehicle detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle detection method for determining the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, the second sensor installed in the parking space performs a detection operation. Based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor, it is determined whether the vehicle has stopped within the parking space or outside the parking space. A vehicle detection method performed by one or more processors.

11. A vehicle detection program that determines the presence or absence of a vehicle in a parking space, When the first sensor installed in the parking space detects an object to be detected, the second sensor installed in the parking space performs a detection operation. Based on the detection results of the first sensor and the detection results of the second sensor, it is determined whether the vehicle has stopped within the parking space or outside the parking space. A vehicle detection program that causes one or more processors to execute.

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