Method and device for operating a mechanical parking system

Abstract

To provide a method and device for operating a mechanical parking system that allows users to operate the mechanical parking system efficiently and safely. [Solution] A method for operating a mechanical parking system 10 equipped with an operation panel 3 for a user to operate the opening and closing of an entrance door 12 of a passenger compartment 2 for entering or exiting a vehicle C, wherein the operation panel 3 comprises an authentication device 31 for authenticating the user, operation buttons 32 for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system 10, and a control device 36 that processes the entry and exit of vehicle C based on signals from the authentication device 31 and the operation buttons 32, and the control device 36 receives both an ON signal from the authentication device 31 and an ON signal from the operation buttons 32 during a reaction band Δt for recognizing inputs from the authentication device 31 and the operation buttons 32, respectively, and the control device 36 sends a stop signal to the operation panel 3 to prevent it from proceeding with processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an operating device for a mechanical parking device, and more particularly to a method and an operating device for a mechanical parking device provided with an operation panel having an authentication device and operation buttons.

Background Art

[0002] As large-scale mechanical parking devices that efficiently utilize three-dimensional space, various parking devices such as horizontal circulation type, elevator type, and vertical circulation type have already been developed. These mechanical parking devices often include a landing (berth) for a vehicle to enter or exit and an operation panel for operating the opening and closing of the entrance and exit doors of the landing. <6>

[0003]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1 above, conventional mechanical parking systems have control panels that are either button-type or touch-panel-type, requiring the occupant to touch the buttons or touch panel multiple times to perform the desired operation. Furthermore, conventional mechanical parking systems also required preventing accidental operation by third parties and user forgetting to perform the operation.

[0006] Because mechanical parking systems are used by a large number of people, it is necessary to reduce the risk of viral infection, such as COVID-19, which is transmitted through contact.

[0007] This invention was conceived in view of the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a method and device for operating a mechanical parking system that allows users to operate the mechanical parking system efficiently and safely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is a method for operating a mechanical parking system equipped with an operating panel for a user to operate the opening and closing of an entrance / exit door of a passenger compartment for entering or exiting a vehicle, wherein the operating panel comprises an authentication device for authenticating the user, operation buttons for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system, and a control device for performing processing related to the entry and exit of the vehicle based on signals from the authentication device and the operation buttons, and the control device transmits a stop signal to the operating panel to prevent it from proceeding with processing when the control device receives both an ON signal from the authentication device and an ON signal from the operation buttons during a reaction band Δt for recognizing inputs from the authentication device and the operation buttons, respectively.

[0009] The stop signal may be released when either or both of the ON signals from the authentication device and / or the operation button are no longer received.

[0010] The reaction zone Δt may be set so that the authentication device recognizes that an IC card has been held over it when it detects the presence of an IC card for a certain period of time, and the operation button recognizes that a hand has been held over it when it detects the presence of a hand for a certain period of time.

[0011] A dead zone may be set in which the authentication device and the operation button do not respond for a certain period of time after the input from the authentication device or the operation button is released.

[0012] The method for operating the mechanical parking device is provided, comprising: an unmanned confirmation step of confirming that the passenger compartment is unmanned using the operation buttons; and an operation / operation authentication step of simultaneously processing an operation to close the entrance / exit door and an operation authentication to authenticate the user using the authentication device, wherein if a certain period of time elapses without any operation in the state of the operation / operation authentication step, the system returns to the unmanned confirmation step.

[0013] The aforementioned certain period may be about 10 seconds.

[0014] The operation method for the mechanical parking device may include an entry standby mode that prevents the entry operation from starting if another user is detected during the entry / exit process, and the entry standby mode may treat the time from when the control device authenticates the previous user until it receives an entry completion signal as the time during the entry process.

[0015] The aforementioned parking waiting mode includes a parking reservation mode for reserving the next vehicle to be parked, and the parking reservation mode may be a mode that authenticates the next user and, after the previous user's parking operation is completed, prioritizes parking for the reserved user.

[0016] After the aforementioned waiting mode for receiving goods, the system transitions to a receiving acceptance mode in which the control device authenticates the previous user, receives a receiving completion signal, and then initiates the receiving operation for the next user. The receiving acceptance mode may then transition to a user authentication process in which the authentication device authenticates the user.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention provides an operating device for a mechanical parking system, which includes an operating panel for a user to operate the opening and closing of an entrance / exit door of a passenger compartment for entering or exiting a vehicle, wherein the operating panel comprises an authentication device for authenticating the user, operation buttons for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system, and a control device for performing processing related to the entry and exit of the vehicle based on signals from the authentication device and the operation buttons, the authentication device and the operation buttons each have a reaction zone Δt for recognizing their respective inputs, and the control device is configured to send a stop signal to the operating panel to prevent it from proceeding with processing when it receives both an ON signal from the authentication device and an ON signal from the operation buttons during the reaction zone Δt.

[0018] The stop signal may be released when either or both of the ON signals from the authentication device and / or the operation button are no longer received.

[0019] A dead zone may be set in which the authentication device and the operation button do not respond for a certain period of time after the input from the authentication device or the operation button is released. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the operating method and operating device of the mechanical parking system of the present invention described above, users can operate the mechanical parking system efficiently and safely. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing the operating device of a mechanical parking system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the control panel. [Figure 3] This is a process flow diagram showing the operation method of a mechanical parking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a process flowchart showing a first modification example of an operation method of a mechanical parking device. [Figure 5] It is a process flowchart showing a second modification example of an operation method of a mechanical parking device. [Figure 6] It is a conceptual diagram showing a third modification example of an operation method of a mechanical parking device. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing an operation panel of an operation device of a mechanical parking device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a process flowchart showing an operation method of a mechanical parking device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a modification example of an operation panel, where (A) shows a first modification example and (B) shows a second modification example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9(B). Here, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an operation device of a mechanical parking device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the operation panel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a process flowchart showing an operation method of a mechanical parking device according to a first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, an operation device 1 of a mechanical parking device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a mechanical parking device 10 provided with an operation panel 3 for a user to operate the opening and closing of an entrance / exit door 21 of an entrance / exit room 2 for storing or retrieving a vehicle C.

[0024] The mechanical parking device 10 is, for example, a large-scale mechanical parking device such as a horizontal circulation type, an elevator type, a vertical circulation type, etc. Such a mechanical parking device 10 is configured to store a vehicle C on a pallet P in a predetermined shelf (vehicle compartment).

[0025] Here, the "user" means a person who stores and retrieves a vehicle C in the mechanical parking device 10 and operates the operation device 1, but the "user" may be a handler such as a parking lot attendant who does not perform the storage and retrieval of the vehicle C but operates the operation panel 3 as a job.

[0026] The entrance / exit door 21 is located in front of the passenger compartment 2. The entrance / exit door 21 is opened, for example, by moving it upward, and closed by moving it downward. Note that the configuration of the entrance / exit door 21 is not limited to the configuration shown in the illustration. The entrance / exit door 21 is also opened and closed by the user operating the control panel 3.

[0027] The mechanical parking system 10 also includes an in-cabin camera 4 positioned inside the passenger compartment 2, and a monitoring monitor 5 positioned outside the passenger compartment 2 to monitor the inside of the passenger compartment 2. Images or videos captured by the in-cabin camera 4 are displayed on the monitoring monitor 5 and used for unoccupied checks to confirm whether there are any people remaining inside the passenger compartment 2.

[0028] The control panel 3 is positioned, for example, on the front wall 22 of the passenger compartment 2, located next to the entrance / exit door 21. The control panel 3 may also be independently erected at a location away from the wall 22. However, it is preferable that the control panel 3 be positioned within a range from which the entrance / exit door 21 can be visually confirmed.

[0029] Furthermore, the control panel 3 includes, for example, an authentication device 31 for authenticating users, operation buttons 32 for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system 10, including opening and closing the entrance / exit doors 21, a display device 33 for displaying text or images, a human detection device 34 for detecting users present in front of the control panel 3, a speaker 35 for outputting sound, and a control device 36 for processing vehicle C entry and exit based on signals from the authentication device 31 and the operation buttons 32. The control panel 3 may also include an emergency stop button 37 for emergency stopping of entry and exit operations, and a changeover switch 38 for switching between automatic and manual processing.

[0030] The authentication device 31 is, for example, a card reader capable of exchanging user-specific information with an IC card owned by the user in a contactless manner. The authentication device 31 is not limited to a card reader; it may be any device capable of contactless communication other than a card, such as RFID or other short-range wireless communication devices, smartphones, or remote controls. Furthermore, the authentication device 31 may be a biometric authentication device capable of recognizing the user's biometric information (fingerprint, face, iris, etc.). While a contactless biometric authentication device is preferable from the standpoint of preventing viral infection, a contact-type device, such as one that requires touching with a finger, may also be used.

[0031] The operation button 32 is, for example, a non-contact button and can be an electrostatic sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, microwave sensor, etc., capable of detecting a hand held over it by a user. The operation button 32 is installed separately from the authentication device 31. The authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 are configured to be distinguishable and recognizable by marks printed on their surfaces (for example, a radio wave mark and a hand mark) or by their size. Alternatively, a display device 33 may be used to distinguish and recognize the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32.

[0032] Furthermore, the operation button 32 is located, for example, in one place on the control panel 3. Since the act of holding an IC card over the reader and the act of holding a hand over the reader are similar actions, it is preferable to place the operation button 32 in a position close to the authentication device 31. In this case, if the operation button 32 and the authentication device 31 are placed vertically, the possibility of incorrect operation or false detection increases, so it is preferable to place them horizontally.

[0033] Furthermore, the operation button 32 may be configured to indicate whether it is in an inactive state (not accepting input) or in an active state (accepting input) by the color of its illumination, whether it is off or on, etc.

[0034] The display device 33 is a monitor or display that shows messages and images related to the entry and exit of vehicle C. For example, the display device 33 may display messages such as "Please hold your IC card over the reader," "Please hold your hand over the reader," or "Please ensure the safety of the vehicle inside the garage." The display device 33 may also be configured to display images or videos from the monitoring monitor 5.

[0035] The human detection device 34 is, for example, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a user performing inbound / outbound processing. The human presence sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor, but it may also be another sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0036] Speaker 35 is, for example, a device that outputs operation messages displayed on display device 33 as voice.

[0037] The control device 36 is a device that processes operations related to the entry and exit of vehicle C based on signals from each device located on the control panel 3. The control device 36 is configured to communicate with the mechanical parking system 10 and the devices located on the control panel 3 by wire or wireless means. The control device 36 is, for example, a computer equipped with input means, output means, storage device, arithmetic unit, etc.

[0038] The control device 36 is operated based on signals from each device located on the control panel 3, for example, according to the operating procedure shown in Figure 3. Here, Figure 3 is a processing flow diagram showing the operating method of the mechanical parking system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows the processing flow when a vehicle C is parked in the mechanical parking system 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the processing flow upon receiving goods includes the following steps: user arrival step 1, person detection step 2, monitor illumination step 3, user authentication step 4, operation start confirmation step 5, machine operation start step 6, entrance / exit door opening step 7, goods receiving step 8, unmanned confirmation step 9, operation / operation authentication step 10, and entrance / exit door closing step 11.

[0040] Step 1 of the user arrival process is the process in which a user who intends to park vehicle C in the mechanical parking device 10 moves in front of the control panel 3. Note that "user" also includes the operator mentioned above.

[0041] The human detection process Step 2 is the process of detecting a user who has arrived in front of the control panel 3 using the human detection device 34.

[0042] Step 3, the monitor illumination process, is the process of illuminating the screen of the display device 33 upon detection of a user. At this time, the monitor and speaker 35 output a message prompting user authentication, such as "Please hold your IC card over the reader." Note that the monitor is turned off when the control panel 3 is in standby mode.

[0043] Step 4 of the user authentication process is the process of authenticating the user using the authentication device 31. Specifically, the user authenticates the user by reading the IC card when the user holds the IC card over the card reader. Note that "user authentication" also includes the authentication of the handler as described above.

[0044] Step 5 of the operation start confirmation process is the process of sending a signal to the mechanical parking device 10 to start the parking process. Specifically, when the user places their hand over the operation button 32, a predetermined signal is output from the operation button 32 to the control device 36. After user authentication, a message prompting the user to start the parking process, such as "Please place your hand over the sensor," is output to the monitor and speaker 35.

[0045] Step 6, the machine operation start process, is the process of transporting a pallet P for storing vehicle C in a designated shelf (passenger compartment) to the passenger compartment 2. At this time, a message such as "The vehicle is in operation. Please wait a moment." is displayed on the monitor, and a similar message is output from speaker 35.

[0046] If a passenger compartment has been pre-assigned to each user, the assigned compartment will be selected upon user authentication. If no compartment has been pre-assigned, an available compartment will be selected.

[0047] Step 7, the process of opening the entrance / exit door, is the process of opening the entrance / exit door 21 of the passenger compartment 2 after the pallet P has been transported to the passenger compartment 2. At this time, a message such as "The entrance / exit door will be opened." is displayed on the monitor, and a similar message is output from the speaker 35.

[0048] Step 8 of the vehicle entry process involves the user driving vehicle C onto pallet P in passenger compartment 2. At this time, a message prompting vehicle C to enter the vehicle is displayed on the monitor and speaker 35.

[0049] Step 9 of the unoccupied confirmation process is a process of confirming that the passenger compartment 2 is unoccupied using the operation button 32. This process sends a signal to the mechanical parking device 10 that it has been confirmed that no one remains in the passenger compartment 2. Specifically, after the user confirms that the compartment is unoccupied, they place their hand over the operation button 32, which outputs a predetermined signal to the control device 36.

[0050] Unattended confirmation is performed by the user, for example, by viewing images or video from the in-cabin camera 4 output to the monitoring monitor 5. In addition, messages such as, "Please confirm that no one is left inside and place your hand over the sensor," are displayed on the monitor and speaker 35.

[0051] The operation and operation authentication process Step 10 is a process that simultaneously processes the operation to close the entrance door 21 using the authentication device 31 and the operation authentication to authenticate the user. A message such as, "Please hold your IC card over the reader if you wish to close the entrance door," is output to the monitor and speaker 35.

[0052] Furthermore, since there is a possibility that a third party may enter the passenger compartment 2 if no operation is performed for a certain period of time, it may be necessary to return to the unmanned verification process Step 9 if approximately 10 seconds have passed without any operation in the operation / operation authentication process Step 10.

[0053] The operation to close the entrance / exit door 21 is the act of making the mechanical parking device 10 aware that it is permissible to close the entrance / exit door 21, or the act of authorizing the transport device (not shown) to transport the pallet P to operate. Furthermore, the operation authentication in the operation / operation authentication process Step 10 is the act of confirming whether the user who is ending the parking operation is the same person who started the parking operation. This confirmation prevents a third party from mistakenly operating the mechanical parking device and trapping a user who is entering or exiting the vehicle inside the device.

[0054] In conventional control panels equipped with contact buttons, operations for unmanned confirmation and closing the entrance / exit door 21 are typically handled by the contact buttons, while operation authentication is handled by an authentication device. The act of pressing each contact button is different from the act of holding an IC card over the reader, so users rarely feel any discomfort.

[0055] If the control panel 3 of this embodiment uses operation buttons 32, the act of holding a hand over the sensor for unmanned confirmation and closing the entrance door 21 will be similar to the act of holding an IC card over the sensor for operation authentication, which may cause users to feel uncomfortable or annoyed.

[0056] Furthermore, since the operation to close the entrance / exit door 21 signifies the end of the operation, users may easily mistake it for the final step in the operation, and may forget the final operation authentication. On the other hand, if the operation authentication process were performed before the operation to close the entrance / exit door 21, this confusion could be eliminated, but this could allow a third party to perform the operation to close the entrance / exit door 21, and there is a possibility that the third party may mistakenly operate the mechanical parking system, so this cannot be adopted.

[0057] Furthermore, since mechanical parking systems are used by a large number of people, it is necessary to reduce the number of contacts that pose a risk of viral infection, such as COVID-19, which is transmitted through contact.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation to close the entrance door 21 and the operation authentication to authenticate the user are processed simultaneously using the authentication device 31, thereby reducing user discomfort and inconvenience while preventing users from forgetting to perform operation authentication and preventing accidental operation by third parties. In addition, by reducing the number of times the control panel 3 is touched, the opportunity for viral infection can also be reduced.

[0059] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of times the operation button 32 is used can be reduced, allowing users to operate the mechanical parking system efficiently, safely, and reliably. In particular, by making the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 contactless, the number of contacts that pose a risk of causing viral infection can be further reduced.

[0060] Step 11 of the entrance / exit door closing process is the process of closing the entrance / exit door 21 after the operation and operation authentication for closing the entrance / exit door 21 have been completed. When the entrance / exit door 21 is closed, the storage operation is completed and a storage completion signal is sent to the control device 36.

[0061] Alternatively, a safety sensor (not shown) may be installed on the entrance / exit door 21. If the safety sensor is triggered while the entrance / exit door 21 is closing, an alarm will sound from the speaker 35, the entrance / exit door 21 will be reopened, and the process will return to the unmanned verification step 9.

[0062] In the operation method described above, when using the authentication device 31, a reaction zone may be set that recognizes the presence of an IC card as being held over the device when the presence of the IC card is detected for a certain period of time (approximately 0.5 to 2 seconds). Also, when using the operation button 32, a reaction zone may be set that recognizes the presence of a hand as being held over the device when the presence of a hand is detected for a certain period of time (approximately 0.5 to 2 seconds).

[0063] Furthermore, in the operation method described above, if the authentication device 31 is used, a dead zone may be set in which the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 will not respond for a certain period of time (approximately 0.5 to 2 seconds) after the IC card is removed from the card reader. Also, if the operation button 32 is used, a dead zone may be set in which the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 will not respond for a certain period of time (approximately 0.5 to 2 seconds) after the hand is removed from the operation button 32.

[0064] Next, modifications of the first embodiment described above will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Here, Figure 4 is a process flow diagram showing the first modification of the operation method of the mechanical parking device. Figure 5 is a process flow diagram showing the second modification of the operation method of the mechanical parking device. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the third modification of the operation method of the mechanical parking device.

[0065] The first modified example shown in Figure 4 is modified by changing the user authentication process Step 4 and the operation start confirmation process Step 5 described above to an operation start confirmation and user authentication process Step 12. The operation start confirmation and user authentication process Step 12 is a process that simultaneously processes operation start confirmation for opening the entrance door 21 using the authentication device 31 and user authentication for authenticating the user.

[0066] The act of holding an IC card over the card reader (authentication device 31) for user authentication and the act of holding a hand over the operation button 32 to confirm the start of operation are similar actions performed consecutively. Therefore, in this modified example, user authentication and operation start confirmation are processed simultaneously by holding the IC card over the reader, thereby reducing the number of times the operation button 32 is used.

[0067] The second modified example shown in Figure 5 illustrates the processing flow when another user arrives at the control panel 3 after the entrance / exit door closing process Step 11 is completed and before the control device 36 receives the storage completion signal.

[0068] This second modified example includes a process for the arrival of another user (Step 13), a process for detecting a person (Step 14), a process for turning on a monitor (Step 15), a process for entering a waiting mode (Step 16), a process for receiving a completion signal (Step 17), and a process for accepting a storage item (Step 18).

[0069] When the next user arrives in front of the control panel 3, the previous user's vehicle C may still be in the process of being parked. In this case, it is preferable to hold off on the next user's parking operation to prevent errors and ensure the safety of the user. Therefore, the second modified example is equipped with a "parking standby mode".

[0070] The "Inbound Waiting Mode" is a mode that prevents the inbound operation from starting if another user is detected during inbound / outbound processing. "Inbound Processing in Progress" refers to the time from when the control device 36 authenticates the previous user until it receives the inbound completion signal. During this time, a message such as "Inbound processing in progress. Please wait a moment." is output to the monitor and speaker 35.

[0071] The "parking waiting mode" may also include a parking reservation mode in which the next vehicle C to be parked is reserved. In parking reservation mode, the next user is authenticated, and after the previous user's parking operation is completed, the reserved user is given priority for parking.

[0072] The "inbound acceptance mode" is a mode in which the control device 36 authenticates the previous user, receives an inbound completion signal, and then starts the inbound operation for the next user. Specifically, the inbound acceptance mode process Step 18 is the process that transitions to the user authentication process Step 4 shown in Figure 3.

[0073] The third modified example shown in Figure 6 is designed so that processing does not proceed if both the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 react simultaneously. As described above, the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 are equipped with a reaction zone Δt of a certain duration for recognizing the presence of an IC card or a hand.

[0074] If the control device 36 receives both an ON signal from the authentication device 31 and an ON signal from the operation button 32 during this reaction period Δt, the control device 36 sends a stop signal to the operation panel 3 to prevent it from proceeding with the process.

[0075] As in the first embodiment described above, in the control panel 3 equipped with an authentication device 31 and an operation button 32, depending on the user's actions, both the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 may react, potentially leading to unintended processing. Therefore, as in this modified example, by preventing processing from proceeding when both the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 react simultaneously, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the control panel 3.

[0076] The stop signal is released when either or both of the ON signals from the authentication device 31 and the operation button 32 are no longer received.

[0077] Next, the operating device 1 and operating method of the mechanical parking system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Here, Figure 7 is a front view showing the control panel of the operating device of the mechanical parking system according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a process flow diagram showing the operating method of the mechanical parking system according to the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0078] The control panel 3 shown in Figure 7 includes an authentication device 31 for authenticating users, operation buttons 32 for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system 10, including opening and closing the entrance / exit doors 21, a display device 33 for displaying characters or images, a speaker 35 for outputting sound, and a control device 36 for processing the entry and exit of vehicle C based on signals from the authentication device 31 and the operation buttons 32.

[0079] In other words, the control panel 3 used in the second embodiment omits the human detection device 34 (see Figure 2) that detects users present in front of the control panel 3. The control panel 3 may also be equipped with an emergency stop button 37 for emergency stopping of loading and unloading operations and a changeover switch 38 for switching between automatic and manual processing.

[0080] In this second embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the human detection process Step 2 and the user authentication process Step 4 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 are combined into a human detection and user authentication process Step 20. The monitor illumination process Step 3 is processed after the human detection and user authentication process Step 20.

[0081] When a user arrives in front of the control panel 3, they hold their IC card over the card reader of the authentication device 31, which detects the user's arrival and also authenticates the user. Infrared sensors are often used in human detection devices, but they have the problem of being susceptible to surface dirt and freezing.

[0082] In contrast, card readers generally use radio waves, which has the advantage of being able to process data regardless of surface dirt or freezing. Furthermore, the cost of the operating device 1 can be reduced by omitting the human detection device.

[0083] Next, we will explain the modified versions of the control panel 3 described above, with reference to Figures 9(A) and 9(B). Here, Figure 9 shows modified versions of the control panel, with (A) showing the first modified version and (B) showing the second modified version.

[0084] In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the operation button 32 is a non-contact type button that can be operated without contact is explained. However, as shown in Figure 9(A), the operation button 32 may be a conventional contact type button (push button).

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(B), the operation button 32 may be a touch panel type button that can be operated via the display device 33 located on the control panel 3, in preparation for snow accumulation or freezing on the operation button 32 in snowy regions, etc. If the operation button 32 is configured as a touch panel type button, it is configured to sense the position of the screen touched by the user when they apply pressure to the display device 33 with their finger or pen, etc., and to output a control signal.

[0086] The location of the operation button 32 is configured to be recognizable, for example, by a mark displayed on the screen of the display device 33 (for example, a mark of a finger or pen). Furthermore, the operation button 32 may be configured to combine both a contactless button and a touch panel button. While Figure 9(B) shows the operation button 32 positioned within the screen of the display device 33, the operation button 32 may also be configured as a touch panel button alone using a separate display device from the display device 33.

[0087] The first embodiment (including modified versions) and the second embodiment described above describe the process when vehicle C is brought into the depot. However, since the process when vehicle C is taken out of the depot is substantially the same, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the first to third modified versions of the first embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment described above.

[0088] Furthermore, in all of the processes described above, the images or videos captured by the in-cabin camera 4 may be continuously displayed on the monitoring monitor 5. It is desirable that the images or videos captured by the in-cabin camera 4 be displayed on the monitoring monitor 5 for approximately 10 seconds after the entrance door 21 has finished operating.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Operating device 2 Passenger compartments 3 Control panel 4. Interior Camera 5. Surveillance Monitor 10 Mechanical parking systems 21 Entrance / Exit Doors 22 Wall surface 31 Authentication device 32 operation buttons 33 Display device 34-person detection device 35 speakers 36 Control device 37 Emergency Stop Button 38 Changeover switch Step 1: User Arrival Process Step 2: Human detection process Step 3: Monitor illumination process Step 4: User Authentication Process Step5 Operation start confirmation process Step6 Machine operation start process Step 7: Opening the entrance / exit doors Step8 Warehousing process Step9 Unattended confirmation process Step 10 Operation and Operation Verification Process Step 11: Entrance / Exit Door Closing Process Step 12: Operation Start Confirmation and User Authentication Process Step 13: User Arrival Process Step 14 Human detection process Step 15: Monitor illumination process Step 16: Waiting Mode Process Step 17 Receiving the In-Store Completion Signal Process Step 18: Inbound Reception Mode Process Step 20: Person Detection and User Authentication Process

Claims

1. A method for operating a mechanical parking system equipped with a control panel for users to operate the opening and closing of the entrance / exit doors of the passenger compartment for entering or exiting vehicles, The control panel comprises an authentication device for authenticating the user, operation buttons for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system, and a control device that processes the entry and exit of the vehicle based on signals from the authentication device and the operation buttons. If the control device receives both an ON signal from the authentication device and an ON signal from the operation button during the reaction zone Δt for recognizing inputs from the authentication device and the operation button, the control device sends a stop signal to the operation panel to prevent it from proceeding with processing. A method for operating a mechanical parking system characterized by the following:

2. The method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1, wherein the stop signal is released when it stops receiving either or both of the ON signals from the authentication device and the operation button.

3. The method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1, wherein the reaction zone Δt is set to recognize that an IC card has been held over the device when the presence of an IC card is detected for a certain period of time in the authentication device, and to recognize that a hand has been held over the operation button when the presence of a hand is detected for a certain period of time in the operation button.

4. A method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1, wherein a dead zone is set in which the authentication device and the operation button do not respond for a certain period of time after the input by the authentication device or the operation button is released.

5. The method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 1, comprising: an unmanned confirmation step of confirming that the passenger compartment is unmanned using the aforementioned operation buttons; and an operation and operation authentication step of simultaneously processing an operation to close the entrance door and an operation authentication to authenticate the user using the authentication device, wherein if a certain period of time elapses without any operation in the state of the operation and operation authentication step, the method returns to the unmanned confirmation step.

6. The method for operating a mechanical parking device according to claim 5, wherein the aforementioned certain time is approximately 10 seconds.

7. A method for operating a mechanical parking system according to claim 1, comprising an entry standby mode that prevents the entry operation from starting if another user is detected during entry / exit processing, wherein the entry standby mode treats the time from when the control device authenticates the previous user until it receives an entry completion signal as the time during entry processing.

8. The method for operating a mechanical parking system according to claim 7, wherein the parking waiting mode includes a parking reservation mode for reserving the next vehicle to be parked, and the parking reservation mode is a mode that authenticates the next user and, after the previous user's parking operation is completed, prioritizes parking for the reserved user.

9. The method for operating a mechanical parking system according to claim 8, wherein after the parking waiting mode, the control device authenticates the previous user and then, after receiving a parking completion signal, transitions to a parking acceptance mode in which it starts the parking operation for the next user, and the parking acceptance mode transitions to a user authentication step in which the authentication device authenticates the user.

10. An operating device for a mechanical parking system equipped with an operating panel for users to operate the opening and closing of the entrance / exit doors of the passenger compartment for entering or exiting vehicles, The control panel comprises an authentication device for authenticating the user, operation buttons for performing operations related to the mechanical parking system, and a control device that processes the entry and exit of the vehicle based on signals from the authentication device and the operation buttons. The authentication device and the operation button are each equipped with a reaction zone Δt for recognizing the respective inputs. The control device is configured to send a stop signal to the control panel to prevent processing from proceeding if it receives both an ON signal from the authentication device and an ON signal from the operation button during the reaction period Δt. An operating device for a mechanical parking system, characterized by the following features.

11. The operating device for a mechanical parking system according to claim 10, wherein the stop signal is released when it stops receiving either or both of the ON signals from the authentication device and the operation button.

12. An operating device for a mechanical parking system according to claim 10, wherein a dead zone is set in which the authentication device and the operating button do not respond for a certain period of time after the input by the authentication device or the operating button is released.

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