Parking management server and computer program

Abstract

This system provides a parking management server that helps autonomous vehicles load specific conditions and management regulations of the destination parking lot as data to control their driving. [Solution] A parking management server is provided, comprising: a parking management DB for storing parking management data; a destination data receiving means for receiving destination data and date and time data related to the arrival date and time from a terminal related to the passenger operating the autonomous vehicle; a parking availability determination means for determining whether parking is possible in a nearby parking lot using the parking management DB; and a parking availability transmission means for transmitting the parking availability to the terminal. If parking is possible, the parking availability transmission means also transmits management regulation data related to the parking lot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information communication technology that contributes to smooth use of a parking lot when an autonomously driving vehicle designates a time-sharing parking lot as a destination.

Background Art

[0002] The parking lot offering services are roughly classified into a "general parking lot" that rents out a vehicle compartment on a monthly lease basis and a "time-sharing parking lot" that rents out a vehicle compartment on a time basis. The present invention of the application relates to the latter "time-sharing parking lot". In addition, when simply referred to as a "parking lot", it shall include both a general parking lot and a time-sharing parking lot.

[0003] As its form, the parking lot includes, in addition to a "flat parking lot" having no height difference with an adjacent road, a "stereoscopic self-driving type" parking lot where a vehicle self-drives to a vehicle compartment provided on each floor in a plurality of floors (including a "basement parking lot" having vehicle compartments prepared only on a predetermined floor in the basement of a building), a "mechanical type" parking lot where the vehicle compartment is moved and stored after parking at a vehicle compartment on a predetermined floor, and the like.

[0004] For each parking lot, "unique conditions" based on differences in the above-described forms and the like, and "management regulations" corresponding to the unique conditions are defined. This will be described while referring to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 conceptually shows the structure of a typical time-sharing parking lot. In the time-sharing parking lot, an entrance gate is provided at a location where a vehicle enters, and an exit gate is provided at a location where a vehicle exits. In recent years, a configuration has also been adopted in which an entrance gate is not provided, a vehicle attempting to enter (hereinafter referred to as an incoming vehicle) is photographed by a camera, and the vehicle number of the incoming vehicle is recognized from the photographed data to detect the entry and exit of the vehicle. Management regulations are posted when an incoming vehicle enters the time-sharing parking lot. Here, the "unique conditions" include the layout of vehicle compartments inside the parking lot, the layout of driving roads in the parking lot, the number of vehicle compartments, the size of vehicle compartments, and the like. Regarding the above-mentioned "size of vehicle compartments", there are often certain standard dimensions determined by the operator of the parking lot, but there are also exceptional dimensions according to individual parking lots.

[0005] "Management regulations" are determined in accordance with the aforementioned "specific conditions" and include the size and weight of vehicles allowed to enter, speed limits for moving within the premises (for example, 8 km / h or less), items that can be brought into the premises (or loaded in vehicles), items that are prohibited from being brought into the premises, and other conditions. The purpose is to prevent accidents and avoid trouble within the parking lot. In addition to the conditions mentioned above, in a broader sense, information regarding parking fees (including per-hour rates, rates by day of the week, and maximum rates) may also be referred to as "management regulations."

[0006] These specific conditions and management regulations are designed to be reviewed by drivers of vehicles intending to use the parking lot (parking users) before they use it. For example, signs are placed at the entrance of the parking lot for users to read, and there are steps that prevent users from entering or submitting reservation data without first reading the information.

[0007] Incidentally, Patent Document 1 discloses a parking management system, specifically a parking management system that can identify or estimate the cause of damage to vehicles while parked or in motion, thereby improving convenience for users.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a parking management device that can avoid contact with users moving within a parking lot, automatically acquire a safe driving route for users, and provide it to vehicles moving within the parking lot. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-128021 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-1719 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Let's discuss the scenario when self-driving cars become widespread, referring to Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle and the passenger terminal that inputs and transmits destinations and other information to the onboard computer. In most cases, the car navigation system (onboard car navigation) installed in the autonomous vehicle is responsible for data input and output to the onboard computer.

[0011] The passenger terminal inputs destination data using the destination data input means and transmits that destination data using the destination data transmission means. The onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle (hereinafter abbreviated as "onboard terminal") receives destination data via a destination data receiving means, and this destination data is read into the driving control means via a destination data reading means.

[0012] Passengers unlock the door locks of the autonomous vehicle using a lock / unlock mechanism installed on their personal mobile device (smartphone) before boarding. Once the locks are unlocked, the power system becomes operational (via the engine key), and driving begins based on the aforementioned destination data. Furthermore, destination data may be entered by the passenger operating an in-vehicle terminal after boarding the autonomous vehicle. Also, the passenger terminal used to input the destination data and the mobile terminal on which the locking / unlocking mechanism is installed may be the same hardware or different hardware. For example, the passenger may input destination data using their own mobile terminal and then unlock the autonomous vehicle's door locks using the locking / unlocking mechanism installed on the same mobile terminal before boarding.

[0013] By the way, if the destination data includes a parking lot attached to the facility, that's fine. However, if the destination data specifies the name or address of the facility the passenger is going to, the system will search for parking after arriving at the location of that facility. In the former case, the system will automatically drive to the entrance of the parking lot.

[0014] In the latter case, when the passenger arrives at the destination facility or address, the system often switches from autonomous driving to manual driving, with the passenger driving to find a parking space and parking the vehicle. This is because it is faster to drive manually than to re-enter destination data up to the point of parking upon arrival at the facility or address. However, in either case, if technology is available to simplify data entry from the parking lot entrance to the parking space (destination) within the parking lot, autonomous driving would likely be possible even within the parking lot.

[0015] However, for driving within a parking lot, destination data alone is insufficient. As mentioned earlier, parking lots have their own unique conditions and management regulations, but current autonomous vehicles lack the means to read these conditions and regulations as data in order to perform autonomous driving.

[0016] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a technology for providing an autonomous vehicle with the specific conditions and management regulations of a destination parking lot, and a technology for allowing the autonomous vehicle to read this information as data to control its driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] To solve the aforementioned problems, we devised a method for sending data from a parking management server, which stores management regulation data related to specific conditions and management regulations, to the on-board computer of an autonomous vehicle. The term "autonomous vehicle" as used in this invention includes privately owned cars, shared cars used in car-sharing businesses, and rental cars used in rental car businesses. Furthermore, it may also include vehicles such as taxis provided by passenger transport operators.

[0018] (First invention) The first invention relates to a parking lot management server for managing a plurality of parking lots. That is, a parking lot management database for accumulating management data on the occupancy of vehicle compartments in the above-mentioned parking lot, Destination data receiving means for receiving destination data for the above-mentioned self-driving vehicle from a passenger terminal related to a passenger who operates the self-driving vehicle, Parking availability determination means for determining whether parking based on the destination data received by the above-mentioned destination data receiving means is possible in a neighboring parking lot of the above-mentioned destination data, using the management data stored in the above-mentioned parking lot management database, Management regulation data transmission means for calling, from the above-mentioned parking lot management database, management regulation data related to the parking lot determined to be available for parking by the above-mentioned parking availability determination means and transmitting it to the above-mentioned passenger terminal, (See FIG. 3).

[0019] (Term Explanation) The "parking lot management server" is a computer. Therefore, it includes a data receiving device as a data input device, a random access memory, a data storage device, an arithmetic device (CPU), a data transmission device as a data output device, etc. The parking lots managed by the parking lot management server are a plurality of parking lots. Therefore, when one parking lot is not available for parking, it is possible to search for the availability of empty vehicle compartments in other parking lots in the vicinity of that one parking lot (see FIG. 8).

[0020] The "passenger terminal" is an information terminal capable of two-way communication with the parking lot management server. A personal computer operated by a passenger at home or at work (see FIG. 3) or a smartphone carried by a passenger (see FIG. ④) is applicable. The passenger terminal is also a computer. Therefore, it includes a keyboard, a touch panel, a data receiving device as a data input device, a random access memory, a data storage device, an arithmetic device (CPU), a data transmission device as a data output device, an output panel, etc.

[0021] The "destination data" received by the "destination data receiving means" may be, in addition to the parking lot where parking is planned, the names of facilities such as stations and event venues, and their addresses. That is, it is not necessary to be a specific parking lot. The "parking availability determination means" searches for the nearest parking lot to the "destination data" and determines whether parking is possible at that parking lot using the accumulated management data. When the destination data is a specific parking lot, the "parking availability determination means" determines whether parking is possible at that parking lot.

[0022] The above-mentioned "destination data" may include date and time data. Here, the "date and time data" is the date and time when the use of the parking lot starts when reserving the parking lot. When looking for a parking lot where parking is possible after arriving at the destination without reserving a parking lot, it is the current time (see Fig. 10).

[0023] The "management regulation data" is the digital data of the "unique conditions" based on the differences in the forms of parking lots and the "management regulations" corresponding to those unique conditions.

[0024] The "parking availability determination means" determines whether there is an empty parking space in the parking lot extracted by the arrival parking lot extraction means based on the parking lot management data stored in the parking lot management database. In addition, when the "vehicle identification data" includes the vehicle width dimension, vehicle weight, vehicle height, etc., it may be determined whether parking is possible based on the management regulation data of the parking lot.

[0025] (Function) The parking lot management database accumulates the management data of multiple parking lots. The destination data receiving means receives the destination data for the automatic driving vehicle to travel from the passenger terminal related to the passenger operating the automatic driving vehicle. The parking availability determination means determines whether parking based on the received destination data is possible at the neighboring parking lot of the destination data using the management data stored in the parking lot management database. If the parking availability determination means determines that parking is permitted, the management regulations data transmission means retrieves management regulations data related to the specific conditions and management rules of that parking lot from the parking lot management database and transmits it to the terminal. Passengers can obtain the result of a parking availability determination system. If parking is available, they can obtain the parking lot's management regulations data in advance, allowing them to understand the regulations before entering the parking lot.

[0026] (Variation of the first invention) The first invention may be formed by adding the following constituent elements: That is, a parking permit / failure transmission means that transmits whether or not parking is permitted, determined by the parking permit / failure determination means, to the passenger terminal, A parking application data receiving means that receives parking application data transmitted from the aforementioned passenger terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned management regulations data transmission means transmits the management regulations data to the passenger terminal upon receiving the parking application data (see Figure 4).

[0027] (Second invention) The second invention also relates to a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots. In other words, a parking management database that stores data on the occupancy rate of parking spaces in the aforementioned parking lot, A parking identification data receiving means that receives vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle and parking identification data for identifying a designated parking space from the autonomous vehicle, Parking availability determination means for determining whether parking is possible in a parking lot related to the parking lot identification data received by the aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means, If the parking availability determination means determines that parking is possible, the management regulations data transmission means extracts the management regulations data for the parking lot from the parking lot management database and transmits it to the autonomous vehicle. This is a parking management server equipped with the following features (see Figure 5).

[0028] In the second invention, the management regulations data, which in the first invention was transmitted from the parking management server to the passenger terminal related to the passenger, is now transmitted to the on-board computer (on-board unit) installed in the autonomous vehicle.

[0029] (action) Parking management data is stored in the parking management database. The parking identification data receiving means receives vehicle identification data and parking identification data to identify the autonomous vehicle. The parking feasibility determination means determines whether parking is possible in the parking lot. If parking is possible, the management regulations data for that parking lot is extracted from the parking lot management database and transmitted by the management regulations data transmission means to the autonomous vehicle. Passengers of autonomous vehicles can obtain the result of a parking availability determination system. If parking is possible, they can obtain the parking lot's management regulations data in advance, allowing them to understand the regulations before entering the parking lot.

[0030] (Variation of the second invention) The second invention may be formed by adding the following constituent elements: In other words, the aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means will receive the current location data of the autonomous vehicle instead of the parking lot identification data. It includes an arrival parking lot extraction means that extracts the nearest parking lot, which is the arrival parking lot, from the current location data. The aforementioned parking availability determination means determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot selected by the aforementioned arrival parking lot extraction means (see Figure 6).

[0031] (Variations of the first and second inventions) The first and second inventions may be configured as follows: In other words, if the parking availability determination means determines that parking is not possible, the parking availability determination means will use the parking management database to extract alternative parking spaces where parking is possible. The aforementioned management regulations data transmission means transmits location data of available alternative parking spaces and management regulations data for those parking spaces (see Figure 7).

[0032] (Explanation of terms) "Alternative parking" refers to the extraction of available parking spaces near parking lots deemed unusable based on already acquired current location data. In addition, available parking spaces that comply with management regulations are extracted based on already acquired vehicle identification data.

[0033] (action) If parking is unavailable at the arrival parking lot, an alternative parking lot is identified by the parking availability determination system. The autonomous vehicle can receive location data of the available alternative parking lot and the parking lot's management regulations data from the management regulations data transmission system, enabling it to drive to the alternative parking lot and to drive within the alternative parking lot.

[0034] (Third invention) The third invention relates to a computer program for controlling the parking management server according to the first invention. In other words, a management data storage procedure for storing management data on the occupancy of parking spaces in multiple parking lots in a parking lot management database, A destination data reception procedure for receiving destination data and date and time data relating to the date and time of arrival at the destination from a passenger terminal related to a passenger operating the autonomous vehicle, A parking availability determination procedure that determines whether parking is possible in a nearby parking lot based on the date and time data received in the aforementioned destination data reception procedure, using management data stored in the aforementioned parking lot management database, If parking is deemed possible using the aforementioned parking availability determination procedure, the management regulations data transmission procedure retrieves the management regulations data pertaining to the parking lot deemed available from the aforementioned parking management database and transmits it to the aforementioned passenger terminal. This will be executed by the aforementioned parking management server (see Figure 3).

[0035] (Variation of the third invention) The third invention may also have the following configuration. That is, a parking permit / failure transmission procedure that transmits whether or not parking is permitted based on the parking permit / failure determination procedure to the passenger terminal, A procedure for receiving parking application data transmitted from the aforementioned passenger terminal, The aforementioned parking management server will be instructed to execute this. In the aforementioned management regulations data transmission procedure, when the parking application data is received, the management regulations data is transmitted to the passenger terminal.

[0036] (Fourth invention) The fourth invention relates to a computer program for controlling a parking management server according to the second invention. In other words, a management data storage procedure for storing management data on the occupancy status of parking spaces in multiple parking lots in a parking lot management database on a parking lot management server, A parking identification data receiving means that receives vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle and parking identification data for identifying a designated parking space from the autonomous vehicle, Parking availability determination means for determining whether parking is possible in a parking lot related to the parking lot identification data received by the aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means, A procedure for transmitting management regulations data, in which, if the result of the parking availability determination means is that parking is possible, the management regulations data for the parking lot is extracted from the parking lot management database and transmitted to the autonomous vehicle, This will be executed by the aforementioned parking management server (see Figure 5).

[0037] (Variation of the fourth invention) The fourth invention may also have the following configuration. In other words, in the aforementioned procedure for receiving parking lot identification data, instead of receiving parking lot identification data, the current location data of the autonomous vehicle is received. The parking management server will also execute the procedure to extract the nearest parking lot, which is the arrival parking lot, from the current location data. In the aforementioned procedure for determining whether parking is possible, it is determined whether parking is possible in the parking lot selected by the aforementioned arrival parking lot extraction means (see Figure 6).

[0038] (Variations of the third and fourth inventions) The third and fourth inventions may be constructed as follows: In other words, if the parking availability determination procedure determines that parking is not possible, the parking availability determination procedure shall use the parking management database to extract alternative parking spaces where parking is possible. The aforementioned procedure for transmitting management regulations data transmits location data of available alternative parking spaces and management regulations data for those parking spaces (see Figure 7).

[0039] (Fifth invention) The fifth invention relates to a computer program executed by an on-board computer installed in an autonomous vehicle that communicates bidirectionally with a parking management server according to the second invention. The computer program, The procedure for receiving current location data, which involves acquiring current location data using GPS (Global Position System) installed in the aforementioned autonomous vehicle, A procedure for transmitting parking request data, which involves sending a request to park in the nearest parking lot based on the current location data, along with vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle, to the parking management server, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, which receives management regulations data for a parking lot when the aforementioned parking lot management server determines that parking is possible, A driving control procedure that controls the automated driving within the parking lot using the management regulations data received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, This is a computer program that causes the aforementioned in-vehicle computer to execute (see Figure 5).

[0040] (Variation of the fifth invention) The fifth invention may be configured as follows: In other words, the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure involves receiving location data of an alternative parking lot and its management regulations data when the parking management server determines that parking is unavailable. The alternative parking reservation data transmission procedure involves sending the alternative parking reservation data, which is an indication of intent to park in an alternative parking area, received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, to the aforementioned parking management server. This is a computer program that causes the aforementioned in-vehicle computer to execute (see Figure 7).

[0041] (The sixth invention) The sixth invention relates to an in-vehicle device for an autonomous vehicle that can communicate bidirectionally with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots. In other words, a management regulation data receiving means that receives management regulation data concerning a parking lot located near the destination data on which the autonomous vehicle is traveling from the parking lot management server, A parking feasibility determination means that determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot related to the management regulations data based on the received management regulations data and vehicle data relating to the autonomous vehicle, If the parking feasibility determination means determines that parking is possible, the driving control means controls the autonomous vehicle using the aforementioned management regulations data and the location data of the parking lot related to the management regulations data in order to perform autonomous driving to the parking lot related to the aforementioned management regulations data. This relates to an in-vehicle device for an autonomous vehicle equipped with the following (see Figure 12).

[0042] (The seventh invention) The seventh invention relates to a control program for an in-vehicle device according to the sixth invention. In other words, a computer program that controls an in-vehicle unit of an autonomous vehicle capable of bidirectional communication with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, which involves receiving management regulations data for parking lots located near the destination data of the autonomous vehicle, from the aforementioned parking lot management server, A parking feasibility determination procedure that determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot related to the management regulations data, based on the management regulations data and vehicle data related to the autonomous vehicle received in the management regulations data reception procedure, If the parking feasibility determination procedure determines that parking is possible, the procedure for controlling the autonomous vehicle using the aforementioned management regulations data and the location data of the parking lot related to those management regulations data is to execute an autonomous driving operation to the parking lot related to the aforementioned management regulations data. This is a computer program that is executed by the in-vehicle system of an autonomous vehicle.

[0043] (The eighth invention) The eighth invention relates to a computer program for controlling a passenger terminal for an autonomous vehicle that operates the autonomous vehicle, which is capable of bidirectional communication with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots and bidirectional communication with an in-vehicle device of the autonomous vehicle. That is, a destination data transmission procedure for transmitting the destination data of the autonomous vehicle to the parking management server, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, in which the parking management server that has received destination data extracts the nearest parking lot to the destination and transmits management regulations data for that parking lot, A parking feasibility determination procedure that determines whether or not the autonomous vehicle can park in the parking lot based on the management regulations data received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, If the parking availability determination procedure determines that parking is possible, the procedure for sending a parking application to the aforementioned parking management server indicates the intention to park in that parking lot. A procedure for transmitting the aforementioned management regulations data to the aforementioned autonomous vehicle, This is a computer program that is executed on a passenger's terminal (for example, a passenger's mobile terminal) (see Figure 13).

[0044] It is also possible to transmit computer programs relating to the third to fifth, seventh, and eighth inventions from a computer storing such programs to other terminals via a communication line. They may also be provided on a so-called cloud via the internet. The eighth invention is conveniently provided as an application program and downloaded to the passenger terminal for use. Furthermore, computer programs relating to the third to fifth, seventh, and eighth inventions can also be provided by storing them on a recording medium. Here, "recording medium" refers to a medium capable of carrying a program that cannot occupy space on its own. Examples include flexible disks, hard disks, CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, and USB memory sticks. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] According to the first and second inventions, it was possible to provide a parking management server that provides parking management regulation data for the destination parking lot to an autonomous vehicle and helps the autonomous vehicle enter the parking lot after confirming that it complies with the management regulations. According to the third and fourth inventions, it was possible to provide a computer program that controls a parking management server which provides management regulation data for a destination parking lot to an autonomous vehicle and helps the autonomous vehicle enter the parking lot after confirming that it complies with the management regulations. According to the fifth invention, it is possible to provide a computer program that controls the on-board computer of an autonomous vehicle, which communicates bidirectionally with a parking management server to provide the autonomous vehicle with management regulation data for the destination parking lot, and which helps the autonomous vehicle enter the parking lot after confirming that it conforms to the management regulations. According to the sixth and seventh inventions, it was possible to provide an in-vehicle unit for an autonomous vehicle that drives within a parking lot based on management regulation data for the destination parking lot, and a computer program that controls the in-vehicle unit. According to the eighth invention, it is possible to provide an application program that can be executed on a terminal capable of sending instructions to the onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle that drives within a parking lot based on management regulation data of the destination parking lot. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram to explain the specific conditions and management regulations for hourly parking lots. [Figure 2] As a premise of the present invention, this is a block diagram showing the procedure for information processing between the onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle and a terminal related to the passenger. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the information processing procedure when a parking lot is set as the destination on a passenger terminal. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the information processing procedure when a passenger reserves a parking space using their terminal. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the information processing procedure when selecting and setting a parking space from the in-car navigation system of an autonomous vehicle. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure when an autonomous vehicle transmits its current location data from its in-car navigation system and heads towards an available parking space. [Figure 7] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure for guiding passengers to alternative parking options if they have not reserved a parking space upon arrival and are unable to park. [Figure 8] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure for identifying the nearest parking lot displayed on the car's navigation system after arriving at a destination and then applying for a parking space. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure when transmitting management regulation data acquired by a passenger terminal to the on-board computer of an autonomous vehicle. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the process from arriving at the destination and completing parking using an autonomous vehicle. [Figure 11] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure for identifying the nearest parking lot displayed on your smartphone after arriving at your destination and then applying for parking. [Figure 12]This block diagram shows the information processing procedure when an in-vehicle system of an autonomous vehicle determines whether parking is possible at the nearest parking lot, based on information provided by a parking management server. [Figure 13] This block diagram shows the information processing procedure when a passenger's terminal determines whether parking is possible at the nearest parking lot, based on information provided by the parking management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] The present invention will be described below based on the drawings and embodiments. The drawings used herein are Figures 3 to 13. Solid arrows indicate wired communication, dashed arrows indicate wireless communication, and dashed lines indicate dashed lines. Figure 1 illustrates the prior art, and Figure 2 illustrates the situation that forms the basis of the present invention; refer to them as needed.

[0048] It is assumed that self-driving cars are equipped with an on-board computer that controls autonomous driving and a GPS (Global Position System).

[0049] (Figure 3) Figure 3 illustrates the information processing performed by the onboard computer, parking management server, and passenger communication terminal (passenger terminal) installed in the autonomous vehicle. The passenger communication terminal is a smartphone.

[0050] Passengers using autonomous vehicles enter their destination and date / time as destination data and date / time data using the input method (destination data input method) on their communication terminal (smartphone). This data, along with the vehicle identification data of the autonomous vehicle which has been acquired in advance, is then sent to the parking management server. Here, "vehicle identification data" includes data such as the vehicle number, vehicle height, vehicle width, and vehicle weight.

[0051] The parking management server stores and updates a large amount of management data related to parking lots (such as parking space availability information for each parking lot) in a parking management database. The destination data receiving device receives destination data and date / time data. If, for example, the name of a commercial facility is entered as the received destination, the parking management database is searched to see if there are any vacant parking spaces in the parking lot adjacent to that commercial facility during the time period specified in the date / time data.

[0052] If a parking space is available, the parking availability determination device transmits parking identification data, such as the name and address of the available parking lot, along with management regulations data, to the passenger terminal. The passenger terminal then receives the management regulations data via the management regulations data receiving device. Here, "management regulations data" refers to data that quantifies "specific conditions" based on differences in the form of the parking lot, and "management regulations" corresponding to those specific conditions.

[0053] In addition, vehicle identification data may be used when determining whether parking is possible using the parking feasibility determination method (it is also possible to use vehicle identification data). For example, if there is a height restriction for vehicles in an available parking space in the target parking lot, and the vehicle height included in the vehicle identification data exceeds the aforementioned height restriction, it will be determined that parking is not possible. The same applies to the "determination of whether or not parking is possible" in the "means for determining whether or not parking is possible" shown in Figure 4 and below.

[0054] The passenger carries the means for locking and unlocking the autonomous vehicle and goes to the autonomous vehicle's parking location. The means for locking and unlocking the autonomous vehicle is typically installed on the passenger's personal information terminal (smartphone). The passenger uses the personal information terminal to unlock the autonomous vehicle's door lock and boards the vehicle. Once the door lock is unlocked, the driver activates the driving control means using the operating system activation means (engine starter). Then, the passenger terminal transmits destination data and management rule data to the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer. In the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer, the destination data is received by the destination input means, and the management rule data is received by the driving control means.

[0055] Following the procedure described above, passengers can travel to the parking lot adjacent to the commercial facility in an autonomous vehicle. Within the parking lot, autonomous driving will be carried out in accordance with management regulations. For example, the vehicle will be driven at a speed of 8 kilometers per hour or less within the parking lot.

[0056] (Figure 4) Figure 4 also illustrates the information processing performed by the onboard computer, parking management server, and passenger communication terminal installed in the autonomous vehicle. The passenger communication terminal is either a personal computer or a smartphone. Although not illustrated as in Figure 3, it is assumed that vehicle identification data is pre-stored in the passenger terminal.

[0057] Passengers using autonomous vehicles input their destination and date / time as destination data and date / time data using the input means (destination data input means) on their communication terminal (passenger terminal). This data is then transmitted not to the autonomous vehicle, but to the parking management server.

[0058] The parking management server receives destination data and date / time data along with vehicle identification data via a destination data receiving means. If, for example, the name of a commercial facility is entered as the received destination, the server searches the parking management database to see if there are any vacant parking spaces in parking lots adjacent to that commercial facility during the time period specified in the date / time data.

[0059] If a parking space is available, the parking availability determination device sends parking identification data, such as the name and address of the available parking lot, to the passenger terminal. Upon receiving confirmation of parking availability via the parking availability receiving device, the passenger terminal sends a reply indicating its intention to apply for parking via the parking application transmission device.

[0060] The parking management server receives the parking application request via the parking application receiving device and updates the parking management database. Then, it extracts the parking regulations data related to the application from the parking management database and sends it to the passenger's terminal via the regulations data transmission device.

[0061] The passenger terminal receives the management regulations data in the management regulations data format. Then, it transmits the location data of the reserved parking lot, along with the date and time data and management regulations data, as destination data to the on-board computer of the autonomous vehicle.

[0062] The onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle receives the location data, date and time data, and management rule data for the reserved parking space via the destination data receiving means. Then, the location data, date and time data, and management rule data for the reserved parking space are sent to the driving control means via the destination data reading means.

[0063] At the specified date and time, the passenger will go to the autonomous vehicle's parking location, carrying the means for locking and unlocking the autonomous vehicle. This means is typically installed on the passenger's personal information terminal (smartphone). The passenger will use this terminal to unlock the autonomous vehicle's doors and board the vehicle. Once the doors are unlocked, the driver will activate the driving control system using the operating system activation means (engine starter).

[0064] Following the procedure described above, passengers can travel to the parking lot adjacent to the commercial facility in an autonomous vehicle. Within the parking lot, autonomous driving will be carried out in accordance with management regulations. For example, the vehicle will be driven at a speed of 8 kilometers per hour or less within the parking lot.

[0065] (Figure 5) Figure 5 shows the information processing performed by the onboard computer and parking management server installed in the autonomous vehicle.

[0066] In the in-car navigation system installed in an autonomous vehicle, nearby parking lots are displayed. In this case, the location data receiving device acquires position data from GPS satellites, and a mark indicating a parking lot is output on the in-car navigation screen. The passenger selects one of the parking lots displayed on the in-car navigation screen. This serves as the input method for identifying the parking lot.

[0067] The parking lot identification data input means transmits the selected parking lot identification data along with the vehicle identification data of the autonomous vehicle to the parking lot management server. On the parking lot management server, the parking lot identification data receiving means receives the parking lot identification data, searches for the availability of the parking lot, and the parking availability determination means determines whether parking is possible. If parking is possible, the management regulations data for that parking lot is extracted, and the management regulations data transmission means transmits it to the autonomous vehicle. In an autonomous vehicle, the management regulation data receiving means receives the management regulation data and sends the received management regulation data to the driving control means. As a result, the autonomous vehicle performs autonomous driving in accordance with the management regulation data.

[0068] As mentioned earlier, the "parking availability determination means" in the parking management server determines whether or not parking is possible. However, the on-board computer may also be responsible for part or all of this determination. Specifically, the parking availability determination means in the parking management server may determine that parking is possible if there is an empty space and transmit management regulation data, which may include data such as the size of the parking space as part of the management regulation data for the destination parking lot. The on-board computer then uses this data to determine whether or not parking is possible. If it is determined that parking is not possible, the system will resend data identifying a different parking lot and receive management regulations data for that other parking lot.

[0069] (Figure 6) Figure 6 shows the information processing procedure between the parking management server and the onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle in the case where a parking application has not been made for the arrived parking lot, but parking is available in that lot.

[0070] The onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle obtains its current location data via GPS satellites. Upon arriving at a parking lot where a parking reservation has not been made, the vehicle then sends parking request data, along with its current location data and vehicle identification data, to the parking management server via a parking request data transmission device, indicating its desire to park in that lot.

[0071] The parking management server receives parking request data via a parking request data receiving means. Then, using the current location data, it searches the parking management database using an arrival parking extraction means to identify which parking lot the autonomous vehicle has arrived at.

[0072] Next, the system determines whether or not there are vacant parking spaces in the parking lot using a parking availability determination method. If there are vacant spaces, the system extracts the management regulations data for the identified parking lot and compares it with the vehicle identification data included in the parking request data to determine whether or not parking is possible.

[0073] Figure 6 illustrates the case where parking is possible, and the parking feasibility determination means determines that parking is possible. This determination result, along with the management regulations data for the parking lot obtained from the parking lot management database, is transmitted to the on-board computer of the autonomous vehicle by the management regulations data transmission means.

[0074] In the onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle, the management regulations data transmitted along with the notification that parking is available is received by the management regulations data receiving means. The occupant of the autonomous vehicle sends a declaration of intent to park in that parking lot, along with vehicle identification data, as parking intent data to the parking lot management server via the parking intent data transmission means.

[0075] The parking management server receives parking intention data and vehicle identification data via a parking intention data receiving device. It then updates the parking management database.

[0076] The management regulations data received by the management regulations data receiving means is input to the destination data input means for executing automated driving, and controls the driving control means. Therefore, even when driving autonomously within the parking lot, driving will be carried out in compliance with management regulations, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, if the vehicle switches from automated driving to manual driving within the parking lot, the occupant operates the manual driving switch mechanism. However, even when manually driving, the aforementioned management regulation data is loaded into the driving control mechanism, so it is not possible to drive in violation of the restrictions set by the management regulation data. For example, the driving control mechanism is designed to prevent driving within the parking lot at a speed exceeding 8 kilometers per hour.

[0078] (Figure 7) Figure 7 shows the information processing procedure between the parking management server and the onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle in the case where a parking application has not been made for the arrived parking lot and parking is not possible in that lot. The process is the same as in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, up to the point that the arrival parking lot extraction means in the parking lot management server extracts the parking lot to which the autonomous vehicle, related to the vehicle identification data, has arrived.

[0079] The parking availability determination means according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7 determines that the parking lot to which the autonomous vehicle has arrived is unavailable. It then searches for alternative parking lots in the parking management database. These alternative parking lots are not simply those with available spaces; they are alternative parking lots determined by verifying whether the dimensions of the autonomous vehicle, as specified in the vehicle identification data, meet the conditions imposed by the management regulations data. If multiple alternative parking lots are found, priority is given to the parking lot that is closest to (or has a shorter travel time from) the parking lot where the autonomous vehicle was determined to be unavailable.

[0080] The management regulations data transmission means transmits to the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer the determination result that the parking lot where the autonomous vehicle arrived is unavailable, as well as the location data of an alternative parking lot and the management regulations data related to that alternative parking lot.

[0081] In the onboard computer of an autonomous vehicle, a management regulation data receiving means receives location data and management regulation data for the alternative parking lot and sends it to the driving control means. As a result, the autonomous vehicle will perform driving in compliance with the management regulations, etc., even when driving autonomously within the parking lot.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, even when switching from automated driving to manual driving within the parking lot and performing manual driving, the aforementioned management regulation data is loaded into the driving control means, so it is not possible to drive in a manner that violates the restrictions set by the management regulation data.

[0083] (Figure 8) Figure 8 shows the process of identifying the nearest parking lot displayed on the in-car navigation system after arriving at the destination and then applying for a parking space.

[0084] Upon arriving at the destination entered at the start of driving, the onboard navigation system in the autonomous vehicle can display nearby parking lots. When the passenger identifies one of the displayed parking lots and indicates their intention to park, the onboard computer sends the date and time of transmission, destination data with the identified parking lot as the destination, and vehicle identification data to identify the autonomous vehicle to the parking management server.

[0085] On the parking management server, a parking availability determination means determines whether a specified parking space is available for parking based on management data in the parking management database. It then sends a reply to the in-vehicle computer indicating whether parking is available. If it receives confirmation that parking is available, a screen prompting the driver to indicate whether or not they wish to apply for parking is displayed on the in-vehicle navigation system. The driver taps the button on that screen to send their intention to apply for parking. The parking application data is then sent along with the vehicle identification data.

[0086] On the parking management server, the parking application receiving device receives the parking application data and updates the parking management database. It also extracts the management regulations data for that parking lot from the parking management database and transmits it to the in-vehicle computer along with the parking lot location data. Although not shown in the diagram, the parking application data received by the parking application receiving device is transmitted to the requested parking space along with the vehicle identification data. The same applies to other diagrams (for example, Figure 9).

[0087] The onboard computer receives management regulation data and parking location data via a management regulation data receiving means, and this management regulation data is used to control the driving control means. Therefore, with the parking location data as the destination, automated driving is performed in accordance with the management regulation data.

[0088] (Figure 9) Figure 9 shows the information processing performed by the onboard computer, parking management server, and passenger communication terminal installed in an autonomous vehicle.

[0089] In Figure 9, when a parking application is submitted via the parking application transmission means on the passenger terminal, the destination data transmission means sends destination data to the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer. Then, upon receiving management regulation data from the parking management server, it sends the management regulation data back to the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer. This approach has advantages such as reducing the amount of data transmitted at once from the mobile terminal, thereby mitigating data transmission errors.

[0090] (Figure 10) Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating the general procedure, including the case where a person arrives at a parking lot adjacent to a commercial facility without having applied for parking in advance. The autonomous vehicle drives based on destination data transmitted in advance by the passenger (S1). While driving, the autonomous vehicle acquires location data via GPS, and periodically transmits the acquired location data, along with vehicle identification data, to the parking management server (S2).

[0091] Suppose the autonomous vehicle arrives at a commercial facility that was entered as the destination data and arrives near a parking lot adjacent to that commercial facility (S3). The parking management server recognizes that the autonomous vehicle's location data at that time is that of a parking lot adjacent to the commercial facility and verifies whether the autonomous vehicle has applied for a parking space in that parking lot based on the vehicle identification data related to that location data (S4).

[0092] If an application has been made for the parking lot in question, the onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle may have already received destination data / parking lot identification data for that parking lot when requesting management regulations data. In that case, the autonomous vehicle will drive within the parking lot based on that management regulations data (S8) and complete parking (S9).

[0093] If a parking space has not been applied for, the system checks whether there are any vacant parking spaces available. If there are vacant spaces, the system compares and verifies the management regulations data for that parking space stored in the parking management database with the dimensions of the autonomous vehicle included in the vehicle identification data (S5).

[0094] If the vehicle identification data clears the management regulations data, that is, if the autonomous vehicle complies with the parking lot's management regulations, the management regulations data is transmitted to the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer, and the vehicle is instructed to drive within the parking lot in accordance with that management regulations data (S8).

[0095] If the vehicle identification data cannot clear the management regulations data, the parking management server extracts an alternative parking lot from the parking management database in which the vehicle identification data can clear the management regulations data. Then, it transmits the management regulations data for that alternative parking lot to the onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle (S7).

[0096] After that, the process ends with automated driving within the parking lot based on management regulations data (S8), followed by entering the designated parking space and completing the parking (S9).

[0097] (Figure 11) Figure 11 shows that the input and transmission of destination data, reception of parking availability, and expression of intent to apply for parking, which were performed via the in-vehicle computer in Figure 8, are now performed via the passenger terminal (smartphone). The smartphone also receives management regulation data from the parking management server and transmits it to the in-vehicle computer. Location data for inputting destination data is also acquired via the GPS function of the smartphone.

[0098] The embodiment shown in Figure 11 has the advantage that instructions can be given to the autonomous vehicle via a passenger terminal, even without using an in-car navigation system.

[0099] (Figure 12) Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the information processing procedure when the onboard system (onboard computer) of an autonomous vehicle determines whether or not parking is possible at the nearest parking lot, based on information provided by the parking management server. The autonomous vehicle's location data receiving mechanism acquires position data from GPS satellites. This position data is then transmitted to the parking management server by the current location data transmission mechanism.

[0100] The parking management server receives current location data and uses the parking management database to extract the nearest parking lot to that location data using the nearest parking lot extraction means. This nearest parking lot extraction means may extract multiple parking lots. Then, it transmits the management regulations data related to the extracted nearest parking lot to the onboard device of the autonomous vehicle.

[0101] The management regulations data for the nearest parking lot is received by the management regulations data receiving means in the autonomous vehicle's onboard computer. The autonomous vehicle's unique data (e.g., vehicle height, vehicle width, etc.) is then compared with the parking availability determination means to determine whether parking is possible. If the occupant decides to park in a parking lot that is available based on the determination by the parking availability determination means, the onboard device (by operating a designated button displayed on the onboard car navigation system) sends parking intention data, along with vehicle identification data, to the parking lot management server via the parking application transmission means.

[0102] The parking management server receives parking intention data linked to vehicle identification data via a parking application receiving device, and updates the parking management database.

[0103] The parking lot management regulations data related to the parking application is read into the destination data input means and controls the autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle. Furthermore, if the vehicle is not to be driven autonomously within the parking lot and the occupant takes the wheel, the manual driving switch can be used to switch to manual driving. However, since the management regulations data is loaded, manual driving that violates the management regulations data (for example, driving at a speed of 8 km / h or more within the parking lot) is not permitted.

[0104] (Figure 13) Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating the information processing procedure when a passenger terminal determines whether parking is possible at the nearest parking lot, based on information provided by the parking management server. It is desirable that the passenger terminal shown in Figure 13 has dedicated application software downloaded to it in advance.

[0105] The passenger terminal obtains vehicle identification data from the autonomous vehicle (or its onboard computer). This vehicle identification data includes not only the vehicle number but also data such as vehicle height, vehicle width, and vehicle weight.

[0106] This explanation will focus on the differences between the functions of the passenger terminal shown in Figure 4 and those of the passenger terminal shown here. First, passengers using the autonomous vehicle input their destination and date / time as destination data and date / time data, respectively, and send this information to the parking management server. This is the same as in Figure 4.

[0107] In the parking management server shown in Figure 13, destination data and date / time data are received by the destination data receiving means. The parking management database is searched to determine if there are any available parking spaces in the vicinity of the received destination during the time period specified in the date / time data. If available parking spaces exist, the parking extraction means extracts the available parking spaces. Unlike Figure 4, where parking space identification data such as the name and address of the available parking spaces is transmitted, the management regulations data for the available parking spaces is then transmitted to the passenger terminal.

[0108] On the passenger terminal, once the management regulations data is received by the management regulations data receiving means, the parking feasibility determination means determines whether parking is possible based on the vehicle identification data. For example, if the vehicle height size included in the management regulations data is smaller than the height of the autonomous vehicle, it will be determined that parking is not possible. In Figure 4, the parking management server made the determination of whether parking was possible.

[0109] If the parking availability determination system determines that parking is possible, it sends a declaration of intent to park, linked to the vehicle identification data, via the parking application transmission system. In addition, the management regulations data is sent to the autonomous vehicle via the management regulations data transmission system, along with destination data (address data of the parking lot for which the parking application was made) and date and time data related to the application.

[0110] The autonomous vehicle will receive management regulation data via the passenger terminal and use that data to control its operation within the parking lot.

[0111] According to the embodiments described above, the specific conditions and management regulations of the destination parking lot can be read as data that controls the driving of the autonomous vehicle. This is possible regardless of whether or not the destination parking lot has been reserved. [Industrial applicability]

[0112] The present invention has applicability in the information industry that provides control technology for autonomous vehicles, car sharing and car rental service industries, parking lot operations, manufacturing of information and communication equipment necessary for parking lot operations, and software service industries that create application programs used in parking lot management servers.

Claims

1. A parking management database that stores data on the occupancy rate of parking spaces in multiple parking lots, A destination data receiving means that receives destination data of the autonomous vehicle's route from a passenger terminal related to a passenger operating the autonomous vehicle, A parking availability determination means determines whether parking is possible in a nearby parking lot based on the destination data received by the destination data receiving means, using management data stored in the parking management database. When the aforementioned parking availability determination means determines that parking is possible, the management regulations data transmission means retrieves the management regulations data pertaining to the parking lot determined to be available from the aforementioned parking lot management database and transmits it to the aforementioned passenger terminal. A parking management server equipped with the following features.

2. A parking permit / failure transmission means that transmits whether or not parking is permitted, determined by the aforementioned parking permit / failure determination means, to the aforementioned passenger terminal, A parking application data receiving means that receives parking application data transmitted from the aforementioned passenger terminal, Equipped with, The aforementioned management regulations data transmission means is configured to transmit the management regulations data to the passenger terminal upon receiving the parking application data. The parking management server according to claim 1.

3. A parking management database that stores data on the occupancy rate of parking spaces in multiple parking lots, A parking identification data receiving means that receives vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle and parking identification data for identifying a designated parking space from the autonomous vehicle, Parking availability determination means for determining whether parking is possible in a parking lot related to the parking lot identification data received by the aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means, If the parking availability determination means determines that parking is possible, the management regulations data transmission means extracts the management regulations data for the parking lot from the parking lot management database and transmits it to the autonomous vehicle. A parking management server equipped with the following features.

4. The aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means will receive the current location data of the autonomous vehicle instead of the parking lot identification data. It includes an arrival parking lot extraction means that extracts the nearest parking lot, which is the arrival parking lot, from the current location data. The aforementioned parking availability determination means determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot selected by the aforementioned arrival parking lot extraction means. The parking management server according to claim 3.

5. If the parking availability determination means determines that parking is not possible, the parking availability determination means will use the parking management database to extract alternative parking spaces where parking is possible. The aforementioned management regulations data transmission means is configured to transmit location data of available alternative parking lots and management regulations data for those parking lots. A parking management server according to claim 1 or claim 3.

6. A procedure for accumulating management data on the occupancy rate of parking spaces in multiple parking lots in a parking lot management database, A destination data reception procedure for receiving destination data and date and time data relating to the date and time of arrival at the destination from a passenger terminal related to a passenger operating the autonomous vehicle, A parking availability determination procedure that determines whether parking is possible in a nearby parking lot based on the date and time data received in the aforementioned destination data reception procedure, using management data stored in the aforementioned parking lot management database, If parking is deemed possible using the aforementioned parking availability determination procedure, the management regulations data transmission procedure retrieves the management regulations data pertaining to the parking lot deemed available from the aforementioned parking management database and transmits it to the aforementioned passenger terminal. A computer program that is to be executed by the aforementioned parking management server.

7. A parking permit / failure transmission procedure that transmits the parking permit / failure status determined by the aforementioned parking permit / failure determination procedure to the aforementioned passenger terminal, A procedure for receiving parking application data transmitted from the aforementioned passenger terminal, The aforementioned parking management server will be instructed to execute this. In the aforementioned management regulations data transmission procedure, when the aforementioned parking application data is received, the management regulations data is transmitted to the aforementioned passenger terminal. The computer program according to claim 6.

8. A procedure for accumulating management data for managing the occupancy of parking spaces in multiple parking lots in a parking management database on a parking management server, and A parking identification data receiving means that receives vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle and parking identification data for identifying a designated parking space from the autonomous vehicle, Parking availability determination means for determining whether parking is possible in a parking lot related to the parking lot identification data received by the aforementioned parking lot identification data receiving means, A procedure for transmitting management regulations data, in which, if the result of the parking availability determination means is that parking is possible, the management regulations data for the parking lot is extracted from the parking lot management database and transmitted to the autonomous vehicle, A computer program that is to be executed by the aforementioned parking management server.

9. In the aforementioned procedure for receiving parking lot identification data, instead of receiving parking lot identification data, the current location data of the autonomous vehicle is received. The parking management server will also execute the procedure to extract the nearest parking lot, which is the arrival parking lot, from the current location data. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein the procedure for determining whether parking is possible involves determining whether parking is possible in the parking lot selected by the arrival parking lot extraction means.

10. If the parking availability determination procedure indicates that parking is not possible, the parking availability determination procedure shall use the parking management database to extract alternative parking spaces where parking is possible. The aforementioned procedure for transmitting management regulations data involves transmitting location data of available alternative parking spaces and management regulations data for those parking spaces. The computer program according to claim 6 or claim 8.

11. A computer program that runs on an in-vehicle computer installed in an autonomous vehicle that communicates bidirectionally with a parking management server, The procedure for receiving current location data, which involves acquiring current location data using GPS installed in the aforementioned autonomous vehicle, A procedure for transmitting parking request data, which involves sending a request to park in the nearest parking lot based on the current location data, along with vehicle identification data for identifying the autonomous vehicle, to the parking management server, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, which receives management regulations data for a parking lot when the aforementioned parking lot management server determines that parking is possible, A driving control procedure that controls the automated driving within the parking lot using the management regulations data received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, A computer program that causes the aforementioned in-vehicle computer to execute.

12. The aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure involves receiving location data for an alternative parking lot and its management regulations data when the parking management server determines that parking is unavailable. The alternative parking reservation data transmission procedure involves sending the alternative parking reservation data, which is an indication of intent to park in an alternative parking area, received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, to the aforementioned parking management server. The computer program according to claim 11, wherein the above-mentioned in-vehicle computer is made to execute it.

13. This relates to an in-vehicle device for autonomous vehicles that enables bidirectional communication with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots. In other words, a management regulation data receiving means that receives management regulation data concerning a parking lot located near the destination data on which the autonomous vehicle is traveling from the parking lot management server, A parking feasibility determination means that determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot related to the management regulations data based on the received management regulations data and vehicle data relating to the autonomous vehicle, If the parking feasibility determination means determines that parking is possible, the driving control means controls the autonomous vehicle using the aforementioned management regulations data and the location data of the parking lot related to the management regulations data in order to perform autonomous driving to the parking lot related to the aforementioned management regulations data. An in-vehicle device for autonomous vehicles equipped with this feature.

14. A computer program for controlling an in-vehicle unit of an autonomous vehicle that is capable of bidirectional communication with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, which involves receiving management regulations data for parking lots located near the destination data of the autonomous vehicle, from the aforementioned parking lot management server, A parking feasibility determination procedure that determines whether or not parking is possible in the parking lot related to the management regulations data, based on the management regulations data and vehicle data related to the autonomous vehicle received in the management regulations data reception procedure, If the parking feasibility determination procedure determines that parking is possible, the procedure for controlling the autonomous vehicle using the aforementioned management regulations data and the location data of the parking lot related to those management regulations data is to execute an autonomous driving operation to the parking lot related to the aforementioned management regulations data. A computer program that is executed by the in-vehicle system of an autonomous vehicle.

15. A computer program for controlling a passenger terminal related to a passenger operating an autonomous vehicle, which is capable of bidirectional communication with a parking management server that manages multiple parking lots and with an in-vehicle device of the autonomous vehicle. A destination data transmission procedure for transmitting the destination data of the autonomous vehicle to the parking management server, A procedure for receiving management regulations data, in which the parking management server that has received destination data extracts the nearest parking lot to the destination and transmits management regulations data for that parking lot, A parking feasibility determination procedure that determines whether or not the autonomous vehicle can park in the parking lot based on the management regulations data received in the aforementioned management regulations data reception procedure, If the parking availability determination procedure determines that parking is possible, the procedure for sending a parking application to the aforementioned parking management server indicates the intention to park in that parking lot. A procedure for transmitting the aforementioned management regulations data to the aforementioned autonomous vehicle, A computer program that is executed on the passenger's terminal.

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