Information display device

Abstract

An information display device can be provided that has high constructability enabling installation in various locations and expandability allowing the addition of various functions to be introduced regardless of whether it is during or after installation. 【Solution means】The information display device (100) is an information display device (100) that displays information to the surroundings, and includes a housing (1), a display unit (2) that displays information, a detection unit (3) that detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person, and a control unit (4) that changes the content of the information displayed by the display unit (2) when the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person is detected by the detection unit (3). The display unit (2), the detection unit (3), and the control unit (4) are integrally configured by the housing (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information display device provided at the entrance and exit of a parking lot or the like.

Background Art

[0002] An information display device for notifying the approach of a vehicle is installed at locations with poor visibility such as the entrance and exit of a parking lot, intersections, and merging points in a shopping mall, high-rise building, etc. Such an information display device displays occupancy information for incoming vehicles or issues a warning notice to the surroundings when there is an outgoing vehicle.

[0003] Also, the following has been disclosed as a system for managing the entry and exit of a parking lot (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The entry / exit guidance system according to Patent Document 1 is a system that recognizes the entry / exit state of a motor vehicle and the presence of a person by a detection sensor provided in the entry / exit room of a multi-story parking facility and guides the motor vehicle and the person. Further, when a motor vehicle enters the facility, the entry / exit guidance system gives a warning by voice display as well as visual display, and when a specific detection sensor detects a motor vehicle or a person after the completion of the entry of the motor vehicle, only a warning of an acoustic part such as a buzzer is given.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When performing such entry / exit display, generally, since it is necessary to separately install a detection unit such as a sensor, a control unit, and a display unit, there are limitations in the installation location, and the scale of the system often becomes large compared to the functions required.

[0006] Moreover, if additional functions are to be added, it is also conceivable that the system will become even larger or that the system itself will need to be replaced with a new one.

[0007] Even in the entry / exit guidance system according to Patent Document 1 above, an entry / exit guidance system as an auxiliary facility in a large-scale mechanical parking lot is disclosed. Also, since it is premised that detection sensors for giving warnings are installed dispersedly, it requires a considerable amount of labor for installation work.

[0008] Devices or systems capable of managing the entry and exit of a parking lot are targeted not only at the multi-story parking facilities targeted by Patent Document 1 but also at parking lots provided in various places as described above. Therefore, the realization of a device or system with high constructability is desired.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information display device having high constructability that can be installed in various places and expandability that allows various functions to be introduced regardless of whether it is at the time of installation or after installation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The information display device according to the present disclosure is an information display device that displays information to the surroundings, and includes a housing, a display unit that displays information, a detection unit that detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person, and a control unit that changes the content of the information displayed by the display unit when the approach of the vehicle or the passage of the person is detected by the detection unit. The display unit, the detection unit, and the control unit are integrally configured by the housing. In addition, the information display device according to the present disclosure is an information display device that displays information to the surroundings, and includes a housing, a display unit that displays information, a detection unit that detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person, a communication unit that communicates with the outside, and when the detection unit detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person, the control unit changes the content of the information displayed by the display unit and transmits a detection message indicating that the passage of a person or a vehicle has been detected to the outside through the communication unit. The display unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the control unit are integrally configured by the housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information display device having high workability that can be installed in various places and expandability that can be introduced regardless of whether various functions are added at the time of installation or after installation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred aspects of the information display device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of Parking Lot Management System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The parking lot management system 500 in FIG. 1 includes an information display device 100 and a management terminal device 200 as an external device.

[0015] The information display device 100 is provided at the entrance and exit of the parking lot, and includes a display unit 2, a detection unit 3, a control unit 4, and a communication unit 5. The management terminal device 200 is a personal computer used by an administrator who manages the parking lot, and is installed in a management room, an office, etc. inside the building.

[0016] First, the configuration of the information display device 100 will be described below, and then the specific functions and operations of the management terminal device 200 will be described.

[0017] <Configuration of Information Display Device 100> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the information display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed from obliquely right rear. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the information display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure as viewed from obliquely left front.

[0018] The housing 1 is a frame that forms the external shape of the information display device 100, supports the display unit 2 and the detection unit 3, and houses the control unit 4 and the communication unit 5. That is, the information display device 100 according to the first embodiment has an integrated configuration in which all of the display unit 2, the detection unit 3, the control unit 4, and the communication unit 5 are integrated by one housing 1.

[0019] The display unit 2 is a part that displays information related to the entry and exit of vehicles around, and changes the display content based on a display change command output from the control unit 4.

[0020] The display unit 2 is supported by the housing 1, and performs display on the surroundings through a resin with high transparency that exposes the display device or provides a display surface, or a protective cover such as a magic mirror.

[0021] Specifically, the display unit 2 can be configured as a warning light that rotates and lights up when the vehicle exits the parking lot, for example. Further, the display unit 2 may be, for example, an electroluminescent display panel that shows occupancy information indicating whether the parking lot is in a parkable state or not to the surroundings, a video display device such as an LED vision, etc. In this case, the display unit 2 is not limited to the illustrated position, and is installed with its range extended to the side surface portion of the housing 1, etc. In addition, the display unit 2 may be provided with an acoustic device such as a buzzer or a speaker.

[0022] In the housing 1 of FIG. 3, an acoustic portion 14 is provided on the side surface. The acoustic portion 14 can output a warning sound or a voice message for attracting attention when the vehicle exits the warehouse, and can attract attention. The acoustic portion 14 is also equipped so as to be integrated with the housing 1.

[0023] The detection unit 3 is provided in the notch portion 11 of the housing 1 and detects an approaching vehicle. In the first embodiment, the detection unit 3 is assumed to be a camera that images an approaching vehicle, and outputs the captured image to the control unit 4. Further, the detection unit 3 may be an infrared laser, ultrasonic wave, or radar, or may be configured with a plurality of these various sensors installed.

[0024] The communication unit 5 is a functional unit that communicates with the outside. Although the communication method of the communication unit 5 is premised on wireless, a wired connection may also be used. If it is LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), a mesh network may be formed, or it may be connected to the Internet using LTE, WiFi, etc.

[0025] The control unit 4 is a controller that comprehensively controls various hardware inside the information display device 100 such as the display unit 2, the detection unit 3, and the communication unit 5.

[0026] The control unit 4 acquires the captured image from the detection unit 3. Then, the control unit 4 determines whether a detection target such as a vehicle is included in the captured image, and if it is included, determines its traveling direction. The control unit 4 can detect an object such as a vehicle by performing image recognition processing using AI.

[0027] As described above, the detection unit 3 can take various forms. When a vehicle is detected by the detection unit 3, the control unit 4 outputs a display change command to the display unit 2, causes the warning light as the display unit 2 to rotate and light up, and causes the acoustic unit 14 to sound. Thereby, when the vehicle exits the parking lot, the information display device 100 can give a notice for attracting attention to the surroundings.

[0028] Also, when a vehicle is detected by the detection unit 3, the control unit 4 transmits a detection message indicating that the passage of the vehicle has been detected to the management terminal device 200 shown in FIG. 1 through the communication unit 5.

[0029] By receiving the detection message, the management terminal device 200 can realize processing related to the inbound and outbound management in the parking lot, such as performing desired notification processing or desired statistical processing, and can provide an apparatus or system suitable for each user. In other words, by having a communication function, it can have expandability to meet the various demands of users and can add various functions.

[0030] <Functions and Operations of the Management Terminal Device 200> Hereinafter, the addition of functions realized by the management terminal device 200 will be specifically exemplified. (Inbound / Outbound Notification Function) As an inbound / outbound notification function, when the management terminal device 200 receives a detection message indicating that a vehicle has been detected from the information display device 100, it notifies the administrator visually or by voice that the vehicle has entered or exited.

[0031] Thereby, the administrator can remotely grasp that there has been an inbound or outbound of the vehicle. Therefore, in the case of inbound, corresponding measures such as making preparations for receiving customers in advance can be taken.

[0032] (Parking Space Number Confirmation Function) In addition, the management terminal device 200 can also derive the current number of vehicles parked in the parking lot based on the detection message transmitted from the information display device 100.

[0033] Specifically, when the management terminal device 200 receives a detection message from the information display device 100 indicating that a vehicle traveling in the entrance direction has been detected, it increments the counter it holds by one. On the other hand, when the management terminal device 200 receives a detection message from the information display device 100 indicating that a vehicle traveling in the exit direction has been detected, it decrements the counter by one.

[0034] Thereby, the management terminal device 200 can derive the current number of vehicles parked in the parking lot by referring to the current value of the counter.

[0035] Even when the information display device 100 is configured with two units installed at the entrance and the exit of the parking lot respectively, the management terminal device 200 can derive the number of vehicles parked in the parking lot by the same method. That is, when the management terminal device 200 receives a detection message from the information display device 100 at the entrance, it increments the counter by one. On the other hand, when the management terminal device 200 receives a detection message from the information display device 100 at the exit, it decrements the counter by one.

[0036] In this way, the management terminal device 200 can derive the current number of vehicles parked in the parking lot by using the information display device 100.

[0037] (Congestion status notification function) In addition, the management terminal device 200 can also notify the current congestion status of the parking lot.

[0038] In this case, the management terminal device 200 calculates the ratio between the current number of vehicles in the parking lot derived as described above and the maximum number that can be accommodated. Then, based on this ratio, the management terminal device 200 classifies the current congestion level into "empty" or "full" and displays it on the monitor.

[0039] (Statistical data collection function) In addition, the management terminal device 200 can also be equipped with a statistical data collection function related to vehicle entry and exit.

[0040] In this case, the management terminal device 200 accumulates the number of vehicles derived as described above in association with each time period. As a result, the management terminal device 200 can obtain statistical data related to the use of the parking lot.

[0041] By using this statistical data, the administrator can grasp the time periods with a large number of users, the days of the week with a large number of users, etc., and can analyze the trend of the number of users.

[0042] In this way, by providing the information display device 100 with a communication function and having a mechanism to obtain information indicating that a vehicle has been detected from the information display device 100, in addition to the notification for attracting attention in the parking lot, various functions as described above can be added.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment, an information display device 100 having an integrated configuration with a communication function can be realized. As a result, it is possible to provide an information display device 100 and a parking lot management system 500 that can be easily installed in various locations and to which various functions can be easily added.

[0044] Second Embodiment. In the above first embodiment, a configuration in which the management terminal device 200, that is, a management personal computer, is used as an external device has been described. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the external device is the information display device 100, that is, a configuration in which a plurality of information display devices 100 are provided and made to cooperate with each other will be described.

[0045] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system 500 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The parking lot management system 500 according to Embodiment 2 has a configuration in which at least two information display devices 100 are provided and these are linked by a communication function as shown in Figure 4.

[0046] Here, as an example, a mode will be described in which information display devices 100 are respectively installed at two locations, an exit and an entrance of a parking lot, to manage the current congestion situation of the parking lot. Also, here, the information display device 100 provided at the exit will be described as the first information display device 100A, and the information display device 100 provided at the entrance separately from the first information display device 100A will be described as the second information display device 100B.

[0047] The first information display device 100A includes, as a display unit 2, a warning lamp that rotates and lights up when a vehicle exits, a detection unit 3 that detects an exiting vehicle, and a communication unit 5 that transmits the detection result to the second information display device.

[0048] The second information display device 100B includes, as a display unit 2, an electroluminescent display panel that displays characters such as "empty" or "full" indicating the current congestion situation of the parking lot, a detection unit 3 that detects an entering vehicle, and a communication unit 5 that receives the detection result from the first information display device.

[0049] The second information display device 100B performs a count of the number of vehicles according to the detection result. When the second information display device 100B itself detects an entering vehicle, the value of the counter is incremented by one, and when it receives a detection message about an exiting vehicle from the first information display device 100A, the value of the counter is decremented by one.

[0050] The second information display device 100B can grasp the congestion situation of the parking lot by checking the value of this counter. That is, when it receives a detection message from the first information display device 100A, it can switch the display such as "empty" or "full" based on the detection message.

[0051] As a result, without going through a device that controls a plurality of information display devices 100 in a controlled manner, it is possible to perform full / empty display on the incoming side and display for alerting on the outgoing side.

[0052] <Application Examples of Embodiments 1 and 2> In stores such as convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and gas stations facing the road, an existing signboard 60 as shown in FIG. 5, for example, is installed at a position visible to passers-by and passing vehicles.

[0053] By retrofitting and adding the above-described detection unit 3, control unit 4, and communication unit 5 inside the display surface 61 of such a signboard 60, part or all of the aspects described in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be performed.

[0054] Also, the display surface 61 of the signboard 60 may be provided with the function of the above-described display unit 2.

[0055] In addition to such existing signboards, existing curve mirrors, parking poles, etc. may be provided with the detection unit 3, control unit 4, and communication unit 5.

[0056] Also, by preparing a device that houses the detection unit 3, control unit 4, and communication unit 5 together, it becomes possible to easily install it retroactively inside or outside various existing facilities.

[0057] Comprehensively summarizing each aspect described in the above Embodiments 1 and 2 and referring to other alternative configuration examples, it is as follows.

[0058] In each embodiment, the information display device 100 is characterized in that a detection unit 3 that detects the passage of a vehicle, a control unit 4 that receives a signal from the detection unit 3 and controls this device, a display unit 2 that displays information according to a signal from the control unit 4, and a communication unit 5 that connects external devices such as a plurality of devices and a management terminal device 200 are integrated in the same housing. Thereby, if there is an installation space and a power supply, the information display device 100 can be installed in various places.

[0059] In addition, by using the communication function of the information display device 100, it is possible to provide a parking lot management system 500 that can add various functions.

[0060] Also, as one aspect, the information display device 100 can be used as a single unit without using the communication unit 5. For example, installed at the exit of a parking lot, it can detect outgoing vehicles from the parking lot and turn on a rotating light to notify pedestrians and vehicles passing on the front road of the approach of the vehicle.

[0061] The installation position of the information display device 100 is not limited to the entrance and exit of the parking lot. For example, the information display device 100 may be provided at a location with poor visibility such as an intersection or a merging point within the parking lot. Also, not only within the parking lot, but if possible, it may be installed on a public road, or may be installed within the premises of a logistics facility, a factory, etc.

[0062] Also, by dotting the information display devices 100 within a place such as a parking lot, it is possible to form a network that mutually detects and notifies vehicles via the communication unit 5. Thereby, it is also possible to perform full / empty display for each area within the place, or display the congestion status of other areas by communication.

[0063] Also, in each embodiment, mainly vehicles are the detection targets, but people may also be the detection targets. That is, when the control unit 4 detects the passage of a person or a vehicle by the detection unit 3, it can transmit a detection message to the outside through the communication unit 5.

[0064] Also, according to the detection target, the display content on the display unit 2 and the processing content in the control unit 4 may be made variable. For example, by utilizing the detection unit 3 as a human sensor, it is also possible to realize lighting up the display unit 2 when a person is detected.

[0065] As an application example of detecting a person in this way, by installing the information display device 100 at a crosswalk, it is possible to detect pedestrians and alert passing vehicles.

[0066] Also, a camera as the detection unit 3 may be used to obtain a vehicle number, and display and control may be performed according to the vehicle number. By using this as statistical data, more advanced data utilization becomes possible.

[0067] The shape of the housing 1 is not limited, and the installation height may be changed according to the characteristics of the detection unit 3. For example, when a camera is adopted as the detection unit 3, it may be installed above the display unit 2, and when a laser is adopted, it may be installed below the display unit 2. Also, the sensors can be freely selected according to the installation environment and the detection target.

[0068] In addition, the detection unit 3 and the display unit 2 may be exposed, or may be concealed with a magic mirror, resin, etc.

[0069] In the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the housing of the information display device including the display unit, the detection unit, the control unit, and the communication unit has been specifically described. However, such a configuration is merely an example, and the information display device according to the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and other devices may be incorporated inside and outside the housing.

[0070] For example, by providing a power supply unit such as a battery and a solar panel, or providing a movable part such as casters, it can be utilized in a temporary parking lot, etc. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a configuration including the acoustic unit 14 may be set as the standard configuration of the information display device.

[0071] As described above, according to each embodiment, it is possible to provide the information display device 100 and the parking lot management system 500 having high constructability that can be installed in various places and expandability that can be introduced regardless of whether it is during or after installation without assuming a large-scale system and with the addition of various functions.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1 housing, 2 display unit, 3 detection unit, 4 control unit, 5 communication unit, 11 notch, 14 acoustic unit, 60 signboard, 61 display surface, 100 information display device, 100A first information display device, 100B second information display device (external device), 200 management terminal device (external device), 500 parking lot management system.

Claims

1. An information display device that displays information to the surroundings, A housing and A display unit that displays the information; A detection unit that detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person; a control unit that changes the content of the information displayed by the display unit when the detection unit detects an approach of a vehicle or a passage of a person; Equipped with The display unit, the detection unit, and the control unit are integrally configured by the housing. Information display device.

2. An information display device that displays information to the surroundings, A housing and A display unit that displays the information; A detection unit that detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person; A communication unit for communicating with the outside; a control unit that, when the detection unit detects the approach of a vehicle or the passage of a person, changes the content of the information displayed by the display unit and transmits, via the communication unit, to an outside device, a detection message indicating that the passage of a person or a vehicle has been detected; Equipped with The display unit, the detection unit, the communication unit, and the control unit are integrally configured by the housing. Information display device.

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