Control device and guidance method

Abstract

To ease congestion in a parking lot.SOLUTION: A control device includes a control unit that is configured to: detect a vehicle entering a parking lot 50 as an entering vehicle 12; detect moving objects which are present in a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot 50 and which are different from a parked vehicle 14; select a parking area where the entering vehicle 12 is allowed to be parked, from among a plurality of parking areas according to the number of moving objects per parking area, and guides the entering vehicle 12 to the selected parking area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a guidance method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device that is mounted on a vehicle, estimates the possibility of a parked vehicle in each area of ​​the parking lot being able to exit the parking lot, sets the area with the highest exit possibility as an area suitable for waiting to park, and outputs information regarding the set area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-070585 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With conventional technology, there is a risk of vehicles concentrating in convenient parking areas, such as near store entrances and exits, causing congestion.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to alleviate congestion in parking lots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device according to the present disclosure includes: The parking lot is equipped with a control unit that detects a vehicle entering the parking lot as an entering vehicle, detects moving objects other than parked vehicles that are present in multiple parking areas within the parking lot, selects a parking area from the multiple parking areas in which to park the entering vehicle according to the number of moving objects in each parking area, and guides the entering vehicle to the selected parking area.

[0007] The induction method according to the present disclosure includes: Detecting a vehicle entering the parking lot as an entering vehicle by a control unit; Detecting, by the control unit, moving objects other than parked vehicles that are present in a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot; selecting, by the control unit, a parking area in which the entering vehicle is to be parked from among the plurality of parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area; guiding the entering vehicle to the selected parking area by the control unit; Includes. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, congestion in parking lots can be alleviated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parking lot. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

[0013] The control device 20 detects a vehicle entering the parking lot 50 as an entering vehicle 12. The control device 20 detects moving objects other than parked vehicles 14 that are present in multiple parking areas in the parking lot 50. The control device 20 selects a parking area in which to park the entering vehicle 12 from among the multiple parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area. The control device 20 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the selected parking area.

[0014] According to this embodiment, it is possible to guide the entering vehicle 12 to a parking area where there are fewer moving objects that may be a factor in impeding movement. Therefore, congestion in the parking lot 50 can be alleviated.

[0015] 2, the control device 20 detects a vehicle passing through an entrance gate 52 of the parking lot 50 as an entering vehicle 12. The control device 20 may detect a vehicle passing through an exit gate 53 of the parking lot 50 as an exiting vehicle 13.

[0016] Parking lot 50 has eight parking areas as its multiple parking areas. Of these eight parking areas, parking areas A2 and A5 are located near one of two store entrances 51 of parking lot 50. Parking areas A1, A3, and A6 are relatively close to one of the two store entrances 51. Parking areas A4 and A7 are relatively far from one of the two store entrances 51 and also far from the other. Parking area A8 is located far away from both of the two store entrances 51. The number and arrangement of parking areas, as well as the shape and size of each parking area, may be changed as appropriate.

[0017] The control device 20 may detect parked vehicles 14 present in the parking areas A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8. The number of parked vehicles 14 corresponding to each of the parking areas A1, A2, A3, A5, and A7 at the time Ti when the entering vehicle 12 passes through the entrance gate 52 is 10. Each of the parking areas A1, A2, A3, A5, and A7 has parking spaces 54 for 10 vehicles. That is, at the time Ti, all of the parking spaces 54 in the parking areas A1, A2, A3, A5, and A7 are filled. The number of parked vehicles 14 corresponding to the parking area A4 at the time Ti is 5. The parking area A4 has parking spaces 54 for 5 vehicles. That is, at the time Ti, all of the parking spaces 54 in the parking area A4 are filled. The number of parked vehicles 14 corresponding to the parking area A6 at the time Ti is 9. The parking area A6 has parking spaces 54 for 10 vehicles. That is, at time Ti, parking area A6 has only one vacant parking space 55, and all remaining parking spaces 54 are filled. The number of parked vehicles 14 corresponding to parking area A8 at time Ti is 4. Parking area A8 has five parking spaces 54. That is, at time Ti, parking area A8 has only one vacant parking space 56, and all remaining parking spaces 54 are filled.

[0018] The control device 20 detects unparked vehicles 17 in the parking areas A1, A2, A3, A5, and A6, and pedestrians 18 in the parking areas A3 and A7, as moving objects different from parked vehicles 14. The number of moving objects corresponding to each of the parking areas A1, A6, and A7 at time point Ti is 1. The number of moving objects corresponding to each of the parking areas A2, A3, and A5 at time point Ti is 2. The number of moving objects corresponding to each of the parking areas A4 and A8 at time point Ti is 0.

[0019] The number of parked vehicles 14 in each parking area and the number of moving objects in each parking area both change from moment to moment. For example, if an unparked vehicle 17 in parking area A6 is parked in parking space 55 after a vehicle 15 that was parked until just before time Ti leaves the parking space 55, the number of parked vehicles 14 corresponding to parking area A6 becomes 10, and the number of moving objects corresponding to parking area A6 becomes 0.

[0020] The control device 20 selects a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked from among the eight parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area. A specific selection method will be described later. As an example, if the parking area A8, which is one of the parking areas with the smallest number of corresponding moving objects, is selected, the control device 20 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the parking area A8. Specifically, the control device 20 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the parking space 56 by displaying an optimal route 59 to an available parking space 56 in the parking area A8 on the navigation device 30 mounted on the entering vehicle 12. Alternatively, the control device 20 may guide the entering vehicle 12 to the parking space 56 by displaying a signal indicating the optimal route 59 on a signal device installed in the parking lot 50.

[0021] According to this example, vehicles are less likely to concentrate in highly convenient parking areas, such as near the store entrance / exit 51. As a result, congestion in the parking lot 50 is more easily alleviated.

[0022] The configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes a control device 20 and a navigation device 30. The control device 20 is capable of communicating with the navigation device 30 via a network 40.

[0024] The control device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center, etc. The control device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0025] The navigation device 30 is mounted on the approaching vehicle 12 and is used by the user 11 who is driving the approaching vehicle 12. The navigation device 30 may be a dedicated navigation device, or may be a general-purpose device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet on which a navigation application is installed.

[0026] The approaching vehicle 12 is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the approaching vehicle 12 is driven by a driver, but the driving may be automated at any level. The level of automation is, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The approaching vehicle 12 may be a MaaS-only vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0027] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0028] The configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0030] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the control unit 20 while controlling each part of the control unit 20.

[0031] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0032] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 communicates with a navigation device 30 mounted on the approaching vehicle 12. The communication unit 23 may communicate with a signaling device installed in the parking lot 50. The communication unit 23 may communicate with a sensor group installed in the parking lot 50, or a sensor group mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50, such as a parked vehicle 14 or an unparked vehicle 17. The sensor group includes one or more cameras, one or more LiDARs, or any combination thereof. "LiDAR" is an abbreviation for light detection and ranging. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the control device 20, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0033] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0034] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0035] A computer temporarily stores in a main storage device, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer, and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of defining computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

[0036] A part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0037] The operation of the system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. This operation corresponds to the guiding method according to the present embodiment.

[0038] In step S101, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects a vehicle entering the parking lot 50 as an entering vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires an image of the vicinity of the entrance of the parking lot 50 obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 detects the entering vehicle 12 by analyzing the acquired image. A known method can be used as a method of image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 detects a vehicle passing through the entrance gate 52 of the parking lot 50 as the entering vehicle 12.

[0039] In step S102, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects a moving object other than the parked vehicle 14 that exists in a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot 50. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires images of each parking area obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 identifies the number of moving objects in each parking area by analyzing the acquired images. A known method can be used for the image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may be used. The control unit 21 may include only one of the number of unparked vehicles 17 existing in each parking area and the number of pedestrians 18 existing in each parking area in the number of moving objects in each parking area, but in this embodiment, both are included. As a modified example of this embodiment, the control unit 21 may include the number of AGVs or delivery robots for carrying luggage, the number of mobility for walking areas such as electric kickboards or electric scooters, or both of these in the number of moving objects in each parking area. "AGV" is an abbreviation for automated guided vehicle. The AGV or delivery robot, or mobility for the walking area may be rented in the parking lot 50. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 detects one unparked vehicle 17 present in each of the parking areas A1 and A6. As a result, the control unit 21 specifies the number of moving bodies corresponding to each of the parking areas A1 and A6 as "1". The control unit 21 detects two unparked vehicles 17 present in each of the parking areas A2 and A5. As a result, the control unit 21 specifies the number of moving bodies corresponding to each of the parking areas A2 and A5 as "2". The control unit 21 detects one unparked vehicle 17 and one pedestrian 18 present in the parking area A3. As a result, the control unit 21 specifies the number of moving bodies corresponding to the parking area A3 as "2". The control unit 21 does not detect any moving bodies other than the parked vehicle 14 from the parking areas A4 and A8. As a result, the control unit 21 specifies the number of moving bodies corresponding to each of the parking areas A4 and A8 as "0". The control unit 21 detects one pedestrian 18 present in the parking area A7. As a result, the control unit 21 determines the number of moving objects corresponding to the parking area A7 to be "1".

[0040] In step S103, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 selects a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked from among the multiple parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area detected in step S102. Specifically, the control unit 21 selects a parking area in which the number of corresponding moving objects is smaller than at least one other parking area as a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking areas A2 and A5 each have the largest number of corresponding moving objects. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects a parking area other than the parking areas A2 and A5, that is, any one of the parking areas A1, A3, A4, A6, A7, and A8. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may select a parking area in which the number of corresponding moving objects is the smallest as a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking areas A4 and A8 each have the smallest number of corresponding moving objects. Therefore, the control unit 21 may select any one of the parking areas A4 and A8. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may select a parking area with a corresponding number of moving objects of 0 as a parking area in which to park the entering vehicle 12. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the parking areas A4 and A8 each have a corresponding number of moving objects of 0. Therefore, the control unit 21 may select one of the parking areas A4 and A8.

[0041] A parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked may be selected from among a plurality of parking areas depending not only on the number of moving bodies in each parking area but also on whether each parking area has already been allocated. In such a modified example, when the entering vehicle 12 enters the parking lot 50, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 has already selected a parking area in which a vehicle that has entered the parking lot 50 is to be parked, and if the entered vehicle has not yet reached the selected parking area, the control unit 21 selects a parking area other than the selected parking area as a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. Suppose that in the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking area A8 has been allocated to a vehicle that has entered the parking lot 50 before the entering vehicle 12, and this vehicle has not yet reached the parking area A8 at the time point Ti. In this case, the control unit 21 selects a parking area other than the parking area A8.

[0042] A parking area in which the approaching vehicle 12 is to be parked may be selected from among the multiple parking areas according to the vacancy status of each parking area as well as the number of moving objects in each parking area. In such a modified example, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the parked vehicles 14 present in the multiple parking areas and specifies the vacancy status of each parking area. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires images of each parking area obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the acquired images to specify the vacancy status of each parking area. As a method for image analysis, a known method can be used. Machine learning such as deep learning may be used. The control unit 21 selects a parking area in which the number of corresponding moving objects is smaller than at least one other parking area and in which at least one parking space 54 is vacant as a parking area in which the approaching vehicle 12 is to be parked. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking space 55 in the parking area A6 and the parking space 56 in the parking area A8 are vacant. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects one of the parking areas A6 and A8. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may select a parking area with the smallest number of corresponding moving bodies and at least one parking space 54 available as a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking area A8 has the smallest number of corresponding moving bodies among the parking areas A6 and A8. Therefore, the control unit 21 may select the parking area A8. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may select a parking area with 0 corresponding moving bodies and at least one parking space 54 available as a parking area in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the parking area A8 has 0 corresponding moving bodies among the parking areas A6 and A8. Therefore, the control unit 21 may select the parking area A8.

[0043] The vacancy status of each parking area may be notified to the entering vehicle 12. In such a modified example, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects parked vehicles 14 present in a plurality of parking areas and notifies the entering vehicle 12 of the vacancy status of each parking area. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires images of each parking area obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 identifies the vacancy status of each parking area by analyzing the acquired images. The control unit 21 notifies the user 11 of the vacancy status of each parking area via the communication unit 23 by causing the navigation device 30 to display the vacancy status of each parking area, such as "full," "crowded," or "vacant."

[0044] In step S104, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the parking area selected in step S103. Specifically, the control unit 21 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the selected parking area by displaying a route to the selected parking area on the navigation device 30 via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may guide the entering vehicle 12 to the selected parking area by displaying a signal indicating the route to the selected parking area on a signal device installed in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. In the example shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the parking area A8 is selected, and an empty parking space 56 in the parking area A8 is further selected as the parking space 54 in which the entering vehicle 12 is to be parked. In this case, the control unit 21 searches for an optimal route 59 from the entrance gate 52 to the parking space 56. A known method can be used as a method of route search. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used. The control unit 21 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit data indicating the optimal route 59. The communication unit 23 transmits data indicating the optimum route 59 to the navigation device 30. The navigation device 30 receives the data transmitted from the control device 20. The navigation device 30 displays the optimum route 59 indicated by the received data on a navigation screen. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may cause the communication unit 23 to transmit data specifying the timing to display a signal indicating the optimum route 59, such as an arrow signal. The communication unit 23 may transmit data specifying the timing to display the signal to a signal equipment. The signal equipment may receive the data transmitted from the control device 20. The signal equipment may display a signal indicating the optimum route 59 at the timing specified in the received data.

[0045] In step S105, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 determines whether the entering vehicle 12 has reached the parking area selected in step S103. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires an image of the selected parking area obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the acquired image to determine whether the entering vehicle 12 has reached the selected parking area. A known method can be used as a method of image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may acquire position information obtained by a GNSS receiver mounted on the navigation device 30 or the entering vehicle 12 via the communication unit 23. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. GNSS is, for example, GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, or Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System. The control unit 21 may refer to the acquired position information to determine whether the entering vehicle 12 has already arrived at the selected parking area. In the example shown in FIG. 2, if the parking space 56 is selected, the control unit 21 may further determine whether the entering vehicle 12 has already parked in the parking space 56. If it is determined that the entering vehicle 12 has not yet arrived, the processing of step S104 continues. If it is determined that the entering vehicle 12 has already arrived, the flow of FIG. 4 ends.

[0046] In this embodiment, since the above-mentioned operation is performed, it is possible to guide the entering vehicle 12 to a parking area with a small number of moving objects that may be a factor in impeding movement. Therefore, congestion in the parking lot 50 can be alleviated.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 5, a modification of the operation shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0048] The processing from step S201 to step S203 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S103 in FIG. 4, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In step S204, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 guides the entering vehicle 12 to the parking area selected in step S203, as in step S104 of Fig. 4, and tracks the entering vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires images of each parking area obtained by a group of sensors installed in the parking lot 50 or a group of sensors mounted on a vehicle in the parking lot 50, via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 tracks the entering vehicle 12 by analyzing the acquired images. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may acquire position information obtained by the navigation device 30 or a GNSS receiver mounted on the entering vehicle 12, via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 may track the entering vehicle 12 by referring to the acquired position information.

[0050] The process of step S205 is the same as the process of step S105 in Fig. 4, and therefore the description will be omitted. If it is determined in step S205 that the entering vehicle 12 has not yet arrived, the process of step S206 is executed. If it is determined that the entering vehicle 12 has already arrived, the flow of Fig. 5 ends.

[0051] In step S206, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 judges whether there is a sign that the entering vehicle 12 will be parked in a parking area different from the parking area selected in step S103. Specifically, the control unit 21 judges whether the entering vehicle 12 is gradually moving away from the selected parking area. If it is judged by the control unit 21 that the entering vehicle 12 is gradually moving away from the parking area selected, the process of step S207 is executed. If it is judged by the control unit 21 that the entering vehicle 12 has not moved away from the parking area selected, the process of step S204 is continued. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may judge whether the entering vehicle 12 has deviated from the route to the selected parking area. If it is judged by the control unit 21 that the entering vehicle 12 has deviated from the route to the parking area selected, the process of step S207 may be executed. If it is judged that the entering vehicle 12 has not deviated from the route to the parking area selected by the control unit 21, the process of step S204 may be continued. That is, the signs that the entering vehicle 12 will be parked in a different parking area include the entering vehicle 12 leaving the parking area selected by the control unit 21, or the entering vehicle 12 deviating from the route to the parking area selected by the control unit 21. If such signs are detected, the process of step S207 is executed. If such signs are not detected, the process of step S204 continues.

[0052] In step S207, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 issues a warning to the entering vehicle 12. That is, when the control unit 21 detects an indication that the entering vehicle 12 will be parked in a parking area different from the parking area selected in step S103, the control unit 21 issues a warning to the entering vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 causes the navigation device 30 to display a warning message via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may cause the navigation device 30 to output a warning sound via the communication unit 23.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10. System 11 users 12 Entering vehicles 13. Exiting vehicles 14 Parked Vehicles 15 Vehicles 17 Unparked vehicles 18 Pedestrians 20 Control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Navigation equipment 40 Network 50 Parking 51 Store Entrance 52 Entrance Gate 53 Exit Gate 54 Parking Spaces 55 Parking Spaces 56 Parking Spaces 59 Optimal Route

Claims

1. a control unit that detects a vehicle entering a parking lot as an entering vehicle, detects moving objects other than parked vehicles that are present in a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot, selects a parking area in which to park the entering vehicle from among the plurality of parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area, and guides the entering vehicle to the selected parking area; The control unit is a control device that includes the number of pedestrians present in each parking area in the number of moving objects in each parking area.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects a parking area having a smaller number of corresponding moving objects than at least one other parking area as the parking area in which to park the approaching vehicle.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects a parking area in which the number of corresponding moving objects is zero as the parking area in which to park the approaching vehicle.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has already selected a parking area in which to park a vehicle that has already entered the parking lot when the entering vehicle enters the parking lot, and if the entered vehicle has not yet reached the selected parking area, selects a parking area other than the selected parking area as the parking area in which to park the entering vehicle.

5. 5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit tracks the entering vehicle and warns the entering vehicle when it detects an indication that the entering vehicle will be parked in a parking area other than the selected parking area.

6. The control device of claim 5 , wherein the indication includes the entering vehicle leaving a parking area selected by the control unit.

7. The control device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the indication includes the approaching vehicle deviating from a route to a parking area selected by the control unit.

8. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes the number of unparked vehicles in each parking area in the number of moving objects in each parking area.

9. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit detects parked vehicles present in the plurality of parking areas and notifies the entering vehicle of the availability of each parking area.

10. A communication unit that communicates with a navigation device mounted on the approaching vehicle, 10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit guides the entering vehicle to the selected parking area by causing the navigation device to display a route to the selected parking area via the communication unit.

11. A communication unit that communicates with a signal device installed in the parking lot is further provided.

10. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit guides the entering vehicle to the selected parking area by causing the signal equipment to display a signal indicating a route to the selected parking area via the communication unit.

12. Detecting a vehicle entering the parking lot as an entering vehicle by a control unit; Detecting, by the control unit, moving objects other than parked vehicles that are present in a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot; selecting, by the control unit, a parking area in which the entering vehicle is to be parked from among the plurality of parking areas according to the number of moving objects in each parking area; guiding the entering vehicle to the selected parking area by the control unit; Including, The number of moving objects per parking area includes the number of pedestrians present in each parking area.

13. The guiding method according to claim 12 , wherein the selecting step includes selecting a parking area having a smaller number of corresponding moving bodies than at least one other parking area as the parking area in which to park the entering vehicle.

14. The guiding method according to claim 12 , wherein the selecting step includes selecting a parking area having a corresponding number of moving bodies of zero as the parking area in which to park the entering vehicle.

15. The guiding method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the selecting includes selecting a parking area in which a vehicle that has entered the parking lot will be parked when the entering vehicle enters the parking lot, and if the entered vehicle has not yet reached the selected parking area, selecting a parking area other than the selected parking area as the parking area in which to park the entering vehicle.

16. Tracking the entering vehicle by the control unit; When the control unit detects a sign that the approaching vehicle is going to be parked in a parking area different from the selected parking area, the control unit issues a warning to the approaching vehicle. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication includes the entering vehicle leaving a selected parking area.

18. 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the indication includes the entering vehicle deviating from a path to a selected parking area.

19. The guiding method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the number of moving objects for each parking area includes the number of unparked vehicles present in each parking area.

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