Vehicle detection device, parking lot, road and vehicle detection method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle sensing device, a parking area, a road, and a vehicle sensing method that make it possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle sensing while also conserving power. [Solution] A first sensing unit 2 that has low power consumption is caused to operate at all times and a second sensing unit 3 that has high power consumption is caused to operate only when an approaching object has been sensed by the first sensing unit 2, and the foregoing makes it possible to conserve power as compared to a configuration in which the second sensing unit 3 is caused to operate at all times. Moreover, using the second sensing unit 3, which more readily senses a vehicle, makes it possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle sensing as compared to a configuration in which only the first sensing unit 2 is caused to sense the approach of a vehicle. Specifically, it is possible both to conserve power and to improve sensing accuracy.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle detection device, a parking lot, a road, and a vehicle detection method for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a device has been proposed that detects when a vehicle has stopped and notifies residents of the residence by arranging a mat switch at the parking spot in a parking lot or garage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the device described in Patent Document 1, the presence of a vehicle is detected when the contacts of the mat switch are closed by the weight of the vehicle.

[0003] Also, a device has been proposed that uses a distance sensor to detect vehicles in a parking space in a parking lot (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the device described in Patent Document 2, a detection block having an infrared distance sensor is buried in the ground of the parking space, and detects a vehicle by measuring the distance to an object above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 2603503 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-146560 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a configuration in which a mat switch is used to detect a vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, the contacts may close when a person stands on the mat switch, resulting in a false detection. Also, in a configuration in which a distance sensor is used to detect a vehicle as described in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to handle vehicles with different minimum ground clearances, and there are cases in which the vehicle cannot be detected. Therefore, there has been a demand for a system that can accurately detect when a vehicle has entered a specified detection area.

[0006] In order to improve the detection accuracy, it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the mat switch or distance sensor, or to use a detection unit that detects other characteristic parts of the vehicle (for example, metal parts of the body, etc.). However, in order to accurately detect the timing of the vehicle's entry, it is necessary to operate a highly sensitive detection unit or a detection unit that detects metal parts at all times, which tends to increase power consumption. As such, it has been difficult to achieve both power saving in the detection unit and improvement in the vehicle detection accuracy.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle detection device, a parking lot, a road, and a vehicle detection method that can improve vehicle detection accuracy while saving power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vehicle detection device of the present invention is a vehicle detection device for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a specified detection area, and comprises a first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area, a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is easier to detect vehicles, a control unit that controls the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and a power source that supplies power to at least the second detection unit, wherein the control unit operates the first detection unit at all times, and when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, operates the second detection unit to detect whether the intruding object is a vehicle or not.

[0009] According to the present invention as described above, the first detection unit, which consumes less power, is operated at all times, and the second detection unit, which consumes more power, is operated only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit, thereby making it possible to save power compared to a configuration in which the second detection unit is operated at all times. Furthermore, by using the second detection unit, which is more likely to detect a vehicle, it is possible to improve the vehicle detection accuracy compared to a configuration in which the intrusion of a vehicle is detected only by the first detection unit. In other words, it is possible to achieve both power saving and improved detection accuracy.

[0010] In this case, in the vehicle detection device of the present invention, the second detection unit may have at least one of a metal detection means for detecting a metal part of the intruding object based on a change in a surrounding magnetic field, a distance measurement means for measuring a distance to the intruding object by transmitting and receiving light or sound waves, a weight measurement means for measuring a weight of the intruding object, and an imaging means for imaging the detection area. That is, the detection method of the second detection unit may be appropriately selected depending on the location where the vehicle detection device is installed, the vehicle type to be detected, the required reliability, etc.

[0011] In the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the second detection unit detects the presence of the intrusion at a height corresponding to the wheel part of the vehicle to detect whether the intrusion is a vehicle or not. With this configuration, since the position of the wheel part is unlikely to change depending on the vehicle model, it is possible to detect vehicles with different minimum ground clearances.

[0012] In addition, the vehicle detection device of the present invention preferably further includes an output unit for outputting information on the detection of the entry of a vehicle to the outside. With this configuration, a user can know that a vehicle has entered the detection area at a location where a receiving unit for receiving information output from the output unit is provided. For example, in a case where the detection area is set in a parking lot and the receiving unit is provided in a house, a user in the house can know that a vehicle has entered the parking lot.

[0013] In the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first detection unit detects the presence of the intruding object by a load applied by the intruding object. With such a configuration, it is easy to reduce the power consumption of the first detection unit. For example, if the first detection unit is configured so that the load closes the contacts to pass electricity, there is no need to supply power all the time.

[0014] In the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first detection unit is laid on a road surface in the detection area. With such a configuration, there is no need to perform wiring work underground, and the vehicle detection device can be easily installed.

[0015] In addition, a parking lot of the present invention is characterized in that it includes any one of the vehicle detection devices described above, and the detection area is set in the parking space. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space with low power consumption.

[0016] The parking lot of the present invention is characterized in that it includes the above vehicle detection device having the first detection unit that detects the presence of an entering object by the load applied by the entering object, the detection area is set in a rectangular parking space, and the first detection unit is arranged in a central area when the parking space is divided into three equal parts in the long side direction. According to the present invention, since the first detection unit is arranged in the central area, a load is applied to the first detection unit while the vehicle is entering, and the load is unlikely to be applied to the first detection unit when the entry is completed. This shortens the time that the load is applied to the first detection unit, and deterioration due to the load can be suppressed. For example, when a vehicle having front and rear wheels enters a rectangular parking space, the front and rear wheels are unlikely to be located in the central area when the entry is completed, and the load is unlikely to be applied to the first detection unit.

[0017] The road of the present invention is characterized in that a vehicle detection device is provided on any of the above roads, and the detection area is set in the lane. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect when a vehicle enters a lane with low power consumption. It is also possible to detect when a vehicle has passed through the lane.

[0018] The vehicle detection method of the present invention is a vehicle detection method for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area, which uses a first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area and a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is easier to detect a vehicle, and is characterized in that the first detection unit is constantly operated, and when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, the second detection unit is operated to detect whether the intruding object is a vehicle or not. According to this invention, as with the above vehicle detection device, the first detection unit that consumes less power is constantly operated, and the second detection unit that consumes more power is operated only when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, thereby making it possible to improve vehicle detection accuracy while saving power.

[0019] In addition, in the vehicle detection method of the present invention, it is preferable to stop operation of the second detection unit when the second detection unit detects that the intrusion is a vehicle or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second detection unit was operated. With this configuration, power can be saved by stopping the operation of the second detection unit when the intrusion is detected to be a vehicle. Furthermore, by stopping the operation of the second detection unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second detection unit was operated, it is possible to prevent the second detection unit from operating more than necessary when an intrusion other than a vehicle is detected by the first detection unit, thereby saving power. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the vehicle detection device, parking lot, road, and vehicle detection method of the present invention, the first detection unit, which consumes less power, is operated at all times, and the second detection unit, which consumes more power, is operated only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit, thereby making it possible to improve vehicle detection accuracy while saving power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a vehicle detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a parking lot in which the vehicle detection device is installed. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one parking space in the parking lot. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vehicle detection device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a vehicle detection process executed by a control unit of the vehicle detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which a vehicle detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is installed on a road. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment and components having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] [First embodiment] 1 to 4, a vehicle detection device 1A of this embodiment includes a first detection unit 2, a second detection unit 3, a control unit 4, a power source 5, and an output unit 6, and is installed in a parking lot 10. The parking lot 10 is divided into a plurality of parking spaces P1 to P5, and one vehicle detection device 1A is installed in each of the parking spaces P1 to P5. In the following, the vehicle detection device 1A installed in the parking space P1 will be described, but the vehicle detection devices 1A installed in the other parking spaces P2 to P5 are assumed to have the same configuration.

[0024] The parking space P1 is formed in a rectangular shape, with white lines L formed on both sides of the short side and a wheel stopper W provided on one side of the long side. That is, a vehicle enters the parking space P1 from the other side of the long side and is parked so that the vehicle's traveling direction coincides with the long side. The detection area of ​​the vehicle detection device 1A is set in the parking space P1. The parking space P1 is partitioned on the premise that vehicles with four or more wheels (including four-wheel passenger cars and four-wheel or more freight vehicles) will be parked there.

[0025] The first detection unit 2 is a mat switch, and is laid on the road surface of the parking space P1. The first detection unit 2 is formed in a strip shape, and extends from one white line L to the center in the short side direction. In addition, when the parking space P1 is virtually divided into three equal parts in the long side direction into an entrance side area P11, a central area P12, and a wheel stop area P13, the first detection unit 2 is located in the central area P12. In addition, when the rear wheels of the vehicle are in contact with the wheel stop W, the front wheels are located in the entrance side area P11, and the rear wheels are located in the wheel stop area P13.

[0026] The first detection unit 2 is configured so that the contacts are closed when a load of a predetermined value (e.g., 100 kg) or more is applied from above. The first detection unit 2 is also configured so that current flows through the circuit only when the contacts are closed, and is capable of operating and detecting load even when power is not being supplied. Note that a deformable member that deforms against the load may be provided so that the contacts are closed only when a load of a predetermined value or more is applied. For example, a leaf spring or coil spring that deforms when a load is applied from above may be provided so that the contacts are not closed when a load less than the predetermined value is applied.

[0027] The second detection unit 3 is a geomagnetic sensor and is configured to measure the surrounding geomagnetism by receiving power from the power source 5. In other words, the second detection unit 3 is a metal detection means capable of detecting metal parts based on changes in the surrounding magnetic field. The second detection unit 3 is disposed at the tip of the first detection unit 2 (the central area P12 of the parking space P1 and the central part in the short side direction).

[0028] The control unit 4 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) equipped with memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and is responsible for the overall control of the vehicle detection device 1A.

[0029] The power source 5 is configured to supply power to each component of the vehicle detection device 1 A. The power source 5 may be provided exclusively for the vehicle detection device 1 A, or may be provided in another device (for example, a power supply device for supplying power to an electric vehicle) arranged in the parking lot 10 or its surroundings.

[0030] The output unit 6 is configured with an antenna or the like for communicating with an external device, and outputs vehicle detection information when a vehicle is detected as described below. The output unit 6 may output information to the outside by wired communication. A receiver is installed in a house or the like near the parking lot 10, and the information output from the output unit 6 is received by the receiver.

[0031] Here, the specific detection methods of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 will be explained while comparing the two. First, when a vehicle enters the parking space P1, the tires step on the first detection unit 2 laid on the road surface, applying a load to the first detection unit 2. This closes the contacts in the first detection unit 2, and the entering object is detected. However, for example, a pedestrian or the like may step on the first detection unit 2, closing the contacts, and even if an entering object is detected by the first detection unit 2, this entering object is not necessarily a vehicle.

[0032] In addition, the geomagnetism around the second detection unit 3 differs between a state where a vehicle has entered (parked) the parking space P1 and a state where no vehicle is present in the parking space P1. That is, the geomagnetism around the second detection unit 3 changes due to the presence of metal parts constituting the vehicle. A vehicle that has entered the parking space P1 can be detected by measuring the amount of change in the geomagnetism with the second detection unit 3. That is, when the amount of change in the geomagnetism becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle is detected. When an object other than a vehicle is present in the parking space P1, the amount of change in the geomagnetism is not as large as when a vehicle is present, and the object other than a vehicle is less likely to be erroneously detected as a vehicle.

[0033] In this way, the second detection unit 3 is easier to detect vehicles than the first detection unit 2. On the other hand, the first detection unit 2 can detect an entering object even when power is not being supplied, whereas the second detection unit 3 requires a power supply during detection, and therefore consumes more power than the first detection unit 2.

[0034] Next, an example of the vehicle detection process executed by the control unit 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control unit 4 may execute the vehicle detection process, for example, when the vehicle leaves the parking space P1.

[0035] The control unit 4 first repeatedly determines whether or not a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been detected by the first detection unit 2 (step S1). That is, the first detection unit 2 is operated at all times. If the first detection unit 2 detects a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value (Y in step S1), the control unit 4 operates the second detection unit 3 to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetic field (step S2). Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the measured amount of change in the geomagnetic field is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S3).

[0036] If the measured change in geomagnetic field is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Y in step S3), the control unit 4 causes the output unit 6 to output detection information indicating that a vehicle has been detected (step S4), stops operation of the second detection unit 3 (step S5), and terminates the vehicle detection process.

[0037] On the other hand, if the measured change in geomagnetism is less than the threshold value (N in step S3), the control unit 4 judges whether the time elapsed since the first detection unit 2 detected a load equal to or greater than the predetermined value is equal to or greater than the timeout time (step S6). If the time elapsed is equal to or greater than the timeout time (Y in step S6), the process proceeds to step S5. If the time elapsed is less than the timeout time (N in step S6), the process returns to step S2.

[0038] In the above vehicle detection process, the control unit 4 operates the first detection unit 2 at all times, and when an intrusion object is detected by the first detection unit 2, operates the second detection unit 3 to detect whether the intrusion object is a vehicle or not, and outputs information on the detection of the intrusion of a vehicle to the outside.

[0039] In addition, since a load is applied to the first detection unit 2 when the vehicle leaves the parking space P1, if the second detection unit 3 is operated at that time to measure the change in the geomagnetism, it is possible to detect whether the vehicle has left the parking space. When the vehicle leaves the parking space, the above vehicle detection process can be executed.

[0040] In addition, the vehicle may be constantly detected without detecting the exit of the vehicle from the garage. That is, after the operation of the second detection unit 3 is stopped in step S5 in the above vehicle detection process, the process may be returned to step S1.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the following effects are obtained. That is, by constantly operating the first detection unit 2, which consumes less power, and only operating the second detection unit 3, which consumes more power, when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit 2, it is possible to save power compared to a configuration in which the second detection unit 3 operates constantly. Furthermore, by using the second detection unit 3, which is easy to detect vehicles, it is possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle detection compared to a configuration in which the intrusion of a vehicle is detected only by the first detection unit 2. That is, it is possible to achieve both power saving and improved detection accuracy.

[0042] Furthermore, by outputting information on the detection of the entry of a vehicle to the outside by the output unit 6, a user can be informed that a vehicle has entered the parking space P1 at a location where the receiving unit is provided.

[0043] Furthermore, since the first detection unit 2 detects the presence of an entering object by closing the contacts when a load is applied, it is not necessary to supply power constantly, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0044] In addition, since the first detection unit 2 is laid on the road surface, there is no need to perform wiring work underground, and the vehicle detection device 1A can be easily installed. This allows the vehicle detection device 1A to be retrofitted to, for example, a parking lot that does not have a vehicle detection function.

[0045] In addition, since the first detection unit 2 is disposed in the central region P12 of the parking space P1, a load is applied to the first detection unit 2 while the vehicle is entering the parking space, and the load is not likely to be applied to the first detection unit 2 when the vehicle has completed entering the parking space. This shortens the time that the load is applied to the first detection unit 2, and suppresses deterioration due to the load.

[0046] Moreover, when it is detected that the intruding object is a vehicle, the operation of the second detection unit 3 is stopped, thereby making it possible to save power. Moreover, by stopping the operation of the second detection unit 3 when a timeout time has elapsed since the operation of the second detection unit 3, it is possible to prevent the second detection unit 3 from operating more than necessary when the first detection unit 2 detects an intruding object other than a vehicle, thereby making it possible to save power.

[0047] [Second embodiment] The vehicle detection device 1B of this embodiment differs from the vehicle detection device 1A of the first embodiment in that it is installed on a road 20 as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the vehicle detection device 1B is installed so as to detect a vehicle entering and passing through a predetermined area in a lane LN of the road 20 as a detection area. The road 20 shown in Fig. 6 has two lanes, and the vehicle detection device 1B is illustrated as being installed in one lane LN, but the vehicle detection device 1B may also be installed in the other lane. In Fig. 6, the vehicle travel direction is from bottom to top as an example.

[0048] The first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 are preferably installed on the road surface of the traffic lane LN.

[0049] The detection method of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The speed of a vehicle traveling in the lane LN is likely to be higher than the speed of a vehicle attempting to park. Therefore, the detection method of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 may be appropriately selected so as to be able to detect a traveling vehicle.

[0050] The vehicle detection device 1B may execute the same process as the vehicle detection process of the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 4 operates the first detection unit 2 at all times, and when the first detection unit 2 detects an intrusion, operates the second detection unit 3 to detect whether the intrusion is a vehicle or not, and outputs information on the detection of the intrusion of a vehicle to the outside.

[0051] According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2, which consumes less power, is operated at all times, and the second detection unit 3, which consumes more power, is operated only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit 2, thereby making it possible to achieve both power savings and improved detection accuracy.

[0052] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.

[0053] For example, in the first embodiment, the second detection unit 3 is a geomagnetic sensor serving as a metal detection means, but the second detection unit may be another type of metal detection means. An example of another type of metal detection means is a coil (so-called loop coil). The second detection unit may be a distance measurement means that measures the distance to the intruding object by transmitting and receiving light or sound waves, a weight measurement means that measures the weight of the intruding object, or an imaging means that images the detection area. The second detection unit may be an appropriate combination of a metal detection unit, a distance measurement means, a weight measurement means, and an imaging means.

[0054] When a distance measuring means is used as the second detection unit, for example, the distance measuring means may be buried in the ground or laid on the road surface, and the distance may be measured based on the time difference or phase difference between the transmitted wave and the received wave, and whether or not the entering object is a vehicle may be detected based on this measured distance.

[0055] The second detection unit may be arranged to detect the presence of an intruding object at a height equivalent to the wheel portion of the vehicle, and may be configured to detect the wheel portion. The wheel portion includes the wheels and tires. With this configuration, the position (especially the height) of the wheels is unlikely to change depending on the vehicle model, so that detection can be performed for vehicles with different minimum ground clearances.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the vehicle detection device 1A includes an output unit, but the vehicle detection device may include an output unit according to its purpose, and may not include an output unit. For example, when the vehicle detection device is installed in a parking lot (a so-called pay parking lot) where parking fees are calculated according to parking time, information on the detection of a vehicle is used for fee calculation and does not need to be output to the outside.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2 is a mat switch that detects the presence of an intruding object by a load, but the first detection unit may be another device (e.g., a piezoelectric element) that detects the presence of an intruding object by a load. The first detection unit may also detect the presence of an intruding object by another method, for example, by transmitting and receiving weak light or sound waves. In this case, the first detection unit may be one that consumes less power than the second detection unit.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 are provided in the central area P12 of the parking space P1, but the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in other areas of the parking space. For example, if it is desired to detect a vehicle before parking is completed, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in the entrance side area P11, and if it is desired to detect a vehicle after parking is completed, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in the wheel stop area P13. Also, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in different areas.

[0059] In addition, the best configurations and methods for implementing the present invention are disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention has been mainly illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, but those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above-described embodiments in terms of shape, material, quantity, and other detailed configurations without departing from the scope of the technical idea and purpose of the present invention. Therefore, the descriptions limiting the shapes, materials, etc. disclosed above are illustrative descriptions for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention, and therefore descriptions of the names of components that are free of some or all of the limitations on the shapes, materials, etc. are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1A, 1B Vehicle detection device 2 First detection section 3. Second detection section 4. Control section 5 Power supply 6 Output section 10. Parking P1~P5 Parking spaces 20 road LN Traffic lane

Claims

1. A vehicle detection device for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area, A first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area; a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is more likely to detect a vehicle; A control unit that controls the first detection unit and the second detection unit; a power source that supplies power to at least the second detection unit, the second detection unit is a geomagnetic sensor which is a metal detection means for detecting a metal portion of the intruding object based on a change in a surrounding magnetic field; The control unit operates the first detection unit at all times, and when the first detection unit detects the intrusion, operates the second detection unit to measure an amount of change in the geomagnetism by the second detection unit, When the amount of change in the geomagnetism becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the second detection unit is stopped. If the amount of change in the geomagnetism is less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the second detection unit was operated is equal to or greater than a timeout time; If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the timeout time, stopping the second detection unit; If the elapsed time is less than the timeout time, the second detection unit continues to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetism and determines whether the amount of change in the geomagnetism is greater than or equal to the threshold value, A vehicle detection device, characterized in that it detects whether the intruding object is a vehicle by detecting a vehicle when an amount of change in the geomagnetic field becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value.

2. The vehicle detection device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the second detection unit detects whether the intruding object is a vehicle or not by detecting the presence of the intruding object at a height equivalent to the wheel portion of the vehicle.

3. A vehicle detection device as described in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises an output unit for outputting information detected when a vehicle enters the vehicle to the outside.

4. A vehicle detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first detection unit detects the presence of the intruding object by a load being applied by the intruding object.

5. A vehicle detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that the first detection unit is laid on the road surface in the detection area.

6. A vehicle detection device comprising the vehicle detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A parking lot, characterized in that the detection area is set in a parking space.

7. A vehicle detection device comprising the vehicle detection device according to claim 4 or 5, The detection area is set in a rectangular parking space, A parking lot characterized in that the first detection unit is arranged in a central area when the parking space is divided into three equal parts in the long side direction.

8. A vehicle detection method for detecting entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area, comprising: A first detection unit that detects the presence of an intrusion in the detection area and a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is more likely to detect a vehicle are used, the second detection unit is a geomagnetic sensor which is a metal detection means for detecting a metal portion of the intruding object based on a change in a surrounding magnetic field; The first detection unit is constantly operated, and when the first detection unit detects the intrusion, the second detection unit is operated to measure an amount of change in the geomagnetism by the second detection unit, When the amount of change in the geomagnetism becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the second detection unit is stopped. If the amount of change in the geomagnetism is less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the second detection unit was operated is equal to or greater than a timeout time; If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the timeout time, stopping the second detection unit; If the elapsed time is less than the timeout time, the second detection unit continues to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetism and determines whether the amount of change in the geomagnetism is greater than or equal to the threshold value, A vehicle detection method, comprising: detecting a vehicle when an amount of change in the geomagnetic field becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value; and detecting whether the intruding object is a vehicle.

Images