Parking lot management method and parking lot management system

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in monitoring accuracy when a plurality of parking frames in a parking lot are monitored by one camera.SOLUTION: A parking lot includes a plurality of parking frames monitored by one camera. A parking management method for managing the parking lot includes parking frame allocation processing that allocates an available parking frame among the plurality of parking frames to an entering vehicle entering the parking lot. The plurality of parking frames include a priority parking frame according to the size of the entering vehicle. Even if the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, a predetermined ratio or more of the parking frames adjacent to the priority parking frame are not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from the one camera. The parking frame allocation processing includes: obtaining information about the size of the entering vehicle; recognizing the priority parking frame among the plurality of parking frames based on the size of the entering vehicle; and preferentially allocating the priority parking frame to the entering vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for managing a parking lot. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a technique for managing a parking lot that includes multiple parking spaces monitored by a single camera. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a status detection device that detects the status (full, empty) of a parking lot. The status detection device is equipped with a monitor camera that photographs the parking lot from above. The status detection device detects the status of the parking lot based on an image of the parking lot obtained by the monitor camera. Specifically, the status detection device detects whether or not a vehicle is present in each parking position by comparing the latest image with an image of an unparked parking lot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-344697 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Consider a case where a parking space in a parking lot is monitored using a camera. For example, the usage status (vacant, occupied) of the parking space is determined based on an image of the parking space captured by the camera.

[0005] In order to reduce costs, there may be a need to monitor multiple parking spaces with one camera. However, when multiple parking spaces are monitored with one camera, there is a high possibility that a part of a parking space is hidden by a parked vehicle parked in an adjacent parking space. That is, the impact of occlusion on the visibility of the parking space becomes large. Depending on the positional relationship between the parking space and one camera and the size of the parked vehicle, the visibility of the parking space may be significantly reduced. When the visibility of the parking space decreases, the monitoring accuracy of the parking space decreases. For example, when a mark provided on a vacant parking space becomes invisible to one camera due to occlusion, it may be erroneously determined that a vehicle is parked in the vacant parking space.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of suppressing a decrease in monitoring accuracy when multiple parking spaces in a parking lot are monitored by one camera. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect relates to a parking lot management method for managing a parking lot including a plurality of parking spaces monitored by one camera. The parking lot management method includes a parking space allocation process for allocating a vacant parking space from among a plurality of parking spaces to a vehicle entering the parking lot. The multiple parking spaces include priority parking spaces according to the size of the entering vehicle. Even if an entering vehicle is parked in a priority parking frame, a predetermined ratio or more of a parking frame adjacent to the priority parking frame is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from one camera. The parking space allocation process is as follows: Obtaining information regarding the size of an incoming vehicle; Recognizing a priority parking space among a plurality of parking spaces based on a size of an incoming vehicle; Priority parking slots are allocated to entering vehicles. Includes.

[0008] The second aspect relates to a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot including multiple parking spaces monitored by one camera. The parking management system comprises one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute a parking space allocation process for allocating a vacant parking space from among a plurality of parking spaces to a vehicle entering the parking lot. The multiple parking spaces include priority parking spaces according to the size of the entering vehicle. Even if an entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, a predetermined ratio or more of a parking frame adjacent to the priority parking frame is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from one camera. The parking space allocation process is as follows: Obtaining information regarding the size of an incoming vehicle; Recognizing a priority parking space among a plurality of parking spaces based on a size of an incoming vehicle; Priority parking slots are allocated to entering vehicles. Includes. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in the parking frame allocation process, a priority parking frame is preferentially allocated to an entering vehicle. When an entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, the influence of occlusion caused by the entering vehicle is suppressed below a certain level. Therefore, even in a situation where multiple parking frames are monitored by one camera, it is possible to suppress a decrease in monitoring accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a parking lot and a parking lot management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining the utilization status (vacant, in use) of a parking space. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a case where a plurality of parking spaces are monitored by one camera. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a problem. [Diagram 5] 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a priority parking frame for a first vehicle in an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a priority parking frame for a second vehicle in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a priority parking frame for a first vehicle and a priority parking frame for a second vehicle in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of setting priority levels of parking spaces in the parking space allocation process according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a parking space allocation process performed by the parking lot management system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] 1. Overview of parking lots and parking management systems FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a parking lot 1 and a parking lot management system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The parking lot 1 includes an entrance area 2, an exit area 3, an aisle 4, and a parking space 5. The entrance area 2 is an area where a vehicle 10 (entering vehicle) entering the parking lot 1 stops. The exit area 3 is an area where a vehicle 10 (exiting vehicle) leaving the parking lot 1 stops. The aisle 4 is an area in which the vehicle 10 drives. The parking space 5 is a space where the vehicle 10 is parked. For example, the parking space 5 is separated by a dividing line.

[0014] The parking lot management system 100 manages the parking lot 1. For example, the parking lot management system 100 monitors the parking lot 1 using a camera 7 installed in the parking lot 1. As another example, the parking lot management system 100 may use the camera 7 to grasp the usage status (vacant, in use) of each parking space 5. As yet another example, the parking lot management system 100 may assign an available parking space 5 to a vehicle 10 (entering vehicle) entering the parking lot 1.

[0015] The parking lot management system 100 may include a local management device provided at each parking lot 1 and a management center that manages multiple parking lots 1.

[0016] An automated valet parking (AVP) service may be provided in the parking lot 1. A case in which the automated valet parking service is provided in the parking lot 1 will be described below.

[0017] The vehicle 10 that supports automatic valet parking can automatically travel at least in the parking lot 1 without the driver's driving operation. More specifically, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a recognition sensor (e.g., a camera) for recognizing the surrounding situation. The vehicle 10 performs automatic travel in the parking lot 1 while recognizing the surrounding situation using the recognition sensor. A landmark 6 for guiding the vehicle 10 may be arranged in the parking lot 1. The vehicle 10 acquires an image of the surroundings using a camera and recognizes the landmark 6 based on the image. The vehicle 10 can estimate the position of the vehicle 10 in the parking lot 1 with high accuracy based on the recognition result of the landmark 6 (Localization). The vehicle 10 automatically travels in the parking lot 1 based on the estimated vehicle position. The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle.

[0018] The parking lot management system 100 manages automatic valet parking of vehicles 10 in a parking lot 1. The parking lot management system 100 is capable of communicating with each vehicle 10. The parking lot management system 100 is also capable of communicating with a user terminal 200 of a user of the automatic valet parking service. An example of the flow when a user uses the automatic valet parking service will be described below.

[0019] First, the user makes a reservation for automatic valet parking. For example, the user operates the user terminal 200 to input the user's ID information, the desired parking lot 1, the desired date of use, the desired time of use (scheduled entry time and scheduled departure time), etc. The user terminal 200 transmits reservation information including the input information to the parking lot management system 100. The parking lot management system 100 performs reservation processing based on the reservation information.

[0020] The entry (check-in) of the vehicle 10 into the parking lot 1 is as follows.

[0021] A vehicle 10 carrying a user arrives at and stops in the entrance area 2 of the parking lot 1. In the entrance area 2, the user gets out of the vehicle 10. The user then requests that the vehicle 10 be entered. In response to the entry request, the parking lot management system 100 authenticates the user. Once the authentication is complete, the authority to operate the vehicle 10 is transferred from the user to the parking lot management system 100. The parking lot management system 100 performs an entry process for the vehicle 10.

[0022] In the entry process, the parking lot management system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 and starts up the vehicle 10 (power ON).

[0023] Furthermore, the parking lot management system 100 refers to the usage status of each parking space 5 and allocates an available parking space 5 to the vehicle 10. Then, the parking lot management system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 and transmits an entry instruction to the vehicle 10. The entry instruction includes information on the allocated parking space 5 and map information of the parking lot 1. The parking lot management system 100 may specify a target route from the entry area 2 to the allocated parking space 5.

[0024] In response to the entry instruction, the vehicle 10 starts vehicle driving control. Specifically, the vehicle 10 automatically drives from the entry area 2 to the assigned parking space 5, and automatically parks in the assigned parking space 5. At this time, the vehicle 10 may drive along a target route designated by the parking lot management system 100. The parking lot management system 100 may communicate with the vehicle 10 and remotely control the automatic driving of the vehicle 10.

[0025] When parking is complete, the vehicle 10 notifies the parking lot management system 100 of the completion of parking. Alternatively, the parking lot management system 100 may detect that parking of the vehicle 10 is complete using an infrastructure sensor installed in the parking lot 1. After parking is complete, the parking lot management system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 and stops the operation of the vehicle 10 (power OFF).

[0026] Vehicle 10 leaves parking lot 1 (checks out) as follows.

[0027] The user uses the user terminal 200 to request the vehicle 10 to leave the parking lot. In response to the request, the parking lot management system 100 authenticates the user and performs the leaving process for the vehicle 10.

[0028] In the leaving process, the parking lot management system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 and starts up the vehicle 10 (power ON).

[0029] In addition, the parking lot management system 100 communicates with the vehicle 10 and transmits an exit instruction to the vehicle 10. The exit instruction includes the location of the exit area 3 and map information of the parking lot 1. The parking lot management system 100 may specify a target route from the parking space 5 to the exit area 3.

[0030] In response to the exit instruction, the vehicle 10 starts vehicle driving control. Specifically, the vehicle 10 automatically drives from the parking space 5 to the exit area 3. At this time, the vehicle 10 may drive along a target route specified by the parking lot management system 100. The parking lot management system 100 may communicate with the vehicle 10 and remotely control the automatic driving of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The vehicle 10 arrives at the leaving area 3 and stops there. The authority to operate the vehicle 10 is transferred from the parking lot management system 100 to the user. The user gets into the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 departs for the next destination.

[0032] 2. Parking space monitoring process The parking lot management system 100 according to this embodiment monitors each parking space 5 in the parking lot 1 by using a camera 7 installed in the parking lot 1. This process is hereinafter referred to as a "parking space monitoring process." For example, the parking space monitoring process is performed to grasp the usage status (vacant, in use) of each parking space 5. As another example, the parking space monitoring process may be performed to confirm whether the vehicle 10 has safely arrived at the assigned parking space 5. As yet another example, the parking space monitoring process is also useful for monitoring vandalism against the vehicle 10 parked in the parking space 5.

[0033] 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining the usage status of a parking space 5. The camera 7 photographs the parking space 5 and acquires an image IMG including the parking space 5. The parking lot management system 100 communicates with the camera 7 and acquires the image IMG captured by the camera 7. Then, the parking lot management system 100 determines the usage status of the parking space 5 based on the image IMG of the parking space 5.

[0034] For example, a mark 8 is provided on each parking space 5. The mark 8 is, for example, a marker drawn on the road surface. When a vehicle 10 is parked in the parking space 5, the mark 8 provided on the parking space 5 is hidden by the vehicle 10 and cannot be seen by the camera 7. Therefore, the parking lot management system 100 can determine the usage status of the parking space 5 based on whether the mark 8 is visible from the camera 7. More specifically, the parking lot management system 100 analyzes the image IMG of the parking space 5 and determines whether the image IMG includes the mark 8. When the image IMG includes the mark 8, the parking lot management system 100 determines that the parking space 5 is vacant. On the other hand, when the image IMG does not include the mark 8, the parking lot management system 100 determines that the parking space 5 is in use.

[0035] As another example, the parking lot management system 100 may hold an image IMG of an empty parking space 5 in which no vehicle 10 is parked as a reference image. In this case, the parking lot management system 100 can determine the usage status of the parking space 5 by comparing the image IMG of the parking space 5 with the reference image.

[0036] The usage status information 150 indicates the usage status (vacant, in use) of each parking space 5 in the parking lot 1. The parking lot management system 100 updates the usage status information 150 through a parking space monitoring process. Furthermore, by referring to the usage status information 150, the parking lot management system 100 can ascertain which parking spaces 5 in the parking lot 1 are currently vacant. Typically, such usage status information 150 is used when allocating a vacant parking space 5 to a vehicle 10 (entering vehicle) entering the parking lot 1.

[0037] In order to reduce costs, there may be a need to monitor multiple parking spaces 5 with one camera 7.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an example of a case where a plurality of parking spaces 5 are monitored by one camera 7. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of parking spaces 5A to 5E are continuously arranged in the first direction X. Each parking space 5 may be adjacent to an adjacent parking space 5. One camera 7 is arranged so as to be able to photograph all of the plurality of parking spaces 5A to 5E. For example, one camera 7 is arranged above the central parking space 5C. However, the arrangement position of one camera 7 is not limited thereto.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the problem. In the example shown in FIG. 4, one camera 7 is disposed above the central parking space 5C. A relatively low first vehicle 10-1 is parked in the parking space 5B. A relatively high second vehicle 10-2 is parked in the parking space 5D. The other parking spaces 5A, 5C, and 5E are vacant.

[0040] The first vehicle 10-1 parked in the parking space 5B does not hide the mark 8 provided on the adjacent parking space 5A, 5E. However, the second vehicle 10-2 parked in the parking space 5D hides the mark 8 provided on the adjacent parking space 5E. In other words, when viewed from one camera 7, the mark 8 of the parking space 5E is in the blind spot created by the second vehicle 10-2. In this case, the image IMG obtained by the one camera 7 does not include the mark 8 of the parking space 5E. Therefore, the parking space 5E that is actually vacant may be erroneously determined to be "in use". That is, the accuracy of determining the utilization status of the parking space 5 may be reduced.

[0041] To generalize, it is as follows. When multiple parking spaces 5 are monitored by one camera 7, there is a high possibility that a part of a certain parking space 5 is hidden by a vehicle 10 parked in an adjacent parking space 5. In other words, the impact of occlusion on the visibility of the parking space 5 becomes large. Depending on the positional relationship between the parking space 5 and one camera 7 and the size of the parked vehicle, the visibility of the parking space 5 may be significantly reduced. When the visibility of the parking space 5 decreases, the monitoring accuracy of the parking space 5 decreases.

[0042] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique capable of suppressing a decrease in monitoring accuracy when a plurality of parking spaces 5 are monitored by one camera 7.

[0043] 3. Parking space allocation process The parking lot management system 100 allocates an available parking space 5 to a vehicle 10 (entering vehicle) entering the parking lot 1. This process is hereinafter referred to as a "parking space allocation process." According to the present embodiment, this parking space allocation process has a feature for suppressing a decrease in monitoring accuracy.

[0044] 3-1. Priority parking slots In order to explain the features of the parking frame allocation process according to this embodiment, the concept of a "priority parking frame 5P" will first be explained.

[0045] Assume that a priority parking frame 5P is assigned to an entering vehicle in a state where all of the parking frames 5 are vacant, and the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame 5P. When viewed from one camera 7, a part of the adjacent parking frame 5 may be hidden by the entering vehicle parked in the priority parking frame 5P. In other words, the occlusion caused by the entering vehicle parked in the priority parking frame 5P affects the visibility of the adjacent parking frame 5. The priority parking frame 5P is a parking frame 5 in which the influence of such occlusion is suppressed below a certain level. In other words, the priority parking frame 5P is a parking frame 5 in which a predetermined percentage or more of the adjacent parking frame 5 is not hidden by the entering vehicle parked in the priority parking frame 5P. Even if an entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame 5P, a predetermined percentage or more of the parking frame 5 adjacent to the priority parking frame 5P is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from one camera 7. The predetermined percentage is arbitrary, for example, 25%.

[0046] When a mark 8 is provided in each parking space 5, the priority parking space 5P may be defined from the viewpoint of visibility of the mark 8. The priority parking space 5P is a parking space 5 in which the mark 8 provided in the adjacent parking space 5 is not hidden by an entering vehicle parked in the priority parking space 5P. Even if an entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking space 5P, the mark 8 provided in the parking space 5 adjacent to the priority parking space 5P is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from one camera 7.

[0047] For example, in FIG. 4, the first vehicle 10-1 parked in the parking space 5B does not hide the mark 8 provided on the adjacent parking spaces 5A and 5E. Therefore, the parking space 5B is the priority parking space 5P for the first vehicle 10-1. On the other hand, the second vehicle 10-2 parked in the parking space 5D hides the mark 8 provided on the adjacent parking space 5E. In other words, when viewed from one camera 7, the mark 8 of the parking space 5E is in the blind spot created by the second vehicle 10-2. Therefore, the parking space 5D is not the priority parking space 5P for the second vehicle 10-2.

[0048] 5 and 6 are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of a priority parking frame 5P for the first vehicle 10-1 and the second vehicle 10-2, respectively. The positional relationship between the multiple parking frames 5A-5E and one camera 7 is the same as in the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The first vehicle 10-1 is relatively low, and the second vehicle 10-2 is relatively high. More specifically, the vehicle height of the first vehicle 10-1 is less than the threshold value TH, and the vehicle height of the second vehicle 10-2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH.

[0049] As for the first vehicle 10-1, as shown in Fig. 5, all of the multiple parking frames 5A-5E can be the priority parking frame 5P. For convenience, the priority parking frame 5P for the first vehicle 10-1 is hereinafter referred to as the "first parking frame 5P-1". In the example shown in Fig. 5, all of the multiple parking frames 5A-5E are the first parking frame 5P-1.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the parking frames 5A, 5C, and 5E of the second vehicle 10-2 are the priority parking frames 5P, but the parking frames 5B and 5D are not the priority parking frames 5P. For convenience, the priority parking frame 5P of the second vehicle 10-2 is hereinafter referred to as the "second parking frame 5P-2". In the example shown in FIG. 6, the three parking frames 5A, 5C, and 5E are the second parking frames 5P-2.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the first parking frame 5P-1 and the second parking frame 5P-2. As shown in FIG. 7, the number of the first parking frame 5P-1 is greater than the number of the second parking frame 5P-2, and the second parking frame 5P-2 is a part of the first parking frame 5P-1. In other words, the set of the first parking frame 5P-1 includes the set of the second parking frame 5P-2. This relationship does not change even when the type of the vehicle 10 is three or more. As the vehicle height of the entering vehicle increases, the number of candidates that can become the priority parking frame 5P decreases.

[0052] As described in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the priority parking frame 5P depends greatly on the vehicle height. However, it is considered that not only the vehicle height but also the vehicle width and length contribute to occlusion. In general, the priority parking frame 5P included in the multiple parking frames 5 monitored by one camera 7 depends on the "size" of the entering vehicle. As the size of the entering vehicle increases, the number of candidates that can become the priority parking frame 5P decreases.

[0053] 3-2. Priority parking slot allocation As described above, when an entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame 5P, the effect of occlusion caused by the entering vehicle is suppressed below a certain level. In order to suppress the effect of occlusion, it is preferable to allocate the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle as much as possible. Therefore, the parking lot management system 100 according to the present embodiment preferentially allocates the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle in the parking frame allocation process.

[0054] More specifically, the parking lot management system 100 acquires information regarding the size of the entering vehicle. For example, a sensor (e.g., a camera, an infrared sensor, etc.) is installed in the entrance area 2 of the parking lot 1, and the size of the entering vehicle is measured by the sensor. The parking lot management system 100 communicates with the sensor and acquires information regarding the size of the entering vehicle.

[0055] As another example, the user may input the type of vehicle of the entering vehicle using the user terminal 200. The parking lot management system 100 communicates with the user terminal 200 and acquires information on the type of vehicle of the entering vehicle. The parking lot management system 100 holds a database showing the correspondence between vehicle types and sizes, and acquires size information associated with the vehicle type of the entering vehicle. The user may input the size of the entering vehicle itself using the user terminal 200. In the case of an automatic valet parking service, the user may input the vehicle type or size at the time of reservation.

[0056] Next, the parking lot management system 100 recognizes a priority parking frame 5P from among the multiple parking frames 5 based on the size of the entering vehicle. In other words, the parking lot management system 100 recognizes a priority parking frame 5P according to the size of the entering vehicle from among the multiple parking frames 5 monitored by one camera 7. The positional relationship between one camera 7 and the multiple parking frames 5 is known information. The priority parking frame 5P is determined by the known information and the size of the entering vehicle.

[0057] Then, the parking lot management system 100 preferentially allocates the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle. For example, if the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1, the parking lot management system 100 preferentially allocates the first parking frame 5P-1 to the entering vehicle (first vehicle 10-1) (see Figures 5 and 7). As another example, if the entering vehicle is the second vehicle 10-2, the parking lot management system 100 preferentially allocates the second parking frame 5P-2 to the entering vehicle (second vehicle 10-2) (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0058] In addition, "allocating the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle with priority" does not mean "allocating the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle without fail." If all of the priority parking frames 5P are already in use, that is, if there are no available priority parking frames 5P, the parking lot management system 100 may allocate a parking frame 5 other than the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle.

[0059] 3-3.Effects As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the parking frame allocation process, the priority parking frame 5P is preferentially allocated to the entering vehicle. When the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame 5P, the influence of occlusion caused by the entering vehicle is suppressed below a certain level. Therefore, even in a situation where a plurality of parking frames 5 are monitored by one camera 7, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of monitoring accuracy.

[0060] For example, the probability that a vehicle 10 parked in a certain parking space 5 hides the mark 8 of the adjacent parking space 5 is reduced. Therefore, the possibility that an actually vacant parking space 5 is erroneously determined to be "occupied" is reduced. This contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of the parking space allocation process.

[0061] 3-4. Preserving priority parking spaces As described above, the first parking frame 5P-1 is the priority parking frame 5P for the first vehicle 10-1. The second parking frame 5P-2 is the priority parking frame 5P for the second vehicle 10-2. As shown in FIG. 7, the number of the first parking frame 5P-1 is greater than the number of the second parking frame 5P-2, and the second parking frame 5P-2 is a part of the first parking frame 5P-1. In other words, the set of the first parking frame 5P-1 includes the set of the second parking frame 5P-2.

[0062] Here, consider the case where the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1. For example, the parking frame 5C is the first parking frame 5P-1 and the second parking frame 5P-2. If the parking frame 5C is allocated to the entering vehicle (the first vehicle 10-1), the number of available second parking frames 5P-2, which is already small, will be further reduced. If there are no available second parking frames 5P-2 remaining when the second vehicle 10-2 next enters, the second parking frame 5P-2 cannot be allocated to the second vehicle 10-2. On the other hand, the parking frame 5B is the first parking frame 5P-1 but is not the second parking frame 5P-2. Even if the parking frame 5B is allocated to the entering vehicle (the first vehicle 10-1), the number of available second parking frames 5P-2 will not be reduced.

[0063] From the above viewpoint, when the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1, it is preferable that the parking lot management system 100 preferentially allocates the first parking frame 5P-1, not the second parking frame 5P-2, to the entering vehicle. This preserves the second parking frame 5P-2. As a result, the next time the second vehicle 10-2 enters, the probability that the second parking frame 5P-2 can be allocated to the second vehicle 10-2 increases. That is, the parking frame allocation process according to this embodiment is promoted, and the effect is increased.

[0064] 3-5. Parking space priority More detailed priorities may be set for the multiple parking spaces 5. In this case, the parking lot management system 100 performs the parking space allocation process while taking the priorities into consideration. That is, the parking lot management system 100 allocates the parking spaces 5 to the entering vehicles according to the priorities.

[0065] 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of setting the priority order of the parking space 5. The first parking space 5P-1 and the second parking space 5P-2 are the same as those in the example shown in FIG.

[0066] An "edge parking frame" is a parking frame 5 located at the edge among a plurality of parking frames 5 monitored by one camera 7. In other words, an edge parking frame is a parking frame 5 located at the edge in the first direction X. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the parking frames 5A and 5E are edge parking frames. The edge parking frames (5A, 5E) are included in both the first parking frame 5P-1 and the second parking frame 5P-2.

[0067] An "intermediate parking frame" is a parking frame 5 other than an edge parking frame among a plurality of parking frames 5 monitored by one camera 7. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the parking frames 5B, 5C, and 5D are intermediate parking frames.

[0068] First, consider the priority order when the entering vehicle is the second vehicle 10-2. Even if the second vehicle 10-2 is parked in the edge parking frame (5A, 5E), the other parking frames 5B to 5D are not hidden by the second vehicle 10-2. However, when the second vehicle 10-2 is parked in the edge parking frame (5A, 5E), the passage 4 adjacent to the edge parking frame (5A, 5E) is hidden by the second vehicle 10-2. There may also be a need to monitor the passage 4 of the parking lot 1 using the camera 7.

[0069] Therefore, when the entering vehicle is the second vehicle 10-2, the parking lot management system 100 sets the priority of the middle parking frame (5C) which is the second parking frame 5P-2 higher than the priority of the edge parking frame (5A, 5E). In addition, the parking lot management system 100 sets the priority of the parking frames 5B and 5D which are not the second parking frame 5P-2 to the lowest. Therefore, when the entering vehicle is the second vehicle 10-2, the priority is "middle parking frame (5C) which is the second parking frame 5P-2>edge parking frame (5A, 5E)>parking frame (5B, 5D) other than the second parking frame 5P-2".

[0070] Next, consider the priority order when the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1. From the viewpoint of preserving the second parking frame 5P-2 described above, it is preferable to preferentially assign the first parking frame 5P-1 (5B, 5D) that is not the second parking frame 5P-2 to the entering vehicle. Therefore, the parking lot management system 100 sets the priority order of the first parking frame 5P-1 (5B, 5D) that is not the second parking frame 5P-2 to the highest. In addition, it is preferable to preserve the middle parking frame (5C), which has the highest priority for the second vehicle 10-2, as much as possible. Therefore, the parking lot management system 100 sets the priority order of the middle parking frame (5C), which is the second parking frame 5P-2, to the lowest. Therefore, the priority order when the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1 is "the first parking frame 5P-1 (5B, 5D) that is not the second parking frame 5P-2>the edge parking frame (5A, 5E)>the middle parking frame (5C), which is the second parking frame 5P-2".

[0071] As can be seen from FIG. 8, the priority order in the case of the first vehicle 10-1 is the exact opposite to the priority order in the case of the second vehicle 10-2.

[0072] Taking the priority order into consideration allows for more precise parking space allocation processing, thereby improving the effectiveness of the parking space allocation processing.

[0073] 4. Example of a parking management system 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system 100 according to this embodiment. The parking lot management system 100 includes a communication device 110, one or more processors 120 (hereinafter simply referred to as processors 120), and one or more storage devices 130 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage devices 130).

[0074] The communication device 110 communicates with a camera 7 installed in the parking lot 1. The communication device 110 also communicates with a vehicle 10 and a user terminal 200 (see FIG. 1).

[0075] The processor 120 executes various processes. For example, the processor 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 120 executes various processes related to the management of the parking lot 1. For example, the processor 120 communicates with the camera 7, the vehicle 10, the user terminal 200, etc. via the communication device 110. The processor 120 also executes the parking space monitoring process described above (see Section 2). Furthermore, the processor 120 executes the parking space allocation process described above (see Section 3).

[0076] The storage device 130 stores various information necessary for processing by the processor 120. Examples of the storage device 130 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The processor 120 reads out various information from the storage device 130 and also stores various information in the storage device 130.

[0077] The management program PROG is a computer program for managing the parking lot 1. The processor 120 executes the management program PROG to realize various functions of the parking lot management system 100 (processor 120). The management program PROG is stored in the storage device 130. The management program PROG may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0078] The storage device 130 also stores parking lot map information 140, utilization status information 150, priority parking space information 160, vehicle information 170, and the like.

[0079] The parking lot map information 140 is map information of the parking lot 1. The parking lot map information 140 shows the layout of the entrance area 2, exit area 3, aisles 4, parking spaces 5, landmarks 6, cameras 7, landmarks 8, etc. in the parking lot 1. The positional relationship between one camera 7 and multiple parking spaces 5 can be obtained from the parking lot map information 140.

[0080] The usage status information 150 indicates the usage status (vacant, occupied) of each parking space 5 in the parking lot 1. The processor 120 updates the usage status information 150 through the parking space monitoring process. In addition, the processor 120 can determine which parking spaces 5 in the parking lot 1 are currently vacant by referring to the usage status information 150. Typically, the usage status information 150 is used in the parking space allocation process.

[0081] The priority parking space information 160 indicates a priority parking space 5P included in multiple parking spaces 5 monitored by one camera 7. As described above, the priority parking space 5P is determined by the positional relationship between one camera 7 and multiple parking spaces 5 and the size of the entering vehicle. The positional relationship between one camera 7 and multiple parking spaces 5 is known information and is obtained from the parking lot map information 140. The processor 120 generates in advance the priority parking space information 160 indicating the correspondence relationship between the size of the entering vehicle and the priority parking space 5P.

[0082] The vehicle information 170 is information about the vehicles 10 parked in the parking lot 1. The vehicles 10 parked in the parking lot 1 also include vehicles entering the parking lot 1. For example, the vehicle information 170 indicates the vehicle ID and size for each vehicle 10. The vehicle information 170 may also indicate the parking slots 5 assigned to each vehicle 10.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the parking space allocation process by the parking lot management system 100 (processor 120).

[0084] In step S110, the processor 120 acquires information about the size of the incoming vehicle. The processor 120 registers the information about the size of the incoming vehicle in the vehicle information 170.

[0085] For example, a sensor (e.g., a camera, an infrared sensor, etc.) is installed in the entrance area 2 of the parking lot 1, and the size of the entering vehicle is measured by the sensor. The processor 120 communicates with the sensor and obtains information on the size of the entering vehicle.

[0086] As another example, the user may input the vehicle type of the entering vehicle using the user terminal 200. The processor 120 communicates with the user terminal 200 and acquires information on the vehicle type of the entering vehicle. The processor 120 refers to a database showing the correspondence between vehicle types and sizes and acquires size information associated with the vehicle type of the entering vehicle. The user may input the size of the entering vehicle itself using the user terminal 200. In the case of an automatic valet parking service, the user may input the vehicle type or size at the time of reservation.

[0087] In step S120, the processor 120 recognizes a priority parking frame 5P among the multiple parking frames 5 based on the size of the entering vehicle. In other words, the processor 120 recognizes a priority parking frame 5P according to the size of the entering vehicle from among the multiple parking frames 5 monitored by one camera 7. More specifically, the processor 120 recognizes a priority parking frame 5P according to the size of the entering vehicle by referring to the above-mentioned priority parking frame information 160.

[0088] In step S130, the processor 120 preferentially allocates the priority parking frame 5P to the entering vehicle. For example, if the entering vehicle is the first vehicle 10-1, the processor 120 preferentially allocates the first parking frame 5P-1 to the entering vehicle (first vehicle 10-1) (see Figures 5 and 7). As another example, if the entering vehicle is the second vehicle 10-2, the processor 120 preferentially allocates the second parking frame 5P-2 to the entering vehicle (second vehicle 10-2) (see Figures 6 and 7). Then, the processor 120 updates the usage status information 150. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Parking lot 5 Parking spaces 5P Priority Parking Space 5P-1 First Parking Space 5P-2 2nd Parking Space 7. Camera 8. Landmarks 10 Vehicles 10-1 Car No. 1 10-2 Second car 100 Parking Management System 110 Communication equipment 120 processors 130 Storage device 140 Parking Map Information 150 Usage Information 160 Priority Parking Space Information 170 Vehicle Information 200 User terminals PROG Management program

Claims

1. A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot including a plurality of parking spaces monitored by a single camera, comprising: The parking lot management method includes a parking space allocation process executed by a computer to allocate a vacant parking space among the plurality of parking spaces to an entering vehicle entering the parking lot, The plurality of parking spaces include a priority parking space according to a size of the entering vehicle, Even if the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, a predetermined ratio or more of the parking frame adjacent to the priority parking frame is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from the one camera, The parking frame allocation process includes: Obtaining information regarding the size of the incoming vehicle; Recognizing the priority parking frame among the plurality of parking frames based on the size of the entering vehicle; Prioritizing allocation of the priority parking frame to the entering vehicle; Including, The first parking frame is the priority parking frame for a first vehicle whose vehicle height is less than a threshold value, The second parking frame is the priority parking frame for a second vehicle whose vehicle height is equal to or greater than the threshold value, The first set of parking spaces includes the second set of parking spaces, When the entering vehicle is the first vehicle, the parking frame allocation process includes preferentially allocating the first parking frame, which is not the second parking frame, to the entering vehicle; When the entering vehicle is the second vehicle, the parking frame allocation process includes preferentially allocating the second parking frame to the entering vehicle. Parking lot management methods.

2. The parking lot management method according to claim 1, The plurality of parking frames are arranged consecutively in a first direction, The edge parking frame is a parking frame located at the edge of the plurality of parking frames, The edge parking frame is included in both the first parking frame and the second parking frame. Parking lot management methods.

3. The parking lot management method according to claim 2, The intermediate parking frame is a parking frame other than the edge parking frame among the plurality of parking frames, When the entering vehicle is the second vehicle, the priority of the intermediate parking frame which is the second parking frame is higher than the priority of the edge parking frame. Parking lot management methods.

4. The parking lot management method according to claim 2, The intermediate parking frame is a parking frame other than the edge parking frame among the plurality of parking frames, When the entering vehicle is the first vehicle, the first parking frame that is not the second parking frame has the highest priority, and the intermediate parking frame that is the second parking frame has the lowest priority. Parking lot management methods.

5. A parking lot management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Each of the plurality of parking spaces is provided with a mark, The utilization status of each of the plurality of parking spaces is determined based on whether the mark is visible from the one camera, Even if the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, the mark provided in the parking frame adjacent to the priority parking frame is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from the one camera. Parking lot management methods.

6. A parking lot management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The plurality of parking spaces are arranged consecutively in a first direction. Parking lot management methods.

7. A parking management system for managing a parking lot including a plurality of parking spaces monitored by one camera, One or more processors; The one or more processors are configured to execute a parking frame allocation process for allocating a vacant parking frame among the plurality of parking frames to an entering vehicle entering the parking lot, The plurality of parking spaces include a priority parking space according to a size of the entering vehicle, Even if the entering vehicle is parked in the priority parking frame, a predetermined ratio or more of a parking frame adjacent to the priority parking frame is not hidden by the entering vehicle when viewed from the one camera, The parking frame allocation process includes: Obtaining information regarding the size of the incoming vehicle; Recognizing the priority parking frame among the plurality of parking frames based on the size of the entering vehicle; Prioritizing allocation of the priority parking frame to the entering vehicle; Including, The first parking frame is the priority parking frame for a first vehicle whose vehicle height is less than a threshold value, The second parking frame is the priority parking frame for a second vehicle whose vehicle height is equal to or greater than the threshold value, The first set of parking spaces includes the second set of parking spaces, When the entering vehicle is the first vehicle, the parking frame allocation process includes preferentially allocating the first parking frame, which is not the second parking frame, to the entering vehicle; When the entering vehicle is the second vehicle, the parking frame allocation process includes preferentially allocating the second parking frame to the entering vehicle. Parking management system.

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