Management system, management server, management program, management method

Abstract

To provide a parking lot management system, a management server, a management program, and a management method that can control costs and provide high convenience.SOLUTION: A management system according to the present invention is a management system for a parking lot having two or more compartments and includes: an image capturing device that changes an image capturing range at a first time interval, captures images in the parking lot at a second time interval, and transmits the captured images; and a management server provided with a receiver that receives the images transmitted by the image capturing device, an estimation unit for estimating, based on the order in which the images are taken or the time at which the images are taken, which vehicle compartment each of the images were taken of, a reading unit that reads a vehicle number from the image, and a storage control unit that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the vehicle compartment based on the result of the estimation in the estimation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot management system, a management server, a management program, and a management method.

Background Art

[0002] With the amendment of the Road Traffic Law in 2006, the crackdown on parking violations by parking supervisors has been initiated, and parking lots such as coin parking (hourly rental parking lots) have been developed and expanded. In recent years, parking management and fee settlement have been automated, and the unmanned operation of parking lot management has been progressing. Such unmanned parking lots include, for example, auto-lock type (flap plate type) and gate type. The auto-lock type (flap plate type) is mainly used in small-scale parking lots. For example, it is composed of a hydraulic cylinder mechanism for locking the vehicle and a fee calculation mechanism. When the vehicle is stopped at a predetermined position during parking, the wheels are fixed to the vehicle stopper, and when the parking fee is deposited into the automatic fee device at the time of departure, the vehicle stopper is automatically released. The gate type is mainly used in large-scale parking lots, supermarkets, hospitals, etc. For example, it is composed of a gate that can be mechanically blocked when a vehicle enters or exits, a parking ticket issuing machine, an entrance-only gate machine, an automatic fee settlement machine, an exit-only gate machine, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional parking lot management system, various facilities are required, and a great deal of cost is required for introduction and maintenance management.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a parking lot management system, a management server, a management program, and a management method that can suppress costs and have high convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a management system according to the present invention is a management system for a parking lot having two or more vehicle compartments, which changes an imaging range at a first time interval, images the inside of the parking lot at a second time interval, and transmits the captured image. An imaging device, a receiving unit that receives the image transmitted by the imaging device, an estimating unit that estimates which vehicle compartment the image is of based on the imaging order or imaging time of the image, a reading unit that reads a vehicle number from the image, and based on the estimation result of the estimating unit, a storage control unit that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the vehicle compartment, and a management server including the same. Comprising.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a parking lot management system, a management server, a management program, and a management method that can suppress costs and have high convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the arrangement of the management system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the management system according to the embodiment. The parking lot 10 according to the embodiment is not provided with a gate for managing entry and exit to and from the parking lot, and entry and exit are possible freely. Users of the parking lot 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as users) can freely select empty parking spaces 11A to 11D (hereinafter, vehicle compartments 11A to 11D) and park their vehicles. In the example shown in FIG. 1, there are 4 vehicle compartments, but the number of vehicle compartments may be any number.

[0010] In addition, in the embodiment, the description is based on the premise that four-wheel automobiles are parked in the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D, but the vehicle may be any vehicle with a license plate, such as a motorcycle. Also, in the embodiment, the image (still image) captured by the imaging device 30 is transmitted to the management server 40 without passing through the cashier 20, but the image captured by the imaging device 30 may be transmitted to the management server 40 via the cashier 20.

[0011] (Parking Lot 10) The parking lot 10 has two or more (four in the embodiment) vehicle compartments 11A to 11D separated by lanes. In each of the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D, a loop coil (hereinafter also referred to as a detection device 12) for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle by magnetic change is embedded. In the embodiment, a loop coil is taken as an example to explain the detection device 12 for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle, but any device capable of detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle may be used, for example, various vehicle detection sensors such as electromagnetic sensors and infrared rays. In addition, a vehicle stopper 13 is installed in each of the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D. An imaging device 30 is arranged at a position where the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D can be imaged.

[0012] (Imaging device 30) The imaging device 30 includes a camera and is arranged at a position where it can image the vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D of the parking lot 10. Note that the imaging device 30 does not necessarily have to be arranged within the parking lot 10 as long as it can image the vehicles parked in the vehicle compartments 11A to 11D. Also, the number of imaging devices 30 is arbitrary as long as it can image all the vehicle compartments of the parking lot 10.

[0013] The imaging device 30 cyclically changes to two or more different imaging ranges in a predetermined order by combining any of the pan, tilt, and zoom operations as necessary. Here, the imaging device 30 changes the imaging range at a predetermined time interval (the first time interval). In the embodiment, the predetermined order is set such that any one of the two or more imaging ranges continues twice.

[0014] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of changing the imaging range by the imaging device 30. In the embodiment, the imaging range and the predetermined order are set as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1

[0015] As shown in Table 1, in the embodiment, the imaging device 30 repeats the imaging range of the first position 1 twice, and circulates the imaging range in the order of position 1→1→2→3→4→5→6. Therefore, since the number of images captured at position 1 is larger than that of the images captured at other positions, starting from the image captured at position 1, the images captured at positions 1, 2, ···, 5 can be recognized by arranging the images in the order (time series) in which they are captured.

[0016] Note that in the embodiment, the first position 1 is repeated twice, but other positions may be repeated twice. In one cycle, if the number of images in any imaging range is larger than that of other imaging ranges, by arranging the images in the order (time series) in which they are captured, it is possible to recognize which image is captured at which position. Also, the predetermined order only requires that any imaging range among two or more imaging ranges continues two or more times, and is not limited to two times (for example, it may be three times or four times).

[0017] In addition, the imaging device 30 captures the parking lot 10 at a set predetermined time interval (second time interval), and transmits the captured images using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Note that in the embodiment, FTP is used, but it is not limited to this method. In the embodiment, the second time interval is set to 1 / 2 of the first time interval, and two images are transmitted per position in one cycle. For example, when the first time interval (position movement in one cycle) is set to 20 seconds, the second time interval (imaging) is set to 10 seconds. Note that two or more images may be transmitted in each vehicle compartment 11A to 11D, and the second time interval may be set to 1 / n (n is an integer of 2 or more), that is, one over an integer, of the first time interval. Conversely, the first time interval may be set to n times (n is an integer of 2 or more), that is, an integer multiple, of the second time interval. Also, in the embodiment, the imaging device 30 transmits the imaging time (hereinafter also referred to as the imaging time) as the file name of the image. However, for example, the imaging time may be attached to the image as metadata and transmitted.

[0018] As described above, the imaging device 30 according to the embodiment has a function of changing the imaging range by combining any of the pan, tilt, and zoom operations of the camera as needed every predetermined time (first time), and imaging every predetermined time (second time) and transmitting the captured image. However, the imaging device 30 according to the embodiment cannot synchronize the above-described scanning operation of panning, tilting, and zooming the camera, such as moving the orientation of the camera to a predetermined imaging range and then imaging, and thus has limited functions. However, to the extent that the functions are limited, the imaging device 30 according to the embodiment is inexpensive and can construct a management system at low cost. Further, even when the imaging device 30 needs to be replaced due to a failure or the like, the replacement cost can be suppressed, and there is an advantage that the maintenance cost is also low.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, in the management system 1 according to the embodiment, the detection device 12 is connected to the cash register 20. Further, the cash register 20 and the imaging device 30 are connected to the management server 40. Note that the communication between the detection device 12 and the cash register 20 may be either wireless or wired. Also, the communication between the cash register 20 and the imaging device 30 and the management server 40 may be either wireless or wired. When the detection device 12 detects the entry or exit of a vehicle into or out of the vehicle compartment 11, the detection device 12 transmits an entry signal or an exit signal notifying the cash register 20 of the entry or exit of the vehicle into or out of the vehicle compartment 11. The imaging device 30 transmits the image captured by the camera to the management server 40 with the imaging time as the file name. Note that, as described above, the imaging device 30 may be configured to attach the imaging time as metadata to the image and then transmit it.

[0020] (Cash register 20) The cash register 20 calculates the parking fee according to the usage status of the parking lot 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the cash register 20 includes a receiving unit 21, a measuring unit 22, a panel unit 23, a calculating unit 24, a storage device 25, and a transmitting unit 26.

[0021] The receiving unit 21 receives the warehousing signal and the shipping signal transmitted from the detection device 12. In the embodiment, the calculator 20 includes a plurality of input terminals as the receiving unit 21, and an input terminal is provided for each detection device 12. The storage device 25 stores the correspondence relationship among the input terminal, the detection device 12, and the passenger compartment. Based on the correspondence relationship, the calculator 20 can recognize from the warehousing signal and the shipping signal transmitted from the detection device 12 in which passenger compartment the vehicle has been warehoused or shipped.

[0022] In addition, the detection device 12 may be configured to transmit the warehousing signal and the shipping signal together with an identification number (ID). In this case, by storing the correspondence relationship between the identification number of the detection device 12 and the passenger compartment in the storage device 25, it is possible to recognize from the warehousing signal and the shipping signal transmitted from the detection device 12 in which passenger compartment the vehicle has been warehoused or shipped.

[0023] The measurement unit 22 determines the warehousing time based on the warehousing signal of the vehicle by the detection device 12, and starts measuring the parking time with the warehousing time as the start time. In addition, when the measurement unit 22 receives the settlement signal for the parking fee, it ends the measurement of the parking time of the corresponding vehicle. Further, the measurement unit 22 determines the shipping time based on the shipping signal of the vehicle by the detection device 12.

[0024] The panel unit 23 is a touch panel type in which an operation unit for the user to input and a display unit for displaying vehicle images, settlement fees, etc. are integrated. When the user operates the panel unit 23 to input the cabin number, the parking fee is displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the panel unit 23 of the settlement machine 20. When the user operates the numeric keys B1 from 1 to 0 displayed on the panel unit 23 to input the cabin number where the vehicle is parked, the input cabin number is displayed in the display box B2. If the cabin number is correct, the user selects the confirmation button B3, and the settlement unit 24 calculates the parking fee, and the calculated parking fee is displayed on the panel unit 23. Also, when the user selects the correction button B4, the input cabin number can be corrected. Note that the panel unit 23 may be of a type in which an operation unit for the user to input and a display unit for displaying vehicle images, settlement fees, etc. are provided separately. Further, it is preferable that the panel unit 23 has a detection system that detects a user approaching the settlement machine 20 and releases the power-saving mode of the panel.

[0025] The settlement unit 24 is for the parking lot user to settle the parking fee, and based on the parking time measured by the measurement unit 22, it settles the parking fee. The settlement unit 24 includes a deposit / withdrawal processing device for the deposit processing of the parking fee paid by the user and the change withdrawal processing, an electronic settlement device for performing settlement by electronic money such as a prepaid card or a mobile phone, etc. The settlement unit 24 calculates the parking fee based on the parking time measured by the measurement unit 22, the unit price of the vehicle classification-based fee recorded in the storage device 25, and the unsettled performance. The settlement unit 24 displays the calculated parking fee on the panel unit 23 and receives the payment of the parking fee from the parking lot user. Note that when the parking lot is annexed to a business facility such as a store, the settlement unit 24 may make the parking fee free for employee vehicles, delivery contractor vehicles, and store users based on the unit price of the vehicle classification-based fee, or add the parking fee based on the unsettled performance including other parking lots. In this case, when the settlement unit 24 settles the parking fee with the unsettled vehicle or the fee additional collection vehicle recorded in the storage device 25, the settlement unit 24 displays the amount obtained by adding the unsettled fee and the additional fee to the parking fee on the panel unit 23.

[0026] The storage device 25 stores the correspondence relationship among the above-described input terminals, the detection device 12, and the passenger compartments. The storage device 25 also stores the usage history for each passenger compartment 11 of the parking lot 10. Here, the usage history includes information such as the passenger compartment number, the entry time and the exit time, the parking time, and the presence or absence of settlement.

[0027] The transmission unit 26 transmits the usage history of the parking lot 10 to the management server 40 in units of the passenger compartments 11.

[0028] (Management server 40) The management server 40 includes a reception unit 41, a transmission unit 42 (second notification unit), a storage device 43, a storage control unit 44, an estimation unit 45, a reading unit 46, and a matching unit 47.

[0029] The reception unit 41 receives, for example, the image captured and transmitted by the imaging device 30. The reception unit 41 also receives, for example, the usage history transmitted from the settlement machine 20. In the embodiment, the reception unit 41 sequentially receives the images captured by the imaging device 30 and receives the usage history transmitted from the settlement machine 20 once a day, but the reception interval is not limited to this.

[0030] The transmission unit 42 (second notification unit) transmits, for example, the information on the entry of vehicles with unsettled charges. Specifically, the transmission unit 42 notifies the registered contact (for example, a telephone number or an email address) to that effect in a manner communicable via the Internet (for example, SMS (Short Message Service), email, or communication methods such as LINE (registered trademark), slack (registered trademark), teams (registered trademark), etc.) when the vehicle number read by the reading unit 45 is the same as the vehicle number associated with the usage history with unsettled parking fees or when the vehicle number read by the reading unit 45 is the same as the vehicle number of a vehicle registered in advance. Note that the configuration may be such that the information on the vehicles with unsettled charges is transmitted to the settlement machine 20 and the unsettled amount can be settled by the settlement machine 20.

[0031] The storage device 43 stores usage history of the parking lot, for example, information such as vehicle number, entry time, vehicle image, settlement time, exit time, parking time, etc. In addition, the storage device 43 stores other information such as fare unit price by vehicle classification, parking lot usage settlement results, unsettled results, etc. Further, the storage device 43 stores the correspondence relationship between the imaging device 30 and the imaging range so that it can recognize which imaging device 30 is imaging which range of which parking lot 10. Note that part or all of the various information stored in the storage device 43 may be stored in the storage device of another information processing device connected via an external storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an external HDD, or a network.

[0032] The memory control unit 44 controls writing and reading of information to and from the storage device 43.

[0033] The estimation unit 45 estimates which passenger compartment the image is an image of, based on the imaging time of the image sequentially received by the reception unit 41. Specifically, the estimation unit 45 sorts the images based on metadata such as the file name or the imaging time. In the embodiment, since the imaging time is the file name, the images are sorted in the order of the imaging time. Next, the estimation unit 45 estimates which passenger compartment the image is an image of, based on the correspondence relationship between the first time interval and the imaging range, and the imaging time of the image. In the embodiment, the estimation unit 45 determines the similarity of the images, and determines that the images with a similarity equal to or greater than a predetermined value are images captured in the same imaging range (position). Next, the estimation unit 45 estimates that the image with the largest number of images with a similarity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (4 images in the embodiment) is an image captured at position 1, and estimates that the images are captured at positions 2, 3, ···, 5 every two images. In addition, the estimation unit 45 estimates which of the images before and after the imaging time are a combination (pair) of images that capture an arbitrary passenger compartment, according to the similarity of images before and after the imaging time, or the similarity of vehicle numbers read by the reading unit 46 from images before and after the imaging time (in the embodiment, two images are captured for each passenger compartment). Note that known techniques can be used to calculate the similarity. The estimation unit 45 may estimate the combination (pair) of images using both the similarity of images before and after the imaging time and the similarity of vehicle numbers read by the reading unit 46 from images before and after the imaging time.

[0034] Note that the estimation by the estimation unit 45 may be automatically performed by AI (artificial intelligence). By using AI for the estimation by the estimation unit 45, it can be expected that the estimation result by the estimation unit 45 will be more accurate. Note that known techniques can be used for AI.

[0035] In addition, as described above, the imaging device 30 according to the embodiment has limitations in that it cannot synchronize the panning, tilting, and zooming operations of the camera, such as moving the direction of the camera to a predetermined imaging range and then imaging, and the imaging operation, and the movement is not completely smooth, resulting in some deviation in imaging. Also, the images (still images) captured during the panoramic shooting are not easy to use because they cannot accurately capture the passenger compartment. However, by estimating which image captures which passenger compartment by the estimation unit 45, it is devised so that such an imaging device can also be used.

[0036] The reading unit 46 detects, for example, whether a license plate exists in the image transmitted from the imaging device 30. When the existence of the license plate is detected, the vehicle number described on the license plate is read. For example, the reading unit 46 divides the detected license plate portion into a plurality of partial input images, calculates the similarity of features with the model character images, selects the character image having the highest similarity for each partial input image, and reads the vehicle number in such a manner that the read vehicle number is used. Note that known techniques can be used for calculating the similarity. In the embodiment, the case where the vehicle number cannot be read includes, for example, both the case where the vehicle is not captured and the license plate cannot be detected and thus the vehicle number cannot be read, and the case where the license plate is detected but the vehicle number itself cannot be read. Further, the reading unit 46 may be configured to perform the operation using a plurality of different license plate images of the same vehicle and select the character image having the highest similarity for each partial input image.

[0037] The matching unit 47 matches, for example, the usage history and the usage history of the vehicle compartment from the image based on the time of entry and exit to / from the vehicle compartment transmitted from the calculator 20 and the imaging time of the image. The matching unit 47 stores the matched usage history in the storage device 43 in association with the image and the vehicle number read from the image. Note that the matching unit 47 may be configured not to perform the matching when the reading unit 46 fails to read the vehicle number from the image. Further, the matching unit 47 may be configured not to match the usage history for which the settlement result of the parking fee has been settled and the usage history of the vehicle compartment from the image.

[0038] In the embodiment, when there is a deviation between the data of the passenger compartment, vehicle, and time estimated by the estimation unit 45 from the image and the data of the usage history of the settlement machine 20, the estimation result of the estimation unit 45 is adjusted according to the usage history of the settlement machine 20. However, this adjustment may be automatically performed by AI (artificial intelligence). By using AI in the estimation by the estimation unit 45 and the matching by the matching unit 47, it can be expected that the estimation result and the matching result will be more accurate. Note that known techniques can be used for AI.

[0039] (Information Processing) Figs. 6 to 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the management system 1. Hereinafter, the processing of the management system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11.

[0040] (Imaging Range Change Processing) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the imaging range (position) change processing of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the imaging range change processing of the management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0041] (Step S101) The imaging device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time (first time) has elapsed. If the first time has elapsed (YES), the imaging device 30 executes the processing of step S102. If the first time has not elapsed (NO), the imaging device 30 returns to the processing of step S101.

[0042] (Step S102) The imaging device 30 changes to the set position (imaging range) in the next tour order by panning, tilting, and zooming the camera as necessary. In the embodiment, as described with reference to Table 1, position 1 is repeated twice.

[0043] As described above, the imaging device 30 pans, tilts, and zooms the camera as necessary, and circulates in the order of showing the set imaging range at set predetermined time intervals (first time intervals) (see FIGS. 2(a) to 3(c)).

[0044] (Imaging process) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the imaging process of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the imaging process of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0045] (Step S201) The imaging device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time (second time) has elapsed. If the second time has elapsed (YES), the imaging device 30 executes the process of step S202. If the second time has not elapsed (NO), the imaging device 30 returns to the process of step S201.

[0046] (Step S202) The imaging device 30 performs imaging with the camera.

[0047] (Step S203) The imaging device 30 transmits the captured image to the management server 40 using FTP with the captured time (imaging time) as the file name. As described above, in the embodiment, FTP is used, but it is not limited to this method.

[0048] (Image etc. registration process) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the image etc. registration process of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the image etc. registration process of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0049] (Step S301) The receiving unit 41 of the management server 40 receives the image captured by the imaging device 30 and the information of the imaging time (in the embodiment, the imaging time is used as the file name).

[0050] (Step S302) The reading unit 46 of the management server 40 determines whether a license plate can be detected from the image received by the receiving unit 41. If a license plate is detected (YES), the management server 40 executes the process of step S303. If a license plate cannot be detected (NO), the management server 40 returns to the process of step S301.

[0051] (Step S303) The reading unit 46 of the management server 40 executes a vehicle number reading process. If the vehicle number can be read (YES), the management server 40 executes the process of step S304. If the vehicle number cannot be read (NO), the management server 40 stores the image in the storage device 43 and returns to the process of step S301.

[0052] (Step S304) The estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 estimates which passenger compartment the image was taken of based on the imaging time of the image received by the receiving unit 41. The details of the operation of the estimation unit 45 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0053] (Step S305) The management server 40 stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with each other in the storage device 43 based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 45.

[0054] (Passenger Compartment Estimation Process) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the passenger compartment estimation process of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the passenger compartment estimation process of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0055] (Step S401) The estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 sorts the images based on metadata such as the file name or the imaging time. In the embodiment, since the imaging time is the file name, the images are sorted in the order of the imaging time.

[0056] (Step S402) The estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 determines the similarity of images and determines that an image with a similarity equal to or greater than a predetermined value is an image captured at the same position. Next, the estimation unit 45 estimates that the image with the highest number of images with a similarity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (4 images in the embodiment) is an image captured at position 1, and estimates that the images are captured at positions 2, 3, ···, 5 every two images.

[0057] (Step S403) The estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 estimates which of the images before and after the imaging time are a combination (pair) of images that capture an arbitrary passenger compartment according to the similarity of the images before and after the imaging time or the similarity of the vehicle numbers read by the reading unit 46 from the images before and after the imaging time (in the embodiment, two images are captured for each passenger compartment).

[0058] (Step S404) The estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 estimates that the images estimated as pairs in step S403 are images captured in the passenger compartment corresponding to the position estimated in step S402.

[0059] As described above, the estimation by the estimation unit 45 may be configured to be performed by AI (artificial intelligence). By using AI for the estimation by the estimation unit 45, it can be expected that the estimation result by the estimation unit 45 will be more accurate. Note that known techniques can be used for AI.

[0060] (Matching process) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the matching process of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the matching process of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0061] (Step S501) The reception unit 41 of the management server 40 receives the usage history transmitted from the calculator 20.

[0062] (Step S502) The matching unit 47 of the management server 40 matches the usage history with the usage history of the passenger compartment in the image based on the time of departure from the passenger compartment and the time of departure included in the usage history, the imaging time of the image, and the passenger compartment estimated by the estimation unit 45. Specifically, the matching unit 47 estimates, as the images corresponding to the arbitrary usage history, the images from the image whose estimated storage time is the same as or closest to the storage time to the image whose estimated departure time is the same as or closest to the departure time among the images estimated to be the same passenger compartment as the arbitrary usage history.

[0063] As described above, in the embodiment, in the matching of the data of the passenger compartment, vehicle, and time estimated from the image by the estimation unit 45 and the data of the usage history of the settlement machine 20, if there is a deviation between the estimation result by the estimation unit 45 and the usage history of the settlement machine 20, the estimation result of the estimation unit 45 may be adjusted to match the usage history of the settlement machine 20, but the adjustment may be configured to be automatically performed by AI (artificial intelligence).

[0064] Also, as described above, the matching unit 47 may be configured not to perform matching when the reading unit 46 cannot read the vehicle number from the image. Further, the matching unit 47 may be configured not to perform matching between the usage history for which the parking fee settlement result has been settled and the usage history of the passenger compartment in the image.

[0065] (Step S503) The matching unit 47 of the management server 40 stores the matched usage history in the storage device 43 in association with the image and the vehicle number read from the image.

[0066] (Notification process) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification process of the management system 1. Hereinafter, an example of the notification process of the management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0067] (Step S601) When the reading unit 46 reads the vehicle number, the transmission unit 42 of the management server 40 refers to the usage history stored in the storage device 43.

[0068] (Step S602) The transmission unit 42 of the management server 40 determines whether there is an outstanding settlement record for the vehicle number read by the reading unit 46. If there is an outstanding settlement record (YES), the management server 40 executes the process of step 603. If there is no outstanding settlement record (NO), the management server 40 ends the notification process.

[0069] (Step S603) The transmission unit 42 of the management server 40 determines whether the pre-set conditions (set conditions), for example, conditions such as the number of unpaid times being ○ times or more, the unpaid fee being ○ yen or more, etc., are satisfied. If the conditions are satisfied (YES), the management server 40 executes the process of step 604. If the conditions are not satisfied (NO), the management server 40 ends the notification process.

[0070] (Step S604) The transmission unit 42 of the management server 40 notifies the registered contact (for example, phone number or email address) that the vehicle number read by the reading unit 45 is the same as the vehicle number associated with the usage history of the unpaid parking fee via SMS (Short Message Service), email, or other communication methods enabled via the Internet (for example, LINE (registered trademark), slack (registered trademark), teams (registered trademark), etc.). In addition, it is preferable that the transmission unit 42 also transmits from which parking lot 10 (which may be the identification number of the imaging device 30) the vehicle number was read from the transmitted image.

[0071] In addition, the vehicle number of the vehicle with outstanding settlement is registered in the storage device 43 of the management server 40. When the same vehicle number as the registered vehicle number is read in step S601, it may be notified to the registered contact (for example, phone number or email address) via SMS (Short Message Service), email, or other communication methods enabled via the Internet (for example, LINE (registered trademark), slack (registered trademark), teams (registered trademark), etc.).

[0072] As described above, the management system 1 according to the embodiment is a management system for a parking lot having two or more passenger compartments. The management system 1 includes an imaging device 30 that changes the imaging range at a first time interval, images the inside of the parking lot at a second time interval, and transmits the captured image; a receiving unit 41 that receives the image transmitted by the imaging device 30; an estimating unit 45 that estimates which passenger compartment the image was captured of based on the imaging time of the image; a reading unit 46 that reads the vehicle number from the image; and a storage control unit 44 that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the passenger compartment in a storage device 43 based on the estimation result of the estimating unit 45. Therefore, even when an imaging device 30 that cannot synchronize the imaging range and the imaging timing is used, it is possible to estimate which image was captured of which passenger compartment and store the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the passenger compartment.

[0073] Further, the estimating unit 45 of the management server 40 estimates which passenger compartment the image was captured of based on the correspondence between the first time interval and the imaging range and the imaging time of the image. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately estimate which image was captured of which passenger compartment.

[0074] In the embodiment, the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval. Specifically, the second time interval is set to 1 / n (n is an integer of 2 or more) of the first time interval so that two or more images can be captured at one position. By doing so, even if the camera moves during the process, it is devised so that at least one image can surely capture the passenger compartment.

[0075] In addition, the imaging device 30 according to the embodiment circulates through two or more imaging ranges in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is set such that any one of the two or more imaging ranges continues two or more times. In this way, by placing the same setting multiple times (two in the embodiment, resulting in four identical images being captured) at the beginning of the circulation period, the number of images captured at a specific position becomes larger than the number of images captured at other positions. Therefore, starting from the images captured at a specific position, it is possible to recognize which image was captured at which position.

[0076] In addition, the estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 according to the embodiment estimates which combination of images captured before and after the imaging time captured an arbitrary passenger compartment according to the similarity of the images before and after the imaging time. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately estimate which image corresponds to which passenger compartment captured.

[0077] In addition, the estimation unit 45 of the management server 40 according to the embodiment estimates which combination of images captured before and after the imaging time captured an arbitrary passenger compartment according to the similarity of the vehicle numbers read by the reading unit from the images before and after the imaging time. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately estimate which image corresponds to which passenger compartment captured.

[0078] In addition, the management system 1 according to the embodiment further includes a settlement machine 20 that transmits the usage history of the passenger compartment including the entry / exit time and settlement result of the passenger compartment. The imaging device 30 transmits the imaging time of the image, and the management server 40 includes a matching unit 47 that matches the usage history with the usage history of the passenger compartment from the image based on the entry / exit time of the passenger compartment transmitted from the settlement machine and the imaging time of the image. Then, the storage control unit 44 of the management server 40 stores the usage history in the storage device 43 in association with the image and the vehicle number read from the image according to the matching result in the matching unit. Therefore, the information transmitted from the settlement machine 20 and the information transmitted from the imaging device 30 can be stored in association with each other.

[0079] In addition, when the matching unit 47 of the management server 40 according to the embodiment cannot read the vehicle number from the image, the matching is not performed. Specifically, when the vehicle number cannot be read because the license plate cannot be detected, and when the license plate is detected but the vehicle number itself cannot be read, the matching is not performed, so that unnecessary resources can be saved.

[0080] In addition, the matching unit 47 of the management server 40 according to the embodiment does not perform matching between the usage history for which the parking fee settlement result has been settled and the usage history of the vehicle interior based on the image. When the settlement is being performed, the matching is not performed, so that unnecessary resources can be saved.

[0081] Further, the management server 40 according to the embodiment includes a transmission unit 42 (second notification unit) that notifies when a vehicle number identical to the vehicle number stored in association with the usage history for which the parking fee has not been settled is read by the reading unit. Therefore, when the parking fee has not been settled, etc., it is possible to notify to that effect, which is highly convenient.

[0082] [Modification Example of the Embodiment] Note that in the storage device 43, in addition to the usage history of the parking lot, information such as white list information in which preferential management vehicles are described, black list information in which vehicles requiring attention are described, information such as stolen vehicles and wanted vehicles, etc. is stored. Using this information, when a vehicle number identical to the vehicle numbers of the registered preferential management vehicles, vehicles requiring attention, stolen vehicles, wanted vehicles, etc. is read by the reading unit, the transmission unit 42 (first notification unit) of the management server 40 may notify to that effect by means of SMS (Short Message Service), email, or a communication method capable of communicating via the Internet (for example, LINE (registered trademark), slack (registered trademark), teams (registered trademark), etc.).

[0083] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the imaging device 30 repeats the first position 1 twice and scans the imaging range in the order of position 1→1→2→3→4→5→6, so that starting from the image captured at position 1, which images are the images of positions 1, 2, ···, 5 can be recognized by arranging the images in the captured order (time series). However, for example, as a method other than the above-described embodiment, a sign that is clearly different from other circular images in the parking lot, such as a specific mark, is installed in the parking lot or such a sign is found and recognized, and starting from the image in which the sign is recognized, which images are the images of positions 1, 2, ···, 5 can be recognized by arranging the images in the captured order (time series). Note that the sign may be any sign that can be clearly recognized as being different from the images captured at other positions. For example, it may be a figure or character having some features, or it may be a facility having some features.

[0084] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the estimation unit 45 estimates which image is an image of which passenger compartment based on the imaging time. However, if the management server 40 can receive the images in the order of imaging, the estimation unit 45 can estimate which image is an image of which passenger compartment based on the imaging order (reception order) of the images.

[0085] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment and the modified example are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner thereby. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0086] 10 Parking Lot 11A~11D Passenger Compartment (Parking Space) 12 Detection Device 13 Vehicle Stopper 20 Cash Register 21 Receiver 22 Measurement Unit 23 Panel section 24 Settlement section 25 Memory device 26 Transmission section 30 Imaging device 40 Management server 41 Reception section 42 Transmission section (notification section) 43 Memory device 44 Memory control section 45 Estimation section 46 Reading section 47 Verification section

Claims

1. A parking lot management system having two or more passenger compartments, comprising: an imaging device that changes the imaging range so as to cycle through two or more different imaging ranges in a predetermined order at a first time interval, images the interior of the parking lot at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval, and transmits the captured images; a receiving unit that receives the images transmitted by the imaging device; an estimation unit that estimates which passenger compartment the image was taken of based on the imaging order or imaging time of the image; a reading unit that reads the vehicle number from the image; a storage control unit that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the passenger compartment based on the estimation result of the estimation unit; and a management server A management system characterized by comprising.

2. The estimation unit estimates which passenger compartment the image was taken of based on the correspondence between the first time interval and the imaging range, and the imaging order or imaging time of the image. The management system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The imaging device cycles through two or more imaging ranges according to a predetermined order, The predetermined order is such that any one of the two or more imaging ranges continues two or more times. The management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The estimation unit estimates which combination of images taken of any passenger compartment among the images before and after the imaging order or imaging time is based on the similarity of the images before and after the imaging order or imaging time. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. The estimation unit estimates which combination of images taken of any passenger compartment among the images before and after the imaging order or imaging time is based on the similarity of the vehicle numbers read by the reading unit from the images before and after the imaging order or imaging time. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

6. The management server a first notification unit that, when a vehicle number with the same number as the registered vehicle number is read by the reading unit, notifies the registered contact of that fact. The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises.

7. further comprising a settlement calculator that transmits the usage history of the passenger compartment including the entry / exit time and settlement result of the passenger compartment, The imaging device transmits the imaging time of the image. The management server includes: a matching unit that matches the usage history with the usage history of the vehicle compartment based on the image based on the entry / exit time of the vehicle compartment transmitted from the payment machine and the image capture time of the image, The storage control unit of the management server According to a result of the matching by the matching unit, the usage history is stored in association with the image and the vehicle number read from the image.

7. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a computer.

8. The matching unit of the management server If the reading unit cannot read the vehicle number from the image, the matching is not performed. The management system according to claim 7 .

9. The matching unit of the management server The parking fee settlement result is not compared with the parking space usage history based on the image.

9. The management system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The management server includes: a second notification unit that notifies a registered contact when the reading unit reads a vehicle number that is the same as a vehicle number stored in association with the usage history for which the parking fee has not been paid; The management system according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. A management server for a parking lot having two or more parking spaces, a receiving unit that changes an imaging range so as to cycle through two or more different imaging ranges in a predetermined order at a first time interval, and receives images transmitted from an imaging device that images the inside of the parking lot at a second time interval that is shorter than the first time interval; an estimation unit that estimates which vehicle interior the image represents based on an image capturing order or an image capturing time of the images; A reading unit that reads a vehicle number from the image; a storage control unit that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the vehicle compartment based on an estimation result by the estimation unit; A management server comprising:

12. A management program for a parking lot having two or more parking spaces, Computer, a receiving unit that changes the imaging range so as to cycle through two or more different imaging ranges in a predetermined order at a first time interval, and receives images transmitted from an imaging device that images the inside of the parking lot at a second time interval that is shorter than the first time interval; an estimation unit that estimates which vehicle interior the image represents based on an image capturing order or an image capturing time of the images; A reading unit that reads a vehicle number from the image; A storage control unit that stores the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the passenger compartment based on the estimation result of the estimation unit. A management program characterized by causing the program to function as such.

13. A method for managing a parking lot having two or more passenger compartments, comprising: a step of changing the imaging range so that an imaging device changes the imaging range to circulate two or more different imaging ranges in a predetermined order at a first time interval, imaging the inside of the parking lot at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval, and transmitting the captured image; a step of a receiving unit of the management server receiving the image transmitted by the imaging device; a step of an estimation unit of the management server estimating which passenger compartment the image was taken of based on the imaging order or imaging time of the image; a step of a reading unit of the management server reading a vehicle number from the image; a step of a storage control unit of the management server storing the image and the vehicle number read from the image in association with the passenger compartment based on the estimation result of the estimation unit; A management method characterized by comprising the above steps.

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