Parking permission determination device

Abstract

To provide a parking possibility determination device which reduces a load to be applied for determining a parking possibility of a vehicle without preparing special information for determining the parking possibility.SOLUTION: A parking possibility determination device 10 comprises: an input section which acquires registration number data identifying a vehicle; a transmission / reception section for transmitting the registration number data to a server 4, in which vehicle data including a vehicle length and a vehicle width and the registration number are stored while being associated, and receiving the vehicle data; and a determination section for determining a parking possibility of the vehicle in a parking space based on space data including a depth and a width of the parking space and the vehicle data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification discloses a device for determining whether parking is permitted in a parking lot. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles that can be parked in parking lots are restricted in length, width, etc. due to the parking space. In parking lots, managers and drivers check the length, width, etc. of vehicles to determine whether or not a vehicle can park. However, checking the length, width, etc. of vehicles is cumbersome. This judgment places a burden on managers and drivers. Furthermore, if there is an error in this judgment, there is a risk of damage to the vehicle or parking facilities.

[0003] In the parking assistance system of JP 2020-41288 A, specification information is prepared on the vehicle side. This specification information is information that can be used to determine the vehicle's suitability for parking, and includes vehicle dimensions, vehicle weight, vehicle model information, vehicle identification information, etc. The parking assistance system then communicates with the vehicle side to obtain this specification information and determine whether parking into a mechanical parking device is possible. This parking assistance system reduces the burden on managers and drivers involved in determining whether parking is possible. It also reduces the occurrence of judgment errors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-41288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The parking assistance system of Patent Document 1 requires the vehicle to prepare specification information, which is special information for determining whether parking is possible. Vehicles that do not have this specification information cannot use this parking assistance system.

[0006] The present applicant intends to provide a parking possibility determination device that reduces the burden involved in determining whether a vehicle can be parked without preparing special information for determining whether parking is possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The parking possibility determination device disclosed in this specification is an input unit for acquiring registration number data for identifying a vehicle; a transceiver that transmits the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including a vehicle length and a vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and receives the vehicle data; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data; It has.

[0008] The program disclosed in this specification is A program executed by a processor that controls the operation of a parking possibility determination device having an input unit that inputs data, a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data, and a determination unit that calculates and processes data, causing the input unit to acquire registration number data identifying a vehicle; causing the transmitting / receiving unit to transmit the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including a vehicle length and a vehicle width in association with the registration number data, and receiving the vehicle data; The determination unit determines whether or not the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space and the vehicle data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This parking possibility determination device does not require the preparation of special information for determining whether parking is possible. This parking possibility determination device reduces the burden of determining whether parking is possible. This program also has the same effects as this parking possibility determination device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a parking facility in which a determination terminal according to an embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a parking determination system including the determination terminal of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a main server included in the parking determination system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a secondary server included in the parking determination system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the determination terminal of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a tablet computer included in the parking determination system of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of parking availability determination using the parking determination system of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the determination terminal in the flowchart of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another parking possibility determination using the parking determination system of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the tablet computer in the flowchart of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0012] 1 shows a parking facility 2, a determination terminal 10 having a camera 8 that determines whether parking is permitted, and a car V. The car V is parked in a predetermined position outside the parking facility 2. Here, the car V is parked in front of the entrance 22 of the parking facility 2.

[0013] This automobile V has a license plate P that displays the automobile registration number. This automobile registration number consists of the name of the jurisdiction of automobile V, a classification number indicating the type of automobile, a distinguishing character indicating its use, and a four-digit consecutive designation number. This automobile registration number is a unique number assigned to each vehicle and is a number that identifies the vehicle. Hereinafter, this automobile registration number will also be simply referred to as the registration number.

[0014] The parking facility 2 is mechanical. The parking facility 2 has a number of pallets 21 on which vehicles can be parked, and a door 23 that opens and closes an entrance 22 of the parking facility 2. In FIG. 1, a vehicle V is shown by a two-dot chain line in a parking position on the pallet 21. In this parking facility 2, the door 23 opens the entrance 22, allowing the vehicle V to move out of the parking facility 2 and into the parking position on the pallet 21.

[0015] Although only two pallets 21 are shown in Figure 1, the parking facility 2 has a large number of pallets 21. Each pallet 21 has limitations on the size and weight of vehicles that can be parked thereon. Although not shown, for example, the parking facility 2 has a large number of pallets 21s that can accommodate standard-sized vehicles, a large number of pallets 21m that can accommodate mid-roof vehicles, and a large number of pallets 21h that can accommodate high-roof vehicles.

[0016] The parking lot where the determination terminal 10 is placed is not limited to a mechanical parking facility such as the parking facility 2, but may be any parking lot with partitioned parking spaces. For example, the parking lot may be a pay parking lot located in an open space. Even in such parking lots, there are restrictions on at least the length and width of a vehicle.

[0017] In FIG. 1, a camera 8 provided to the determination terminal 10 is attached to the parking facility 2. This camera 8 is positioned so as to be able to photograph the license plate P of a vehicle V parked at a predetermined position. The position of this camera 8 is not limited to this, as long as it is able to photograph the license plate P. This camera 8 may also be placed on a gatepost or pole provided separately from the parking facility 2.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows a parking possibility determination system S including a determination terminal 10. This parking possibility determination system S includes a main server 4, a secondary server 6, a determination terminal 10, a tablet computer 12 (hereinafter also referred to as tablet 12), and a smartphone 14, which are communicatively connected via a network N. The network N here is the Internet, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a wired LAN. Also, in Fig. 2, there is one each of the main server 4, secondary server 6, determination terminal 10, tablet 12, and smartphone 14, but there may be multiple of each.

[0019] 3, the main server 4 includes a processor 41, a communicator 42, and a memory 43. The processor 41, the communicator 42, and the memory 43 are communicatively connected.

[0020] The processor 41 is an electronic circuit including, but not limited to, a CPU, for example. The processor 41 is hardware that transfers data, performs calculations, processes data, and controls the communication device 42 and the memory 43.

[0021] The communicator 42 is a device capable of communicating with other devices connected to the network N, such as the secondary server 6, the determination terminal 10, and the like.

[0022] The memory 43 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware that stores various types of data. The memory 43 stores a vehicle database that associates vehicle registration number data (hereinafter also referred to as registration number data) with vehicle data. This vehicle data includes, for example, data on vehicle length, width, height, weight, and model. Note that the registration number, vehicle length, width, height, weight, and model referred to here refer to the vehicle registration number or vehicle number, length, width, height, vehicle weight, and model listed on the vehicle inspection certificate.

[0023] 4, the secondary server 6 includes a processor 61, a communicator 62, and a memory 63, similar to the main server 4. The processor 61, the communicator 62, and the memory 63 included in the secondary server 6 are configured similarly to those of the main server 4. Here, the configuration of the secondary server 6 that differs from that of the main server 4 will be explained, and an explanation of the similar configuration will be omitted.

[0024] The memory 63 of the secondary server 6 stores a secondary vehicle database that stores vehicle registration number data and vehicle data in association with each other. Note that an expiration date may or may not be set for the vehicle data. For example, the expiration date may be set to the expiration date of the vehicle inspection.

[0025] In the secondary vehicle database, registration number data and vehicle data acquired by the secondary server 6 via the communication device 62 of the secondary server 6 or other input devices are stored in association with each other. This secondary server 6 also stores supplementary data. This supplementary data is data that is not stored in the main server 4. The supplementary data is data related to the automobile V that is identified from the model, etc., of the vehicle data. The supplementary data is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, ground clearance data. In this secondary vehicle database, vehicle data and supplementary data are stored in association with each other. Note that an expiration date may or may not be set for the supplementary data. For example, the expiration date may be set to the expiration date of the vehicle inspection.

[0026] Furthermore, this secondary server 6 stores individual data. This individual data is data that each automobile V has individually. The individual data is data that is generated by the installation of options, modifications, etc., and is individually corrected data. The individual data is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, correction data for the vehicle height and correction data for the minimum ground clearance of the automobile V. The secondary vehicle database stores registration number data and individual data in association with each other. Note that an expiration date may or may not be set for the individual data. For example, the expiration date of the vehicle inspection may be set as this expiration date.

[0027] 5, the determination terminal 10 includes a camera 8, a processor 102, a communicator 103, a memory 104, a display 105, and a touch panel 106. The main body of the determination terminal 10 and the camera 8 are communicatively connected, and the processor 102, the communicator 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106 are communicatively connected. Note that the processor 102, the communicator 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106 may be devices on a control panel and an operation panel provided in the parking facility 2.

[0028] The processor 102 is an electronic circuit including, but not limited to, a CPU, and is hardware that transfers, calculates, processes, and otherwise processes data, and controls the camera 8, the communication device 103, the memory 104, the display 105, and the touch panel 106.

[0029] The communicator 103 is configured similarly to the communicator 42 of the main server 4, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0030] The memory 104 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware capable of storing various types of data. The data stored in the memory 104 includes data acquired from the camera 8, data calculated, processed, etc. by the processor 102, data received by the communicator 103, data input from the touch panel 106, etc.

[0031] The memory 104 stores a parking database for the parking facility 2. In the parking database, the number of a pallet 21 as data specifying a parking space is associated with the space data for the pallet 21 with that number. Note that this parking space specification data is not limited to the number of a pallet 21 as long as it specifies the parking space. The space data is data including the depth and width of the pallet 21. For example, the space data is data including the depth, width, height, and allowable weight, but is not limited to these. The space data may also include the available time (duration) and reserved time (duration) of the parking space.

[0032] The display 105 is a video device that displays various types of information. The touch panel 106 is a device that can input data, etc. Note that the touch panel 106 is an example of an input unit, and is not limited to this. For example, a keyboard may be used instead of the touch panel 106.

[0033] The camera 8 is a device that captures an image of a subject as image data. The captured image may be a still image or a video. The camera 8 is not particularly limited to this, but may be, for example, a CMOS camera or a CCD camera.

[0034] 6, the tablet 12 includes a camera 121, a processor 122, a communicator 123, a memory 124, a display 125, and a touch panel 126. The camera 121, the processor 122, the communicator 123, the memory 124, the display 125, and the touch panel 126 are communicatively connected.

[0035] The camera 121 is a device that captures an image of a subject as image data. The captured image may be a still image or a video. The camera 121 is built into the body of the tablet 12, but may also be separate from the body of the tablet 12, like the camera 8 described above.

[0036] The processor 122 is an electronic circuit including, but not limited to, a CPU, and is hardware that transfers, calculates, processes, and otherwise processes data, and controls the camera 121, the communication device 123, the memory 124, the display 125, and the touch panel 126.

[0037] The memory 124 is, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and is hardware capable of storing various types of data. The data stored in the memory 124 includes data captured by the camera 121, data calculated, processed, etc. by the processor 122, data received by the communicator 123, data input from the touch panel 126, etc.

[0038] The communicator 123, the display 125 and the touch panel 126 are configured in the same manner as the communicator 103, the display 105 and the touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0039] 2 includes a camera, a processor, a communicator, a memory, a display, and a touch panel. Note that the camera, processor, communicator, memory, display, and touch panel are configured similarly to the camera 121, processor 122, communicator 123, memory 124, display 125, and touch panel 126 of the tablet 12, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0040] Here, a method for determining whether parking is possible will be described using the parking facility 2, the vehicle V, and the parking possibility determination system S with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, automobile V stops at a predetermined position outside the parking facility 2 (S1). This predetermined position is a position where the camera 8 of the determination terminal 10 can photograph the license plate P of automobile V. The camera 8 photographs automobile V, and the determination terminal 10 confirms that automobile V has stopped at the predetermined position (S2). Note that a sensor (not shown) may confirm that automobile V has stopped at the predetermined position, or a parking space may be displayed at the predetermined position so that automobile V can be parked at a position where the camera 8 can photograph the license plate P.

[0042] The camera 8 photographs the license plate P (S3). The determination terminal 10 acquires registration number data from the photographed image data (S4). This determination terminal 10 has OCR software (optical character recognition software) installed. The determination terminal 10 identifies characters from the image data based on their shapes and acquires the registration number data. Note that in order to acquire the registration number data, the determination terminal 10 may have an OCR device (optical character recognition device) instead of OCR software.

[0043] The determination terminal 10 transmits the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the registration number data to the main server 4 (S5). The main server 4 checks the vehicle database for the existence of the registration number (S6). The main server 4 transmits vehicle data associated with the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 acquires the vehicle data from the main server 4 (S7).

[0044] On the other hand, in step (S6), if the main server 4 cannot confirm the existence of the registration number, it transmits error data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the error data to the determination terminal 10. The determination terminal 10, which has received the error data, starts over from step (S2).

[0045] After step (S7), the secondary server 6 matches the acquired vehicle data with vehicle data stored in the secondary vehicle database (S8). In this matching, a check is made to see if there is vehicle data in the secondary vehicle database that matches the acquired vehicle data. Here, a specific example of matching will be described using the model as an example. The secondary server 6 checks whether model data that matches the model data of the vehicle data is stored in the secondary vehicle database. The secondary server 6 determines that a match has occurred if matching model data is found in the secondary vehicle database, and determines that a match has not occurred if matching model data is not found. If the model data matches, the secondary server 6 checks whether there is supplementary data associated with this model data.

[0046] In this step (S8), the secondary server 6 matches the acquired registration number data with the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database. The secondary server 6 checks whether there is registration number data that matches the acquired registration number data. If the registration number data matches, it checks whether there is individual data associated with the registration number data. If the registration number data does not match, the secondary server 6 stores the registration number data and vehicle data in the secondary vehicle database in association with each other.

[0047] In this step (S8), the secondary server 6 transmits the vehicle data to the determination terminal 10. If there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 transmits this data to the determination terminal 10.

[0048] The determination terminal 10 calls up the number of an empty pallet 21 that can be stored and the space data of that pallet 21 from the parking lot database. The determination terminal 10 determines whether or not the automobile V can be parked based on the space data of each pallet 21 and the vehicle data (S9). In this step (S9), if there is supplementary data or individual data, the determination terminal 10 determines whether or not the automobile V can be parked, taking into account the supplementary data and individual data.

[0049] In the step (S9), when parking is possible on two or more pallets 21, the determination terminal 10 selects a pallet 21 for parking the automobile V based on a set condition (S10). This set condition is not particularly limited as long as it is set in advance. For example, when parking is possible on any of the pallets 21s, 21m, and 21h, the determination terminal 10 is set to select in order of priority from pallet 21s, pallet 21m, and pallet 21h.

[0050] The determination terminal 10 transmits the number of the pallet 21 on which the automobile V is to be parked to the parking facility 2. The parking facility 2 places the pallet 21 at the entrance position and opens the door 23 (S11).

[0051] Furthermore, in the step (S9), if the determination terminal 10 determines that parking is not possible, it displays that parking is not possible on the display 105. The determination terminal 10 may display that parking is not possible on a display of a driving panel provided in the parking facility 2 instead of on the display 105, or in addition to displaying on the display 105. The determination terminal 10 may also display that parking is not possible on a display device placed in a position that can be seen from the driver's seat of the vehicle V. If parking is not possible, the vehicle V leaves (S12).

[0052] Also, although not shown in the flowchart of Figure 7, in step (S9), when the judgment terminal 10 judges whether parking is possible, it may display the possibility judgment data that is the basis for the possibility judgment from the vehicle data, supplementary data, and individual data that the automobile V has.

[0053] The vehicle V may have its parking permit determination data changed due to the addition or removal of options, modifications, etc. In such cases, the manager of the parking facility 2 or the driver of the vehicle V inputs the changed corrected data into the touch panel 106. The determination terminal 10 determines whether the vehicle V can be parked based on the corrected data (S9). The determination terminal 10 transmits the corrected data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 stores the corrected data in the secondary vehicle database as individual data for the vehicle V, in association with the registration number data.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows an operational flowchart of the determination terminal 10 that functions as a parking possibility determination device in this parking possibility determination method.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 causes the camera 8 to photograph the license plate P of the automobile V. The processor 102 acquires registration number data from the image data of the license plate P. The processor 102 causes the communicator 103 to transmit the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The processor 102 causes the communicator 103 to receive the vehicle data. On the other hand, if the communicator 103 receives error data, the processor 102 causes the camera 8 to start over from the process of photographing the license plate P of the automobile V. When the communicator 103 receives the vehicle data, the processor 102 calls up the number of an available pallet 21 that can be stored and the space data of that pallet 21 from the parking lot database. The processor 102 determines whether or not the automobile V can be parked based on the space data of each pallet 21 and the received vehicle data. When supplementary data or individual data is received, the processor 102 determines whether or not the automobile V can be parked based on the supplementary data and the individual data, as well as the When parking is possible on two or more pallets 21, the processor 102 selects a pallet 21 on which to park the automobile V based on the set conditions. On the other hand, when the processor 102 determines that parking is not possible, it causes the display 105 to display that parking is not possible.

[0056] In this determination terminal 10, processor 102 functions as a determination unit that determines whether parking is permitted. Communicator 103 functions as a transmission / reception unit that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. Processor 102 functions as a character recognition unit that obtains registration number data from image data, and camera 8 and processor 102 function as input units that obtain registration number data.

[0057] It should be noted that the determination terminal 10 does not need to include a character recognition unit. The registration number may be manually input from the touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10. In this case, the touch panel 106 functions as an input unit that acquires the registration number data.

[0058] The registration number used in this parking permission determination method is displayed on the license plate P of the automobile V. The determination terminal 10 acquires this registration number data. The determination terminal 10 transmits the registration number data via the secondary server 6 to the main server 4, which stores the vehicle data and the registration number data in association with each other, and receives the vehicle data. The determination terminal 10 determines whether the automobile V can be parked in the parking facility 2 based on the space data of the pallet 21 and the vehicle data. All that is required for this determination terminal 10 is that it is capable of acquiring the registration number data and receiving the vehicle data associated with the registration number data. This determination terminal 10 does not need to prepare any special information to determine whether parking is permitted. This determination terminal 10 can reduce the burden on the manager and driver in determining whether parking is permitted.

[0059] Although the determination terminal 10 transmits and receives data to and from the main server 4 via the secondary server 6, this is not limiting. For example, the determination terminal 10 may transmit and receive data to and from the main server 4 directly.

[0060] The communication device 103 of this determination terminal 10 transmits registration number data to the main server 4 and receives vehicle data via the Internet included in the network N. This allows the determination terminal 10 to be used anywhere in an environment where it can connect to the Internet. From this perspective, it is preferable that the communication device 103 be connected to the main server 4 via the Internet.

[0061] The determination terminal 10 acquires registration number data from image data captured by the camera 8. This eliminates the need to manually input the registration number. This determination terminal 10 can further reduce the burden on the manager and driver in determining whether parking is permitted. As mentioned above, the registration number may be manually input into the determination terminal 10 via the touch panel 106. Even in this case, the manager and driver do not need to directly check the vehicle length or width.

[0062] The determination terminal 10 selects a pallet 21 on which to park the automobile V from among the many pallets 21 that have been determined to be suitable for parking the automobile V, based on set conditions. For example, the determination terminal 10 selects in the order of priority pallet 21s, pallet 21m, and pallet 21h. This determination terminal 10 allows the parking facility 2 to be operated efficiently. Also, the burden on the administrator for efficient operation is reduced. From this perspective, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 selects a pallet 21 from among the many pallets 21, based on set conditions.

[0063] The space data of the pallet 21 preferably includes the vacant time of the pallet 21. The conditions set by the determination terminal 10 for selecting the pallet 21 for parking the automobile V preferably include the usage time for parking the automobile V. This enables the determination terminal 10 to determine whether or not the automobile V can be parked in the future, not just at the present time.

[0064] The determination terminal 10 has a display 105 that displays the determination result of whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. The manager or the driver can easily check the determination result on this determination terminal 10. From this perspective, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 has a display 105. When the determination terminal 10 is provided in the parking facility 2, the display of an operation panel (not shown) also provided in the parking facility 2 may be used as the display 105. Furthermore, the determination terminal 10 may have another display device instead of the display 105.

[0065] In the determination terminal 10, the display 105 displays the possibility determination data when it is determined whether the automobile V can be parked, particularly when the automobile V cannot be parked. In this determination terminal 10, the manager or the driver can easily check the possibility determination data that is the basis for determining whether parking is not possible. From this perspective, it is preferable that the display 105 displays the possibility determination data.

[0066] The determination terminal 10 has a touch panel 106 that can correct the possibility determination data to individual data that each vehicle V has. This determination terminal 10 can accurately determine whether parking is possible for a vehicle V that has already been modified. In this determination terminal 10, the touch panel 106 functions as a correction input unit that can correct the individual data. From this perspective, it is preferable that the determination terminal 10 has a touch panel 106 that can correct the individual data. When the determination terminal 10 is provided in the parking facility 2, the touch panel on the operation panel may be used as the touch panel 106.

[0067] It is also preferable that the vehicle data of the main server 4 includes information about electric vehicles. When the vehicle V is an electric vehicle, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 preferably determines whether charging is possible on the pallet 21. This determination terminal 10 can inform the driver of the vehicle V of information about whether charging is possible before parking. This determination terminal 10 improves convenience for the driver.

[0068] The memory 104 as a storage unit may store the vehicle data of the automobile V in association with the registration number data. This allows the determination terminal 10 to determine whether parking is permitted for the automobile V already stored in the memory 104 even when the automobile V is disconnected from the network N.

[0069] Furthermore, the processor 102 may store the registration number data and the possibility determination data in association with each other in the memory 104. For example, the possibility determination data is stored in association with the number of the pallet 21 where parking is permitted. This allows the determination terminal 10 to omit duplicate determination of whether parking is permitted for a vehicle V for which parking has already been determined.

[0070] Furthermore, in the parking permission determination method shown in FIG. 7, in step (S8), the registration number data acquired by the secondary server 6 is matched with the vehicle data stored in the secondary database. However, matching based on the registration number data may also be performed in step (S5) of acquiring the registration number data from the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 may transmit the vehicle data stored in the secondary database to the determination terminal 10 based on the registration number data already stored in the secondary database. Furthermore, if there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 may transmit this data to the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 functions as a server that associates and stores vehicle data and registration number data. This allows the secondary server 6 to avoid redundantly acquiring vehicle data from the main server 4.

[0071] This memory 104 preferably stores a parking lot database that stores the numbers of pallets 21 of the parking facility 2 in association with their space data. This space data may be input from the touch panel 106 of the determination terminal 10, but is preferably stored in the memory 104. This allows the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 to determine whether parking is possible or not without requiring input of space data each time.

[0072] Here, the main server 4 has been described as an example of a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other, but this is not limiting. For example, as described above, if the registration number data of automobile V is stored in the secondary vehicle database of secondary server 6, secondary server 6 may be used as a server that stores vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other.

[0073] Also, although the determination terminal 10 has been described here as a parking permission determination device, the secondary server 6 may be used as the parking permission determination device. In that case, the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 functions as a determination unit. The communicator 62 functions as a transceiver that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The communicator 62 also functions as an input unit that acquires registration number data.

[0074] In this case as well, preferably, the communicator 62 of the secondary server 6 transmits and receives data to and from the determination terminal 10 and the main server 4 via the Internet included in the network N. Also, the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 may select a pallet 21 for parking the vehicle V based on set conditions from among the multiple pallets 21 that have been determined as being suitable for parking the vehicle V. The memory 63 of the secondary server 6 may have a parking lot database of the parking facilities 2.

[0075] When the secondary server 6 is used as a parking possibility determination device, the communicator 62 of the secondary server 6 transmits data on the determination result of whether the automobile V can be parked to the determination terminal 10. Preferably, the secondary server 6 also transmits the determination result and possibility determination data to the determination terminal 10.

[0076] Furthermore, if the vehicle V is an electric vehicle, the processor 61 of the secondary server 6 preferably determines whether or not it can be charged on the pallet 21. Furthermore, by storing the vehicle data of the vehicle V in association with the registration number data in the memory 63 of the secondary server 6, it is possible to determine whether or not parking is possible for the already stored vehicle V even when the vehicle V is disconnected from the main server 4.

[0077] Furthermore, in this secondary server 6, the memory 63 stores supplementary data that is not stored in the main server 4, in association with the vehicle data. The processor 61 can determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked on the pallet 21 based on the supplementary data. This allows the secondary server 6 to more appropriately determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. Furthermore, the supplementary data may be obtained from another device without being stored in the memory 63, and used to determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. Note that in the aforementioned determination terminal 10, the memory 104 may also store the supplementary data in association with the vehicle data.

[0078] In this secondary server 6, the memory 63 stores individual data that each vehicle V has, in association with the registration number data of the vehicle V. The processor 61 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked on the pallet 21 based on the individual data. This allows the secondary server 6 to more appropriately determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked. Furthermore, the individual data may be obtained from another device without being stored in the memory 63, and used to determine whether or not the vehicle V can be parked.

[0079] Furthermore, the tablet 12 may be used as the parking possibility determination device. In this case, application software (hereinafter also referred to as an app), which is a program for executing the parking possibility determination, is installed in the processor 122 of the tablet 12, similar to the determination terminal 10. In this tablet 12, the camera 121 and the processor 122 function as an input unit that acquires registration number data. The processor 122 also functions as a determination unit. The communicator 123 functions as a transceiver that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The memory 124 functions as a storage unit that stores received vehicle data and registration number data in association with each other. The display 125 functions as a display unit. The touch panel 126 functions as a correction input unit that can correct individual data. Similar to this tablet 12, a smartphone 14 or another computer may be used as the parking possibility determination device.

[0080] Furthermore, this app may be application software that causes the tablet 12 and another server connected to the tablet 12 via the network N to cooperate and function as a parking possibility determination device. For example, this app causes the processor 122 of the tablet 12 to cause the communicator 123 to transmit registration number data and space data of the parking space to the other server. The processor of the other server causes the communicator of the other server to receive the registration number data, transmit the registration number data to the main server 4, and receive vehicle data associated with the registration number data. The processor of the other server determines whether a vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on the space data of the parking space and the vehicle data. The processor of the other server causes the communicator of the other server to transmit parking possibility determination data to the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communicator 123 to receive the parking possibility determination data and display the parking possibility determination result on the display 125 of the tablet 12. Note that the other server here is not limited to a single computer, but may be multiple computers connected via the network N. Furthermore, the tablet 12 may execute and process part of the processing executed by another server, such as determining whether or not a vehicle can be parked in a parking space.

[0081] Furthermore, the memory 104 of the determination terminal 10 may store a parking lot database for a large number of parking lots, including the parking facility 2. This parking lot database may include vacant time data for each parking space in the large number of parking lots. This vacant time data includes, for example, information on availability (whether the space is currently vacant, future vacant time (period), and reserved time (period)). The processor 102 of this determination terminal 10 may determine whether or not the automobile V can be parked in a parking space in the large number of parking lots. In this case, when the manager or the driver selects a parking space in a parking lot other than the parking facility 2, the selected parking space may be made reservable from the determination terminal 10.

[0082] Conversely, the parking facility 2 may be made reservable from a device other than the determination terminal 10. For example, the processor 102 of the determination terminal 10 causes the communicator 103 to receive the identification data and usage time data of the reserved pallet 21. The processor 102 updates and stores the vacant time data of the parking space in the memory 104 based on the identification data and usage time data of the reserved pallet 21.

[0083] The processor 102 does not permit other vehicles to park in the reserved pallet 21 during the reserved use time. For example, the processor 102 checks the registration number data of the reserved vehicle using the camera 8. If the vehicle is a reserved vehicle, the processor 102 permits parking in the reserved pallet 21. Here, the registration number data of the reserved vehicle is checked using the camera, but the registration number may also be manually input into the touch panel 106, for example. Furthermore, a wide variety of reservation identification methods may be employed, such as inputting reservation information other than the registration number, such as other reservation numbers. In addition, when the automobile V is parked without setting a reservation time (period), the parking space may be reserved indefinitely from the time the parking space for the automobile V is identified, or the reservation time (period) may be a predetermined time from the time the parking space is identified or until a predetermined time.

[0084] Another method for determining whether parking is possible will now be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. Here, the description will be given using the tablet 12 shown in Figs. 2 and 6 as an example.

[0085] Application software (hereinafter also referred to as an app), which is a program for causing the processor 122 to execute parking availability determination, is pre-installed on the tablet 12. Also, a parking lot database of a large number of parking lots is pre-stored in the memory 124 of the tablet 12.

[0086] 9, an application is started (SA1) on the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the display 125 to display instructions for executing the parking possibility determination.

[0087] In accordance with this instruction, the registration number displayed on license plate P is input from touch panel 126 (SA2). This causes processor 122 to cause touch panel 126 to acquire registration number data. At this time, a registration number that has been registered in advance or a registration number that was previously acquired may be displayed as an initial value.

[0088] The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to transmit the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the registration number data to the main server 4 (SA3). The main server 4 confirms the existence of the registration number (SA4). The main server 4 transmits vehicle data associated with the registration number data to the secondary server 6.

[0089] On the other hand, in step (SA4), if the main server 4 cannot confirm the existence of the registration number, it transmits error data to the secondary server 6. The secondary server 6 transmits the error data to the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 that receives the error data displays on the display 125 an instruction to start over from step (SA2).

[0090] When the main server 4 transmits the vehicle data, the secondary server 6 acquires the vehicle data (SA5). The secondary server 6 matches the acquired vehicle data and registration number data with the vehicle data and registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database (SA6). If the acquired vehicle data matches the vehicle data stored in the secondary vehicle database, the secondary server 6 checks whether there is supplementary data associated with the matched vehicle data. If the acquired registration number data matches the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database, the secondary server 6 checks whether there is individual data associated with the registration number data. If the acquired registration number data does not match the registration number data stored in the secondary vehicle database, the secondary server 6 associates the registration number data with the vehicle data and stores it in the secondary vehicle database. The secondary server 6 transmits the vehicle data to the tablet 12. If there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 also transmits this data to the tablet 12. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communicator 123 to acquire the vehicle data, and in some cases, the supplementary data and individual data.

[0091] In step (SA6), the registration number data acquired by the secondary server 6 is matched with the vehicle data stored in the secondary database, but matching based on the registration number data may also be performed in step (SA3) where the registration number data is acquired from the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 may transmit the vehicle data stored in the secondary database to the determination terminal 10 based on the registration number data already stored in the secondary database. Furthermore, if there is supplementary data or individual data, the secondary server 6 may transmit this data to the determination terminal 10. In this case, the secondary server 6 functions as a server that associates vehicle data with registration number data and stores them. This allows the secondary server 6 to avoid redundantly acquiring vehicle data from the main server 4.

[0092] Processor 122 retrieves available parking spaces and their space data from a parking database of multiple parking lots. Processor 122 determines whether vehicle V can be parked based on the space data of each parking space and the acquired vehicle data (SA7). In this step (SA7), if supplementary data or individual data is available, processor 122 determines whether vehicle V can be parked, taking into account both the supplementary data and the individual data. Processor 122 displays specific data for one or more available parking spaces on display 125.

[0093] Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 , further conditions may be set for the selection. For example, the processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the display 125 to display an input screen for these conditions. These conditions are input via the touch panel 126 of the tablet 12. The processor 122 may select one or more parking spaces from one or more available parking spaces based on the set conditions. The processor 122 may also cause the display 125 to display specific data of the selected parking spaces based on the set conditions.

[0094] In this parking availability determination method, a parking space is searched for based on set conditions. The set conditions are not particularly limited and may include, for example, the current location, the driver's location, the distance from the destination, the fee, etc. For example, when two or more parking spaces are selected, the processor 122 may display the specific data of the parking spaces on the display 125 in order of closest distance or cheapest fee.

[0095] FIG. 10 shows an operational flowchart of the tablet 12 that functions as a parking possibility determination device in this parking possibility determination method.

[0096] The registration number is entered through the touch panel 126 of this tablet 12, and registration number data is acquired. The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to transmit the registration number data to the secondary server 6. The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to receive the vehicle data. Furthermore, if the communicator 123 receives error data, the processor 122 causes the display 125 to display an instruction to enter the registration number. This causes the processor 122 to start over, starting with entering the registration number. When the communicator 123 receives the vehicle data, the processor 122 retrieves available parking spaces and their space data from a parking database of multiple parking lots. The processor 122 determines whether or not the vehicle V can be parked based on the space data of each parking space and the received vehicle data. The processor 122 causes the display 125 to display specific data for one or more available parking spaces. At this time, if conditions for selection have been set, processor 122 selects one or more of the available parking spaces based on the set conditions. Processor 122 displays specific data of the selected parking spaces on display 125 based on the set conditions. On the other hand, if there are no available parking spaces for vehicle V, processor 122 displays on display 125 that there are no available parking spaces.

[0097] It is preferable that the set conditions for selecting one or more of the multiple parking spaces include whether or not a lease contract is available, which makes it easy to search for parking spaces that are available for lease contracts such as monthly contracts.

[0098] In this tablet 12, the processor 122 functions as a determination unit that determines whether parking is permitted. The communicator 123 functions as a transmission / reception unit that transmits registration number data and receives vehicle data. The touch panel 126 functions as an input unit that acquires registration number data. Alternatively, the processor 122 may cause the camera 121 to photograph the license plate P, and the processor 102 may acquire the registration number data from the photographed image data. In this case, the processor 122 functions as a character recognition unit, and the camera 121 and the processor 122 function as input units that acquire the registration number data.

[0099] This tablet 12 makes it easy to search for available parking spaces by inputting registration number data that identifies the vehicle V. Here, the tablet 12, which is an example of a computer, functions as a parking availability determination device.

[0100] Here, application software is installed on tablet 12, which has an input unit for inputting data, a transceiver unit for sending and receiving data, and a determination unit for calculating and processing data. This application software is executed by processor 122, which controls the operation of tablet 12, so that tablet 12 is used as a parking possibility determination device. Alternatively, another server connected to tablet 12 via network N may be used as a web application as a parking possibility determination device. Instead of tablet 12, smartphone 14 may be installed with this application software and used as a parking possibility determination device.

[0101] Furthermore, a secondary server 6 may be used instead of the tablet 12 here. In this case, for example, registration number data is transmitted from the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc. to the communicator 62 of the secondary server 6. The processor 61 of the secondary server 6 is requested to select one or more multiple parking spaces. The processor 61 selects one or more multiple parking spaces from one or more multiple parking spaces available for parking based on set conditions. The communicator 62 of the secondary server 6 transmits identification data of the multiple selected parking spaces to the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc. Then, the identification data of the multiple selected parking spaces is displayed on the tablet 12, smartphone 14, etc.

[0102] Also, here, the parking lot database for multiple parking lots is stored in the memory 124 of this tablet 12, but the parking lot database for multiple parking lots may also be stored in another server. For example, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 may store parking lot databases for two or more multiple parking lots including the parking facility 2. This parking lot database may include vacant time data for each parking space in the multiple parking lots.

[0103] In this case, for example, the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 stores the identification data of multiple parking spaces in two or more multiple parking lots in association with the vacant time data of each parking space. The processor 122 of the tablet 12 causes the communicator 123 to receive the identification data and vacant time data of the multiple parking spaces from the secondary server 6. The processor 122 selects one or more multiple parking spaces in which to park the vehicle V based on set conditions, including the usage time for which the vehicle V will be parked. Here, if the usage time is not specified, the usage time for which the vehicle V will be parked may be indefinite from the time the parking space is selected, or may be set to after a predetermined time or until a predetermined time. The processor 122 causes the display 125 to display the identification data of the selected parking space.

[0104] Furthermore, the tablet 12 may allow the parking space displayed on the display 125 to be reserved. For example, the parking space is reserved via the touch panel 126 of the tablet 12. The processor 122 causes the communicator 123 to transmit the identification data of the reserved parking space and the usage time data to the secondary server 6.

[0105] The processor 61 of the secondary server 6 causes the communicator 62 to receive the identification data and usage time data of the reserved parking space. The processor 61 causes the memory 63 to update and store the vacant time data of the reserved parking space based on the identification data and usage time data of the reserved parking space.

[0106] Here, the parking space identification data and the available time data are stored in association with each other in the memory 63 of the secondary server 6 that stores the parking lot database, but this is not limited to this. Apart from the secondary server 6 that stores the parking lot database, the parking space identification data and the available time data may also be stored in association with each other in the memory of another server.

[0107] From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore, this description should be construed as illustrative only and not limited to the exact form set forth herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] V...Automotive P... number plate 2. Parking facilities 21 Palette 4. Main Server 6. Secondary Server 61 Processor 62 Communication device 63 Memory 8, 121... Camera 10. Judgment terminal 102, 122 processors 103, 123...Communication equipment 104, 124... memory 105, 125... Display 106, 126...Touch panel 12. Tablet Computer 14. Smartphone

Claims

1. an input unit for acquiring registration number data for identifying a vehicle; a transceiver that transmits the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and width in association with the registration number data, receives the vehicle data via a secondary server that stores the vehicle data in association with supplementary data not stored in the server, and receives the supplementary data if the secondary server has the supplementary data associated with the vehicle data; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including a depth and a width of the parking space, the vehicle data, and, if there is supplementary data associated with the vehicle data, the supplementary data; A parking possibility determination device having the above.

2. an input unit for acquiring registration number data for identifying a vehicle; a transceiver that transmits the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and width in association with the registration number data, receives the vehicle data via a secondary server that stores the registration number data in association with individual data that each vehicle has, and receives the individual data associated with the registration number data in the secondary server if the individual data is stored in the secondary server; a determination unit that determines whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space, the vehicle data, and, if there is individual data associated with the registration number data, the individual data; A parking possibility determination device having the above.

3. The parking permission determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting / receiving unit transmits the registration number data to the server and receives the vehicle data via the Internet.

4. The input unit a camera for photographing the license plate of the vehicle; a character recognition unit for obtaining the registration number data from the image of the license plate; The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. 5. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit selects a parking space in which to park the vehicle from a number of parking spaces determined to be parking possible for the vehicle based on set conditions.

6. the space data includes an available time for the parking space; 6. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 5, wherein the set conditions for selecting a parking space in which the vehicle is to be parked include a usage time for which the vehicle is to be parked.

7. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays a result of the determination as to whether the vehicle can be parked.

8. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 7 , wherein the display unit displays possibility determination data stored in the vehicle, which is the basis for determining whether parking is possible.

9. 9. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 8, further comprising a correction input unit capable of correcting the possibility determination data to individual data that each of the vehicles has.

10. 5. A parking possibility determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit selects one or more of a large number of parking spaces from a large number of parking spaces that have been determined to be parking possible for the vehicle based on set conditions.

11. a display unit that displays the result of the determination of whether the vehicle can be parked; The parking possibility determination device according to claim 10, wherein the display unit displays specific data of one or more of the multiple parking spaces selected by the determination unit.

12. The determination unit causes the transmission / reception unit to receive the identification data and vacant time data of a large number of parking spaces in two or more parking lots from a server that stores the identification data and vacant time data of each parking space in association with each other; 12. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 10, wherein the set conditions for selecting one or more of the multiple parking spaces in which the vehicle is to be parked include the usage time for which the vehicle will be parked.

13. 13. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 10, wherein the set conditions for selecting one or more of the multiple parking spaces in which the vehicle is to be parked include whether or not a lease contract can be concluded.

14. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether charging is possible in the parking space when the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

15. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage unit that stores the received vehicle data in association with the registration number data.

16. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1 , wherein the supplementary data includes ground clearance data of the vehicle.

17. 17. The parking possibility determination device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the parking space identification data and the space data in association with each other.

18. A program executed by a processor that controls the operation of a parking possibility determination device having an input unit that inputs data, a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data, and a determination unit that calculates and processes data, causing the input unit to acquire registration number data identifying a vehicle; causing the transmitting / receiving unit to transmit the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and vehicle width in association with the registration number data, receive the vehicle data via a secondary server that stores the vehicle data in association with supplementary data not stored in the server, and, if the secondary server has supplementary data associated with the vehicle data, also receive the supplementary data; A program that causes the determination unit to determine whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space, the vehicle data, and, if there is supplementary data associated with the vehicle data, the supplementary data.

19. A program executed by a processor that controls the operation of a parking possibility determination device having an input unit that inputs data, a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives data, and a determination unit that calculates and processes data, causing the input unit to acquire registration number data identifying a vehicle; causing the transmitting / receiving unit to transmit the registration number data to a server that stores vehicle data including vehicle length and width in association with the registration number data, receive the vehicle data via a secondary server that stores the registration number data in association with individual data that each vehicle has, and, if the secondary server has individual data associated with the registration number data, also receive the individual data; A program that causes the determination unit to determine whether the vehicle can be parked in the parking space based on space data including the depth and width of the parking space, the vehicle data, and, if there is individual data associated with the registration number data, the individual data.

20. 20. The program according to claim 18, further comprising storing the vehicle data in association with the acquired registration number data in a storage unit of the parking possibility determination device.

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