Parking Management System

Abstract

To provide a parking lot management system capable of confirming the parking position of each parked vehicle and having a low initial cost. SOLUTION: Each parking area 5 in a parking lot PA is provided with identification signs 55, 56 that carry parking area identification information individually assigned to the parking area, and when parking a vehicle Am in a parking area, the identification signs 55, 56 are read by the mobile terminal 2na of the vehicle Am user and transmitted to a server. The server can manage parked and vacant vehicles for each parking area, and the mobile terminal 2na can be used to check the parking position within the parking lot PA.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot management system, and more particularly to a parking lot management system that manages the entry and exit of vehicles into a parking lot. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional parking lots, a typical configuration involves receiving a parking ticket from a ticket machine when entering the parking lot, and then inserting the ticket into a payment machine when leaving the parking lot, where the fee is calculated. In recent years, cameras have been installed at the entrance gates to optically read the license plate on the vehicle, perform OCR processing, and store the time of entry and the vehicle number. An increasing number of systems are being installed that allow the vehicle number to be entered when leaving the parking lot, and the stored number identifies the vehicle subject to the fee. Such systems eliminate the need for a ticket machine to issue parking tickets or a parking ticket reader. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-172099 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Because parking lots at large commercial facilities and amusement parks tend to be large, it often takes a long time to find an empty parking space during peak hours. Conventional parking facilities often have sensors installed in each parking space designated for each vehicle to detect whether a vehicle is parked, and some have lamps installed in each parking space or within a specified range to indicate whether an empty parking space is available. These lamps illuminate green when an empty vehicle is present and red when a vehicle is parked, allowing drivers to check the status of the parking space from a distance. However, installing sensors and lamps in each parking space in large parking facilities like the ones described above entails significant initial costs.

[0005] On the other hand, when returning to a vehicle after parking in a parking lot, it is possible to lose track of where the vehicle was parked, especially in parking facilities that do not issue parking tickets, as mentioned above, and there is no way to know when or where the vehicle was parked. An object of the present invention is to provide a parking lot management system that allows parking locations to be confirmed and has a relatively low initial cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, has the following configuration. (1) A parking lot management device that is installed at the entrance of the parking lot and manages the entry of vehicles; a parking area in which the vehicle is parked; Parking area identification information individually set for each parking area; The parking area identification is displayed for each parking area. information a parking area identification sign carrying the a parking lot having parking lot identification information individually provided for each parking lot; an area identification information reading device that reads parking area identification information from the parking area identification sign; Personal identification information set individually for each client device owner, an area identification information transmitting device that transmits the parking area identification information read by the area identification information reading device to a server; a vacant parking area information receiving device that acquires location information of vacant parking areas in the parking lot from a server; a client terminal having a display device that displays the location information of the vacant vehicle area acquired from the server; an identification information acquisition device that acquires personal identification information of a person entering a parking lot in a vehicle and parking lot identification information of the parking lot the person is entering; a member identification information storage device that stores personal identification information of members; a parking lot identification information storage device that stores parking lot identification information of a parking lot and parking area identification information of the parking lot in association with each other; a parking area information storage device that stores parking status and position information of each parking area in the parking lot; an area identification information receiving device that receives the parking area identification information transmitted from the area identification information transmitting device; The personal identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition device is member an entrance determination device that determines whether or not personal information stored in an identification information storage device matches; When the entrance determination device determines that there is a match, a permission information transmitting device that transmits information permitting entry to the parking lot management device of the parking lot having the parking lot identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring device; an empty car area extraction device that extracts an empty car parking area from a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot stored in the parking area information storage device; a vacant vehicle area information transmitting device that transmits location information of the vacant vehicle parking area extracted by the vacant vehicle area extracting device to the client terminal; a server having a parked vehicle information storage device that stores the parking area identification information received by the area identification information receiving device, and the personal identification information and parking lot identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring device in association with each other; Parking lot management system equipped with Such a system allows for the management of each parking area.

[0007] (2) The identification information acquisition device Kura stomach a personal identification mark display device provided in the remote terminal and displaying a personal identification mark carrying the personal identification information; a personal identification information reader provided in the parking lot for reading personal identification information from the personal identification sign displayed on the personal identification sign display device; a parking lot identification information storage device provided in the parking lot and storing parking lot identification information of the parking lot; A parking lot management system as described in (1) above, which has a personal parking lot information transmitting device that transmits the personal identification information read by the personal identification information reading device and the parking lot identification information stored in the parking lot identification information storage device to a server. According to such a system, the server can simultaneously acquire personal identification information and parking lot identification information.

[0008] (3) The identification information acquisition device a parking lot identification sign display device that is provided in the parking lot and displays a parking lot identification sign carrying the parking lot identification information; The above-mentioned stomach a parking lot identification information reader provided in the mobile terminal for reading parking lot identification information from the parking lot identification sign displayed on the parking lot identification sign display device; The above-mentioned stomach a personal identification information storage device provided in the client terminal for storing personal identification information of the owner of the client terminal; A parking lot management system as described in (1) above, which has a parking lot personal information transmission device that transmits the parking lot identification information read from the parking lot identification information reading device and the personal identification information stored in the personal identification information storage device to a server. According to such a system, the server can simultaneously acquire personal identification information and parking lot identification information.

[0009] (4) The parking lot is: a license plate reader that reads the license plate number of a vehicle when the personal identification information is acquired by the identification information acquisition device; a number transmitting device that transmits the number read by the number reading device to a server; The server a number receiving device for receiving a number; The parking lot management system described in (1) above, wherein the number received by the number receiving device is stored in a parked vehicle information storage device in association with the personal identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition device. Such a system makes it possible to store the number of a vehicle parked in association with each parking area.

[0010] (5) A parking lot management system according to (4) above, wherein the number reading device reads the number of a vehicle exiting the parking lot. According to such a system, by storing the vehicle number of the vehicle exiting the parking lot, it is possible to easily manage parked vehicles without having to perform a process to read the personal identification information of the individual exiting the parking lot.

[0011] (6) A parking lot management system as described in (4) or (5) above, in which the server stores the time when the number is received by the number receiving device or the time when the personal identification information is acquired by the identification information acquisition device in association with the personal identification information. Such a system allows for more precise management of parking conditions by storing the time.

[0012] (7) A parking lot management system as described in (6) above, wherein the server stores personal payment information required for payment of parking fees in association with personal identification information in the parked vehicle information storage device, and has a payment device that makes payments based on the stored entry and exit times. With this system, payment does not need to be made when entering or leaving the venue, and payment can be made later.

[0013] (8) A parking lot management system according to (1) above, in which the parking area identification signs displayed for each parking area are configured to be readable by predetermined image processing. According to such a system, for example, the parking lot identification sign can be displayed in a readable manner on the vehicle's rear monitor, making it possible to read the parking lot identification sign while inside the vehicle.

[0014] (9) The location information of the vacant vehicle area is map information, The client terminal displays a map of the parking lot showing the vacant parking area on the display device. The parking lot management system described in (1) above.

[0015] (10) The client terminal includes a parking lot identification information acquisition device that acquires identification information that identifies a parking lot where the user wishes to reserve parking; a parking lot identification information transmitting device that transmits the parking lot identification information acquired by the parking lot identification information acquiring device to a server; The server includes a parking area extraction device that extracts vacant parking areas from the identified parking lots based on the parking lot identification information received from the client terminal; a reception information transmitting device that transmits information to a client terminal indicating that a reservation is accepted when the parking area extracting device extracts an available parking area; and a change device for changing one of the parking areas from vacant to parked. Such a system allows reservations, thereby shortening waiting times for entry.

[0016] (11) The server has a parking area information transmitting device that transmits to the client terminal parking area identification information of the parking area that the change device has changed from vacant to parked, The parking management system described in (10) above, wherein the client terminal has a reserved parking area display device that displays the location information of the reserved parking area based on the parking area identification information of the reserved parking area received from the parking area information transmission device. According to such a system, the parking area after entry is designated, so the effort required to search for an empty parking area is reduced. (12) The server has a time-limit entry determination device that determines whether personal identification information has been acquired from the identification information acquisition device within a predetermined time from the time when the reception information transmission device transmitted information indicating that the reservation is accepted, The parking lot management system according to the present invention includes a reservation invalidation device that invalidates a reservation if the time-limit entry determination device determines that personal identification information has not been acquired within a predetermined time. (13) The parking lot management system according to the present invention includes a time change device that changes the length of the predetermined time in accordance with the number of vehicles waiting in line at the entrance of the parking lot to enter or the waiting time of vehicles waiting to enter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the parking lot management system of the present invention, it is possible to easily manage and check the parking status of parked vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal, a parking lot management device, and a server. FIG. [Figure 3] This is an overall plan view of a parking lot. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an entrance gate. [Figure 5] 10 is a list of information stored in the first storage area. [Figure 6] 10 is a list of information stored in the second storage area. [Figure 7] 10 is a list of information stored in the third storage area. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the parking area. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an image of a parking area captured on a rearview monitor of a vehicle. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 18] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 21] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 22] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 26] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the mobile terminal. [Figure 28] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 29] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a front view of a support pillar provided in a parking area. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the parking area. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the position of a support pillar as seen from inside a vehicle parked in a parking area. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a store terminal. [Figure 35] 1 is a flowchart. [Figure 36] 1 is a flowchart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the parking lot management system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1, the parking lot management system 1 of the first embodiment is configured by connecting, via a network Nc, mobile terminals 21a, 22ad to 2na carried by drivers of parked vehicles, parking lot management devices 21b, 22b to 2nb installed in the parking lot, and a server 2. The owners of the mobile terminals 21a, 22ad to 2na are registered as members with predetermined personal information registered in advance.

[0020] The network Nc includes various wireless or wired communication lines, and internet service provider base stations that connect them, etc. Note that the network Nc only needs to be connectable at any time, and does not need to be connected all the time. The mobile terminals 21a, 22ad to 2na carried by the drivers are examples of the client terminals constituting the present invention.

[0021] The mobile terminals 21a, 22ad to 2na are carried by the drivers (or passengers) of the vehicles parked in the parking lot. The mobile terminals 21a, 22ad to 2na carried by such parking lot users may be, for example, smartphones (mobile terminals equipped with a mobile operating system). Furthermore, they may be devices with user application software installed. Such terminals must have at least a camera function as a reading unit and a display unit capable of displaying various information.

[0022] An example of the internal configuration of the mobile terminal 2na will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na owned by users. The mobile terminal 2na has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as a control unit, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14 as a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, a RAM 15, a ROM 16, a storage unit 17, a reading unit 19, a position detection unit 141, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 18. The CPU 11 loads a specified program from various application programs such as system programs stored in the ROM 16 in a work area (not shown) in the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the program in response to data input from the input unit 12 or data supplied via the communication unit 14, and stores the processing results in a work memory in the RAM 15 or in the storage unit 17 as necessary.

[0023] Furthermore, CPU 11 generates display information for displaying the processing results and outputs it to display unit 13. CPU 11 loads a barcode reading program from storage unit 17 into a work memory, and uses this barcode reading program to extract identification information carried in the barcode information read via reading unit 19, and stores the identification information in storage unit 17. The read identification information is also transmitted to server 2 via communication unit 14. CPU 11 can also perform processing in place of an IC chip that constitutes a contactless IC card system. The input unit 12 comprises a keyboard (input means) having kana / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, etc., and a mouse (designation means) which is a pointing device.

[0024] The display unit 13 is configured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays various display data on the screen in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the CPU 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays an optically readable code such as a two-dimensional code that carries unique personal identification information assigned to the terminal owner. The CPU 11 also generates input screen information for inputting information, and controls the display unit 13 to display the information input screen.

[0025] The input unit 12 may have a touch screen integrated with the display unit 13. By using such a touch screen, the display unit 13 displaying an information input screen functions as the input unit 12, and desired information can be input on the information input screen. For example, it is possible to input the vehicle number or information about the parking lot where the vehicle will be parked.

[0026] The communication unit 14 is connected to an external network via wireless communication and ultimately communicates with the server 2. Through this communication unit, the read time and read identification information are transmitted to the server 2, and information such as the determination result is received from the server. The communication unit 14 can also serve as an antenna unit of the contactless IC card system, and can be configured to enable communication with a card reader of the contactless IC card system through this communication unit 14.

[0027] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 15 is a storage means and forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 11 and data processed by these various programs. ROM 16 is a storage medium on which programs and predetermined data are pre-stored. Memory unit 17 is composed of a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. This storage medium stores the system program, conversion software for converting stored identification information into a two-dimensional code, reading software for reading the identification information carried in the two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code, various processing programs corresponding to the parking lot management system of the present invention, a location information display program for displaying the terminal's location information, and data processed by the various processing programs, among others. It also functions as a time memory unit for recording the time of an operation, such as reading an identification sign carrying identification information, and as a personal information memory unit for recording unique identification information assigned to the mobile terminal owner. Memory unit 17 also stores images and videos captured by reader unit 19.

[0028] The reading unit 19 is configured with one or both of a reading device that optically reads barcodes and a device that reads information by short-range wireless communication using electromagnetic fields, radio waves, etc. Alternatively, the reading unit 17 may have a photographing means such as a camera or video camera that reads signs, character signs, etc. as images, and a voice recognition means that is configured with an auditory information acquisition means such as a microphone that acquires sound or voice, and a voice conversion means that converts the auditory information acquired by the microphone into text information.

[0029] In the parking lot management devices 21b, 22b to 2nb, explanation of the parts having the same configuration as the mobile terminal 2na will be omitted, and only the parts that are different will be explained. Each of the parking lot management devices 21b, 22b to 2nb includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 as a control unit, an input unit 42, a display unit 44, a communication unit 43 as a transmission unit and a reception unit, a RAM 45, a ROM 46, a storage unit 47, a reading unit 48, a gate driver 40, a camera Ca, a status display unit 441, and the like, all of which are connected via a bus 49. The CPU 41 loads a selected program from various application programs, such as system programs, stored in the ROM 46 into a work area (not shown) in the RAM 45, executes various processes in accordance with the program, and stores the processed results in the work memory in the RAM 45 or, as necessary, in the storage unit 47. Alternatively, the CPU 41 transmits the processed results to the server 2 via the communication unit 43 as necessary.

[0030] The CPU 41 also generates display information for displaying the processing results and outputs it to the display unit 44. The CPU 41 loads a barcode reading program from the storage unit 47 into a work memory, and uses this barcode reading program to extract identification information carried in the barcode information read via the reading unit 49, and stores the identification information in the storage unit 47. The read identification information is also transmitted to the server 2 via the communication unit 43. The CPU 41 can also be configured to work together with the reading unit 48 to perform processing of a reading device that constitutes a contactless IC card system.

[0031] The input unit 42 is configured to include, for example, a keyboard having kana / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, etc., and a mouse which is a pointing device. The display unit 44 is configured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays various display data on the screen in accordance with instructions from display signals input from the CPU 41. For example, the display unit 44 displays an optically readable code such as a two-dimensional code that carries unique identification information assigned to each parking lot. The display unit 44 may have a touch screen that integrates the input unit 42 and the display unit 44. The display unit 44 and the input unit 42 are provided on the vehicle aisle side of the entrance (entrance gate) through which vehicles enter the parking lot, in a position that allows the driver of the vehicle to reach out and operate them from the driver's seat, and is also provided in a position that is easy to see from the driver's seat.

[0032] The communication unit 43 is connected to an external network by wireless or wired communication, and ultimately communicates with the server 2. Through this communication unit, the read time, the read identification information, the vehicle number read by the camera Ca, and the like are transmitted to the server 2, and information such as the determination result is received from the server. The communication unit 43 may also function as a card reader in a contactless IC card system. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 45 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 41 and data processed by these various programs.

[0033] The ROM 46 is a storage medium on which programs and predetermined data are pre-stored. The storage unit 47 is composed of a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. This storage medium stores the system program, conversion software for converting stored identification information into a two-dimensional code, reading software for reading the identification information carried in the two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code, various processing programs corresponding to the parking lot management system of the present invention, character reading software for reading characters from images of vehicle license plates photographed by the camera Ca, and data processed by the various processing programs to generate identification information from data acquired via wireless communication. The storage unit 47 also functions as a time memory unit that stores operation times such as the time an identification sign carrying identification information was read and the time an image was taken by the camera Ca. It also functions as a parking lot identification information memory unit that stores the unique identification information assigned to each parking lot. The storage unit 47 also stores images and videos photographed by the camera Ca.

[0034] The reading unit 48 is configured with one or both of a reading device that optically reads barcodes and a device that reads information by short-range wireless communication using electromagnetic fields, radio waves, etc. Alternatively, the reading unit 48 may have imaging means such as a camera or video camera that reads signs, character signs, etc. as images, and voice recognition means that is configured with auditory information acquisition means such as a microphone that acquires sound or voice, and voice conversion means that converts the auditory information acquired by the microphone into text information. Figure 3 is an overall plan view of the parking lot PA, and Figure 4 is an oblique view showing the display unit 44, input unit 42, reading unit 48, gate driving unit 40, and camera Ca, which constitute part of the parking lot management device installed at the entrance gate.

[0035] The gate driving unit 40 has a motor M and a regulating member 401 driven by the motor M. The gate driving unit 40 is installed on the vehicle passage side of the entrance (entrance gate G1) through which vehicle Am enters the parking lot. The regulating member 401 is supported horizontally across the vehicle passage at a regulating position Re, and is in a state in which the regulating member 401 regulates the passage of vehicle Am. When the tip of the regulating member 401 swings upward (the state shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 4), it reaches a release position Fe where the restriction is released, allowing vehicle Am to pass. The up and down swing of the regulating member 401 is achieved by the rotation of the motor M. In response to a release signal from the CPU 41, the gate driving unit 40 rotates the motor M so that the regulating member 401 is in the release position Fe, and in response to a restriction signal, it rotates the motor M in the reverse direction so that the regulating member 401 is in the regulating position Re.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the camera Ca is provided at the entrance gate G1, which is provided at the entrance through which the vehicle Am enters the parking lot PA, on the front side of the vehicle Am attempting to enter, and is positioned so as to face the license plate Np of the vehicle Am. In response to instructions from the CPU 41, the camera Ca photographs the license plate Np of the vehicle Am and supplies the acquired image of the license plate Np to the CPU 41. As shown in Figure 3, the parking lot PA is provided with an entrance gate G1, an exit gate G2, and an entrance gate G3 for reserved vehicles, and each gate is provided with the display unit 44, input unit 42, reading unit 48, gate drive unit 40, and camera Ca described above.

[0037] The status display unit 441 is a device that displays the availability of parking spaces, and displays the status using visual information. Examples of devices that make up the status display unit 441 include a lamp that changes the color of its light, an electronic signboard that displays specific characters by arranging light-emitting elements, a screen made of liquid crystal or the like, and a signboard that alternately displays the characters "full" and "empty." In the case of a color-changing lamp, red indicates full, and green indicates empty. In the case of an electronic signboard, the characters "full" and "empty" are displayed using light-emitting elements. The screen displays characters or any symbol indicating full or empty. When a parking reservation is accepted and the parking area in the parking lot PA is actually empty, the CPU 41 controls the status display unit 441 so that the status display unit 441 displays a message indicating that the parking area is full if all the reserved vehicles enter the parking lot PA, even if there is empty space.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the server 2 will be described. Note that the main configuration of the server 2 is substantially the same as the main configuration of the mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na described above, and therefore each component is denoted by a reference symbol in parentheses (see FIG. 2), and illustration and description of the configuration will be omitted. Below, the characteristic functions of the server 2 and the database provided in the server 2 will be described in detail. The server 2 includes a CPU 21 as a processing unit, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a communication unit 24 as a transmitting / receiving means, a RAM 25, a ROM 26, a storage unit 27, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus .

[0039] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, which serves as a processing unit, expands a specified program from various application programs such as system programs stored in ROM 26 into a work area (not shown) in RAM 25, and executes various processes according to the program based on data input from the input unit 22 and data supplied via the communication unit, and stores the processing results in the work memory in RAM 25 or in the memory unit 27 as necessary, or supplies them to each terminal or parking lot management device via the communication unit 24.

[0040] The input unit 22 is configured to include, for example, a keyboard having kana / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, etc., and a mouse which is a pointing device. The display unit 23 is configured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays various display data on the screen in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the CPU 21. The CPU 11 generates input screen information for inputting information, and controls the display unit 13 to display the information input screen.

[0041] The server 2 may have a touch screen that is an integrated unit of the input unit 22 and the display unit 23. The display unit 23 displays information required for repairing or maintaining the server 2, and the required operations are performed via the input unit 22 based on such information. The communication unit 24 is connected to an external network via wireless or wired communication and communicates with each mobile terminal 2na and each parking lot management device 21b, 22b to 2nb. Via this communication unit 24, personal identification information, parking lot identification information, parking area identification information, etc. are received from the mobile terminal 2na, and personal identification information, parking lot identification information, vehicle number, etc. are received from each parking lot management device 21b, 22b to 2nb. In addition, information including the results of processing executed by the CPU 21 is sent via the communication unit 24 to each mobile terminal 2na and each parking lot management device 21b, 22b to 2nb.

[0042] The CPU 21 performs the following processing: recording the number of cars that can be parked (number of cars that can be accommodated) in each parking lot, recording the number of cars currently accommodated, recording the parked or empty status of each parking area, determining whether the driver of an entering vehicle can use the parking lot, determining whether the parking lot is available for reservation, recording and notifying the parking status in each parking area, calculating the parking time for each user, calculating the parking fee based on the parking time, and tallying up the parking fee for each user.

[0043] The storage unit 27 has a storage area for storing the system program, various processing programs corresponding to the parking lot management system of the present invention, information supplied from each mobile terminal 2na and each parking lot management device 21b, 22b to 2nb, and a storage area for storing a pre-stored database. The information stored in the storage unit 27 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0044] The first storage area is an area for storing personal information of parking lot users, as shown in Fig. 5. The personal information stored includes unique identification information (member ID) assigned to each individual, name, address, age, sex, occupation, email address, contact information such as mobile phone number, vehicle number of the vehicle owned (or normally used), information necessary for automatic payment, such as the name of the financial institution from which parking fees can be debited, branch name, deposit type, account number, account name, or credit card number, debit card information, etc.

[0045] A user stored in this first storage area is registered as a member and can use a parking lot managed by the parking lot management system. The CPU 21 of the server 2 determines whether the individual is stored in the first storage area based on the driver's personal identification information acquired at the entrance gate G1, and if the individual is stored, entry is permitted. If the individual is not stored, entry is not permitted. This is because individuals stored in the first storage area are less likely to default on parking fees because information for automatic payment is stored.

[0046] The second storage area, as shown in Figure 6, is an area for storing personal data of each user. The parking lot usage history is stored for each individual. The usage history includes the date of parking lot use, unique identification information (parking lot ID) assigned to each parking lot, the number of the parked vehicle, the entry time, the exit time, the parking time, the parking fee, the reservation fee, and the monthly billing amount. The vehicle number read from the license plate image captured by camera Ca1 is also stored in association with the member ID.

[0047] The third storage area stores individual data for each parking lot, as shown in FIG. 7. The individual data for each parking lot includes, for example, unique identification information (parking lot ID) assigned to each parking lot, the number of cars that can be accommodated, the current number of cars that can be accommodated, the basic parking fee, and if the basic parking fee varies depending on the time of day, the parking fee for each time period. For example, a late-night fee of 500 yen from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and a regular fee of 1,000 yen / hour from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, are used. The parking fee from entry to exit is calculated based on these basic parking fees. The current number of cars that can be accommodated increases or decreases as vehicles enter and exit the parking lot, and the parking lot is full when the current number of cars that can be accommodated is equal to the number of cars that can be accommodated.

[0048] Furthermore, the individual data for each parking lot includes the individual identification number (parking area ID) of each parking area in the parking lot that can accommodate one vehicle, the parking status of each parking area (either a vehicle parked / empty), location information indicating the location of each parking area, and the total number of vehicles currently parked. The location information for the parking area may be information based on a drawing, such as a floor plan of each floor, with the corresponding parking area marked, or the section number assigned to each parking area (e.g., A01, A02, A03, etc. in FIG. 3) and the floor on which the parking area is located. This location information is sent to the mobile terminal 2na and displayed on the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal 2na as information indicating the parking location.

[0049] Next, the configuration of parking lot PA will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 8. As shown in Figure 3, parking lot PA is surrounded by fences and obstacles 51 that prevent vehicles from entering, and vehicle Am can only enter and exit through entrance gate G1, exit gate G2, and reserved vehicle entrance gate G3. As shown in Figure 4, at each gate G1, G2, and G3, as described above, a display unit 44, input unit 42, and reading unit 48 that constitute parking lot management devices 21b, 22b to 2nb are respectively disposed along the path through which vehicle Am passes, and gate driving units 40 are respectively disposed adjacent to these. In addition, cameras Ca1, Ca2, and Ca3 are respectively disposed in the direction of travel of vehicle Am.

[0050] The parking lot PA is provided with multiple parking areas 5, each capable of parking one vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, the parking lot PA is arranged with three rows (rows A, B, and C) of 14 parking areas 5, and each parking area 5 is marked with an individual section number (A01, A02, A03..., B01, B02, B03..., C01, C02, C03... in Figure 3).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8 , each parking area 5 is defined by boundary lines 52, 52 on both sides. Each parking area 5 has a vehicle entrance 53 through which a vehicle enters and a pair of bollards 54, 54 on the opposite side. A modified identification sign 55 is displayed on the floor in front of the bollards 54, 54. In addition, a parking area identification sign 56, which is the basis for the modified identification sign 55, is displayed outside the vehicle entrance 53. The parking area identification sign 56 is an identification sign that carries parking area identification information individually assigned to each parking area 5, and in one embodiment, a two-dimensional barcode is used. A parking lot user can read the parking area identification sign 56, which is the two-dimensional barcode of the parking area 5, with a mobile terminal 2na and transmit the carried parking area identification information to the server 2, thereby causing the server 2 to store the location of the parking area where the user parked.

[0052] The deformed identification sign 55 has a shape obtained by changing the ratio of the length of the side of the approximately square identification sign 56 on the vehicle entrance 53 side to the length of the side on the car stop side, so that the length on the car stop side is longer. This is a deformation so that when an image taken by the rear camera CaA is displayed on the vehicle's back monitor Ap, the deformed identification sign 55 appears in a shape close to a square, as shown in Fig. 9. The deformation can be achieved, for example, by using an anamorphosis technique.

[0053] The parking lot user can read the modified identification sign 55 displayed on the rear monitor Ap with the reading unit 19 of the mobile terminal 2na and transmit the parking area identification information to the server 2. If the user is using a vehicle that does not have a rear camera CaA, the parking area identification information can be obtained by reading the parking area identification sign 56 with the reading unit 19.

[0054] The operation of the parking lot management system 1 configured as above will now be described. In the following description of the processing of the mobile terminals 21a, 22a to 2na and the parking lot management devices 21b, 22b to 2nb, 2na will be used as the representative code for the mobile terminals, and 2nb will be used as the representative code for the parking lot management devices. Similar processing is performed for mobile terminals and parking lot management devices with other codes.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the portable terminal 2na when entering the parking lot PA, and FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the state of the display screen 13p of the display unit 13 of the portable terminal 2na. As shown in FIG. 4, when the portable terminal 2na is stopped in front of the restricting member 401 of the entrance gate G1, the CPU 11 displays a two-dimensional barcode IDp, which is an example of a personal identification mark carrying personal identification information of the owner of the portable terminal 2na, on the display screen 13p (step S101). The parking lot user holds the display screen 13p with this two-dimensional barcode IDp displayed over the reading unit 48 of the parking lot management device. As a result, as will be described later, the CPU 41 of the parking lot management device reads the two-dimensional barcode IDp via the reading unit 48.

[0056] The CPU 11 receives parking lot information from the server 2 (step S103). The parking lot information is information indicating the location of the parking area 5 specified by the server 2. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 11 displays the received parking lot information on the display screen 13p based on the parking lot information received in step S103 (step S105). The display screen 13 is provided with a title display area 131, a vehicle number display area 132 displaying the vehicle number, an entry time display area 133 displaying the entry time, and a parking area information display area 134 displaying the location information of the parking area 5 specified by the server 2. As an example of the location information displayed in the parking area information display area 134, FIG. 12 shows map information 134m of the parking lot. Furthermore, the displayed map information displays an indication Sp indicating the location of the specified parking area 5, and also displays current location information Amp of the mobile terminal 2na that has entered the parking lot. The parking area information display area 134 may display not only map information but also text information about the parking location. For example, it may display "3rd floor, row A, number 13."

[0057] The user moves to the designated parking area 5 with the third floor section number A13 and reverses the vehicle into the parking area 5. At this time, if the vehicle has a backup monitor, a modified identification sign 55 is displayed on the screen in a nearly rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. 9, and this identification sign is read by the reading unit 19 of the mobile terminal 2na. As a result, the CPU 11 obtains the unique parking area identification information of the parking area 5 where the vehicle has been parked (step S107). The read parking area identification information is sent to the server 2 together with the stored personal identification information (step S109).

[0058] In addition, if the vehicle does not have a backup monitor, the user who gets out of the vehicle can obtain the parking area identification information by reading the parking area identification sign 56 displayed outside the vehicle entrance 53 with the reading unit 19. The processing of the parking lot management device 2nb corresponding to the processing of the mobile terminal 2na will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0059] The CPU 41 determines whether or not all parking spaces in the parking lot PA are occupied (whether or not the parking lot is full) (step S201). If the parking lot is not occupied, the CPU 41 reads the two-dimensional barcode IDp (see FIG. 11) displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 2na of the user of the vehicle Am attempting to enter (step S203). The determination of whether or not the parking lot is full is made based on the information obtained from the server 2 (steps S323, S615, etc.), as will be described later.

[0060] The CPU 41 transmits the personal identification information (member ID) carried in the two-dimensional barcode read in step S203 and the stored parking lot identification information (parking lot ID) to the server 2 (step S205). The CPU 41 receives determination information determined by the server 2 based on step S205 (step S207). The CPU 41 determines whether the determination information received in step S207 approves entry (step S211), and if the determination is not to approve, controls the display unit 44 to display a message stating "Entry not permitted."

[0061] If the determination is to approve, the CPU 41 controls the camera Ca1 to capture an image of the vehicle number Np of the vehicle attempting to enter (step S213). Next, the CPU 41 controls the gate driving unit 40 to swing the restricting member 401 upward to release the entry restriction (step S215). The CPU 41 transmits the vehicle number read from the image of the vehicle number acquired in step S213 to the server 2 (step S217). Note that the image of the vehicle number may be transmitted instead of the vehicle number.

[0062] The CPU 41 determines whether full parking information based on the processing of step S323 of the server 2 has been received (step S219), and if not, ends the processing. If full parking information has been received, the CPU 41 controls the status display unit 441 to execute a full parking display (step S221).

[0063] Next, the process at the time of entry of the server 2, which corresponds to the process of the mobile terminal 2na and the parking lot management device 2nb, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Based on step S205, the CPU 21 receives the member ID of the vehicle user entering and the parking lot ID of the parking lot to be entered from the parking lot management device 2nb (step S301). The member ID and parking lot ID can also be obtained by having the mobile terminal 2na read a two-dimensional barcode (parking lot identification sign) carrying parking lot identification information (parking lot ID) displayed on the display unit 44 of the parking lot management device 2nb, and then transmitting the parking lot ID carried in the read two-dimensional barcode and the member ID stored in the mobile terminal 2na to the server 2.

[0064] The CPU 21 determines whether the person attempting to enter is a member based on the member ID acquired in step S301 (step S303). This determination is made based on the data stored in the first storage area. If it is determined that the user is not a member, the CPU 21 transmits non-approval information to the parking lot management device 2nb (step S307). If it is determined that the user is a member, the CPU 21 adds 1 to the currently accommodated number of devices and stores the result in the third storage area (step S305).

[0065] CPU21 determines whether the parking lot is full as a result of adding 1 to the current parking capacity in step S305 (step S309). If the parking lot is not full, CPU21 transmits approval information approving entry to the parking lot management device (step S311). If the parking lot is full, CPU21 transmits full parking lot information to the parking lot management device before executing step S311 (step S323). When the CPU 21 receives the vehicle number from the parking lot management device (step S313), it extracts vacant parking areas from the vacant parking area information of the parking lot PA stored in the third memory area, and transmits the location information of one of the parking areas to the mobile terminal (step S315).

[0066] Next, CPU 21 determines the time when the vehicle number was received in step S313 as the entry time, and stores this entry time and vehicle number in the second storage area in association with the member ID (step S317). Based on step S109, CPU 21 receives the parking area ID from the mobile terminal (step S319). CPU 21 changes the vacant parking information for the parking area ID acquired in step S319 from vacant to parked (step S321). The entry time stored in step S317 may be any one of the time the member ID was received in step S301, the time it was determined that the user is a member in step S303, or the time the parking area ID was received from the mobile terminal in step S319.

[0067] Next, the process for exiting the parking lot PA will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 3, a vehicle is parked at the exit gate G2. At the exit gate G2, the same components as the gate drive unit 40, display unit 44, reading unit 48, and camera Ca1 shown in FIG. 4 are arranged. The CPU 12 reads the two-dimensional barcode carrying the parking lot ID displayed on the display unit 44 of the parking lot management device 2nb (step S401). The CPU 12 transmits the parking lot ID carried in the read two-dimensional barcode and the pre-stored member ID to the server 2 (step S402).

[0068] Instead of this type of processing, as in the processing in steps S101, S203, and S205, the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal may be read by the reading unit 48 of the parking lot management device 2nb, and the member ID carried thereby and the pre-stored parking lot ID may be transmitted from the parking lot management device 2nb to the server 2. The process at the time of exit on the side of the parking lot management device 2nb corresponding to the process on the side of the portable terminal 2na will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0069] The CPU 41 displays a two-dimensional barcode carrying the parking lot ID on the display unit 44 (step S501). The CPU 41 receives information from the server 2 based on the processing of step S601 as to whether or not the exit is approved (step S503). The CPU 41 determines whether or not the information received in step S503 is approval information (step S505). If the information is approval based on step S607, the CPU 41 controls the gate driving unit 40 to release the exit restriction by swinging the restricting member 401 upward to the release position (step S509). If the information is disapproval based on step S605, the CPU 41 controls the display unit 44 to display a message that "Exit is not permitted" on the display unit 44 (step S507).

[0070] The CPU 41 determines whether or not full parking lot cancellation information based on the processing of step S615 of the server 2 has been received from the server 2 (step S511). If not received, the CPU 41 maintains the display on the status display unit 441, and if received, controls the status display unit 441 to switch the display on the status display unit 441 from "full" to "empty" (step S513).

[0071] The following processing may be performed instead of the above-described exit processing on the parking lot management device 2nb side. In step S501, the license plate number of the vehicle about to exit is photographed by the camera Ca2. The photographed image is sent to the server 2. The server 2 reads the license plate number from the photographed image and identifies the member information linked to the license plate number read at the time of entry. From step S503 onwards, the same processing as in the flowchart of Figure 16 is performed. In a configuration in which the license plate number is read by the camera Ca2 in this way, a gate G2 may not be provided at the exit.

[0072] A sensor is provided to detect the exit of a vehicle, and when the sensor detects a vehicle attempting to exit, the license plate of the vehicle attempting to exit is photographed by the camera Ca2, and the photographed image is sent to the server 2 along with the time of photographing, thereby completing the exit processing on the parking lot management device 2nb side. The server 2 can calculate the parking time and parking fee from the exit time, and can identify the member from the membership information linked to the number read at the time of entry, so it can send the amount to be charged to the fee collection agency.

[0073] Next, the process at the time of exit of the server 2, which corresponds to the process of the mobile terminal 2na and the parking lot management device 2nb, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 21 receives the member ID and the parking lot ID from the parking lot management device 2nb (step S601), it determines whether the member attempting to exit is a currently-entered member (step S603). This determination is made based on the data stored in the second storage area. If the member is not currently-entered, the CPU 21 transmits information to the parking lot management device 2nb indicating that "exit is not approved" (step S605). If the member is currently-entered, the CPU 21 transmits information to the parking lot management device 2nb indicating that "exit is approved" (step S607). The CPU 21 stores the time of exit in the second storage area (step S609). The time of exit may be the time of sending the information in step S607, the time of receiving the member ID in step S601, the time when the parking lot management device 2nb lifted the exit restriction, or the like.

[0074] The CPU 21 subtracts 1 from the current parking capacity value in the third storage area (step S611). Next, it determines whether the status display unit 441 of the parking lot management device 2nb is displaying "full" (step S613), and if it is displaying "full," it transmits full parking cancellation information to the parking lot management device 2nb before executing step S617 (step S615). The CPU 21 calculates the parking time from the entry time and exit time stored in the second storage area (step S617). Furthermore, the CPU 21 calculates the parking fee incurred from the entry time to the exit time based on the parking time calculated in step S617 and the basic parking fee for the parking lot stored in the third storage area (step S619). Because parking time can be measured in minutes or even seconds, precise fee calculations are possible. For example, if the parking fee for one hour of parking is set at 1,000 yen, the fee for six minutes can be calculated by dividing 1,000 by 60 (minutes) and multiplying this by 6 (minutes). These parking times and parking fees are stored in the second storage area in association with each member ID.

[0075] The CPU 21 notifies the toll collection agency of the amount to be charged based on the information necessary for automatic payment stored for each member in the second storage area (step S621). The processing of steps S617 to S623 enables accurate fee calculation based on the parking time. The CPU 21 changes the parking status data of the parking area 5 that has become vacant due to the exit from parked to vacant in the third storage area (step S623).

[0076] Instead of the processing of step S601 in server 2, a configuration may be adopted in which an image of the license plate of the vehicle exiting the parking lot and the parking lot ID are received from parking lot management device 2nb. CPU 21 reads the vehicle number from the received image of the license plate and identifies the member ID from the read vehicle number. Also, in step S603, it is determined whether the member attempting to exit is a member currently in the parking lot, but instead, it may be determined based on the vehicle number whether the vehicle attempting to exit is a currently in the parking lot.

[0077] Next, the processing performed by the parking status information request terminal will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 18. When checking the current parking time and parking position of a vehicle parked in a parking lot, the following processing is performed. In the mobile terminal 2na, the CPU 11 displays a parking status confirmation screen on the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal 2na (step S1101). As shown in FIG. 19, the display screen 13 displays a title display area 131, a vehicle number input area 135, and a send button 136. The title display area 131 displays "Check parking status," indicating the purpose of the operation. The vehicle number input area 135 is configured to display the vehicle number of a vehicle owned by the member in advance, eliminating the need to enter the number; however, if the member is parking a vehicle that is not owned by the member (for example, a rental car), the vehicle number of that vehicle can be entered.

[0078] 19, when the vehicle number is entered and the send button 136 is pressed, the CPU 11 acquires the vehicle number (step S1103), and then transmits the already stored member ID or the vehicle number acquired in step S1103 to the server 2 (step S1105). The CPU 11 receives parking information from the server 2 (step S1107). The CPU 11 displays the parking information received from the server 2 (step S1109).

[0079] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a screen displaying parking lot information. The display screen 13p displays a title display area 131, a fee display area 137 displaying the parking time and parking fee, a first parking location display area 138 displaying the parking location using text information, and a second parking location display area 139 displaying the parking location using map information. The second parking location display area 139 displays a position display Pp on top of the map information, indicating the location of the parking area where the user's vehicle is parked, allowing the user to visually confirm the parking location. In addition, the current location information Amp of the mobile terminal 2na is displayed superimposed on the map information. When the user is in the parking lot PA, the positional relationship between the current location and the parked location is easily understood.

[0080] The CPU 11 may generate an image based on the current location information acquired from the position detection unit 141, and when displaying the image on the display screen in step S1109, the display unit 13 may be controlled to display the current location information overlapping the image. The parking time is the time from the entry time to the current time, and the parking fee is the fee calculated based on the parking time. Either the first parking location display area 138 or the second parking location display area 139 may be displayed on the display screen 13.

[0081] The server-side parking status information request process in response to the above-described parking status information request process of the mobile terminal 2na will now be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 21. When the CPU 21 receives the member ID or vehicle number from the mobile terminal 2na (step S1201), the CPU 21 identifies the parking area ID of the parking area where the vehicle is parked and the entry time from the information stored in the second storage area (step S1203). Based on the identified parking area ID, the CPU 21 identifies the location information of the parking area from the information stored in the third storage area (step S1205). Then, the CPU 21 calculates the elapsed time from the entry time identified in step S1203 to the present, and calculates the parking fee from the elapsed time (step S1207). The location information of the parking area identified in step S1205 and the parking fee acquired in step S1207 are transmitted to the mobile terminal 2na (step S1209).

[0082] Next, the processing of the mobile terminal 2na, the parking lot management device 2nb, and the server 2 when reserving use of the parking lot PA will be described. The processing of the mobile terminal 2na when making a reservation will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 22. The CPU 11 displays a reservation screen on the display screen 13p of the display unit 13 for inputting information necessary for accepting a reservation (step S701). As shown in FIG. 23, the display screen 13p displays a title display area 131, a vehicle number input area 135a, a parking lot designation area 135b, and a send button 136. The title display area 131 displays "Parking Lot Reservation," and the vehicle number input area 135a pre-displays the vehicle number registered by the mobile terminal owner. When parking another vehicle, the vehicle number of that vehicle can be entered. Tapping the parking lot designation area 135b displays a list of parking lots stored in the third storage area of ​​the server 2, and the user can select the parking lot to reserve from the list to designate the parking lot. The displayed parking lot list is associated with a parking lot ID.

[0083] When the entry of the vehicle number and selection of the parking lot are completed as described above, pressing the send button 136 causes the CPU 11 to acquire information identifying the parking lot (parking lot ID) and the vehicle number (step S703), and transmit the parking lot ID and vehicle number to the server 2 (step S705). The CPU 11 receives reservation result information from the server 2 (step S707), and displays the received reservation result information on the display screen 13p of the display unit 13 (step S709).

[0084] The reservation result information includes information indicating that the reservation has been accepted and information indicating that the reservation cannot be accepted. If the reservation is accepted, the image shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the display screen 13p of the display unit 13. The display screen 13p displays a title display area 131, a reservation time display area 135c, a first parking position display area 135d in which the designated parking position is displayed using text information, a second parking position display area 135e in which the designated parking position is displayed using map information, and a vehicle number display area 135g in which the vehicle number of the vehicle for which the reservation has been accepted is displayed. A floor plan 135f of the parking lot PA is displayed in the second parking position display area 135e, and an indication display Sp indicating the parking area designated as the parking position is displayed in the floor plan 135f. The display screen 13p displays messages such as "If you do not enter within 30 minutes of the reserved time, your reservation will be invalid," "The designated parking position may be changed," and "Parking fees will be incurred from the reserved time, and a separate reservation fee will be added." Also, once your reservation is accepted, a message will appear stating that you will enter through a gate reserved for reserved vehicles.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the entrance gate G3 for reserved vehicles is provided separately from the entrance gate G1 and the exit gate G2. There may be vehicles waiting for a free vehicle lined up at the entrance gate G1, and if such vehicles are lined up, reserved vehicles cannot enter the parking lot PA. For this reason, a dedicated gate G3 is provided in addition to the entrance gate G1. Similar to the entrance gate G1 shown in Figure 4, the entrance gate G3 for reserved vehicles is equipped with a display unit 44, a reading unit 48, a gate drive unit 40, a regulating member 401, and a camera Ca3 that constitute the parking lot management device 2nb.

[0086] If the received information indicates that the reservation cannot be accepted, as shown in FIG. 25, the display screen 13p will display a title display area 131, a vehicle number display area 135g, and a designated parking lot name display area 135h. The title display area 131 will display "Reservation Acceptance Results," and the vehicle number display area 135g will display the vehicle number entered for the reservation on the mobile terminal. The designated parking lot name display area 135h will display the name of the parking lot entered for the reservation. The display screen 13p will display a message stating, "Reservations cannot be accepted at this time as the parking lot is full. If a parking space becomes available within 30 minutes, we will send you a notification that your reservation is complete."

[0087] Based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 26, the processing of the server 2 at the time of reservation corresponding to the processing of the mobile terminal 2na will be described. Based on the processing of step S705, the CPU 21 receives the parking lot ID, vehicle number, and member ID from the mobile terminal 2na (step S801). The CPU 21 checks the current parking capacity and determines whether the parking lot is full (step S803). If the parking lot is not full, the CPU 21 transmits to the mobile terminal information indicating that the reservation will be accepted, the reservation time, the parking lot ID, and the parking area ID of the parking area where the parking will be performed (step S805). The reservation time can be the time received in step S801 or the time determined in step S803 to be not full. The CPU 21 stores the reservation time transmitted in step S805 as the entry time in the second storage area, and stores the vehicle number. These memories are stored in association with the received member ID.

[0088] The CPU 21 adds 1 to the current parking capacity in the third storage area (step S809). After step S809, it determines whether the parking lot is full (step S811). If it determines that the parking lot is full, the CPU 21 transmits full parking lot information to the parking lot management device 2nb before executing step S823 (step S813). The CPU 21 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the reservation time (step S823). The predetermined time H1 is the time that passes from when the reservation is accepted until the reservation becomes invalid. If the customer does not enter before the predetermined time H1 has passed after the reservation is accepted, the reservation becomes invalid.

[0089] In this embodiment, the predetermined time H1 is set to 30 minutes. This predetermined time H1 can be changed. For example, it can be changed depending on the number of vehicles waiting in line at entrance gate G1 without a reservation or the length of time vehicles are waiting at entrance gate G1. If there are many waiting vehicles or the waiting time is long, this predetermined time H1 can be set shorter so that vehicles waiting in line at entrance gate G1 are given priority entry.

[0090] If the predetermined time H1 has not elapsed since the reservation time and the member ID for entry is received from the reservation-only gate G3 (step S825), the CPU 21 determines whether the member ID received in step S825 is the same as the member ID of the member whose reservation was accepted in step S805 (step S827). If they are not the same, non-approval information is sent to the parking lot management device 2nb (step S829). If they are the same, step S305 is executed.

[0091] If the CPU 21 determines in step S803 that the parking space is full, it transmits reservation acceptance result information shown in FIG. 25 to the mobile terminal 2na (step S815). The CPU 21 determines whether a vacant space has become available in the parking area 5 due to the exit of a vehicle (step S817). If a vacant space has become available, the CPU 21 executes step S805. If the CPU 21 determines in step S817 that a vacant space has not become available, it determines whether a predetermined time H2 has elapsed (step S819). In this embodiment, the predetermined time H2 is set to 30 minutes. The predetermined time H2 is the reservation waiting time from when a reservation is applied until the reservation is accepted, and can be changed depending on, for example, the amount of the reservation fee, the number of vehicles waiting in line at entrance gate G1, and the vehicle waiting time.

[0092] For example, the higher the reservation fee, the shorter the time can be set. Alternatively, the predetermined time H2 may be set longer as the number of vehicles waiting in line at entrance gate G1 increases or as the waiting time becomes longer. By setting the predetermined time H2 longer, the number of waiting vehicles can be reduced. By shortening the predetermined time H2, the number of available reservations increases, which tends to increase the number of waiting vehicles (longer waiting times), making it easier to make reservations. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of waiting vehicles is detected using a camera or sensor, and the reservation waiting time is adjusted according to the detected number of waiting vehicles. Alternatively, the license plate numbers of waiting vehicles can be photographed by camera Ca1 periodically (e.g., every few minutes), and if the license plate numbers do not change, the waiting time can be estimated based on the number of photographs taken. The time adjustment process described above for the predetermined time H2 may also be performed similarly for the predetermined time H1.

[0093] When the CPU 21 determines in step S819 that the predetermined time H2 has elapsed, it transmits reservation invalid information to the mobile terminal 2na (step S821). The reservation invalid information is, for example, screen information as shown in Fig. 27. Such screen information is generated and transmitted to the mobile terminal 2na.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 27, reservation invalidation information is displayed on the display screen 13p of the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal 2na. The display screen 13p on which the reservation invalidation information is displayed displays a title display area 131, a vehicle number display area 135g, a designated parking lot name display area 135h, and a re-reservation button 135i. The screen also displays a message informing the user that the reservation has been invalidated. For example, the message may read, "30 minutes have passed since your application, so your reservation is now invalid. If you wish to make a reservation, please apply for a new reservation." Pressing the re-reservation button 135i displays the screen shown in FIG. 23.

[0095] If the CPU 21 determines in step S819 that the predetermined time H2 has not elapsed, it executes step S817. That is, if a parking space becomes vacant before the predetermined time H2 elapses, the reservation is accepted. If the CPU 21 determines in step S823 that the predetermined time H1 has elapsed since the reservation was accepted, the CPU 21 calculates the parking fee for the time that has elapsed since the reservation was accepted (30 minutes in this embodiment) (step S831). The CPU 21 subtracts 1 from the current number of cars accommodated (step S833), and transmits reservation invalid information to the mobile terminal 2na (step S821).

[0096] Next, as a modified example, a configuration will be described in which the exit gate G2 does not have the gate drive unit 40, the display unit 44, and the reading unit 48. Since the exit gate G2 does not have a regulating member 401, vehicles are free to exit. In this case, the processing of the parking lot management device 2nb will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 41 controls the camera Ca2 to capture an image of the vehicle number on the license plate of a vehicle passing through the exit gate G2 (step S1001). The CPU 41 reads the vehicle number from the image captured by the camera Ca2 and transmits the vehicle number to the server 2 (step S1003).

[0097] The process at the time of exit by the server 2 corresponding to the process at the time of exit by the parking lot management device 2nb will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 21 receives the vehicle number of a vehicle exiting from the parking lot management device 2nb (step S901). The CPU 21 determines whether the vehicle with the received vehicle number is a vehicle that entered through the entrance gate G1 (step S903).

[0098] If the CPU 21 determines in step S903 that the vehicle is not an entering vehicle, it stores the vehicle as an unauthorized vehicle in the storage unit 17. If the vehicle number acquired at the entrance gate G1 or the vehicle number entered when a parking reservation is accepted matches the vehicle number of a stored unauthorized vehicle, it is possible to perform processing to deny entry.

[0099] If the CPU 21 determines in step S903 that the vehicle is an entering vehicle, it stores the exit time (step S907). Then, it identifies the member ID from the vehicle number acquired in step S901 (step S909). Then, it proceeds to step S611. According to the parking lot management system of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to manage parked and vacant vehicles in each parking area without installing devices such as sensors in each parking area, thereby reducing initial costs.

[0100] Next, a second embodiment will be described, in which the parking area identification sign is displayed in a different manner. As shown in Fig. 8, in the first embodiment, the parking area identification sign 56 is displayed on the floor of the parking area 5. However, as another example of how the parking area identification sign 56 is displayed, a parking area identification sign 82 may be displayed on a support post 8, as shown in Figs. 30 and 31. As shown in Fig. 31, the support post 8 is arranged on both sides of the parking area identification area 5. In the example shown in Fig. 31, the support post 8 is erected between the adjacent parking areas 5, i.e., on the boundary line 52.

[0101] The support pillar 8 has a flat surface on the side facing the parking area 5, and in the example shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, is configured in the shape of a rectangular pillar. As shown in FIG. 30, an identification sign display screen 81 is provided on the flat surface facing the parking area 5, and the display screen 81 appropriately displays a parking area identification sign 82 that carries unique identification information assigned to the opposing parking area 5. The support pillar 8 is configured so that the display screen 81 is located at a height (e.g., approximately 100 to 180 cm) corresponding to the driver's seat window of a vehicle parked in the parking area 5. As shown in FIG. 32, by providing the display screen 81 at such a position, it becomes easy for the driver in the driver's seat to read the parking area identification sign 82 displayed on the display screen 81 using the mobile terminal 2na.

[0102] A vehicle detection sensor 83 is provided below the display screen 81 at a position several tens of centimeters above the ground. This vehicle detection sensor 83 detects whether or not a vehicle is parked in the parking area 5. For example, a proximity sensor is used as the vehicle detection sensor 83. When a vehicle is parked in the parking area 5, the vehicle detection sensor 83 detects the parked vehicle.

[0103] Proximity sensors include, for example, induction types that detect conductive objects, magnetic types that detect magnetic objects, electrostatic induction types that detect metallic and non-metallic objects, ultrasonic reflection types that emit ultrasonic waves and receive the reflected ultrasonic waves to measure the distance to an object, light reflection types that emit light and measure the distance to an object based on the intensity and time of the reflected light, and triangulation types that measure the distance to an object using the principles of triangulation.

[0104] For example, a liquid crystal display is used as the display screen 81. The driving power for the display screen 81, vehicle detection sensor 83, etc. is obtained from a solar power generation panel installed on the outside of the support 8, and at night, it is obtained from a storage battery that stores surplus power generated by solar power generation during the day. Since the height of the driver's seat varies depending on the size of the vehicle parked in the parking area 5, the height of the support pillar 8 is set so that the display screen 81 is positioned within the range of the window 71 on the driver's side of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 32, and the position of the support pillar 8 in the direction in which the vehicle enters and exits the parking area 5 is determined.

[0105] That is, in a compact passenger vehicle, the display screen 81 is located above the window 71, on the driver's seat 73 side. In a large passenger vehicle, the display screen 81 is located below the window 71, on the steering wheel 72 side. In this way, even in vehicles of different sizes, the installation position and height of the support pillar 8 are set so that the driver can read the parking area identification sign 82 through the window 71 using a mobile terminal.

[0106] When the vehicle detection sensor 83 detects that a vehicle Am has been parked in the parking area 5, a parking area identification sign 82 is displayed on the display screen 81. With this configuration, the parking area identification sign 82 cannot be read unless a vehicle is parked in the parking area 5. Also, a communication device may be provided on the support post 8, and the state of the vehicle detection sensor 83 (either parked or vacant) and the parking area identification information may be transmitted to a server.

[0107] Next, the configuration and operation of the parking lot management system of the present invention will be described with respect to parking lots attached to facilities where people gather, such as large-scale commercial facilities such as department stores, stadiums, amusement parks, and event facilities. As shown in Figure 33, the parking lot management system 1A of the third embodiment is configured by connecting mobile terminals 21a, 22ad-2na carried by drivers of parked vehicles, parking lot management devices 21b, 22b-2nb installed in the parking lot, store terminals 21c, 22ac-2nc, and a server 2 via a network Nc. The configurations of the mobile terminals 21a, 22ad-2na, network Nc, and parking lot management devices 21b, 22b-2nb are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation of the first embodiment will be used and a detailed explanation will be omitted. Figure 34 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the store terminals 21c, 22c-2nc. Explanation of parts configured similarly to the mobile terminal 2na will be omitted, and only differences will be explained.

[0108] Each of the store terminals 21c, 22c to 2nc includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61 as a control unit, an input unit 62, a display unit 64, a communication unit 63 as a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, a RAM 65, a ROM 66, a storage unit 67, a reading unit 68, and the like, all of which are connected via a bus 69. The CPU 61 loads a specified program from various application programs, such as system programs, stored in the ROM 66 into a work area (not shown) in the RAM 65, and executes various processes in accordance with the program in response to data input from the input unit 62, data supplied via the storage unit 63, and images input from the reading unit 68, and stores the processing results in the work memory in the RAM 65 or in the storage unit 67 as necessary. Alternatively, the processing results are transmitted to the server 2 via the storage unit 63 as necessary.

[0109] The CPU 61 also generates display information for displaying the processing results and outputs it to the display unit 64. The CPU 61 loads a barcode reading program from the storage unit 67 into the work memory, and uses this barcode reading program to extract identification information carried in the barcode information read via the reading unit 69, and stores the identification information in the storage unit 67. The read identification information is also transmitted to the server 2 via the communication unit 63. The CPU 61 can also be configured to work together with the reading unit 68 to perform processing of a reading device that constitutes a contactless IC card system.

[0110] The input unit 62 is configured with, for example, a keyboard equipped with kana / alphanumeric input keys, cursor keys, various function keys, etc., and a mouse which is a pointing device. The price of the purchased product can also be entered via this input unit 62. The display unit 64 is configured with a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and displays various display data on the screen in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the CPU 61.

[0111] For example, the display unit 64 may display an optically readable code such as a two-dimensional code carrying unique identification information assigned to each store. Alternatively, the total amount paid for the purchased items may also be displayed. Furthermore, by having the reader 68 read the member identification mark displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile terminal 2na, it is possible to recognize that the user has used the facility where the store terminal is installed. The input unit 62 and the display unit 64 may be integrated into a touch screen.

[0112] The communication unit 63 is connected to an external network by wireless or wired communication, and ultimately communicates with the server 2. Through this communication unit, the reading time, the read identification information, payment amount information including the total amount paid for the products purchased at the store, and the like are transmitted to the server 2, and predetermined information is received from the server. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 65 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 61 and data processed by these various programs.

[0113] The ROM 66 is a storage medium in which programs and predetermined data are pre-stored. The storage unit 67 is composed of a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. This storage medium stores the system program, conversion software for converting the stored identification information into a two-dimensional code, reading software for reading the identification information (including attribute information and price information of products sold at the store) carried in the two-dimensional code from the two-dimensional code, various processing programs corresponding to the parking lot management system of the present invention, data generated by the various processing programs for generating identification information from data acquired via wireless communication, and the like. It also functions as a storage unit for store identification information, storing the time when an identification sign carrying identification information was read and the unique identification information assigned to each store.

[0114] The reading unit 68 is configured with one or both of a reading device that optically reads barcodes and a device that reads information by short-range wireless communication using electromagnetic fields, radio waves, etc. Alternatively, the reading unit 68 may have imaging means such as a camera or video camera that reads signs, character signs, etc. as images, and voice recognition means that is configured with auditory information acquisition means such as a microphone that acquires sound and voice, and voice conversion means that converts the auditory information acquired by the microphone into text information.

[0115] The reading unit 68 reads the identification label carrying the member identification information displayed on the front screen of the mobile terminal 2na, reads the barcode attached to the product to be sold, etc. By reading the barcode of the product in this way, the selling price of the product can be obtained instead of inputting the selling price from the input unit 62. The CPU 61 calculates the amount entered in the input unit 62 or the amount read from the barcode in the reading unit 68 to calculate the total amount to be paid for the purchase made by the purchaser, and supplies this amount to the server 2 along with the store identification information and the purchaser's personal identification information.

[0116] Regarding the configuration of the server 2, the storage unit 27 stores, in addition to the information already described, unique identification information assigned to each store and an information table of parking time periods for which parking fees are free depending on the payment amount. For example, if the payment amount exceeds 1,000 yen, parking time is free for up to one hour. If the payment amount exceeds 3,000 yen, parking time is free for up to two hours. If the payment amount exceeds 5,000 yen, parking time is free for up to three hours. If the payment amount exceeds 30,000 yen, parking time is free for the entire day. The information table stores the following information. In this way, the free parking time set according to the payment amount of a product or service is referred to as the first free parking time, and the payment amount on which this setting is based is referred to as basic information. The basic information may be the payment amount or valuable points awarded with the payment. The free parking time may be set using a predetermined formula instead of the information table described above. For example, if five minutes of free parking time is set for every 500 yen paid, the free parking time can be calculated using a formula such as ((payment amount / 500) x 5) minutes.

[0117] The memory unit 27 also stores an information table of free parking time that is set when a facility is used, regardless of the amount paid. For example, this applies to entertainment facilities and rental conference rooms. For sports clubs, movie theaters, theaters, etc., free parking time is set when the user uses the facility, regardless of the amount paid. For example, when entering a sports club, free parking time is up to two hours. When entering a movie theater or theater, free parking time is up to three hours. When entering a rental conference room, free parking time is up to two hours. For such stores, the fact that free parking time is set regardless of the amount paid is stored in association with store identification information.

[0118] Such store information is stored in the storage unit 27 in association with unique store identification information assigned to each store. The information associated with the store identification information is information on whether the store generates sales by selling products or services and provides free parking hours according to the amount of sales, or whether the store provides free parking hours for use of facilities, regardless of the amount of sales, such as sports facilities or rental conference rooms.

[0119] The server 2 calculates the free parking time based on the information table regarding free parking time stored in the memory unit 27, calculates the parking time by subtracting the free parking time from the paid parking time from entry to exit, and calculates the parking fee corresponding to this calculated parking time. If the free parking time is longer, the parking fee is free.

[0120] The operation of the parking lot management system 1A configured as above will be described. In the following description of the processing of the store terminals 21c, 22c to 2nc, the store terminal 2nc will be used as a representative reference number. Similar processing is performed for store terminals with other reference numbers.

[0121] The processing of the store terminal 2nc will be described based on the flowchart shown in Figure 35. When a member using a parking lot PA purchases a product or service at a store located within a commercial facility to which the parking lot PA of the parking lot management system 1A of the present invention is attached, the sales price is entered via the input unit 62, or the sales price of the product is obtained by reading the product's barcode with the reading unit 68. In step S1301, at the time of payment, the CPU 61 uses the reading unit 68 to read an identification mark (two-dimensional barcode) carrying identification information unique to the member that is displayed on the display unit 13 of the purchaser's mobile terminal 2na.

[0122] In step S1303, CPU 61 transmits the identification information of the paying member read in step S1301, the identification information of the store stored in memory unit 67, and the amount paid as parking fee-related information to server 2. Furthermore, if the user uses a store that has set free parking hours for use only, such as a sports facility, movie theater, or conference room, rather than a store that sells goods or services, reading the member identification sign means that the facility has been used, and therefore the member identification information becomes parking fee-related information.

[0123] In step S1305, the CPU 61 acquires processing result information based on step S1303 from the server 2. The processing result information is, for example, the free parking time calculated according to the payment amount. For example, if the payment amount is 2,900 yen, the free parking time is 1 hour. In step S1307, the CPU 61 displays the processing result information acquired in step S1305 on the display unit 64. In addition to the display on the display unit 64, in step S1307, for example, the free parking time may be printed on a sales statement (receipt) to be given to the purchaser.

[0124] In response to the processing of the store terminal 2nc, the server 2 performs processing as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 36. Based on the processing of step S1303 of the store terminal 2nc, the CPU 21 receives, in step S1401, the member identification information, the store identification information, and the payment amount paid at the store.

[0125] In step S1403, CPU 21 stores the payment amount acquired in step S1401 in association with the member identification information. That is, if shopping is performed at multiple stores, the payment amounts for all stores are added up and stored. In step S1405, CPU 21 calculates the first free parking time from the information table stored in storage unit 27 based on the payment amount accumulated in step S1403. In the process of step S1403, the free parking time is calculated from the added up payment amount, so that the total payment amount can be used for free parking time without waste. For example, in the past, if a customer spent 900 yen at store A and 2,100 yen at store B, no free parking time would be granted for shopping at store A, but one hour of free parking time would be granted for shopping at store B, for a total of one hour of free parking time. However, in the present invention, the free parking time is calculated based on the total payment amounts at multiple stores, so two hours of free parking time would be granted for a payment of 3,000 yen.

[0126] In step S1407, the CPU 21 determines whether the store has set free parking time regardless of the payment amount based on the store identification information acquired in step S1401, and if the store has set free parking time regardless of the payment amount, it acquires the free parking time set for the store from the information table in the memory unit 27 as the second free parking time. In step S1409, if there is information about a plurality of stores that have set free parking times regardless of the payment amount, the CPU 21 adds up the second free parking times acquired in step S1407.

[0127] In step S1411, CPU 21 calculates the sum of the first free parking time and the second free parking time. The calculated sum of the free parking times is subtracted from the parking time calculated in step S617 of the flowchart in Fig. 17 to calculate the parking time for which a parking fee is charged. If the sum of the free parking times is greater than the paid parking time calculated in step S617, the parking fee is free. Thereafter, the CPU 21 executes step S619.

[0128] The present invention may have the following configuration. a parking lot management device that is installed at the entrance and exit of the parking lot and that acquires the entry and exit times of vehicles; Personal identification information set individually for each client device owner, a client terminal that stores personal identification information; an identification information acquisition device that acquires personal identification information of a person entering a parking lot in a vehicle and parking lot identification information of the parking lot the person is entering; a store terminal having a payment acquisition device that acquires the amount paid by a client terminal user at a store, a personal identification information reading device that reads the unique identification information of the owner from the client terminal, and a supply device that supplies the acquired payment amount together with the read personal identification information to a server; A server having a paid parking time calculation device that calculates paid parking time from the entry time and exit time obtained from the parking lot management device, a payment amount accumulation device that accumulates the payment amount supplied from the store terminal, a free parking time setting device that sets free parking time according to the accumulated payment amount, and a parking fee calculation device that calculates parking fees from the difference between the paid parking time calculated by the paid time calculation device and the free parking time set by the free parking time setting device. According to this configuration, the free parking time is set based on the accumulated amount of payments at a plurality of stores, so that the free parking time can be set longer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Parking lot management system 2 Server 21a, 22a···2na Mobile terminal 21b, 22b...2nb Parking lot management device 11, 21, 41 CPUs 12, 22, 42 Input section 13, 23, 44 Display section 13p display screen 131 Title display area 132 Vehicle display area 133 Entry time display area 134 Parking area information display area 134m Map Information 14, 24, 43 Communications Department 15, 25, 45 RAM 16, 26, 46 ROM 17, 27, 47 Storage section 19, 48 Reading unit Bus lines 18, 28, and 49 40 Gate driver 401 Regulatory components Ca1~3 Camera CaA Camera 441 Status display unit 5 Parking Area 50 Obstacles 51 Section number 52 Borderline 53 Vehicle entrance 54 Parking Bollard 55 Deformed identification signs 56 Parking area identification signs 71 Window 72 Handle 73 Driver's seat 8 pillars 81 Display screen 82 Parking area identification signs 83 Vehicle detection sensor Ap rearview monitor Am vehicle Amp current location information G1 entrance gate G2 Exit Gate G3 reserved vehicle entrance gate IDp 2D barcode

Claims

1. a parking lot management device that is installed at the entrance of the parking lot and manages the entry of vehicles; a parking area in which the vehicle is parked; Parking area identification information individually set for each parking area; a parking area identification sign displayed for each parking area and carrying the parking area identification information; a parking lot having parking lot identification information individually provided for each parking lot; an area identification information reading device that reads parking area identification information from the parking area identification sign; Personal identification information set individually for each client device owner, an area identification information transmitting device that transmits the parking area identification information read by the area identification information reading device to a server; a vacant parking area information receiving device that acquires location information of vacant parking areas in the parking lot from a server; a client terminal having a display device that displays the location information of the vacant vehicle area acquired from the server; an identification information acquisition device that acquires personal identification information of a person entering a parking lot in a vehicle and parking lot identification information of the parking lot the person is entering; a member identification information storage device that stores personal identification information of members; a parking lot identification information storage device that stores parking lot identification information of a parking lot and parking area identification information of the parking lot in association with each other; a parking area information storage device that stores parking status and position information of each parking area in the parking lot; an area identification information receiving device that receives the parking area identification information transmitted from the area identification information transmitting device; an admission determination device that determines whether the personal identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition device matches the personal information stored in the member identification information storage device; When the entrance determination device determines that there is a match, a permission information transmitting device that transmits information permitting entry to the parking lot management device of the parking lot having the parking lot identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring device; an empty car area extraction device that extracts an empty car parking area from a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot stored in the parking area information storage device; a vacant vehicle area information transmitting device that transmits location information of the vacant vehicle parking area extracted by the vacant vehicle area extracting device to the client terminal; a server having a parked vehicle information storage device that stores the parking area identification information received by the area identification information receiving device, and the personal identification information and parking lot identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring device in association with each other; Parking lot management system equipped with

2. the identification information acquisition device, a personal identification mark display device provided in the client terminal and displaying a personal identification mark carrying the personal identification information; a personal identification information reader provided in the parking lot for reading personal identification information from the personal identification sign displayed on the personal identification sign display device; a parking lot identification information storage device provided in the parking lot and storing parking lot identification information of the parking lot; 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, further comprising a personal parking lot information transmitting device that transmits the personal identification information read by the personal identification information reading device and the parking lot identification information stored in the parking lot identification information storage device to a server.

3. the identification information acquisition device, a parking lot identification sign display device that is provided in the parking lot and displays a parking lot identification sign carrying the parking lot identification information; a parking lot identification information reader provided in the client terminal for reading parking lot identification information from the parking lot identification sign displayed on the parking lot identification sign display device; a personal identification information storage device provided in the client terminal for storing personal identification information of the owner of the client terminal; 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, further comprising a parking lot personal information transmission device that transmits the parking lot identification information read from the parking lot identification information reading device and the personal identification information stored in the personal identification information storage device to a server.

4. The parking lot is a license plate reader that reads the license plate number of a vehicle when the personal identification information is acquired by the identification information acquisition device; a number transmitting device that transmits the number read by the number reading device to a server; The server a number receiving device for receiving a number; 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, wherein the number received by the number receiving device is stored in a parked vehicle information storage device in association with the personal identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring device.

5. The number reading device 5. The parking lot management system according to claim 4, wherein the license plate number of a vehicle leaving the parking lot is read.

6. 6. A parking lot management system as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the server stores the time when the number is received by the number receiving device or the time when the personal identification information is acquired by the identification information acquisition device in association with the personal identification information.

7. The parking lot management system described in claim 6, wherein the server stores personal payment information required for payment of parking fees in association with personal identification information in the parked vehicle information storage device, and has a payment device that makes payments based on the stored entry and exit times.

8. 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, wherein the parking area identification signs displayed for each parking area are configured to be readable by predetermined image processing.

9. The location information of the vacant vehicle area is map information, The parking lot management system according to claim 1, wherein the client terminal displays a map of the parking lot showing vacant parking areas on the display device.

10. The client terminal includes a parking lot identification information acquisition device that acquires identification information that identifies a parking lot where the user wishes to reserve parking; a parking lot identification information transmitting device that transmits the parking lot identification information acquired by the parking lot identification information acquiring device to a server; The server includes a parking area extraction device that extracts vacant parking areas from the identified parking lots based on the parking lot identification information received from the client terminal; a reception information transmitting device that transmits information to a client terminal indicating that a reservation is accepted when the parking area extracting device extracts an available parking area; 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, further comprising a change device for changing one of the parking areas from vacant to parked.

11. the server has a parking area information transmission device that transmits to the client terminal parking area identification information of the parking area that the change device has changed from vacant to parked, The parking management system according to claim 10, wherein the client terminal has a reserved parking area display device that displays the location information of the reserved parking area based on the parking area identification information of the reserved parking area received from the parking area information transmission device.

12. the server has a time-limit entry determination device that determines whether personal identification information has been acquired from the identification information acquisition device within a predetermined time from the time when the reception information transmission device transmitted information indicating that the reservation is accepted, 11. The parking lot management system according to claim 10, further comprising a reservation invalidation device that invalidates a reservation when the time-limit entry determination device determines that personal identification information has not been acquired within a predetermined time.

13. 13. The parking lot management system according to claim 12, wherein the server has a time change device that changes the length of the predetermined time depending on the number of vehicles lined up at the entrance to the parking lot waiting to enter or the waiting time of the vehicles waiting to enter.

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