Parking guidance system

Abstract

To provide a parking lot guiding device which can be easily disposed in a parking and also reliably and safely guide a user in the parking.SOLUTION: A guide device 2 is configured integrally with a lighting device 1 in a floodlight L for lighting a parking and gives a desired guide to a user who uses the parking. The guide device 2 comprises: imaging means 21 for imaging the parking; display means 22 for performing display for guide to the user; and guide control means 23 for controlling the display on the display means on the basis of image information captured by the imaging means 21. The guide control means 23 forms guide information for guiding a vacant parking space where the user parks a vehicle, and the display means 22 performs display for guiding the user to the vacant parking space on the basis of the guide information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking guidance device that enables a user using a parking lot to be reliably and safely guided to the parking lot.

Background Art

[0002] When a user (a vehicle such as an automobile or a motorcycle) who intends to use a parking lot uses the parking lot, technologies for enhancing its convenience and safety have been proposed. For example, there are the following Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a parking guidance navigation system that acquires parking lot space information in real time in a parking lot management server and guides a parking lot where parking is possible through a navigation device mounted on an automobile of a user who wishes to park. The parking lot space information includes parking fees and the size of the parking space.

[0004] Patent Document 2 proposes a technology in which a parking lot management server recognizes an automobile parked in a parking lot based on image data acquired from an imaging device provided in the parking lot and transmits parking information including the size of a parking section to a user who wishes to park.

[0005] Patent Document 3 proposes a technology in which a sensor provided in a parking lot detects information on an empty parking space and transmits this information to a parking guidance device installed in an automobile via a communication line. Further, a technology for guiding movement to a parking space by showing an image indicating the parking situation of the parking lot and the current position of the user in the parking lot to the parking guidance device has also been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] Patent Document 1 does not offer any specific proposals on how to acquire parking space information in real time on a parking management server. Furthermore, it cannot be applied to vehicles that are not equipped with a navigation system, nor to vehicles that are equipped with one but have not been configured to connect to the navigation system.

[0008] Patent Document 2 describes a system that acquires parking information based on image data of a parking lot captured by an imaging device and transmits it to the user. However, it is difficult for the user to grasp the specific parking situation in the parking lot. In particular, it is difficult to understand the arrangement of parking spaces in the parking lot and the current status of available parking spaces, making it difficult to determine whether or not it is actually possible to park one's own vehicle. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the direction in which to move within the parking lot in order to park in an available parking space once one has entered the parking lot.

[0009] While Patent Document 3 makes it easier to understand parking lots compared to Patent Documents 1 and 2, it cannot be applied to vehicles that are not equipped with a parking guidance system.

[0010] As described above, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot be applied to automobiles that do not have the necessary equipment and can be said to be technologies that lack versatility. Furthermore, they merely provide guidance on whether parking is possible or not, and the user must decide whether or not parking is actually possible, and if they make a wrong judgment, they may not be able to park. In addition, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, sensors and imaging devices for detecting parked automobiles must be installed as independent devices in the parking lot, which requires work and costs. Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, the user must move while looking at the parking guidance device when entering the parking lot, which can easily lead to insufficient checking of the area in front of their own vehicle, posing a safety problem.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a parking guidance device that can be easily installed in a parking lot. Furthermore, it is to provide a parking guidance device that can reliably and safely guide vehicles to a parking lot even if they are not equipped with special devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is a guidance device that is integrally configured with a lighting device installed in a parking lot to illuminate the parking lot, and provides necessary guidance to users of the parking lot. The lighting system consists of lamps. The guidance device includes an imaging means for capturing images of the parking lot. imaging unit that constitutes the and a display means for providing information to the user. Display unit that constitutes the A guidance control means controls the display on the display means based on the image information captured by the imaging means. Guidance and control unit that constitutes the unit Equipped with 、 Lighting equipment and guidance equipment In other words, the lighting unit, imaging unit, display unit, and guidance control unit are It is housed within the same housing, at least on the front side, which is made of a light-transmitting material.

[0013] In this guidance device, the guidance control means includes an information detection unit that detects parking information, including information on available parking spaces and information on vehicles present in the parking lot, based on an image captured by an imaging means; an information control unit that outputs notification information and guidance information based on the detected parking information; and a display control unit that controls the display means based on the guidance information. The information control unit then detects a user from the parking information and forms guidance information to guide the user to an available parking space, and the display means displays information to guide the user to an available parking space based on the guidance information.

[0014] In the present invention, the guidance control means preferably includes a communication unit that transmits notification information to the user's portable wireless terminal. The information control unit detects available parking spaces from parking lot information and forms notification information related to the available parking spaces, and the communication unit transmits the notification information to the user.

[0015] In the present invention, the display means is configured to project a required light pattern onto at least one of the following: the road surface of the parking lot, a panel installed in the parking lot, or the wall surface of the parking lot. This light pattern is at least one of the following: a light pattern for guiding the user to an available parking space, a light pattern for illuminating the available parking space where the user parks, and a light pattern for guiding the user to the exit of the parking lot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, since the lighting device and guidance device installed in the parking lot are integrated, the lighting device is installed In the parking lot, There is no need to install the guidance system independently, and the guidance system can be easily deployed. Furthermore, by notifying users of parking information using their portable wireless terminals, guidance can be provided reliably and safely even to vehicles that are not equipped with special devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of a small parking lot equipped with a guidance device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]Conceptual diagram of a lighting lamp in which a guiding device and a lighting device are integrated. [Figure 3] Conceptual configuration diagram of a display unit. [Figure 4] Block diagram of a guiding device showing the block configuration of a guiding control unit. [Figure 5] Flow diagram of guiding outside the parking lot. [Figure 6] (a) Diagram of a smartphone explaining the form in which a user checks the parking lot in the guiding flow outside the parking lot, (b) Diagram explaining the form of guiding display in the parking lot when the user has made a reservation. [Figure 7] Flow diagram of guiding inside the parking lot. [Figure 8] (a) Schematic diagram showing the form of guiding at the parking lot entrance, (b) Schematic diagram showing the form of guiding for progress from the entrance, (c) Schematic diagram showing the form of guiding display to an empty parking space. [Figure 9] Conceptual diagram explaining guiding inside a large-scale parking lot.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a parking lot guiding device according to an embodiment, and is a conceptual diagram including a parking lot PRK and a user's vehicle (automobile) CAR1. Hereinafter, the user means a passenger driving a vehicle and the user's vehicle. A plurality of lighting lamps L are arranged in a parking lot PRK capable of parking a plurality of vehicles, and a parking lot guiding device (hereinafter, guiding device) 2 according to the present invention is integrally configured with a lighting device 1 in one of the lighting lamps L (L1). FIG. 1 shows an example of a small-scale parking lot PRK with a small number of parking spaces, and the lighting lamp L is supported by columns erected at a plurality of locations in the parking lot PRK.

[0019] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of the lighting fixture L(L1). The lighting device 1 and the guide device 2 are integrally arranged within a housing 100, at least on the front surface of which is made of a light-transmitting material. The lighting device 1 is configured as a general lighting fixture, so a detailed explanation is omitted, but it is capable of reflecting light emitted from the light source 11 with the reflector 12 and illuminating the area by passing light through the light-transmitting material. This lighting device 1 can be configured as, for example, an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or an LED lamp, and when lit, it is capable of illuminating part or all of the parking lot PRK. Here, it is configured as an LED lamp that provides white light illumination, and in the case of an outdoor parking lot, it is lit at night, and in the case of an indoor parking lot, it may be lit continuously.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the guidance device 2 comprises an imaging unit 21, a display unit 22, and a guidance control unit 23. The imaging unit 21 is capable of capturing images of the parking lot PRK. The display unit 22 is configured to project and display the required light pattern to the user within the parking lot PRK. The guidance control unit 23 controls the display unit 22 based on the image information captured by the imaging unit 21, and is capable of providing guidance to users who are attempting to park in the parking lot PRK or users who are already parked there.

[0021] Each of these units will now be described. The imaging unit 21 is composed of a digital camera equipped with a semiconductor image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, which is generally available, and is capable of imaging almost the entire area of ​​the parking lot PRK. This entire area includes not only the parking spaces but also the entrance to the parking lot PRK and the passageways within the parking lot. This digital camera outputs the image information acquired by imaging to the guidance control unit 23. In the case where multiple guidance devices 2 are installed, as will be described later, the imaging unit 21 may be configured to image a portion of the parking lot, one for each device.

[0022] As shown in the conceptual configuration diagram in Figure 3, the display unit 22 comprises a light source 221, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) 222 that controls the reflection direction of light from the light source 221, and a projection lens 223. The light source 221 is composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and LDs (laser diodes), and the light emitted from the light source 221 is focused by a light-converging lens 224 and projected onto the DMD 222. Here, the light source 221 is composed of a composite LED that emits light of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue, and it is possible to emit any color light by combining these color lights. As is known, the DMD 222 has a large number of micromirrors arranged in a matrix, and the mirror drive unit 225 controls the surface angle of each micromirror, i.e., the light reflection direction, to form a desired light pattern. The projection lens 223 projects the light pattern formed by the DMD 222 into an image towards the parking lot.

[0023] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the guidance device 2, and in particular, the block configuration of the guidance control unit 23. The guidance control unit 23 includes an information detection unit 231 that analyzes image information output from the imaging unit 21 and detects parking information for the parking lot PRK. This parking information includes information on available parking spaces in the parking lot PRK and information on vehicles CAR0 present in the parking lot PRK. This parking information also includes image information output from the imaging unit 21, i.e., image information of the entire parking lot including the vehicles present in the parking lot.

[0024] Furthermore, the information on available parking spaces also includes the attributes of the available spaces. For example, it may include the number of available parking spaces and information on the types of vehicles that can be parked in the available spaces, such as large vehicles, regular cars, light vehicles, and motorcycles. Alternatively, it may include restrictions on the width and height of vehicles that can be parked in the available spaces. In addition, vehicle information may include the number and types of vehicles currently parked, as well as information on vehicles currently driving in the parking lot.

[0025] Furthermore, the guidance control unit 23 includes an information control unit 232 for executing guidance control based on parking information from the information detection unit 231. The information control unit 232 creates notification information related to parking for users who wish to park based on the parking information from the information detection unit 231, and also creates guidance information to guide users who have entered the parking lot to an available parking space or to the exit of the parking lot. In addition, as will be described later, it is possible to acquire user information based on communication with the user, or to create notification information to notify the user and user-specific guidance information. These notification and guidance information will be described later.

[0026] Furthermore, the guidance control unit 23 includes a display control unit 233 for controlling the display unit 22. This display control unit 233 controls the display unit 22 based on the guidance information created by the information control unit 232. Specifically, it controls the light emission color of the LED as the light source 221 and controls the mirror drive unit 225 to control the DMD 222. This control selectively controls the surface angle of the micromirror corresponding to the light pattern to be formed. By controlling the DMD 222, a portion of the light emitted from the light source 221 is reflected toward a predetermined area, and this reflected light is projected by the projection lens 223 to project the light pattern onto the parking lot.

[0027] Furthermore, the guidance control unit 23 is equipped with a communication unit 234. As shown in Figure 1, this communication unit 234 is wirelessly connected to a base station 3 of a communication network, such as a digital communication network, and is capable of sending and receiving information to and from an external mobile terminal, such as a mobile communication terminal (hereinafter referred to as a smartphone), via the base station 3. This communication unit 234 is capable of transmitting notification information created by the information control unit 232 to the smartphone 4 held by the user CAR1, and also of receiving necessary requests from the smartphone 4. Since this notification information includes current image information of the parking lot included in the parking information, the user can display the parking lot as an image on the smartphone 4. In addition, the notification information is created as text images or audio, and can be confirmed as text images or audio on the smartphone 4.

[0028] The parking guidance flow for users in the parking guidance device 2 configured as described above will now be explained. This guidance flow can be executed for users who are outside the parking lot (outside parking lot guidance flow) and for users who have entered the parking lot (inside parking lot guidance flow).

[0029] (Parking area guidance flow chart) Figure 5 is a flowchart of the parking lot guidance flow. In each step, (Parking) indicates the operation of the guidance device, and (User) indicates the user's action. In the parking lot PRK, when lighting is needed, such as at night, the lighting device 1 is turned on, illuminating the entire parking lot. The guidance device 2 also constantly captures images of the entire parking lot with the imaging unit 21. At the same time, in the guidance control unit 23, the information detection unit 231 detects parking lot information from the captured image information, and the information control unit 232 creates notification information, in particular information relating to at least the attributes of the currently available parking space, based on the detected parking lot information. This notification information includes, as described above, image information of the parking lot, the number of available parking spaces, and information on the types of vehicles that can park in the available parking spaces (Step S11).

[0030] A user attempting to park in the parking lot (vehicle CAR1 in Figure 1) connects to the communication unit 234 of the parking lot guidance device 2 via the digital communication network of their smartphone 4, accesses the guidance device 2, and requests information from the guidance device 2 (S12). The guidance device 2 transmits notification information to the user in accordance with the request (S13). The user confirms the transmitted notification information (S14).

[0031] For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the current image of the parking lot can be viewed on the smartphone 4. The image displayed on the smartphone 4 can be enlarged and scrolled, allowing the user to visually check the status of the parking lot PRK, particularly the status of available parking spaces and other vehicles CAR0 parked in the parking lot PRK. In addition, information on the total number of available parking spaces EPS, i.e., the number of available parking spaces and the types of vehicles that can park, can also be checked in text, images, and audio. This information on available parking spaces EPS excludes parking spaces that have already been reserved.

[0032] Therefore, the user can use their smartphone 4 to determine whether or not it is possible to park their vehicle. If it is determined that parking is possible, the user will drive towards that parking lot. On the other hand, if parking is difficult, the user will look for another parking lot. Difficulty in parking might occur, for example, if the parking lot is full, or if the user's vehicle is a regular car but the available parking space is for a kei car (mini car).

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the (outside parking lot guidance flow) described above includes a reservation flow for reserving a parking space. That is, if the user determines in step S14 that parking is available and decides to park, the user applies for a reservation to the guidance device 2 using their smartphone 4 (S15). At this time, the user may select an available parking space EPS confirmed on their smartphone and specify it when making a reservation. When the guidance device 2 receives a reservation, it accepts it. At this time, in order to suitably perform the (inside parking lot guidance flow) described later, it is preferable for the information control unit 232 to confirm the user's individual information, for example, the ID information of the smartphone 4 (S16).

[0034] When the guidance device 2 receives a reservation, the information control unit 232 creates guidance information for the reserved available parking space EPS and outputs it to the display control unit 233. In response, the display control unit 233 controls the display unit 22 to project a predetermined reservation mark onto the reserved available parking space EPS (S17). For example, as shown in Figure 6(b), a reserved pattern P1 of yellow light is projected onto the road surface of the available parking space EPS. Here, it is a pattern combining circles and crosses. The method for projecting the light pattern in the display unit 22 is already known as a light pattern projection technique using a DMD, so a detailed explanation is omitted. At the same time, the information control unit 232 modifies the notification information, especially information related to the number of available parking spaces EPS, so that other users cannot make reservations for the reserved available parking space thereafter.

[0035] As a result, other users who enter the parking lot without a reservation before the reserved user (hereinafter referred to as the reserved user) CAR1 arrives at the parking lot PRK will be prevented from parking in the empty parking space EPS by seeing the reserved pattern P1 projected onto the empty parking space EPS. Therefore, when the reserved user CAR1 arrives at the parking lot PRK, it will not be the case that other vehicles have already parked there and the lot is already full, and it will be possible to park in the desired empty parking space EPS. In addition, since the reserved user CAR1 checks the status of the empty parking space EPS on their smartphone 4, it will not be the case that their vehicle cannot be parked in an empty parking space EPS when they arrive at the parking lot PRK. Furthermore, since the reserved user CAR1 can check the availability of parking at the parking lot PRK using their smartphone 4, parking will be possible even if they are driving a car that is not equipped with devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1-3.

[0036] (Parking lot guidance flow) Figure 7 is a flowchart of the (parking lot guidance flow). When a vehicle, including reserved user CAR1, arrives at the entrance of the parking lot PRK, the guidance control unit 23 of the guidance device 2 uses the information control unit 232 to detect the current location information and individual information of reserved user CAR2 using the GPS function of the smartphone 4 via the communication unit 234 (S12). Then, it is determined from this information whether or not it is reserved user CAR1 (S22). When reserved user CAR1 is confirmed, guidance information for entry guidance to reserved user CAR1 is created, and the display control unit 233 controls the display unit 22. The display unit 22 projects a blue light arrow pattern P2 onto the road surface at the parking lot entrance, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a) (S23). In this case, a light pattern indicating that entry is possible may be projected onto a panel 5 erected at the parking lot entrance. Alternatively, it may be projected onto the wall surface of the parking lot PRK, etc.

[0037] Furthermore, the information control unit 232 recognizes the location of reserved user CAR1 within the parking lot based on the current location information and individual information. When reserved user CAR1 enters, it creates guidance information for the entry route, outputs it to the display control unit 233, and controls the display unit 22. As shown in Figure 8(b), the display unit 22 projects a blue arrow pattern P3 onto the road surface in front of reserved user CAR1. When reserved user CAR1 is guided by this blue arrow pattern P3 to an available parking space EPS, it projects a blue arrow pattern P4 indicating the available parking space EPS, for example, as shown in Figure 8(c). At this time, the display unit 22 may also shine a spot light P5 onto the reserved available parking space EPS to display the location of the available parking space EPS to reserved user CAR1 (S24).

[0038] Therefore, reserved user CAR1 can park in the reserved vacant parking space EPS according to the blue arrow pattern P4 projected onto the road surface directly in front of its vehicle (S25). This prevents reserved user CAR1 from getting lost in the parking lot, from moving around unnecessarily, and from causing accidents with other vehicles or people. Such guidance within the parking lot can also be suitably provided to vehicles that are not equipped with devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0039] Furthermore, this parking lot guidance flow can also be applied to users who have not made a reservation (hereinafter referred to as "general users"). That is, when a general user arrives at the entrance of the parking lot (S21), if it is determined in step S22 that the user is a general user and not a reserved user, the information control unit 232 detects whether there are any available parking spaces that are not reserved at that time (S26). If there are no available parking spaces, the display unit 22 projects a "full" light pattern onto the entrance of the parking lot (S27). If there are available parking spaces, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0040] Specifically, the display control unit 233 controls the display unit 22 and projects a blue light arrow pattern P2 onto the road surface at the parking lot entrance, as shown in Figure 8(a). Subsequently, by providing guidance in steps S24 and S25, general users can be guided to available parking spaces EPS. In this case, the available parking space EPS to be guided is not specific, but will be one of the available parking spaces at that time. Therefore, even general users can move to an available parking space and park quickly by being guided by the guidance light patterns (blue arrow patterns P2, P3, P4) projected by the display unit 22 within the parking lot.

[0041] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the present invention can also provide guidance when users (hereinafter, when simply referred to as "users," this includes both reserved users and general users) are exiting a parking space. Specifically, the information control unit 232 of the guidance control unit 23 shown in Figure 4 detects a vehicle attempting to exit a parking space based on parking information, creates guidance information to guide the vehicle to the exit of the parking lot, and controls the display unit 22 via the display control unit 233. In this case, for example, a yellow arrow pattern is projected onto the road surface in front of the exiting user. This allows the user to easily exit the parking lot.

[0042] Furthermore, when the information control unit 232 detects other vehicles or people moving within the parking lot based on parking lot information, it projects a light pattern onto the road surface in front of the user via the display unit 22 to draw their attention. In this case, the light pattern projected for guidance may be made to flash, change color, or even change shape. The user can then pay attention to their surroundings through the flashing or changing shape of the light pattern and avoid contact with other vehicles or people.

[0043] In this way, the display unit 22 can project light patterns to guide the user when they enter the parking lot, move around within the parking lot, and exit the parking lot. This guidance can also be provided using image information captured by the imaging unit 21, so it is possible even in vehicles that do not have equipment like those described in Patent Documents 1-3, or when the user does not have a portable wireless terminal.

[0044] Furthermore, when a user parks their vehicle, the following additional guidance may be provided. For example, the guidance control unit 23 of the guidance device 2 may be equipped with a memory unit that stores parking information. When a user parks, if the user is carrying a smartphone 4, the information control unit 232 recognizes the user's vehicle from the individual information on the user's smartphone 4 and stores it in the memory unit. It also recognizes the parked vehicle and stores it in the memory unit. When the user returns to their vehicle after parking, the information control unit 232 confirms the user (occupants and vehicle) stored from the individual information on the smartphone 4 carried by the user, outputs predetermined guidance information, and controls the display unit 22 with the display control unit 233 to project, for example, a yellow spot light towards the recognized user's vehicle. Alternatively, it projects an arrow pattern onto the road surface at the user's feet to guide them to their vehicle. The user can immediately find their parked vehicle using these spot lights or arrow patterns and move to their vehicle.

[0045] Furthermore, the guidance device of this embodiment is also useful for ensuring safety within the parking lot. For example, the image information captured by the imaging unit 21 may be stored in the storage unit. In this case, the user can communicate with the communication unit 234 using the smartphone 4 and check the image information stored in the storage unit on the smartphone 4. For example, if an accident occurs in the parking lot (such as a hit-and-run or car break-in), checking the information on the smartphone 4 in this way will enable an appropriate response.

[0046] Furthermore, based on the user and image information stored in the memory unit, the information control unit 232 detects the individual information of the smartphone the person is carrying when it detects a person approaching the user's vehicle. If it detects that the detected person is not carrying a smartphone, or if it detects that the individual information of the smartphone is different from that of the user, it determines that the detected person is not the user and outputs warning information from the information control unit 232. In response, the display unit 22 projects, for example, a red warning light in a flashing state onto the vehicle. This warns third parties in the parking lot and has the effect of deterring or preventing vehicle theft or vandalism. In this case, the warning may also be sent to the user's smartphone 4 or the parking lot manager via the communication unit 234.

[0047] In this embodiment, a small-scale example of a parking lot PRK was shown. However, in the case of a large-scale parking lot with many parking spaces and more lighting devices, the lighting device 1 and the guidance device 2 may be integrated into each of the multiple lighting fixtures. For example, the parking lot may be divided into multiple areas, and lighting fixtures may be placed in each divided area. The guidance device integrated into each lighting fixture includes an imaging unit capable of imaging at least the corresponding divided area, and a display unit that projects a light pattern onto the divided area. In other words, this is effective when it is difficult to image the entire parking lot with one imaging unit, or when it is difficult to project a light pattern onto the entire road surface of the parking lot with one display unit.

[0048] Figure 9 shows a configuration in which guidance devices 2 (2A, 2B) are installed on two lighting fixtures L1 and L2, among many lighting fixtures deployed in a large parking lot. In this case, the guidance control unit 23 may be included in each guidance device 2, or it may be configured as one or fewer guidance control units 23 common to the imaging units 21 and display units 22 of multiple guidance devices 2. For example, if it is configured as one guidance control unit 23, the guidance control unit 23 is provided integrally with the lighting device 1 of one of the lighting fixtures L, and is connected to the other multiple imaging units 21 and display units 22 by wired or short-range wireless connection.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the image information captured by each imaging unit 21 of the multiple guidance devices 2A and 2B is processed collectively by a single common guidance control unit 23. Furthermore, each display unit 22 of the multiple guidance devices 2A and 2B is controlled collectively by this single guidance control unit 23. Therefore, when the vehicle CAR2 moves across multiple divided regions, it becomes possible to project light patterns in a relay-like manner across the multiple divided regions in a continuous manner. In the example in Figure 9, the guidance device 2A projects the guidance light pattern P11 in one divided region, and when the vehicle CAR2 moves to the next divided region, the guidance device 2B projects the light pattern P12.

[0050] In this invention, the display unit 22 may also function as the lighting device 1. That is, if the display unit 22 is configured as a DMD, under normal circumstances, white light can be emitted from the light source 221, and the DMD 222 can be controlled to project white light over the entire parking lot for illumination. In this configuration, when the display unit 22 is not functioning as a lighting device, for example during the daytime, colored light can be emitted from the light source to project a light pattern for guidance. When the display unit is functioning as a lighting device, a portion of the illumination light can be extinguished and projected as a guidance pattern.

[0051] In the present invention, the display unit 22 may be configured as a display unit that projects a pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display using a projection lens. Alternatively, a number of LEDs may be arranged in a matrix as a light source, and the required pattern may be formed by selectively emitting light from these LEDs, and this pattern may be projected using a projection lens.

[0052] Furthermore, the display unit 22 may project light patterns onto notice boards installed in the parking lot or onto the walls of the parking lot building. Alternatively, the light patterns may project messages such as text. While a smartphone-based communication system was used as an example for communication between the guidance device and the user in the communication unit 234, a portable communication device such as a tablet or smartwatch carried by the user may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1. Lighting device 2. Guidance device 3 base station 4. Portable wireless terminals (smartphones) 21 Imaging unit (imaging means) 22 Display unit (display means) 23. Guidance control unit (guidance control means) 231 Information Detection Unit 232 Information Control Unit 233 Display Control Unit 234 Communications Department L lighting PRK Parking CAR (vehicle)

Claims

1. A parking guidance device comprising a lighting device installed in a parking lot to illuminate the parking lot and integrally configured with the lighting device to provide necessary guidance to users of the parking lot, wherein the lighting device is composed of a lighting lamp, the guidance device comprises an imaging unit for imaging the parking lot, a display unit for displaying information for the user to provide guidance, and a guidance control unit for controlling the display on the display unit based on image information captured by the imaging unit, and the lighting lamp, the imaging unit, the display unit, and the guidance control unit are all disposed within the same housing, at least the front surface of which is made of a light-transmitting material.

2. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, comprising: an information detection unit that detects parking information including information on available parking spaces and information on vehicles present in the parking lot based on an image captured by the imaging unit; an information control unit that outputs notification information and guidance information based on the detected parking information; and a display control unit that controls the display unit based on the guidance information.

3. The parking guidance device according to claim 2, wherein the information control unit detects a user from the parking information and forms guidance information for guiding the user to an available parking space, and the display unit displays a message guiding the user to the available parking space based on the guidance information.

4. The parking guidance device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guidance control unit comprises a communication unit that transmits notification information to the user's portable wireless terminal, the information control unit detects an available parking space from the parking information and forms notification information relating to the available parking space, and the communication unit transmits the notification information to the user.

5. The parking guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit is configured to project a required light pattern onto at least one of the road surface of the parking lot, a panel installed in the parking lot, or the wall surface of the parking lot.

6. The parking guidance device according to claim 5, wherein the required light pattern is at least one of a light pattern for guiding a user to an empty parking space, a light pattern for illuminating the empty parking space where the user parks, and a light pattern for guiding a user to the exit of the parking lot.

7. The parking guidance device according to claim 6, wherein the required light pattern is a design or text.

8. The parking guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting devices are arranged at multiple locations in the parking lot, the imaging unit and the display unit are integrally provided with each lighting device, and the guidance control unit is provided in common with these multiple imaging units and display units, and controls each display unit based on the image captured by each imaging unit.

9. The parking guidance device according to claim 8, wherein the guidance control unit controls a plurality of display units in a relay manner in accordance with the user's movement.

Images