Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can vary the number of parking spaces as required.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes: a storage unit that stores setting information set by associating a plurality of parking spaces in which vehicles are to be parked in a parking lot with a utilization form which is either of a first utilization form or a second utilization form; and a setting unit that sets the first utilization form for at least one first parking space among the plurality of parking spaces, sets the second utilization form for a second parking space different from the first parking space among the plurality of parking spaces, and stores setting information concerning the settings in the storage unit. In a case where there is no parking reservation of the second parking space set for the second utilization form, the setting unit sets the utilization form of the second parking space at the first utilization form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding the parking fee setting of a parking lot, there is a parking fee setting system that changes the price according to the actual usage situation according to the magnitude of demand (Patent Document 1). The fee setting system determines the change price of the parking fee based on the congestion level of the parking lot and the traffic volume in the vicinity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent parking lots, in addition to the time-rental parking spaces, there is a type in which reservation parking spaces that accept parking reservations in advance and park based on the reservations are provided. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 only changes the parking fee of the parking lot and cannot increase or decrease the parking spaces according to demand.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of changing the number of parking spaces according to demand.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device in one embodiment includes a storage unit that stores setting information associated with a plurality of parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can be used without prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can be used after prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a setting unit that sets the first usage mode for at least one of the plurality of parking spaces, and sets the second usage mode for a second parking space different from the first parking space, and stores setting information related to that setting in the storage unit, wherein if there is no parking reservation for the second parking space set to the second usage mode, the setting unit sets the usage mode of the second parking space to the first usage mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, if there are no parking reservations for the second parking space which is set to the second usage pattern, the usage pattern for that second parking space is set to the first usage pattern, so that the number of parking spaces can be changed according to demand. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of how parking spaces in a parking lot can be used. (A) is a diagram illustrating the first example of how parking spaces can be used, and (B) is a diagram illustrating the second example of how parking spaces can be used. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment will be described below.

[0010] [Overview of Information Processing Device 100] First, an overview of the information processing device 100 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of how parking spaces in parking lot 200 can be used. Figure 2(A) is a diagram illustrating the first example of how parking spaces can be used, and Figure 2(B) is a diagram illustrating the second example of how parking spaces can be used.

[0011] The information processing device 100 may be configured, for example, as a setting device for setting the usage patterns of the parking lot 200. The information processing device 100 may be configured, for example, as a usage promotion device for promoting the use of the parking lot 200. The information processing device 100 may be configured, for example, as a notification device for notifying users of the usage patterns of the parking lot 200. The information processing device 100 is not limited to the example device described above, but may be configured as various other devices. The information processing device 100 may be a computer such as a server, desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

[0012] The information processing device 100 illustrated in Figure 1 stores setting information. The setting information may be, for example, information that associates each of the multiple parking spaces in the parking lot 200 where a vehicle 300 is parked with the usage pattern of the parking space. Parking lot 200 may be, for example, a time-based parking lot such as a coin-operated parking lot. Alternatively, parking lot 200 may be a parking lot installed in various facilities such as commercial facilities, theme parks, and public facilities. In this case, parking lot 200 may have multiple parking spaces. At least one of the multiple parking spaces may include a parking space that can be reserved. A parking space may be, for example, a parking space for parking a vehicle 300. The usage method may be either the first or second usage method. The first usage method may be a method in which the vehicle 300 can be used without prior reservation when parking in the parking space. The second usage method may be a method in which the vehicle 300 can be used after prior reservation when parking in the parking space.

[0013] The information processing device 100 sets a usage pattern for each of the multiple parking spaces in the parking lot 200 (see Figure 2(A)) and generates this setting as setting information. For example, the information processing device 100 sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. The information processing device 100 also sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space 212 that is different from the first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. The first usage pattern may be, for example, a pattern in which parking is possible without a reservation (e.g., general parking pattern). The second usage pattern may be, for example, a pattern in which parking is possible with a reservation (e.g., reserved parking pattern).

[0014] For example, if there are no parking reservations for the second parking space 212 which is set to the second usage mode, the information processing device 100 sets the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode (see Figure 2(B)). That is, the information processing device 100 changes the usage mode of the second parking space 213 from the second usage mode to the first usage mode. When the information processing device 100 changes the usage mode of the second parking space 213, it may generate the changed setting as setting information. In this case, the information processing device 100 may, for example, overwrite the setting information immediately preceding the change in usage mode in chronological order with the setting information after the change in usage mode.

[0015] [Details of the information processing device 100] Next, an information processing device 100 according to one embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0016] The information processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 121, a storage unit 122, a display unit 123, a control unit 110, and the like. The communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123 may be an embodiment of an output unit. The control unit 110 includes, for example, a prediction unit 111, a setting unit 112, an output control unit 113, and the like. The control unit 110 may be constituted by, for example, an arithmetic processing unit of the information processing apparatus 100. The control unit 110 (for example, an arithmetic processing unit or the like) may realize the functions of each unit (for example, the prediction unit 111, the setting unit 112, the output control unit 113, and the like) by appropriately reading and executing various programs and the like stored in the storage unit 122 and the like.

[0017] The communication unit 121 is, for example, a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from a device (external device) outside the information processing apparatus 100. The external device may be, for example, a facility arranged in the parking lot 200 (for example, the management facility 221 (see FIG. 1)), a vehicle 300 (see FIG. 1), a user terminal (not shown), a server (not shown), and the like.

[0018] The storage unit 122 may store, for example, various information and programs. An example of the storage unit 122 may be a memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, and the like. Note that the storage unit 122 may be, for example, a storage area on the cloud, a server, and the like.

[0019] The storage unit 122 stores setting information in which a plurality of parking spaces for parking the vehicle 300 in the parking lot 200 are associated with one of the first usage form and the second usage form. As described above, the parking lot 200 may be, for example, a time-rental parking lot such as coin parking. Further, the parking lot 200 may be, for example, a parking lot installed in various facilities such as commercial facilities, theme parks, and public facilities.

[0020] The first usage mode is one in which a vehicle 300 can be parked in a parking space without prior reservation. In other words, the first usage mode may be, for example, a usage mode in which parking is possible even without a reservation. As an example, the first usage mode may be a time-based rental system. The second usage mode is one in which a vehicle 300 can be used after making a parking reservation in advance when parking in the parking space. In other words, the second usage mode may be, for example, a usage mode in which parking is possible by making a parking reservation in advance. For example, the second usage mode may be a reservation mode.

[0021] Parking reservations may be set based on the operation of a reservation unit (not shown) located in, for example, the control unit 110 of the information processing device 100, or based on the operation of a reservation device (not shown) located in an external device outside the information processing device 100 (for example, the management equipment 221 of the parking lot 200). In other words, as an example, the reservation unit (or reservation device, etc.) as a function of the control unit 110 may manage reservations for the parking lot 200 and the usage status of the parking lot 200. The reservation unit (or reservation device, etc.) may, for example, receive a reservation for the parking lot 200 (reservation request information) via the communication unit 121 from a user terminal used by the user or a terminal installed in the vehicle 300 (for example, a route guidance device, etc.) (not shown), and then set the reservation for the parking space based on the reservation time, etc. recorded in the reservation request information. For example, once the reservation is set, the reservation unit (or reservation device, etc.) may transmit reservation setting information to the user terminal, etc. via the communication unit 121 indicating that the reservation has been completed (that the reserved parking lot 200 is available for parking).

[0022] A parking space may be, for example, a parking space for parking a vehicle 300. At least one of the multiple parking spaces may be a parking space equipped with charging equipment for charging an electric vehicle. In this case, the parking space equipped with charging equipment may be, for example, a parking space that can be set to a second usage mode. That is, the parking spaces that can be set to a second usage mode based on the setting information stored in the memory unit 122 may include parking spaces that have equipment for charging an electric vehicle.

[0023] The display unit 123 is a display capable of displaying various characters, symbols, images, etc.

[0024] The prediction unit 111 predicts the future usage of parking spaces based on the usage status of the parking spaces set for the first usage mode and the second usage mode, respectively. That is, the prediction unit 111 may make predictions about the future usage of the first parking space 211 set for the first usage mode, and predictions about the future usage of the second parking space 212 set for the second usage mode. The prediction unit 111 may, for example, obtain the usage status of the parking lot 200 from an external device located outside the information processing device 100 (for example, the management equipment 221 of the parking lot 200) via the communication unit 121. The usage status of the parking lot 200 may include the usage status of parking spaces set to a first usage mode, and the usage status of parking spaces set to a second usage mode, etc. The usage status may include, for example, whether a vehicle 300 is parked in a parking space, and whether a vehicle 300 is parked in a parking space, etc. The prediction unit 111 may, for example, obtain the current usage status of the parking lot 200 and the past usage status of the parking lot 200.

[0025] The prediction unit 111 may, for example, predict that future use of the first parking space 211 will be relatively high if, based on the usage status of the parking lot 200, the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more first parking spaces 211 in the parking lot 200 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is relatively high, or if the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more first parking spaces 211 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is above a threshold. In other words, the prediction unit 111 may, for example, predict that future use of the first parking space 211 will be relatively low if, based on the usage status of the parking lot 200, the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more first parking spaces 211 in the parking lot 200 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is relatively low, or if the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more first parking spaces 211 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is below a threshold.

[0026] Similarly, the prediction unit 111 may predict that future use of the second parking spaces 212 will be relatively high if, for example, based on the usage status of the parking lot 200, the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more second parking spaces 212 in the parking lot 200 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is relatively high, or if the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more second parking spaces 212 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is above a threshold. In other words, the prediction unit 111 may predict that future use of the second parking spaces 212 will be relatively low if, for example, based on the usage status of the parking lot 200, the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more second parking spaces 212 in the parking lot 200 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is relatively low, or if the number of vehicles 300 currently using one or more second parking spaces 212 (or the usage rate per unit time, etc.) is below a threshold.

[0027] Furthermore, the prediction unit 111 may acquire the reservation status of the parking lot 200 managed by the above-mentioned reservation unit (or reservation device, etc.) (not shown). The reservation status may include, for example, whether or not a parking space is reserved, and if there is a reservation for the parking space, various details about the reservation such as the reservation date and time. The reservation status may also be included as one concept of the parking space usage status described above.

[0028] Furthermore, the prediction unit 111 may acquire, for example, vehicle driving information generated by the vehicle 300 in real time or at predetermined intervals via the communication unit 121. The vehicle driving information may include various types of information generated or acquired by the vehicle 300, such as probe information, CAN information, location information, and route guidance information. Based on the vehicle driving information, the prediction unit 111 may acquire the number of vehicles 300 currently driving near the parking lot 200, or the number of vehicles 300 that have driven near the parking lot 200 in the past.

[0029] Furthermore, the prediction unit 111 may obtain information, for example, on the status of events held near the parking lot 200 (currently being held or scheduled to be held, etc.) from a server (not shown). The number of vehicles 300 and the status of events, etc. mentioned above may be included as one concept of the parking space utilization status mentioned above.

[0030] The prediction unit 111 may predict the future usage status of the parking spaces set for the first and second usage modes, for example, based on at least one situation selected from a group of various situations. The various situations may be the examples listed in (1) to (8) below, or other various situations. (1) Current usage status of parking lot 200 (for example, whether or not there are currently 300 vehicles parked in the parking space, etc.) (2) Reservation status of parking space 200 (e.g., whether or not it is reserved) (3) The availability status of other public parking lots in the vicinity of parking lot 200 (for example, whether or not vehicle 300 is parked in other parking lots, etc.) (4) The number of vehicles (300) traveling in the vicinity of the 200 parking spaces (for example, whether the number of vehicles is relatively high, etc.) (5) Status of events held in the vicinity of Parking Lot 200 (for example, whether events are being held or scheduled to be held, as well as regular annual events such as festivals and matches at stadiums, and irregular events) (6) Weather conditions such as weather forecasts (for example, this may include pollen levels and flowering conditions) (7) Status of restrictions on activities (for example, the status of restrictions on activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, etc.) (8) These may be past or future circumstances, etc.

[0031] Here, the prediction unit 111 may predict, for example, that if the number of vehicles traveling in the vicinity is relatively large, the number of vehicles 300 using the parking space will be relatively large. Alternatively, the prediction unit 111 may predict, for example, that if the number of vehicles traveling in the vicinity is relatively small, the number of vehicles 300 using the parking space will be relatively small. Furthermore, the prediction unit 111 may predict, for example, that if an event is scheduled to be held, the number of vehicles 300 using the parking space will be relatively large. For example, the prediction unit 111 may estimate that the first parking space 211 of the first usage pattern will be used more often when there are a relatively large number of vehicles 300 traveling in the vicinity, and that the second parking space 212 of the second usage pattern will be used more often when an event or the like is scheduled to be held. In addition, various other methods may be used to estimate the future usage status of the parking spaces according to the first and second usage patterns, respectively.

[0032] Furthermore, the prediction unit 111 may, for example, use past information to predict whether the number of vehicles 300 using the parking space will be relatively high or relatively low, based on situations where the number of vehicles using the parking space in the past was relatively high (and relatively low, etc.) and the current or future situation. In this case, the prediction unit 111 may, for example, predict the future usage of the parking space based on a trained model that has learned various situations and the number of vehicles using the parking space, and the current and future situations. The "situation" here may be at least one of the situations (1) to (8) described as groups above. Also, the parking space used for learning and the parking space for predicting future usage may be, for example, parking spaces corresponding to the first usage pattern and the second usage pattern, respectively. Alternatively, the prediction unit 111 may predict future parking space usage using various methods, not limited to the example of using a pre-trained model.

[0033] The setting unit 112 sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. The setting unit 112 sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space 212 that is different from the first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. The setting unit 112 may, for example, set any number as the number of first parking spaces 211 and second parking spaces 212 as an initial stage. The initial stage may be rephrased as, for example, a normal general stage. The setting unit 112 stores the setting information regarding the settings of the first usage pattern and the second usage pattern described above in the storage unit 122.

[0034] If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space 212 which is set to the second usage mode, the setting unit 112 sets the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode. In this case, when there are a plurality of second parking spaces 212 set in the second usage form, the setting unit 112 may set at least one of the plurality of second parking spaces 212 to the first usage form. That is, the setting unit 112 may change the setting of at least one of the one or more second parking spaces 212 set in the second usage form to the first usage form to be the second parking space 213. In other words, the setting unit 112 changes at least one of the second parking spaces 212 from the first parking space 211 and the second parking space 212 as the above-described initial stage to the first usage form to be the second parking space 213. The case where there is no parking reservation may include, for example, not only the case where there is no parking reservation at all, but also the case where the number of parking reservations is relatively small, the case where the number of parking reservations is less than a preset threshold value, and various other cases that can be regarded as "no". The value serving as the threshold value may be various values such as not more than the number of the second parking spaces 212. As an example, when there is no parking reservation for the second parking space 212 set in the second usage form, it may be a case where there is no parking reservation during the day.

[0035] In this case, for example, when there is no parking reservation at the first time point in time series, the setting unit 112 may change the setting of any one or more of the plurality of second parking spaces 212 (A: for example, A is n1) to the first usage form. Also, for example, when there is no parking reservation at the second time point after a predetermined period has elapsed after the first time point in time series, the setting unit 112 may change the setting of any one or more of the remaining second parking spaces 212 (A) to the first usage form to be the second parking space 213 (C: for example, C is n3) (the number of B n2 + the number of C n3 ≤ the number of A n1). In other words, the setting unit 112 may, for example, if there are no parking reservations for the second parking space 212 which is set to the second usage mode as time progresses, gradually set the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode in accordance with the passage of time. In this case, "passage of time" may be rephrased as, for example, "every predetermined period." Furthermore, the number of times the usage mode of the second parking space 212 is gradually changed from the second usage mode to the first usage mode is not limited to the two times in the example described above, but may be one time or three or more times.

[0036] Furthermore, if the prediction unit 111 predicts that the first parking space 211, which is set to the first usage mode, will be used relatively often, and the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage mode, will be used relatively often, the setting unit 112 may change at least one of the second parking spaces 212 in the second usage mode to the first usage mode.

[0037] The setting unit 112 sets the fee structure for the first parking space 211 in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour. The first hour may be various units of time, such as 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour. That is, for example, the unit of time based on the first hour may be the aforementioned 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour, or it may be any other unit of time. The setting unit 112 may also set the fee structure for the first parking space 211 in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee A per any unit time. The predetermined fee A may be various fees, such as those set as appropriate.

[0038] The setting unit 112 may set the fee structure for the second parking space 212 in the second usage pattern as a predetermined fee per reservation or per reservation time. Alternatively, the setting unit 112 may set the fee structure for the second parking space 212 in the second usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour. Alternatively, the setting unit 112 may set the fee structure for the second parking space 212 in the second usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on a second hour (or third hour) different from the first hour. The second hour and the third hour may be different arbitrary periods of time. The second hour may be shorter than the first hour or longer than the first hour. Unlike the second hour, the third hour may be shorter than the first hour, longer than the first hour, or the same length as the first hour. Alternatively, if the setting unit 112 sets the fee structure for the first parking space 211 in the first usage mode as a predetermined fee A per unit time, it may set the fee structure for the second parking space 212 in the second usage mode as an arbitrary predetermined fee B per unit time (for example, predetermined fee A and predetermined fee B may be different).

[0039] The setting unit 112 sets the fee structure for the second parking space 213 in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on a second time, which is different from the first time. The second time may be any length of time. The second time may be shorter or longer than the first time. Alternatively, the setting unit 112 may set the fee structure for the second parking space 212 in the second usage mode as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the third hour, and the fee structure for the second parking space 213 in the first usage mode as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the second hour. An example of the third hour may be various times such as 3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 12 hours. An example of the second hour may be various times such as 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour. The second hour may be, for example, a shorter time than the third hour.

[0040] Alternatively, if the setting unit 112 sets the fee structure for the first parking space 211 of the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee A per unit time, it may set the fee structure for the second parking space 213 of the first usage pattern as an arbitrary predetermined fee C per unit time. The predetermined fee C may be different from the predetermined fee A described above. That is, the predetermined fee C may be lower than the predetermined fee A described above, or higher than the predetermined fee A. Also, the predetermined fee C may be different from the predetermined fee B described above, or the same as the predetermined fee B.

[0041] In other words, if the setting unit 112 sets a first hourly rate system where the user is charged a first amount per unit time (for example, a predetermined rate A) as the first usage mode, then when the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) is changed from the second usage mode to the first usage mode, the setting unit 112 may set a second hourly rate system for the second parking space 213 where the user is charged a second amount different from the first amount per unit time (for example, a predetermined rate C). In other words, the setting unit 112 may set a second rate system of a predetermined rate C per unit time for the second parking space 213 whose usage mode has been changed from the second usage mode to the first usage mode.

[0042] As a specific example, if a time-based fee system is set as the fee system for the first usage type, and a reservation-based fee system is set as the fee system for the second usage type, the setting unit 112 may change the usage type of the second parking space 212 (213) from the second usage type (reservation-based fee system) to the first usage type (time-based fee system). In this case, if the setting unit 112 sets the first parking space 211 of the first usage type to the first fee system, it may set the second parking space 213, which has been changed to the first usage type, to the second fee system.

[0043] As stated above, the first amount (for example, prescribed fee A, etc.) and the second amount (for example, prescribed fee C, etc.) may be amounts set as appropriate. The second amount may be lower than the first amount, or higher than the first amount.

[0044] The setting unit 112 may, for example, set the second amount according to the parking demand predicted by the forecasting unit 111. The demand here may be the future usage status of the parking space, etc. A specific example of the demand may be the future usage status of the first parking space 211 or the hourly parking space, etc. For example, the setting unit 112 may set the second amount higher if the parking demand predicted by the prediction unit 111 is relatively high. Also, for example, the setting unit 112 may set the second amount lower if the parking demand predicted by the prediction unit 111 is relatively low. Alternatively, as an example, the setting unit 112 may set the second amount lower if the parking demand predicted by the prediction unit 111 is relatively high. Also as an example, the setting unit 112 may set the second amount higher if the parking demand predicted by the prediction unit 111 is relatively low.

[0045] In other words, if the prediction unit 111 predicts that the first parking space 211, which is set to the first usage pattern, will be used relatively often, and the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage pattern, will be used relatively often, the setting unit 112 may set the second hourly rate system for the second parking space 213, which has been changed to the first usage pattern. As described above, the prediction unit 111 makes future usage predictions for the first parking space 211 and for the second parking space 212. In other words, the prediction unit 111 makes demand predictions for parking spaces with an hourly fee system and for parking spaces with a reservation fee system. As an example, if the forecasting unit 111 predicts the demand for parking spaces under the hourly rate system to be above a threshold, the setting unit 112 may set the hourly rate for the parking space that has been changed from the reservation rate system to the hourly rate system (the second parking space 213 that has been changed from the second usage form to the first usage form) to be higher (or lower) than the hourly rate for the first parking space 211 under the first usage form. The setting unit 112 may change the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) from the second usage pattern to the first usage pattern in accordance with the demand forecast by the forecasting unit 111, and may also set the second parking space 213, which has been changed to the first usage pattern, to the second hourly rate system.

[0046] Currently, the utilization of the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage mode, is relatively low, but in the future, as time progresses, the utilization of the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage mode, may become relatively higher. This may be predicted, for example, by the prediction unit 111, or it may be estimated by the setting unit 112 according to the reservation status based on the operation of the reservation unit (not shown). In this case, the setting unit 112 may change the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) from the second usage mode to the first usage mode from the present until the utilization of the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage mode, becomes relatively higher. That is, if there is a parking reservation for the second parking space 212 that is set to the second usage mode after a predetermined time, the setting unit 112 may set the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode until before that predetermined time.

[0047] In the case of a time-based fee system with the condition that the user must leave the parking space by the next reservation start time, the setting unit 112 may set the usage fee for the second parking space 213, which has been changed to the first usage form until a predetermined time, to be lower than the usage fee for the first parking space 211, which has been set to the first usage form. That is, when the first time-based fee system is set as the first usage form, the setting unit 112 may set a third time-based fee system for the second parking space 213, which is set to the first usage form until a predetermined time, and charges the user a third amount that is lower than the first amount per unit time for the second parking space 213 until a predetermined time. The third amount may be the same as the second amount described above, or it may be different from the second amount. Also, the third amount may be lower than the second amount, for example.

[0048] Here, the setting unit 112 may, for example, set a parking fee according to the parking demand based on a trained model that has learned actual parking demand and parking fees based on various situations and the number of vehicles using parking spaces, and the current and future situations (or parking demand predicted by the prediction unit 111 according to the current and future situations). The "situation" here may be at least one of the situations (1) to (8) described as groups above. Also, the "parking fee" set using the trained model may be the second amount and the third amount described above.

[0049] Furthermore, the setting unit 112 may change the second parking space 213, which is set to the first usage mode, to the second usage mode if the usage of the first parking space 211 (or a parking space with a time-based fee system) set to the first usage mode becomes relatively less as time passes, or if the number of vehicles using the first parking space 211 set to the first usage mode falls below a threshold. In this case, the setting unit 112 may change the second parking space 213, which is set to the first usage mode, to the second usage mode if it is not currently in use (i.e., there are no parked vehicles at the moment). Also, the setting unit 112 may change the second parking space 213, which is set to the first usage mode, to the second usage mode if it is currently in use (i.e., there are parked vehicles at the moment), after the parked vehicles have left the parking lot 200.

[0050] Furthermore, if the prediction unit 111 estimates that the peak demand for parking has already passed, the setting unit 112 does not need to change the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage pattern, to the first usage pattern.

[0051] Furthermore, if the setting unit 112 receives a reservation for the second parking space 212, it may change the second parking space 213, which is set to the first usage mode, to the second usage mode at a predetermined time before the start time (reservation time) of the reservation.

[0052] The output control unit 113 outputs information about the usage of the parking space based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 122. That is, the output control unit 113 may control the output unit to output information about the usage of the parking space based on setting information such as when the usage of the second parking space 212 (213) is changed from the second usage unit to the first usage unit. The output unit may be, for example, the communication unit 121, the storage unit 122, and the display unit 123.

[0053] As an example, the output control unit 113 may control the communication unit 121 to transmit information to an external device indicating that the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) has changed. The external device may be, for example, equipment installed in the parking lot 200 (e.g., management equipment 221, etc.), a vehicle 300, a user terminal (not shown), and a server (not shown). The management equipment 221 may, for example, control a display (such as an electronic display board or other parking display unit) (not shown) within the parking lot 200 to display a notification that the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) has been changed. In this case, the management equipment 221 may also display various information on the display, including the changed fee structure (amount). Furthermore, vehicle 300 may be a vehicle traveling near the parking lot 200 whose usage pattern has been changed. In this case, the output control unit 113 may, for example, control the communication unit 121 to transmit information that the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) has been changed to vehicles 300 traveling within a predetermined distance from parking lot 200, vehicles 300 whose destination for route guidance is set within a predetermined distance from parking lot 200, vehicles 300 that have traveled within a predetermined distance from parking lot 200 from the present until a predetermined period ago, and various other vehicles 300, based on the location information of parking lot 200 and the location information (vehicle travel information) of vehicle 300. Here, the output control unit 113 may further transmit the location information of parking lot 200 and the changed fee structure, etc., to vehicle 300. For example, if a vehicle 300 has set its destination to the vicinity of a parking lot 200 that has a parking space whose usage has been changed, the route guidance device (e.g., a navigation system) may display the parking lot 200 as "available" and notify the user of the usage conditions.

[0054] As another example, the output control unit 113 may control the storage unit 122 to store information indicating that the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) has changed. As another example, the output control unit 113 may control the display unit 123 to display that the usage pattern of the second parking space 212 (213) has been changed.

[0055] [Information Processing Methods] Next, an information processing method according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to one embodiment.

[0056] In step ST101, the setting unit 112 sets a first usage mode for at least one first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. The setting unit 112 sets a second usage mode for a second parking space 212 that is different from the first parking space 211 among the multiple parking spaces. Parking spaces that can be set to the second usage mode may include parking spaces equipped with charging facilities. The setting unit 112 stores setting information for each of the first and second usage modes described above in the storage unit 122.

[0057] In step ST102, the prediction unit 111 predicts the future usage status of the parking space based on the usage status of the parking space set for the first usage mode and the second usage mode, respectively.

[0058] In step ST103, if the setting unit 112 predicts that the first parking space 211, which is set to the first usage mode in step ST102, will be used relatively often, and the second parking space 212, which is set to the second usage mode, will be used relatively often, it may change at least one of the second parking spaces 212 in the second usage mode to the first usage mode and make it the second parking space 213. The setting unit 112 may store the setting information after changing the usage mode in the storage unit 122.

[0059] In this case, if there are no parking reservations for the second parking space 212 set to the second usage mode, the setting unit 112 sets the usage mode of the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode. If there are multiple second parking spaces 212 set to the second usage mode, the setting unit 112 may set at least one of the multiple second parking spaces 212 to the first usage mode. The case of "no parking reservations" is not limited to cases where there are no parking reservations at all, but may also include cases where the number of parking reservations is relatively small, where the number of parking reservations is below a predetermined threshold, and various other cases that can be considered as "none".

[0060] The setting unit 112 sets the fee structure for the first parking space 211 in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour. The setting unit 112 also sets the fee structure for the second parking space 213 in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the second hour.

[0061] The setting unit 112 may set a first hourly rate system as the first usage mode, in which the user is charged a first amount per unit of time. In this case, the setting unit 112 may set a second hourly rate system for the second parking space 213 whose usage mode has been changed from the second usage mode to the first usage mode, in which the user is charged a second amount per unit of time.

[0062] Furthermore, if there is a parking reservation for the second parking space 212 which is set to the second usage mode after a predetermined time, the setting unit 112 may set the second parking space 212 (213) to the first usage mode until before that predetermined time. In this case, the setting unit 112 may set a third hourly rate system for the second parking space 213 which is set to the first usage mode until before that predetermined time, charging the user a third amount that is lower than the first amount per unit time.

[0063] In step ST104, the output control unit 113 outputs various information about the usage of the parking space based on the processing (for example, setting information) performed by the setting unit 112 in step ST103.

[0064] Each part of the information processing device 100 described above may be implemented as a function of a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. That is, the reservation unit (not shown), prediction unit 111, setting unit 112, and output control unit 113 (control unit 110) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a reservation function, prediction function, setting function, and output control function (control function), respectively, by a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. Information processing programs can enable computers to implement the functions described above. Information processing programs may be recorded on computer-readable, non-temporary recording media such as memory, solid-state drives, hard disk drives, or optical discs. The recording media may also be referred to as non-temporary computer-readable media. Furthermore, as described above, each part of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. This arithmetic processing unit or the like is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit. For this reason, each part of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a circuit that constitutes an arithmetic processing unit or the like. That is, the reservation unit (not shown), prediction unit 111, setting unit 112, and output control unit 113 (control unit 110) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a reservation circuit, prediction circuit, setting circuit, and output control circuit (control circuit) that constitute an arithmetic processing unit or the like of a computer. Furthermore, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a communication function, storage function, and display function (output function) that includes the functions of an arithmetic processing unit, for example. Also, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be implemented as a communication circuit, storage circuit, and display circuit (output circuit) by being composed of an integrated circuit, for example. Furthermore, the communication unit 121, storage unit 122, and display unit 123 (output unit) of the information processing device 100 may be configured as a communication device, storage device, and display device (output device) by being composed of a plurality of devices, for example.

[0065] The information processing device 100 can be configured to combine one or any multiple of the above-described parts. In this disclosure, the term "information" is used, but the term "information" can be replaced with "data," and the term "data" can be replaced with "information."

[0066] [Aspects and Effects of This Embodiment] Next, an embodiment of this model and the effects of each embodiment will be described. Note that the embodiments described below are examples as of the time of filing, and this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below. In other words, this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below, and may be realized by appropriately combining the parts described above. Furthermore, lower-level embodiments may be referenced in any of the higher-level embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described below are examples only, and the effects produced by each embodiment are not limited to those described below. Also, each embodiment may produce, for example, at least one of the effects described below.

[0067] (Aspect 1) An information processing device in one embodiment includes a storage unit that stores setting information associated with a plurality of parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can be used without prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can be used after prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a setting unit that sets the first usage mode for at least one of the plurality of parking spaces, and sets the second usage mode for a second parking space different from the first parking space, and stores setting information related to that setting in the storage unit, wherein if there is no parking reservation for the second parking space set to the second usage mode, the setting unit sets the usage mode of the second parking space to the first usage mode. As an example, in a parking lot where time-based parking spaces (first parking spaces set as first usage type) and reserved parking spaces (second parking spaces set as second usage type) are located side-by-side, if the time-based parking spaces are full but the reserved parking spaces are available, the information processing device will change the fee structure for the reserved parking spaces (to time-based (first usage type)) and notify the user. Alternatively, as an example, if the time-based parking spaces are expected to be full and reserved parking spaces are available, the information processing device may change the fee structure for the reserved parking spaces (to time-based (first usage type)) and notify the user. As a result, the information processing device can change the usage pattern of the second parking space from the second usage pattern to the first usage pattern in response to parking reservations for the second parking space which is set to the second usage pattern. In other words, the information processing device changes the usage pattern of the second parking space from the second usage pattern to the first usage pattern in response to the usage status of the first parking space which is set to the first usage pattern and the usage status of the second parking space which is set to the second usage pattern, so that the number of parking spaces (parking spaces according to the usage pattern) can be changed according to the demand for parking spaces. Furthermore, the information processing device can improve the utilization rate of the second parking space and promote the installation of the second parking space for the second usage configuration.

[0068] (Aspect 2) In one embodiment of the information processing device, the setting unit may set the fee structure for the first parking space in the first usage mode as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour, and set the fee structure for the second parking space in the first usage mode as a predetermined fee per unit time based on a second hour, which is different from the first hour. In other words, the information processing device can set different fee structures for the first parking space in the first usage scenario and for the second parking space in the first usage scenario. This allows the information processing device to change the fee structure according to the demand for parking spaces.

[0069] (Aspect 3) In one embodiment of an information processing device, if a first hourly rate system is set as the first usage mode, where the user is charged a first amount per unit time, the setting unit may set a second hourly rate system for the second parking space when the usage mode of the second parking space is changed from the second usage mode to the first usage mode, where the user is charged a second amount different from the first amount per unit time. This allows the information processing system to change the fee structure according to the demand for parking spaces.

[0070] (Aspect 4) An information processing device in one embodiment includes a prediction unit that predicts the future usage status of parking spaces based on the usage status of parking spaces set for a first usage mode and a second usage mode, respectively. If the prediction unit predicts that the first parking space set for the first usage mode will be used relatively often and the second parking space set for the second usage mode will be used relatively often, the setting unit may set a second hourly rate system for the second parking space which has been changed to the first usage mode. This allows the information processing system to change the fee structure according to the demand for parking spaces.

[0071] (Aspect 5) In one embodiment of the information processing device, if there is a parking reservation for a second parking space that is set to a second usage mode after a predetermined time, the setting unit may set the second parking space to a first usage mode until before the predetermined time. This allows the information processing system to change the number of parking spaces according to the usage pattern based on the demand for parking spaces. In addition, the information processing system can prioritize parking reservations by changing the usage pattern of the second parking space to the second usage pattern after a predetermined time.

[0072] (Aspect 6) In one embodiment of the information processing device, if a first hourly rate system is set as the first usage mode, the setting unit may set a third hourly rate system in which, when the first usage mode is set for the second parking space, the user is charged a third amount that is lower than the first amount per unit time for the second parking space until a predetermined time. This means that the information processing system can take into account the inconvenience for users who park with a time limit, and set a fee structure that matches the demand for parking spaces.

[0073] (Aspect 7) In one embodiment of the information processing device, if there are multiple second parking spaces set to the second usage mode, the setting unit may set at least one of the multiple second parking spaces to the first usage mode. This allows the information processing device to change the number of parking spaces according to usage patterns based on the demand for parking spaces.

[0074] (Pattern 8) In one embodiment of the information processing device, the parking spaces that can be set to a second usage mode based on the setting information stored in the memory unit may include parking spaces that have equipment capable of charging electric vehicles. This allows the information processing device to utilize parking spaces that are available for charging for electric vehicles for general vehicle parking, depending on the charging reservation status, such as when there are no reservations for charging electric vehicles.

[0075] (Aspect 9) One embodiment of the information processing device may include an output control unit that outputs information about the usage pattern of a parking space based on setting information stored in a memory unit. This allows the information processing device to improve convenience for users looking for parking spaces, etc.

[0076] (Aspect 10) In one embodiment of the information processing method, a computer equipped with a storage unit that stores setting information, which associates multiple parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot with either a first usage mode in which vehicles can be used without prior parking reservations when parking in a parking space, or a second usage mode in which vehicles can be used after prior parking reservations when parking in a parking space, performs a first setting step in which the computer sets the first usage mode for at least one of the multiple parking spaces (the first parking space) and sets the second usage mode for a second parking space (different from the first parking space) among the multiple parking spaces, and stores the setting information related to that setting in the storage unit; and a second setting step in which, if there are no parking reservations for the second parking space set to the second usage mode, the computer sets the usage mode for that second parking space to the first usage mode. As a result, the information processing method may achieve the same effects as the information processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment.

[0077] (Aspect 11) One embodiment of an information processing program provides a computer with a storage function that stores setting information associated with multiple parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space without prior reservation, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space after prior reservation; and a setting function that sets the first usage mode for at least one of the multiple parking spaces (the first parking space) and sets the second usage mode for a second parking space different from the first parking space, and stores setting information related to these settings in the storage function. The setting function sets the usage mode for the second parking space (the second parking space) to the first usage mode if there are no parking reservations for that second parking space (the second parking space is set to the second usage mode). As a result, the information processing program may achieve the same effects as the information processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Control Unit 111 Prediction Section 112 Settings Section 113 Output Control Unit 121 Communications Department 122 Storage section 123 Display section 200 Parking 211 Parking Space 1 212 Second parking space 213 Second parking space for the first usage pattern 221 Management equipment 300 vehicles

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores setting information associated with multiple parking spaces in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space without prior reservation, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space after prior reservation. The system includes a setting unit that sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space among a plurality of parking spaces, sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space different from the first parking space among the plurality of parking spaces, and stores setting information related to said setting in the storage unit, The setting unit is, If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space designated as the second usage type, the usage type for that second parking space will be set to the first usage type. The fee structure for the first parking space under the first usage pattern is set as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour, and the fee structure for the second parking space under the first usage pattern is set as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the second hour, which is different from the first hour. Information processing device.

2. A storage unit that stores setting information set in association with a plurality of parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can be used without prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can be used after prior reservation when parking in a parking space. The system includes a setting unit that sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space among a plurality of parking spaces, sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space different from the first parking space among the plurality of parking spaces, and stores setting information related to said setting in the storage unit, The setting unit is, If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space designated as the second usage type, the usage type for that second parking space will be set to the first usage type. If the first usage method is set up as a time-based fee system where the user is charged a first amount per unit time, and the usage method of the second parking space is changed from the second usage method to the first usage method, then a second time-based fee system will be set up for the second parking space, where the user is charged a second amount, which is different from the first amount per unit time. Information processing device.

3. It includes a prediction unit that predicts the future usage status of parking spaces based on the usage status of parking spaces set for the first usage mode and the second usage mode, respectively. If the prediction unit predicts that the first parking space set to the first usage pattern will be used relatively frequently and the second parking space set to the second usage pattern will be used relatively slowly, the setting unit will set the second parking space, which has been changed to the first usage pattern, to the second hourly rate system. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A storage unit that stores setting information set in association with a plurality of parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot, a first usage mode in which vehicles can be used without prior reservation when parking in a parking space, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can be used after prior reservation when parking in a parking space. The system includes a setting unit that sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space among a plurality of parking spaces, sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space different from the first parking space among the plurality of parking spaces, and stores setting information related to said setting in the storage unit, The setting unit is, If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space designated as the second usage type, the usage type for that second parking space will be set to the first usage type. If there is a parking reservation for the second parking space which will be set to the second usage mode after a predetermined time, the second parking space will be set to the first usage mode until before the predetermined time. Information processing device.

5. When the first hourly rate system is set as the first usage mode, the setting unit sets a third hourly rate system for the second parking space, which charges the user a third amount lower than the first amount per unit time for the second parking space up to the predetermined time when the first usage mode is set for the second parking space. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. If there are multiple second parking spaces set to the second usage mode, the setting unit will set at least one of the multiple second parking spaces to the first usage mode. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Based on the setting information stored in the memory unit, the parking spaces that can be set to a second usage configuration include parking spaces equipped with facilities for charging electric vehicles. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The system includes an output control unit that outputs information about the usage pattern of the parking space based on the setting information stored in the memory unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A computer equipped with a memory unit that stores setting information that associates multiple parking spaces for parking vehicles in a parking lot with either a first usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space without prior reservation, or a second usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space after prior reservation, A first setting step involves setting a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space among multiple parking spaces, setting a second usage pattern for a second parking space different from the first parking space among multiple parking spaces, and storing setting information related to said setting in the storage unit. If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space set to the second usage pattern, the second setting step is to set the usage pattern of the second parking space to the first usage pattern, A third setting step involves setting the fee structure for the first parking space in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour, and setting the fee structure for the second parking space in the first usage pattern as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the second hour, which is different from the first hour. An information processing method that performs the following.

10. On the computer, A memory function that stores setting information associated with multiple parking spaces in a parking lot, and one of two usage modes: a first usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space without prior reservation, and a second usage mode in which vehicles can park in a parking space after prior reservation. A setting function is implemented that sets a first usage pattern for at least one first parking space among multiple parking spaces, sets a second usage pattern for a second parking space different from the first parking space among multiple parking spaces, and stores setting information related to said setting in the memory function. The aforementioned setting function is If there are no parking reservations for the second parking space designated as the second usage type, the usage type for that second parking space will be set to the first usage type. The fee structure for the first parking space under the first usage pattern is set as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the first hour, and the fee structure for the second parking space under the first usage pattern is set as a predetermined fee per unit time based on the second hour, which is different from the first hour. Information processing program.

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