Automated parking lot design system

Abstract

To provide a parking lot automatic design system that can automatically design the layout of a parking lot.SOLUTION: A trajectory simulation is executed as part of a layout creation process. The purpose of the trajectory simulation is (1) to calculate the road width C in a parking lot and an optimal parking space Z, and (2) to output the optimal parking lot layout. In the trajectory simulation, first, the forward (reverse) parking distance X is calculated to avoid interference with adjacent vehicles (interference with parking space Y). Next, the trajectory simulation (simulation using a clothoid curve, etc.) of the vehicle trajectory (outer side) A and the vehicle trajectory (inner side) B is executed, and the parking space Z (parking space information: for example, the width required to park one car) is calculated. Finally, the layout of the parking lot is automatically designed based on various values calculated so far, information of vehicle types and the number of cars, etc.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot automatic design system.

Background Art

[0002] As conventional technologies, there are known a parking assist device capable of performing parking assistance for avoiding obstacles (for example, Patent Document 1), a parking trajectory calculation device capable of calculating a parking trajectory from an arbitrary parking start position (for example, Patent Document 2), a parking assist device capable of reducing the calculation amount during route determination (for example, Patent Document 3), a vehicle travel support device capable of shortening the time required for the vehicle to move to a target position (for example, Patent Document 4), and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As prior art, there are documents as described above, but there is no technology capable of automatically designing the layout of a parking lot.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a parking lot automatic design system capable of automatically designing the layout of a parking lot.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above problems. Note that the following solutions and the terms in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the present invention can include at least one of the inventive features shown in the following solutions. Moreover, each inventive feature shown in the following solutions can be further subdivided by adding elements that limit the inventive feature, or subdivided by removing those elements.

[0007] Solution 1: The automated parking design system of this solution is an automated parking design system for automatically designing the layout of a parking lot, comprising: a storage means for storing vehicle type data for each vehicle type parked in the parking lot; an input means for inputting information on the number of vehicles parked in the parking lot, vehicle type information for the vehicles parked in the parking lot, and area information for the parking lot; and a control means for calculating parking space information per vehicle parked in the parking lot based on the vehicle type data and vehicle type information, calculating trajectory information for the vehicles parked in the parking lot based on the vehicle type data and vehicle type information, and creating a layout for the parking lot based on the number of vehicles information, area information, parking space information, and trajectory information.

[0008] According to this solution, parking space information is calculated based on various types of information, trajectory information is calculated, and a parking lot layout is created based on the parking space information and trajectory information. Therefore, a parking lot layout can be automatically designed by inputting only a small amount of information.

[0009] Solution 2: The automated parking design system of this solution is characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the input means is capable of inputting entrance information of a building adjacent to the parking lot, and the control means creates the layout based on the entrance information.

[0010] According to this solution, the control means creates a parking lot layout based on entrance information, making it possible to create a parking lot layout that takes into account the building's entrance.

[0011] Solution 3: The automated parking design system of this solution is characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the control means determines whether or not there is sufficient capacity for the number of cars to be parked in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is not sufficient capacity, it prompts the user to re-enter the number of cars information.

[0012] According to this solution, if it is determined that there is insufficient space for parking, the layout of the parking lot can be flexibly changed to prompt the user to re-enter the number of vehicles.

[0013] Solution 4: The automated parking design system of this solution is characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the control means determines whether or not there is sufficient capacity for the number of cars to be parked in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is sufficient capacity, it makes it possible to increase the number of cars that can be parked.

[0014] According to this solution, if it is determined that there is sufficient capacity for parking, it becomes possible to increase the number of parking spaces, thereby maximizing the use of land used for parking.

[0015] Solution 5: The automated parking lot design system of this solution is characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the control means determines whether or not there is sufficient capacity for parking cars in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is sufficient capacity, it enables the setting of a detour route.

[0016] According to this solution, if it is determined that there is sufficient space for parking, it is possible to set up a detour route, thereby creating a parking lot layout that makes parking easier.

[0017] Solution 6: In the parking lot automatic design system of this solution, in any of the above solutions, the control means determines whether there is a margin in the number of vehicles parked in the parking lot. When it is determined that there is a margin in the number of parked vehicles, the parking space information per vehicle parked in the parking lot can be changed in the direction of expansion. The parking lot automatic design system is characterized in that.

[0018] According to this solution, when it is determined that there is a margin in the number of parked vehicles, the parking space information per vehicle parked in the parking lot can be changed in the direction of expansion. Therefore, by expanding the parking space information, a layout of the parking lot that is easy to park can be created.

[0019] Solution 7: In the parking lot automatic design system of this solution, in any of the above solutions, the control means determines whether there is a margin in the number of vehicles parked in the parking lot. When it is determined that there is a margin in the number of parked vehicles, the vehicle width information arranged inside the parking lot can be changed in the direction of expansion. The parking lot automatic design system is characterized in that.

[0020] According to this solution, when it is determined that there is a margin in the number of parked vehicles, the vehicle width information arranged inside the parking lot can be changed in the direction of expansion. Therefore, by expanding the vehicle width information, a layout of the parking lot that is easy to park can be created.

[0021] Solution 8: In the parking lot automatic design system of this solution, in any of the above solutions, the control means can calculate the trajectory information based on the direction of the vehicle parked in the parking lot. The parking lot automatic design system is characterized in that.

[0022] According to this solution, the control means calculates the trajectory information based on the direction of the vehicle parked in the parking lot. Therefore, a layout of the parking lot that takes into account the direction of the parked vehicle can be created.

[0023] Solution 9: The parking lot automatic design system of this solution is a parking lot automatic design system characterized in that, in any of the above-described solutions, the control means can calculate the trajectory information based on a specified calculation method among a plurality of types of calculation methods.

[0024] According to this solution, since the control means calculates the trajectory information based on a specified calculation method among a plurality of types of calculation methods, the degree of freedom in the layout of the parking lot can be improved as compared with the case where only one calculation method can be specified.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, the layout of a parking lot can be automatically designed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the parking lot automatic design system 10 of the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the layout creation process. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the calculation method used when calculating the trajectory information. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an overview of the trajectory simulation. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example display of the trajectory simulation. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example display of the trajectory simulation. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example display of the trajectory simulation. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the layout of the parking lot in the first example. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the layout of the parking lot in the second example. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the layout of the parking lot in the third example. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the layouts of the parking lots in the fourth and fifth examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an automated parking lot design system 10 of an embodiment. The automated parking lot design system 10 is a system that automatically designs the layout of a parking lot. The automated parking lot design system 10 comprises a storage unit 11 (storage means), an input unit 12 (input means), a control unit 13 (control means), and a display unit 14.

[0028] The memory unit 11 is the part that stores vehicle data for each vehicle type parked in the parking lot (vehicle database). The memory unit 11 stores vehicle data for each vehicle type, including the overall width, overall length, etc. The vehicle data may also include the front overhang, wheelbase (farthest axle distance), rear overhang, tread, minimum turning radius, minimum turning radius, vehicle height, etc. In addition, the vehicle data may include parking space information necessary for each vehicle type.

[0029] Vehicle data can also be adjusted to take into account the driver's skill level and driving conditions. (Example 1) For general drivers: Width = 2200 mm, Length = (total length + α) mm (Example 2) For inexperienced drivers and those using canes or crutches: Width = 2900 mm, Length = (total length + α) mm (Example 3) When a wheelchair user has an attendant: Width = 3300 mm, Length = (total length + α) mm (Example 4) When a disabled person is alone and can turn their wheelchair: Width = 3500 mm, Length = (total length + α) mm When parking at an angle, parking space information can be obtained by combining information about the angle of the diagonal with information from (Example 1) to (Example 4).

[0030] The input unit 12 is a section where information such as the number of cars parked in the parking lot, the type of car parked in the parking lot, and the area information of the parking lot can be input. The input unit 12 can also input information about the entrance to a building adjacent to the parking lot (building (entrance) location information). The input unit 12 can be, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or touch device. The input unit 12 can also receive information from other systems or programs.

[0031] The control unit 13 calculates parking space information per vehicle parked in the parking lot based on vehicle data and vehicle information, calculates trajectory information of vehicles parked in the parking lot based on vehicle data and vehicle information (by performing a trajectory simulation), and creates a parking lot layout based on the number of vehicles information, area information, parking space information, and trajectory information. The control unit 13 can utilize a vehicle trajectory creation tool, and when calculating trajectory information, it can use the vehicle trajectory creation tool to calculate the trajectory information.

[0032] The control unit 13 can create a parking lot layout based on entrance information. The control unit 13 can also calculate trajectory information based on the orientation of cars parked in the parking lot. Furthermore, the control unit 13 can calculate trajectory information based on a specified calculation method from among several types of calculation methods. The memory unit 11 stores a program for operating the automated parking lot design system 10, and the control unit 13 can control the automated parking lot design system 10 by executing this program.

[0033] The display unit 14 is the part that displays the layout of the parking lot, etc., created by the control unit 13. The display unit 14 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0034] The following is an overview of the automated parking lot design system 10. A parking lot site must have parking spaces capable of accommodating the required number of vehicles. In parking lot design, the ratio of the parking lot's occupied area to the number of vehicles is a key challenge. Furthermore, in the case of warehouses, factories, offices, and commercial facilities, the parked vehicles include large cargo vehicles used for loading and unloading. The automated parking lot design system 10 calculates the required parking space information, vehicle trajectory information, and parking lot road width per vehicle based on vehicle data and vehicle information (referencing a vehicle database). Furthermore, by setting the number of vehicles and vehicle information, it extracts the required occupied area. Additionally, by prioritizing the number of vehicles and vehicle information, it can prioritize the placement of vehicles with higher priority, automatically arranging (designing) the parking lot layout. To minimize the parking lot road width (parking lot road area), parallel parking or diagonal parking can be prioritized on the parking lot road. Note that the specified number of vehicles is the number of vehicles relative to the occupied area; therefore, the number of vehicles that can be accommodated will change depending on the specified vehicle type, and the parking lot layout will also change automatically. The automated parking lot design system 10 may function as an add-on to existing architectural design software, or it may function as a standalone system without relying on existing architectural design software.

[0035] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the layout creation process. This process is executed by the control unit 13. Step S100: The control unit 13 accepts condition input from the input unit 12. The information accepted as condition input includes the number of vehicles, vehicle type information, parking area information, building (entrance) location information, and option information. The number of vehicles information is a value indicating the number of cars parked in the parking lot (e.g., 20 cars, 25 cars, etc.). The vehicle type information is information indicating the type of car parked in the parking lot (e.g., Company A's first car, Company B's second car, etc.). If multiple vehicle types are selected in the vehicle type information, the number of vehicles information is entered for each vehicle type (e.g., 10 cars for Company A's first car, 10 cars for Company B's second car, etc.).

[0036] Parking area information refers to information about the parking area (for example, the longitude and latitude of the parking lot, the lot number of the parking lot, the area of ​​the parking lot, the shape of the parking lot, etc.). If an existing architectural design software is used as the platform, the parking area information may be entered from that existing architectural design software. If an existing architectural design software is not used as the platform, the information may be entered using a designated map system or by manual input by the user. Building (entrance) location information includes building information regarding the location of buildings adjacent to the parking lot, and entrance information regarding the location of the entrances to buildings adjacent to the parking lot. Note that the entrance may also refer to an entrance or exit.

[0037] Optional information is information that can be entered at will. Optional information includes driver level information (information such as general drivers, inexperienced drivers, users of canes / crutches, wheelchair users with assistance, disabled persons alone, and those who can rotate their wheelchairs), planting information (information such as whether there is planting, whether there is no planting), parking direction information (information such as forward parking, backward parking, diagonal parking, parallel parking), detour setting information (information such as whether there is a detour, whether there is no detour), and legal compliance check information (information regarding whether a legal compliance check is performed). Furthermore, this process can also execute a process when there is remaining space (a process to increase the number of vehicles that can be stored), that is, a process when returning to step S100 via step S106Yes. When returning to step S100 via step S106Yes, the control unit 13 executes a process to add vehicle information (a process to increase the number of vehicles that can be stored) either automatically or based on a value reset by the user.

[0038] Step S101: The control unit 13 calculates parking space information (for example, the width required to park one car; see parking space Z in Figure 4) based on the vehicle information received in step S100. That is, the control unit 13 calculates the parking space information per car to be parked in the parking lot based on the vehicle data and vehicle information. For example, if the vehicle information entered by the user is "A Company's 2nd car", the control unit 13 refers to the vehicle data of "A Company's 2nd car". Since the vehicle data of "A Company's 2nd car" has an overall width of "1690 mm", the parking space information per car for "A Company's 2nd car" is calculated as a value greater than "1690 mm" (for example, "2200 mm"). The value to be added to the overall width may be arbitrarily set by the user, a fixed value may be added, or a value according to the driver level information may be added.

[0039] Step S102: The control unit 13 executes a process to create a temporary layout of the parking lot and a process to calculate the width of the roadway within the parking lot. Specifically, the control unit 13 creates a temporary layout of the parking lot based on the number of vehicles and parking space information, and calculates the width of the roadway within the parking lot for the roadway to be placed on the temporary layout. When creating the temporary layout of the parking lot, parking blocks are created, and one or more parking areas are created within each parking block. It is preferable to place the parking blocks starting from locations close to the building entrance, referring to the entrance information. If there is a priority order for the number of vehicles and vehicle type information, vehicle types with higher priority can be placed closer to the building entrance.

[0040] Step S103: The control unit 13 performs a trajectory simulation. Specifically, the control unit 13 calculates the area required for each car parked in the parking lot, calculates the trajectory information of the cars parked in the parking lot based on the specified car angle (car orientation) and specified calculation method, and checks whether the trajectory of one car comes into contact with the parking area of ​​another car. For example, the area required for one unit of "Company A's second vehicle" is 7,926,100 mm². 2The dimensions are (1690mm x 4690mm). This is the minimum area, and it can be increased arbitrarily depending on user settings and option information. The area with this dimensions is designated as a parking area for one vehicle, and the parking area is moved to form the vehicle's trajectory, and contact confirmation is performed.

[0041] If the control unit 13 determines during contact confirmation that the trajectory of one vehicle will come into contact with the parking area of ​​another vehicle, it moves the parking area placed on the temporary layout to change the temporary layout so that the trajectory of one vehicle does not come into contact with the parking area of ​​another vehicle. The control unit 13 also checks whether a vehicle can pass through the designated parking lot roadway normally (without hitting anything). If it determines that a vehicle cannot pass through the designated parking lot roadway normally, it moves the parking lot roadway and parking areas placed on the temporary layout to change the temporary layout so that a vehicle can pass through the designated parking lot roadway normally.

[0042] Step S104: The control unit 13 determines whether there is enough space in the parking lot to accommodate more cars (whether there is enough space on the land where the parking lot is located to add additional parking areas). If it determines that there is enough space in the parking lot to accommodate more cars (Yes), the control unit 13 then executes step S106. On the other hand, if it determines that there is not enough space in the parking lot to accommodate more cars (No), the control unit 13 then executes step S105.

[0043] Step S105: The control unit 13 executes a process to prompt the user to re-enter (correct or re-enter) the number of units. In this case, the control unit 13 displays a message on the display unit 14 such as "There is no room for additional storage units. Please reduce the number of units." After completing this process, the control unit 13 returns to step S100 and continues processing.

[0044] Step S106: The control unit 13 determines whether or not to perform the process of adding units. In this case, the control unit 13 displays a message on the display unit 14 such as "There is room for additional units. Do you want to add more units?" along with "Yes" and "No" buttons. If the user presses the "Yes" button and the control unit 13 determines to perform the process of adding units (Yes), the control unit 13 returns to step S100 and continues processing. On the other hand, if the user presses the "No" button and the control unit 13 determines not to perform the process of adding units (No), the control unit 13 then performs step S107.

[0045] Step S107: The control unit 13 determines whether or not to perform the detour setting process. The detour setting may be performed by querying the user using the display unit 14, by the control unit 13 automatically setting the detour using available space, or by setting the detour by referring to option information. In any case, if it is determined to perform the detour setting process (Yes), the control unit 13 then performs step S108. On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the detour setting process (No), the control unit 13 then performs step S109.

[0046] Step S108: The control unit 13 executes the process of setting a detour on the temporary layout. The detour can be set at any location in the parking lot. Furthermore, if there is a dead-end roadway in the parking lot between one parking block and another parking block, it is preferable to set the detour to connect to the dead-end roadway in the parking lot (setting the detour to eliminate the dead end in the parking lot roadway).

[0047] Step S109: The control unit 13 performs processing to expand the parking space information and vehicle width information. Specifically, the control unit 13 performs processing to expand the parking space information (correcting the length of the parking space per vehicle to a positive value, correcting the area of ​​the parking area to a positive value) or expand the vehicle width information (correcting the width of the roadway within the parking lot to a positive value) according to the available space. Note that, from the standpoint of ensuring safety, the control unit 13 does not perform processing to reduce the parking space information and vehicle width information (correction in the negative direction). If correction in the negative direction is necessary, the correction in the negative direction will not be performed, and instead, the user will be prompted to re-enter the number of vehicles information as shown in step S105.

[0048] Step S110: The control unit 13 executes option processing based on the option information received in step S100. Specifically, the control unit 13 may expand the area of ​​the parking space based on driver level information, convert the parking space into a space for disabled persons based on driver level information, add plants based on planting addition information, change the parking direction of the car based on parking direction information, set or remove detours based on detour setting information, or perform legal check processing based on legal check information. If the temporary layout is changed by executing this process, the trajectory simulation in step S103 may be executed again.

[0049] Here, the legal check process involves checking the layout of the parking lot against the basic laws and regulations concerning parking lots (1: Parking Lot Act, 2: Enforcement Order of the Parking Lot Act, 3: Enforcement Regulations of the Parking Lot Act, 4: Certification Standards under Article 15 of the Enforcement Order of the Parking Lot Act), related laws and regulations of the Building Standards Act (1: Building Standards Act (Building coverage ratio restrictions (Article 53 of the Building Standards Act), Floor area ratio restrictions (Article 52, Article 52, Paragraph 4, Article 52, Paragraph 5, Article 52, Paragraph 6 of the Building Standards Act), Height restrictions (Article 56 of the Building Standards Act), Setback restrictions for height from the boundary line of adjacent properties (Article 56, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Building Standards Act), Height of each part of the building (Article 56, Paragraph 1, Item 3 of the Building Standards Act), Height district (Article 58 of the Building Standards Act)), 2: Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act (Restrictions concerning parking lots (Article 2 of the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act) This process checks whether the layout complies with the following laws and regulations: Article 1, paragraph 4, Article 2, paragraph 3; regulations on the use of automobile garages (Article 130, paragraph 5, Article 130, paragraph 5, item 5, and Article 130, paragraph 8 of the Building Standards Act Enforcement Order); cases where restrictions are relaxed in relation to adjacent land (Article 134 and Article 135 of the Building Standards Act Enforcement Order); laws and regulations in urban planning areas (City Planning Act); laws and regulations concerning parking and parking facilities (Fire Service Act); laws and regulations concerning road traffic (1: Road Traffic Act, 2: Road Traffic Act Enforcement Order, 3: Details of points to note when implementing time-limited parking zone regulations); applicable laws and regulations concerning garages (1: Act on securing automobile storage spaces, etc., 2: Enforcement Order of the Act on securing automobile storage spaces, etc.). Matters concerning laws and regulations are stored in the memory unit 11. The control unit 13 can check whether the temporary layout complies with the laws and regulations (whether it violates them) and can add items required by the laws and regulations to the temporary layout. Furthermore, the control unit 13 does not need to check all laws and regulations; it may check only the important parts, and may display information on the display unit 14 to draw attention to the important parts.

[0050] Step S111: The control unit 13 executes the layout creation process. It creates a layout that has been modified from the temporary layout created in step S102 by the processes from step S102 onward. The created layout can be displayed on the display unit 14. Once the above processes are complete, the control unit 13 terminates the layout creation process.

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates the calculation methods used to calculate trajectory information. In this embodiment, three calculation methods are provided for calculating trajectory information. The first calculation method uses a clothoid curve. The clothoid length (first clothoid length = second clothoid length) in the clothoid curve depends on the car's speed and the steering wheel rotation angle, but in this embodiment, assuming a speed of 5 km / h, it is set to 5.6 m for small cars and 8.4 m for large cars. As shown in Figure 3(A), the first calculation method draws a curve consisting of "first clothoid (dotted line) → arc (solid line) → second clothoid (dotted line)".

[0052] The second calculation method uses a single-center curve. Although not specifically illustrated, in the second calculation method, a curve with the minimum turning radius is drawn using a stop handle at a specified angle. The third calculation method uses the inner turning radius. As shown in Figure 3(B), it is preferable that the inner turning radius of the bend in a four-wheeled vehicle is 5m or more. As shown in Figure 3(C), it is preferable that the inner turning radius of the bend in a two-wheeled vehicle is 3m or more. In this embodiment, the simulation is performed according to the roadway (Article 8, Paragraph 3 of the Enforcement Order), and as shown in Figure 3(D), a vehicle width of 3.5m is arranged with an inner turning radius of 5m.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an overview of the trajectory simulation. The trajectory simulation shown below is performed as part of the layout creation process in Figure 2 (for example, the trajectory simulation process in step S103). The purpose of the trajectory simulation is to (1) calculate the road width C and the optimal parking space Z within the parking lot, and (2) output the optimal parking lot layout.

[0054] In the trajectory simulation, first, the forward (reverse) parking distance X is calculated to avoid interference with adjacent vehicles (interference with parking space Y). Next, trajectory simulations (simulations using clothoid curves, etc.) are performed for the vehicle trajectory (outer) A and vehicle trajectory (inner) B to calculate the parking space Z (parking space information: for example, the width required to park one car). Finally, the parking lot layout is automatically designed based on the various values ​​calculated so far, as well as vehicle type information, number of vehicles information, etc. Note that while transition curves are necessary for road design, they do not need to be considered for parking lot design because the speed is very close to zero.

[0055] Figures 5 to 7 show examples of trajectory simulation displays. During the execution of the layout creation process in Figure 2, the following display screens can be shown. As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 14 displays the vehicle trajectory check display screen 20. The vehicle trajectory check display screen 20 displays a pull-down menu 21 for selecting vehicle type information, a numerical input unit 22 for inputting rotation angle information, a function selection button 23 for selecting the calculation method to be used for trajectory simulation, a cancel button 24 for clearing (initializing) the selections, and an expand button 25 for expanding the legend. Note that among the function selection buttons 23, clothoid and single-center curve are required items, while the inner turning radius can be an optional item (the button for the inner turning radius does not need to be provided).

[0056] The pull-down menu section 21 displays information on multiple vehicle types. When a user clicks on the pull-down menu section 21 using a mouse or other means, the menu extends downwards, displaying information on multiple vehicle types. The vehicle information displayed includes A Company's first vehicle, A Company's second vehicle, B Company's first vehicle, B Company's second vehicle, C Company's first truck, C Company's second truck, C Company's third truck, D Company's first bus, D Company's second bus, D Company's third bus, D Company's truck, E Company's large dump truck, ambulance, fire truck (ladder truck), fire truck (snorkel truck), garbage truck, etc.

[0057] Here, we assume that the user has used a mouse or similar device to select "Company A's second vehicle" as the vehicle information. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, "Company A's second vehicle" is displayed in the pull-down menu 21, and vehicle data 26 corresponding to the selected vehicle information is displayed at the bottom of the pull-down menu 21. Specifically, the vehicle data 26 displays A: overall width 1690mm, B: overall length 4690mm, C: front overhang 800mm, D: wheelbase 2730mm, E: rear overhang 1160mm, F: tread 1455mm, and minimum turning radius 5500mm.

[0058] When the user operates the mouse or other device and clicks the expand button 25, the legend display screen 27 expands. The legend display screen 27 displays car images 28 (side view, front view, rear view) corresponding to the selected vehicle information, along with arrow images 29 indicating which part of the vehicle each numerical value (various lengths) displayed in the vehicle data 26 corresponds to. When the user operates the mouse or other device and clicks the expand button 25 again, the legend expansion ends and the legend display screen 27 is hidden.

[0059] The numerical input section 22 allows input of rotation angle information, and in the illustrated example, "90 (degrees)" is entered. Then, by pressing the desired function selection button 23 and clicking on an arbitrary point, the vehicle trajectory information corresponding to the selected vehicle type information is drawn. Here, we assume that the user operates the mouse or similar device to press the button corresponding to the clothoid curve (the function selection button 23 with the text information "clothoid") from among the three function selection buttons 23, and clicks on an arbitrary point other than the vehicle trajectory check display screen 20 (the area below the vehicle trajectory check display screen 20). As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the vehicle trajectory information (vehicle trajectory) calculated using the clothoid curve is drawn.

[0060] In this way, the user can select vehicle information using the pull-down menu section 21, input rotation angle information using the numerical input section 22, and select the intended calculation method using the function selection button 23.

[0061] Figure 8 shows the layout of the first example parking lot. In the first example parking lot layout 30, four parking blocks 31 are arranged, and each parking block 31 has a parking area 32 for five cars. In addition, a planting area 33 is located to the right of each parking block 31. When creating the first example parking lot layout 30, a trajectory simulation is performed so that the trajectory of one car does not come into contact with the parking blocks 31 or parking areas 32 of other cars (the same applies to the following layouts). Note that the trajectory of one car may come into contact with the trajectory of other cars, but if there is ample space for parking, it is also possible to create a parking lot that is easier to park in by ensuring that the trajectory of one car does not come into contact with the trajectory of other cars. The first example parking lot layout 30 is an example of a parking lot layout created when the user selects, for example, "Number of cars = 20 cars", "Vehicle type information = Company A's first car", "Planting = Yes", and "Detour = No". Note that the entrance to the parking lot is located in the lower right part of the first example parking lot layout 30.

[0062] Figure 9 shows the layout of the second example parking lot. Compared to the layout of the first example parking lot, the second example parking lot layout 40 has an additional detour 43 and four additional parking spaces 42. In the second example parking lot layout 40, four parking blocks 41 are arranged. The first row of parking blocks 41, viewed from the top in the figure, has nine parking spaces 42, while the second to fourth rows of parking blocks 41, viewed from the top in the figure, have five parking spaces 42 each. Additionally, a detour 43 extending vertically is located to the left of the second to fourth rows of parking blocks 41. The second example parking lot layout 40 is an example of a parking lot layout created when a user selects, for example, "Number of spaces = 24," "Vehicle type information = Company A's second vehicle," "Landscaping = None," and "Detour = Yes."

[0063] Figure 10 shows a parking lot layout for the third example. In the parking lot layout 50 shown in Figure 10(A), two parking blocks 51 are arranged, and each parking block 51 has parking spaces 52 for five cars. Each parking space 52 is a parking space 52 for forward parking or reverse parking. Therefore, the width C1 of the parking lot roadway located between the two parking blocks 51 must be such that it is sufficient for forward parking or reverse parking. The parking lot layout 50 shown in Figure 10(A) is an example of a layout created when a user selects, for example, "Parking direction information = forward parking or reverse parking" in the options information.

[0064] On the other hand, in the parking lot layout 60 shown in Figure 10(B), two parking blocks 61 are arranged, and each parking block 61 has parking spaces 62 for five cars. However, each parking space 62 is a parking space for diagonal parking. Therefore, the width C2 of the roadway within the parking lot, which is located between the two parking blocks 61, can be narrower than the width C1 of the roadway within the parking lot. Also, the exit angle (turn angle) of the parking space 62 can be less steep than the exit angle (90 degrees) in Figure 10(A) (approximately 45 to 65 degrees). The parking lot layout 60 shown in Figure 10(B) is an example of a parking lot layout created when, for example, the user selects "Parking direction information = diagonal parking" in the options information.

[0065] Thus, diagonal arrangement is effective in reducing the width of the driveway within the parking lot. As shown in Figure 10(B), the width of the driveway within the parking lot can be reduced by making the exit angle gentler. Furthermore, the options can be changed and combined depending on the shape of the land, and efficient land use is possible by using trajectory simulation.

[0066] Figure 11 shows the layouts of the fourth and fifth parking lots. In the layout 70 of the fourth parking lot shown in Figure 11(A), one parking block 71 is arranged, and five parking spaces 72 are arranged in the parking block 71. Of the five parking spaces 72, the two parking spaces 72 on the right are designated as disabled parking spaces 72S. These disabled parking spaces 72S are automatically positioned closest to the entrance 74 of the building 73. In this way, the control unit 13 creates the layout based on entrance information related to the entrance 74 of the building 73. The layout 70 of the fourth parking lot shown in Figure 11(A) is an example of a layout created when the user selects, for example, "Driver level information = one disabled person and two wheelchair users (2 wheelchairs)" in the option information.

[0067] In the fifth example parking lot layout 80 shown in Figure 11(B), three parking blocks 81 are arranged, and each parking block 81 has parking spaces 82 for five vehicles. In the first row of parking blocks 81 viewed from the top in the figure, there is a parking space 82 for large cargo vehicles, and also a parking space 82 for diagonal parking. On the other hand, in the second and third rows of parking blocks 81 viewed from the top in the figure, there is a parking space 82 for regular passenger cars, and also a parking space 82 for forward or reverse parking. The fifth example parking lot layout 80 shown in Figure 11(B) is an example of a layout created when a user selects, for example, "Company A's first vehicles (10 vehicles), Company C's first trucks (5 vehicles)" and selects, in the option information, "Parking direction information = Company A's first vehicles (forward or reverse parking), Company C's first trucks (diagonal parking)". For large vehicles such as trucks and buses, it may be possible to have diagonal parking or parallel parking selected by default without requiring an option to select it in the options information, and to allow users to disable diagonal parking or parallel parking in the options information.

[0068] As described above, this embodiment has the following advantages. (1) According to this embodiment, parking space information is calculated based on various information input into the input unit 12, trajectory information is calculated, and a parking lot layout is created based on the parking space information and trajectory information. Therefore, a parking lot layout can be automatically designed by inputting only a small amount of information. (2) According to this embodiment, the control unit 13 creates a parking lot layout based on entrance information (building (entrance) location information), and can create a parking lot layout that takes into account the entrance 74 of the building 73. (3) According to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is insufficient space for parking, the display unit 14 is used to prompt the user to re-enter the number of parking spaces, thus allowing for flexible changes to the parking lot layout.

[0069] (4) According to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is room for additional storage space, it is possible to increase the number of storage spaces (it is possible to propose an increase in the number of storage spaces), thus making maximum use of the land used for the parking lot. (5) According to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is sufficient space for parking, it is possible to set up a detour route 43, and by setting up the detour route 43, it is possible to create a parking lot layout that makes parking easier. (6) According to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is room for additional parking spaces, the parking space information per car parked in the parking lot can be expanded (the parking space per car can be adjusted to a positive value), so that a parking lot layout that makes parking easier can be created by expanding the parking space information.

[0070] (7) According to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is room for additional parking spaces, the vehicle width information to be placed inside the parking lot can be changed to expand it (the width of the roadway inside the parking lot can be adjusted to a positive value), so that a parking lot layout that makes parking easier can be created by expanding the vehicle width information. (8) According to this embodiment, the control unit 13 calculates trajectory information based on the orientation of the car parked in the parking lot (forward parking, backward parking, diagonal parking, etc.), so it is possible to create a parking lot layout that also takes into account the orientation of the parked car. (9) According to this embodiment, the control unit 13 calculates trajectory information based on a specified calculation method from among multiple types of calculation methods (clothoid curve, single-center curve, and internal turning radius), thus improving the degree of freedom in the layout of the parking lot compared to the case where only one calculation method can be specified.

[0071] (10) Conventionally, manual parking lot designs have resulted in the omission of vehicle types that should have been considered. Furthermore, in parking lots that accommodate multiple vehicle types of different sizes, modifications after the layout is completed require a great deal of effort. Conventional parking lot designs also have the following problems: Conventional parking lot layouts require frequent changes to vehicle type information and the number of spaces, and each time these changes occur, modifications are necessary. Conventional parking lot layouts are difficult to modify, as changes to vehicle type information, the number of spaces, and the layout itself are not easily made. Parking spaces for disabled persons must be placed as close as possible to the parking lot entrance or the building entrance (or the ramp near the entrance). Parking spaces for large cargo vehicles require a lot of use of the roadway within the parking lot, making it difficult to secure space. In response to these problems, this embodiment can provide the following effects: The parking lot layout can be completed simply by specifying vehicle type information and the number of spaces, etc. Layout modifications, such as changes to the number of spaces, after the layout has been finalized become easier. Prioritization can be set for vehicle types, etc., to place parking spaces for disabled persons as close as possible to the parking lot entrance or the building entrance. To minimize the number of roadways within the parking lot, parking for large cargo vehicles can be efficiently utilized by prioritizing parallel or diagonal parking within the parking area.

[0072] [Transformed form] The present invention can be implemented in various ways without being limited to the embodiments described above. (1) Parking space information may be information about length or information about area. (2) The parking lot layout displayed on the display unit 14 can be saved in the storage unit 11 or transmitted to an external system. (3) When parking direction information is set, the numerical input unit 22 (rotation angle information) may be configured to automatically input an angle corresponding to the parking direction.

[0073] (4) The number of parking blocks may be specified by the user. Alternatively, parking blocks may not be created on the layout. (5) Although the example of placing the parking area for disabled persons near the building entrance was explained, depending on the building layout and the location of the parking lot entrance, it may also be placed near the parking lot entrance. (6) A computer may be sold (implemented) separately as a program for functioning as part of the automated parking design system 10 or the automated parking design system 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 10. Automated Parking System 11 Storage section 12 Input section 13 Control Unit 14 Display section 20. Vehicle trajectory check display screen 21. Pull-down menu section 22 Numerical Input Section 23 Function Selection Buttons 24 Cancel button 25 Expand button 26 Vehicle Data 27 Legend Display Screen 28 car images 29 Arrow image 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 layouts Parking blocks 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 72S, 82 parking spaces 33 Planting area 43 Detour 73 Buildings 74 Entrance

Claims

1. An automated parking lot design system that automatically designs the layout of a parking lot, A storage means that stores vehicle data for each vehicle parked in the aforementioned parking lot, An input means capable of inputting information on the number of cars parked in the parking lot, information on the type of cars parked in the parking lot, and information on the area of ​​the parking lot, A control means that calculates parking space information per vehicle parked in the parking lot based on the vehicle data and vehicle information, calculates trajectory information of vehicles parked in the parking lot based on the vehicle data and vehicle information, and creates a parking lot layout based on the number of vehicles information, area information, parking space information and trajectory information, An automated parking design system equipped with the following features.

2. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The input means is capable of inputting entrance information for a building adjacent to the parking lot. The control means is characterized by creating the layout based on the entrance information, thus forming an automated parking lot design system.

3. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means determines whether there is sufficient capacity for parking vehicles in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is insufficient capacity, it prompts the user to re-enter the vehicle capacity information, thus creating an automated parking lot design system.

4. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means determines whether there is sufficient capacity for parking cars in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is sufficient capacity, it enables the system to increase the capacity. This is an automated parking lot design system.

5. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means is characterized by determining whether there is sufficient capacity for parking cars in the parking lot, and if it determines that there is sufficient capacity, it enables the setting of a detour route.

6. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means is characterized by determining whether there is sufficient capacity for the number of cars to be parked in the parking lot, and if it is determined that there is sufficient capacity, it can change the control means to increase the amount of parking space information per car parked in the parking lot.

7. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means is characterized by determining whether there is sufficient capacity for the number of cars to be parked in the parking lot, and if it is determined that there is sufficient capacity, it can change the direction to increase the vehicle width information to be placed inside the parking lot.

8. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means is characterized by being able to calculate the trajectory information based on the orientation of a car parked in the parking lot.

9. In the automated parking design system according to claim 1, The control means is characterized in that it can calculate the trajectory information based on a calculation method specified from among multiple types of calculation methods.

Images