Parking management system

Abstract

To provide a parking lot management system that simplifies use start of a parking lot and enables smooth parking in a parking space.SOLUTION: The parking lot management system includes: a parking lot device 10 that has an image pickup device 61 that picks up an image of a vehicle MO, a vehicle number recognition device 30 that acquires vehicle number information from the picked up image, and a display device 63 that displays, in a display area including a reserved parking space RP or its neighborhood, guidance information GA on the reserved parking space RP; and a management device 80 that checks the vehicle number information against registration information. The management device 80 records a use start of the reserved parking space RP in a case where the vehicle number information matches a registered vehicle number in registration information on a reservation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot management system for managing the use of a parking lot, and particularly to a parking lot management system that enables the use of a service equivalent to a discount coupon provided by a partner store.

Background Art

[0002] As a parking lot management system, it is known to register vehicle number information in advance and apply for regular use to a management device, obtain the vehicle number from an image captured by a camera at the time of entry and exit, perform an operation for use according to the display on the display unit by the user, and collate it with the vehicle number information registered in the management device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the case of the system of Patent Document 1, when not using regularly, settlement at a payment machine is required, and an operation on the display unit provided on the payment machine is required.

[0004] As a parking lot system, it is known to register vehicle number information in advance with a parking lot side server, register user identification information related to fee settlement with a platform side server, obtain the vehicle number from an image captured by a camera at the time of entry and exit, collate it with the vehicle number information registered in the parking lot side server, and perform automatic settlement based on the user identification information registered after exit (Patent Document 2).

[0005] In the case of the system of Patent Document 2, reservation details, specifically the reservation date and time and parking section information, are displayed on a display unit near the entrance. However, when parking, it is difficult for the user to confirm whether it is the reserved parking section when checking the parking section information. Particularly when the number of parking sections is large, it is difficult to find the target section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 1

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a parking management system that simplifies the start of parking lot use and facilitates parking in vehicle spaces.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the parking management system according to the present invention comprises a parking device having an imaging device for photographing a vehicle, a license plate recognition device for acquiring license plate information from the captured image, and a display device for displaying guidance information for a reserved parking space in a display area including the reserved parking space or its vicinity, and a management device for comparing the license plate information with registered information. The management device records the start of use of the reserved parking space when the license plate information matches the registered license plate in the reservation registration information.

[0009] According to the parking management system described above, if the license plate number matches the registered license plate number of the reservation, the reserved parking space can be used immediately, eliminating the need for any operation to start use. In addition, information about the reserved parking space is displayed in the display area including the reserved parking space or its vicinity, making it easier to find the reserved space and preventing incorrect parking, thus improving user convenience.

[0010] In a specific aspect of the present invention, in the parking management system described above, the display device is a projection device, and the display area is either the reserved parking space or the road in front of the reserved parking space. In this case, the reserved parking space can be easily found. Furthermore, by using a projection device, the displayed content can be varied.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the imaging device and the projection device are an integrated device. In this case, the installation space required for the imaging device and the projection device can be reduced.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an imaging device is provided in each parking space. In this case, the parking situation can be managed for each parking space.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, if a vehicle whose license plate information differs from the registered license plate number of the reservation is parked in a reserved parking space, the display device displays a warning instead of guidance information. In this case, incorrect parking can be prevented and the reserved parking space can be secured.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the registration information includes payment information, and the management device automatically settles the payment upon exit. In this case, the payment processing for parking fees at the time of exit can be omitted.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, if there is no reservation for a parking space and the vehicle number information matches the registered vehicle number, the management device notifies the user terminal to confirm the use of the automatic payment method. In this case, even users who have not made a reservation can use the automatic payment method.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the registration information includes payment information, and if the automatic payment method is selected before exiting the parking lot, the management device automatically processes the payment upon exit. If the automatic payment method is selected, the payment processing for parking fees at the time of exit can be omitted. If the automatic payment method is not selected, payment will be made by the payment machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is an overall conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a parking management system. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a parking system installed in a specific parking lot. [Figure 3] (A) is a perspective view illustrating the compartment equipment installed in each compartment, (B) is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of the compartment equipment, and (C) is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the circuit section that controls the operation of the compartment equipment. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating specific examples of guidance information displayed on the display device of the parking system. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating a license plate recognition device installed in a parking system. [Figure 6]It is a conceptual block diagram for explaining an accounting machine installed in a parking lot device. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of a management device. [Figure 8] (A) to (D) are diagrams for explaining specific examples of the content stored in each area of the storage device of the management device. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining a series of operations performed among a mobile terminal, a management server, etc. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining a series of operations performed among a mobile terminal, a management server, etc.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 〔Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, embodiments of a parking lot management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] The parking lot management system 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 manages the parking lot PA and automatically starts the use of the parking lot PA. In addition, the parking lot management system 100 provides a guidance display near the reserved car room RP of the parking lot PA. The parking lot management system 100 includes a parking lot device 10 installed in the parking lot PA to be managed, a mobile terminal 50 possessed by a user of the parking lot PA, and a management device 80 installed at a location away from the parking lot PA. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows a single parking lot PA, but the parking lot management system 100 of the present embodiment performs parallel operation management for a plurality of parking lots PA including the illustrated parking lot PA. The mobile terminal 50 is respectively possessed by a plurality of users who have contracted with the operator who manages the management device 80. In addition, the parking lot management system 100 includes a settlement server 90 provided separately from the management device 80. The settlement server 90 performs settlement of parking fees. Note that the settlement server 90 can also be included in the management device 80.

[0020] In the parking management system 100 described above, the management device 80 is connected to the parking equipment 10, the mobile terminal 50, and the payment server 90 via a communication network NT. Specifically, this communication network NT is the Internet. The mobile terminal 50 operates in response to the operation of the parking PA user and transmits system usage registration, parking PA reservation, payment settings, etc. to the management device 80 via the communication network NT, thereby causing the management device 80 to perform various processes related to the use of the parking PA.

[0021] The following describes the parking management system 100, consisting of the parking device 10, the management device 80, the mobile terminal 50, and the payment server 90, in order.

[0022] Referring to Figure 2, the parking system 10 includes a parking space unit 20, a license plate recognition device 30, and a payment machine 40. The parking space units 20 are installed in parking space units SP in the parking PA. The payment machine 40 manages multiple parking space units 20 collectively. The license plate recognition device 30 may be incorporated into the payment machine 40, or it may be implemented as one of the functions of the payment machine 40.

[0023] The parking space device 20 mainly consists of a parking space management terminal 60. The parking space management terminal 60 operates in conjunction with the license plate recognition device 30 and the payment machine 40. The payment machine 40, as a payment machine for a typical hourly parking lot, manages the use of parking space SP by the vehicle MO and the payment of usage fees. The parking management system 100 enables automatic management of parking lot use and automatic settlement of parking fees, and when using this system, the payment machine 40 performs auxiliary management.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), each passenger compartment SP is equipped with a passenger compartment device 20, which consists of a vehicle detection device 70 and a passenger compartment management terminal 60. The vehicle detection device 70 is located on the entrance side of the passenger compartment SP, relative to the wheel chock block 21. The passenger compartment management terminal 60 is located at the back of the passenger compartment SP.

[0025] The vehicle detection device 70 operates under the control of the parking space management terminal 60 and detects whether or not a vehicle is present in the parking space SP in which it is installed. The vehicle detection device 70, although a detailed explanation is omitted, includes a sensor 71 including a loop coil, a detection circuit 72, etc., and operates on power supplied from the parking space management terminal 60. The vehicle detection device 70 determines whether or not a vehicle has entered the parking space PA and transmits the determination result to the parking space management terminal 60 as entry / exit detection information.

[0026] The parking space management terminal 60 monitors changes in the status of parking spaces SP, such as vehicles entering or leaving the parking space. In other words, it can manage the parking status for each parking space SP. The parking space management terminal 60 includes an imaging device 61, a display device 63, and an information processing device 68. The imaging device 61 and the display device 63 are an integrated device. This reduces the installation space required for the imaging device 61 and the display device 63. The information processing device 68 operates the imaging device 61 to photograph the vehicle's license plate and transmits the license plate image to the license plate recognition device 30. The information processing device 68 operates the display device 63 to display various information. The information processing device 68 receives entry / exit detection information from the vehicle detection device 70 and uses it for determining the time to start billing, etc.

[0027] The imaging device 61 is a camera that photographs the vehicle MO, specifically the license plate. The captured image is transmitted to the vehicle number recognition device 30 by the information processing device 68.

[0028] The display device 63 displays information GA (see Figure 4(A), etc.) for the reserved parking space RP in the display area AR which includes the reserved parking space RP or its vicinity. The display device 63 is a projection device 64, and the display area AR is either the reserved parking space RP or the road in front of the reserved parking space RP. This makes it easier to find the reserved parking space RP. The display area AR may be the entire reserved parking space RP or its vicinity, or a part of both or a part of one of them. The projection device 64 projects an image into a predetermined range of the display area AR, and for example, a projector may be used. By using the projection device 64, the display content can be varied. As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the display device 63 displays various information such as "Reserved / Vehicle Number" and "Not for Use Due to Reservation" into a predetermined range of the display area AR.

[0029] If a vehicle with a different license plate number than the one registered for the reservation is parked in the reserved parking space RP, the display device 63 will display a warning instead of the guidance information GA. This prevents incorrect parking and ensures that the reserved parking space RP is reserved.

[0030] Furthermore, in the vehicle compartment system 20, if the vehicle MO is photographed by the imaging device 61 of the vehicle compartment management terminal 60 to detect entry and exit, the vehicle detection device 70 can be omitted. In other words, the imaging device 61, information processing device 68, etc., can function as the vehicle detection device 70.

[0031] Figure 3(C) is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the information processing device 68. The information processing device 68 comprises a main control circuit 68a, a memory circuit 68b, and a communication circuit 68c. The main control circuit 68a operates based on a program stored in the memory circuit 68b. This program includes functions to operate the imaging device 61, the display device 63, etc. via the communication circuit 68c, and to monitor the detection results of the vehicle detection device 70. It also includes functions to transmit images captured by the imaging device 61 to the vehicle number recognition device 30 via the communication circuit 68c, and to communicate with the payment machine 40, which bundles multiple passenger compartment devices 20, via the communication circuit 68c to receive commands and transmit information.

[0032] Figure 5 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the license plate recognition device 30. The license plate recognition device 30 acquires license plate information from an image of the license plate captured by the imaging device 61 of the parking space management terminal 60. The license plate recognition device 30 communicates with multiple parking space management terminals 60 that constitute multiple parking space devices 20 (see Figure 2) under its management, receives images from each parking space device 20, and performs image processing. The license plate recognition device 30 includes a main control device 31, a storage device 32, an image processing device 33, and a communication device 34. The main control device 31 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 32. The image processing device 33 determines the vehicle registration number of the vehicle MO that has entered parking space SP from the image of the vehicle MO's license plate captured by the imaging device 61. The vehicle registration number is linked to the parking space ID and transmitted to the payment machine 40. Alternatively, the vehicle registration number may be transmitted directly to the management device 80.

[0033] Figure 6 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the payment machine 40. The payment machine 40 communicates with multiple parking space management terminals 60 that constitute multiple parking space devices 20 (see Figure 2) under its management, and enables payment processing for parking fees by individually managing the entry and exit of vehicles for each parking space device 20. The payment machine 40 has a main control unit 41, a storage device 42, a communication device 44, and a human interaction processing unit 46. The main control unit 41 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 42. This program includes not only functions that enable the operation of the payment machine 40 itself, but also functions that enable the management of the parking space devices 20, etc. If the user does not use automatic payment, they pay the parking fee using the payment machine 40.

[0034] The payment machine 40 includes a user-facing unit 46, a display unit 46a, operation keys 46b, a money processing unit 46c, etc. The user-facing unit 46 provides users of the parking lot PA with payment-related information via the display unit 46a and receives user responses as operation signals via the operation keys 46b. The user-facing unit 46 also receives coins and banknotes from the user via the money processing unit 46c, identifies the type and number of items, and returns the appropriate type and number of coins and banknotes.

[0035] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the management device 80. The management device 80 is a computer that operates under the management of a system administrator and manages the use or operation of the parking lot. The management device 80 has a main control unit 81, a storage device 82, and a communication device 84. The management device 80 communicates with the parking equipment 10, the mobile terminal 50, and the payment server 90 via the communication network NT shown in Figure 1 using the communication device 84. The storage device 82 stores a program that operates the management device 80, enabling the operation of the parking management system 100. When a user of the parking lot PA has registered to use the parking management system 100, the management device 80 performs processing such as starting the use of the parking lot PA and automatic payment by verifying the license plate information obtained from the parking equipment 10. The storage device 82 stores a parking management database 82a to enable the above operations. The parking management database 82a includes a parking information area 82d, a user information area 82e, a reservation information area 82f, a payment information area 82g, etc. As illustrated in Figure 8(A), the parking information area 82d records information related to the parking lot PA, including vehicle information (parking lot name, vehicle ID, etc.) that identifies each vehicle SP in each parking lot PA, vehicle number information, and the entry and exit times of the vehicle MO corresponding to each vehicle ID. In particular, the combination of entry time and vehicle ID is called entry information, and the combination of exit time and vehicle ID is called exit information. The vehicle number information includes the vehicle registration number of the vehicle MO obtained from the parking device 10. As illustrated in Figure 8(B), the user information area 82e records registration information about the user, including personal information such as name, vehicle information such as the vehicle registration number (registered vehicle number), vehicle type, and color, and payment information such as the payment method for automatic settlement. Users are assigned a personal identification number through prior registration with the system, and this is also recorded. In addition, the user information area 82e records usage history corresponding to the personal identification number. When verifying the license plate information obtained from the parking device 10, the management device 80 can refer to the user information area 82e to determine whether the mobile terminal 50 connected to the management device 80 belongs to a legitimate member. As described above, the registration information includes payment information, and the main control device 81 automatically processes payment upon exit.This eliminates the need to process the payment of parking fees upon exit. In this embodiment, automatic settlement on the management device 80 signifies the start of automatic settlement, and the actual settlement process is performed by the settlement server 90 at the request of the management device 80. As illustrated in Figure 8(C), reservation information is recorded in the reservation information area 82f. The reservation information includes the personal identification number, the vehicle registration number (reserved vehicle number) of the reserved vehicle MO, the vehicle ID of the reserved parking space RP, the date and time of parking, and the planned parking time (specifically, the time of entry, the time of exit, etc.). The reserved vehicle number may be read from the user information area 82e based on the personal identification number. As illustrated in Figure 8(D), the settlement information area 82g is recorded with the vehicle ID, fee information, settlement information, etc. The management device 80 calculates the parking fee from the vehicle number associated with the vehicle ID, the time of entry, the time of exit, the fee information, etc., using the settlement information area 82g. The payment information area 82g records settlement information, including settlement results such as automatic payment or settlement at the settlement machine 40.

[0036] The main control device 81 has a matching device 83. The matching device 83 compares the vehicle number information with the registered information. Specifically, the matching device 83 compares the vehicle number obtained from the parking device 10 as vehicle number information with the registered vehicle number (including reserved vehicle number) that the user has registered in advance from the registered information.

[0037] If the vehicle number information in the matching device 83 matches the registered vehicle number in the reservation registration information, the main control device 81 records the start of use of the reserved parking space RP (specifically, the time of entry) in the parking information area 82d of the storage device 82.

[0038] If there is no reservation for parking space SP and the vehicle number information in the verification device 83 matches the registered vehicle number, the main control device 81 notifies the user terminal to confirm the use of the automatic payment method. This allows users without reservations to use the automatic payment method. If the user selects the automatic payment method before leaving the parking lot, the main control device 81 automatically processes the payment upon departure. If the automatic payment method is selected, the payment processing for parking fees at the time of departure can be omitted. If the automatic payment method is not selected, payment will be made by the payment machine.

[0039] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 is a user terminal possessed by a user of the parking management system 100 shown in Figure 1. The mobile terminal 50 comprises a main control unit 51, a storage device 52, an interface device 53, and a network communication device 54. The mobile terminal 50 communicates with the management device 80 via the communication network NT shown in Figure 1 using the network communication device 54. The software storage section 52a of the storage device 52 stores application software, such as a parking usage application, which runs on the basic program that operates the mobile terminal 50. The parking usage application performs registration with the parking management system 100, reservations for parking spaces, and settings for automatic payment of parking fees via the communication network NT. In other words, the parking usage application connects to the management device 80 to enable system registration, parking use, and payment. Note that not all parking usage applications need to be stored in the storage device 52; they may also be web applications or cloud applications.

[0040] Referring to Figure 10 and other figures, a series of operations related to the use and settlement of the parking lot will be described, involving the parking device 10, mobile terminal 50, management device 80, payment server 90, etc.

[0041] (If there is a reservation) In the example shown in Figure 10, it is assumed that the user has registered with the parking management system 100 in advance and has reserved a parking space (PA).

[0042] First, in the registration and reservation scene SC0, when using the parking lot PA, the user registers to use the parking management system 100 and makes a reservation for the parking lot PA. Specifically, the user uses a mobile terminal 50 to communicate with the management device 80 by operating the parking lot usage application and registers to use the parking management system 100 (step S11). Upon registering with the system, the user obtains a login ID. During registration, the mobile terminal 50 transmits the registration information requested under the user's control (step S12). The registration information includes, for example, personal information such as the user's name, the vehicle registration number (vehicle number) of the vehicle MO parked in the parking lot PA, and payment information. The management device 80 records the registration information in the user information area of ​​the storage device 82 (step S13). The vehicle number among the registration information is recorded as the registered vehicle number. The payment information is information related to the payment of parking fees, and the user can select prepaid cards, credit cards, or other online payment methods. Registration to use the parking management system 100 only needs to be done the first time the user uses it; from the second time onward, reservations can be made by logging into the system. In this case, steps S11 to S13 are omitted, and the process begins with the reservation in step S14.

[0043] After registering with the system, the user communicates with the management device 80 using the mobile terminal 50 and the parking application to make a reservation for a parking space (Step S14). The user can use the parking application to search for, for example, a specific parking space, a parking space in a designated area, or a parking space that is available at the desired date and time. The user specifies the parking date and time and the planned parking time (planned entry time and planned exit time) using the parking application. The mobile terminal 50 transmits the reservation information to the management device 80 (Step S15). The reservation information includes the parking space, parking date and time, and planned parking time. The management device 80 searches for parking space availability based on the reservation information (Step S16) and accepts the reservation if it is available (Step S17). The management device 80 sends a reservation completion notification to the mobile terminal 50 (Step S18). When accepting a reservation, the management device 80 records the reservation information in the reservation information area 82f of the storage device 82, linking it to the personal identification number from the registration information.

[0044] Next, in the entry scene SC1, the management device 80 searches, for example, whether there is a reservation for the parking lot PA on that day (step S21). If there is a reservation for the parking lot PA, it sends the reservation information to the parking device 10 of the corresponding parking lot PA (step S22). Note that the reservation search is not limited to the same day, but may be performed for a predetermined period such as several days or a week. Also, step S21 may be omitted, in which case the reservation information is sent to the parking device 10 of the corresponding parking lot PA after the reservation is received. Based on the reservation information received from the management device 80, the parking device 10 displays guidance information GA for the reserved parking space RP using the display device 63 (step S23). Specifically, on the reservation day, the display device 63 displays "Reserved, use prohibited" as guidance information GA on the aisle in front of the reserved parking space RP. Also, for example, 10 minutes before the reservation time, the display device 63 displays "Reserved / Reserved vehicle number" as guidance information GA on the aisle in front of the reserved parking space RP. Furthermore, the vehicle MO with the reserved vehicle number may be detected at the entrance of the parking area (PA), in which case the guidance information GA will be displayed after vehicle detection. The timing of the guidance information GA can be changed as appropriate. In addition, to inform other reservations, the guidance information GA may display, for example, "Reserved / Scheduled usage time / Use prohibited during scheduled usage time," to allow use outside of the scheduled usage time.

[0045] The user drives to the parking area (PA) they wish to use and parks the vehicle MO in a specific parking space SP. The vehicle detection device 70 in parking space SP detects the vehicle MO (step S24). The parking space management terminal 60 takes a picture of the vehicle MO's license plate using the imaging device 61 (step S25). The license plate image is transmitted to the license plate recognition device 30. The license plate recognition device 30 uses the image obtained by the imaging device 61 to detect the vehicle registration number of the parked vehicle MO (step S26). The parking system 10 transmits parking information, including the parking space ID, license plate information, and parking information (parking time), to the management device 80 (step S27). The parking space information includes the parking space ID, etc.

[0046] The management device 80 compares the vehicle number information received from the parking device 10 with the pre-registered registered vehicle number (in this case, the reserved vehicle number) (step S28). If the vehicle number information and the reserved vehicle number match (Yes in step S29), the management device 80 initiates the use of the parking lot PA for the reserved vehicle number and sends a notification of commencement of use to the mobile terminal 50 (step S30). The management device 80 records the entry information, which combines the vehicle space ID obtained from the parking device 10 and the entry time corresponding to the communication start time, in the parking information area 82d of the storage device 82, linked to the vehicle number information. The user can confirm the use of the parking lot PA by receiving the commencement of use notification on the mobile terminal 50. If the vehicle number information and the reserved vehicle number do not match (No in step S29), the management device 80 performs maintenance (step S31). Specifically, the management device 80 notifies the parking device 10 that it is an incorrect parking. The parking device 10 displays via the display device 63 that parking space SP is reserved and cannot be parked in. The parking device 10 may also emit a warning sound to parking space SP indicating that it is parked incorrectly. The management device 80 may also notify the maintenance company and take measures such as assigning the vehicle to another available parking space or moving the parked vehicle. If the reserved vehicle MO enters the parking space earlier than the reserved time, the management device 80 may permit entry if it is within the permitted time.

[0047] In exit scene SC2, the user returns to parking lot PA and exits vehicle MO. The vehicle detection device 70 of the parking device 10 detects the exit of vehicle MO (step S41). The parking device 10 transmits exit information, etc., to the management device 80 (step S42). The management device 80 starts automatic payment based on parking information, entry information, exit information, and payment information (step S43). The management device 80 calculates the parking fee and requests payment processing from the payment server 90 along with the payment method set by the user. Although not shown in the diagram, the payment server 90 processes the payment based on the fee information obtained from the management device 80. The payment server 90 reports the completion of payment to the management device 80. After payment processing at the payment server 90, the management device 80 sends a payment notification to the mobile terminal 50 (step S44). The user can confirm the completion of parking fee payment by receiving the payment notification on the mobile terminal 50.

[0048] (If you do not have a reservation) In the example shown in Figure 11, it is assumed that the user has registered with the parking management system 100 in advance, but has not reserved a parking space (PA).

[0049] First, in the registration scene SC0, the user registers to use the parking management system 100 when using the parking lot PA (step S11). The mobile terminal 50 transmits registration information during registration (step S12). The management device 80 records the registration information in the user information area of ​​the storage device 82 (step S13).

[0050] Next, in the parking scene SC1, vehicle MO is parked in an empty parking space SP other than the reserved parking space RP. The vehicle detection device 70 in parking space SP detects vehicle MO (step S24). The parking space management terminal 60 takes a picture of vehicle MO's license plate with the imaging device 61 (step S25). The license plate image is transmitted to the vehicle number recognition device 30. The vehicle number recognition device 30 uses the image obtained by the imaging device 61 to detect the vehicle registration number of the parked vehicle MO (step S26). The parking device 10 transmits parking information such as the parking space ID, vehicle number information, and parking information (parking time) to the management device 80 (step S27). The parking space information includes the parking space ID, etc.

[0051] The management device 80 compares the license plate number information from the parking information received from the parking device 10 with the pre-registered license plate number (step S28). If the license plate number information and the registered license plate number match (Yes in step S129), the management device 80 sends a confirmation to the mobile terminal 50 asking whether or not to use automatic payment (step S32). If the user wants to use the system's automatic payment, they select to use automatic payment by operating the mobile terminal 50 (step S33). The mobile terminal 50 sends a reply to the management device 80 indicating that they will use automatic payment (step S34). If the user does not choose to use automatic payment, they do not send a reply or send a reply to the management device 80 indicating that they will not use it. The management device 80 records the entry information, which combines the space ID obtained from the parking device 10 and the entry time corresponding to the communication start time, in the parking information area 82d of the storage device 82, linked to the license plate number information. If automatic payment is selected (Yes in step S35), the management device 80 notifies the mobile terminal 50 that the system has started to be used (step S30). The user can confirm the use of the parking lot PA by receiving the start of use notification on the mobile terminal 50.

[0052] In exit scenario SC2, the user returns to parking lot PA and exits vehicle MO. The vehicle detection device 70 of the parking device 10 detects the exit of vehicle MO (step S41). The parking device 10 transmits exit information, etc., to the management device 80 (step S42). The management device 80 checks whether the exiting vehicle MO is using the system's automatic payment system (step S48). If automatic payment is being used (Yes in step S48), the management device 80 starts automatic payment based on parking information, entry information, exit information, and payment information (step S43). The management device 80 calculates the parking fee and requests payment processing from the payment server 90 along with the payment method set by the user. The payment server 90 processes the payment based on the fee information obtained from the management device 80. The payment server 90 reports the completion of payment to the management device 80. After payment processing at the payment server 90, the management device 80 sends a payment notification to the mobile terminal 50 (step S44). The user can confirm the completion of parking fee payment by receiving a payment notification on their mobile terminal 50. If automatic payment is not used (No. in step S48), the management device 80 calculates the parking fee and sends the payment information to the payment machine 40 (step S49). At this time, the user operates the person-to-person processing unit 46 of the payment machine 40 and requests payment processing from the payment machine 40. The payment machine 40 displays the parking fee to the user and requests payment. The payment machine 40 waits for the user to make the payment using the payment machine 40 (step S50). If the correct parking fee is paid within the specified time, the payment machine 40 completes the payment processing. If the correct parking fee is not paid within the specified time, it records and reports it as an unauthorized exit.

[0053] In the above cases, if the vehicle number information and the registered vehicle number do not match (No. in step S129), or if automatic payment is not selected (No. in step S48), the payment machine 40 will perform a review, and the process will proceed to step S49.

[0054] In the parking management system 100 of the embodiment described above, if the vehicle number information matches the registered vehicle number of the reservation, the use of the reserved parking space RP is started immediately, eliminating the need for a separate operation to start use. Furthermore, since the guidance information GA for the reserved parking space RP is displayed in the display area AR that includes the reserved parking space RP, it becomes easier to find the reserved parking space RP, and incorrect parking can be prevented, thereby improving user convenience.

[0055] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0056] For example, in a dedicated parking lot where only users utilizing automatic payment are permitted to park, the payment machine 40 may be omitted from the parking system 10. If the payment machine 40 is not provided, a control device is provided to manage the entire parking space system 20.

[0057] The display device 63 of the parking device 10 is not limited to the projection device 64; a panel or the like may be provided in a position visible to the user to display guidance information.

[0058] A display device may also be installed at the entrance to the parking area (PA) to show information regarding reserved parking spaces (RP). [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10...Parking system, 20...Vehicle compartment system, 30...License plate recognition system, 31...Main control unit, 32...Storage device, 33...Image processing device, 34...Communication device, 40...Payment machine, 50...Mobile terminal, 60...Vehicle compartment management terminal, 61...Imaging device, 63...Display device, 64...Projection device, 68...Information processing device, 70...Vehicle detection device, 80...Management device, 83...Verification device, 90...Payment server, 100...Parking system management system, AR...Display area, GA...Guidance information, MO...Vehicle, NT...Communication network, PA...Parking lot, RP...Reserved parking space, SP...Vehicle compartment

Claims

1. A parking system comprising: an imaging device for photographing vehicles; a vehicle number recognition device for acquiring vehicle number information from the captured images; and a display device for displaying guidance information for the reserved parking space in a display area including the reserved parking space or its vicinity. A management device that compares the aforementioned vehicle number information with registered information, Equipped with, The management device receives the vehicle number information transmitted from the vehicle number recognition device, and if the vehicle number information matches the registered vehicle number in the reservation registration information, it records the start of use of the reserved vehicle. The management device associates the user terminal with the registered vehicle number and records it in advance as registration information. When there is no reservation for a vehicle, and the vehicle number information matches the registered vehicle number recorded in advance, the management device notifies the user terminal to confirm the use of the automatic payment system. Parking management system.

2. The display device is a projection device, The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the display area is either the reserved parking space or the road in front of the reserved parking space.

3. The parking management system according to claim 2, wherein the imaging device and the projection device are an integrated device.

4. The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is provided in each parking space.

5. The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays a warning in place of the guidance information when a vehicle whose vehicle number information differs from the registered vehicle number of the reservation is parked in the reserved parking space.

6. The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes payment information, and the management device automatically settles the payment upon departure if the vehicle number information matches the registered vehicle number in the registration information of the reservation.

7. The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes payment information, and if the automatic payment method is selected before departure when there is no reservation for a parking space, the management device automatically makes the payment when the vehicle is left.

Images