Bicycle parking lot layout creation system

Abstract

We provide technology that can help complete the sales and marketing of bicycle parking equipment in a short period of time. [Solution] A bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 for creating a layout for a bicycle parking area equipped with a bicycle parking device 200 in which multiple racks 20 are arranged in a predetermined direction. By inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device 200, the control unit 11 identifies the range of the installation area in which the racks 20 can be placed based on the input installation area information, and calculates drawing parameters for a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the identified installation area range according to predetermined arrangement conditions, based on the rack arrangement information stored in the storage unit 15. The predetermined arrangement conditions are that there are the maximum number of racks and that all racks fit within the installation area range. Based on the calculated drawing parameters, the control unit 11 draws the bicycle parking area layout and outputs the layout.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a parking lot layout creation system.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a plurality of slide racks that are placed in the longitudinal direction orthogonal or obliquely intersecting in plan view with respect to fixed rails linearly arranged along the lateral direction set on a reference plane and are slidable on the fixed rails, and a lift rack that is supported in a cantilevered manner in the longitudinal direction for each support column erected at a constant pitch from the reference plane along the lateral direction and is vertically movable along the support column are provided. There is a description of a two-stage parking device (parking facility) in which the lift rack can move up and down between the upper and lower stages in the empty space generated by the lateral sliding of the slide rack located in the lower stage. In this two-stage parking device, each lift rack constitutes a lift-type parking machine that moves up and down along the corresponding support column by lift drive means, and a lift-type parking device is constituted by a plurality of lift-type parking machines arranged side by side. On the other hand, each slide rack constitutes a slide-type parking machine that slides along the rail, and a slide-type parking device is constituted by a plurality of slide-type parking machines that slide on a common rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When selling these bicycle parking systems, the planned parking area is inspected, and the types and number of units that can be installed are calculated. A 2D CAD layout is then created. This clarifies whether or not the bicycle parking system can actually be installed, and if so, which types and how many units can be installed. The drawn layout is then presented for actual confirmation. If agreement is not reached on the drawn layout, the types, number of units that can be installed, and placement are adjusted again using 2D CAD, and the layout is redrawn. This process is repeated until agreement is reached. Because of this process, the sales and marketing of bicycle parking systems takes a relatively long time.

[0005] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide technology that can contribute to completing the sales and marketing of bicycle parking equipment in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the disclosures is a bicycle parking area layout creation system. A bicycle parking area layout creation system for creating a layout for a bicycle parking area equipped with a bicycle parking device in which multiple racks for bringing in bicycles are installed in a predetermined direction, An installation area information input unit for inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device, A storage unit for installation area information that stores the aforementioned installation area information, A rack arrangement information storage unit stores rack arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of multiple racks in the installation area, A calculation unit that, based on the aforementioned installation area information, identifies the installation area range in which the racks can be placed, and calculates parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions, such as having the maximum number of racks and all racks fitting within the aforementioned installation area range, based on the aforementioned rack placement information. A drawing unit that draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit, A layout output unit that outputs the layout of the rack drawn by the drawing unit, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By using the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in this disclosure, it is possible to contribute to completing the sales and marketing of bicycle parking equipment in a short period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view illustrating the lower and upper racks of the bicycle parking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one upper rack in a position where it can be raised and lowered. [Figure 3] A schematic side view illustrating the actual vehicle configuration of the front-loading type lower rack and upper rack of the bicycle parking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example where the upper rack is in a position where it can be raised and lowered. [Figure 5] A schematic side view illustrating the actual vehicle configuration of the rear-loading type lower rack and upper rack of the bicycle parking device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram illustrating the configuration of the bicycle parking area layout creation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the process of a bicycle parking area layout creation program. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a spreadsheet worksheet displayed when the bicycle parking area layout creation program is launched. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the bicycle parking information input area of ​​the worksheet. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing an example of the rack arrangement information input area in the worksheet. [Figure 11] An enlarged view showing an example of the first output area of ​​the output parameters in the worksheet of Figure 8. [Figure 12]An enlarged view showing an example of the second output area of the output parameters for the worksheet of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] An enlarged view showing an example of the processing order setting information input area of the worksheet of FIG. 8. [Figure 14] An enlarged view showing an example of the verification input area of the worksheet of FIG. 8. [Figure 15] An enlarged view showing an example of the verification output area of the worksheet of FIG. 8. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram briefly illustrating a drawing object including a lower rack with a front-back difference on an installation surface, together with related input parameters. [Figure 17] An explanatory diagram that two-dimensionally schematizes and illustrates the installation surface range corresponding to the installation surface of FIG. 16, together with related input parameters, and conceptually represents the content of the drawing process. [Figure 18] An explanatory diagram that two-dimensionally schematizes and illustrates the installation space range corresponding to the installation space of FIG. 3, together with related input parameters, and conceptually represents the content of the drawing process. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 26] This diagram schematically illustrates the installation surface range corresponding to the installation surface in Figure 25, along with the relevant input parameters, in two dimensions, and also conceptually represents the content of the drawing process. [Figure 27] This diagram schematically illustrates the installation surface range corresponding to the installation surface of the second modified example of the first embodiment, along with the relevant input parameters, in two dimensions, and also conceptually represents the contents of the drawing process. [Figure 28] A schematic diagram illustrating the installation surface of a bicycle parking device, which can be drawn using a bicycle parking layout creation system that constitutes a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 29] This diagram schematically illustrates the installation surface range corresponding to the installation surface in Figure 28, along with the relevant input parameters, in two dimensions, and also conceptually represents the content of the drawing process. [Figure 30] This diagram schematically illustrates the installation surface range corresponding to the installation surface of the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, along with the relevant input parameters, in two dimensions, and also conceptually represents the contents of the drawing process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and illustrated below. The features [1] to

[28] illustrated below may be combined in any way that is not contradictory.

[0010] [1] A bicycle parking area layout creation system for creating a bicycle parking area layout equipped with a bicycle parking device in which multiple racks into which bicycles are brought are installed in a predetermined direction, An installation area information input unit for inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device, A storage unit for installation area information that stores the aforementioned installation area information, A rack arrangement information storage unit stores rack arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of multiple racks in the installation area, A calculation unit that, based on the aforementioned installation area information, identifies the installation area range in which the racks can be placed, and calculates parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions, such as having the maximum number of racks and all racks fitting within the aforementioned installation area range, based on the aforementioned rack placement information. A drawing unit that draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit, A layout output unit that outputs the layout of the rack drawn by the drawing unit, A bicycle parking area layout creation system equipped with the following features.

[0011] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1] above, simply by inputting information related to the shape and size of the installation surface from, for example, a spreadsheet, the system calculates drawing parameters for a highly efficient bicycle parking area layout, in which the maximum number of racks are arranged in the direction of alignment according to the rack placement information, based on predetermined calculation processes. By passing these calculated drawing parameters to, for example, CAD software, the CAD software can quickly and automatically draw and output (screen display, print output, etc.) a highly efficient bicycle parking area layout with the maximum number of racks arranged in the direction of alignment. The ability to quickly output bicycle parking area layouts contributes to completing the sales and marketing of bicycle parking equipment in a short period of time.

[0012] [2] The parameters for drawing are: Rack spacing information for drawing, which specifies the spacing between adjacent racks arranged along the direction of arrangement within the installation area, Rack intersection angle information for drawing, which identifies the intersection angle of the racks arranged in the aforementioned alignment direction within the aforementioned installation area, The system includes at least: Rack count information for drawing, which specifies the number of racks arranged in the same direction within the installation area; The drawing unit draws the racks in a predetermined drawing area at intervals based on the drawing rack spacing information in the direction of arrangement, at intersection angles based on the drawing rack intersection angle information, and for a number of racks based on the drawing rack number information. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0013] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [2] above includes drawing parameters such as drawing rack spacing information, drawing rack intersection angle information, and drawing rack number information. This allows the system to support diagonal arrangements where racks are tilted at a desired angle relative to the direction of arrangement. Generally, when racks are arranged perpendicular to the direction of the rows, the handlebars of bicycles mounted on adjacent racks will interfere with each other, so a certain amount of space must be maintained between racks. On the other hand, when racks are arranged at an angle to the direction of the rows, the handlebar positions of adjacent bicycles are shifted in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to further reduce the spacing between racks in the direction of the rows. The bicycle parking layout creation system described in [2] above incorporates the characteristics of such diagonal rack arrangements into the automatic drawing process of the bicycle parking layout. It calculates the optimal intersection angle to accommodate the maximum number of bicycles within the installation area and derives drawing rack spacing information and drawing number information that are consistent with this. This makes it possible to automatically and reliably draw a highly efficient bicycle parking layout with the maximum number of racks arranged in the direction of alignment within the installation area.

[0014] [3] Either or both of the installation area information and the rack arrangement information each include information on multiple items, The rack arrangement information includes rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent racks arranged in the same direction within the installation area, The aforementioned rack spacing information is direct input information that accepts direct input of input parameters. The unit includes a direct input section for receiving the aforementioned direct input information, The calculation unit calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes input parameters directly input by the direct input unit to the direct input information and input parameters of other items. If the direct input information is not directly input by the direct input unit, the calculation unit uses a predetermined default value specified in the direct input information as an input parameter and calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes that input parameter and input parameters of other items. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [2].

[0015] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [3] above, the bicycle parking area information and rack placement information are directly input information, allowing for flexible reflection of the user's desired values, and if no preferences are found, the automatic drawing process can continue based on default values. Furthermore, by including rack spacing information as direct input, the system can set rack spacing after considering and adjusting both the maximum capacity required by the parking lot operator and the ease of use (appropriate rack spacing) that the installer prioritizes based on experience. On the other hand, since an easy-to-use rack spacing based on experience is set as the default value (standard value), the system will automatically set an easy-to-use rack spacing unless otherwise requested. This configuration, which supports both direct input and default values, makes it possible to quickly and reliably generate the optimal rack layout to meet on-site requirements while maintaining a balance between storage efficiency and ease of use.

[0016] [4] Either or both of the installation area information and the rack arrangement information each include information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns mentioned above, the input parameter set that yields the largest number of racks indicated by the rack count information for drawing is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [2].

[0017] In the bicycle parking layout creation system described in [4] above, one of the selection candidates for each selection information is selected as an input parameter, and this is combined with the input parameters of other items to form a set of input parameters, and the drawing parameters are calculated based on this set of input parameters. Furthermore, the remaining selection candidates for each selection information are similarly selected as input parameters, and these are combined with the input parameters of other items to sequentially form another set of input parameters. In this way, a comprehensive set of input parameters corresponding to all combinations of selection candidates is formed, and the drawing parameters are calculated for each of them. Then, from among all these input parameter sets, the input parameter set that maximizes the number of racks indicated by the calculation of the drawing parameters is automatically identified, and this input parameter set is designated as the maximum number of racks pattern. This maximum number of racks pattern satisfies the layout conditions that allow the maximum number of racks to be placed within the installation area, and as a result, the system automatically derives the drawing parameters that satisfy these layout conditions. Thus, the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [8] above can automatically and comprehensively search all patterns, even when there are numerous combinations of selected information, and reliably identify the set of input parameters that satisfy the layout conditions for arranging the maximum number of racks. As a result, it can automatically calculate the parameters for drawing that correspond to bicycle parking area layouts that are valid under complex conditions, eliminating the need for users to individually experiment with each input parameter.

[0018] [5] A passage area information input unit for inputting passage area information to specify the shape and size of the passage area set on the front side in the depth direction of the installation area, A passage area information storage unit that stores the aforementioned passage area information, An entrance / exit information input unit for inputting entrance / exit information to identify an entrance / exit set at one of the ends in the width direction of the passage area, It comprises an entrance / exit information storage unit that stores the aforementioned entrance / exit information, The rack arrangement information includes arrangement direction information that specifies the arrangement direction as the width direction of the installation area, The aforementioned drawing parameters identify the rack swing direction, which is the direction in which the rear end of the racks, which are arranged intersecting the alignment direction within the installation area, faces the front end. For drawing Includes rack swing direction information, The calculation unit described above, When the passage area information is input by the passage area information input unit and the entrance / exit information is input by the entrance / exit information input unit, the direction from the passage area to the entrance / exit is determined in the opening direction based on the passage area information, the entrance / exit information and the alignment direction information. The identified direction is designated as the rack swing direction. The aforementioned To derive information on the swing direction of the rack for drawing, The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [2].

[0019] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [5] above, the direction from the aisle surface towards the entrance is automatically determined based on the installation environment, such as the shape of the aisle area and the location of the entrance, and the rack swing direction that matches that direction is selected as an input parameter. As a result, users who enter the aisle area pushing their bicycles from the entrance can move their bicycles toward the back of the installation surface along a natural path of movement. Since bicycles can be entered at a gentler angle than perpendicular to the rack, it becomes possible to smoothly move bicycles into the rack without having to make awkward turns.

[0020] [6] The rack is equipped with a rack block storage unit that stores rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is Read from the rack block storage unit, The rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0021] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [6] above has blocks representing the basic shape of the racks stored in advance. When creating a drawing, the system duplicates these blocks as needed and arranges them along a predetermined direction, thereby efficiently generating a bicycle parking area layout. This eliminates the need to draw the rack shapes from scratch according to their placement, significantly reducing the workload of the drawing process. Furthermore, because the drawing process is based on predefined blocks, the layout can be accurately constructed and the drawing can be reliably created by inputting only a small number of calculated drawing parameters.

[0022] [7] The rack arrangement information is, Rack model information indicating the model of the aforementioned rack, Rack swing direction information for identifying the rack swing direction in which the rear end of the rack faces the front end in the arrangement direction within the installation area, The installation area includes rack intersection angle information indicating the intersection angle of the racks arranged intersecting the alignment direction, The aforementioned rack model information is selection information that has multiple types of models as selection candidates. The aforementioned rack swing direction information is selection information that has multiple directions as selection candidates. The aforementioned rack intersection angle information is selection information that has multiple intersection angles as selection candidates. The aforementioned plotting parameters are: Rack model information for drawing, which identifies the model of the rack to be placed within the aforementioned installation area, before Within the specified installation area, the rack swing direction is determined to be the direction in which the rear end of the racks, which are arranged intersecting the aforementioned alignment direction, faces the front end. For drawing Rack swing direction information, and, The system includes a rack block storage unit that stores, for each combination of the selected candidate rack model information, the selected candidate rack swing direction information, and the selected candidate rack intersection angle information, rack blocks having the basic shape of the corresponding rack model and arranged with the corresponding rack intersection angle in the swing direction of the racks corresponding to the alignment direction. The calculation unit described above, Based on each of the selection candidates for the aforementioned rack model information, the rack model information for drawing is derived. Based on each of the selected candidates for the rack swing direction information, the rack swing direction information for drawing is derived. Based on each of the selected candidates for the aforementioned rack intersection angle information, the rack intersection angle information for drawing is derived. The aforementioned drawing unit is Based on the drawing rack model information, drawing rack swing direction information, and drawing rack intersection angle information included in the drawing parameters of the maximum number of racks pattern, the corresponding rack block is read from the rack block storage unit. The read rack blocks are duplicated in the corresponding number of units based on the rack unit information included in the drawing parameters for the maximum number of units pattern, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in the direction of arrangement. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [4].

[0023] In the bicycle parking layout creation system described in [7] above, pre-made rack blocks reflecting each combination of layout conditions such as rack type (model), orientation (swing direction), and intersection angle are individually prepared in advance. In other words, once a certain model, orientation, and intersection angle are determined, a rack block whose shape and inclination have already been adjusted to match those conditions can be selected directly, and the layout can be constructed simply by duplicating that block and arranging it in the predetermined direction during drawing. In this way, there is no need to later process the shape to match the orientation and intersection angles according to the model, and the drawing can be created simply by duplicating and arranging blocks that meet the conditions, thus greatly simplifying the drawing process and enabling the rapid generation of layouts with stable quality.

[0024] [8] The rack is positioned on a predetermined installation surface within the installation area such that its longitudinal direction intersects with a rail extending in the direction of alignment in a plan view, and includes a lower rack that is slidable along the rail, The bicycle parking device includes a lower bicycle parking device that has a plurality of lower racks, The aforementioned installation area information includes installation surface information for specifying the shape and size of the installation surface, The aforementioned rack arrangement information is, Rail arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of the rails on the installation surface, Includes lower rack arrangement information for specifying the arrangement of a plurality of lower racks on the installation surface, The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned installation surface information, the installation surface range in which the rail and the lower rack can be placed is identified. Based on the rail arrangement information and the lower rack arrangement information, parameters for drawing the lower rack are calculated for a bicycle parking area layout in which the rails and the lower racks are arranged within the installation surface area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions. The predetermined arrangement conditions include the condition that the number of racks, including the lower racks, is the maximum number, and that all of the lower racks fit within the installation area in a plan view. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters, including the lower drawing parameters, calculated by the calculation unit. The layout output unit outputs the layout of the rails and the lower rack drawn by the drawing unit. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0025] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [8] above automatically identifies the area where rails and lower racks can be placed based on the shape and size of the installation surface. Within that area, the lower racks are arranged to maximize the number of bicycles (including lower racks), and a layout is generated that is adjusted so that all lower racks fit within the installation surface. This makes it possible to automatically obtain a lower layout that maximizes the number of bicycles that can be accommodated while taking into account the constraints of the installation surface, and significantly reduces the manual work required for layout planning. Furthermore, since the placement results are output directly as the lower layout, it is possible to quickly and reliably confirm a layout that suits the conditions of the installation surface, thereby streamlining the initial stages of bicycle parking area design.

[0026] [9] The parameters for drawing the lower section are: Required rail length information for drawing, which specifies the length of the rail to be arranged within the aforementioned installation surface range, Lower rack spacing information for drawing, which specifies the spacing between the lower racks that are arranged adjacent to each other along the rail within the installation surface area, Drawing lower rack intersection angle information that specifies the intersection angle of the lower racks arranged intersecting the rails within the aforementioned installation surface range, The system includes at least information on the number of lower racks for drawing purposes, which specifies the number of lower racks to be arranged on the rail within the installation surface area, The aforementioned drawing unit is The rail is drawn so that it has a length based on the required rail length information for drawing, The lower racks are drawn in the direction along the rails to be drawn, at intervals based on the lower rack spacing information for drawing, at intersection angles based on the lower rack intersection angle information for drawing, and for a number of units based on the number of lower racks for drawing information. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [8].

[0027] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [9] above, the required rail length, the spacing between lower racks, the intersection angle of the lower racks, and the number of lower racks are specified as parameters for drawing the lower level. This allows the system to accommodate diagonal arrangements in which sliding lower racks (slide racks) that can slide along the rails are tilted at a desired angle. Generally, when lower racks are positioned perpendicular to the rails, the handlebars of adjacent bicycles will interfere with each other, so a certain minimum distance must be maintained between racks. On the other hand, when lower racks are positioned at an angle to the rails, the handlebar positions of adjacent bicycles are shifted in the front-to-back direction, making it possible to narrow the rack spacing in the direction of the rails. Furthermore, with sliding lower racks, the racks can move relative to each other in the direction of the rails, which makes it easier to absorb the front-to-back positional displacement caused by diagonal arrangement, and has the advantage of making it easier to arrange them at high density while avoiding interference. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [9] above incorporates the characteristics of the diagonal arrangement and sliding movable type of the lower racks into the automatic drawing process, calculates the optimal lower rack intersection angle to accommodate the maximum number of bicycles within the installation surface, and derives lower rack spacing information and the number of lower racks that can be placed for drawing that are consistent with this. As a result, a highly efficient lower layout with the maximum number of lower racks placed within the installation surface area can be automatically and reliably drawn.

[0028]

[10] The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned rail arrangement information is, Rail extension direction information that identifies the aforementioned alignment direction as the extension direction of the rails within the installation surface, and identifies that extension direction as the width direction of the installation surface, Rail outer width information, which indicates the rail outer width, which is the width of the non-formed area of ​​the rail set outside the positions of both ends of the rail within the installation surface, Includes lower rack movable width information, which indicates the lower rack movable width, which is the margin of clearance for sliding multiple lower racks placed on the rail along the rail, The lower rack arrangement information includes lower rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent lower racks arranged along the rail on the installation surface. The calculation unit calculates the length of the rail to be placed within the installation surface range based on the installation surface information, the rail extension direction information, the rail outer width information, the lower rack movable width information, and the lower rack spacing information, and uses the calculated length as the drawing parameter, which is the drawing parameter, the drawing required rail length information. The drawing unit draws the rail with a length based on the required rail length information for drawing. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [9].

[0029] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[10] above automatically calculates the effective length that can be secured as rails by comprehensively considering factors such as the width and depth of the installation surface, the width required outside the rails, the movable width (allowance) required for the movement of the sliding lower racks (slide racks), and the spacing between racks. This allows for the rational derivation of rail lengths that accurately reflect the constraints of the installation surface and the unique movable range of the sliding lower racks, eliminating the need for users to intuitively adjust input parameters to determine the rail length. Furthermore, since the calculated rail length is used directly as a parameter for drawing, the end positions and overall dimensions of the rails can be accurately drawn in a manner consistent with the installation conditions.

[0030]

[11] The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned rail arrangement information is, Rail extension direction information that identifies the aforementioned alignment direction as the extension direction of the rails within the installation surface, and identifies that extension direction as the width direction of the installation surface, Rail outer width information, which indicates the rail outer width, which is the width of the non-formed area of ​​the rail set outside the positions of both ends of the rail within the installation surface, Includes lower rack movable width information, which indicates the lower rack movable width, which is the margin of clearance for sliding multiple lower racks placed on the rail along the rail, The lower rack arrangement information includes lower rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent lower racks arranged along the rail on the installation surface. The calculation unit calculates the number of lower racks to be placed on the rails within the installation surface range based on the installation surface information, the rail extension direction information, the rail outer width information, the lower rack movable width information, and the lower rack spacing information, and the calculated number becomes the lower rack number information for drawing. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [9].

[0031] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[11] above takes into account multiple factors, including the width and depth of the installation surface, the width required outside the rails, the movable width required for the movement of the sliding lower racks (slide racks), and the spacing between racks, to automatically calculate the number of lower racks that can actually be placed within the installation surface. This allows for the rational deriving of a number that accurately reflects the constraints of the installation surface and the unique movable range of the sliding lower racks, eliminating the need for users to intuitively adjust input parameters to determine the maximum number of racks. Furthermore, since the calculated number of units is used directly as a parameter for drawing, it is possible to reliably draw the arrangement of the lower racks that conforms to the installation conditions, improving the validity of the layout and the efficiency of the drawing process.

[0032]

[12] The rack arrangement information includes information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns, the input parameter set that maximizes the total number of racks, including the lower racks, as indicated by the lower rack number information for drawing, is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [9].

[0033] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[12] above, for each of the multiple items in the rack placement information, the selection candidates are sequentially selected as input parameters and combined with the input parameters of other items to form a group of input parameters, and the parameters for drawing are calculated based on this group of input parameters. Furthermore, the remaining selection candidates for each selection information are similarly selected as input parameters and combined with the input parameters of other items to sequentially form another group of input parameters. In this way, a comprehensive group of input parameters for all patterns corresponding to all combinations of selection candidates is formed, and the parameters for drawing are calculated for each. Then, from all these input parameter sets, the system automatically identifies the set of input parameters that maximizes the total number of racks (including lower racks) indicated by the number of racks included in the calculated drawing parameters, and this set of input parameters is designated as the maximum number of racks pattern. This maximum number of racks pattern satisfies the layout conditions that allow for the maximum number of racks to be placed under the installation conditions, and as a result, these layout conditions are automatically derived by the system. As a result, the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[12] above can automatically search all patterns, even when there are many combinations of selected information, and reliably derive layout conditions that allow for the maximum number of racks to be placed. Users do not need to individually adjust each input parameter and try different combinations to find the optimal one; the process can be executed efficiently and reliably as an automated process.

[0034]

[13] The installation surface information includes the depth and width of the rectangular installation surface, The rail arrangement information includes position information indicating the placement position of the rails and dimension information indicating the dimensions of the rails. The lower rack arrangement information includes position information indicating the arrangement position of the rack and dimensional information relating to the rack. An effective passage surface information calculation unit identifies the surface remaining on the front side in the depth direction as an effective passage surface, excluding the rectangular effective installation surface area where the rails and lower racks are to be placed, which is determined based on the rail arrangement information and the lower rack arrangement information, within the aforementioned installation surface area, and calculates at least the depth width of said effective passage surface as effective passage surface information. The system includes an effective passage surface information output unit that outputs the calculated effective passage surface information, The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[12] .

[0035] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[13] above, the rectangular effective installation surface required for the placement of rails and lower racks is identified based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn, and the remaining surface in front of the effective installation surface in the depth direction is automatically identified as the effective passage surface. The width and depth of this effective passage surface are then calculated and output as effective passage surface information. This allows the user to easily understand the passage width that will be secured when the layout is installed. Furthermore, based on the calculated effective passage surface information, users can easily verify whether the layout meets the standards for passage width and operational requirements, enabling quick and reliable decisions regarding traffic flow and safety after installation. This allows for efficient consideration of effective use of the installation surface and on-site adjustments.

[0036]

[14] The lower rack block storage unit stores lower rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the lower rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is The lower rack block is read from the lower rack block storage unit. The lower rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[12] .

[0037] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[14] above, blocks representing the basic shape of the lower racks are stored in advance, and when drawing, the necessary number of copies are made based on these blocks and arranged along a predetermined direction, thereby efficiently generating a bicycle parking area layout including the lower racks. This eliminates the need to draw the shape of the lower racks from scratch according to the arrangement, and significantly reduces the load on the drawing process. Furthermore, since the drawing process is performed based on predefined lower rack blocks, the layout can be accurately constructed and drawing can be performed stably by inputting only a small number of calculated drawing parameters.

[0038]

[15] The rack includes an upper rack positioned above the lower rack located within the bicycle parking area, such that it intersects the rail in a plan view, The bicycle parking device includes an upper bicycle parking device having one or more upper racks, The installation area information includes installation height information for specifying the height of the installation space for the upper and lower bicycle parking devices formed above the installation surface. The rack arrangement information includes upper rack arrangement information for specifying the arrangement of one or more upper racks in the installation space. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned installation height information, the installation space range in which the upper rack and the lower rack can be positioned above the installation surface range is identified. Based on the rail arrangement information and the upper rack arrangement information, parameters for drawing the upper level are calculated for the upper level bicycle parking area layout in which the upper racks are arranged within the installation space area in a manner that satisfies the predetermined arrangement conditions. The predetermined arrangement conditions include the condition that the number of racks, including the lower rack and the upper rack, is the maximum number, and that all of the upper racks fit within the installation space area. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout, in which the rails, the lower racks, and the upper racks are arranged within the installation space, based on the drawing parameters, including the lower drawing parameters and the upper drawing parameters. The layout output unit outputs the layout of the rail, the lower rack, and the upper rack drawn by the drawing unit. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [8].

[0039] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[15] above automatically identifies the height range in which upper racks can be placed based on the installation height information, and generates an upper layout that is adjusted so that all upper racks fit within the installation space while arranging the upper racks (including upper and lower racks) to maximize the number of bicycles within that range. This makes it possible to automatically obtain an upper layout that maximizes the number of bicycles that can be accommodated while taking into account the height constraints of the installation space, and significantly reduces the manual work required for layout consideration. Furthermore, since the generated upper layout is integrated with the lower layout and output together, the overall layout including both upper and lower levels can be quickly and reliably reviewed, enabling efficient progress in the bicycle parking area design process.

[0040]

[16] The parameters for drawing the upper section are: Drawing upper rack spacing information that specifies the spacing between the upper racks arranged adjacently along the rail in a plan view within the aforementioned installation space, Drawing upper rack intersection angle information that specifies the intersection angle of the upper racks arranged intersecting the rails in a plan view within the aforementioned installation space, The system includes at least upper rack number information for drawing, which specifies the number of upper racks to be arranged on the rail within the installation space range, The drawing unit draws the upper racks in the direction along the rails to be drawn, at intervals based on the upper rack spacing information for drawing, at intersection angles based on the upper rack intersection angle information for drawing, and for a number of units based on the number of upper racks for drawing information. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[15] .

[0041] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[16] above, the spacing of the lower racks, the intersection angle of the lower racks, and the number of lower racks are specified as parameters for creating the upper level layout. This allows the system to generate layouts that arrange the upper racks at an optimal angle and with high density, according to the shape of the installation space and the rail arrangement. Generally, since the upper racks are located above the lower racks, they must be positioned to avoid interference with the lower racks while also not hindering users' bicycle loading and unloading. In particular, when the upper racks are positioned perpendicular to the rails, the protrusions at the front of the racks and the handlebar positions of the bicycles tend to overlap, requiring a certain minimum rack spacing. On the other hand, when the upper racks are positioned at an angle to the rails, the protruding positions of the rack fronts and bicycles are shifted in the front-to-back direction, making it easier to avoid interference while keeping the required spacing in the rail direction down. Furthermore, since the upper racks are positioned directly above the lower racks, positioning the upper racks at an angle that aligns with the diagonal placement and sliding mobility of the lower racks contributes to overall higher density. By appropriately setting the intersection angle of the upper racks, the positional relationship between the front ends of the upper and lower racks is optimized, allowing more racks to be accommodated within the installation space while avoiding interference between the upper and lower racks. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[16] above incorporates the characteristics of the inclined arrangement of the upper racks into the automatic drawing process, calculates the optimal intersection angle of the upper racks to accommodate the maximum number of bicycles within the installation space, and derives upper rack spacing information and upper rack number information for drawing that are consistent with this. This makes it possible to automatically draw a highly efficient upper layout that accommodates the maximum number of upper racks within the installation space while reliably avoiding interference between upper and lower levels.

[0042]

[17] The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned installation height information includes a height for identifying the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped installation space above the installation surface, The aforementioned upper rack arrangement information is, Upper rack spacing information indicating the spacing between upper racks arranged adjacently along the rail within the installation space, This includes upper rack end position information, which indicates information relating to the positions of both ends of the upper rack arranged along the rail within the installation space, The calculation unit described above, Based on the installation surface information, the upper rack spacing information, and the upper rack end position information, the number of upper racks to be placed within the installation space is calculated, and the calculated number is used as the upper rack number information for drawing. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[16] .

[0043] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[17] above can automatically calculate the number of upper racks that can fit within the installation space based on the width and depth of the installation surface, the spacing information of the upper racks, and the position information of both ends of the upper racks. This allows for a rational determination of the number of upper racks, eliminating the need for users to intuitively adjust input parameters to find the maximum number. Furthermore, since the calculated number of units is used directly as a parameter for drawing, it is possible to reliably draw an upper rack arrangement that conforms to the installation conditions, improving the validity of the layout and the efficiency of the drawing process.

[0044]

[18] The rack arrangement information includes information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns, the input parameter set that maximizes the total number of racks, including the lower racks and the upper racks, as indicated by the upper rack count information for drawing, is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[16] .

[0045] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[18] above, for each of the multiple items in the rack placement information, the selection candidates are sequentially selected as input parameters and combined with the input parameters of other items to form a group of input parameters, and the parameters for drawing are calculated based on this group of input parameters. Furthermore, the remaining selection candidates for each selection information are similarly selected as input parameters and combined with the input parameters of other items to sequentially form another group of input parameters. In this way, a comprehensive group of input parameters for all patterns corresponding to all combinations of selection candidates is formed, and the parameters for drawing are calculated for each. Then, from among all these input parameter sets, the input parameter set that maximizes the total number of racks (including the upper and lower racks) indicated by the number of racks for drawing included in the calculated drawing parameters is automatically identified, and this input parameter set is designated as the maximum number of racks pattern. This maximum number of racks pattern satisfies the layout conditions that allow for the maximum number of racks to be placed under the installation conditions, and as a result, these layout conditions are automatically derived by the system. As a result, the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[18] above can automatically search all patterns, even when there are many combinations of selected information, and reliably derive layout conditions that allow for the maximum number of racks to be placed. Users do not need to individually adjust each input parameter and try different combinations to find the optimal one; the process can be executed efficiently and reliably as an automated process.

[0046]

[19] The upper rack block storage unit stores upper rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the upper rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is The upper rack block is read from the upper rack block storage unit. The upper rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[18] .

[0047] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[19] above, blocks representing the basic shape of the upper racks are stored in advance, and during drawing, the necessary number of copies are made based on these blocks and arranged along a predetermined direction, thereby efficiently generating a bicycle parking area layout including the upper racks. This eliminates the need to draw the shape of the upper racks from scratch according to the arrangement, and significantly reduces the load on the drawing process. Furthermore, since the drawing process is performed based on predefined upper rack blocks, the layout can be accurately constructed and the drawing can be reliably created by inputting only a small number of calculated drawing parameters.

[0048]

[20] The upper rack comprises a rack body and a support column that supports the front end of the rack body and allows the rack body to be raised and lowered, The aforementioned upper rack block has a basic shape in which part or all of the rack body is omitted and the support columns are drawn. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[19] .

[0049] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[20] above, a simplified block is used for the upper rack block, in which only the support columns are drawn and the rack body is omitted. This eliminates the need to draw the complex shape and length unique to upper racks, significantly simplifying the drawing process. Furthermore, the placement of the upper rack body can be easily determined from the position and orientation of the support columns, and concerns about reduced visibility due to overlap with lower racks are eliminated, thus improving the overall layout's visibility.

[0050]

[21] The parameters for drawing the upper rack include position information for both ends of the upper rack for drawing, which specifies the leading position of the upper racks aligned in the extension direction of the rails within the installation space range, and the rearmost position of the arrangement limit. The aforementioned drawing unit is The upper rack block is read from the upper rack block storage unit. The read-out upper rack block is duplicated as necessary based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and arranged in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction, The arrangement is such that, within the rack arrangement section between the leading position and the arrangement limit position, which is determined based on the position information of both ends of the upper rack for drawing, the upper rack blocks are placed at both the leading position and the arrangement limit position, and the remaining upper rack blocks are arranged at equal intervals between them, regardless of the upper rack spacing information for drawing. A bicycle parking area layout creation system as described in

[19] or

[20] .

[0051] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[21] above, the arrangement of upper racks is automatically optimized based on installation surface information and upper outer width information, and does not depend on the input upper rack spacing information (which often results in adjustments that increase the upper rack spacing), thus always achieving a user-friendly, evenly spaced arrangement for the entire layout. Furthermore, the evenly spaced arrangement reduces interference between upper racks and minimizes uneven user flow, improving safety and usability during actual use. Furthermore, since the arrangement of the upper racks is automatically adjusted, designers do not need to manually adjust the spacing, significantly improving the efficiency of layout creation work.

[0052]

[22] Equipped with a drawing instruction unit for inputting drawing instructions, When the drawing instruction is input by the drawing instruction unit, the drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters most recently calculated by the calculation unit. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0053] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[22] above, the computationally intensive drawing process is not executed until drawing instructions are entered. Therefore, input parameters can be freely changed or reset before the drawing process, and the user can execute the drawing after confirming the conditions. This makes it possible to obtain a reliable layout based on confirmed conditions while avoiding unnecessary redrawing.

[0054]

[23] The system includes a parameter output unit that outputs the parameters for drawing the maximum number of bicycles pattern, which has been determined by the calculation unit, before the drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout. A bicycle parking area layout creation system as described in any one of the following items: [4],

[12] , or

[18] .

[0055] In the bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[23] above, the number of racks (maximum number of units) for the bicycle parking area layout (layout to be drawn) corresponding to the drawing parameters for the maximum number of units pattern can be determined before drawing is performed by the drawing unit. This reduces the need to redo conditions after viewing the drawing results, and allows for efficient consideration of optimal layout conditions.

[0056]

[24] When the calculation unit has identified the parameters for drawing the maximum number of units pattern, a verification input unit is provided to switch a predetermined verification selection information from the selection information selected for calculating the parameters for drawing the maximum number of units pattern to another selection candidate, The input parameter group includes input parameters switched by the verification input unit, and the excess / deficit calculation unit identifies a predetermined functional area within the installation area and calculates the excess / deficit of the functional area based on the input parameter group, It includes a verification output unit that outputs the calculated excess or deficiency of the installation area, A bicycle parking area layout creation system as described in any one of the following items: [4],

[12] , or

[18] .

[0057] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[24] above uses the maximum number of bicycles pattern as a baseline and allows for testing and verification of condition changes by switching the selected candidate for a specific selection that was selected at that time to another candidate. Therefore, it is possible to check how the condition changes will affect the rack arrangement before drawing the layout. Furthermore, based on the input parameters after the conditions have been changed, the system calculates the required installation space for the racks and any surplus or deficit of installation space, and outputs this surplus or deficit. This allows users to intuitively understand how the layout changes due to the conditions change from the surplus or deficit (numerical changes, etc.), enabling them to efficiently adjust and consider the installation conditions.

[0058]

[25] The installation area information includes obstacle information that specifies the shape and size of the obstacle within the installation area and its position within the installation area. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned obstacle information, the obstacle area within the installation area where the obstacle is located is identified. When calculating the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are arranged within the aforementioned installation area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions, the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks overlapping the identified obstacle area are omitted are calculated. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0059] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[25] above can automatically generate feasible bicycle parking area layouts that take obstacles into consideration.

[0060]

[26] When the calculation unit calculates the parameters for drawing the bicycle parking layout in which the racks are arranged within the installation area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions, the calculation unit calculates the parameters for drawing the bicycle parking layout in which the racks are arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals from one side of the first side or the second side in the direction of arrangement toward the other side, and if a rack that has been arranged in the process of sequential arrangement overlaps with the obstacle area, the arrangement of the overlapping rack is canceled, a position is identified that is beyond the obstacle area toward the other side and separated from the obstacle area by a predetermined distance, the rack is arranged at the identified position, and furthermore the parameters for drawing the bicycle parking layout in which the racks are arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals toward the other side are calculated. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[25] .

[0061] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[26] above can automatically generate a bicycle parking area layout that takes obstacles into consideration and rearranges the racks to improve usability. Furthermore, the bicycle parking area layouts obtained by this configuration are not limited to layouts generated based on the sequential arrangement procedure performed by the calculation unit, but also include layouts that ultimately result in such an arrangement as a result of the calculation process, regardless of the calculation procedure.

[0062]

[27] The installation area information includes obstacle information that specifies the shape and size of the obstacle within the installation area and its position within the installation area. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned obstacle information, the obstacle area within the installation area range where the obstacles near the outer edge of the installation area range are located is identified. When calculating the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in accordance with the predetermined placement conditions, the aforementioned installation area range is reduced to an area excluding the aforementioned obstacle area, and then the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the reduced installation area range in accordance with the predetermined placement conditions are calculated. The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in [1].

[0063] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[27] above identifies obstacle areas near the outer edge based on the shape, size, and location of obstacles within the installation area, and automatically reduces the installation area by excluding these obstacle areas before calculating the layout. This prevents the system from mistakenly treating areas that are actually unusable due to obstacles as placement targets, and enables the generation of an accurate layout limited to feasible areas. Furthermore, the drawing process is essentially the same, differing only in whether the entire installation surface area is used as the drawing target or whether the installation surface area is reduced by excluding obstacle areas. Since the drawing can be performed using the same processing system, efficient layout generation becomes possible.

[0064] The configurations described in

[25] to

[27] above can be applied to rails and lower racks by using the installation area as the installation surface, and can also be applied to upper racks by using the installation area as the installation space.

[0065]

[28] A bicycle parking area layout creation system for creating a bicycle parking area layout that includes a bicycle parking device in which multiple racks are installed in a predetermined direction, An installation area information input unit for inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device, A storage unit for installation area information that stores the aforementioned installation area information, A rack arrangement information storage unit stores rack arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of multiple racks in the installation area, A calculation unit that, based on the aforementioned installation area information, identifies the installation area range in which the racks can be placed, and calculates parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions, such as having the maximum number of racks and all racks fitting within the aforementioned installation area range, based on the aforementioned rack placement information. The system includes a calculation result output unit that outputs at least a portion of the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit. Bicycle parking area layout creation system.

[0066] The bicycle parking area layout creation system described in

[28] above automatically calculates drawing parameters for a layout that accommodates the maximum number of racks and where all racks are located within the installation area, based on the installation area information and rack placement information, and outputs only the calculation results. This allows for the rapid acquisition of key parameters necessary for layout creation without drawing processing, and enables efficient transfer to external drawing systems and design tools. Furthermore, because it does not have an internal drawing process, the overall system processing load can be reduced, making it suitable for applications where necessary layout conditions (especially the maximum number of racks) need to be calculated quickly and efficiently during the initial stages of layout planning or in sales situations.

[0067] <First Embodiment> The following description relates to the first embodiment.

[0068] (Overview of the bicycle parking area layout creation system) The bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 of this embodiment is a system for creating a layout for a bicycle parking device 200, which comprises a rail 21 and a plurality of racks 20 arranged so as to intersect (orthogonally or diagonally) with the rail 21 in a plan view, and which are slidable along the rail 21. Furthermore, the bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 of this embodiment is a system for drawing a layout for an upper bicycle parking device 300, which comprises a plurality of upper racks 30 arranged above the lower racks 20 so as to intersect (orthogonally or diagonally) with the rail 21 in a plan view, and which are substantially parallel to the lower racks 20, with the bicycle parking device 200 being the lower bicycle parking device and the racks 20 being the lower racks, together with the layout for the lower bicycle parking device 200. In other words, the bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 is a system for creating a layout for a two-tiered bicycle parking device 100, which comprises an upper bicycle parking device 300 and a lower bicycle parking device 200. In Figures 1 and 2, the depth direction X (front-to-back direction), the lateral direction Y (left-to-right direction), and the height direction Z (up-down direction) are mutually orthogonal. The lateral direction Y coincides with the extension direction of the rail 21, and the height direction Z coincides with the extension direction of the support column 31, which will be described later. In Figures 1 and 2, the depth direction X and the longitudinal direction L of the rack 20 coincide in a plan view, but it is sufficient that they intersect in a plan view; they do not need to coincide.

[0069] (Configuration of the lower bicycle parking system) In this embodiment, the lower bicycle parking device 200, which was the subject of the layout design, will be described. The lower bicycle parking device 200 comprises a rail 21 and a plurality of lower racks 20. The rail 21 is a fixed rail arranged in a straight line along the lateral direction Y set on the ground surface S (reference plane). The lower racks 20 are sliding racks that are mounted on the rail 21 in the longitudinal direction L (slide rack longitudinal direction) perpendicular or diagonally intersecting it in a plan view, and are capable of sliding on the rail 21. Multiple lower racks 20 are mounted on the rail 21, and each slides independently on the rail 21. As shown in Figure 3, each lower rack 20 has multiple rollers 22 (rolling elements) attached to the bottom surface of one end (here, the front end) in its longitudinal direction L, and is configured to move laterally in the direction Y (Figures 1 and 2) along a rail 21 fixed to the ground surface S via these multiple rollers 22 (rolling elements). In addition, a caster 23 is attached to the bottom surface of the other end (here, the rear end) of each lower rack 20. The caster 23 is configured to land on the ground surface S (reference plane) to support the rack 20 and to allow it to roll laterally in the direction Y. Various types of lower bicycle parking devices 200 exist, including a front-loading type (Figure 3) in which bicycles BCL are loaded from the front wheel side, a rear-loading type in which bicycles are loaded from the rear wheel side, a combined front-loading and rear-loading type, and a type that can accommodate large bicycles.

[0070] (Configuration of the upper bicycle parking system) In this embodiment, the upper bicycle parking device 300, which was the subject of the layout design, will be described. The upper bicycle parking device 300 comprises a support column 31 and a plurality of upper racks 30. The upper racks 30 may be defined as a configuration that includes both the rack body and the support column 31. The support columns 31 are erected in a cylindrical shape in the vertical direction Z (vertical up and down direction, height direction) at a constant pitch from the ground surface (reference plane) along the horizontal direction Y. The upper racks 30 (rack bodies) are supported by each support column 31, projecting in a cantilevered manner in the longitudinal direction L (longitudinal direction of the lifting rack). The upper racks 30 (rack bodies) are lifting racks that can move up and down along the supported support columns 31. The upper racks 30 (rack bodies) can move up and down between a predetermined upper position (upper part) and a predetermined lower position (lower part) on the support column 31 in the empty space ES (Figures 2 and 4) created by the sliding of the lower racks 20 in the horizontal direction Y (Figure 1 → Figure 2). A lifting trolley 32 is provided at the front end of the upper rack 30 (rack body), and is guided by the support column 31 and can be raised and lowered along the support column 31 by a lifting mechanism 33. The lifting trolley 32 is constantly biased to be pulled upward by a lifting mechanism (not shown) that has the function of pulling a steady load, which is the total load of the upper rack 30 and the lifting trolley 32 in an empty state without a bicycle BCL mounted on it. The lifting mechanism is a well-known mechanism for raising and lowering the upper rack 30 (rack body) and the lifting trolley 32, and comprises an upward traction force generating unit that generates an upward traction force and a transmission mechanism that transmits the upward traction force to the lifting trolley 32. There are various types of upper bicycle parking devices 300, including front-loading types where bicycles are loaded from the front wheel side (Figures 3 and 4), rear-loading types where bicycles are loaded from the rear wheel side (Figure 5), types that can be used for both front and rear loading, and types that can accommodate large bicycles. Furthermore, there are different types of upper bicycle parking devices 300 that have different lifting traction force generating mechanisms. For example, some models are equipped with air cylinders (gas springs), electric cylinders, weights (i.e., balance weights / counterweights), leaf springs, etc., as the lifting traction force generating mechanism, and these models are provided with corresponding transmission mechanisms.

[0071] (Configuration of the bicycle parking area layout creation system) As shown in Figure 6, the Bicycle Parking Layout Creation System 1 includes the lower bicycle parking device 200 and the upper bicycle parking device 300 described above as the subject of layout design. The Bicycle Parking Layout Creation System 1 includes at least the lower bicycle parking device 200 as the subject of layout design. The Bicycle Parking Layout Creation System 1 may also include other bicycle parking devices as the subject of layout design. The Bicycle Parking Layout Creation System 1 may omit some of the models of the lower bicycle parking device 200 and the upper bicycle parking device 300 described above.

[0072] The bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a storage unit 15, a printing unit 16, etc. The bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 is mainly composed of a personal computer 10, which may be a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a tablet PC, or a mobile information terminal device such as a smartphone. The bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 may be implemented by the cooperation of multiple devices (e.g., multiple computers) or by a single device.

[0073] The control unit 11 has one or more information processing devices such as a CPU and is capable of performing various calculations and controls. The control unit 11 performs input and output to the communication unit 12, display unit 13, operation unit 14, and storage unit 15, and can operate in cooperation with them. The communication unit 12 comprises one or more communication devices and has the function of performing wired or wireless communication with devices inside or outside the system 1. The display unit 13 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that can output data and information to a display screen. The operation unit 14 is an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel that can input or select data and information. The memory unit 15 is one or more storage devices such as an HDD, SSD, or other semiconductor storage device. The printing unit 16 is configured as, for example, a known printer. In this embodiment, the printing unit 16 is configured as an external connection device to the personal computer 10. The control unit 11 and the communication unit 12 are capable of operating to give printing instructions to the printing unit 16, and the printing unit 16 can operate to perform various types of printing in response to instructions from the control unit 11 and the communication unit 12.

[0074] The storage unit 15 stores a bicycle parking area layout creation program 50, which is provided as a file containing macros (for example, in "Excel®" format) that runs on spreadsheet software 51.

[0075] (Bicycle parking area layout creation program) The processing of program 50 will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0076] (STEP1, STEP2: Program startup, input waiting, termination determination) In STEP 1, the control unit 11 starts program 50 when a predetermined startup operation is performed from the operation unit 14. This starts the spreadsheet software 51, and the worksheet 6 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display unit 13, and the system enters a state of waiting for input into a predetermined cell (operation setting area). After startup, if the program 50 is to be terminated, the control unit 11 terminates program 50 in STEP 2 when a predetermined termination operation is performed from the operation unit 14.

[0077] (STEP 3: Entering Information) In STEP 3, information used for the layout design of bicycle parking devices 200 and 300 is entered. The information used for the layout design of the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300 includes bicycle parking area information and rack arrangement information, both of which consist of multiple items of information. Each item includes input information in which the user can set the input parameters, and non-input information in which the control unit 11 sets the input parameters. The bicycle parking area information and rack arrangement information include selection information with multiple selection options. The selection information includes selection input information in which the user selects one of the multiple selection options to use as an input parameter. Furthermore, the selection information in this embodiment may include automatic selection information in which the control unit 11 selects one of the multiple selection options to use as an input parameter. Furthermore, the input information includes the selection input information described above, and direct input information where the user directly enters text or numerical values. The non-input information includes the automatic selection information described above, and fixed information (unchangeable information) where the control unit 11 uses predetermined fixed values ​​as input parameters. This input information is set by user input.

[0078] Input information is set via worksheet 6. As shown in Figure 8, worksheet 6, which is displayed on the display unit 13 in STEP 1, is provided with an operation setting area for setting various input information used in the layout design of the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300. Specifically, worksheet 6 is provided with predetermined cells that form a selection input area with drop-down lists etc. set for inputting the above selection input information, and predetermined cells that form a direct input area for inputting the above direct input information, and the operation unit 14 can set input parameters in these input area cells. In this embodiment, the input unit is configured to include an input area on the worksheet 6 and an operation unit 14 that enables input operations on the input area. If the input information is bicycle parking information, the input unit is configured to be a bicycle parking information input unit, and if the input information is rack arrangement information, it is configured to be a rack arrangement information input unit. Furthermore, the direct input unit is configured to include a direct input area on the worksheet 6 and an operation unit 14 that enables input operations on it, and the selection input unit is configured to include a selection input area on the worksheet 6 and an operation unit 14 that enables input operations on it. The selected input information and direct input information set from these input areas are stored in the storage unit 15. Initially, cells corresponding to direct input areas are left blank, while cells corresponding to selected input areas have default values ​​set. Alternatively, cells corresponding to direct input areas may also have default values ​​set initially. All input information can be changed later by the user. Each default value is stored in the storage unit 15. The automatic selection information and fixed information (unchangeable information) are also stored in the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 can be configured to internally utilize multiple storage devices to hold input information. In the storage unit 15 of this embodiment, default values ​​are stored in a non-volatile storage device, and user-edited input information is temporarily stored in a volatile storage device. When the save operation of worksheet 6 is performed, the input information set in each cell is stored in the non-volatile storage device, and this input information becomes available as the initial state when the system is started again. The control unit 11 calculates the drawing parameters in STEP 4 (generation of a bicycle parking layout), which will be described later, based on the latest input information (bicycle parking information, rack arrangement information, etc.) stored in the non-volatile storage device or volatile storage device.

[0079] (Bicycle parking information) The bicycle parking area information is information relating to the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300 (including the installation surface S1 and installation space P1 described later). The bicycle parking area information includes the above input information. The bicycle parking area information is stored in the bicycle parking area information storage unit 53 of the storage unit 15 when the user operates the operation unit 14 and inputs it into the bicycle parking area information input area 63 on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8. The bicycle parking area information is an input parameter used for calculating drawing parameters (creation of bicycle parking area layout) in STEP 4 described later. The bicycle parking area information includes multiple items. In this embodiment, the bicycle parking area information includes the items of installation surface information (y1, x1), installation height information (z1), hard foundation surface information (x2), passage surface information (x3), entrance / exit information (E), and margin area information (y4).

[0080] The bicycle parking area information includes both required and optional fields. Required fields are information that must be entered in order to perform the calculation of drawing parameters in STEP 4. Optional fields are information that, if not entered, can be used to perform STEP 4 without considering that information. Of the above bicycle parking area information, the installation surface information and installation height information, which constitute the installation area information, are required fields, while the hard foundation surface information, passage surface information, and entrance / exit information are optional fields. The blank area information is non-input information (information that cannot be changed).

[0081] The installation surface information is input information for specifying the shape and size of the installation surface S1 of the lower bicycle parking device 200 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with cells (operation setting areas) that form installation surface information input areas 63a and 63b (Figure 9) for inputting installation surface information, and the input installation surface information is stored in the installation surface information storage units 53A and 53B (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The installation surface information in this embodiment is direct input information indicating the width y1 and depth x1 (Figures 16 and 19) of the rectangular installation surface S1. The worksheet 6 is provided with a direct input area 63b for the width y1 and a direct input area 63a for the depth x1. The installation surface information input unit is composed of the direct input areas 63a and 63b on the worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14.

[0082] The installation height information is input information used to identify the shape and size of the installation space P1 (Figures 3 to 5) defined above the installation surface S1, in conjunction with the installation surface information. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the installation height information input area 63c (Figure 9) for inputting the installation height information, and the input installation height information is stored in the installation height information storage unit 53C (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The installation height information in this embodiment is direct input information indicating the height z1 (Figures 3 to 5) from the rectangular installation surface S1 to the upper limit position (e.g., the ceiling position) of the rectangular installation space P1 extending upward. The worksheet 6 is provided with a direct input area 63c for the height z1. The installation height information input unit is configured including the direct input area 63c on the worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14.

[0083] In this embodiment, since both the lower bicycle parking device 200 and the upper bicycle parking device 300 are included in the design, both installation surface information and installation height information are included as mandatory items. However, installation height information may be treated as an optional item. In this case, for example, if there is no input in the direct input area 63c, the control unit 11 can be instructed to determine that there is no upper limit position for the installation space P1, i.e., there is no height constraint. If there is an input, that input value can be set as the height z1. Alternatively, for example, if there is no input in the direct input area 63c, the upper bicycle parking device 300 may be excluded from the design, and only the lower bicycle parking device 200 may be included in the design.

[0084] The rigid foundation surface information is input information for identifying the shape, size, and installation location of a rigid foundation surface S2 (Figures 3-5, 16, 19) that is provided within the installation surface S1, has a predetermined strength, and is flat. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms a rigid foundation surface information input area 63d (Figure 9) for inputting rigid foundation surface information, and the input rigid foundation surface information is stored in the rigid foundation surface information storage unit 53D (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The rigid foundation surface information in this embodiment is direct input information indicating the depth width x2 (Figures 16 and 19) of a rectangular rigid foundation surface S2 set within a rectangular installation surface S1. The rigid foundation surface information may also include the opening width y2 (Figures 16 and 19) of the rigid foundation surface S2, but here the opening width y2 is fixed to the same width as the opening width y1 of the installation surface S1 and is not direct input information. The rigid foundation surface S2 here has the same width as the installation surface S1 in the opening direction (horizontal direction Y) and is a rectangular surface area that extends from the innermost position in the depth direction of the installation surface S1 toward the front, and the rigid foundation surface information is the depth width x2 (length in the depth direction toward the front) of that surface area. The worksheet 6 is provided with a direct input area 63d of depth width x2. The rigid foundation surface information input unit is composed of the direct input area 63d on the worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14.

[0085] Furthermore, the rigid foundation surface S2 in this embodiment is the surface on which the casters 23 of the lower rack 20 make contact, and is configured as a flat surface that has the strength to support the weight of the rack 20 and the bicycle BCL mounted on the rack 20, while also allowing the casters 23 to roll easily and smoothly. In this embodiment, the rigid foundation surface S2 is exemplified as a foundation surface made of concrete, but the material is not limited to concrete and may be asphalt or the like. Hereinafter, the rigid foundation surface will be referred to as the concrete surface.

[0086] The aisle surface information is input information for identifying the shape, size, and installation location of the user-facing aisle surface S3 (Figures 3-5, 16, and 19) set within the installation surface S1. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with cells (operation setting areas) that form aisle surface information input areas 63e and 63f (Figure 9) for inputting aisle surface information, and the input aisle surface information is stored in the aisle surface information storage units 53E and 53F (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the passage surface information is direct input information indicating the depth width x3 (Figures 16 and 19) of the passage surface S3 set within the rectangular installation surface S1. The passage surface information may also include the opening width y3 (Figures 16 and 19) of the passage surface S3, but the opening width y3 here is fixed to the same width as the opening width y1 of the installation surface S1 and is not direct input information. The passage surface S3 here has the same width as the installation surface S1 in the opening direction (horizontal direction Y) and is a rectangular surface area that extends from the frontmost position in the depth direction of the installation surface S1 towards the back, and the passage surface information is the depth width x3 (length in the depth direction from the frontmost position towards the back) of that rectangular surface area. The aisle surface information is used to input the minimum desired aisle surface size S3; therefore, aisle surface S3 can be considered the required aisle surface, and the aisle surface information can also be considered the required aisle surface information.

[0087] Furthermore, the depth width x3 that constitutes the aisle surface information in this embodiment includes the device reference aisle width x3a and the bicycle reference aisle width x3b (Figures 3 to 5, 16, and 19). The device reference aisle width x3a is the length in the depth direction from the rear end position of the lower rack 20 itself, which is placed on the installation surface S1, to the foremost position on the installation surface S1. The bicycle reference aisle width x3b is the length in the depth direction from the rear end position of the bicycle BCL mounted on the lower rack 20, which is placed on the installation surface S1, to the foremost position on the installation surface S1. Therefore, there are two cases for the aisle surface S3: one based on the device reference aisle width x3a, and the other based on the bicycle reference aisle width x3b. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a direct input area 63e (Figure 9: machine width) for inputting the device reference aisle width x3a and a direct input area 63f (Figure 9: bicycle) for inputting the bicycle reference aisle width x3b. The aisle surface information input unit is configured including the direct input areas 63e and 63f on worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14. In this embodiment, if there is no input in either the direct input area 63e or 63f, the value of the area with input is set as the depth width x 3. If there is input in both areas, both are considered in the layout design (used in the calculation of the drawing parameters in STEP 4). If there is no input in either area, or if a default value such as "0" is entered, the aisle surface S3 is not set and is not considered in the layout design.

[0088] The entrance / exit information is input information for identifying the entrance / exit direction E (Figures 16 and 19) on the passage surface S3. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms an entrance / exit information input area 63g (Figure 9) for inputting entrance / exit information, and the input entrance / exit information is stored in the entrance / exit information storage unit 53G (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the entrance / exit information is selection input information indicating the direction E (Figures 16 and 19) that faces the entrance / exit position Ey on the passage surface S3. The selection input information here includes, as selection candidates, a first direction Ya side (for example, the right side in Figures 16 and 19) with respect to the width direction (horizontal direction Y), the opposite second direction Yb side (for example, the left side in Figures 16 and 19), and "unspecified" (no input). Worksheet 6 is provided with cells that constitute the selection input area 63g for entrance / exit information. The entrance / exit information input unit is composed of the selection input area 63g on worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14. In this embodiment, if "Not specified" (no input) is selected, a predetermined default value, such as the first direction Ya side (for example, the right side in Figures 16 and 19), becomes the input parameter.

[0089] As shown in Figure 16, the blank area information is information used to identify the shape, size, and installation location of the blank area S4, which is the area where racks 20 and 30 are not placed, located at the outer edge of the installation space P1. The blank area information is stored in the blank area information storage unit 53H of the storage unit 15. The margin area information is set to allow for a margin in the design dimensions. In this embodiment, the margin area information is unchangeable information indicating the width y4 (margin area width y4) in the opening direction set within the rectangular installation surface S1. The margin area S4 may also be provided in the depth direction of the installation surface S1 and in the height direction of the installation space P1, but here it is provided only in the opening direction, and the opening width y4 is set as a fixed value. The passage surface S3 may also be included in the margin area S4. Note that margin area information is not required. The installation surface S1 and installation space P1 that constitute the installation area may be defined as the area excluding the margin area S4.

[0090] (Rack layout information) The rack placement information refers to information about the racks and related items placed in the installation areas of the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300 (Figures 3 to 5, 16, and 19). The rack placement information is partly (or entirely) the input information described above. In this embodiment, the rail placement information included in the rack placement information, as described later, includes non-input information (information that cannot be changed). Rack arrangement information is stored in the rack arrangement information storage units 54, 55, and 56 of the storage unit 15 when the user operates the operation unit 14 and inputs it into the rack arrangement information input areas 64, 65, and 66 (Figure 10) on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8.

[0091] The rack placement information is a parameter necessary for calculating the drawing parameters (creating the bicycle parking area layout) in STEP 4, which will be described later. However, inputting rack placement information is not mandatory. Default values ​​for this rack placement information are pre-stored in the rack placement information storage units 54, 55, and 56 of the storage unit 15, and these default values ​​are used if no input is provided. The user can, as needed, operate the operation unit 14 to input the rack placement information into the rack placement information input areas 64, 65, and 66 (Figure 10) on the worksheet 6. Rack arrangement information includes multiple items. In this embodiment, rack arrangement information includes rail arrangement information, lower rack arrangement information, and upper rack arrangement information. The rack arrangement information input unit described above functions as a rail arrangement information input unit if the input information is rail arrangement information, a lower rack arrangement information input unit if the input information is lower rack arrangement information, and an upper rack arrangement information input unit if the input information is upper rack arrangement information.

[0092] (Rail layout information) The rail arrangement information is information used to identify the arrangement of rails 21 on the installation surface S1, as illustrated in Figures 16 and 19. Rail layout information is stored in the rail layout information storage unit 54 of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the rail layout information is basically immutable information stored in the storage unit 15, rather than the input information described above. However, it may also be input information that can be changed by the user. In this embodiment, the rail layout information includes only one item of input information.

[0093] Rail arrangement information includes multiple items. Rail arrangement information includes at least rail extension direction information. In this embodiment, rail arrangement information includes the following items: rail extension direction information (Y1), rail depth position information (x11), rail outer width information (y12, y13), lower rack movable width information (y14, y15), and rail predetermined width increment information (y19).

[0094] As shown in Figures 16 and 19, the rail extension direction information is information used to identify the extension direction of the rail 21 on the installation surface S1. The rail extension direction information is stored in the rail extension direction information storage unit 54A (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The rail extension direction information in this embodiment is alignment direction information that defines the extension direction Y1 (fixed value) of the rail 21 on the installation surface S1 as the alignment direction (predetermined alignment direction) of the racks 20 and 30 into which the bicycle BCLs are loaded. Here, the alignment direction (extension direction Y1) is defined to coincide with the width direction (lateral direction Y) of the installation surface S1.

[0095] Rail depth position information is information used to identify the placement position (rail depth position) of the rail 21 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X) on the installation surface S1, as shown in Figures 16 and 19. The rail depth position information is stored in the rail depth position information storage unit 54B (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the rail depth position information is the length x11 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X) from the innermost position on the installation surface S1 to the placement position (rail depth position). However, the rail depth position information has two lengths x11a (Figure 16) and x11b (Figure 19) corresponding to the position information with an upper rack 30 when an upper rack 30 is provided and the position information without an upper rack 30 when an upper rack 30 is not provided.

[0096] As shown in Figures 16 and 19, the rail outer width information is a parameter for identifying rail non-formation areas set on the outer ends of both rails 21 on the installation surface S1, and is stored in the rail outer width information storage unit 54C (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the rail outer width information is the widths y12 and y13 (rail outer widths) of the rail-less regions within the installation surface S1, which are set outside the positions of both ends of the rail 21 on the installation surface S1. One of the first outer widths, y12, is the width on the side of the rack swing direction (direction Y2 described later), and the other, the second outer width, y13, is the width on the side opposite to the rack swing direction. In this embodiment, one of the rail outer widths y12 and y13 is selected as the width on the side of the first direction Ya in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, and the other as the width on the side of the second direction Yb, which is opposite to that. The first outer width y12 is set to be wider than the second outer width y13.

[0097] The lower rack movable width information, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, is a parameter that identifies the amount of sliding clearance required to slide multiple lower racks 20 placed on the rail 21 on the installation surface S1 in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, i.e., the lower rack movable width, and is stored in the lower rack movable width information storage unit 54D (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the movable width information for the lower rack is defined as additional lengths y14 and y15 that extend the length of the rail 21 according to the number of lower racks 20. Specifically, a fixed movable width y14 is added each time a predetermined number of lower racks 20 (for example, 20) are installed, and if the number of units is less than 20, an auxiliary movable width y15 is added. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the constant movable width y14 and the auxiliary movable width y15 are the lengths when the upper rack 30 is installed, as shown in Figure 16. If the upper rack 30 is not installed, the control unit 11 may select a narrower constant movable width y14' and auxiliary movable width y15' when calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2 in STEP 4, as shown in Figure 19. If the upper rack 30 is provided as, for example, a lifting rack, a sufficient movable width is required to safely lower the upper rack 30. However, if there is no upper rack 30, the lower rack 20, which is a sliding rack, only needs to have a movable width sufficient to load and unload bicycle BCLs. Note that Figures 16 and 19 are schematic diagrams and do not accurately show the specific addition of the added lengths y14 and y14' for each predetermined number of units, and the auxiliary movable widths y15 and y15' for any remaining units.

[0098] The rail predetermined width step information, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, determines whether the length of the rail 21 can be set arbitrarily or whether it is set in predetermined length steps Yd (if the length of the rail 21 has a fraction less than the predetermined length Yd, that fraction is replaced with the predetermined length Yd and extended). The rail predetermined width step information is the input information described above. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the rail predetermined width step information input area 64e (Figure 10) for inputting the rail predetermined width step information. The rail predetermined width step information in this embodiment is selection input information that has two options: "Yes," which allows the length of the rail 21 to be set arbitrarily, and "No," which allows the length of the rail 21 to be set in predetermined length Yd increments (for example, 50 mm). These options are stored in the rail predetermined width step information storage unit 54E (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15, and when either is selected, the selection result is stored in the rail predetermined width step information storage unit 54E (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15 as the input parameter y19 of the rail predetermined width step information. Note that the rails 21 shown in Figures 16 and 19 are schematic representations of an example where they are arranged in predetermined length Yd increments, and the specific dimensions of Yd are not shown.

[0099] (Lower rack layout information) The lower rack arrangement information is information for specifying the arrangement of multiple lower racks 20 on the installation surface S1 as illustrated in Figures 16 and 19. In this embodiment, the lower rack arrangement information is the input information described above. The worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with cells (operation setting areas) that make up the lower rack arrangement information input area 65 (Figure 10) for inputting the lower rack arrangement information. However, some or all items of the lower rack arrangement information may be immutable information stored in the storage unit 15. The lower rack arrangement information is stored in the lower rack arrangement information storage unit 55 (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15.

[0100] The lower rack arrangement information includes multiple items. The lower rack arrangement information includes at least lower rack intersection angle information, lower rack spacing information, and lower rack rear end position information. In this embodiment, the lower rack arrangement information includes the following items: lower rack model information (m20, x21, x22, x23, z24), lower rack entry direction information (X2), lower rack front-to-rear difference information (x25), lower rack swing direction information (Y2), lower rack intersection angle information (θ2), and lower rack spacing information (y26).

[0101] The lower rack model information is input information used to identify the model of lower rack 20. In this embodiment, the lower rack model information is selection input information that includes multiple selection candidates such as model ATG, model SRC, model SRCH, and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11), and these selection candidates are stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In the worksheet 6 of Figure 8, a cell (operation setting area) forming the lower rack model information input area 65a (Figure 10) for inputting lower rack model information is provided, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A of the storage unit 15 as input parameters m20 of the lower rack model information. In this embodiment, the lower rack model information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A of the storage unit 15.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower rack model information is stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A of the storage unit 15, with the shape, size, and dimensional information related to the arrangement of each model associated with each model. The dimensional information includes items such as lower rack front end position information (x21), lower rack rear end position information (x22), lower rack bicycle overhang length information (x23), and lower rack bicycle mounting height information (z24).

[0103] The lower rack front end position information, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, identifies the front end position of the lower rack 20 that is furthest forward in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X: not the longitudinal direction L of the lower rack 20) ​​among the multiple lower racks 20 arranged intersecting the rail 21 (if there is a front-to-back difference, the lower rack 20 located on the front side). In this embodiment, the lower rack front end position information is the depth direction length x 21 (length in the front-to-back direction X) from the intersection point with the rail 21 to the front end position of the lower rack 20 that is furthest forward on the rail 21. The lower rack rear end position information, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, identifies the rear end position of the lower rack 20 that is furthest to the rear in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X: not the rack longitudinal direction L) among the multiple lower racks 20 arranged intersecting the rail 21 (if there is a front-to-back difference, the lower rack 20 located at the rear). In this embodiment, the lower rack rear end position information is the depth direction length x 22 (length in the front-to-back direction X) from the point of intersection with the rail 21 to the aforementioned rear end position of the lower rack 20 that is furthest to the rear arranged on the rail 21. The lower rack bicycle overhang length information, as shown in Figures 16 and 19, is information that identifies the rear overhang length in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X: not the rack longitudinal direction L) of a bicycle mounted on a lower rack 20 arranged on a rail 21. In this embodiment, the lower rack bicycle overhang length information is the depth direction length x 23 (length in the front-to-back direction X) from the rear end position of the lower rack 20 arranged on the rail 21 to the rear end position of the bicycle mounted on that lower rack. The lower rack bicycle mounting height information, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, is information that identifies the highest position in the height direction Z of a bicycle mounted on a lower rack 20 arranged on a rail 21. In this embodiment, the lower rack bicycle mounting height information is the height z24 (length in the height direction Z) from the installation surface S1 to the highest position. These dimensional information are stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15 as a dimension table associated with combinations of intersection angle, front-to-back difference, and swing direction for each model. When a model is selected in worksheet 6 in Figure 8, the model parameter m20 indicating the selected model and the corresponding dimension parameters x21, x22, x23, and z24 of the dimensional information are associated and stored in the lower rack model information storage unit 55A of the storage unit 15 as input parameters for the lower rack model information. Furthermore, these positional information (length information) values ​​x21, x22, and x23 may be set as distances from the intersection point with the rail 21, which is set as the reference position in the depth direction, or they may be set as distances from the innermost position on the installation surface S1, which is set as the reference in the depth direction.

[0104] The lower rack entry direction information is input information used to identify the entry direction, which is the orientation in which the bicycle BCL is brought into the lower rack 20. In this embodiment, the lower rack loading direction information is selection input information that has multiple selection candidates, including front loading (Figure 3), rear loading (Figure 5), front and rear loading (both front and rear are possible), and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11). These selection candidates are stored in the lower rack loading direction information storage unit 55B (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the lower rack loading direction information input area 65b (Figure 10) for inputting the lower rack loading direction information, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the lower rack loading direction information storage unit 55B of the storage unit 15 as input parameters X2 for the lower rack loading direction information. In this embodiment, the lower rack entry direction information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack entry direction information storage unit 55B of the storage unit 15. Note that one or more of the options for front loading, rear loading, and front / rear loading (both front and rear are possible) may be omitted.

[0105] The lower rack front-to-back difference information is input information used to identify the front-to-back difference between adjacent lower racks 20 when the lower racks 20, which are arranged along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, are alternately shifted front to back, as shown in Figure 16. In this embodiment, the front-to-back difference information for the lower racks is a length x25 in the depth direction indicating the front-to-back difference between adjacent lower racks 20, and is selection input information with multiple selection candidates: 0mm, 320mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11). These selection candidates are stored in the lower rack front-to-back difference information storage unit 55C (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the lower rack front-to-back difference information input area 65c (Figure 10) for inputting the lower rack front-to-back difference information, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the lower rack front-to-back difference information storage unit 55C of the storage unit 15 as input parameters x25 for the lower rack front-to-back difference information. In this embodiment, the front-to-back difference information for the lower rack is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack front-to-back difference information storage unit 55C of the storage unit 15.

[0106] The lower rack swing direction information is input information for determining the swing direction of the lower rack 20 relative to the rail 21 in a plan view, as shown in Figures 16 and 19. The lower rack swing direction information in this embodiment indicates the rack swing direction Y2 (intersecting direction), which is the direction in which the rear end of the lower rack 20 on the bicycle entrance side (front side in the depth direction) faces relative to the front end on the opposite side, in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21. This selection input information has a first direction Ya that faces the first side (for example, the right side) of the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 relative to the intersection point of the lower rack 20 with the rail 21, a second direction Yb that faces the opposite second side (for example, the left side), and multiple selection candidates that are automatically selected (automatically selected from other selection candidates by the control unit 11). These selection candidates are stored in the lower rack swing direction information storage unit 55D (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms a lower rack swing direction information input area 65d (Figure 10) for inputting lower rack swing direction information. The selected candidate is stored as the input parameter Y2 for the lower rack swing direction information in the lower rack swing direction information storage unit 55D of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the lower rack swing direction information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack swing direction information storage unit 55D of the storage unit 15.

[0107] The lower rack intersection angle information is input information for determining the intersection angle of the lower rack 20 with respect to the rail 21 in a plan view, as shown in Figures 16 and 19. In this embodiment, the lower rack intersection angle information is selection input information having multiple selection candidates as the angle θ2 with respect to the rail 21: 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11). These selection candidates are stored in the lower rack intersection angle information storage unit 55E (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the lower rack intersection angle information input area 65e (Figure 10) for inputting the lower rack intersection angle information, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the lower rack intersection angle information storage unit 55E of the storage unit 15 as the input parameter θ2 of the lower rack intersection angle information. In this embodiment, the lower rack intersection angle information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack intersection angle information storage unit 55E of the storage unit 15.

[0108] The lower rack spacing information is input information for identifying the spacing between lower racks 20 that are arranged adjacent to each other along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, as shown in Figures 16 and 19. In this embodiment, the lower rack spacing information is the length y26 in the width direction (horizontal direction Y) indicating the distance between adjacent lower racks 20, and is direct input information. Furthermore, the lower rack spacing information in this embodiment has automatic selection (automatic selection of a default value by the control unit 11) as a selection candidate, and in effect, it can be said to be selection input information that has both a directly input value and a default value as selection candidates. In the worksheet 6 of Figure 8, a cell (operation setting area) forming a lower rack spacing information input area 65f (Figure 10) for directly inputting lower rack spacing information is provided, and if it is directly input, that value is stored in the lower rack spacing information storage unit 55F (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15 as the input parameter y26 of the lower rack spacing information. In this embodiment, the lower rack spacing information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the lower rack spacing information storage unit 55F of the storage unit 15 along with the automatically selected default value (e.g., 300 mm).

[0109] (Upper rack layout information) The upper rack arrangement information is information for specifying the arrangement of the upper racks 30 in the installation space P1 above the installation surface S1, as illustrated in Figure 16. In this embodiment, part of the upper rack arrangement information is the input information described above. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with cells (operation setting areas) that make up the upper rack arrangement information input area 66 (Figure 10) for inputting the upper rack arrangement information. However, some items of the upper rack arrangement information in this embodiment are non-modifiable information (non-input information) that are used by referencing information stored in the storage unit 15 (Figure 6). The upper rack arrangement information is stored in the upper rack arrangement information storage unit 56 (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15.

[0110] The upper rack arrangement information includes multiple items. The upper rack arrangement information includes at least upper rack intersection angle information and upper rack spacing information. In this embodiment, the upper rack arrangement information includes the following items: upper rack depth position information (x31), upper rack end position information (y37, y38), upper rack model information (m30, z34, z35), upper rack entry direction information (X3), upper rack swing direction information (Y3), upper rack intersection angle information (θ3), and upper rack spacing information (y36).

[0111] The upper rack model information is input information for identifying the model of the upper rack 30. In this embodiment, the upper rack model information is selection input information that has multiple selection candidates, namely model ARS, model ARSH, model AFS, model AFSH, and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11), and these selection candidates are stored in the upper rack model information storage unit 56A (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the upper rack model information input area 66a (Figure 10) for inputting the upper rack model information, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the upper rack model information storage unit 56A of the storage unit 15 as input parameters m30 of the upper rack model information. In this embodiment, the upper rack model information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the upper rack model information storage unit 56A of the storage unit 15.

[0112] Furthermore, the upper rack model information in this embodiment is associated with each model, and dimensional information related to the shape, size, movement trajectory, and arrangement of each model is defined. The dimensional information includes, for example, upper rack depth position information (x31), upper rack end position information (y37, y38), upper rack height information (z34), and upper rack bicycle mounting height information (z35).

[0113] The upper rack depth position information is unchangeable information used to identify the position (upper rack depth position) of the upper racks 30 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X) in the installation space P1, which are aligned in the extension direction Y1 of the rails 21, and is stored in the upper rack depth position information storage unit 56G (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, the upper rack depth position information is the length x31 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X) from the innermost position on the installation surface S1 to the position of the support column 31 (upper rack depth position). The upper rack end position information indicates the position of both ends of the upper rack 30 arranged along the rail 21 within the installation space P1 (in this embodiment, within the area excluding the marginal area S4 within the installation space P1 (here, meaning the marginal area S4 and the space above it)), and is stored in the upper rack end position information 56H (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. As shown in Figure 16, the upper rack end position information of this embodiment includes leading position information for identifying the leading position of the upper racks 30 lined up in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 within the installation space P1, and trailing position range information for identifying the position where the trailing upper rack 30 can be placed. In this embodiment, the leading position of the upper rack 30 is the position of the upper rack 30 (support column 31) at the end opposite to the upper rack swing direction (Y3) described later, within the installation surface S1. The leading position information is information that identifies the leading position on the installation surface S1, and in this embodiment, it is information indicating the distance (y37) from the end on the installation surface S1 opposite to the upper rack swing direction (Y3) to the leading position. In this embodiment, the rearmost placement limit position of the upper rack 30 is specified on the side of the upper rack swing direction (Y3), and it is defined so that the upper rack 30 (support column 31) cannot be placed on the side of the upper rack swing direction (Y3) beyond that position. The rearmost placement range information is information that identifies the placement limit position on the installation surface S1, and in this embodiment, it is information indicating the distance (y38) from the end on the installation surface S1 opposite to the upper rack swing direction (Y3) to the placement limit position. Note that the side of the upper rack swing direction (Y3) may be considered the leading side, and the side opposite to the upper rack swing direction (Y3) may be considered the rearmost side. Furthermore, the position information for both ends of the upper rack may be set as the starting position information and the ending position range information for the installation space P1 itself, excluding the margin area S4. The upper rack height information, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, is information that identifies the height of the upper rack 30 when it is in a predetermined upper position. In this embodiment, the upper rack height information is the height z34 (length in the height direction Z) from the installation surface S1 to the highest position of the upper rack 30 in the upper position. The upper rack bicycle mounting height information, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, is information that identifies the height of the bicycle mounted on the upper rack 30 located in the upper position. In this embodiment, the upper rack bicycle mounting height information is the height z35 (length in the height direction Z) from the installation surface S1 to the highest reach of the bicycle mounted on the upper rack 30 located in the upper position. This dimensional information is stored in the storage unit 15 as a dimension table associated with each model.

[0114] The upper rack model information may include upper rack front end position information, upper rack rear end position information, and upper rack bicycle overhang length information, similar to the lower rack model information. However, in this embodiment, the front end position of the upper rack 30 is determined by the upper rack depth position information, and the rear end position of the upper rack 30 is determined to be located forward of the rear end position of the lower rack 20. Therefore, these are not parameters that need to be considered. For this reason, they are not stored in the storage unit 15 as input parameters and are omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drawing of the upper rack 30 (rack body) is omitted in the drawing process of STEP 6, which will be described later. This is because the arrangement of the upper rack 30 (rack body) can be determined by the equally spaced arrangement of the support columns 31, and the sliding lower rack 20 is drawn with priority. These are also reasons why the above parameters are omitted.

[0115] The upper rack loading direction information, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, is input information used to identify the loading direction, which is the orientation of the bicycle BCL when it is loaded into the upper rack 30. In this embodiment, the upper rack loading direction information is selection input information that has multiple selection candidates, including front loading, rear loading, front / rear loading (both front and rear are possible), and automatic (automatic selection from other selection candidates by the control unit 11). These selection candidates are stored in the upper rack loading direction information storage unit 56B (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a cell (operation setting area) that forms the upper rack loading direction information input area 66b (Figure 10) for inputting the upper rack loading direction information, and the selected selection candidates are stored in the upper rack loading direction information storage unit 56B of the storage unit 15 as input parameters X3 for the upper rack loading direction information. In this embodiment, the upper rack entry direction information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the upper rack entry direction information storage unit 56B of the storage unit 15. Note that one or more of the terms "front-loading," "rear-loading," or "front and rear loading" (both front and rear are possible) may be omitted.

[0116] The upper rack spacing information is input information used to identify the spacing between upper racks 30 that are arranged adjacent to each other along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, as shown in Figure 16. In this embodiment, the upper rack spacing information is the length y36 in the width direction (horizontal direction Y) indicating the distance between adjacent upper racks 30, and is direct input information. Furthermore, the upper rack spacing information in this embodiment has automatic selection (automatic selection of a default value by the control unit 11) as a selection candidate, and in effect, it can be said to be selection input information with direct input value and default value as selection candidates. In the worksheet 6 of Figure 8, a cell (operation setting area) that forms the upper rack spacing information input area 66c for inputting upper rack spacing information is provided, and if it is directly input, that value is stored in the upper rack spacing information storage unit 56F (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15 as the input parameter y36 of the upper rack spacing information. In this embodiment, the upper rack spacing information is initially set to "automatic" as default information and is stored in the upper rack spacing information storage unit 56F of the storage unit 15 along with the automatically selected default value (e.g., 500 mm). In this embodiment, the default value of the input parameter y36 is set to a value greater than the default value y26 for the lower rack.

[0117] In this embodiment, the upper rack arrangement information is automatically set based on the corresponding information on the lower rack 20 side, and the upper rack swing direction information and upper rack intersection angle information, which are part of the upper rack arrangement information, are not items (input information) that the user directly inputs. This information on the upper rack 30 side is treated as related selection information, with each selection candidate being associated with the selection input information on the lower rack 20 side. The upper rack swing direction information is associated with the lower rack swing direction information. The upper rack swing direction information is the rack swing direction Y3 of the upper rack 30 relative to the rail 21 in a plan view, and the lower rack swing direction information is the rack swing direction Y2 of the lower rack 20 relative to the rail 21. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, both are set to the same direction (Y3=Y2) and stored in the storage unit 15 (Figure 6). In this embodiment, when the lower rack swing direction information is set, the same value is set for the upper rack swing direction information. The upper rack intersection angle information is associated with the lower rack intersection angle information. The upper rack intersection angle information is the intersection angle θ3 of the upper rack 30 with respect to the rail 21 in a plan view, and the lower rack intersection angle information is the intersection angle θ2 of the lower rack 20 with respect to the rail 21 in a plan view. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, both are set to the same angle (θ3=θ2) and stored in the storage unit 15 (Figure 6).

[0118] On the other hand, the upper rack arrangement information may include upper rack front-to-back difference information, similar to the lower rack front-to-back difference information. In this embodiment, the upper racks 30 are arranged at equal intervals along a straight line Y1 in the extension direction of the rail 21, and no front-to-back positional displacement (front-to-back difference) occurs between adjacent upper racks 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, upper rack front-to-back difference information is not set as an information item. Furthermore, some of the upper rack arrangement information may be immutable information stored in the storage unit 15 (Figure 6).

[0119] In STEP 3, various user-configurable input information, including bicycle parking area information and rack placement information, is entered into designated cells on worksheet 6 in Figure 8 (63a-63g, 64e, 65a-65f, 66a-66c: Figure 10). Of this input information, the bicycle parking area information is basically blank in its initial state, and the conditions necessary for calculating the bicycle parking area layout are met when the user enters the minimum required items. In other words, once each required item is entered in STEP 3 in Figure 7, the process proceeds to STEP 4, where the control unit 11 calculates the drawing parameters using the input information. Then, unless the process proceeds to the drawing process in STEP 6 (No is selected in STEP 5), the process returns to STEP 3. When the process returns, each required item is met, but it is possible to change to other input information. Each time a change is made, the process proceeds to STEP 4, and the drawing parameters are recalculated based on the latest input information after the change. Thus, STEP 3 is the stage in which the input information that forms the basis for generating the bicycle parking area layout is finalized, and by proceeding to the following STEP 4, the control unit 11 is instructed to calculate the parameters for drawing the bicycle parking area layout using the finalized input information.

[0120] (STEP 4: Calculation of parameters for plotting) In STEP 4, the control unit 11 performs the following processing via the spreadsheet software 51 in order to calculate the layout of the bicycle parking area, including the upper and lower racks 20 and 30. First, in the worksheet 6 of Figure 8, once the bicycle parking information entered into the bicycle parking information input area 63 (63a~63g) via the operation unit 14 is finalized within the cell, the control unit 11 uses the bicycle parking information as an input parameter via the spreadsheet software 51 (calculation unit) to determine the installation area range in which racks 20 and 30 can be placed. Then, using the rack placement information as an input parameter, the control unit calculates drawing parameters for a bicycle parking layout in which racks 20 and 30 are placed within the installation area range, satisfying predetermined placement conditions such as the maximum number of racks and all fitting within the installation area range.

[0121] Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the control unit 11 identifies the installation surface range T1 in which the rails 21 and lower racks 20 can be placed, based on the installation surface information (essential item) included in the bicycle parking information. Then, based on the rail placement information and lower rack placement information, it calculates the lower level drawing parameters D1 for the bicycle parking layout (lower level bicycle parking layout) in which the rails 21 and lower racks 20 are placed within the installation surface range T1 in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions. Satisfying the predetermined placement conditions here means satisfying both the first condition that the number of racks 20 and 30 is the maximum number, and the second condition that the racks 20 fit entirely within the installation surface range T1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the control unit 11 identifies a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped installation space Q1 above the installation surface range T1 for the upper rack 30, based on the installation height information (essential item) included in the bicycle parking information. Then, based on the rail arrangement information and the upper rack arrangement information, it calculates the upper level drawing parameters D2 for the bicycle parking layout (upper level bicycle parking layout) in which the upper rack 30 is arranged within the installation space range Q1 to satisfy predetermined arrangement conditions. Satisfying the predetermined arrangement conditions here means satisfying both the third condition (same as the first condition), which is that the racks 20 and 30 represent the maximum number of bicycles, and the fourth condition, which is that the rack 30 fits entirely within the installation space range Q1. The control unit 11 functions as a calculation unit in cooperation with the spreadsheet software 51 and calculates drawing parameters (upper and lower drawing parameters), including the drawing parameters D1 and D2 calculated as described above. Note that the symbols D1 and D2 are used to distinguish between the first and second plotting parameters, and are not shown in the diagram.

[0122] In calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2, the control unit 11 first refers to spatial constraint information such as installation surface information (width y1, depth x1) and installation height information (height z1) included in the bicycle parking area information, and virtually sets the outline of the placement area to be used in the layout calculation process based on these actual dimensions. Here, as shown in Figure 16, the installation surface S1 is the actual ground surface on which the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300 are installed, and is a physical surface in which the frontage width y1 and depth width x1 are measured as actual dimensions. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 17, the installation surface range T1 is a rectangular area virtually set by the control unit 11 for layout calculation processing (a series of processes for calculating the lower drawing parameters D1) based on the frontage width y1 and depth width x1 of the actual installation surface S1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the installation space P1 is a three-dimensional physical space that extends upward by a height z1 from the installation surface S1. On the other hand, the installation space range Q1 shown in Figure 18 is a rectangular parallelepiped region virtually set by the control unit 11 for layout calculation processing (a series of processes for calculating the upper drawing parameters D2) based on these actual dimensions (y1, x11, z1). The control unit 11 assumes the above-mentioned installation area range (T1, Q1) based on the bicycle parking area information (installation surface information and installation height information), and based on this assumption, performs predetermined calculations using rack arrangement information (information related to the arrangement of rails 21, lower racks 20, and upper racks 30) as input parameters, and performs processing such as calculating the maximum number of racks 20 and 30 that can be installed in the assumed installation area range (T1, Q1), and determining whether each rack 20 and 30 can fit. Then, based on the results of these various processing, it obtains drawing parameters D1 and D2 as numerical information to be used for drawing processing.

[0123] The expressions "calculate drawing parameters for a bicycle parking layout with racks 20 and 30 placed within the installation area range," "calculate lower-level drawing parameters D1 for a bicycle parking layout with rails 21 and lower racks 20 placed within the installation surface range T1," and "calculate upper-level drawing parameters D2 for a bicycle parking layout with upper racks 30 placed within the installation space range Q1" do not mean that the racks 20 and 30 are actually physically placed within the respective ranges. These expressions mean that, based on various input parameters, a layout is assumed where the arrangement is assumed to be valid, and the drawing parameters D1 and D2 corresponding to that layout are calculated. The control unit 11 only calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 according to predetermined calculation processes and does not include any processes for the physical placement or placement control of the racks 20 and 30. Figures 17 and 18 can be viewed as conceptual diagrams illustrating the drawing process performed by the control unit 11 (CAD software 52) in STEP 6, but these diagrams are not actually drawn by the CAD software 52.

[0124] (Parameters for plotting) In this embodiment, the lower drawing parameter D1 and upper drawing parameter D2 calculated by the control unit 11 are: drawing installation surface information (y1, x1), drawing installation height information (z1), drawing rigid foundation surface information (x2), drawing passage surface information (x3), drawing entrance / exit information (E), drawing margin area information (y4), drawing rail extension direction information (Y1), drawing rail depth position information (x11), drawing rail outer width information (y12, y13), drawing information (y51), drawing lower rack movable width information (y14, y15), rail predetermined width increment information (y19), drawing lower rack model information (m20, x21, x22, x23, z2 4) The lower rack entry direction information for drawing (X2), the front-to-back difference information for the lower rack for drawing (x25), the swing direction information for the lower rack for drawing (Y2), the intersection angle information for the lower rack for drawing (θ2), the spacing information for the lower rack for drawing (y26), the number of lower racks for drawing (n2), the upper rack model information for drawing (m30, x31, z34, z35, y37, y38), the upper rack entry direction information for drawing (X3), and the swing direction information for the upper rack for drawing (Y3) include the intersection angle information for the upper rack for drawing (θ3), the spacing information for the upper rack for drawing (y36), the position information of both ends of the upper rack for drawing (y37, y38), and the number of upper racks for drawing (n3). Note that any of these plotting parameters D1 and D2 that are not needed in the plotting process in STEP 5 can be omitted.

[0125] The drawing surface information is information used to identify the installation surface range T1. The drawing surface information is derived based on the installation surface information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, with the installation surface information (y1, x1) directly reflected in the result.

[0126] The installation height information for drawing is information used to identify the installation space range Q1. The installation height information for drawing is derived based on the installation height information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the installation height information (z1).

[0127] The rigid foundation surface information for drawing is information for identifying the rigid foundation surface range T2 that corresponds to the rigid foundation surface S2 within the installation surface range T1. The rigid foundation surface information for drawing is derived based on the rigid foundation surface information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the rigid foundation surface information (x2).

[0128] The drawing-oriented pathway surface information is information for identifying the pathway surface range T3 that corresponds to the pathway surface S3 within the installation surface range T1. The drawing-oriented pathway surface information is derived based on the pathway surface information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the pathway surface information (x3 (x3a, x3b)).

[0129] The drawing entrance / exit information is information for identifying the direction E that the entrance / exit position Ey faces within the passage surface range T3. The drawing entrance / exit information is derived based on the entrance / exit information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the entrance / exit information (E).

[0130] The margin area information for drawing is information for identifying the margin area range T4 that corresponds to the margin area S4 within the installation surface S1 within the installation surface range T1. The margin area information for drawing is derived based on the margin area information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the margin area information (y4).

[0131] The rail extension direction information for drawing is information used to identify the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 within the installation surface range T1. The rail extension direction information for drawing is derived based on the rail direction information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, in a form that directly reflects the rail extension direction information.

[0132] The rail depth position information for drawing is information used to identify the placement position (rail depth position) of the rail 21 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction X) within the installation surface range T1. The rail depth position information for drawing is derived based on the rail depth position information, and specifically, it is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, with the rail depth position information (x11) being directly reflected.

[0133] The rail outer width information for drawing is information used to identify the width of the rail non-formed area set on the outer sides of both ends of the rail 21 within the installation surface range T1. The rail outer width information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, and the rail outer width information (y12, y13) selected as input parameters is directly reflected in the result.

[0134] The required rail length information for drawing indicates the total length y51 of the rails 21 necessary to allow the lower rack 20 to slide within the installation surface range T1. The required rail length information (y51) for drawing in this embodiment is calculated (derived) based on bicycle parking area information (y1), margin area information (y4), rail outer width information (y12, y13), and lower rack movable width information (y14, y15). Specifically, the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, subtracts (excludes) the outer rail width y12-y13, the margin area width y4, and the lower rack movable width y14-y15 from the opening y1 of the installation surface S1 to calculate the total length y51 of the rail 21. In this embodiment, the total length y51 is adjusted by subtraction based on rail predetermined width increment information (y19) so that it corresponds to predetermined width increments of y19. That is, fractional widths that fall outside the predetermined width increments of y19 are excluded (subtracted) from the total length y51. Note that this fine adjustment may be omitted. Furthermore, the total length y51 in this embodiment may be calculated excluding the margin area information (y4). In other words, the total length y51 of the rail 21 may be made longer by the margin area width y4.

[0135] The lower rack movable width information for drawing is information that identifies the amount of sliding clearance required to slide the lower rack 20, which is placed on the rail 21, in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 within the installation surface range T1, i.e., the lower rack movable width. In this embodiment, the lower rack movable width information for drawing is derived by directly reflecting the lower rack movable width information (y14, y15) selected as input parameters by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0136] The lower rack model information for drawing is information indicating the model (model number, specifications, and dimensions) of the lower rack 20 to be placed within the installation surface range T1. The lower rack model information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate of the lower rack model information. In this embodiment, the lower rack model information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11 as information reflecting each selection candidate of the lower rack model information. Specifically, the lower rack model information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the lower rack model information (m20, x21, x22, x23, z24) selected as input parameters by the control unit 11. The front end position information of the lower rack for drawing included in the lower rack model information will directly reflect the front end position information (x21) of the lower rack. The rear end position information of the lower rack for drawing included in the lower rack model information will directly reflect the rear end position information (x22) of the lower rack. The bicycle overhang length information of the lower rack for drawing included in the lower rack model information will directly reflect the bicycle overhang length information (x23) of the lower rack. The bicycle mounting height information of the lower rack for drawing included in the lower rack model information will directly reflect the bicycle mounting height information (z24) of the lower rack.

[0137] The lower rack entry direction information for drawing is information indicating the entry direction of a bicycle BCL to the lower rack 20 located within the installation surface range T1. The lower rack entry direction information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate for the lower rack entry direction information. In this embodiment, the lower rack entry direction information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the lower rack model information (X2) selected as an input parameter by the control unit 11.

[0138] The lower rack front-to-back difference information for drawing is information indicating the front-to-back difference (difference in front-to-back position / offset amount) between adjacent lower racks 20 placed within the installation surface range T1. The lower rack front-to-back difference information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate for the lower rack front-to-back difference information. In this embodiment, the lower rack front-to-back difference information (x25) selected as an input parameter by the control unit 11 is directly reflected in the derived information. When calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2, the control unit 11 sets the selected option other than "Automatic" as the input parameter if the user has selected a selection option other than "Automatic" for the front-to-back difference information of the lower rack. On the other hand, if "Automatic" is selected, the control unit 11 selects a selection option using the standard value shown in Figure 13, as well as a special selection method (described later) using priority (priority items).

[0139] The lower rack swing direction information for drawing is information indicating the swing direction of the lower rack 20, which is placed within the installation surface range T1. The lower rack swing direction information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate for the lower rack swing direction information. In this embodiment, the lower rack swing direction information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the lower rack swing direction information (Y2) selected as an input parameter by the control unit 11. When calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2, the control unit 11 sets the selected option other than "automatic" as the input parameter if the user has selected an option other than "automatic" as the lower rack swing direction information. On the other hand, if "automatic" is selected, the input parameters are set based on the following conditions. If entrance / exit information is entered, the control unit 11 identifies the direction E from the passage surface range T3 (passage area) toward the entrance / exit Ey in the width direction based on the passage area information, entrance / exit information, and rail extension direction information (alignment direction information), and calculates the lower rack swing direction information for drawing with the identified direction E as the rack swing direction. If no entrance / exit information is entered, the control unit 11 sets the default value (for example, the first direction Ya) stored in the lower rack swing direction information storage unit 55D of the storage unit 15. Regarding the direction of lower rack rotation, the maximum number of lower racks 20 does not change regardless of whether the first direction Ya or the second direction Yb is selected. Therefore, if "Automatic" is selected and no entrance / exit information is entered, no selection options other than the default value will be set (selection options Ya and Yb will not be comprehensively set as input parameters).

[0140] The lower rack intersection angle information for drawing is information indicating the intersection angle of the lower rack 20, which is placed within the installation surface range T1, with respect to the rail 21. The lower rack intersection angle information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate for the lower rack intersection angle information. In this embodiment, the lower rack intersection angle information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the lower rack intersection angle information (θ2) selected as an input parameter by the control unit 11. When calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2, the control unit 11 sets the selected option other than "Automatic" as the input parameter if the user has selected an option other than "Automatic" for the lower rack crossing angle information. On the other hand, if "Automatic" is selected, the control unit 11 selects an option using the standard value shown in Figure 13, as well as a special selection method (described later) using priority (priority items).

[0141] The lower rack spacing information for drawing is information indicating the spacing (pitch: length in the extension direction Y1) between adjacent lower racks 20 arranged within the installation surface range T1 in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21. The lower rack spacing information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, based on the lower rack spacing information. Specifically, it is derived by directly reflecting the values ​​entered as input parameters or the lower rack spacing information (y26) to which the default value has been set.

[0142] The lower rack number information for drawing purposes indicates the maximum number of lower racks 20 n2 to be placed within the installation area T1. The maximum number of bicycles n2 in this embodiment is calculated (derived) based on bicycle parking area information (y1), margin area information (y4), rail outer width information (y12·y13), lower rack spacing information (y26), rail predetermined width increment information (y19), and lower rack movable width information y14·y15 as needed. Specifically, the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, calculates the effective rail length y52 by excluding the section corresponding to the lower rack movable width y14·y15 from the total length y51 of the rail 21. Based on the calculated effective rail length y52 and the lower rack spacing y26, it calculates the maximum number n2 of lower racks 20 that can be placed without interference when the lower racks 20 are sequentially placed while maintaining the lower rack spacing y26 relative to this effective rail length y52. In this embodiment, the maximum number of units n2 may be calculated excluding the margin area information (y4). That is, the number of lower racks 20 may be increased by the margin area width y4.

[0143] The upper rack model information for drawing is information indicating the model (model number, specifications, and dimensions) of the upper rack 30 to be placed within the installation space range Q1. The upper rack model information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate of the upper rack model information. In this embodiment, the upper rack model information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the upper rack model information (m30, x31, z34, z35, y37, y38) selected as input parameters by the control unit 11. The drawing upper rack depth position information included in the drawing upper rack model information directly reflects the upper rack depth position information (x31). The upper rack height information for drawing purposes directly reflects the upper rack height information (z34) included in the upper rack model information for drawing purposes. The position information for both ends of the upper rack for drawing, included in the upper rack model information for drawing, directly reflects the position information for both ends of the upper rack (y37, y38). In this embodiment, the position information for both ends of the upper rack for drawing includes the leading position information (y37) and the placement limit position information (y38) directly as the leading position information (y37) and placement limit position information (y38) for drawing. Note that the placement limit position information (y38) for drawing may also be the last position information (y38) for drawing. The last position information (y38) for drawing is information indicating the placement position y38 of the last upper rack 30 (support column 31).

[0144] The upper rack entry direction information for drawing is information indicating the entry direction of bicycle BCLs into the upper rack 30 located within the installation space range Q1. The upper rack entry direction information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11, which calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, as information corresponding to each selection candidate (for example, information reflecting each selection candidate) based on each selection candidate for the upper rack entry direction information. In this embodiment, the upper rack entry direction information for drawing is derived in a form that directly reflects the upper rack entry direction information (X3) selected as an input parameter by the control unit 11.

[0145] The upper rack swing direction information for drawing is information indicating the swing direction of the upper rack 30 in a plan view, which is located within the installation space range Q1. In this embodiment, it is set to the same value (Y3=Y2) as the lower rack swing direction information (Y2) for drawing. The upper rack intersection angle information for drawing purposes indicates the intersection angle of the upper rack 30, which is located within the installation space range Q1, with respect to the rail 21 in a plan view, and in this embodiment, it is the same as the lower rack intersection angle information for drawing purposes.

[0146] The upper rack spacing information for drawing is information that identifies the spacing (pitch) of the upper racks that are adjacent to each other along the rail 21 in a plan view within the installation space range Q1, and can also be information that identifies the spacing (pitch) of the support columns 31 that are adjacent to each other along the rail 21. The upper rack spacing information for drawing is derived by the control unit 11 that calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2, based on the upper rack spacing information. Specifically, it is derived in a form that directly reflects the values ​​entered as input parameters, or the upper rack spacing information (y36) to which the default value has been set.

[0147] The upper rack number information for drawing purposes indicates the maximum number of upper racks 30, n3, that will be placed within the installation space range Q1. The maximum number of units n3 in this embodiment is calculated (derived) based on bicycle parking area information (y1), margin area information (y4), upper rack spacing information (y36), and upper rack end position information for drawing (starting position y37, placement limit position y38). Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the maximum number of upper racks 30 that can be placed without interference when the upper racks 30 are placed sequentially from the leading position y37 while maintaining the upper rack spacing y36, in the rack-placeable section y39 in the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 (i.e., the section between the leading position y37 and the placement limit position y38 of the upper racks 30) which is identified based on the margin area information (y4), the leading position information (y37) and the trailing position information (y38) of the upper racks for drawing. The control unit 11 calculates the maximum number n3. In this embodiment, the maximum number of units n3 may be calculated excluding the margin area information (y4). That is, the number of upper racks 30 may be increased by the margin area width y4.

[0148] (Calculate plotting parameters for all input parameter sets) In STEP 4, the control unit 11 uses the input information for each item of the aforementioned bicycle parking information and rack arrangement information (rail arrangement information, lower rack arrangement information, upper rack arrangement information) as input parameters, and treats the set of input parameters for all these items as a single pattern. Specifically, for items of directly input information, the control unit 11 adopts the value entered in the cell as the input parameter, and for items of selected input information, it adopts one of several selection candidates as the input parameter, and constructs a set of input parameters by combining these as a single pattern. Then, the control unit 11 generates a different pattern by switching the selection candidate of the selected input information to another selection candidate, and calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 for all generated patterns.

[0149] The rack placement information mentioned above includes selection input information in which a priority order (processing order) is defined for multiple selection candidates. If "Automatic" is set as one of the selection candidates, the control unit 11 adopts the selection candidates in order of priority, starting with the highest priority, and generates a group of input parameters combined with other items as a single pattern. On the other hand, if a specific selection candidate is selected, only that specific selection candidate is used as an input parameter, and no other selection candidates are used as input parameters. For items with directly input information, if there is no value entered in the cell and "Automatic" is set, the control unit 11 adopts the default value as the input parameter and generates a single input parameter group by combining it with other items.

[0150] The calculated plotting parameters D1 and D2 for each pattern include plotting information for the number of lower racks, which indicates the maximum number of units n2 for the lower rack 20, and plotting information for the number of upper racks, which indicates the maximum number of units n3 for the upper rack 30. In STEP 4, the control unit 11 identifies the maximum number of bicycles pattern (maximum number of bicycles for upper and lower racks) from among these multiple patterns, which has the largest total number of bicycles in the lower rack 20 and upper rack 30, and adopts the bicycle parking layout corresponding to this maximum number of bicycles pattern as the layout to be drawn.

[0151] (Calculation of parameters for plotting some patterns is omitted) The selection input information included in the rack arrangement information has multiple selection candidates, including "automatic," and each selection candidate, excluding "automatic," which can be adopted as an input parameter, has a predetermined priority (processing order). The processing order setting information storage unit 57 (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15 stores processing order setting information for setting this priority. The control unit 11 automatically selects and switches the selection candidates based on this priority. That is, the control unit 11 switches the selection candidates according to this priority (processing order), sequentially generates input parameter groups (patterns), and comprehensively calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 for each pattern in that order. The control unit 11 may omit part of this comprehensive calculation and may not calculate the plotting parameters D1 and D2 for some patterns. For example, if "Automatic" is not set for the input parameters and specific parameters are set, this is one example of omitting part of the comprehensive calculation. In this case, the input parameters are fixed to the set specific values ​​and cannot be switched to other candidate values. Other examples are given below.

[0152] (Omission Method 1: Related Selection Information) In this embodiment, the lower rack entry direction information and the lower rack model information are each selection information having multiple selection candidates, and are related selection information having a corresponding relationship with each other's selection candidates. When one selection candidate is selected from the cells in the lower rack entry direction information input area 65b (Figure 10), the control unit 11 adopts that selection candidate as an input parameter, and also adopts the selection candidate for the lower rack model information associated with that selection candidate as an input parameter. Conversely, if one selection candidate is selected from the cells in the lower rack model information input area 65a (Figure 10), the control unit 11 adopts the selected lower rack model information as an input parameter, and also adopts the lower rack storage direction information associated with that selection candidate as an input parameter. The control unit 11 calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 based on the input parameter group, which includes these input parameters and input parameters related to other items. In this case, even if the input parameters of other items are changed to generate a different pattern of input parameter group, the corresponding selection candidates for the lower rack entry direction information and lower rack model information are fixed, and other selection candidates are not adopted as input parameters. Therefore, the calculation process of the drawing parameters D1 and D2 based on other selection candidates in this selection information is omitted and not executed. Note that related selection information may also be included in the rack placement information.

[0153] (Method 2 for omitting selection candidates: Input area for excluding selection candidates) In this embodiment, when calculating the plotting parameters D1 and D2 for each pattern, input areas 72 and 73 for excluding selection candidates are provided on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8 for excluding one or more selection candidates that the user deems unnecessary from the selection information which has multiple selection candidates included in the bicycle parking information and rack arrangement information. Specifically, in the selection candidate exclusion input areas 72 and 73, all selection candidates included in the upper rack model information (m30) and lower rack model information (m20) that constitute the selection input information are displayed side by side, and checkboxes are provided in the cells corresponding to the displayed selection candidates. Similarly, all selection candidates included in the upper rack entry direction information (X2) and lower rack entry direction information (X3) that constitute the selection input information are displayed side by side, and checkboxes are provided in the cells corresponding to the displayed selection candidates. For selection candidates with a checkbox checked, the control unit 11 selects them as input parameters and calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2. For selection candidates with an unchecked checkbox, the control unit 11 does not select them as input parameters and does not calculate the drawing parameters D1 and D2. The exclusion input unit comprises exclusion candidate input areas 72 and 73 on worksheet 6, and an operation unit 14 that allows input operations on these areas.

[0154] (Method 3 of omission: Setting the calculation order based on standard values) In this embodiment, the calculation order of plotting parameters is defined for numerical selection information included in the rack arrangement information, which includes multiple numerical candidates as selection candidates, and for which standard values ​​(Figure 13) can be set for these numerical candidates. Specifically, this applies to the lower rack intersection angle information and the lower rack front-to-back difference information among the selection input information. Worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with cells (operation setting areas) that form standard value input areas 67a and 67b (Figure 13) for inputting standard values ​​for lower rack crossing angle information and lower rack front-to-back difference information from multiple selection options, and standard values ​​can be input (selected) in STEP 3. Each standard value is input information. Initially, each standard value has a default value set (for example, crossing angle of 10°, front-to-back difference of 400 mm), and if there is no input in the standard value input areas 67a and 67b, these default values ​​are used as standard values. The standard value input unit is composed of the standard value input areas 67a and 67b on Worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14 that allows input operations on these areas.

[0155] When "Automatic" is set as the input parameter for this numerical selection information, the control unit 11 first reads and selects the standard value and calculates the plotting parameters D1 and D2. Next, it selects the numerical candidate that is closest to the standard value from among the numerical candidates on the side where an increase in the maximum number of racks 20 and 30 is expected, and calculates the plotting parameters D1 and D2. Subsequently, it selects the numerical candidates that are closest to the previously selected numerical candidate, starting from the same side, and repeats the calculation of plotting parameters D1 and D2. In this iterative process, the first plotting parameters D1 and D2 that are successfully calculated become the plotting parameters for the target layout, and subsequent processing is omitted. This allows the system to identify the target layout using values ​​as close as possible to the standard values ​​requested by the user. On the other hand, if the plotting parameters D1 and D2 cannot be calculated for all numerical candidates on the side where an increase in the maximum number of racks 20 and 30 is expected, the control unit 11 selects and calculates numerical candidates on the opposite side from the standard value (the side opposite to the side where an increase in the maximum number of racks is expected) in order from the numerical candidate closest to the standard value. In this case as well, the plotting parameters D1 and D2 that were successfully calculated first are adopted, and subsequent processing is omitted. The series of calculation processes, which proceed from the standard value to the value on the side where an increase in the maximum number of units is expected, and then to the value on the opposite side of the expected increase in the maximum number of units, are called the plotting parameter switching calculation process. The selection order of numerical candidates in this series of calculation processes is stored as processing order setting information in the processing order setting information storage unit 57 (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15, and the control unit 11 sequentially selects numerical candidates based on this processing order setting information and repeats the calculation of plotting parameters D1 and D2.

[0156] The side where an increase in the maximum number of racks 20 and 30 can be expected is the side where the numerical values of the numerical candidates (0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°) are reduced in the lower rack crossing angle information and the side where the numerical values of the numerical candidates (0 mm, 320 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 450 mm) are reduced in the lower rack front-back difference information. When the crossing angle and the front-back difference of the lower rack 20 are increased, the width of the lower rack 20 in the extending direction of the rail 21 increases, and the number of lower racks 20 that can fit within the rail 21 decreases. Therefore, considering the condition for arranging the maximum number of racks 20 and 30, the calculation in this direction is meaningless and is omitted in this embodiment. On the other hand, regarding the lower rack front-back difference information, since 0 mm is the numerical candidate with the fewest maximum number of racks 20 and 30, after selecting the candidates on the side where the numerical value is reduced from the standard value, before 0 mm is selected, the candidates on the side where the numerical value increases from the standard value are selected in order from the one closest to the standard value, and finally 0 mm is selected.

[0157] (Omission method 4: Setting the calculation order based on the standard value and the priority item) Furthermore, in this embodiment, for two numerical selection information including the standard value among a plurality of numerical selection information, it is possible to set a priority order (priority item) indicating which one to prioritize for the switching process. Specifically, a priority order is set for the lower rack crossing angle information (first selection information) and the lower rack front-back difference information (second selection information). In the worksheet 6 of FIG. 8, a cell (operation setting area) forming a priority input area 67c (FIG. 13) for inputting the prioritized item (priority item) among the lower rack crossing angle information and the lower rack front-back difference information is provided, and the input priority order is stored in the processing order setting information storage unit 57 of the storage unit 15. A default value (for example, the front-back difference is the priority item) is set for the priority order. When there is no input in the priority input area 67c, the default value is used as the priority order. The priority input unit is composed of the priority input area 67c on the worksheet 6 and the operation unit 14 capable of input operations thereon.

[0158] Specifically, based on the priorities stored in the processing order setting information storage unit 57, the control unit 11 determines the one with the higher priority between the lower rack crossing angle information (first selection information) and the lower rack front-rear difference information (second selection information) as the first priority selection information, and the one with the lower priority as the second priority selection information. Here, it is assumed that the lower rack front-rear difference information has a higher priority than the lower rack crossing angle information. First, for the lower rack front-rear difference information (first priority selection information), the control unit 11 selects the corresponding standard value as the input parameter, and executes the drawing parameter switching calculation process for the second priority selection information (lower rack crossing angle information). That is, while the input parameter of the lower rack front-rear difference information is fixedly set to the corresponding standard value, the numerical candidates of the lower rack crossing angle information are sequentially switched from the standard value to the numerical candidate closest to the standard value, and then to the numerical candidate closer to that numerical candidate on the side where an increase in the maximum number of units is expected under the first condition described above. Each time a switch is made, the control unit 11 executes a process (drawing parameter switching calculation process) of calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2 based on the input parameters of both the lower rack front-rear difference information and the lower rack crossing angle information selected at that time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the input parameter of the lower rack front-rear difference information is fixedly set to the standard value, the control unit 11 sequentially switches the numerical candidates of the lower rack crossing angle information on the side opposite to the side where an increase in the maximum number of units is expected under the first condition described above, from the standard value to the numerical candidate closest to the standard value, and then to the numerical candidate closer to that numerical candidate. Each time a switch is made, the control unit 11 executes a process of calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2 based on the input parameters of both the lower rack front-rear difference information and the lower rack crossing angle information selected at that time. Subsequently, the input parameters for the lower rack front-to-back difference information (first priority selection information) are sequentially switched to the numerical candidate with the closest value among the numerical candidates on the side where an increase in the maximum number of units is expected under the first condition described above. Each time a switch is made, the parameter switching calculation process for the second priority selection information (lower rack intersection angle information) is executed. In other words, the control unit 11 fixes the input parameters for the lower rack front-to-back difference information (first priority selection information) to the selected numerical candidate, and then, for the second priority selection information (lower rack intersection angle information), on the side opposite to the side where an increase in the maximum number of units is expected under the first condition described above, it sequentially switches from the standard value to the numerical candidate closest to that standard value, and then to the numerical candidate closest to that numerical candidate. Each time a switch is made, the control unit 11 executes a process to calculate the drawing parameters D1 and D2 based on the input parameters of both the lower rack front-to-back difference information and the lower rack intersection angle information that are selected at that time. However, the numerical candidate of 0 mm for the lower rack front-to-back difference information is an exception and is selected last. In this series of processes, the first drawing parameters D1 and D2 that are successfully calculated become the drawing parameters for the target layout, and the processes after they are calculated are omitted. The selection order of numerical candidates in this series of calculation processes is stored as processing order setting information in the processing order setting information storage unit 57 (Figure 6) of the storage unit 15. The control unit 11 sequentially selects numerical candidates based on this processing order setting information and repeats the calculation of the plotting parameters D1 and D2.

[0159] On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the series of processes described above, if there is a combination of lower rack intersection angle information (first selection information) and lower rack front-to-back difference information (second selection information) that is not to be used as a plotting parameter in advance, i.e., not to be adopted as a bicycle parking layout, the calculation process for plotting parameters D1 and D2 based on that combination can be set not to be performed in advance. Specifically, the worksheet 6 in Figure 8 is provided with a combination exclusion input area 71 for specifying one or more combinations of selection candidates (numerical candidates) for the lower rack crossing angle information (first selection information) and the lower rack front-to-back difference information (second selection information) selected by the control unit 11 as input parameters, in which the calculation of plotting parameters D1 and D2 will not be performed. The combination exclusion input area 71 of this embodiment is configured as a table with the selection candidates for lower rack crossing angle information (first selection information) (numerical candidates: 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees) on the vertical axis and the selection candidates for lower rack front-to-back difference information (second selection information) (numerical candidates: 0 mm, 320 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 450 mm) on the horizontal axis. Each cell corresponding to the selection candidates in the vertical and horizontal axes is provided with a checkbox. For combinations with a checkbox, the control unit 11 selects them as input parameters and calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2. For combinations without a checkbox, the control unit 11 does not select them as input parameters and does not calculate the drawing parameters D1 and D2. The combination exclusion input unit comprises a combination exclusion input area 71 on worksheet 6 and an operation unit 14 that allows input operations on this area.

[0160] (Omission Method 5: Minimum Number of Units Limit) Furthermore, the drawing parameters D1 and D2 include information on the number of lower racks and upper racks for drawing. In this embodiment, the minimum number of lower racks 20 and upper racks 30 required to constitute a lower bicycle parking device 200 and an upper bicycle parking device 300 is defined. Based on the information on the number of lower racks and upper racks for drawing, the control unit 11 identifies the number of lower racks 20 and upper racks 30 (information on the number of lower racks and upper racks for drawing) in each pattern (group of input parameters), and if the number does not meet the above minimum, it determines that the arrangement of that pattern is not possible. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2. In this embodiment, the minimum number is 1 upper rack 30 (not installed is also permitted) and 2 lower racks 20, but these can be changed as appropriate according to the design conditions.

[0161] (Omission Method 6: Length Limit) Furthermore, the drawing parameters D1 and D2 include information on the lower rack model and the upper rack model for drawing. For drawing purposes, the lower rack model information is mapped to the following for each model: lower rack front end position information (x21), lower rack rear end position information (x22), and lower rack bicycle overhang length information (x23). The control unit 11 determines the rearmost position of the lower rack 20 (the rear end position of the bicycle) in the bicycle-mounted state based on the rail depth position information (x11), the front end position information of the lower rack (x21), the rear end position information of the lower rack (x22), and the length of the bicycle overhang from the lower rack (x23). If this rearmost position overhangs from the front side of the installation surface S1, the control unit 11 determines that the placement of the lower rack 20 is not possible. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0162] (Method 7 of omission: Height restriction) Furthermore, for each model of the lower rack used for drawing, the lower rack bicycle mounting height information z24 is associated as one of the dimensional information, and for each model of the upper rack used for drawing, the upper rack height information z34 and the upper rack bicycle mounting height information z35 are associated. The control unit 11 determines the height z24 (including the height of the bicycle) of the lower rack 20 in the state with the bicycle mounted, based on the lower rack bicycle mounting height information z24. If this height z24 is greater than the actual height z1 of the installation space range Q1, it determines that the lower rack 20 cannot be placed. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2. Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines the height z35 (including the height of the bicycle) of the upper rack 30 in the upper position with the bicycle mounted, based on the upper rack bicycle mounting height information z35. If this height z35 is greater than the actual height z1 of the installation space range Q1, it determines that the upper rack 30 cannot be placed. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2. Furthermore, the control unit 11 determines the height z24 (including the height of the bicycle) of the lower rack 20 when a bicycle is mounted on it, based on the lower rack bicycle mounting height information z24, and determines the height z34 (excluding the height of the bicycle) of the upper rack 30 itself when it is in the upper position, based on the upper rack bicycle mounting height information z35. If the height z24 is greater than the height z34, it determines that the upper rack 30 cannot be placed. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0163] (Omission Method 8: Insufficient hard foundation surface) In this embodiment, rigid foundation surface information is included as an optional item. When input parameters are set for the rigid foundation surface information, the control unit 11 determines the rear end position of the lower rack 20 based on the installation surface information (x1, y1), the rigid foundation surface information (x2), and the rear end position information (x22). If the rear end position is in front of the rear end position of the rigid foundation surface S2, the control unit 11 determines that the caster 23 cannot be landed on the rigid foundation surface S2 and determines that the placement of the lower rack 20 is impossible. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0164] (Omission Method 9: Insufficient aisle space) In this embodiment, aisle surface information is included as an optional item. When an input parameter is set for the aisle surface information, the control unit 11 identifies the rear end position of the lower rack 20 without a bicycle and the last end position of the lower rack 20 with a bicycle (the rear end position of the bicycle) based on the installation surface information (x1, y1), aisle surface information (x3), lower rack rear end position information (x22), and lower rack bicycle overhang length information (x23), and calculates how much length remains in the depth direction towards the front from those positions within the installation surface S1 (x1, y1). Specifically, the device reference effective aisle width x4a is calculated from the rear end position of the lower rack 20 without a bicycle to the frontmost position in the depth direction of the installation surface S1, and the bicycle reference effective aisle width x4b is calculated from the last end position of the lower rack 20 with a bicycle (the rear end position of the bicycle) to the frontmost position in the depth direction of the installation surface S1. The placement of the lower rack 20 is determined to be impossible in at least one of the following cases: when the device standard effective aisle width x4a is smaller than the device standard aisle width x3a, or when the bicycle standard effective aisle width x4b is smaller than the bicycle standard aisle width x3b. This eliminates the need to calculate the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0165] In this way, when the control unit 11 calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 from each input parameter group, it determines whether the lower bicycle parking device 200 and the upper bicycle parking device 300 can be placed. If placement is not possible, the calculation of the remaining drawing parameters D1 and D2 that have not yet been calculated can be omitted. Furthermore, if all patterns of the lower rack 20 are determined to be unsuitable for placement, the upper bicycle parking device 300 will also be unsuitable for placement. This is because the lower bicycle parking device 200 is a mandatory configuration, while the upper bicycle parking device 300 is an optional configuration. Furthermore, if all patterns of the upper rack 30 are determined to be unsuitable for placement, only the upper bicycle parking device 300 will be unsuitable for placement, and a layout using only the lower bicycle parking device 200 will be adopted. If it is determined that both devices can be installed, a layout using both the lower bicycle parking device 200 and the upper bicycle parking device 300 will be adopted.

[0166] (Output parameters) In STEP 4, the control unit 11 calculates the drawing parameters D1 and D2 from each input parameter group and finally identifies the layout to be drawn. Immediately afterward, the control unit 11 displays the predetermined output parameter D3 in the calculation result output areas 68 (68a~68i: Figure 11) and 69 (69a~69h: Figure 12) of the worksheet 6 in Figure 8. The display unit 13 functions as a calculation result output unit that displays these calculation results on the screen, and the printing unit 16 functions similarly by printing the calculation result output areas 68 and 69 (Figures 11 and 12) onto paper. However, if the layout to be drawn cannot be identified, that is, if the bicycle parking area layout cannot be created, drawing-prohibition information may be displayed on the display unit 13. If only the upper racks 30 cannot be drawn, but the lower racks 20 can, drawing-prohibition information limited to the upper racks 30 may be displayed. For example, on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8, the background color of the cells showing the number of bicycles to be placed in the lower racks 20 and upper racks 30 may be changed to red, or "-" may be displayed instead of a number in the calculation result output areas 68 (68a~68i: Figure 11) and 69 (69a~69h: Figure 12), to visually notify that drawing is impossible. With such a display, the display unit 13 functions as a drawing-prohibition information output unit.

[0167] The output parameter D3 includes, in addition to some of the drawing parameters D1 and D2 corresponding to the adopted drawing target layout, effective installation surface information, effective aisle surface information, and total number of racks information. The control unit 11 also performs the (derivation) of these in STEP 4. Note that other drawing parameters D1 and D2 may be added to the output parameter D3. For example, effective installation surface information, effective aisle surface information, and total number of racks information may be added to the drawing parameters D1 and D2.

[0168] The effective installation surface information is information used to identify the area within the installation surface S1 (Figure 16) where the lower rack 20 and upper rack 30 can be placed, or the area where they are intended to be placed (effective installation surface). As shown in Figure 17, the effective installation surface in this embodiment is the region T5 specified by the control unit 11 within the installation surface range T1, and is the rectangular region T5 excluding the region T4 corresponding to the margin region S4 and the effective passage surface T6 described later within the installation surface range T1. The effective installation surface information for specifying the effective installation surface T5 is the front width y5 and depth width x5 of the effective installation surface T5. Specifically, the depth width x5 is the distance from the innermost position of the installation surface range T1 to the rear end position of the lower rack 20. Since it is assumed that the lower rack 20 is longer in the front direction in the depth direction than the upper rack 30, the depth width x5 is always determined as this distance, independent of the upper rack 30. The front width y5 is the distance from the installation surface range T1 excluding the front width y4 of the margin region S4. The effective installation surface information (x5, y5) is calculated in STEP 4 by the control unit 11 based on the installation surface information (y1, x1), the drawing rail depth position information (x11), the lower rack model information (x22), and the margin area information (y4). This information is displayed in the calculation result output areas 69d and 69e of the worksheet 6 in Figure 8 (Figure 12), and can also be printed by the printing unit 16. The display unit 13 and the printing unit 16 function as effective installation surface information output units. The control unit 11 also functions as an effective installation surface information calculation unit in cooperation with the spreadsheet software 51.

[0169] The effective passage surface information is information used to identify the effective passage area (effective passage surface: Figures 16 and 19) secured on the front side of the installation surface S1. The effective passage area of this embodiment is the surface area T6 specified within the installation surface range T1 by the control unit 11. Here, it is the surface T6 remaining on the front side in the depth direction, excluding the effective installation surface T5 from the installation surface range T1. Specifically, the effective passage surface T6 is a rectangular area within the installation surface range T1, from the foremost position in the depth direction to the distance up to the rear end position (x22) of the lower rack 20. The effective passage surface information for specifying the effective passage surface T6 is defined by the frontage width y6 and the depth width x6 of the effective passage surface T6. Specifically, the depth width x6 is the distance from the foremost position of the installation surface range T1 to the rear end position (x22) of the lower rack 20. In this embodiment, this x6 is defined as the device standard effective passage width x6a. And the distance from the rear end position (x23) of the bicycle mounted on the lower rack 20 in the installation surface range T1 to the foremost position of the installation surface S1 is defined as the bicycle standard effective passage width x6b. The effective passage surface T6 may be defined as the bicycle standard effective passage width x6b instead of the device standard effective passage width x6a. Since the frontage width y6 is the same value as the frontage width y1 of the installation surface range T1, it is omitted. The effective passage surface information (x6 (x6a, x6b)) is calculated by the control unit 11 in STEP4 based on the installation surface information (y1, x1), the depth position information of the drawing rail x11, and the lower rack model information (x22, x23), and is displayed in the calculation result output areas 69g, 69h (FIG. 12) of the worksheet 6 in FIG. 8, and can also be printed out by the printing unit 16. The display unit 13 and the printing unit 16 function as an effective installation surface information output unit. Also, the control unit 11 functions as an effective installation surface information calculation unit in cooperation with the spreadsheet software 51. Note that the effective passage surface T6 here may also be an area excluding the area corresponding to the effective installation surface T5 and the margin area S4 from the installation surface range T1. In this case, the frontage width y6 as the effective passage surface information is set to the width obtained by excluding the margin area width y4 from the frontage width y1.

[0170] The total number of racks information represents the sum of the number n2 indicated by the lower rack number information for drawing and the number n3 indicated by the upper rack number information for drawing, which is n1. In STEP 4, the control unit 11 also calculates (derives) this total number of racks information. The total number of racks information may be classified as a drawing parameter separate from the upper drawing parameter D2.

[0171] (Verification of the layout to be drawn) Once the drawing parameters D1, D2, and other calculation results are output, the user may want to recalculate under different conditions. In this embodiment, after the calculation results are output in STEP 4, the process returns to STEP 2. Note that even after proceeding from STEP 2 to STEP 3, the input parameters and calculation results set in the normal input area are retained. In STEP 3, in order to perform this verification, it is possible to change the input parameters for upper rack model information, lower rack model information, lower rack entry direction information, lower rack front-to-back difference information, and lower rack intersection angle information for verification purposes.

[0172] As shown in Figure 10, the worksheet 6 of Figure 8 displayed in STEP 3 is provided with verification input areas 60a to 60e (Figure 14) for changing these input parameters for verification purposes. Specifically, these are the verification upper rack model information input area 60a corresponding to the input area 66a for inputting upper rack model information, the verification lower rack model information input area 60b corresponding to the input area 65a for inputting lower rack model information, the verification lower rack entry direction information input area 60c corresponding to the input area 65b for inputting lower rack entry direction information, the verification lower rack front-to-back difference information input area 60d corresponding to the input area 65c for inputting lower rack front-to-back difference information, and the verification lower rack intersection angle information input area 60e corresponding to the input area 65e for inputting lower rack intersection angle information. Each verification input area 60a to 60e (Figure 14) is either a selectable input area or a direct input area, and is provided separately from the normal input areas 65a, 65b, 65c, 65e, and 66a (Figure 10). The verification input areas 60a to 60e (Figure 14) are initially blank, and immediately after the calculation of the drawing parameters D1 and D2 is performed, the corresponding input parameters for the rack placement information are set as is. These verification input areas 60a to 60e are provided independently of the normal input areas 65a, 65b, 65c, 65e, and 66a (Figure 10), and changing them does not affect the input parameters of the normal input areas 65a, 65b, 65c, 65e, and 66a. Therefore, the user can switch conditions using only the verification-only input areas 60a to 60e while retaining the input parameters of the normal input areas 65a, 65b, 65c, 65e, and 66a. When the verification-only input areas 60a to 60e are changed, the result of the change is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a, 61b, 61c: Figure 15) of Worksheet 6.

[0173] In STEP 3, the control unit 11 combines the input parameters (verification selection information) of the modified verification input areas 60a to 60e (Figure 14) with the input parameters of the other input areas (excluding 65a, 65b, 65c, 65e, and 66a) to form a new set of input parameters as the verification input parameter set. Based on this verification input parameter set, the control unit identifies the functional areas (T2, T3: Figure 17) that perform predetermined functions (caster landing, passage securing, etc.) within the installation surface range T1, and calculates the excess or deficiency. The calculated excess or deficiency is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a, 61b, 61c: Figure 15) on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8. In other words, the input unit is composed of verification input areas 60a to 60e on worksheet 6 (Figure 14) and an operation unit 14 that enables input operations on these areas. The control unit 11 functions as a surplus / deficit calculation unit in cooperation with the spreadsheet software 51. The surplus / deficit information of the functional area is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a, 61b, 61c: Figure 15) of worksheet 6, and the display unit 13 functions as a verification output unit.

[0174] In this embodiment, the functional areas (T2, T3: Figure 17) are the required rigid foundation surface T7 and the effective passage surface T8.

[0175] The required rigid foundation surface T7 is the area necessary for the casters 23 of the lower rack 20 to land securely, and if the required rigid foundation surface T7 is insufficient, the lower rack 20 cannot be installed. On the other hand, the rigid foundation surface S2 is the rigid foundation surface that actually exists on the installation surface S1. Any surplus or deficiency of the actually existing rigid foundation surface S2 can be determined by calculating the required rigid foundation surface T7 for verification and taking the difference between that and the required rigid foundation surface T7. The effective passage surface T8 is the same as the effective passage surface T6 already described, and is the passage area secured on the front side of the installation surface S1. The difference between the effective passage surface T8 and the effective passage surface T6 is whether or not the verification input parameters were used in its calculation. On the other hand, the passage surface S3 is the passage area set on the front side of the installation surface S1 as an area with the minimum width that we want to secure on the installation surface S1. Any surplus or deficit of the passage surface S3 that we want to secure can be determined by calculating the verification effective passage surface T6 and taking the difference with respect to the effective passage surface T6. Specifically, in Worksheet 6, by changing the input parameters of the verification input areas 60a to 60e (Figure 14), information on the surplus or deficiency of the functional area is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a, 61b, 61c: Figure 15). When the input parameters of the verification input areas 60a to 60e (Figure 14) are changed, the rear end position (x22) of the lower rack 20 and the rear end position (x23) of the bicycle change, and the required rigid foundation surface T7 and effective passage surface T8 change accordingly. Then, by comparing the changed required rigid foundation surface T7 and effective passage surface T8 with the rigid foundation surface range T2 (corresponding to rigid foundation surface S2) and passage surface range T3 (corresponding to passage surface S3), the surplus or deficiency of the rigid foundation surface S2 and passage surface S3 is calculated, and this surplus or deficiency information is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a, 61b, 61c: Figure 15). This allows us to check whether the layout is valid under the modified conditions, and if so, how much margin is available on those surfaces S2 and S3.

[0176] In this embodiment, the required rigid foundation surface information for identifying the required rigid foundation surface T7 for verification consists of the front width y7 and depth width x7 of the required rigid foundation surface T7. Since the front width y7 is the same as the front width y1 of the installation surface range T1, only the depth width x7 is considered. The required rigid foundation surface information (x7) is identified by the control unit 11 based on the installation surface information (x1), the drawing rail depth position information (x11), and the lower rack rear end position information (x22': not shown) which is identified based on the input parameters of the verification input areas 60b to 60e (Figure 14). In this embodiment, the required rigid foundation surface T7 is defined as the area from the innermost position of the installation surface range T1 to the rear end position (x22) of the lower rack 20, as shown in Figure 17, and the depth width x7 is the length in the depth direction of the installation surface range T1. Since the front width y7 is the same as the front width y1, the required rigid foundation surface information consists only of the depth width x8. In this embodiment, the excess / deficit information calculated based on the required hard foundation surface information (x7) is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61a: Figure 15). In this embodiment, the effective aisle surface information for identifying the effective aisle surface T8 for verification is the width y8 and depth x8 of the effective aisle surface T8, similar to the effective aisle surface information (x6 (x6a, x6b)) already described. Since the width y8 is the same as the width y1 of the installation surface range T1, the effective aisle surface information consists only of the depth x8. The depth x8 can be either the device-referenced effective aisle width x8a, which is the distance from the foremost position of the installation surface range T1 to the rear end position (x22) of the lower rack 20, or the bicycle-referenced effective aisle width x8b, which is the distance from the rear end position (x23) of the bicycle mounted on the lower rack 20 of the installation surface range T1 to the foremost position of the installation surface S1, similar to the effective aisle surface T6. In this embodiment, the excess / deficit information calculated based on each is displayed in the verification result output area 61 (61b, 61c: Figure 15). Note that in Figure 17, the effective passage surfaces T6 and T8 are shown as the same region, but they can, of course, be different. Since the effective passage surfaces T6 and T8 are shown as the same region, x6 (x6a, x6b) and x8 (x8a, x8b) are the same, and x8 (x8a, x8b) is omitted from the illustration.

[0177] Furthermore, in STEP 3, the control unit 11 may not only calculate the surplus or deficit of the functional areas T7 and T8, but also recalculate the drawing parameters D1 and D2 as part of the verification process, and display some of the recalculated drawing parameters D1 and D2 (for example, information on the number of lower racks for drawing and information on the number of upper racks for drawing) as verification information in the verification result output area 61 (Figure 15) on the worksheet 6.

[0178] (STEP 5: Drawing Instructions) After the drawing parameters D1 and D2 are calculated in STEP 4, in STEP 5, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the drawing instruction button 6Z (drawing instruction unit) on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8 has been operated. If it has been operated, the process proceeds to STEP 6, where the CAD software 52 (drawing unit) is launched via the spreadsheet software 51 (calculation unit), and the drawing parameters D1 and D2 related to the identified drawing target layout are passed (input) to the CAD software 52 to execute the drawing process. If it has not been operated, the process returns to STEP 2. The control unit 11 functions as a drawing unit in cooperation with the CAD software 52 and controls the drawing process of the layout based on the drawing parameters received from the spreadsheet software 51.

[0179] (STEP 6: Drawing Process) The spreadsheet software 51 incorporates macros that automate tasks such as instructing the CAD software 52 to start, transferring drawing parameters D1 and D2, and instructing the execution of the drawing process. These macros are executed when the drawing instruction button 6Z is pressed, and they sequentially issue various commands to the CAD software 52 to execute the drawing process. In STEP 6, the control unit 11 instructs the CAD software 52, which has received the drawing parameters D1 and D2, to select drawing blocks corresponding to the received drawing parameters D1 and D2 and place them in a predetermined drawing area (model space). A predetermined CAD coordinate system is defined in the predetermined drawing area, and the CAD software 52 calculates the placement coordinates of various drawing blocks based on the received drawing parameters D1 and D2, and places them so that the reference position of the corresponding drawing block overlaps with the calculated coordinates. In this embodiment, the drawing parameters D1 and D2 are not the CAD coordinates themselves, but dimensional information and relative position information that the CAD software 52 uses to calculate the placement coordinates based on its internal coordinate system. As a result, the bicycle parking layout, which is the layout to be drawn, is drawn on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, the drawing blocks corresponding to the rails 21, the lower racks 20, and the support columns 31 are displayed in two dimensions on the screen of the display unit 13 on a planar coordinate system that views the bicycle parking area from a planar perspective. The display scale on the screen of the display unit 13 can be arbitrarily set by the user. In this configuration, the display unit 13 functions as a layout output unit that outputs the layout drawn by the CAD software 52 in a visually readable format. Furthermore, by printing the drawn layout of the rails 21 and racks 20 and 30 onto paper or the like, the printing unit 16 can also function as a layout output unit.

[0180] The drawing block storage unit 58 of the memory unit 15 has pre-stored multiple types of drawing blocks used by the CAD software 52 for drawing. These drawing blocks correspond to the rail 21, the lower rack 20, the upper rack 30, the bicycle BCL mounted on these racks 20 and 30, and the support column 31 that supports the upper rack 30. For each combination of model, swing direction, and intersection angle, the contents are prepared to correspond to those parameters. Figures 20 and 21 show an example of such combinations. The CAD software 52 reads the corresponding drawing blocks from the storage unit 15 based on the received drawing parameters D1 and D2 and places them in a predetermined drawing area. The CAD software 52 also reads the corresponding drawing blocks from the storage unit 15 based on the received drawing parameters D1 and D2, duplicates them as necessary, and deforms their shape and dimensions as necessary before placing them in a predetermined drawing area. As a result, the bicycle parking area layout (upper and lower level bicycle parking area layout) corresponding to the drawing parameters D1 and D2 is drawn on the display unit 13. Figures 22 and 23 show examples of such bicycle parking area layouts.

[0181] Here, we will explain the drawing process in detail.

[0182] (Drawing the rails) The rail block 521, which forms a drawing block corresponding to the rail 21, is a drawing of the rail 21 as seen from above, as shown in Figures 20 and 21. The rail block 521 has rail fixing parts 522 and 523 at both ends and a rail main part 524 that connects them as block parts. The rail main part 524 is provided as a basic block represented by two parallel lines, and the total length of the rail 21 can be varied by changing its length dimension.

[0183] In this embodiment, the CAD software 52 reads the rail fixing parts 522, 523 and the rail main part 524 (Figures 15 and 20) corresponding to the rail 21 from the storage unit 15, and identifies the length y51 of the rail main part 524 based on the required rail length information for drawing (total length y51 of the rail 21) contained in the drawing parameters D1 and D2 that have been passed to it, and deforms the rail main part 524 to the identified length y51. Here, the total length y51 of the rail 21 is included in the lower drawing parameter D1 calculated in STEP 4 prior to the drawing process, and the CAD software 52 accepts the length y51 as is and uses it for drawing. Then, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the CAD software 52 places the deformed rail main section 524 and rail fixing sections 522 and 523 in a predetermined drawing area based on the drawing margin area information (y4), drawing rail extension direction information (Y1), drawing rail depth position information (x11), and drawing rail outer width information (y12, y13) included in the received drawing parameters D1 and D2. In this embodiment, a two-dimensional coordinate system is set in the predetermined drawing area, which is a plan view of the installation surface range T1. The placement positions (placement coordinates) of the deformed rail main section 524 and the rail fixing sections 522 and 523 at both ends thereof are identified in the area on this coordinate system. The CAD software 52 places the rail main section 524 and rail fixing sections 522 and 523 in the identified placement positions, thereby placing the rail block 521. As a result, the rail 21 is drawn in the predetermined drawing area. In this embodiment, the rail extension direction information (Y1), rail depth position information (x11), and rail outer width information (y12, y13) are unchangeable information and are passed directly to the CAD software 52 as the lower-level drawing parameters D1 calculated in STEP 4: drawing rail extension direction information (Y1), drawing rail depth position information (x11), and drawing rail outer width information (y12, y13).

[0184] (Drawing of the lower rack) As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the lower rack block 520, which forms a drawing block corresponding to the lower rack 20, is prepared for each combination of lower rack model information, lower rack front-to-back difference information (x25), lower rack swing direction information (Y2), and lower rack intersection angle information (θ2). Each lower rack block 520 is provided for each model included in the lower rack model information. Each lower rack block 520 has as parts a lower rack body 528 on which the rack shape in plan view of the corresponding model is drawn in detail or in a simplified manner, and a rail mounting part 529 on which the mounting mechanism for the rail main part 524 is drawn in detail or in a simplified manner in plan view. Each lower rack block 520 is provided for each of the selection candidates (0mm, 320mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm) included in the lower rack front-to-back difference information x25. Among these selection candidates, the lower rack blocks 520 corresponding to the selection candidates with a front-to-back difference (320mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm) are drawn with the corresponding front-to-back difference: a front rack block 520A corresponding to the lower rack 20 located on the front side, and a rear rack block 520B corresponding to the lower rack 20 located on the rear side. In these rack blocks 520A and 520B, the position of the rail mounting portion 529 relative to the lower rack body 528 is drawn shifted by the corresponding front-to-back difference in the longitudinal direction of the lower rack body 528. In the lower rack blocks 520 corresponding to the selection candidate without a front-to-back difference (0mm), the position of the rail mounting portion 529 relative to the lower rack body 528 is drawn to be the same for all of them. Each lower rack block 520 is provided for each of the selection candidates (Ya, Yb) included in the lower rack swing direction information (Y2). Of these selection candidates, the lower rack block 520 corresponding to the first direction Ya is drawn with the rear end of the lower rack 20 on the bicycle entrance side (front side in the depth direction) facing the first side (for example, the right side) of the rail extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 relative to the front end on the opposite side, and the lower rack block 520 corresponding to the second direction Yb is drawn facing the second side (for example, the left side) of the rail extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, which is the opposite side. Each lower rack block 520 is provided for each of the selection candidates (0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees) included in the lower rack intersection angle information (θ2). Each lower rack block 520 is drawn such that the intersection angle of the lower rack 20 with respect to the rail 21 is the corresponding angle among those selection candidates.

[0185] The CAD software 52 of this embodiment identifies the corresponding lower rack block 520 (Figures 15 and 20) based on the drawing lower rack model information (m20, x21, x22, x23, z24), drawing lower rack front-to-back difference information (x25), drawing lower rack swing direction information (Y2), and drawing lower rack intersection angle information (θ2) contained in the drawing parameters D1 and D2 that have been passed to it, and reads it from the storage unit 15. Then, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the CAD software 52 places the identified lower rack blocks 520 in the predetermined drawing area based on the lower rack intersection angle information (θ2), the lower rack spacing information (y26), and the number of lower racks (n2) for drawing. In this embodiment, the CAD software 52 identifies the placement position (placement coordinates) of each lower rack block 520 on the placement area of ​​the rail block 521 on the two-dimensional coordinate system set in the predetermined drawing area, and by placing each lower rack block 520 at the identified position, the lower racks 20 are drawn in the predetermined drawing area. Specifically, if there is no difference between the front and rear, the CAD software 52 duplicates the common lower rack block 520C (not shown) a number of times corresponding to the number of units n2, and arranges them in a line along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 (rail block 521) at intervals of y26, starting from the end on the opposite side of direction Y2 at the main part of the rail 524 (see Figure 19). On the other hand, if there is a difference in front-to-back positioning, the CAD software 52 arranges the lower rack blocks 520A and 520B, which have been duplicated so that the total number of units corresponds to the number of units n2, starting from the end of the main rail section 524 opposite to direction Y2, beginning with the lower rack block 520B located on the rear side, and arranging the lower rack blocks 520A and 520B alternately at an interval of y26. This arrangement is made by overlapping the rail mounting section 529 with the main rail section 524.

[0186] (Drawing of the upper rack) In this embodiment, the upper rack block that forms the drawing block corresponding to the upper rack 30 is the support column block 531 corresponding to the support column 31. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the support column block 531 is prepared for each combination of upper rack model information, upper rack swing direction information (Y3), and upper rack intersection angle information (θ3). Each support block 531 is provided for each model included in the upper rack model information. Each support block 531 has a detailed or simplified drawing of the support shape of the corresponding model in plan view. All support blocks 531 may have a common shape. Each support block 531 is provided for each selection candidate (Ya, Yb) included in the upper rack swing direction information (Y3: same as Y2). Of these selection candidates, the support block 531 corresponding to the first direction Ya is drawn with the rear end of the upper rack 30 connected to the support column 31 on the bicycle entrance side (front side in the depth direction) tilted to the first side (for example, the right side) of the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 relative to the front end on the opposite side, and the support block 531 corresponding to the second direction Yb is drawn tilted to the second side (for example, the left side) of the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21, which is the opposite side. Each support block 531 is provided for each of the selection candidates (0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees) included in the upper rack intersection angle information (θ3: same as θ2). Each support block 531 is drawn at an angle such that the intersection angle θ2 of the lower rack 20 with respect to the rail 21 in a plan view is the same as the corresponding angle among those selection candidates.

[0187] The CAD software 52 of this embodiment identifies the corresponding support block 531 (Figures 15 and 20) based on the drawing upper rack model information (m30, x31, z34, y37, y38), drawing upper rack swing direction information (Y3), and drawing upper rack intersection angle information (θ3) contained in the drawing parameters D1 and D2 that have been passed to it, and reads it from the storage unit 15. Then, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the CAD software 52 places the identified support block 531 in the predetermined drawing area based on the drawing upper rack model information (m30, x31, z34, y37, y38), drawing upper rack intersection angle information (θ3), drawing upper rack spacing information (y36), and drawing upper rack number information (n3). In this embodiment, the placement position (placement coordinates) of each support 531 is identified in the area on the two-dimensional coordinate system set in the predetermined drawing area, and the drawing is completed by placing the support block 531 at each identified position. Specifically, the CAD software 52 identifies the leading position (y37) and the rearmost placement limit position (y38) of the upper rack 30, duplicates the upper rack block 531 a number of times corresponding to the number of units n3, and arranges them in a line along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 (rail block 521), starting from the leading position (y37) and moving toward the rearmost position at intervals of y36.

[0188] In this embodiment, the drawing of the rack body of the upper rack 30 is omitted, and only the support column 31 that supports the front end of the rack body and allows the rack body to be raised and lowered is drawn. There is no drawing block corresponding to the rack body of the upper rack 30. Therefore, the drawing process is completed when the drawing block 521 corresponding to the rail 21, the drawing block 520 corresponding to the lower rack 20, and the drawing block 531 corresponding to the support column 31 are placed in a predetermined drawing area. Note that each drawing parameter D1 and D2 may be shown for the drawing. In Figures 22 and 23, the number of upper racks 30 (support column 31) and the number of lower racks 20 are shown distributed vertically within a circle.

[0189] When drawing the rack body of the upper rack 30, it is preferable to prepare the upper rack 30 as a drawing block 530 (upper rack block) that is integrated with the support column 31. In other words, it is preferable to prepare the drawing block 530 as having a support column part corresponding to the support column 31 and an upper rack part corresponding to the rack body of the upper rack 30 as a single unit. The upper rack part may be prepared in its entirety, or only a part of it (for example, only the front end that connects to the support column 31) may be prepared. Similar to the drawing block 531 of the support column 31, this drawing block 530 (upper rack block) is prepared for each combination of upper rack model information, upper rack swing direction information (Y3), and upper rack intersection angle information (θ3), and the corresponding drawing blocks 530 of the support column part and upper rack part should be arranged in the same way as the drawing block 531 of the support column 31 described above. Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the case where the upper rack part is drawn with dashed lines.

[0190] In this manner, the CAD software 52 of this embodiment draws and outputs a bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the target layout. The drawn target bicycle parking area layout is displayed on the display unit 13 and can also be printed by the printing unit 16. The display unit 13 and the printing unit 16 function as layout output units.

[0191] (After drawing) After the drawing results are displayed in STEP 6, the process returns to STEP 2. In STEP 2, if the predetermined termination operation is not performed from the operation unit 14, the spreadsheet software 51 and CAD software 52 continue to operate, and the process proceeds to STEP 3, where the above process is repeated.

[0192] <Example of effect> In the above embodiment, either or both of the installation area information and the rack arrangement information each include information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit selects one of its own selection candidates as an input parameter for each of the selection pieces of information, and calculates the plotting parameter based on the input parameter group which includes the input parameter of the other items. This configuration allows for the automatic generation of multiple bicycle parking layouts with different conditions simply by switching between selected information options, enabling quick comparison and evaluation of layout proposals.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the selection information includes selection input information that accepts one selected from a plurality of selection candidates as an input parameter, The system includes a selection input unit that selects one of the selection candidates included in the aforementioned selection input information as an input parameter. The calculation unit uses one selection candidate selected by the selection input unit as an input parameter for the selection input information, calculates the drawing parameters based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of other items, and does not calculate the drawing parameters using the remaining selection candidates not selected by the selection input unit in the selection input information as input parameters. This configuration allows for automatic drawing processing to be performed only on layouts that meet user-specified conditions, eliminating the need for calculations for unnecessary candidates.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the selection input information includes related selection information in which the selection candidates of each other are associated with other selection information. When one of the selection candidates for the related selection information is selected by the selection input unit, the calculation unit selects the selected selection candidate as an input parameter, also selects another selection candidate associated with the related selection information as an input parameter, calculates the drawing parameter based on the input parameter group including those input parameters and the input parameters of other items, and does not calculate the drawing parameter using an unselected selection candidate as an input parameter for that other selection information. This configuration allows plotting to be performed using only consistent input parameters based on correspondences, preventing unnecessary calculations caused by inconsistent combinations.

[0195] In the above embodiment, an exclusion input unit is provided for excluding one or more selection candidates from a plurality of selection candidates included in the selection information. For selection information in which one or more selection candidates have been excluded by the exclusion input unit, the calculation unit selects one input parameter from the selection candidates that have not been excluded, calculates the plotting parameter based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of other items, and does not calculate the plotting parameter using the excluded selection candidates as input parameters. This configuration eliminates layout calculations based on selection candidates not used by the user, allowing for efficient automatic drawing of bicycle parking area layouts without unnecessary processing. It also prevents inappropriate candidates from being mistakenly used as input parameters.

[0196] In the above embodiment, either or both of the installation area information and the rack arrangement information each include information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is direct input information that accepts direct input of input parameters. The unit includes a direct input section for receiving the aforementioned direct input information, The calculation unit calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes input parameters directly input by the direct input unit to the direct input information and input parameters of other items. If the direct input information is not directly input by the direct input unit, the calculation unit uses a predetermined default value specified in the direct input information as an input parameter and calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes that input parameter and input parameters of other items. This configuration allows users to flexibly set arbitrary values ​​according to their preferences, while also enabling automatic drawing processing using default values ​​even if there are no specific preferences for input parameters. By supporting both direct input and default values, it becomes possible to efficiently and reliably perform automatic drawing processing of bicycle parking lot layouts.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the selection information includes numerical selection information in which a plurality of numerical candidates are set, The system includes a standard position input unit that sets a standard value for the numerical candidate included in the numerical selection information. The calculation unit described above, First, the standard value is selected as the input parameter for the numerical selection information, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the standard value. Subsequently, the input parameters related to the numerical selection information are sequentially switched to the numerical candidate whose value is closest to the one expected to increase the maximum number of units under the predetermined arrangement conditions. Each time a switch is made, the drawing parameters are calculated based on the input parameters selected at that time. In this configuration, the search starts from a standard value, and the numerical candidates are prioritized and switched in the direction where an increase in the number of racks is expected, thereby streamlining the search path until the maximum number of racks pattern is reached. As a result, even when there are many numerical candidates, unnecessary searches are suppressed, and conditions that are likely to increase the number of racks are evaluated first, making it possible to quickly and reliably derive the plotting parameters that result in the maximum number of racks.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the selection information is The first selection information includes multiple numerical candidates, including the first standard value, as selection candidates, This includes a second selection information in which multiple numerical candidates, including a second standard value, are set as selection candidates, A priority input unit for inputting the priority order between the first selection information and the second selection information, It comprises a priority storage unit that stores the aforementioned priority order, The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned priority order, the one with the higher priority among the first and second selection information is designated as the first priority selection information, and the one with the lower priority is designated as the second priority selection information. First, for the first priority selection information, the corresponding standard value is selected as the input parameter, and for the second priority selection information, the parameter switching calculation process for drawing is performed. Subsequently, the input parameters of the first priority selection information are sequentially switched to the numerical candidate with the closest value among the numerical candidates that are expected to increase the maximum number of units under the predetermined arrangement conditions, and each time a switch is made, the drawing parameter switching calculation process is executed for the second priority selection information. The aforementioned parameter switching calculation process for drawing is: First, a corresponding standard value is selected as the input parameter for the second priority selection information. The drawing parameters are then calculated based on the input parameters of both the first and second priority selection information selected at this time. Subsequently, while keeping the input parameters of the first priority selection information fixed, the input parameters of the second priority selection information are sequentially switched to the numerical candidate with the closest value among the numerical candidates that are expected to increase the maximum number of units under the predetermined arrangement conditions. Each time a switch is made, the drawing parameters are calculated based on the input parameters of both selected at this point. In this configuration, multiple numerical selection pieces of information are prioritized, and the search proceeds starting with the standard value for the highest-priority items. As a result, the search can efficiently proceed in the direction where the number of racks is most likely to increase, and the computation time required to reach the maximum number of racks pattern can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, for lower-priority items, the search is performed stepwise while keeping the values ​​of the higher-priority items fixed, thus minimizing the processing of trying unnecessary combinations of numerical candidates. This allows for the rapid and reliable deriving of the layout conditions that result in the maximum number of racks while keeping the processing load low, even when there are many numerical candidates.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the rack arrangement information is Rack intersection angle information indicating the intersection angle of the racks arranged intersecting the alignment direction in the aforementioned installation area, The system has, as selection information, rack front-to-back difference information, which indicates the front-to-back difference of the racks when the racks are alternately arranged with a front-to-back offset along the aforementioned arrangement direction, The first selection information is the rack crossing angle information, and the side on which an increase in the maximum number of units can be expected is the side on which the crossing angle included as an option in the rack crossing angle information is reduced. The second selection information is the rack front-to-back difference information, and the side on which an increase in the maximum number of units can be expected is the side that increases the front-to-back difference, which is included as an option in the rack front-to-back difference information. This configuration allows the search to prioritize the rack crossing angle and rack front-to-back difference that the user considers important. This enables the deriving of a layout that ensures the maximum number of racks while staying within the user's acceptable range. In particular, because the search can be conducted while reflecting the user's intuitive preferences, such as not wanting the crossing angle to be too small or the front-to-back difference to be unnecessarily large, it becomes possible to efficiently obtain a layout that is easily accepted at the actual installation site.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the calculation process for switching parameters for drawing includes a combination exclusion input unit that specifies one or more combinations from the combinations of numerical candidates for the first priority selection information and the second priority selection information that the calculation unit selects as input parameters, The calculation unit skips combinations specified by the combination exclusion input unit in the drawing parameter switching calculation process and does not use them in calculating the drawing parameters based on those combinations. In this configuration, combinations of numerical candidates that the user deems unnecessary or inappropriate can be excluded in advance, allowing for efficient skipping of patterns that do not need to be evaluated during the search process. This eliminates layout conditions that cannot actually be adopted from the calculation, significantly reducing the search load until the maximum number of patterns is reached.

[0201] The above embodiment includes a rail block storage unit that stores rail blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the rail, The aforementioned drawing unit is The rail block is read from the rail block storage unit. The read rail blocks are modified as necessary (modification process) based on the drawing parameters of the target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and then placed in a predetermined drawing area (placement process) to draw the bicycle parking area layout.

[0202] In the above embodiment, blocks representing the basic shape of the rails are stored in advance, and during drawing, these blocks are read out, deformed as necessary based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn, and then placed in a predetermined area, thereby efficiently generating a bicycle parking layout including rails. This eliminates the need to draw the rail shape from scratch according to the placement conditions, and significantly reduces the load on the drawing process. Furthermore, since the drawing process is performed based on predefined rail blocks, deformation is limited to the minimum necessary partial changes, allowing for stable and easy drawing of rail shapes. In addition, the CAD software 52 of the above embodiment performs drawing by modifying the shape or dimensions of a drawing block (for example, a part thereof) so that the corresponding drawing parameters D1 and D2 are reflected, and by placing the modified figure in a predetermined drawing area. The modification and placement processes referred to herein include methods of changing (deforming) the shape or dimensions of drawing blocks and placing them in a predetermined drawing area, as well as methods of directly drawing figures corresponding to the components in the predetermined drawing area without using such blocks. For example, if the main part of the drawing block for rail 21 is configured as two parallel straight lines, the above modification and placement processes also include the method of directly drawing two parallel straight lines having a length specified based on the total length y51 (drawing required rail length information) of rail 21 included in the drawing parameter D1 in a predetermined drawing area.

[0203] In the above embodiment, if the calculation unit cannot identify the parameters for drawing the maximum number of bicycles pattern, the system is provided with a drawing-prohibition information output unit that outputs information indicating that the bicycle parking area layout cannot be drawn. This configuration clearly indicates that creating and drawing a bicycle parking layout is impossible if the parameters for drawing the maximum number of bicycles cannot be calculated. Because failures can be detected before drawing, unnecessary operations and considerations can be avoided.

[0204] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of the features of the embodiments described above or below is possible as long as it does not contradict each other. Furthermore, any feature of the embodiments described above or below may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. Moreover, the embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

[0205] In the above-described embodiment, the installation area is the same space as the installation space (including the installation surface) located above the installation surface; however, the installation area may include a separate area from the installation space (including the installation surface).

[0206] The bicycle parking area layout creation system 1 of the above-described embodiment was for creating a layout of a bicycle parking area that includes a lower bicycle parking device 200 in which a lower rack 20 (slide rack) slides on a rail 21. The present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the bicycle parking area layout creation system may create and draw a layout of a bicycle parking area for a lower bicycle parking device in which a non-sliding rack is arranged at a position corresponding to the lower level. In addition, if the rail 21 is longer than a predetermined length, the CAD software 52 (drawing unit) may create and draw a layout of the bicycle parking area with some sections omitted.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the bicycle parking layout creation system 1 was for creating a layout of a bicycle parking area that included an upper bicycle parking device 300 in which an upper rack 30 (lifting rack) moves up and down along a support column 31, together with the lower bicycle parking device 200. The disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the bicycle parking layout creation system may create a layout of a bicycle parking area that includes an upper bicycle parking device in which an upper rack moves to the upper position in a manner different from the lifting type. Specifically, the upper bicycle parking device can be configured such that an upper position is set, located above the ground surface S, as a standby position for the upper rack 30 when a bicycle BCL is loaded, and a loading / unloading position is set separately for loading or unloading a bicycle BCL to or from the upper rack 30, and the upper rack 30 is movable between these positions. In this case, the standby position of the upper rack 30 when a bicycle BCL is not loaded may be the upper position, or it may be a different position from both the upper position and the loading / unloading position.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the total number of bicycles in the lower rack 20 and the upper rack 30 being the maximum was one of the conditions (one of the predetermined arrangement conditions) for calculating the drawing parameters D1 and D2. However, the condition may also be that each of the lower rack 20 and the upper rack 30 has the maximum number of bicycles. Furthermore, if the bicycle parking layout consists of only one of the lower rack 20 and the upper rack 30, the condition is that the rack that one has the maximum number of bicycles.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the installation area is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped installation space P1 rising upward from a rectangular installation surface S1, and the arrangement of racks 20 and 30 is assumed to extend linearly in the width direction (horizontal direction Y). However, other configurations are also possible. For example, the installation area may be a cylindrical space, and the arrangement of racks may be a spiral direction extending spirally around the axis of the cylindrical space, with each rack arranged along that spiral direction.

[0210] In the above embodiment, the spreadsheet software 51 and the CAD software 52 were linked to calculate drawing parameters and perform drawing processing. The spreadsheet software 51 may be replaced with another dedicated application, and the CAD software 52 may be replaced with another drawing engine.

[0211] In the above embodiment, drawing was performed using a block method, but it is not limited to this, and other drawing methods such as parametric drawing may be adopted. Also, although the bicycle BCL was drawn and its orientation indicated the direction of entry, the drawing of the bicycle BCL itself may be omitted. Furthermore, although the support column 31 was drawn and the drawing of the upper rack 30 was omitted, the drawing of the support column 31 may be omitted, or the upper rack 30 may be drawn. In addition, in the bicycle parking layout displayed in the display unit 13 after the drawing process, a function may be provided to switch the display or hide of each of the drawing blocks for the rail 21, the lower rack 20, the support column 31, the upper rack 30, and the bicycle BCL all at once.

[0212] In the above-described embodiment, it was assumed that there were no obstacles in the installation area (installation surface S1 and installation space P1) of the bicycle parking devices 200 and 300. However, the configuration may be such that obstacles can be identified within the installation area. Specifically, the installation area information can be configured to include obstacle information as an optional item. In the following, we will describe the first to third modified examples of a configuration that allows for the identification of obstacles within the installation area, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment. Points similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted from the explanation.

[0213] (First variation) In the first modified example, the obstacle information is information that identifies the shape and size of the obstacle 900 present within the installation area (installation surface S1: Figure 25) and its position within the installation surface S1. After the bicycle parking layout creation program 50 (Figure 7) is started in STEP 1, in STEP 3, the obstacle information can be input by the user, for example, as one of the bicycle parking information items, from the direct input area 90 (see Figure 24) provided on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the obstacle 900 is assumed to be a structure that occupies a rectangular area in plan view within the installation surface S1 and extends indefinitely in the height direction. The direct input area 90 in Figure 24 receives the actual dimensions of that rectangular area, namely the frontage width y9 and depth width x9 (Figure 25). In addition, as information to identify the placement position of the obstacle 900, assuming that the obstacle 900 is placed at the innermost position in the depth direction, the distance y90 from the side opposite to the entrance Ey side (direction E side) in the frontage direction (distance from the default direction if there is no entrance information: Figure 25) is received. The received obstacle information is stored in the obstacle information storage unit of the storage unit 15. In the following STEP 4, the control unit 11 identifies the installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 26) based on the input installation area information (installation surface information) including obstacle information, and identifies the obstacle area U1, which is the area occupied by the obstacle 900, within the identified installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 26). Then, based on the rack arrangement information, the control unit 11 calculates drawing parameters for a bicycle parking area layout in which the objects to be drawn (lower racks 20, rails 21, support columns 31, etc.) are arranged within the identified installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 26) such that the maximum number of racks 20 and 30 are used, and all objects to be drawn (lower racks 20, rails 21, upper racks 30, support columns 31) including racks 20 and 30 fit within the said installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 26), as normal drawing parameters. Up to this point, it is the same as in the embodiment described above. In the first modified example, in addition to the above, in STEP 4, the control unit 11 identifies the drawing target 600 (lower rack 20, rail 21, support column 31, etc.: in this case, support column 31) that overlaps the identified obstacle area U1, and calculates it as a drawing parameter to be omitted. Therefore, the drawing parameters D1 and D2 calculated in STEP 4 include the same normal drawing parameters as in the above embodiment (including the drawing target 600 to be omitted) and an omission parameter that identifies the drawing target 600 to be omitted. Then, when the drawing instruction button 6Z is operated in STEP 5, in STEP 6, the control unit 11 draws a bicycle parking area layout within a predetermined drawing area based on the normal drawing parameters D1 and D2 mentioned above. The drawn bicycle parking area layout does not omit the drawing targets 600 that overlap with the obstacle area U1. Subsequently, the control unit 11 identifies the drawing targets 600 that overlap with the obstacle area U1 from the drawn bicycle parking area layout based on the omission parameters D1 and D2 mentioned above, and deletes them. As a result, a bicycle parking area layout is drawn that omits the drawing targets 600 that are in positions that interfere with the obstacle 900. Alternatively, the obstacle information may be included directly as drawing obstacle information in the drawing parameters D1 and D2, and the obstacle area U1 (obstacle 900) may be drawn on the drawn bicycle parking layout based on the drawing obstacle information.

[0214] (Second variation) The second modification is basically carried out using the same process as the first modification. However, in the second modified example, in STEP 4, the control unit 11 calculates the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the number of racks 20 and 30 is the maximum number, and all the objects to be drawn (lower racks 20, rails 21, upper racks 30, and support columns 31), including the racks 20 and 30, are arranged within the specified installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 27), with the racks 20 and 30 being the maximum number, and all objects to be drawn (lower racks 20, rails 21, upper racks 30, and support columns 31) being arranged within the specified installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 27). In this example, the racks 20 and 30 are arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals y36 from one side (in the case of Figure 27, from the second direction Yb side) or the opposite second direction Yb side (in the case of Figure 27, from the second direction Yb side) toward the other side (in the case of Figure 27, from the first direction Ya side) of the extension direction Y1 (alignment direction) of the rails 21. At this time, the control unit 11 identifies the drawing target 600 (lower rack 20, rail 21, support column 31, etc.: in this case, support column 31) that overlaps with the identified obstacle area U1 during the process of sequential placement, and the placement of the identified drawing target 600 (in this case, support column 31 (which can also be called upper rack 30)) is canceled. Furthermore, the control unit 11 identifies a position that crosses the obstacle area U1 to the other side (in the case of Figure 27, the first direction Ya side) and is separated from the obstacle area U1 by a predetermined distance p6, and the drawing target 600 (in this case, support column 31 (which can also be called upper rack 30)) is placed at the identified position, and further drawing targets 600 (in this case, support column 31 (which can also be called upper rack 30)) are sequentially placed at the predetermined interval y36 toward the other side (in the case of Figure 27, the first direction Ya side). During the process of rearranging the elements, if a drawing target 600 (lower rack 20, rail 21, support column 31, etc.; in this case, support column 31) is identified that overlaps with the identified obstacle area U1, the same process is repeated. The control unit 11 calculates drawing parameters for the bicycle parking layout configured in this way. Thus, in this second modified example, the arrangement of objects to be drawn, such as racks 20 and 30, is not only automatically adjusted to avoid obstacles 900, but is also arranged in a way that consistency is maintained beyond the obstacles.

[0215] (Third variation) In the third modified example, after the bicycle parking area layout creation program 50 is started in STEP 1, in STEP 3, obstacle information can be input by the user from a direct input area 90 (Figure 24) provided on the worksheet 6 in Figure 8. The content of the obstacle information is the same as in the first modified example, and the input information is stored in the storage unit 15. It should be noted that the obstacle 900 in the second modified example is assumed to have the same structure as the first modified example (Figure 28). In the following STEP 4, as shown in Figure 29, the control unit 11 identifies the installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 29) based on the input installation surface information (installation area information) including the obstacle information, and identifies the obstacle-containing area TT9 (dotted area in Figure 29) which includes the area occupied by the obstacle 900 within that installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 29). Then, the control unit 11 identifies a reduced installation area range (reduced installation surface range TT1: area without dots in Figure 29) by excluding the identified obstacle-containing area TT9 from the identified installation area range (installation surface range T1: Figure 29). The control unit 11 then calculates drawing parameters D1 and D2 for a bicycle parking area layout in which the objects to be drawn (lower racks 20, rails 21, and support columns 31) are arranged within the specified reduced installation area (reduced installation surface area TT1), such that the number of racks 20 and 30 is the maximum number, and all objects to be drawn, including racks 20 and 30 (lower racks 20, rails 21, upper racks 30, and support columns 31), fit within the reduced installation area (reduced installation surface area TT1). In other words, in the first embodiment described above, the parameters D1 and D2 for drawing a bicycle parking layout are calculated by placing the objects to be drawn (lower rack 20, rail 21, support column 31) within the installation surface range T1. However, in the third modified example, the parameters D1 and D2 for drawing a bicycle parking layout are calculated by placing the objects to be drawn (lower rack 20, rail 21, support column 31) within a reduced installation surface range TT1, rather than within the installation surface range T1. In other words, the area that interferes with the obstacle 900 is excluded from the drawing area, and the bicycle parking layout is created within the area that does not interfere. Note that, as in the first modified example, the obstacle 900 may be drawn on the drawn bicycle parking layout.

[0216] (Fourth variation) In the first embodiment described above, in STEP 4, the control unit 11 reads the upper rack blocks 531 (support blocks) from the storage unit 15 based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn that were calculated, duplicates the read upper rack blocks 531 in a number corresponding to the number of units n3, and arranges them in a line along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 (rail block 521) at intervals of y36, from the leading position (y37) to the rearmost position. In the fourth modified example, this arrangement is changed as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figure 30, the control unit 11 reads the upper rack blocks 531 (support blocks) from the storage unit 15 based on the drawing parameters of the calculated layout to be drawn, and duplicates them in a number corresponding to the number of units n3. The control unit 11 also identifies the rack placement section (y39) between the leading position (y37) and the placement limit position (y38) along the extension direction Y1 of the rail 21 (rail block 521) based on the drawing upper rack end position information (y37, y38), places two of the duplicated upper rack blocks 531 at both the leading position (y37) and the placement limit position (y38) in the identified rack placement section (y39), and places the remaining upper rack blocks 531 between them at equal intervals, regardless of the drawing upper rack spacing information (y36). In other words, in order to place the remaining upper rack blocks 531 at equal intervals within the specified rack placement section (y39), the interval y36' between adjacent upper racks is calculated, and the racks are placed at the calculated interval y36'. It is acceptable if the interval y36 based on the upper rack spacing information used for drawing matches the calculated interval y36'.

[0217] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope set forth in the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0218] 1. Bicycle Parking Layout Creation System 10 PC 11 Control Unit 12 Communications Department 13 Display section 14 Control section 15 Storage section 16 Printing Department 50 Programs 50 Bicycle Parking Layout Creation Program 51 Spreadsheet software 52 CAD software 53 Bicycle Parking Information Storage Unit 54 Rail layout information storage unit (rack layout information storage unit) 55 Lower rack layout information storage unit (rack layout information storage unit) 56 Upper rack arrangement information storage unit (rack arrangement information storage unit) 57 Processing Order Setting Information Storage Unit 58 Drawing block memory unit 6 Worksheets 6Z Drawing instruction button 63 Bicycle parking information input area 64 Rail layout information storage unit (rack layout information input area) 65 Lower rack placement information input area (rack placement information input area) 66 Upper rack placement information input area (rack placement information input area) 67 Processing Order Setting Information Input Area 68, 69 Output area for calculation results 60 Verification input area 61 Verification output area 520 Lower rack block (drawing block) 521 Rail Block (Drawing Block) 531 Upper rack block (drawing block, support block) 20 Lower rack 21 rails 30 Upper rack (rack body) 31 Post 100 Upper bicycle parking device 200 Lower bicycle parking device 300 Bicycle parking device S1 Installation surface (installation area) P1 Installation space (installation area) Y1 Rail extension direction (rail extension direction) X Depth direction (depth width direction, front-to-back direction) Y: Frontage direction (frontage width direction, horizontal direction, predetermined alignment direction) Z (height direction) BCL Bicycle

Claims

1. A bicycle parking area layout creation system for creating a bicycle parking area layout equipped with a bicycle parking device in which multiple racks for bringing in bicycles are installed in a predetermined direction, An installation area information input unit for inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device, A storage unit for installation area information that stores the aforementioned installation area information, A rack arrangement information storage unit stores rack arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of multiple racks in the installation area, A calculation unit that, based on the aforementioned installation area information, identifies the installation area range in which the racks can be placed, and calculates parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions, such as having the maximum number of racks and all of the racks fitting within the aforementioned installation area range, based on the aforementioned rack placement information. A drawing unit that draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit, A layout output unit that outputs the layout of the rack drawn by the drawing unit, A bicycle parking area layout creation system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned plotting parameters are: Rack spacing information for drawing, which specifies the spacing between adjacent racks arranged along the direction of arrangement within the installation area, Rack intersection angle information for drawing, which identifies the intersection angle of the racks arranged in the aforementioned alignment direction within the aforementioned installation area, The system includes at least: Rack count information for drawing, which specifies the number of racks arranged in the same direction within the installation area; The drawing unit draws the racks in a predetermined drawing area at intervals based on the drawing rack spacing information in the direction of arrangement, at intersection angles based on the drawing rack intersection angle information, and for a number of racks based on the drawing rack number information. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1.

3. Either or both of the aforementioned installation area information and the aforementioned rack arrangement information include information on multiple items, The rack arrangement information includes rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent racks arranged in the same direction within the installation area, The aforementioned rack spacing information is direct input information that accepts direct input of input parameters. The unit includes a direct input section for receiving the aforementioned direct input information, The calculation unit calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes input parameters directly input by the direct input unit to the direct input information and input parameters of other items. If the direct input information is not directly input by the direct input unit, the calculation unit uses a predetermined default value specified in the direct input information as an input parameter and calculates the plotting parameters based on an input parameter group that includes that input parameter and input parameters of other items. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 2.

4. Either or both of the aforementioned installation area information and the aforementioned rack arrangement information include information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns mentioned above, the input parameter set that yields the largest number of racks indicated by the rack count information for drawing is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 2.

5. A passage area information input unit for inputting passage area information to specify the shape and size of the passage area set on the front side in the depth direction of the installation area, A passage area information storage unit that stores the aforementioned passage area information, An entrance / exit information input unit for inputting entrance / exit information to identify an entrance / exit set at one of the ends in the width direction of the passage area, It comprises an entrance / exit information storage unit that stores the aforementioned entrance / exit information, The rack arrangement information includes arrangement direction information that specifies the arrangement direction as the width direction of the installation area, The drawing parameters include drawing rack swing direction information that specifies the rack swing direction, which is the direction in which the rear end of the racks, which are arranged intersecting the alignment direction within the installation area, faces the front end. The calculation unit described above, When the passage area information is input by the passage area information input unit and the entrance / exit information is input by the entrance / exit information input unit, the direction from the passage area to the entrance / exit is determined in the opening direction based on the passage area information, the entrance / exit information and the alignment direction information. The rack swing direction information for drawing is derived, specifying the identified direction as the rack swing direction. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 2.

6. The system includes a rack block storage unit that stores rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is Read from the rack block storage unit, The rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned rack arrangement information is, Rack model information indicating the model of the aforementioned rack, Rack swing direction information for identifying the rack swing direction in which the rear end of the rack faces the front end in the arrangement direction within the installation area, The installation area includes rack intersection angle information indicating the intersection angle of the racks arranged intersecting the alignment direction, The aforementioned rack model information is selection information that has multiple types of models as selection candidates. The aforementioned rack swing direction information is selection information that has multiple directions as selection candidates. The aforementioned rack intersection angle information is selection information that has multiple intersection angles as selection candidates. The aforementioned plotting parameters are: Rack model information for drawing, which identifies the model of the rack to be placed within the aforementioned installation area, Includes drawing rack swing direction information that identifies the rack swing direction in which the rear end of the racks, which are arranged intersecting the alignment direction within the installation area, faces toward the front end, The system includes a rack block storage unit that stores, for each combination of the selected candidate rack model information, the selected candidate rack swing direction information, and the selected candidate rack intersection angle information, rack blocks having the basic shape of the corresponding rack model and arranged with the corresponding rack intersection angle in the swing direction of the racks corresponding to the alignment direction. The calculation unit described above, Based on each of the selection candidates for the aforementioned rack model information, the rack model information for drawing is derived. Based on each of the selected candidates for the rack swing direction information, the rack swing direction information for drawing is derived. Based on each of the selected candidates for the aforementioned rack intersection angle information, the rack intersection angle information for drawing is derived. The aforementioned drawing unit is Based on the drawing rack model information, drawing rack swing direction information, and drawing rack intersection angle information included in the drawing parameters of the maximum number of racks pattern, the corresponding rack block is read from the rack block storage unit. The read rack blocks are duplicated in the corresponding number of units based on the rack unit information included in the drawing parameters for the maximum number of units pattern, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in the direction of arrangement. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 4.

8. The rack is positioned on a predetermined installation surface within the installation area such that its longitudinal direction intersects with a rail extending in the direction of alignment in a plan view, and includes a lower rack that is slidable along the rail. The bicycle parking device includes a lower bicycle parking device that has a plurality of lower racks, The aforementioned installation area information includes installation surface information for specifying the shape and size of the installation surface, The aforementioned rack arrangement information is, Rail arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of the rails on the installation surface, Includes lower rack arrangement information for specifying the arrangement of a plurality of lower racks on the installation surface, The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned installation surface information, the installation surface range in which the rail and the lower rack can be placed is identified. Based on the rail arrangement information and the lower rack arrangement information, parameters for drawing the lower section are calculated for a bicycle parking area layout in which the rails and the lower racks are arranged within the installation surface area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions. The aforementioned predetermined arrangement conditions include the condition that the number of racks, including the lower racks, is the maximum number, and that all of the lower racks fit within the installation area in a plan view. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters, including the lower drawing parameters, calculated by the calculation unit. The layout output unit outputs the layout of the rails and the lower rack drawn by the drawing unit. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1.

9. The parameters for drawing the lower section are as follows: Required rail length information for drawing, which specifies the length of the rail to be arranged within the aforementioned installation surface range, Lower rack spacing information for drawing, which specifies the spacing between the lower racks that are arranged adjacent to each other along the rail within the installation surface area, Drawing lower rack intersection angle information that specifies the intersection angle of the lower racks arranged intersecting the rails within the aforementioned installation surface range, The system includes at least information on the number of lower racks for drawing purposes, which specifies the number of lower racks to be arranged on the rail within the installation surface area, The aforementioned drawing unit is The rail is drawn so that it has a length based on the required rail length information for drawing, The lower racks are drawn in the direction along the rails to be drawn, at intervals based on the lower rack spacing information for drawing, at intersection angles based on the lower rack intersection angle information for drawing, and for a number of units based on the number of lower racks for drawing information. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 8.

10. The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned rail arrangement information is, Rail extension direction information that identifies the aforementioned alignment direction as the extension direction of the rails within the installation surface, and identifies that extension direction as the width direction of the installation surface, Rail outer width information indicating the rail outer width, which is the width of the non-formed area of ​​the rail set outside the positions of both ends of the rail within the installation surface, Includes lower rack movable width information, which indicates the lower rack movable width, which is the margin of clearance for sliding multiple lower racks placed on the rail along the rail, The lower rack arrangement information includes lower rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent lower racks arranged along the rail on the installation surface, The calculation unit calculates the length of the rail to be placed within the installation surface range based on the installation surface information, the rail extension direction information, the rail outer width information, the lower rack movable width information, and the lower rack spacing information, and uses the calculated length as the drawing parameter, which is the drawing parameter, the drawing required rail length information. The drawing unit draws the rail with a length based on the required rail length information for drawing. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 9.

11. The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned rail arrangement information is, Rail extension direction information that identifies the aforementioned alignment direction as the extension direction of the rails within the installation surface, and identifies that extension direction as the width direction of the installation surface, Rail outer width information indicating the rail outer width, which is the width of the non-formed area of ​​the rail set outside the positions of both ends of the rail within the installation surface, Includes lower rack movable width information, which indicates the lower rack movable width, which is the margin of clearance for sliding multiple lower racks placed on the rail along the rail, The lower rack arrangement information includes lower rack spacing information indicating the spacing between adjacent lower racks arranged along the rail on the installation surface, The calculation unit calculates the number of lower racks to be placed on the rails within the installation surface range based on the installation surface information, the rail extension direction information, the rail outer width information, the lower rack movable width information, and the lower rack spacing information, and the calculated number becomes the lower rack number information for drawing. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 9.

12. The aforementioned rack arrangement information includes information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns, the input parameter set that maximizes the total number of racks, including the lower racks, as indicated by the lower rack number information for drawing, is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 9.

13. The installation surface information includes the depth and width of the rectangularly shaped installation surface, The rail arrangement information includes position information indicating the placement position of the rails and dimension information indicating the dimensions of the rails. The lower rack arrangement information includes position information indicating the arrangement position of the rack and dimensional information relating to the rack. An effective passage surface information calculation unit identifies the surface remaining on the front side in the depth direction as an effective passage surface, excluding the rectangular effective installation surface area where the rails and lower racks are to be placed, which is determined based on the rail arrangement information and the lower rack arrangement information, within the aforementioned installation surface area, and calculates at least the depth width of said effective passage surface as effective passage surface information. The system includes an effective passage surface information output unit that outputs the calculated effective passage surface information, The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 12.

14. It includes a lower rack block storage unit that stores lower rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the lower rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is The lower rack block is read from the lower rack block storage unit. The lower rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 12.

15. The rack includes an upper rack positioned above the lower rack located within the bicycle parking area, and positioned so as to intersect the rail in a plan view. The bicycle parking device includes an upper bicycle parking device having one or more upper racks, The installation area information includes installation height information for specifying the height of the installation space for the upper and lower bicycle parking devices formed above the installation surface. The rack arrangement information includes upper rack arrangement information for specifying the arrangement of one or more upper racks in the installation space. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned installation height information, the installation space range in which the upper rack and the lower rack can be positioned above the installation surface range is identified. Based on the rail arrangement information and the upper rack arrangement information, parameters for drawing the upper level are calculated for the upper level bicycle parking area layout in which the upper racks are arranged within the installation space area in a manner that satisfies the predetermined arrangement conditions. The predetermined arrangement conditions include the condition that the number of racks, including the lower rack and the upper rack, is the maximum number, and that all of the upper racks fit within the installation space area. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout, in which the rails, the lower racks, and the upper racks are arranged within the installation space, based on the drawing parameters, including the lower drawing parameters and the upper drawing parameters. The layout output unit outputs the layout of the rail, the lower rack, and the upper rack drawn by the drawing unit. The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 8.

16. The parameters for drawing the upper panel are as follows: Drawing upper rack spacing information that specifies the spacing between the upper racks arranged adjacently along the rail in a plan view within the installation space, Drawing upper rack intersection angle information that specifies the intersection angle of the upper racks arranged intersecting the rails in a plan view within the aforementioned installation space, The system includes at least upper rack number information for drawing, which specifies the number of upper racks to be arranged on the rail within the installation space range, The drawing unit draws the upper racks in the direction along the rails to be drawn, at intervals based on the upper rack spacing information for drawing, at intersection angles based on the upper rack intersection angle information for drawing, and for a number of units based on the number of upper racks for drawing information. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 15.

17. The installation surface information includes the width and depth of the rectangular installation surface, The aforementioned installation height information includes a height for identifying the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped installation space above the installation surface, The aforementioned upper rack arrangement information is, Upper rack spacing information indicating the spacing between upper racks arranged adjacently along the rail within the installation space, This includes upper rack end position information, which indicates information relating to the positions of both ends of the upper rack arranged along the rail within the installation space, The calculation unit described above, Based on the installation surface information, the upper rack spacing information, and the upper rack end position information, the number of upper racks to be placed within the installation space is calculated, and the calculated number is used as the upper rack number information for drawing. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned rack arrangement information includes information on multiple items, Among the multiple items mentioned above, there is selection information that has multiple selection candidates. The calculation unit described above, For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, one of its own selection candidates is selected as an input parameter, and the plotting parameter is calculated based on the input parameter group including that input parameter and the input parameters of the other aforementioned items. For each of the aforementioned selection pieces of information, the remaining selection candidates are also selected as input parameters, and the plotting parameters are calculated based on the input parameter group including the input parameters of the other aforementioned items, thereby calculating the plotting parameters for all patterns of input parameter groups. Among the input parameter sets of all patterns, the input parameter set that maximizes the total number of racks, including the lower racks and the upper racks, as indicated by the upper rack count information for drawing, is identified as the maximum number of racks pattern. The drawing parameters calculated based on the input parameter group for the maximum number of units pattern are identified as the drawing parameters for the layout to be drawn. The drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters of the layout to be drawn. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 16.

19. It includes an upper rack block storage unit that stores upper rack blocks for drawing that constitute the basic shape of the upper rack, The aforementioned drawing unit is The upper rack block is read from the upper rack block storage unit. The upper rack blocks read out are duplicated as needed based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and the bicycle parking area layout is drawn by arranging them in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 18.

20. The upper rack comprises a rack body and a support column that supports the front end of the rack body and allows the rack body to be raised and lowered. The aforementioned upper rack block has a basic shape in which part or all of the rack body is omitted and the support columns are drawn. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 19.

21. The aforementioned upper-level drawing parameters include position information for both ends of the upper racks used for drawing, which specifies the leading position of the upper racks aligned in the extension direction of the rails within the installation space range, and the rearmost position of the arrangement limit. The aforementioned drawing unit is The upper rack block is read from the upper rack block storage unit. The read-out upper rack block is duplicated as necessary based on the drawing parameters of the drawing target layout calculated by the calculation unit, and arranged in a predetermined drawing area along the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction, The arrangement is such that, within the rack arrangement section between the leading position and the arrangement limit position, which is determined based on the position information of both ends of the upper rack for drawing, the upper rack blocks are placed at both the leading position and the arrangement limit position, and the remaining upper rack blocks are arranged at equal intervals between them, regardless of the upper rack spacing information for drawing. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 19 or claim 20.

22. It is equipped with a drawing instruction unit for inputting drawing instructions, The bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1, wherein the drawing unit draws the bicycle parking area layout based on the drawing parameters most recently calculated by the calculation unit when the drawing instruction is input by the drawing instruction unit.

23. Prior to the drawing of the bicycle parking area layout by the drawing unit, a parameter output unit is provided that outputs the drawing parameters for the maximum number of bicycles pattern identified by the calculation unit. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to any one of claims 4, 12, or 18.

24. In a state where the parameters for drawing the maximum number of units pattern have been identified by the calculation unit, a verification input unit switches a predetermined verification selection information from the selection information selected as a candidate for calculating the parameters for drawing the maximum number of units pattern to another selection candidate. The input parameter group includes input parameters switched by the verification input unit, and the excess / deficit calculation unit identifies a predetermined functional area within the installation area and calculates the excess / deficit of the functional area based on the input parameter group, It includes a verification output unit that outputs the calculated excess or deficiency of the installation area, A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to any one of claims 4, 12, or 18.

25. The installation area information includes obstacle information that specifies the shape and size of obstacles within the installation area and their location within the installation area. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned obstacle information, the obstacle area within the installation area where the obstacle is located is identified. When calculating the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are arranged within the aforementioned installation area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions, the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks overlapping the identified obstacle area are omitted are calculated. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1.

26. The calculation unit calculates drawing parameters for the bicycle parking layout in which the racks are arranged within the installation area in accordance with the predetermined arrangement conditions, in which the racks are arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals from one side of the first or second side in the direction of arrangement toward the other side, and if a rack that has been arranged in the process of sequential arrangement overlaps with an obstacle area, the arrangement of the overlapping rack is canceled, a position is identified that is beyond the obstacle area toward the other side and separated from the obstacle area by a predetermined distance, the rack is placed at the identified position, and further calculation parameters for the bicycle parking layout in which the racks are arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals toward the other side. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 25.

27. The installation area information includes obstacle information that specifies the shape and size of obstacles within the installation area and their location within the installation area. The calculation unit described above, Based on the aforementioned obstacle information, the obstacle area within the installation area range where the obstacles near the outer edge of the installation area range are located is identified. When calculating the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in accordance with the predetermined placement conditions, the aforementioned installation area range is reduced to an area excluding the aforementioned obstacle area, and then the parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the reduced installation area range in accordance with the predetermined placement conditions are calculated. A bicycle parking area layout creation system according to claim 1.

28. A bicycle parking area layout creation system for creating a bicycle parking area layout equipped with a bicycle parking device in which multiple racks are installed in a predetermined direction, An installation area information input unit for inputting installation area information to specify the shape and size of the installation area of ​​the bicycle parking device, A storage unit for installation area information that stores the aforementioned installation area information, A rack arrangement information storage unit stores rack arrangement information for identifying the arrangement of multiple racks in the installation area, A calculation unit that, based on the aforementioned installation area information, identifies the installation area range in which the racks can be placed, and calculates parameters for drawing a bicycle parking area layout in which the racks are placed within the aforementioned installation area range in a manner that satisfies predetermined placement conditions, such as having the maximum number of racks and all of the racks fitting within the aforementioned installation area range, based on the aforementioned rack placement information. The system includes a calculation result output unit that outputs at least a portion of the drawing parameters calculated by the calculation unit. Bicycle parking area layout creation system.

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