Service robot for parking lot, robot control method, and parking lot management system using same

Abstract

A parking lot management method using a service robot for a parking lot is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring parking lot sensing data while a robot travels in a parking lot according to preset conditions; classifying each of a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot according to parking period parameters, on the basis of the parking lot sensing data; and allocating the parking period parameters to each of the plurality of parking areas according to the classification and storing same.

Description

Service robot for parking lot, robot control method, and parking lot management system using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for increasing the usability of parking space in a parking lot.

[0002] Traditionally, various parking lot management systems have been developed to provide more efficient parking services to drivers. Representative examples include parking control systems and parking guidance systems.

[0003] Parking control systems are primarily used to monitor and control vehicle access in paid parking lots, apartment complexes, and other shared residential facilities with restricted or secure access, as well as in public and private security facilities. These systems manage parking spaces by identifying vehicles that can enter specific areas through license plate recognition or access cards.

[0004] These systems have the advantage of preventing unauthorized vehicle entry and providing a safe parking environment for users, but they have limitations in reflecting real-time parking space conditions or directly improving parking efficiency.

[0005] Parking guidance systems are developed to efficiently manage parking spaces and are primarily used in large paid parking lots, apartment complexes, and large commercial facilities. These systems provide drivers with a convenient parking environment by providing real-time guidance to available parking spaces and the locations of already parked vehicles.

[0006] However, existing parking guidance systems primarily utilize camera-based technology, typically operating with a single camera monitoring three to six parking spaces. This approach requires more cameras as parking spaces increase, leading to increased costs for camera installation and maintenance. In particular, camera installation requires wiring for power and communications, a process that is both time-consuming and costly.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of camera-based systems, camera failure or malfunction can lead to the inability to monitor parking conditions in specific areas, potentially compromising system reliability. Furthermore, detection of parked vehicles at certain angles may be limited, and the surveillance range may be limited by the structure or obstacles within the parking lot.

[0008] Furthermore, existing parking guidance systems often simply guide users to available parking spaces, failing to provide advanced features such as optimizing parking space utilization or efficiently allocating parking spaces during peak demand periods. For example, in commercial facilities, detailed space management, such as allocating certain areas for short-term parking and others for long-term parking, is difficult. Furthermore, they lack features such as recommending appropriate parking spaces based on vehicle size and type.

[0009] Furthermore, parking guidance systems only consider whether individual parking spaces are occupied, and do not analyze physical factors such as the size, shape, and location of parking spaces to suggest optimal parking plans.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the space utilization of multiple parking areas in a parking lot.

[0011] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a parking lot service robot, a robot control method, and a parking lot management system using the same, which can increase the space utilization of parking areas in a parking lot.

[0012] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, a parking lot management method using a parking lot service robot includes a step of allowing the robot to drive in the parking lot according to preset conditions and acquire parking lot sensing data, a step of classifying each of a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot according to a parking period parameter based on the parking lot sensing data, and a step of assigning and storing a parking period parameter to each of the plurality of parking areas according to the classification, wherein the parking area may include at least one parking space.

[0014] And, the above-described preset conditions may include at least one of a time period, the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, an increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, and a request from an administrator.

[0015] Additionally, the robot can drive in the parking lot based on map data for the parking lot, while avoiding objects detected during the driving.

[0016] And, the sensing data can be collected through at least two or more of an image sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor.

[0017] In addition, the parking lot sensing data may include parking space location information, information on the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space, information on the type of parked vehicle, and information on the entry time of the parked vehicle.

[0018] And, the above classification step can determine the parking period parameter in a group consisting of at least two of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, and a long-term parking area.

[0019] In addition, in the above classification step, the parking period parameter assigned to the parking area can be flexibly changed according to predetermined conditions.

[0020] In addition, the method may further include a step of estimating the type of parking space of a vehicle that has entered the parking lot based on information about the vehicle that has entered the parking lot, and a step of guiding the vehicle that has entered the parking space to a matching parking space based on the estimation result.

[0021] In addition, the step of guiding the entering vehicle may include at least one of a function of outputting the corresponding parking area as visual and / or auditory data, and a function of guiding the robot to the corresponding parking area by driving the robot to the corresponding parking area.

[0022] Meanwhile, a parking lot management system using a parking lot service robot according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a data processing unit that obtains parking lot sensing data collected while the robot drives the parking lot according to preset conditions, classifies each of a plurality of parking areas within the parking lot according to a parking period parameter based on the parking lot sensing data, and a database that assigns and stores a parking period parameter to each of the plurality of parking areas according to the classification.

[0023] And, the parking area may include at least one parking space.

[0024] Additionally, the preset conditions may include at least one of a time period, the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, an increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, and a request from an administrator.

[0025] In addition, the robot can drive in the parking lot based on map data for the parking lot, while avoiding objects detected during the driving.

[0026] Additionally, the sensing data may be collected through at least two of an image sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor.

[0027] In addition, the above parking lot sensing data may include parking space location information, information on the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space, information on the type of parked vehicle, and information on the entry time of the parked vehicle.

[0028] Additionally, the data processing unit can determine the parking period parameter in a group consisting of at least two of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, and a long-term parking area.

[0029] And, the data processing unit can dynamically change the parking period parameter assigned to the parking area according to predetermined conditions.

[0030] In addition, the data processing unit estimates the type of parking space of the vehicle that entered the parking lot based on information about the vehicle that entered the parking lot, and the robot can guide the vehicle that entered the parking space to a matching parking space based on the estimation result.

[0031] In addition, the guidance function of the robot may include at least one of a function of outputting the corresponding parking area as visual and / or auditory data and a function of guiding the robot to the corresponding parking area by driving to the corresponding parking area.

[0032] Meanwhile, a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose may include a program code for performing the above-described parking lot management method.

[0033] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose may record a computer program for executing the above-described parking lot management method.

[0034] According to the present invention, by efficiently managing parking lot space, it is possible to save time and cost for drivers by quickly parking and moving vehicles in the parking lot.

[0035] In addition, according to the present invention, by efficiently utilizing parking lot space, unnecessary maintenance and management costs can be reduced, thereby increasing the profitability of parking lot operation.

[0036] In addition, according to the present invention, customer satisfaction can be increased by enabling drivers to park quickly and easily find their vehicles within the parking lot through efficient management of parking lot space.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a parking lot management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a parking lot service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a parking lot service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a parking management server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram showing the operation of a parking lot management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing in detail a parking area classification process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a parking area classification process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating in detail a data processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and should not be limited in any way. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0047] Additionally, in describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a parking lot management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a parking lot management system (1000) includes a parking lot service robot (100) and a parking lot management server (200).

[0050] In this specification, the parking lot service robot (100) may be implemented as a mobile robot, and the mobile robot is a general term for all types of robots equipped with a movement (i.e., driving) function. The mobile robot may include a ground robot equipped with a ground movement function and a drone equipped with an aerial movement function.

[0051] Additionally, the mobile robot may include a remote-controlled robot controlled by a remote control device (or system), an autonomous robot moving according to autonomous judgment, and a semi-autonomous robot equipped with both remote control and autonomous movement functions.

[0052] For example, a remote-controlled robot is a robot that is remotely controlled by a human operator via a remote control system. The remote control system can control a mobile robot located at a remote location by transmitting control values ​​(e.g., steering angle, speed) input by the human operator to the mobile robot in real time.

[0053] As another example, an autonomous robot may be a robot that autonomously drives remotely based on target control values, such as control values ​​generated by an autonomous driving module.

[0054] This parking lot service robot (100) can drive in the parking lot (10) and obtain parking lot sensing data using sensors equipped on the robot (100). In addition, the parking lot service robot (100) can communicate with the parking lot management server (200) using a communication module.

[0055] Meanwhile, the parking lot management server (200) can transmit and receive various data through communication with the parking lot service robot (100).

[0056] In addition, the parking lot management server (200) can classify and manage each of a plurality of parking areas within the parking lot according to parking period parameters based on data received from the robot (100).

[0057]

[0058] Hereinafter, a parking lot service robot (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0059] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a parking lot service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 2 is an example of an implementation of a parking lot service robot (100). The robot (100) may include a body, an output unit (130) formed in one area of ​​the body to output various information for parking lot guidance, a driving unit (110) that provides driving force for driving the robot (100), and a sensor unit (170) that collects sensing data about the parking lot in which the robot (100) drives.

[0061] Additionally, one area of ​​the body may include a disinfection unit (180) including a UVC / UVA disinfection module for disinfecting the parking lot.

[0062] Additionally, an emergency stop switch (21) for emergency stopping of the robot (100) may be formed in one area of ​​the body.

[0063]

[0064] Hereinafter, each component of the parking lot service robot (100) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a parking lot service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, a parking lot service robot (100) may include all or part of a driving unit (110), a power supply unit (120), an output unit (130), an input unit (140), a communication unit (150), a storage unit (160), a sensor unit (170), a quarantine unit (180), and a data processing unit (190).

[0067] The driving unit (110) can provide driving force for movement (driving) of the parking lot service robot (100). For example, the driving unit (110) can be implemented to include a motor, a gear assembly, etc. so that the robot can move smoothly within the parking lot.

[0068] In addition, the driving unit (110) can smoothly provide driving force to the robot (100) even in narrow spaces by adjusting the turning radius or controlling the speed according to the topography of the parking lot. For example, the driving unit (110) can be implemented in a way that a speed limit can be applied in certain areas within the parking lot, and the speed can be automatically reduced for safety in areas with many users and vehicles.

[0069] In addition, the driving unit (110) can be designed to enable the robot to move stably by taking into account various terrain and environmental conditions, and can also include a function to respond to slopes or obstacles in a parking lot.

[0070] The power supply unit (120) supplies power for the operation of the parking lot service robot (100). Specifically, the power supply unit (120) supplies power to each functional unit constituting the parking lot service robot (100), and when the remaining power is insufficient, the robot can be charged by receiving charging current. Here, the power supply unit (120) can be implemented as a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a high-performance fuel cell.

[0071] Additionally, the power supply (120) can be automatically charged by linking with a charging station in the parking lot.

[0072] The output unit (130) displays visual data or outputs auditory data, and the output unit (130) can be implemented as a display unit formed on the front of a parking lot service robot (100), for example.

[0073] In addition, the output unit (130) can provide voice guidance through a speaker, and in certain situations, can sound an alarm to notify of danger, and can be equipped with an LED status indicator so that the status of the robot (100) can be checked at a glance, and can intuitively convey changes in the location or status of the robot.

[0074] In addition, the output unit (130) can display various parking situations or vehicle parking guidance through the display unit.

[0075] The input unit (140) can receive user input for operating the parking lot service robot (100). For example, the input unit (140) can include a touch sensor that detects the user's touch input, a button interface, etc. The user can manually control the robot's operations within the parking lot through the input unit, and can also interact with the robot (100) in a hands-free manner using voice recognition technology.

[0076] The communication unit (150) may include one or more modules that enable the parking lot service robot (100) to communicate with other devices (e.g., a remote control system, a server, another robot, etc.). This allows real-time data to be exchanged with the parking lot management server, and the robot's operations can be adjusted according to the situation within the parking lot.

[0077] The storage unit (160) can store programs and map data for the operation of the parking lot service robot (100). For example, the storage unit (160) can store program codes, parking lot map data, sensing data, etc.

[0078] The sensor unit (170) can obtain parking lot sensing data. Here, the sensor unit (170) can include at least two or more of an image sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor.

[0079] The image sensor may include a visual image sensor unit (not shown) that captures a visual image and a thermal image sensor unit (not shown) that acquires a thermal image. For example, the visual image sensor unit (not shown) may be implemented as an RGB camera, and the thermal image sensor unit (not shown) may be implemented as an infrared (infra-red) camera.

[0080] The quarantine unit (180) may include a UVC / UVA quarantine module for quarantine of the parking lot.

[0081] Additionally, the quarantine department (180) can automatically perform quarantine work at specific times or, through a human detection function, perform disinfection work only when there are no people present.

[0082] The data processing unit (190) processes various data obtained from each component of the robot (100) and can control each component of the robot (100).

[0083] Specifically, the data processing unit (190) can classify each of a plurality of parking areas within the parking lot (10) according to a parking period parameter based on the sensing data collected from the sensor unit (170). Here, the parking period parameter refers to a standard for efficiently managing parking spaces based on the period of time that a vehicle is parked in each parking space (or parking area) within the parking lot.

[0084] The function of this data processing unit (190) may be implemented to be performed in the parking lot service robot (100), implemented to be performed in the server (200), or implemented to be performed in both the robot (100) and the server (200).

[0085]

[0086] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a parking management server according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the parking management server (200) may include a data processing unit (210) and a database (220).

[0087] Here, the parking management server (200) communicates with the parking lot service robot (100) and can manage the parking status of the parking lot (10), the parking period setting status of the parking area, etc.

[0088] For example, in order to manage the parking period setting status of a parking area, the data processing unit (210) can perform the same function as the data processing unit (190) of the robot (100) described above.

[0089] That is, the data processing unit (210) can classify each of the multiple parking areas within the parking lot according to the parking period parameter based on the parking lot sensing data.

[0090] In addition, the database (220) can store parking period parameters assigned to each of a plurality of parking areas according to classification.

[0091] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the operation of the data processing unit (190, 210) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram showing the operation of a parking lot management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, the sensor unit (170) can collect parking lot sensing data obtained when the robot (100) drives in the parking lot (10) according to preset conditions (S110).

[0095] Here, the preset conditions may include at least one of a time period, the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, an increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, and a request from an administrator.

[0096] For example, if the hourly increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot (10) is greater than a preset value, the parking lot service robot (100) can drive in the parking lot (10) and collect parking lot sensing data.

[0097] At this time, the parking lot service robot (100) drives in the parking lot based on map data for the parking lot, and the driving of the robot (100) may be either fully autonomous driving, semi-autonomous driving, or manual driving according to manager operation.

[0098] Additionally, the parking lot service robot (100) can drive while avoiding objects detected during driving. Here, the objects may be various types of vehicles, people, animals, etc. that may be encountered in the parking lot (10) environment.

[0099] Meanwhile, the parking lot sensing data collected by the sensor unit (170) may include parking space location information, vehicle presence / absence information in the parking space, type information of the parked vehicle, and entry time information of the parked vehicle. Here, the parking space location information may be a location value assigned to each parking space, the vehicle presence / absence information in the parking space may be information indicating whether a vehicle is parked in the corresponding parking space, the type information of the parked vehicle may be information distinguishing the type of vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck, and the entry time information of the parked vehicle may be information on the time the parked vehicle entered the parking lot.

[0100] Next, the sensor unit (170) can transmit the collected parking lot sensing data to the data processing unit (190, 210) (S120), and the data processing unit (190, 210) can classify each of the multiple parking areas of the parking lot (10) according to a parking period parameter (S130). At this time, the parking area may be an area including at least one parking surface, which is a parking space for a vehicle.

[0101] That is, one parking space can be set as a parking area, or multiple parking spaces can be set as a parking area.

[0102] This classification operation (S130) will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 6.

[0103] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing in detail a parking area classification process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine the parking period parameter of each of the plurality of parking areas (S210).

[0105] Specifically, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine the parking period parameters for each of the multiple parking areas from a group consisting of at least two of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, and a long-term parking area. In this case, the parking period parameters may be criteria for classifying each parking space within the parking lot into a specific period group based on the length of time a vehicle is parked in that space.

[0106] Additionally, the data processing unit (190, 210) may determine the parking period parameters of each of the multiple parking areas from a group consisting of at least three of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, a long-term parking area, a special purpose area, and a no-parking area. In this case, the parking period parameters may be criteria for classifying parking spaces into specific period groups based on the type or purpose of the vehicle, in addition to the length of time that a vehicle is parked in each parking space within the parking lot.

[0107] That is, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine parking period parameters by taking into account areas with specific purposes or areas where parking is absolutely prohibited. Special-purpose areas may include disabled parking spaces, electric vehicle parking spaces, VIP parking spaces, fire truck parking spaces, and entrances.

[0108] Next, the data processing unit (190, 210) can classify and store each of the plurality of parking areas based on the sensing data (S220).

[0109] Specifically, the data processing unit (190, 210) can classify each of a plurality of parking areas into one of the determined parking period parameters based on the sensing data and store it in the storage unit (160) or database (220).

[0110] For example, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine a parking space from which a vehicle is likely to exit as a short-term parking area based on entry time information among the sensing data, and determine a parking space from which a vehicle is unlikely to exit as a medium-term or long-term parking area.

[0111] As another example, based on vehicle type information among sensing data, a parking space where a delivery vehicle is parked can be determined as a short-term parking area, a parking space where a passenger car is parked can be determined as a medium-term parking area, and a parking space where a truck is parked can be determined as a long-term parking area.

[0112] As another example, based on information on the presence or absence of vehicles in a parking space among sensing data, a parking space whose vacancy time exceeds a predetermined time may be determined as a medium-term or long-term parking area, and a parking space whose vacancy time is less than a predetermined time may be determined as a short-term parking area.

[0113] At this time, the classification of parking areas can be performed for each cluster of multiple consecutive parking spaces or for each individual parking space. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the data processing unit (190, 210) can set parking period parameters for each cluster of multiple consecutive parking spaces, or as shown in FIG. 7(b), the data processing unit (190, 210) can set parking period parameters for each individual parking space.

[0114] In addition, the data processing unit (190, 210) can classify not only multiple consecutive parking spaces or a single parking space, but also a part of a single parking space as a parking area by considering the characteristics of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle size, parking purpose of the vehicle, etc.).

[0115] Meanwhile, if the parking period parameters are determined to include special purpose areas and no-parking areas depending on the type or purpose of the vehicle, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine parking areas adjacent to emergency access roads or parking areas adjacent to fire facilities as no-parking areas based on the location information of the parking areas among the sensing data.

[0116] As another example, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine a parking space where an electric vehicle or a vehicle for the disabled is parked as a special purpose area based on vehicle type information among the sensing data.

[0117] Next, the data processing unit (190, 210) can determine whether the update conditions of the preset parking period parameters are satisfied (S230).

[0118] That is, the parking period parameter assigned to these parking areas can be dynamically varied based on certain conditions. These conditions may include parking lot congestion conditions or the occurrence of specific events (e.g., a specific event or situation where parking demand is expected to surge).

[0119] If the update conditions are satisfied, the data processing unit (190, 210) can redetermine and allocate parking period parameters to parking areas (S240). For example, the data processing unit (190, 210) can set the parking lot congestion level to one of free, congested, and full, and redetermine and allocate parking period parameters to parking areas based on the set congestion level.

[0120] As another example, if a special event occurs around a parking lot and parking demand is expected to surge during a specific time period, the data processing unit (190, 210) can update the parking period parameter to secure parking spaces appropriate for the event or time period.

[0121] Referring again to FIG. 5, when classification is completed, the data processing unit (190, 210) can transmit the classification result to the database (220) (S140), and the database (220) or storage unit (160) can store the classification result (S150).

[0122] Next, when a new vehicle enters the parking lot (10), the data processing unit (190, 210) can estimate the parking type of the entered vehicle based on the information about the vehicle (S160). Here, the parking type refers to a parking type classified according to the expected duration or purpose of the vehicle's stay in the parking lot, and may correspond to one of the parking period parameters.

[0123] Specifically, the data processing unit (190, 210) can estimate the parking period parameters of the entered vehicle using big data already secured based on the vehicle number and / or based on the vehicle type, etc. Here, the big data may include various information related to the vehicle, such as past parking history, the owner's parking pattern, exit pattern, parking frequency, whether the vehicle is disabled, whether it is VIP, whether it is electric, entry time, etc., or information that affects the vehicle parking, such as real-time traffic conditions and weather conditions.

[0124] For example, the data processing unit (190, 210) can estimate the type of parking by analyzing past parking history, the owner's parking pattern, and parking frequency to estimate the expected period of time that a vehicle will stay in the parking lot.

[0125] As another example, if the traffic around the parking lot is congested or stopped or if it is snowing, the data processing unit (190, 210) may estimate that the entered vehicle is a vehicle parked for a long period of time, as the driver is likely to use the parking lot for a long period of time.

[0126] And, the data processing unit (190, 210) can control to guide the entering vehicle to the corresponding parking area according to the estimation result (S170).

[0127] Specifically, the data processing unit (190, 210) can output an image or voice for guidance through the output unit (140), and the data processing unit (190, 210) can control the driving unit (110) to move the robot (100) to a matching parking area. Through this, an entering vehicle can be guided to a matching parking area based on the estimation result.

[0128] Here, the guidance may be guidance through a robot (100), and the guidance through the robot (100) may include at least one of a function of outputting a matching parking area as visual and / or auditory data, and a function of the robot driving to a matching parking area and guiding the parking area.

[0129] For example, if the vehicle that has entered is a VIP vehicle, the data processing unit (190, 210) provides visual (VIP-only area guidance on the screen) and auditory guidance at the entrance of the parking lot through the robot (100), and the robot (100) can directly guide the vehicle to a specific purpose-only area (VIP-only parking area).

[0130] As another example, the data processing unit (190, 210) classifies parking spaces where medical vehicles or public institutions' vehicles are parked as special purpose areas, and when a general vehicle is parked in that area, a warning notification is provided and the vehicle can be guided to another parking area.

[0131] Additionally, when temporary maintenance work is in progress in a specific area within a parking lot, the data processing unit (190, 210) can guide a vehicle attempting to approach that area to another parking area via a robot.

[0132] According to the present invention, by efficiently managing parking lot space, it is possible to save time and cost for drivers by quickly parking and moving vehicles in the parking lot.

[0133] In addition, according to the present invention, by efficiently utilizing parking lot space, unnecessary maintenance and management costs can be reduced, thereby increasing the profitability of parking lot operation.

[0134] In addition, according to the present invention, customer satisfaction can be increased by enabling drivers to park quickly and easily find their vehicles within the parking lot through efficient management of parking lot space.

[0135]

[0136] These data processing units (190, 210) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0137] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a data processing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8, the data processing unit (190, 210) can be implemented as a computing device.

[0139] At least one of each module constituting a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented on a general-purpose computing processor and thus may include a processor (308), an input / output I / O (302), a memory (340), an interface (306), and a bus (314). The processor (308), the input / output device (302), the memory (304), and / or the interface (306) may be coupled to each other via the bus (314). The bus (314) corresponds to a path through which data is moved.

[0140] Specifically, the processor (308) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, an application processor (AP), and logic elements capable of performing functions similar thereto.

[0141] The input / output device (302) may include at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touchscreen, and a display device. The memory device (304) may store data and / or programs, etc.

[0142] The interface (306) may perform a function of transmitting data to or receiving data from a communication network. The interface (306) may be wired or wireless. For example, the interface (306) may include an antenna or a wired / wireless transceiver. The memory (304) may further include high-speed DRAM and / or SRAM, etc., as a volatile operating memory that enhances the operation of the processor (308) while protecting personal information.

[0143] Additionally, the memory (304) stores programming and data configurations that provide the functionality of some or all of the modules described herein. For example, it may include logic for performing selected aspects of the learning method described above.

[0144] A program or application is loaded as a set of instructions including each step of performing the above-described acquisition method stored in memory (304) and causes the processor to perform each step.

[0145] Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device, for example, using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0146] In terms of hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein can be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, the embodiments described herein can be implemented as a control module itself.

[0147] In a software implementation, the procedures and functions described herein, as well as other embodiments, may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of these software modules may perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software code may be implemented as a software application written in a suitable programming language. The software code may be stored in a memory module and executed by a control module.

[0148]

[0149] Meanwhile, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present invention described above can be implemented as programs and provided to servers or devices. Accordingly, each device can access the server or device where the program is stored and download the program.

[0150] In addition, the methods according to the various embodiments of the present invention described above may be implemented as programs and stored and provided on various non-transitory computer-readable media. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specifically, the various applications or programs described above may be stored and provided on non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disk, USB, memory card, or ROM.

[0151] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A parking lot management method using a parking lot service robot, A step of the robot driving in the parking lot according to preset conditions and acquiring parking lot sensing data; A step of classifying each of a plurality of parking areas within the parking lot according to a parking period parameter based on the parking lot sensing data; and A step of allocating and storing a parking period parameter to each of the plurality of parking areas according to the above classification; A parking lot management method, characterized in that the above parking area includes at least one parking space.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned conditions are: A parking lot management method characterized by including at least one of a time period, the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, an increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, and a request from a manager.

3. In paragraph 1, A parking lot management method characterized in that the robot drives in the parking lot based on map data for the parking lot, while avoiding objects detected during the driving.

4. In paragraph 1, The above parking lot sensing data is, A parking lot management method characterized in that data is collected through at least two of an image sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor.

5. In paragraph 1, The above parking lot sensing data is, A parking lot management method characterized by including parking space location information, information on the presence or absence of a vehicle in the parking space, information on the type of parked vehicle, and information on the entry time of the parked vehicle.

6. In paragraph 1, The above classification steps are: A parking lot management method characterized in that the parking period parameter is determined in a group consisting of at least two of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, and a long-term parking area.

7. In paragraph 1, The above classification steps are: A parking lot management method, characterized in that the parking period parameter assigned to the parking area is dynamically changed according to predetermined conditions.

8. In paragraph 1, A step of estimating the type of parking space of a vehicle that has entered the parking lot based on information about the vehicle that has entered the parking lot; and A parking lot management method, further comprising: a step of guiding the entering vehicle to the corresponding parking area according to the estimation result.

9. In paragraph 8, The steps for guiding the above-mentioned entering vehicle are: A parking lot management method characterized by including at least one of a function of outputting the corresponding parking area as visual and / or auditory data, and a function of guiding the robot to the corresponding parking area by driving the robot to the corresponding parking area.

10. In a parking lot management system using a parking lot service robot, A data processing unit that obtains parking lot sensing data collected while the robot drives in the parking lot according to preset conditions, and classifies each of a plurality of parking areas in the parking lot according to a parking period parameter based on the parking lot sensing data; and A database that stores parking period parameters assigned to each of the plurality of parking areas according to the above classification; A parking lot management system, characterized in that the above parking area includes at least one parking space.

11. In paragraph 10, The above-mentioned conditions are: A parking lot management system characterized by including at least one of a time period, the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, an increase rate of the number of vehicles entering the parking lot, and a request from a manager.

12. In paragraph 10, A parking lot management system characterized in that the robot drives in the parking lot based on map data for the parking lot, while avoiding objects detected during the driving.

13. In paragraph 10, The above parking lot sensing data is, A parking lot management system characterized in that data is collected through at least two of a video sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor.

14. In paragraph 10, The above parking lot sensing data is, A parking lot management system characterized by including parking space location information, information on the presence or absence of vehicles in the parking space, information on the type of parked vehicles, and information on the entry time of the parked vehicles.

15. In paragraph 10, The above data processing unit, A parking lot management system characterized in that the parking period parameter is determined in a group consisting of at least two of a short-term parking area, a medium-term parking area, and a long-term parking area.

16. In paragraph 10, The above data processing unit, A parking lot management system, characterized in that the parking period parameter assigned to the parking area is dynamically changed according to predetermined conditions.

17. In paragraph 10, The above data processing unit estimates the parking type of the vehicle that entered the parking lot based on the information of the vehicle that entered the parking lot, A parking lot management system characterized in that the robot guides the entering vehicle to the parking area that matches the estimation result.

18. In paragraph 17, A parking lot management system characterized in that the guidance function of the robot includes at least one of a function of outputting the corresponding parking area as visual and / or auditory data and a function of guiding the robot to the corresponding parking area by driving to the corresponding parking area.

19. A computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium and including a program code for performing a parking lot management method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

20. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing a parking lot management method described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 9.

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