JP2004150989A - Parking lot reservation system and navigation device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reserve a parking lot by using an arrival scheduled time to a destination. <P>SOLUTION: This system for reserving the parking lot has an acquisition means for acquiring the arrival scheduled time to the destination, and a reservation processing execution means for performing reservation processing of the parking lot based on the arrival scheduled time acquired by the acquisition means. The system also has a management means for managing the utilization state of the parking lot. The reservation processing execution means determines whether the parking lot can be secured at the arrival scheduled time or not based on the utilization state of the parking lot as a reservation processing of the parking lot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for reserving a parking lot.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a car navigation system that calculates a predicted arrival time at a destination and transmits the calculated time to a destination (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-257566
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned conventional car navigation system, although the predicted arrival time is provided to the destination side, no consideration has been given to making a parking lot reservation using the predicted arrival time. It is an object of the present invention to reserve a parking lot using an estimated time of arrival at a destination.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and is a system for reserving a parking lot, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an estimated time of arrival at a destination; and an arrival unit that acquires the arrival time acquired by the acquisition unit. A reservation processing executing means for performing a parking lot reservation processing based on the scheduled time is provided.
[0006]
According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a parking lot reservation process based on the estimated arrival time at the destination.
[0007]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, the parking lot reservation system further includes a management unit that manages a parking lot usage status, and the reservation process execution unit performs the parking lot reservation process based on the parking lot usage status. It is determined whether a parking lot can be secured at the time.
[0008]
In this way, various processes can be performed according to the result of determining whether or not a parking lot can be secured.
[0009]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, the reservation processing execution unit further updates the use status of the parking lot when it is determined that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation processing. . In this way, it is possible to appropriately manage the use status of the parking lot, to accept a reservation even when the parking lot is full, or to reject a reservation even when the parking lot is available. Can be prevented.
[0010]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, the acquisition unit acquires the estimated arrival time from a vehicle-mounted navigation device having a calculation unit that calculates the estimated arrival time at the destination. The navigation device may be configured as a dedicated terminal such as a so-called car navigation device, or may be configured as an in-vehicle computer in which a program or the like for realizing a navigation function is installed as one of applications.
[0011]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, the reservation processing executing means further determines that the reservation can be made to the navigation device when it is determined that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation processing. Notice.
[0012]
In this way, the navigation device user can confirm whether or not a reservation can be made.
[0013]
In the above parking lot reservation system, for example, the navigation device further includes a unit for sequentially transmitting the estimated arrival time to the outside after receiving the notification of the reservation possibility, and the obtaining unit sequentially receives the notification from the navigation device. Get the expected arrival time to be sent.
[0014]
In this way, even if the scheduled arrival times that are sequentially different due to changes in road traffic conditions and the like are calculated, the initial parking lot reservation process can be updated based on the estimated arrival times after the change.
[0015]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, a determination unit that determines whether a vehicle that has reached a parking lot entrance is a vehicle that has secured a parking lot by the parking lot reservation process, And a control means for controlling and opening the gate at the entrance of the parking lot when it is determined that the vehicle can secure the parking lot. In this way, any vehicle that can secure the parking lot by the parking lot reservation process can enter the parking lot smoothly.
[0016]
In the parking lot reservation system, for example, a charging unit for performing a charging process of a usage fee for a vehicle that has reached a parking lot exit, and a gate of the parking lot exit is controlled when the charging process by the charging unit is completed. And control means for opening. This makes it possible to automate the charging of the usage fee and the like.
[0017]
The present invention can be specified as an invention of a navigation device as follows. A navigation device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: setting means for setting a destination; calculating means for calculating an estimated time of arrival at the destination set by the setting means; and an arrival schedule calculated by the calculating means. Means for transmitting a time to the outside, and means for sequentially transmitting the estimated time of arrival calculated by the calculating means to the outside after receiving a notification from the outside that the parking reservation is possible for the expected time of arrival. apparatus.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a parking lot reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic system configuration of a parking lot reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019]
The parking lot reservation system includes a navigation device 100, an information center 200, a store terminal 300, a parking system 400, and the like.
[0020]
The navigation device 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 is connected to a storage device 102 such as a RAM or a ROM, a reading device 103, a communication device 104, a current position detecting unit 105, an input unit 106 via a bus or the like. An image display device 107 and the like are provided. Further, an ETC unit 110 is connected to the CPU 101 via a predetermined interface 108.
[0021]
The reading device 103 is a device for acquiring (reading) predetermined data (a predetermined program, map data, route guidance data, and the like) from a recording medium M such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The predetermined data may be obtained from outside by the communication device 104. The obtained predetermined data is stored in the storage device 102. The CPU 101 functions as a route guidance unit, an estimated arrival time calculation unit, and the like by executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device 102.
[0022]
The CPU 101 functioning as route guidance means guides a route (usually a recommended route) to a set destination based on predetermined data (route guidance data and the like). The CPU 101 functioning as expected arrival time calculating means calculates an expected arrival time at the set destination based on the latest road traffic information and the like (for example, obtained from VICS). The expected arrival time calculation means sequentially calculates an expected arrival time at the destination. For example, it is calculated every time the vehicle travels for a certain distance, every time a predetermined time elapses, or each time the latest road traffic information or the like is acquired. For this reason, the expected arrival time that changes every moment according to the road traffic conditions and the like is calculated.
[0023]
The communication device 104 is a device for performing wireless data communication with the outside (such as the information center 300), and includes, for example, a mobile phone, a communication module, and the like.
[0024]
The current position detection means 105 is for detecting the current position of the vehicle, and is, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a GPS receiver, or the like. The detected current position information is supplied to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 executes a predetermined program, and is used in various processes such as reading map data of a region corresponding to the current position from the recording medium M.
[0025]
The input means 106 is for inputting or setting a destination (facility name or the like), inputting reservation contents, and inputting or setting other information or a command (for example, a command for obtaining predetermined data). It is a touch panel provided on the display surface of the device 107, a key set, or the like.
[0026]
The image display device 107 is a display such as a liquid crystal display and a CRT display. The image display device 107 displays a map image acquired from the recording medium M or the information center 200, a route to the destination, an estimated time of arrival at the destination, various images such as a predetermined menu, characters, and the like. .
[0027]
The ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) unit 110 is a device for paying a fee electronically by performing wireless communication with an electronic device installed on a roadside (for example, a tollgate on a toll road). In the present embodiment, the ETC unit 110 performs wireless communication with the parking system 400 installed at the entrance and exit of the parking lot, and is stored in the ECT unit 110 or an IC card mounted on the ECT unit 110. Vehicle information (vehicle identification information and the like) is transmitted to parking system 400. As a result, the parking system 400 controls opening and closing of the gate at the entrance or exit of the parking lot, and performs electronic billing.
[0028]
The navigation device 100 may be configured as a dedicated terminal such as a so-called car navigation device, or may be configured as an in-vehicle computer in which predetermined data is installed as one of applications.
[0029]
The information center 200 includes a host computer 201, a store information database 202 connected to the host computer 201, a database (not shown) storing various data (newest data, additional information, and the like) for network navigation, and the like. I have. Store information on the store is registered in the store information database 202. The store information includes items such as a store ID, a store name, menu information, business hours, and a store location.
[0030]
Also, the priority setting items (priority setting items for the reservation service implementing store) are set so that the user can preferentially search for the reservation service implementing store (the store implementing the parking lot reservation service of the present embodiment). May be set to a higher priority). The store information database 202 (store information) is periodically updated from the store terminal 300 (for example, addition of a new menu, change of business hours). Therefore, the registered contents are the latest.
[0031]
The host computer 201 reads store information from the store information database 202 (store information) in response to a request from the navigation device 100 (further performs predetermined editing or the like), and provides the same to the navigation device 100. The host computer 201 is located between the navigation device 100 and the shop terminal 300, and relays communication between the two.
[0032]
The store terminal 300 is an information processing terminal for managing the usage status of the parking lot and the like, and performing a parking lot reservation process. The shop terminal 300 corresponds to the management unit and the reservation processing execution unit of the present invention. These are realized by the store terminal 300 executing a predetermined program.
[0033]
The store terminal 300 acquires the estimated arrival time at the destination (own store) from the navigation device 100 via the information center 200 (acquisition means), and performs a parking lot reservation process based on the acquired estimated arrival time. Perform (reservation processing execution means). The use status database 301 is connected to the store terminal 300, and the store terminal 300 manages the use status of the parking lot by using the use status database 301.
[0034]
The use status database 301 registers the use status (or reservation status) related to the parking lot of the store where the store terminal 300 is installed (including the nearby parking lot where the store has a contract, etc.). The use status includes items such as a parking lot ID, the number of parkable vehicles (upper limit number), a reservation time zone (for example, 12:00 to 14:00, etc.), and a reservation number (for example, the number of reservations for each reservation time zone). .
[0035]
In addition, the store terminal 300 determines whether or not the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time (acquired from the navigation device 100) based on the usage status database 301 (the usage status of the parking lot) as the parking lot reservation process. judge.
[0036]
The store terminal 300 updates the usage status database 301 (the usage status registered in the usage status database 301) when determining that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation process. For example, the store terminal 300 returns the number of reservations for the elapsed reservation time period to 0, and increases the number of reservations for the reservation time period when a new reservation is received in a specific reservation time period (for example, +1).
[0037]
The store terminal 300 notifies the navigation device 100 that the reservation can be made when it is determined that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the parking lot cannot be secured at the scheduled arrival time, the navigation device 100 is notified that the reservation is not possible. All of these notifications are made via the information center 200.
[0038]
The parking system 400 includes a communication device 401, a gate 402, a vehicle information database 503 connected to the store terminal 300, and a control device (not shown) for controlling these devices. ing.
[0039]
Vehicle information (reserved vehicle identification information) of the reserved vehicle transferred from the shop terminal 300 is registered in the vehicle information database 403.
[0040]
The communication device 401 is a device for performing wireless data communication with the ETC unit 110 mounted on the vehicle that has reached the entrance or the exit. The parking system 400 acquires vehicle information from the ETC unit 110 at the entrance of the parking lot by performing data communication between the communication device 401 on the entrance side and the ETC unit 110, and the vehicle information is stored in the vehicle information database 403. Is checked to see if it has been registered, and the result of the check is supplied to the control device.
[0041]
The control device controls opening and closing of the gate on the entrance side based on the collation result. For example, when the vehicle information is registered in the vehicle information database 403, the control device controls and opens the entrance-side gate. In addition, at the parking lot exit, the parking system 400 acquires vehicle information and the like from the ETC unit 200 by performing data communication between the communication device 401 on the exit side and the ETC unit 200, and acquires the vehicle information and the like. Based on this, a charging process such as a parking fee is performed. The parking fee is collected by a predetermined method such as a credit card, a direct debit, a prepaid card, or a bill payment at a later date.
[0042]
Next, the operation of the parking lot reservation system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the parking lot reservation system.
[0043]
A user who intends to make a reservation for a parking lot first activates the navigation device 100 and obtains a destination candidate list (displayed in descending order of priority) from the information center 200 or the like by performing a peripheral search or a destination search. Then, a store to be a destination (including a stopover) is selected from the list (S100), and the store information is read from the information center 200 (S101). Since the store database 202 is periodically updated from the store terminal 300 (S300), the latest store information is read.
[0044]
The user refers to the store information and performs a predetermined operation via the input means 106 to set a specific facility as a destination (S102), and inputs reservation contents and the like (S103). The reservation contents may include, for example, the number of reservations and a reservation menu (for example, if the facility set as the destination is a restaurant, a restaurant menu).
[0045]
When the destination is set, the navigation device 100 starts route guidance to the set destination based on the predetermined data. At the same time, the estimated time of arrival at the set destination is sequentially calculated based on the latest road traffic information and the like (S104).
[0046]
When the reservation content is input and a predetermined transmission command is input from the input unit 106, the navigation device 100 uses the estimated arrival time, the reservation content, and the vehicle information (such as ETC card information recorded on an ETC card or the like). (Including the vehicle identification information) to the store terminal 300 via the information center 200 (S105).
[0047]
The shop terminal 300 receives the estimated arrival time and the like from the navigation device 100, and performs a reservation process based on the estimated arrival time and the like (S301). For example, as a reservation process, the store terminal 300 determines whether or not a parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time based on the usage status of the parking lot registered in the usage status database 301 (S302).
[0048]
This is determined, for example, as follows. For each parking lot (parking ID), the number of parkable vehicles (upper limit vehicle) and the number of reserved vehicles for the reserved time zone including the estimated arrival time are read from the usage status database 301. The two are compared, and if there is a parking lot that satisfies the number of parkable vehicles> the number of reserved vehicles, it is determined that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time (S302: Yes).
[0049]
When the store terminal 300 determines that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time (S302: Yes), the store status database 301 is updated by adding 1 to the number of reservations for the reservation time zone (use status update). (S303). This makes it possible to secure a parking space for the reserved vehicle even during congestion. In addition, parking lots and seats can be secured according to the expected arrival time, and reserved items (cooking etc.) can be prepared if necessary, so that parking waiting can be resolved, parking lot change, order waiting time Can be shortened, and convenience is greatly improved.
[0050]
At the same time, the shop terminal 300 notifies the navigation device 100 of the reservation availability (reservation confirmation) via the information center 200 (S304). On the other hand, if the store terminal 300 determines that the parking lot cannot be secured at the estimated arrival time (S302: No), the store terminal 300 notifies the navigation device 100 via the information center 200 that the reservation cannot be made (S304).
[0051]
When the navigation device 100 receives the notification that the reservation is possible from the store terminal 300, the navigation device 100 displays that fact on the image display device 107 (S106), and after receiving the notification that the reservation is possible, updates the latest road traffic information. The estimated arrival time sequentially calculated based on the above is sequentially (for example, periodically) transmitted to the store terminal 300 via the information center 200 (S107).
[0052]
The shop terminal 300 receives the estimated arrival time, and performs the same reservation update processing as the above-described reservation processing based on the estimated arrival time. On the other hand, when the navigation device 100 receives the notification that the reservation is not possible from the store terminal 300, the navigation device 100 only displays that fact on the image display device 107 (S106), and does not perform the process of S107.
[0053]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the navigation device 100 receives the notification of the reservation availability from the store terminal 300, the navigation device 100 transmits the scheduled arrival time that sequentially changes thereafter to the store terminal 300 at a predetermined timing. I have. Therefore, it is possible to automatically update the reservation contents (reservation time of the parking lot, etc.) in real time without the user's trouble, and the convenience is greatly improved. Even if the scheduled arrival time at the destination is delayed due to traffic congestion or the like, it is not necessary to notify the user of the change in the reservation time. Further, even if the vehicle arrives earlier than the scheduled arrival time, there is no waiting time in the parking lot.
[0054]
If the shop terminal 300 determines in S302 that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time (S302: Yes), the shop terminal 300 transfers the vehicle information (at least the vehicle identification information) received from the navigation device 100 to the parking system 400. Parking system 400 receives the vehicle information and registers it in vehicle information database 401.
[0055]
Next, it is assumed that the vehicle that has received the notification that the parking lot can be reserved has reached the reserved parking lot entrance (communicable area with the entrance-side communication device 401). In this case, by performing data communication between the entrance communication device 401 and the ECT unit 110 mounted on the vehicle, the parking system 400 acquires vehicle information (vehicle identification information and the like) from the ETC unit 110. (S401), it is checked whether or not the vehicle information is registered in the vehicle information database 403 (that is, whether or not the vehicle that has arrived at the entrance of the parking lot is a vehicle that has secured the parking lot through the parking lot reservation process). Is determined) (S402), and the collation result is supplied to the control device. When the vehicle information is registered (matched) in the vehicle information database 403 (S403: Yes), the control device controls the gate on the entrance side to open the gate as a reserved vehicle (S404). That is, when it is determined that the vehicle has secured the parking lot, the gate at the entrance of the parking lot opens.
[0056]
Next, it is assumed that the entered vehicle arrives at the parking lot exit (communicable area with the exit side communication device 401). In this case, by performing data communication between the communication device 401 on the exit side and the ETC unit 110 mounted on the vehicle, the parking system 400 can communicate with the ETC unit 110 in a predetermined manner necessary for charging. Sends and receives information (this is the same as the predetermined information sent and received at the exit of the highway in the ETC system). The parking system 400 receives the predetermined information, calculates a usage fee (for example, a parking lot usage fee, a food and beverage fee) based on the predetermined information, and charges the vehicle (payment settlement) (charge processing means). At the same time, when the charging process is completed, the control device controls and opens the gate on the parking lot exit side (S405).
[0057]
In this way, the charged fee is collected by a method such as withdrawal of an account through a predetermined credit card company 500 or the like, a prepaid card, a bill payment at a later date, or the like. As described above, the automatic settlement of the usage fee can be realized, and the convenience is greatly improved. In addition, for the store side, it is possible to obtain effects such as expansion of use by improving user convenience and ease of congestion (reduction of labor costs) by automatic payment of advertisement effect fee by priority display of navigation.
[0058]
As for the structure of the usage fee, the user only pays the ordinary network navigation fee, and the store side pays the information center cost by the database 202 registration fee, the user communication fee (toll-free), and the fixed rate burden according to the user usage amount. It is possible to bear.
[0059]
The present invention may be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the above embodiments are merely examples in every respect, and the present invention is not limitedly interpreted by these descriptions.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to reserve a parking lot using the estimated time of arrival at a destination. Further, it is possible to greatly improve user convenience by realizing the cancellation of the parking wait, the automatic update of the reservation time, and the like. On the store side (destination), there is an effect that the use is expanded by improving user convenience.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic system configuration of a parking lot reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the parking lot reservation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Navigation device 101 CPU
102 storage device 103 reading device 104 communication device 105 current position detection means 106 input means 107 image display device 108 interface 110 ETC unit 200 information center 201 host computer 202 store information database 300 store terminal 301 usage database 400 parking system 401 communication device 402 Gate M Recording medium

Claims (9)

A system for reserving a parking lot,
Acquiring means for acquiring an estimated time of arrival at the destination;
A parking lot reservation system comprising: a reservation processing execution unit that performs a parking lot reservation process based on the estimated arrival time acquired by the acquisition unit. It further comprises management means for managing the usage status of the parking lot,
2. The parking lot reservation system according to claim 1, wherein the reservation processing execution means determines whether or not a parking lot can be secured at an estimated arrival time based on a use state of the parking lot, as the parking lot reservation process. 3. . The parking lot reservation according to claim 2, wherein the reservation processing execution means further updates the use status of the parking lot when it is determined that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation processing. system. 4. The parking lot reservation system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the estimated arrival time from a vehicle-mounted navigation device having a calculation unit that calculates the estimated arrival time at the destination. 5. 5. The parking system according to claim 4, wherein the reservation processing execution unit further notifies the navigation device that reservation is possible when determining that the parking lot can be secured at the estimated arrival time as the parking lot reservation processing. 6. Parking lot reservation system. The navigation apparatus further includes means for sequentially transmitting the estimated arrival time to the outside after receiving the notice of the reservation,
The parking lot reservation system according to claim 5, wherein the acquisition unit acquires an estimated arrival time sequentially transmitted from the navigation device. Determining means for determining whether or not the vehicle that has reached the parking lot entrance is a vehicle that has secured a parking lot by the parking lot reservation process;
The parking lot reservation system according to claim 2, further comprising control means for controlling and opening a gate at the entrance of the parking lot when it is judged by the judging means that the vehicle can secure the parking lot. A billing means for performing a billing process for a usage fee for a vehicle that has reached the parking lot exit;
8. The parking lot reservation system according to claim 7, further comprising control means for controlling and opening a gate at a parking lot exit when the charging process by said charging means is completed. A navigation device mounted on a vehicle,
Setting means for setting a destination;
Calculation means for calculating the estimated time of arrival at the destination set by the setting means,
Means for transmitting the estimated arrival time calculated by the calculating means to the outside,
Means for sequentially transmitting the estimated arrival time calculated by the calculation means to the outside after receiving a notification from the outside that the parking lot can be reserved for the estimated arrival time.

Images