JP3368533B2 - Automatic guidance method in outdoor parking lot and automatic guidance device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for automatically guiding a vehicle approaching an empty parking space in an outdoor parking lot which may be exposed to wind and rain or to direct sunlight. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
10 to accommodate 1 car x 5 = 105 cars
It is a top view showing an example of an outdoor parking lot which set up five unit spaces and three passages. In a parking lot of this type, when the number of cars that entered the outer shell 1 of the parking lot from the entrance / exit 3 is significantly smaller than the number of unit spaces 2 (for example, 1/3 or less), it entered. No special effort is required to guide the car to an appropriate vacant space, and it may be left to the good sense of the driver of the approaching vehicle. FIG. 6 is a bird's-eye view schematically illustrating a scene when the number of parked vehicles is significantly smaller than the number of unit spaces in a conventional parking lot. In the state shown in FIG. 6, since the parked vehicle 4 is sparse, the driver of the approaching vehicle 6 can easily see the empty space (unit space not parked) 2 '.

A car stop is provided in each unit space. This car stop is a publicly known publicly-used device, and is made of concrete or a steel plate so that it will not be crushed even when stepped on by a tire. This car stop is not absolutely necessary, but
For example, a rooftop parking lot or a quayside parking lot is provided when a serious accident occurs if overshooting occurs. In order to fit the vehicle in the prescribed unit space even if it does not cause a serious accident, that is,
In many cases, a car stop is provided so as not to clutter the parking state, to collide with an already parked car, or to prevent the fence (for example, the block wall in FIG. 4) of the parking lot enclosure 1 from being struck. Under these circumstances, it is no exaggeration to say that there is always a car stop in a well-maintained parking lot. Further, for example, when the playground is used as a temporary parking lot, it can function as a temporary parking lot if a rope is put on the ground and a car stop is placed. From the above facts, it can be understood that the meaning of the car stop in the parking lot is.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a state in which an approaching vehicle is heading toward an empty space when a large number of vehicles are parked in the parking lot shown in FIG. 6 and the number of empty spaces becomes very small. It is a bird's-eye view. In the example of FIG. 7, two empty vehicle spaces 2 ′ remain, but the approaching vehicle is indicated by the arrow F.
While the vehicle is traveling as described above, it is impossible to visually recognize the empty space 2'because the view of the already parked vehicle is obstructed. Even if you are proceeding as shown by arrow G, the shape and size of the already parked car are not constant, and the parking positions have deviations, so it is difficult to check the empty space 2'unless you approach them considerably. Is not uncommon.

[0005]

Inventor (Applicant)
Has served the community for many years as head of a security company. In addition, security of parking lots is a large part of the security work. Parking guards are not only theft prevention and fire prevention, but traffic control is also an important task. When the parking lot becomes crowded, the labor required to guide the approaching vehicle to the empty space is great, but the fact is that even if the guard sweats on his forehead and jumps around, he cannot avoid the small number of troubles. . The small trouble here is, for example, that an unexpected car has entered the empty space where you were trying to guide a certain approaching vehicle, or you did not expect a car that was parked. However, it is a confusion that does not cause damage, such as when you leave the car (willing to run from the unit space), or the car that tried to leave the car suddenly got stuck because it could not rub against each other and caused congestion of the following car. Is. Because guards have a spirit of community service, they struggle with a small wage for their labor, and especially in rush hour, they make a tearful effort. The reality is that I am not so appreciative and have a cold gaze every time I have a small trouble.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, attempts and efforts have been made to apply sensors and computers to which electronics are applied, but effective solutions and devices have not been developed yet. For example, in the parking lot shown in FIG. 5 above, an automatic counter provided in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 3 subtracts the number of cars out of the parking lot from the number of cars in the entrance / exit 3 It is also known that the number of cars in the car can be grasped, and entry of the cars exceeding the storage capacity can be restricted so as not to enter. This total volume restriction admission restriction is certainly effective, and it is possible to prevent catastrophic confusion when a number of cars exceeding the storage capacity enter the parking lot enclosure 1 (later). Even when the present invention to be described is applied, a complete effect can be expected by carrying out this restriction on the number of entrances).

Furthermore, various attempts have been made to manage parking by applying a sensor or a computer to which recently developed electronics are applied. The publicly-known technology, the technology that can be easily conceived based on the publicly-known technology, and the problems thereof will be described below centering on the parking management research conducted by the present inventor. With respect to each of a large number (105 in the example of FIG. 5 ) of unit spaces provided in the parking lot, a pressure-sensitive sensor that operates when stepped on by the tire is embedded, and the unit space is parked. In addition to making it possible to detect the presence of a car, a simple computer and display (both not shown) are installed in the control room, and space numbers from "A1" to "E21" 1
Although it is possible to display the presence / absence of parking for each of the 05 unit spaces, it is difficult to put into practice because of the following problems.

A. It is uneconomical to bury the pressure sensor on the parking surface because it requires a lot of labor and time, and when the inspection or repair is required for some reason, the parking surface must be dug again. It is very troublesome because it does not happen (that is, poor maintainability). The technology of providing a pressure-sensitive sensor can be applied when constructing a parking space from the beginning of construction, such as a multi-storey parking lot or a ship dedicated to car transportation, but it is necessary to dig up an existing parking lot to detect pressure. Embedding the sensor is very difficult. In particular, in the rooftop parking lot provided on the roof of an existing building, the parking surface is a reinforced concrete floor,
It is impossible to destroy this and embed the pressure sensitive sensor. Even in a normal outdoor parking lot, it is difficult to dig back if it is paved with concrete or covered with asphalt.

Despite the obvious difficulties involved, embedding the pressure-sensitive sensor in the parking surface has been considered in the vicinity of the route taken by the automobile after the equipment is installed. This is because there must be no ground protrusions. The idea of embedding a pressure-sensitive sensor on the road surface was born in order to clear the restriction that no surface protrusion is provided. Therefore, the configuration of the present invention described later is also devised so as not to conflict with the restriction that the surface protrusions are not provided.

The parking lot is not always a permanent facility. For example, when setting up a venue for a National Athletic Meet held in a rotating manner in a local city, a parking lot for the duration of the session is provided by using a rest area or a public plaza. In addition, there are many cases where a temporary parking lot must be set up for a limited-time or one-day event such as disaster relief, visiting foreign heads of state, visiting the sumo area, national funerals, company funerals, and marriages. Since the parking lot must be operated under temporary and unpredictable conditions, traffic control inside the venue is even more important. However, it is not economically feasible to bury the pressure-sensitive sensor by digging up the planned parking lot for a short period of time and the limited planned value.

B. There is a difference between good and bad driving operations such as putting in a garage. When a normal driver puts a car into the unit space, it will not enter the center exactly except by accident. Therefore, even if the pressure sensor is embedded, there is a sufficient possibility that the tire of the parked automobile will not step on the pressure sensor. In particular, when an inexperienced driver rushes into the garage, there is a risk that he will not step on the pressure-sensitive sensor. If you try to step on the tires without fail in such a case, the pressure-sensitive sensor must be placed and buried in a wide area, which will result in high equipment construction costs and subsequent maintenance and maintenance.

In order to prevent erroneous operation due to a pedal depression,
It is also conceivable to use an optical sensor instead of the pressure sensitive sensor. However, if an optical sensor is buried in the parking surface, the drainage may be bad and the optical sensor may be flooded for a long period of time, and since it is occasionally stepped on by the tire of the car, durability is not guaranteed. . Moreover, the optical sensor embedded in the road surface of the automobile is polluted with mud and dust, and the detection performance is not maintained.

C. Even if the management room can know whether there is a parked vehicle in each unit space, it cannot prevent traffic disruption in the parking lot. If now, in a control room provided in the vicinity of the entrance 3 of FIG. 5, FIG. 5 in the represented electronic billboard such as those that have been installed, 105 pieces of ranging from "A1" to "E21" Even if the presence or absence of parking is indicated by the blinking of the pilot lamp in each of the unit areas, there is no effective, reliable, and simple means for the manager to give a command to the driver of the approaching vehicle. With respect to the reserved seats in the theater and the reserved seats in the aircraft, seats are designated using the categories shown in FIG. 5 , and the results are shown in the order of spectators and passengers. However, in order to carry out and arrange this method, it is necessary to issue a designated ticket and to take a predetermined seat with the good sense and responsibility of the spectators and passengers. In the case of a parking lot, the outer contour 1 of the parking lot does not always have an orderly rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 5 , and since the unfamiliar visitor (driver of the approaching vehicle) must be handled, For example, even if "D16" is designated, its position cannot be immediately understood, and the route to "D16" cannot be immediately understood. Moreover, if one approaching vehicle makes a mistake in the designated unit space, it will affect other vehicles one after another. Also, if it is a reserved seat in a theater or train, it is relatively easy to make a person who is sitting by mistake stand up, but if you try to evict a parked car, the driver of the wrong parked car Must be called by broadcast. Although it is possible to broadcast on-site at the parking lots at exhibitions and supermarkets, in the parking lots at concerts and ceremonies, calling drivers by public broadcasts is practically impossible. Therefore, if one vehicle is erroneously parked, its effect is great. Furthermore, if an approaching vehicle that notices a mistake in the destination starts backing up on the way, if it is not easy to rub against another approaching vehicle, traffic congestion will occur (in the aisle like the audience in the theater and passengers on the train Cannot easily rub against each other).

Here, it is necessary to consider the special conditions for organizing and guiding in the parking lot. When carrying out and entering a vehicle by remotely operating a conveyor or a robot that conveys a car, as in a multi-storey car park, the presence or absence of a car parked in a unit space is automatically detected by a sensor, and the command room There is known a technique in which an operator deposits an automobile in a vacant space and stores it in an empty space by an operator or fully automatically by a microcomputer based on information displayed on an electronic bulletin board. Further, in the above-mentioned known technique, a specific parked automobile can be carried out and handed over by a conveyor or a robot as required. In the above-mentioned publicly known technology, an automobile is a simple object to be transported, that is, a piece of luggage, and has no eyes, no legs, no thinking and no judgment. However, the present invention is applied to an automobile operated by a driver, which has self-propelled ability, visual acuity, and judgment. This point is essentially different from the above-mentioned known technique (automatic operation or semi-automatic operation of a multi-storey car park).

In view of the above circumstances, the inventor of the present invention
In addition, empty vehicles can be safely, reliably, and automatically installed by using equipment that is easy to install and can be relocated to vehicles that enter an outdoor parking lot that accommodates multiple types of vehicles arranged in a plane. After conducting diligent research to create a method and device that can be guided to a space, repeated trial production and experiments, I encountered an unexpected difficulty and clarified the cause.

That is, as means for detecting whether or not a vehicle is present in the parking space, a non-contact type sensor using ultrasonic waves and a non-contact type sensor using radio waves are known and officially used. Using a sound wave sensor causes malfunction in case of rain. The reason is that ultrasonic waves are generated when the water bubbles generated by rainwater burst and disappear. It has been well known that ultrasonic waves are generated when bubbles rupture, and this phenomenon seriously hinders the use of ultrasonic sensors in outdoor parking lots. Further, a sensor using radio waves causes an error due to an unexpected jamming radio wave in an urban area.

As a non-contact type sensor having no fear of such a malfunction, a sensor using an infrared ray emitter and a light receiver is a promising candidate. However, in a parking lot for many kinds of vehicles, I have a problem. In other words, when an infrared sensor is installed near the surface of the earth and the car is looked up diagonally upward, if the elevation angle (upward angle compared to the horizontal) is small, the projected infrared rays will be emitted even if there is a large freight car. Since it is diffused under the belly of the large-sized freight car, the reflected light cannot be detected. But,
When the angle of elevation is too large, it is impossible to detect the vehicles low belly, such as small cars. The reason is,
This is because the infrared sensor falls below the lower limit of the detectable distance range. In other words, it is too close to be seen. Such a defect may occur when the spare tire, the spare tire cover, the propeller shaft, and the like are located at a close distance. Furthermore, there is another problem that cannot be solved by the conventional technology. Conventionally, an example provided there a non-contact sensor in the bollard, In such a configuration, when the vehicle tires has trampled the form against the car stops, ride mid sensors (all types smell Te)
Will be blinded and unable to detect the presence of the car.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable device for a vehicle entering an outdoor parking lot that accommodates a large number and many types of vehicles. With the help of, you can safely and reliably avoid the malfunction caused by the weather, without protruding to the ground and spoiling your aesthetics.
In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device that can automatically guide the vehicle without the risk of malfunction due to being stepped on the tire of the automobile.

[0019]

The basic principle of the present invention created to achieve the above object will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. 1 corresponding to one embodiment thereof.
In other words, there is no risk of malfunction due to the sound of rain, there is no risk of malfunction due to being stepped on by tires, in order to automatically guide a large number of multi-model cars entering the outdoor parking lot to the empty space, A car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 is constructed. Since this member is not a car stop, it is not likely to be erroneously operated by being stepped on by an automobile, and because it has a car stop shape, it can be placed on the ground without impairing the appearance of the parking lot. This car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 is provided with an infrared sensor 8c ₁ that emits and receives infrared rays at a large elevation angle as indicated by an arrow u, and is capable of detecting a large vehicle, and at a small elevation angle (arrow d) infrared rays are detected. Infrared sensor 8c for emitting and receiving light
_{2 is} also provided to detect a small car.

Based on the principle described above, the constitution of the method of the present invention according to claim 1 still has a large number of vehicles of various types arranged outdoors and entering a parking lot that accommodates vehicles. In the method of guiding to an empty car space that is not parked, a large number of "unit spaces for parking one car" are divided into a plurality of block areas,
A sensor that detects the presence or absence of a parked vehicle in a non-contact manner is provided in each of the plurality of unit spaces, and a guide light is installed at a location several meters high from the parking plane for each of the plurality of block areas. However, for each of the plurality of block areas, when the presence of an automobile is detected by the sensor for all of the unit spaces forming the block area, the guide lights provided in the block area Marking "no empty space" is made, and for each of a plurality of block areas, one or more "unit spaces that do not detect the presence of a vehicle" are included in the unit space that constitutes the block area. If there is, there is an empty space provided by the guide lights provided in the block area. Meaning to perform the marking, and, said "sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the car contactlessly"
Is a combination of an infrared projector and an infrared receiver without the use of radio waves or ultrasonic waves, and at least two sets of sensors per unit space corresponding to one car, if their elevation angles differ from each other. Installed tightly and set the elevation angle of each of the above two sensors to 14 degrees ± 4 degrees
And 38 ° ± 8 °, or the above two sets of sensors
The elevation angle of each sir is 45 degrees ± 15 degrees and 30 degrees ± 1
The angle is set to 5 degrees, and a pair of bollards provided in each unit space are positioned almost at the center of the bollard. A sensor case similar in shape to the bollard is placed in the sensor case. It accommodates at least two sets of sensors which are different from each other.

According to the method of the first aspect of the present invention as described above, the driver of the approaching vehicle himself / herself can visually recognize the "schematic position of the block area in which the empty vehicle space exists", and self-travel in that direction. It can be done. Even if the driver does not know the position of the empty space in detail and accurately, the driver can drive the approaching vehicle and approach the empty space by notifying the driver of the position of the outline. When most of the many unit spaces (sections that can accommodate one car) that make up the parking lot are parked, the driver of the approaching vehicle is blocked by the parked car. It is difficult to see the empty area. However, since the guide light of the invention according to this claim is installed at a height of several meters above the ground, it can be clearly seen even from a distant place. Since it is not necessary to know the specific position of the empty vehicle space in detail at the time of approaching by looking at the guiding light from a distance, the guiding light according to the present claim does not indicate the empty vehicle space, but “ "Block area with empty space" is marked. Therefore, even in a vast parking lot having a large number of unit spaces, it is not necessary to provide as many guide lights as the number of unit spaces, and as many guide lights as the number of block areas, which is a fraction of the unit space, can be provided. Is enough. In this way, the equipment cost can be reduced because the purpose can be achieved by using a small amount of materials, and a temporary parking lot can be set up and guided, or the guidance facility can be moved to follow the movement of the parking lot. Is easy. If the approaching vehicle can approach the empty space with the guidance light, the driver of the approaching vehicle may find out the existence of the empty space, check it, and drive it by himself to “park the garage”. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention makes full use of the fact that the approaching vehicle has the eyes of the driver, has the traveling function, and has the judgment of the driver, and outlines the location of the empty space. The purpose of guidance is achieved by marking in block area units. Since the number of approaching vehicles traveling in search of an empty space is not limited to one, it is often possible for another vehicle to preempt the empty space. However, according to the invention method of claim 1,
Even if another vehicle preempts one of the empty spaces, if there is still empty space in the same block area, the guide lights in that block area will continue to have "empty space".
Is displayed, the vehicle advances toward the guide light that indicates “there is an empty vehicle space”, and at least one empty vehicle space can be easily found by approaching.
In addition, when another vehicle preempts the empty space and the empty space runs out in the block area, the guide light in the block area instantly displays the "empty space" sign and "no empty space" sign. Change to. Even if the indication that there is an empty space that the approaching vehicle was aiming for has changed to "no empty space", as long as the number of vehicles allowed to enter the outside of the parking lot does not exceed the number of unit spaces, look around You will always find at least one guide light that indicates "vacant space". Since the guide light is installed at a height of several meters above the ground, a driver of an approaching vehicle traveling slowly in the outside of the parking lot can easily find it. In this way, the approaching vehicle is automatically guided toward the empty space by utilizing the driver's eyesight and judgment, which causes a dispute for empty space and causes traffic congestion in the aisle in the parking lot. There is no danger of going down. Moreover, since the infrared sensor is used as the non-contact sensor, there is no risk of malfunction due to the sound of rain (explosion of bubbles) in the ultrasonic sensor, and there is also the risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves like the radio sensor. There is no.
For the problem of "difficult to correspond to all of the many types of models," the case of using an infrared sensor, a combination of a plurality of infrared sensors having different elevation angle, the plurality several of the infrared cell
The angle of elevation of each of the two infrared sensors in the sensor is 1
Set to 4 degrees ± 4 degrees and 38 degrees ± 8 degrees, or
The angles are set at 45 degrees ± 15 degrees and 30 degrees ± 15 degrees, respectively.
Fixed by fixing .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the constituent features of the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor case is provided with a window-shaped hole that opens obliquely upward, and At least two sets of sensors for projecting and receiving infrared rays through the holes are installed, and the window-shaped holes are covered with "a filter that allows infrared rays to pass therethrough and hardly allows ultraviolet rays to pass therethrough".

According to the method of the second aspect of the present invention described above, the sensor case in the shape of a car stop has a window-shaped opening, so that the sensor case is made of a metal such as a steel plate that does not transmit infrared rays. Even if it is made of a solid material, the infrared sensor inside the case can emit and receive infrared light through the window-shaped opening. In addition, since the window-like opening is covered with a so-called ultraviolet cut filter that allows infrared rays to pass therethrough and hardly allows ultraviolet rays to pass therethrough, the infrared sensor does not deteriorate even when it is directly exposed to sunlight. Further, the ultraviolet cut filter has a function similar to that of a window glass, and there is no possibility that rainwater or car wash water may enter the sensor case to cause malfunction or rust. And, the sensor case with a shape similar to the car stop,
Since it is not a car stop itself, there is no risk that it will be stepped on by the tire of the automobile and block the window-like opening, resulting in high operational reliability. Further, since the sensor case has a shape similar to that of a car stop, it does not cause a sense of discomfort even if it is installed on the ground of a parking lot, and there is no fear of spoiling the aesthetic appearance of the parking lot.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the vehicle is guided to a vacant vehicle space that is not yet parked, by guiding a vehicle entering a parking lot that accommodates a large number and multiple types of vehicles arranged outdoors. In the device, a large number of "unit spaces for parking one car" are divided into a plurality of block areas, and a function of detecting the presence or absence of a parked car in each of the plurality of unit spaces A non-contact type sensor with is installed,
For each of the plurality of block areas, "a guide light indicating whether or not at least one empty space is present in the unit space forming the block area" is provided, and the non-contact Type sensor consists of a combination of an infrared projector and an infrared receiver, and at least two infrared projectors and infrared receivers per empty car space are in a case similar in shape to a car stop. in conjunction with the installed housed, at least two infrared projector constitute said at least two sets of the "infrared projectors and infrared receiver" is not different from the elevation of the Shuto light direction to each other, the The elevation angles of the two infrared projectors
14 degrees ± 4 degrees and 28 degrees ± 8 degrees respectively, and
Is the angle of elevation of each of the two infrared projectors is 45 degrees ±
15 ° and 30 ° ± 15 °, and the non-contact type sensor is housed in a case similar to a car stop, and the case is “covered with a filter that hardly allows passage of ultraviolet rays. In addition to being equipped with infrared emitting and receiving windows, it is located near the center of a pair of car stops installed in each parking space, and is installed with its longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the pair of car stops. It is characterized by being

According to the invention facility of claim 3 described above, the invention method according to claim 1 can be easily carried out and its effect can be sufficiently exerted. That is,
Since a non-contact type sensor having a function of detecting the presence / absence of a parked car is installed in each of the multiple unit spaces, each of the multiple unit spaces is vacant or parked. It is possible to automatically detect the presence of a car. Since the above-mentioned sensor is a non-contact type, there is no malfunction such as that the parking position of the car is biased and thus the touch is not sensed, or that the car cannot be detected due to the special shape of the car. Further, since it is a non-contact type, no trouble such as wear of the contactor occurs. Further, there is no possibility of inducing complaints that the contactor touches the car body of the automobile and stains it or that scratch marks are generated. Since the guide light according to the present invention has a structure for indicating whether or not there is at least one empty vehicle space for each block area, even if the number of unit spaces is very large, the unit Does not require as many guide lights as space. That is, for example, when one block area is formed for every n unit spaces, the required number of guide lights is 1 / n of the number of unit spaces. Looking at the invented results, it may seem like nothing, but the fact that the guide means is not provided for each unit space but for each block area means that the car that entered for parking Without considering it as a transported object (baggage), the sensory organs of the driver of the approaching vehicle, the judgment of the driver, the self-propelled function of the car, and the possession of the driver By effectively utilizing the maneuvering skill and not specifically designating the unit space for parking, “marking the block area with empty space and letting the driver discover the empty space itself” is new. It embodies a different technical idea as a concrete structure. Furthermore, it is also important to use light as the guiding means. Of the five human senses, those that can be sensed remotely are the visual sense, the auditory sense, and the olfactory sense, and of these three, the visual sense and the auditory sense are generally used for transmitting information. There are merits and demerits between visual information transmission and auditory information transmission, and ancient wisdom has used both of these, but the indirect marking of empty spaces in parking lots must be optical signals appealing to the eyes. .
The content of the light signal may be blinking, discoloration, or graphic marking, but if an audio signal is used to appeal to the driver's vision, multiple pieces of information (acoustic signal) will be used for traffic control in the parking lot. Mingled with each other to cause confusion. In consideration of such a situation, the invention device of claim 3 requires the guide light that emits an optical signal. With this, even if the driver of the approaching vehicle receives the optical signals from the plurality of block areas, the respective signals can be easily and surely identified,
It is possible to drive toward the "block area where at least one empty vehicle space exists". Moreover, since the infrared sensor is used as the non-contact sensor, there is no risk of malfunction due to the sound of rain (explosion of bubbles) in the ultrasonic sensor, and there is also the risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves like the radio sensor. There is no. When using an infrared sensor, regarding the problem that "it is difficult to deal with all types of vehicles" , two or more of the above infrared sensors can be used together with multiple infrared sensors with different elevation angles. of
The elevation angle is 14 degrees ± 4 degrees and 28 degrees ± 8 degrees, respectively.
Or the elevation angle above 45 ° ± 15 ° and
It was resolved by setting the angle to 30 degrees ± 15 degrees .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable case having a shape similar to a car stop, a window-shaped opening provided in the case, and a plurality of sets provided in the case. A non-contact type sensor composed of a combination of an infrared projector and an infrared receiver, and an ultraviolet cut filter attached so as to cover the window-shaped opening, and the plurality of sets of non-contact type The plurality of infrared projectors constituting the sensor are installed so that their main projection directions are different in elevation angle from each other. One of the elevation angles is 14
The degree is ± 5 degrees, and the other is 28 degrees ± 8 degrees.

According to the invention device of claim 4 described above, since the infrared sensor is provided in the portable case having a shape similar to a car stop, the device according to the invention is placed on the ground of a parking lot. However, the appearance does not cause a feeling of strangeness, and there is no fear that the appearance of the parking lot is spoiled. Since the case is provided with a window-shaped opening, even if the case is made of a metal material such as a steel plate, the infrared sensor housed in the case does not pass through the window-shaped opening. It can emit and receive infrared rays. Further, since the above-mentioned opening is covered with the ultraviolet cut filter, there is no fear that the constituent material of the infrared sensor will be deteriorated by the ultraviolet ray even if it is exposed to direct sunlight, and it is stored in the case even if it is exposed to wind and rain. There is no risk of the electronic equipment getting wet or rusting. Furthermore, since an infrared sensor with an elevation angle of about 14 degrees and an infrared sensor with an elevation angle of about 28 degrees are provided, a large freight vehicle that is difficult to detect with a low elevation angle infrared sensor can be detected with a high elevation angle infrared sensor, and A small passenger car that is difficult to detect with an elevation angle infrared sensor is detected with a low elevation angle infrared sensor, so that both infrared sensors can cooperate to detect any of a wide variety of automobiles.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device having a shape and a size which are not significantly different from the shape of a car stop, and two side plates of the case facing each other back to back. A window-shaped opening provided in each of the side plates, an ultraviolet cut filter that covers the opening in a watertight manner, and an "infrared projector that is installed inside the window-shaped opening through the ultraviolet cut filter. Infrared non-contact sensor consisting of combination with infrared receiver "
And the number of the infrared non-contact sensors installed is at least two, and at least one of the two infrared non-contact sensors has an elevation angle in the main projection direction of the infrared projector of the infrared non-contact sensor. Is 45 ° ± 15 °, and the elevation angle in the main light projecting direction of the infrared projector of the other infrared type non-contact sensor among the at least two is 30 ° ± 15 °.

According to the device of the fifth aspect of the present invention described above, even if the shape and size of the case are not necessarily the same as those of the car stop, there is no remarkable difference from the shape and size of the car stop. Even if it is placed in a "parking lot without a car stop", there is no particular discomfort and there is no fear of impairing the aesthetics of the parking lot. Since the infrared type non-contact sensor is provided in the case, if the case is carried and placed in the parking lot, the function as the automatic guiding device can be immediately exhibited. This sensor assembly housed in a case with a shape somewhat similar to a car stop is located near the center of the parking unit space of the outdoor parking lot.
Further, it is arranged and used so that the plane projection of the infrared light projection direction coincides with the approach direction of the automobile. That is, with respect to a parked car, the car stop is generally located rearward of the center of the car,
While the standard detection distance of the infrared type non-contact sensor provided near the car stop is inevitably long, the standard detection distance of the infrared type non-contact sensor of the present invention located below the center of the automobile is short ( About half). Therefore, when the infrared non-contact sensor is considered as an anthropomorphic person, the belly of the parked car is looked up at a relatively high elevation angle. Due to such operating conditions, the infrared non-contact sensor of the guiding device according to the present invention can detect a large freight vehicle with a large elevation angle of 45 degrees and a small passenger vehicle with an elevation angle of 30 degrees. it can. There are various vehicles with a minimum ground clearance between large freight cars and small passenger cars, but there is a slight angle detection range on both sides of the main projection direction of the infrared non-contact sensor (abbreviation: infrared sensor). Since it is available, it can cover all vehicle types. Since the non-contact sensor according to the present invention is a system that emits and receives infrared rays, there is no possibility of malfunction due to noise (ultrasonic waves generated by burst of bubbles) during rainfall as in the ultrasonic system. Since there is no risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves in the radio wave type, the operation reliability is high. Furthermore, since the window-shaped opening of the case is watertightly covered by the UV cut filter, even if it is placed on the ground of an outdoor parking lot that is exposed to wind and rain, the electrical insulation deteriorates due to infiltration of rainwater, and it may break down, Excellent durability with no risk of rusting or early wear.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic guiding apparatus in an outdoor parking lot according to the present invention, in which (A) is a schematic side sectional view and (B) is a schematic drawing. FIG. 3 is a rear cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of main constituent members. However, it is not a realistic projection because it is schematic. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 in which two openings 8b are formed in a steel plate case 8a. Each of the openings 8b is covered with an ultraviolet cut filter 8g through a frame-shaped packing 8f. In the present embodiment, the packing 8f is made of Achilles Softia seal (trade name) manufactured by Achilles. Since this material has large elasticity and excellent watertightness, it is suitable for protecting the inside of the case 8a installed in an outdoor parking lot exposed to wind and rain. In addition, as the above-mentioned ultraviolet ray cut filter 8 g, a Sieg film (trade name) according to Patent Registration No. 2624575 was used. This material has an ultraviolet ray shielding rate of 99.9% or more, and even in an outdoor parking lot that receives direct sunlight.
In addition to protecting the components inside the case against ultraviolet rays,
It is preferable because it also has a heat insulating function and a dew condensation suppressing function.

[0031] The two were one each disposed to the same 8c ₂ infrared sensor 8c ₁ for each opening 8b, and the infrared sensor 8c than the infrared sensor 8c ₁ elevation (arrow d) Install so that the elevation angle of ₂ (arrow u) becomes large. Details of the installation angle will be described later with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 8e is attached to the electronic circuit board, and reference numeral 8d is a power supply battery (single alkaline battery). However, the wiring is not shown. In order to roughly estimate the size of the case 8a as compared to the size of the AA battery, this car stop-shaped sensor assembly is portable and all the components necessary for operation are included in the case 8a.
Since it is housed in a, if the assembly is transported and installed, the guiding action can be started quickly and easily. Each of the infrared sensors 8c ₁ and 8c ₂ is composed of a set of an infrared projector and a photoreceiver.
In the present embodiment, a motion sensor (trade name) with a built-in oscillation circuit manufactured by Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. is used as the infrared sensor.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the two infrared sensors having two kinds of elevation angles of high and low shown in FIG. 1 (A), which is a sensor assembly of a car stop shape. It is the figure which added the optical path figure to the side view. The elevation angle of the arrow d indicating the main projection direction of the infrared sensor 8c ₁ is 14 degrees in the present embodiment, but the range of the angle θ indicated by the arc arrow centering on the arrow d can be detected. However, since the present invention is intended for a large number and many types of automobiles, the infrared light projection of only the arrow d causes the projected light flux (infrared ray) of the arrow d in the case of a vehicle type having a high minimum ground clearance such as a large freight vehicle.
May pass under the belly of a large freight car, and the reflected light may not return. If no reflected light is returned,
The infrared sensor 8c ₁ makes an erroneous determination that there is no automobile parked. Therefore, the main light projection direction of the infrared sensor 8c ₂ is set to the elevation angle 28 ° as shown by the arrow u. This projected light flux can also detect the range of the angle φ.
In the present embodiment, the angle θ = angle φ≈14 degrees.

The height dimension Hj shown in FIG. 2 represents the average value (15 centimeters) of the chassis height dimension of the passenger car. Further, the height dimension Hk represents the average value (40 cm) of the height of the freight car chassis. These are average values, and there are actually some vehicle models having a higher minimum ground clearance than the illustrated dimension Hk, and some vehicle models having a lower minimum ground clearance than the illustrated dimension Hj. However, the present inventor has experimentally studied a large number of automobiles of various types, and as a result, an elevation angle of about 14
It was confirmed that the degree and the elevation angle of about 28 degrees could cover all vehicle models as a practical problem. However, since the projection light beam of the arrow u has a detectable range of the angle φ and the projection light beam of the arrow d has a detectable range of the angle θ, the elevation angle of the arrow d is 14 when implementing the present invention. An error of ± 4 degrees and an elevation angle of arrow u of 28 degrees ± 8 degrees is allowed.

Considering FIG. 2, it seems that all vehicle types can be detected only by the infrared ray projection with a large elevation angle (arrow u), and the infrared ray projection with a low elevation angle indicated by arrow d is not always necessary. It seems that the infrared ray projection (arrow u) with a high elevation angle causes the following problems.
That is, in the present embodiment, the standard detection distance L is 20
It was set to 00 mm. The infrared sensor of this example has a maximum rated detection distance of 1155 mm and a minimum of 190
It is 0 mm. It is possible to detect even a little farther than this range, but the detection reliability decreases as the distance increases. Further, it is possible to detect even if it is closer than the above range, but if it is extremely close, the detection reliability will decrease. As can be understood from the above characteristics, there are the following problems. That is, suppose now that the infrared sensor 28c has an elevation angle of 28 degrees.
Assuming that only the ₂ (arrow u) is installed and a passenger car having an average chassis height Hj is parked, the projected luminous flux of the arrow u travels the illustrated distance Ls and reaches the chassis of the passenger car. And is reflected. This distance Ls is remarkably shorter than the standard detection distance L (average value of rated detection distances: 2000 mm), so that the detection reliability is low.

As described above, it is difficult to detect a small passenger car having a low minimum ground clearance with only the infrared sensor 8c ₂ having a high elevation angle (arrow u). Therefore, the infrared sensor 8c ₁ having a low elevation angle (arrow d) is provided. , If possible to detect the small passenger car. When there are many types of vehicles in the parking lot, the minimum ground clearance is various, and one infrared detection sensor cannot cover all types of vehicles, but the low elevation angle (arrow d) is the same as in the present embodiment. If two infrared sensors with a high elevation angle (arrow u) are provided, each infrared sensor has a detectable range (angle θ, angle φ), so that it practically covers all vehicle types. be able to. In the case of implementing the present invention, even if a single infrared emitting and receiving electronic device is used, the detectable angle range can be expanded by the optical member so that the infrared sensor operates substantially equivalently to two infrared sensors. It is possible and within the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external bird's-eye view of the state in which the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a parking lot. Two bollards 5 are installed in line with a virtual line mn drawn on the ground surface, which is perpendicular to the approaching direction of a parked vehicle. The car-stop-shaped sensor 8 of the present invention is used by placing it on the ground with its longitudinal direction substantially aligned with the line mn. Since the car stop 5 is originally installed in the parking lot, even if the sensor assembly having the car stop-shaped casing 8a is placed on the ground side by side with this, there is no discomfort and the appearance of the parking lot is not spoiled.

The fact that it is placed on the ground means that it is not necessary to dig up the ground at the time of installation, and it is easy to install, and labor is required to restore the scattered traces to the original state.
No time or cost is required. As described above, since the installation / removal can be performed quickly and easily, it is suitable to be applied to a temporary parking lot in combination with the fact that the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 is portable. The above-mentioned temporary parking lot means, for example, a case where a playground is used as a parking lot for a school festival. Furthermore, since the car stop-shaped sensor according to the present invention is not the car stop itself as understood from FIG. 3, there is no risk that the sensor functions as an infrared sensor when it is stepped on the tire of the automobile.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the "automatic guidance device in the parking lot" according to the present invention, which is configured to carry out the "automatic guidance method in the parking lot" according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a bird's-eye view schematically illustrating a state in which an approaching vehicle is traveling in search of the above-mentioned empty vehicle space in a state where a vehicle is parked in almost all of the unit space and a small number of empty vehicle spaces remain. In the method of the present invention, a large number (27 are drawn in FIG. 1, but the total number is 10).
Five (see FIG. 5) unit spaces are divided into a plurality of block areas. However, the division is done by thinking, and there is no need to draw a division line. In FIG. 4, the block area M and the block area N are drawn by thick chain lines, but this is a schematic representation for convenience of description, and is not a real scene.

There is no particular limitation as to how many block areas a large number of unit spaces forming a parking lot should be divided into, or how many unit blocks should constitute one block area. According to various tests conducted by the present inventor by changing the number, it was determined that 3 to 10 units are suitable. However, in exceptional cases, for example, one or two unit spaces for the physically handicapped may be provided. In such a case, it is desirable to configure one block area with one or two unit spaces. . If one block area is composed of a large number of unit spaces exceeding 10
Even if it is found that there are empty vehicle spaces, it may not be possible to immediately find the empty vehicle space. Therefore, it is desirable to configure one block area with 10 or less unit spaces. However, the passage width is relatively wide. In addition, one block area may be configured by 11 or more unit spaces depending on conditions, such as when the types of parked cars are substantially the same or similar.

(See FIG. 4) In the present invention, a car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 is provided for each unit space. In the figure, the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 of the unit space where the car is parked is hidden by the car and cannot be seen, but the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 appears in the empty space 2 '. A guide light is provided for each block area corresponding to the car-stop-shaped sensor assembly 8. In this example, a flash lamp 10M is provided as a guide light in the block area M, and a flash lamp 10N is similarly provided in the block area N.

The guide light (flash lamp) 10M provided in the block area M and the guide light 10N provided in the block area N are mounted near the upper end of the pole 9 and have a height of several meters above the ground. (Ground height is incorrect when considering a rooftop parking lot, which means a few meters above the parking plane). Here, a few meters means that the value obtained by rounding off less than one meter is 1 meter or more and less than 9 meters. In short, the height should be set so that it can be seen without being obstructed by the parked car.

In the state shown in FIG. 4, the block area N is full of automobiles. That is, all of the car stop-shaped sensor assemblies 8 (hidden in the figure) provided in each of the 10 unit spaces in the block area N detect the presence (parking) of the automobile. In this way, when all of the car stop and sensors in the block area detect parking, the information is transmitted to a simple control device (a microcomputer, hidden in the figure) provided in the pole 9. The guide light (flash lamp) 10N in the block area is turned off. Information can be transmitted from the car-stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 to the control device by wire or wirelessly.
In any case, some kind of signal output means is provided in the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the block area M has an empty vehicle space 2 '. In this way, when it is detected that there is at least one empty vehicle space and the car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 is not parked, this block area M
The guide light (flash lamp) 10M is turned on.

The driver of the approaching vehicle 6 cannot see the empty vehicle space 2'as indicated by the arrow a because the driver is blocked by the parked vehicle. However, the guide light (flash lamp) that is turned on at a height of several meters above the ground (3 meters in this example) can be easily visually recognized as indicated by the arrow b. The driver of the approaching vehicle is instructed at the entrance of the parking lot to "go to the illuminated lamp." And
In this case, it proceeds toward the flash lamp 10M as indicated by arrow F '. Approaching vehicle 6 is flash lamp 10M
As you approach, you will see the empty car space 2 '. If there are two or more vacant spaces, you can enter any vacant space as appropriate.

Before the approaching vehicle 6 enters the empty space 2 ', another vehicle (not shown) is driven by the empty space 2'.
If there is no free space in the block area M after entering, the flash lamp 10M will disappear, so when the driver of the approaching vehicle that has lost the target looks around in the parking lot, the block areas other than the block areas M and N You can find that the guide light (flash lamp, not shown) is lit. In this case, if a publicly known technology is used in combination at the entrance of the parking lot outline, which artificially or automatically counts the number of entrances and the number of entrances so as not to enter the car exceeding the storable number, Can always find the lighting of the guide light (flash lamp). The approaching vehicle is
While approaching with the flash lamp that is lit as a target, even if another vehicle preempts the empty space,
By turning off the flash lamp, it is possible to change the schedule immediately and change direction to another block area.
In this way, since it is possible to change direction quickly, there is a problem that a car trying to move forward, a car trying to move backward, and a car that is interrupting become three sides and get stuck in the aisle, causing traffic congestion. There is no risk of

In the present embodiment, the guide lamp is formed by using the flash lamp, but the present invention is not limited to the flash lamp. As can be easily understood from the above-mentioned action and effect, the role of the guide light is to send information that "there is empty space / please come here" or "there is no empty space / you cannot come" by some optical signal. It would be good if it could be marked. Therefore, it may be, for example, a red / blue traffic light, or an arrow (→)
It may be an electronic bulletin board displaying a cross mark (x).
The present inventor has carried out various marking methods on a trial basis,
When the letters "full" and "empty" were displayed electronically, it was well received. As a modified example of the above-described embodiment, it can be easily conceived to provide a mechanical traffic light in which, for example, the front and back of the plate-shaped marking member are alternately shown. Replacing an electrical optical signal with a mechanical visual signal is against the technological progress and is not preferable, but even when such a mechanical signal device is used, the technical signal of the present invention is used. The technical scope of the present invention cannot be avoided because it is based on the idea and has substantially the same configuration.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side sectional view showing an example of a sensor assembly according to an embodiment different from that shown in FIG. The case 8a 'is made of a steel plate with a shape and dimensions that are similar to those of a car stop. "Slightly similar shape and size" means that it is within a similar range when the width of the similarity is considered to be extremely large, and is significantly wider than the similar concept in the design. The reason is that there are various kinds of car stops that are the basis of comparison, and it is sufficient if the shapes and dimensions that include these various car stops (however, car car stops) are similar. 8a ₁ and 8
a ₂ is a side plate of each casing 8a, and these are plates located back to back with each other. Each of these back-to-back side plates has a window-shaped opening 8
b'and a window-shaped opening 8b "are provided.

Each of the openings 8b ', 8b "is watertightly covered with an ultraviolet cut filter 8g through a packing 8f, and an infrared sensor 8c is provided inside thereof.
₁ and 8c ₂ are installed. The arrow d ′ is the main light projecting direction of the infrared sensor 8c ₁ , and the elevation angle Ψ is larger than the main light projecting direction (arrow d) in the embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2), which is about 30 degrees. . The arrow u ′ is the main projection direction of the infrared sensor 8c ₂ , and the elevation angle Ψ ′ is larger than the main projection direction (arrow u) in the embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) and is about 45 degrees. is there. The technical significance of these elevation angles will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
Considering a plane projection figure, the two infrared sensors 8c ₁ and the infrared sensor 8 are configured as described above.
The c _2, detects an object in a non-contact by projecting infrared toward the opposite directions. 8e is a substrate, and 8d is a battery. In this way, the necessary members are stored in the case 8a ', so that when the portable sensor assembly 8'is transported and placed on the ground of the parking lot, the entering vehicle is automatically and quickly detected. The action to induce is started.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the direction of emitting and receiving infrared rays in the automatic guiding apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The sensor assembly 8'having a shape slightly similar to that of the car stop in the present embodiment is used for the parking unit space 2
(It is shown schematically in FIG. 9), and is placed almost in the center. Therefore, the standard detection distance L ′ is shorter than that of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 2) and is about half. Therefore,
The abdomen of the parked car is looked up at a higher elevation angle compared to the above embodiment (FIG. 2). In consideration of such circumstances, in the present embodiment (FIG. 9), the main projection direction (arrow d ′) of the infrared sensor 8c ₁ ′ for detecting a vehicle of a vehicle type having a low minimum ground clearance such as a small passenger car. The elevation angle Ψ of is set to about 30 degrees. Further, the elevation angle Ψ ′ in the main light projecting direction (arrow u ′) of the infrared sensor 8c ₂ ′ for detecting a vehicle of a vehicle type having a high ground clearance such as a large freight vehicle is set to about 45 degrees.

The infrared ray projected in the direction of the arrow d'is
It is possible to detect the range of the angle θ ′ shown in the figure, and it is possible to detect the range of the angle φ ′ of the infrared rays ejected in the direction of the arrow u ′. It is possible to detect all types of cars. The inventor of the present invention has created the present invention from the standpoint of contributing to society with the main task of security protection, but such a company must guide and organize the parking lot under various security conditions. I have to. In other words, refusing to work because of poor working conditions is in an unacceptable position for social justice (unless guarded, crimes will increase). This was a moral sense that went beyond profit-profitable transactions, and was driven by the thought of "who would do it if I did it." Due to these circumstances, it is necessary to carry out security and guidance for parking lots where car stops are not installed, and also to guard and guide temporary parking lots that are drawn only with lime on the playground (there is no car stop, of course). I won't. Thus, the automatically guided vehicles in a parking bollard is not provided, the figure
The device according to claim 5 shown in 9 is suitable and effective.

[0050]

As described above, the configuration and function of the embodiment of the present invention are clarified, and according to the method of the present invention, the driver of the approaching vehicle is informed of the "empty vehicle space You can make yourself visible in that direction by visually checking "the general position of the existing block area". Even if the driver does not know the position of the empty space in detail and accurately, the driver can drive the approaching vehicle and approach the empty space by notifying the driver of the position of the outline.
When most of the many unit spaces (sections that can accommodate one car) that make up the parking lot are parked, the driver of the approaching vehicle is blocked by the parked car. It is difficult to see the empty area. However, since the guide light of the invention according to this claim is installed at a height of several meters above the ground, it can be clearly seen even from a distant place. Since it is not necessary to know the specific position of the empty vehicle space in detail at the time of approaching by looking at the guiding light from a distance, the guiding light according to the present claim does not indicate the empty vehicle space, but “ "Block area with empty space" is marked. Therefore, even in a vast parking lot having a large number of unit spaces, it is not necessary to provide as many guide lights as the number of unit spaces, and as many guide lights as the number of block areas, which is a fraction of the unit space, can be provided. Is enough. In this way, the equipment cost can be reduced because the purpose can be achieved by using a small amount of materials, and a temporary parking lot can be set up and guided, or the guidance facility can be moved to follow the movement of the parking lot. Is easy. If the approaching vehicle can approach the empty space with the guidance light, the driver of the approaching vehicle may find out the existence of the empty space, check it, and drive it by himself to “park the garage”. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention makes full use of the fact that the approaching vehicle has the eyes of the driver, has the traveling function, and has the judgment of the driver, and outlines the location of the empty space. The purpose of guidance is achieved by marking in block area units. Since the number of approaching vehicles traveling in search of an empty space is not limited to one, it is often possible for another vehicle to preempt the empty space. However, according to the method of the first aspect of the present invention, even if another vehicle takes one of the empty spaces in advance, if the empty space remains in the same block area, the guide light in the block area remains "empty". Since "there is space" is marked, it is possible to easily find at least one empty space by advancing toward the guide light that is marked "there is empty space" and approaching. In addition, when another vehicle preempts the empty space and the empty space runs out in the block area, the guide light in the block area instantly displays the "empty space" sign and "no empty space" sign. Change to. Even if the indication that there is an empty space that the approaching vehicle was aiming for has changed to "no empty space", as long as the number of vehicles allowed to enter the outside of the parking lot does not exceed the number of unit spaces, look around For example, you will always find at least one guide light that indicates "vacant space". Since the guide light is installed at a height of several meters above the ground, a driver of an approaching vehicle traveling slowly in the outside of the parking lot can easily find it. In this way, the approaching vehicle is automatically guided toward the empty space by utilizing the driver's eyesight and judgment, which causes a dispute for empty space and causes traffic congestion in the aisle in the parking lot. There is no danger of going down. Moreover, since the infrared sensor is used as the non-contact sensor, there is no risk of malfunction due to the sound of rain (explosion of bubbles) in the ultrasonic sensor, and there is also the risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves like the radio sensor. There is no. For the problem of "difficult to correspond to all of the many types of models," the case of using an infrared sensor, a combination of a plurality of infrared sensors having different elevation angle
Two infrared sensors of the plurality of infrared sensors
The elevation angle of the sir is 14 degrees ± 4 degrees and 28 degrees ± 8, respectively.
Or the elevation angle of the above two infrared sensors
Were set at 45 ° ± 15 ° and 30 ° ± 15 °, respectively.

According to the method of the second aspect of the present invention, since the window-shaped opening is formed in the sensor case in the shape of a car stop, the sensor case is made of a metal material that does not transmit infrared rays, such as a steel plate. Even if configured, the infrared sensor in the case can emit and receive infrared light through the window-shaped opening. In addition, since the window-like opening is covered with a so-called ultraviolet cut filter that allows infrared rays to pass therethrough and hardly allows ultraviolet rays to pass therethrough, the infrared sensor does not deteriorate even when it is directly exposed to sunlight. further,
The ultraviolet cut filter has a function similar to that of a window glass, and there is no possibility that rainwater or car wash water may enter the sensor case to cause malfunction or rust. Further, since the sensor case having a shape similar to the car stop is not the car stop itself, there is no fear that the sensor case is stepped on the tire of the automobile to block the window-like opening, and the operation reliability is high. Further, since the sensor case has a shape similar to that of a car stop, it does not cause a sense of discomfort even if it is installed on the ground of a parking lot, and there is no fear of spoiling the aesthetic appearance of the parking lot.

According to the invention device of claim 3, it is possible to easily carry out the invention method according to claim 1 and sufficiently exert its effect. That is, since a non-contact type sensor having a function of detecting the presence / absence of a parked car is installed in each of the multiple unit spaces, each of the multiple unit spaces becomes an empty space. It is possible to automatically detect whether or not there is a parked car. Since the above-mentioned sensor is a non-contact type, there is no malfunction such as that the parking position of the car is biased and thus the touch is not sensed, or that the car cannot be detected due to the special shape of the car. Further, since it is a non-contact type, no trouble such as wear of the contactor occurs. Further, there is no possibility of inducing complaints that the contactor touches the car body of the automobile and stains it or that scratch marks are generated. Since the guide light according to the present invention has a structure for indicating whether or not there is at least one empty vehicle space for each block area, even if the number of unit spaces is very large, the unit Does not require as many guide lights as space. That is, for example, when one block area is formed for every n unit spaces, the required number of guide lights is 1 / n of the number of unit spaces. Looking at the invented results, it may seem like nothing, but the fact that the guide means is not provided for each unit space but for each block area means that the car that entered for parking Without considering it as a transported object (baggage), the sensory organs of the driver of the approaching vehicle, the judgment of the driver, the self-propelled function of the car, and the possession of the driver Effectively use your driving skills,
Without specifically designating the unit space for parking, "mark the block area with empty space,
It is a concrete configuration of a new technical idea that the driver can discover the empty car space itself. Furthermore, it is also important to use light as the guiding means. Of the five human senses, those that can be sensed remotely are the visual sense, the auditory sense, and the olfactory sense, and of these three, the visual sense and the auditory sense are generally used for transmitting information.
There are merits and demerits between visual information transmission and auditory information transmission, and ancient wisdom has used both of these, but the indirect marking of empty spaces in parking lots must be optical signals appealing to the eyes. . The content of the light signal may be blinking, discoloration, or graphic marking, but if an audio signal is used to appeal to the driver's vision, multiple pieces of information (acoustic signal) will be used for traffic control in the parking lot. Mingled with each other to cause confusion. In consideration of such a situation, the invention device of claim 3 requires the guide light that emits an optical signal. As a result, even if the driver of the approaching vehicle receives the optical signals from the plurality of block areas, he / she can easily and surely identify the signals and drive toward the "block area where at least one empty vehicle space exists". can do. Moreover, since the infrared sensor is used as the non-contact sensor, there is no risk of malfunction due to the sound of rain (explosion of bubbles) in the ultrasonic sensor, and there is also the risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves like the radio sensor. There is no. For the problem of "difficult to correspond to all of the many types of models," the case of using an infrared sensor, a combination of a plurality of infrared sensors having different elevation angle
2 of the above infrared sensors
The elevation angle of the sensor is 14 degrees ± 4 degrees and 28 degrees ±
8 degrees or the elevation angle of the above two infrared sensors,
It was resolved by setting 45 ° ± 15 ° and 30 ° ± 15 °, respectively.

According to the invention device of claim 4, since the infrared sensor is provided in the portable case having a shape similar to that of the car stop, even if the device according to the invention is placed on the ground of the parking lot, the appearance of the device can be improved. It does not cause a strange feeling, and there is no fear of impairing the aesthetics of the parking lot. Since the case is provided with a window-shaped opening, even if the case is made of a metal material such as a steel plate, the infrared sensor housed in the case does not pass through the window-shaped opening. Throwing infrared rays,
Can receive light. Further, since the above-mentioned opening is covered with the ultraviolet cut filter, there is no fear that the constituent material of the infrared sensor will be deteriorated by the ultraviolet ray even if it is exposed to direct sunlight, and it is stored in the case even if it is exposed to wind and rain. There is no risk of the electronic equipment getting wet or rusting. Furthermore, since an infrared sensor with an elevation angle of about 14 degrees and an infrared sensor with an elevation angle of about 28 degrees are provided, a large freight vehicle that is difficult to detect with a low elevation angle infrared sensor can be detected with a high elevation angle infrared sensor, and A small passenger car that is difficult to detect with an elevation angle infrared sensor is detected with a low elevation angle infrared sensor, so that both infrared sensors can cooperate to detect any of a wide variety of automobiles.

According to the invention device of claim 5, even though the shape and size of the case are not necessarily the same as those of the car stop, there is no remarkable difference as compared with the shape and size of the car stop. Even if it is placed in a parking lot that is not closed, there is no particular discomfort, and there is no fear of spoiling the aesthetics of the parking lot. Since the infrared type non-contact sensor is provided in the case, if the case is carried and placed in the parking lot, the function as the automatic guiding device can be immediately exhibited. This sensor assembly, which is housed in a case with a shape somewhat similar to a car stop, is located near the center of the parking unit space in the outdoor parking lot, and the plane projection of the infrared projection direction matches the approach direction of the car. It is arranged to be used. That is, since the car stop is generally located rearward of the center of the car with respect to the parked car, the standard detection distance of the infrared non-contact sensor provided near the car stop is necessarily long. As a result, the standard detection distance of the infrared type non-contact sensor of the present invention located below the central portion of the automobile becomes short (about half). Therefore, when the infrared non-contact sensor is considered as an anthropomorphic person, the belly of the parked car is looked up at a relatively high elevation angle. Due to such operating conditions, the infrared non-contact sensor of the guiding device according to the present invention can detect a large freight vehicle with a large elevation angle of 45 degrees and a small passenger vehicle with an elevation angle of 30 degrees. it can. There are various vehicles with a minimum ground clearance between large freight cars and small passenger cars, but there is a slight angle detection range on both sides of the main projection direction of the infrared non-contact sensor (abbreviation: infrared sensor). Since it is available, it can cover all vehicle types. Since the non-contact sensor according to the present invention is a system that emits and receives infrared rays, there is no possibility of malfunction due to noise (ultrasonic waves generated by burst of bubbles) during rainfall as in the ultrasonic system. Since there is no risk of malfunction due to jamming radio waves in the radio wave type, the operation reliability is high. Furthermore, since the window-shaped opening of the case is watertightly covered by the UV cut filter, even if it is placed on the ground of an outdoor parking lot that is exposed to wind and rain, the electrical insulation deteriorates due to infiltration of rainwater, and it may break down, Excellent durability with no risk of rusting or early wear.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B show an embodiment of an automatic guiding device in an outdoor parking lot according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a schematic side sectional view, and FIG. 1B is a schematic rear sectional view. ,
The layout of the main components is shown. However, it is not a realistic projection because it is schematic.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the two infrared sensors having two kinds of elevation angles of high and low shown in FIG. 1 (A), and is shown in a side view of a sensor assembly having a car stop shape. It is the figure which added the optical path diagram.

FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view of an external appearance of a state where the vehicle stop-shaped sensor assembly 8 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a parking lot.

[Fig. 4] "Automatic guidance method in a parking lot" according to the present invention
1 shows an embodiment of an "automatic guidance device in a parking lot" according to the present invention configured to carry out an approach in which a vehicle is parked in almost all of the unit space and a small number of empty spaces remain. FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view schematically showing a car traveling in search of the above-mentioned empty space.

[Fig. 5] 21 units x 5 = 10 in a vast rectangular site
It is a top view which shows an example of the outdoor parking lot which set 105 unit spaces and 3 passages so that 5 cars could be accommodated.

FIG. 6 is a bird's-eye view schematically illustrating a scene when the number of parked vehicles is significantly smaller than the number of unit spaces in a conventional parking lot.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a state in which an approaching vehicle is heading to an empty space when a large number of vehicles are parked in the parking lot shown in FIG. 6 and the number of empty spaces becomes very small. It is a bird's eye view.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side sectional view showing an example of a sensor assembly according to an embodiment different from that of FIG. 1 above.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing infrared ray emitting and receiving directions in the automatic guiding apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Parking lot outline 2 ... Unit space 2 '... Empty space 3 ... Parking lot outline 4 ... Parked car 5 ... Conventional car stop 6 ... Entering parking lot and running while seeking empty space Incoming vehicle 8 ... Car stop-shaped sensor assembly 8a ... Casing 8b ... Window-shaped opening 8c ... Infrared sensor 8d ... Battery 8e ... Substrate 8f ... Packing 8g ... UV cut filter 9 ... Pole 10M ... Guide light corresponding to block area M Flash lamp 10N as ... Flash lamp M, N as guide light corresponding to block area N ... Block area a ... Arrow b representing a line of sight from the approaching vehicle toward the empty vehicle space ... A line of sight when viewing the flash lamp from the approaching vehicle Arrow F representing the direction of the approaching vehicle F '... arrow G representing the route in which the approaching vehicle is guided ... the approaching vehicle in the empty space Arrow d, u ... arrows Hk ... trucks chassis height Hj ... passenger chassis height representative of the light projection direction of the infrared sensor theta, phi ... angle detection range representing the path to the near

Front page continued (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08G 1/14 G01V 8/12

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A car entering a parking lot, in which a large number of cars of various types are arranged outdoors and accommodated,
In the method of guiding to an empty vehicle space that has not yet been parked, a number of "unit spaces for parking one car"
, Is divided into a plurality of block areas, each of the plurality of unit spaces is provided with a sensor for contactlessly detecting the presence or absence of a parked car, and for each of the plurality of block areas, from a parking plane. When a guide light is installed at a height of several meters and the presence of an automobile is detected by the sensor in all of the unit spaces forming the block area for each of the plurality of block areas, A guide light provided in the block area is used to make a sign that means “no empty space”, and for each of a plurality of block areas, one or more units are included in the unit space that constitutes the block area. When there is a "unit space that does not detect the presence of a car", There is a guide light that indicates that there is an empty space, and the above-mentioned "sensor that detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in a non-contact manner" is an "infrared projector and infrared receiver" that does not use radio waves or ultrasonic waves. In addition to the above , the above two sets of sensors have an elevation angle of 14 ° ± 14 degrees each , and at least two sets of sensors are installed per unit space corresponding to one vehicle with different elevation angles. 4 degrees and
And 28 degrees ± 8 degrees, or the elevation angles of the two sets of sensors are 45 degrees ±, respectively.
It is set to 15 degrees and 30 degrees ± 15 degrees, and further, it is located almost in the center of a pair of car stops provided in each unit space, and a sensor case similar in shape to the car stops is placed and An automatic guidance method in an outdoor parking lot, characterized in that said "at least two sets of sensors having different elevation angles" are housed therein. 2. The sensor case is provided with a window-shaped hole that opens obliquely upward, and at least two sets of sensors for projecting and receiving infrared rays are installed through the hole, and the window-shaped hole is provided. 2. The automatic guiding method in an outdoor parking lot according to claim 1, wherein the hole is covered with a "filter which allows infrared rays to pass therethrough and hardly allows ultraviolet rays to pass therethrough". 3. A car that enters a parking lot that accommodates a large number of cars of various types arranged outdoors.
A number of "unit spaces for parking one car" in a device that guides users to an empty car space that has not yet been parked.
Is divided into a plurality of block areas, each of the plurality of unit spaces, a non-contact sensor having a function of detecting the presence or absence of a parked car is installed, For each block area, "a guide light that indicates whether or not at least one empty space is present in the unit space forming the block area" is provided, and the non-contact sensor Is a combination of an infrared projector and an infrared receiver, and at least two infrared projectors and infrared receivers per empty car space are housed in a case similar in shape to a car stop. Are installed at least and the at least two infrared projectors forming the at least two sets of "infrared projector and infrared receiver" are arranged in the main projection direction with respect to each other. If you are different in angular elevation of the two sets of infrared projectors each 14 ° ± 4 °
And 28 degrees ± 8 degrees, or the elevation angles of the two infrared projectors are 45 degrees, respectively.
The degree is ± 15 degrees and 30 degrees ± 15 degrees. Further, the non-contact type sensor is housed in a case similar to a car stop, and the above-mentioned case is a “filter that hardly allows passage of ultraviolet rays. It is equipped with a covered infrared light emitting and receiving window, and is placed near the center of a pair of bollards installed in each parking space so that the longitudinal direction is substantially aligned with the pair of bollards. Is characterized by being
Automatic guidance device in outdoor parking lot. 4. A portable case having a shape similar to a car stop, a window-shaped opening provided in the case, and a plurality of sets of “infrared projector and infrared receiver” provided in the case. And a plurality of infrared rays that constitute the plurality of sets of non-contact type sensors, and a non-contact type sensor consisting of a combination "and an ultraviolet cut filter attached to cover the window-shaped opening. The main projection directions of the projectors are installed so that the elevation angles are different from each other. One of the elevation angles is 14 degrees ± 4 degrees, and the other one is 2 degrees.
An automatic guidance device in an outdoor parking lot, which is 8 degrees ± 8 degrees. 5. A case having a shape and dimensions that are not significantly different from the shape and size of a car stop, and among the side plates of the case, the two side plates facing back to back are provided respectively. A window-shaped opening, an ultraviolet cut filter that covers the opening in a watertight manner, and an infrared ray composed of a combination of an infrared projector and an infrared receiver installed inside the window opening through the ultraviolet cut filter. Type non-contact sensor ", and the number of installed infrared type non-contact sensors is at least 2
Of the two, at least one infrared type non-contact sensor infrared projector has an elevation angle of 4 in the main projection direction.
5 ° ± 15 °, and the elevation angle in the main light projecting direction of the infrared projector of the other infrared non-contact sensor among the at least two is 30 ° ±
An automatic guidance device in an outdoor parking lot, which is 15 degrees.