JP7218473B1 - Parking lot management system, information processing device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A parking lot management system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program are provided that are capable of improving the convenience of users who use parking lots. A parking lot management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit. The imaging unit captures an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot. The generation unit generates a selection image in which the images of the entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time, and reflects the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot in the selection image. The transmission unit transmits the selection image to a user terminal operable by the user. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a parking lot management system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In the parking lot management system described in Patent Document 1, when it is detected that a vehicle enters or exits the parking lot, a camera captures an image of the entering vehicle, and the captured image is stored together with the entry time. Also, based on the photographed image, the vehicle number of the entered vehicle is read. In the parking fee settlement flow, the user inputs the vehicle number or the parking time, and based on the input information, the vehicle to be the settlement target is searched. The searched vehicles are displayed on the display unit, and the user selects the own vehicle. When the own vehicle is selected, the parking time is determined and the parking fee is calculated. As a result, the initial capital investment is reduced and user usability is improved (paragraphs [0007] [0030] to [0038] FIGS. 4 and 5 of Patent Document 1).

In the parking lot management system described in Patent Document 2, when entering or exiting a parking lot, a user performs an operation such as bringing a mobile terminal closer to a communication unit of an entrance machine or an exit machine. As a result, communication is executed between the entrance machine and the portable terminal at the time of entry, and between the exit machine and the portable terminal at the time of exit. Using information such as the entrance machine ID and the exit machine ID obtained by this communication, communication is executed between the mobile terminal and the parking lot management server to manage the entry and exit of vehicles, pay parking fees, and so on. is executed. As a result, there is no need to issue a parking ticket, and the processing for paying the parking fee is reduced (Patent Document 2, paragraphs [0014] [0059] to [0107] FIGS. 9 to 11, etc. ).

JP 2018-22366 A JP 2014-137804 A

Thus, there is a demand for a technology capable of improving convenience for users who use parking lots.

In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a parking lot management system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of improving the convenience of users who use the parking lot. It is in.

To achieve the above object, a parking lot management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit.
The imaging unit captures an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot.
The generation unit generates a selection image in which the images of the entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time, and reflects the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot in the selection image.
The transmission unit transmits the selection image to a user terminal operable by the user.

The parking lot management system may further include a reception unit that receives a selection instruction to select the entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal. In this case, the generating unit may display the selected vehicle, which is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been accepted, in a distinguishable manner from the unselected vehicle, which is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has not been accepted. Alternatively, the selected vehicle may be hidden.

The transmission unit may transmit the selection image to the user terminal based on a transmission request input via the user terminal.

The transmission unit may transmit the selection image to the user terminal when a predetermined condition regarding the user terminal is satisfied.

The predetermined condition regarding the user terminal may include whether or not the position of the user terminal is within a predetermined range.

The predetermined condition regarding the user terminal may include whether or not the user terminal receives a predetermined signal.

The predetermined signal may be a signal including identification information capable of identifying a transmission source transmitted from a transmission device installed in the parking lot.

The predetermined condition regarding the user terminal may include whether or not the transmission request transmitted from the user terminal is transmitted via a predetermined communication path.

The parking lot management system may further include an extraction unit that extracts vehicle information about the entering vehicle based on the image of the entering vehicle. In this case, the generator may be capable of generating the selection image including at least part of the vehicle information.

The vehicle information may include at least one of vehicle number information, vehicle name information, vehicle body color information, and vehicle manufacturer information.

The generation unit may generate the selection image based on a search condition input via the user terminal.

The generating unit may generate a parking ticket image including a code image from which information about the selected vehicle can be read by a store terminal of a store affiliated with the parking lot. In this case, the transmission unit may transmit the parking ticket image to the user terminal.

The parking ticket image may be an image simulating a real parking ticket.

The generation unit may generate a web page including the selection image. In this case, the transmission unit may transmit the web page to the user terminal according to selection of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) associated with the web page.

The parking lot management system further includes a settlement unit that executes settlement of the parking fee for the selected vehicle selected via the user terminal based on a settlement request input via the user terminal. may be provided.

The user terminal may be a portable terminal of the user.

The user terminal may be a terminal installed in the parking lot or a terminal installed in a store associated with the parking lot.

An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit and a generation unit.
The acquisition unit acquires an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot.
The generation unit generates a selection image in which the images of the entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time, and reflects the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot in the selection image.

An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer and includes acquiring an image of an entering vehicle entering a parking lot.
A selection image is generated by arranging the images of the entering vehicles based on the entry date and time, and the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot is reflected in the selection image.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps.
A step of acquiring an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot.
A step of generating a selection image in which the images of the entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time, and reflecting the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot in the selection image.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of parking lots for users.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific structural example of a parking lot. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the user's portable terminal of a parking lot. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a mobile terminal; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of a parking management apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of a parking lot control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the entering-vehicle image information stored in entering-vehicle image DB. It is a figure which shows an example of the user information stored in user DB. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when a vehicle enters. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for selecting an entering vehicle in a selection image; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation screen (GUI) (image for selection); FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation screen (GUI) (image for selection); It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of an operation screen (GUI) (detailed image and parking ticket image). FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation screen (GUI) (GUI at the time of advance payment); FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation screen (GUI) (GUI at the time of advance payment); 7 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when a vehicle enters the race; 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing in limited access. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process performed with respect to a flapless parking lot.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Parking management system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a parking lot management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The parking lot management system 500 includes a parking lot control device 5 , a mobile terminal 10 , a parking lot management device 15 , a management agency terminal 20 , a payment server device owned by the payment agency 25 , and a store terminal 30 .

These terminals and devices are connected via a network 1 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 1 is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a wide area communication network, or the like. In addition, any WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or the like may be used, and the protocol for constructing the network 1 is not limited.

A parking lot control device 5 is installed in each parking lot 6 . The parking lot control device 5 can comprehensively control the operation of each device installed in the parking lot 6 . The parking lot control device 5 can collect various information from each device installed in the parking lot 6 and transmit it to the parking lot management device 15 or the like. Further, the parking control device 5 can receive various information from the parking management device 15, the store terminal 30, etc., and execute various operations.

The parking lot control device 5 has hardware necessary for configuring a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Parking control device 5 also has a communication unit for communicating with other devices via network 1 . As the communication unit, for example, a wireless LAN module such as WiFi, or a communication device such as a modem or router is used. Any computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) is used as the parking lot control device 5 .

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the parking lot A is provided with a gate device 48 and a beacon device 51 . A gate device 48 is installed in the parking lot B. As shown in FIG. The present invention can be applied to any parking lot.

It should be noted that the gate device 48 is capable of regulating entry/exit of vehicles. Instead of the gate device 48, a flap device (locking device) or the like may be installed to restrict leaving the parking space without payment. On the other hand, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called flapless parking lot in which no gate device or flap device is installed.

The mobile terminal 10 is a terminal used by a user who uses the parking lot 6 . A smart phone is typically used as the mobile terminal 10, but it is not limited to this, and various PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) such as tablet terminals may be used. In this embodiment, the portable terminal 10 is used as an embodiment of a user terminal that can be operated by a user.

The parking lot management device 15 can provide the parking lot management service according to this embodiment as a web service. In this embodiment, a plurality of server devices 16 and a database (DB) 17 constitute a parking lot management device 15 . In this embodiment, the parking lot management device 15 is used as an embodiment of an information processing device.

Each server device 16 has hardware necessary for configuring a computer, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and HDD. Each server device 16 also has a communication unit for communicating with other devices via the network 1 . As the communication unit, for example, a wireless LAN module such as WiFi, or a communication device such as a modem or router is used. Any computer such as a PC is used as the server device 16 .

The DB 17 functions as a storage unit and stores various information regarding this parking lot management service. For example, in the DB 17, an entering image DB (see FIG. 7) and a user DB (see FIG. 8) are constructed. In addition, various DBs such as a member registration DB, a vehicle inventory DB, a parking lot (beacon) DB, a store usage DB, a discount DB, a parking information DB, an owner information DB, various history DBs, and a management information DB are constructed. may

Various DBs are comprehensively managed by the DB server in the parking lot management device 15. For example, registration and withdrawal of users who use the parking lot management service, registration and storage of owner information of each parking lot 6, and management. Recording and storage of income and expenditure information are executed.

A parking lot management service according to the present embodiment is provided by a Web server in the parking lot management device 15 using, for example, a WWW (World Wide Web) system. For example, a web server creates various web pages made up of HTML documents. A web page is embedded with hyperlinks to other web pages and link information (for example, execution file names, URLs, etc.) for executing various processes.

Also, the Web/API server in the parking lot management device 15 executes various processes in response to various requests. For example, a Web/API server collects and outputs information on empty parking spaces in each parking lot 6, and relays remote operations from the management institution terminal 20, for example.

A web page generated by the parking lot management device 15 is displayed on the screen by a web browser provided in each device shown in FIG. For example, a user who uses the parking lot 6 can browse various web pages and use various web applications by operating the mobile terminal 10 .

In addition, in the parking lot management system 500, the parking lot 6 can be used without performing predetermined procedures such as membership registration in advance. Therefore, as the configuration and functions of the parking lot management device 15, it is possible to omit the construction of a member registration DB, the management of member registration data, and the like.

The management agency terminal 20 is used by an operator of the management agency entrusted with the management work of the parking lot 6 by the parking lot owner. For example, the operator responds to daily inquiries, responds to users, and provides information on maintenance work when the parking control device 5 fails. A PC, a tablet terminal, or the like is used as the management institution terminal 20 .

The owner of the parking lot 6 may also manage the parking lot 6 himself. In this case, a terminal owned by the owner can function as the management institution terminal 20 . Also, a management agency entrusted with management work may own the parking lot management device 15 and provide the parking lot management service according to the present embodiment.

The settlement agency 25 is, for example, a bank, a credit company, or the like, and executes settlement (settlement) of the parking fee by bank transfer, credit card settlement, or the like. The parking lot management device 15 instructs the settlement server device of the settlement institution 25 to settle the parking fee, and inquires about settlement information such as whether or not the settlement has been completed.

The store terminal 30 is installed in each store 31 that cooperates with the parking lot 6 for discount services. For example, it is conceivable that a tie-up with regard to a discount service may be formed with a nearby commercial facility, etc., but it is of course not limited to this.

As the store terminal 30, for example, a POS cash register having a communication function is used. As shown in FIG. 1 , a reader 32 is connected to the shop terminal 30 . The reader 32 reads a code image such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark) and obtains information stored in the code image. In this embodiment, as the reader 32, a barcode reader capable of reading barcodes attached to products is used. Of course, the specific configurations and types of the store terminal 30 and the reader 32 are not limited.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, a guide terminal (kiosk terminal) 33 is installed in the store B. FIG. The guide device 33 may have a function of printing a later-described parking ticket image of the partner parking lot 6 in addition to a function of displaying floor information of the store B and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a specific configuration example of the parking lot 6. As shown in FIG. The parking lot 6 has an entrance 35 and an exit 36 . A central island 37 is installed between the entrance 35 and the exit 36 . An entrance island 38 and an exit island 39 are installed on the left and right sides of the central island 37 with a predetermined distance therebetween when the central island 37 is viewed from the outside of the parking lot 6 .

In this embodiment, the area sandwiched between the central island 37 and the entrance island 38 serves as an entrance lane (entrance roadway) 40 of the parking lot 6 . The direction from the entrance 35 to the premises 41 of the parking lot 6 is the traveling direction of the vehicle in the entrance lane 40 .

An area sandwiched between the central island 37 and the exit island 39 serves as an exit lane (exit roadway) 42 of the parking lot 6 . The direction from the premises 41 to the exit 36 is the traveling direction of the vehicle in the exit lane 42 .

In the premises 41 of the parking lot 6, a pre-payment machine 43, a guide device 44, a parking lot control device 5, a parking lot management PC 45, and a parking lot DB 46 are installed. On the central island 37, an entrance gate device 48a, an exit gate device 48b, an entrance camera 49a, an exit camera 49b, a speaker 50, and a beacon device 51 are installed.

A first entrance loop coil 52 and a second entrance loop coil 53 are buried in the ground of the entrance lane 40 . A first exit loop coil 54 and a second exit loop coil 55 are buried in the ground of the entry lane 42 .

The advance payment machine 43, the guidance device 44, the parking lot control device 5, the parking lot management PC 45, and the parking lot DB 46 are communicably connected to each other via a local LAN (not shown) installed in the parking lot 6 premises 41. there is Among them, the parking lot control device 5 is connected to the network 1 and can communicate with other devices such as the parking lot management device 15 . Therefore, each device connected to the local LAN can communicate with devices on the network 1 via the parking lot control device 5 .

The advance payment machine 43 is a device capable of executing advance payment before the user leaves the parking lot 6 with the vehicle. For example, a device having a touch panel or the like is installed as the advance payment machine 43 .

The guidance device 44 is a device for guiding various information regarding the parking lot 6 and the parking management system 500 . For example, a device or the like having a display device or the like and capable of displaying guidance information is used as the guidance device 44 . The guide device 44 may have the same function as the guide device 33 in the store B described above.

The parking lot management PC 45 is mainly operated by a staff member of the parking lot 6 or the like, and executes operation of each device in the premises 41 of the parking lot 6, management of various data stored in the parking lot DB 46, and the like. In the present embodiment, the parking lot control device 5 operates based on instructions and the like input via the parking lot management PC 45 . Then, the operation of each device, data management, etc. are executed.

Various data relating to the parking lot 6 are stored in the parking lot DB 46, and arbitrary DBs such as a vehicle presence DB and a history DB are constructed. Of course, data stored in the DB 17 of the parking lot management device 15 shown in FIG. 1 may be shared.

As described above, the parking lot control device 5 can comprehensively control the operation of each device installed in the parking lot 6 . For example, the entrance gate device 48a, the exit gate device 48b, the entrance camera 49a, the exit camera 49b, the speaker 50, and the beacon device 51 are connected to the parking lot control device 5, and their operations are controlled.

The entrance camera 49a can capture an image of an entering vehicle entering the entrance lane 40 (hereinafter referred to as an entering vehicle image). The exit camera 49b is capable of capturing an image of the entry vehicle entering the entry lane 42 (hereinafter referred to as exit image). As the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b, for example, a digital camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor is used. Other types of cameras may be used. In this embodiment, the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b function as a photographing unit that photographs an image of the vehicle entering the parking lot 6.

The beacon device 51 transmits beacon signals at predetermined intervals. In this embodiment, a beacon device 51 including a short-range wireless communication unit for performing communication conforming to the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy: Bluetooth is a registered trademark) standard is used. Therefore, the beacon device 51 transmits a beacon signal conforming to the BLE standard.

A unique identification signal (hereinafter referred to as beacon ID) for identifying the beacon signal is added to the beacon signal. For example, a Bluetooth device address (BD address) or the like is used as the beacon ID. The beacon ID corresponds to identification information that can identify the source (beacon device 51).

Note that the present invention is not limited to the case where a beacon signal conforming to the BLE standard is used, and a beacon signal conforming to another standard may be used. Also, any signal containing identification information by which the source can be identified may be used. In this embodiment, the beacon device 51 functions as a transmitter.

The speaker 50 notifies the driver of the vehicle entering the entry lane 40 and exit lane 42 of various information by voice. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the beacon device 51 and the speaker 50 are configured integrally, but of course the configuration is not limited to this.

Further, remote control signals from, for example, the parking lot management device 15 and the management agency terminal 20 are transmitted to the parking lot control device 5 . This enables remote control of each device such as the entrance gate device 48a.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the mobile terminal 10 of the user of the parking lot 6. As shown in FIG. The mobile terminal 10 has a CPU 60 , a memory 61 , and an interface 63 connected to these via a bus 62 . The memory 61 is composed of, for example, ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc., and stores various data.

A display unit 64 , an operation unit 65 , a speaker 66 , a microphone 67 , a communication unit 68 , a short-range wireless communication unit 69 , a GPS sensor 70 and an acceleration sensor 71 are connected to the interface 63 . The operation of each block is controlled by a CPU 60 that operates according to a given program.

The display unit 64 is a display device using, for example, liquid crystal, EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and displays Web pages and various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) related to this parking lot management service. The operating unit 65 is, for example, a keyboard, pointing device, touch panel, or other operating device. If the operation unit 65 includes a touch panel, the touch panel can be integrated with the display unit 64 .

The speaker 66 outputs, for example, call voice, voice guidance, alarm sound, music content, and the like. The microphone 67 is used when making a call or inputting an instruction by voice.

The communication unit 68 is a communication module for communicating with other devices such as the parking management device 15 via the network 1. For example, a wireless LAN module such as WiFi, or a module compatible with mobile communication systems such as so-called 3G or 4G. is used.

The short-range wireless communication unit 69 is a module for performing short-range wireless communication with another device. In this embodiment, a Bluetooth module capable of performing BLE communication is provided. The short-range wireless communication unit 69 can receive a beacon signal conforming to the BLE standard transmitted from the beacon device 51 . In addition, an NFC (Near Field Communication) module or the like may be provided.

The acceleration sensor 71 outputs the angle, movement, and change in orientation of the main body of the mobile terminal 10 . The GPS sensor 70 outputs position information of the main body of the mobile terminal 10 . The acceleration sensor 71 functions as a motion sensor, and can detect the user's state including the posture and movement of the user of the mobile terminal 10 . Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 71 may be a 9-axis sensor combining a gyro sensor and a geomagnetic sensor.

For example, as the state of the user, it is possible to detect the state of motion such as walking, running, traveling by train, or driving. It is also possible to detect information on the user's current location, and in more detail whether the user is indoors or outdoors. These user states can be detected by any behavioral analysis technique, such as behavioral analysis using machine learning.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the mobile terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The mobile terminal 10 has a beacon reception section 73 , a selection image request section 74 , a payment request section 75 and a vehicle selection section 76 . These blocks are configured by the CPU 60 executing a predetermined program, and the parking lot management method according to this embodiment is realized. In order to implement each block, dedicated hardware such as an IC (integrated circuit) may be used as appropriate.

The beacon reception unit 73 detects the reception state of the beacon signal received by the short-range wireless communication unit 69 and generates reception state information. In this embodiment, reception status information including the beacon ID, signal strength (radio field strength), and reception time of the received beacon signal is generated. Note that the beacon signal is transmitted at intervals of, for example, 700ms to 10s. The beacon receiver 73 generates reception state information each time it receives a beacon signal. The timing and interval for generating the reception state information may be set to be different from the beacon signal transmission interval.

The settlement request unit 75 requests the parking lot management device 15 to settle the parking fee via the network 1 . For example, a payment request is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 in accordance with a user's instruction. Alternatively, if the settlement method is fixed, the settlement request may be automatically sent after the parking fee is charged.

The selection image requesting unit 74 transmits a selection image transmission request. For example, the user inputs an operation for displaying a selection image on the mobile terminal 10 . In response to the operation, the selection image requesting unit 74 transmits a selection image transmission request to the parking lot management device 15 . The specific operation for displaying the selection image, the format of the specific signal (data) transmitted as the transmission request for the selection image, and the like are not limited.

The vehicle selection unit 76 transmits a selection instruction to select an entering vehicle in the selection image. For example, the user inputs an operation to the mobile terminal 10 to select an entering vehicle in the selection image. In response to the operation, the vehicle selection unit 76 transmits an entry vehicle selection instruction to the parking lot management device 15 . A specific operation for selecting an entering vehicle, a format of a specific signal (data) transmitted as an instruction to select an entering vehicle, and the like are not limited.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the parking lot management device 15. As shown in FIG. The parking lot management device 15 has an entry image management section 78 , a user management section 79 , a parking lot information push notification section (hereinafter referred to as a push notification section) 80 , and a vehicle information reading section 81 . The parking lot management device 15 also has a store usage information acquisition unit 82 , a settlement reception unit 83 , a selection instruction reception unit 84 , an image transmission unit 85 , a selection image generation unit 86 , and a parking ticket image generation unit 87 .

These blocks are realized by various server devices 16 such as a DB server, a mail server, a Web server, and a Web/API server in the parking lot management device 15, for example. That is, the CPU of each server device 16 executes a predetermined program and cooperates with the hardware resources in the device to realize the parking lot management method and the information processing method according to the present embodiment. The method of installing the program in each server device 16 is not limited.

The entering image management unit 78 manages entering images captured in each parking lot 6, and writes or deletes entering image information in the entering image DB (see FIG. 7). The user management unit 79 manages users who use each parking lot 6, and writes or deletes user information in the user DB (see FIG. 8).

The push notification unit 80 transmits various types of information to the mobile terminals 10 of users who use each parking lot 6 by push notifications.

The vehicle information reading unit 81 extracts vehicle information about the entering vehicle based on the entering image. For example, as the vehicle information, at least part of the vehicle number information, vehicle name information, vehicle body color information, vehicle manufacturer information, and the like are extracted.

At least part of the vehicle license plate number (land transport branch name, classification number, hiragana, 4-digit serial number, etc.) is processed by image processing that extracts a part of the license plate, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, etc. , is readable. Of course any other technique may be used.

The vehicle information and the like may be registered by the user at the time of membership registration, which will be described later. Machine learning or the like may also be performed. Further, vehicle information inquiry may be performed via the Internet or the like.

As the vehicle information, at least one of at least part of the vehicle number information, vehicle name information, vehicle body color information, vehicle manufacturer information, or information combining these may be extracted as the vehicle information. Of course, other information different from the information listed here may be extracted as vehicle information.

The store usage information acquisition unit 82 acquires store usage information including the store usage status of the user in the store 31 affiliated with the parking lot 6 . For example, when the user goes shopping at the store 31 , the shopping information is transmitted from the store terminal 30 to the parking lot management device 15 . The store usage information acquisition unit 82 receives shopping information transmitted from the store terminal 30 .

The settlement reception unit 83 receives the settlement request transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 and executes the parking fee settlement processing. For example, an instruction to settle the parking fee is transmitted to the settlement institution 25 shown in FIG. If the payment request transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 requests payment by points related to the parking lot management service, point payment processing is executed based on the point balance in the user DB. In addition, the parking fee settlement method is not limited, and any settlement method may be adopted, such as a settlement method including a charge discount according to the purchase of a product, payment by debit card, or payment by electronic money.

Selection instruction accepting portion 84 accepts a selection instruction transmitted from vehicle selection portion 76 of mobile terminal 10 .

The selection image generator 86 generates a selection image, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the selection image generator 86 can generate a web page including a selection image.

The parking ticket image generator 87 generates a parking ticket image, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the selection image generator 86 can generate a web page including a parking ticket image.

The image transmission unit 85 transmits the selection image generated by the selection image generation unit 86 and the parking ticket image generated by the parking ticket image generation unit 87 to the mobile terminal 10 . In this embodiment, the image transmission unit 85 can transmit a web page including a selection image and a web page including a parking ticket image.

In this embodiment, the image transmission unit 85 transmits the selection image to the mobile terminal 10 based on the selection image transmission request transmitted from the selection image request unit 74 of the mobile terminal 10 . For example, a user inputs an operation to select a URL associated with a web page containing a selection image. In response to the operation, a transmission request is transmitted from the selection image requesting unit 74 to the parking lot management device 15 .

Alternatively, the mobile terminal 10 reads a QR code storing information of a web page URL including a selection image. A transmission request is transmitted from the selection image requesting unit 74 to the parking lot management device 15 according to the reading process.

Image transmission unit 85 transmits a web page including a selection image to mobile terminal 10 in response to a transmission request transmitted from mobile terminal 10 . A similar process may be executed for transmission of the parking ticket image (web page).

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a condition determination section is configured within the image transmission section 85 . The condition determination unit determines whether or not a condition regarding transmission of the selection image is satisfied. Then, when the conditions are satisfied, the image for selection is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 . This condition determination will be described later in detail in <Method of managing selection images by limited disclosure>.

In this embodiment, the entering image management unit 78 functions as an acquiring unit that acquires images of entering vehicles entering the parking lot. The vehicle information reading unit 81 functions as an extraction unit that extracts vehicle information regarding the entering vehicle based on the image of the entering vehicle.

The settlement reception unit 83 functions as a settlement unit that executes settlement of the parking fee for the selected vehicle selected via the user terminal based on the settlement request input via the user terminal.

The selection image generation unit 86 functions as a generation unit that generates a selection image in which images of entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time, and reflects the vehicle selection state by the user of the parking lot in the selection image. do. The parking ticket image generator 87 also functions as part of the generator.

The image transmission unit 85 functions as a transmission unit that transmits a selection image to a user terminal operable by the user. The selection instruction reception unit 84 also functions as a reception unit that receives a selection instruction to select an entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the parking control device 5. As shown in FIG. The parking lot control device 5 has a vehicle detection unit 89 , a camera control unit 90 , a beacon device control unit 91 , a gate device control unit 92 , an image transmission unit 93 , a payment confirmation unit 94 , and an entry/exit control unit 95 .

These blocks are configured by the CPU of the parking lot control device 5 executing a predetermined program and cooperating with the hardware resources in the device to implement the parking lot management method according to the present embodiment. The method of installing the program in the parking lot control device 5 is not limited.

The vehicle detection unit 89 detects the entry of a vehicle into the entrance lane 40 and the premises 41 based on the signals output from the first and second entrance loop coils 52 and 53 . Also, it is possible to detect the entry of the vehicle into the exit lane 42 and the exit of the vehicle to the outside based on the signals output from the first and second exit loop coils 54 and 55 .

Any other configuration may be adopted as the configuration for detecting vehicles entering the entrance lane 40 and the exit lane 42 . For example, an optical sensor using infrared rays or the like may be used.

The camera control unit 90 controls operations of the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b. For example, the camera control unit 90 transmits a trigger signal for photographing, and the entering vehicle and the exiting vehicle are photographed by the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b. As a result, an entering image and an exiting image are generated. As for the trigger signal, for example, the outputs of the first entrance loop coil 52 and the first exit loop coil 54 may be used as trigger signals for the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b, respectively. good too.

The beacon device control section 91 controls the operation of the beacon device 51 . For example, a beacon signal is transmitted at a predetermined timing or at predetermined intervals by operating the beacon device control unit 91 .

The image transmission unit 93 transmits to the parking lot management device 15 an entering image and an exiting image captured by the entrance camera 49a and the exit camera 49b.

The settlement confirmation unit 94 confirms the settlement state of the entry vehicle entering the entry lane 42 . In the present embodiment, the checkout confirmation unit 94 executes an inquiry about the departure image and an inquiry about the checkout information. Of course, when an exit image inquiry is executed, processing by other blocks such as transmission of an exit image by the image transmission unit 93 is executed in cooperation.

The entry/exit control unit 95 determines whether or not to allow entry and whether or not to allow entry. For example, the entry/exit control unit 95 determines whether or not to allow entry based on the entry image of the entry vehicle entering the entry lane 40 . The entry/exit control unit 95 also determines whether or not entry is allowed based on the payment status of the participating vehicle. Of course, the settlement status is confirmed by the settlement confirmation unit 94 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of entering-vehicle image information stored in an entering-vehicle image DB. The entering image information 97 is information managed for each parking lot 6 . In FIG. 7, the entering image DB for one parking lot 6 is illustrated.

The entering image information 97 includes an entering image ID attached to the entering image and an entering image. The entering image information 97 includes public status, payment status, entry date and time, exit date and time, selection flag, vehicle number, and vehicle-related information.

The publication status is information on how to publish the entering image. For example, there are "general disclosure" and "limited disclosure", which will be described later. The settlement status is information related to the settlement state of the parking fee. For example, "settled", "unsettled", etc. can be mentioned.

The method of specifying the date and time of entry into the parking lot 6 is not limited. In this embodiment, the photographing date and time when the entrance image is photographed by the entrance camera 49a is stored as the entry date and time. Of course, the date and time when the entrance gate device 48a is opened, the date and time when the entrance gate device 48a is closed after the vehicle has passed, etc. may be stored as the entrance date and time. If a date and time different from the photographing date and time is adopted as the entry date and time, the photographing date and time may be separately stored as the entering image information 97 .

Similarly, the method of specifying the date and time of entry from the parking lot 6 is not limited. In this embodiment, the photographing date and time when the participating vehicle was photographed by the exit camera 49b is stored as the entry date and time. Information on other dates and times may be stored as appropriate entry dates and times. In this case, the date and time when the participating vehicle was photographed may be separately stored as the entering image information 97 . If a predetermined condition is satisfied after the entry date and time is stored in the entry image information 97, the information is stored in the history DB as described later.

The selection flag is information indicating whether or not the entering image has been selected by the user in the selection image. Specifically, it becomes information indicating whether or not a selection instruction to select the entering image in the selection image has been accepted. For example, when the user inputs an operation to select an entering image via the mobile terminal 10 , a selection instruction is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 . When the selection instruction is accepted, a selection flag is attached to the entering image that is the selection target.

In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the user's selection of the entering image is equivalent to the user's selection of the entering vehicle shown in the entering image. Therefore, for example, it is possible to select an entering vehicle in the selection image via the mobile terminal 10 or an entering vehicle for which a selection instruction has been received.

An entering vehicle for which a selection instruction has been received is defined as a selected vehicle, and an entering vehicle for which a selection instruction has not been received is defined as an unselected vehicle. An entering vehicle with a selection flag shown in FIG. 7 is a selected vehicle, and an entering vehicle without a selection flag is an unselected vehicle.

Vehicle-related information is information including any vehicle information other than the vehicle number. For example, the above vehicle name information, vehicle body color information, vehicle manufacturer information, etc. are stored as vehicle related information.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user DB. The user information 98 includes user ID, entering image ID, user mobile terminal ID, mobile phone number, e-mail address, credit information, usage history, point balance, and the like.

The user information 98 is generated when the user selects an entering image (entering vehicle) in the selection image. User information 98 will be described later.

<Method of managing images for selection by opening to the public>
First, a parking lot management method by public disclosure of selection images will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when a vehicle enters.

The parking control device 5 monitors whether or not an entering vehicle is detected (step 101). When an entering vehicle is detected (YES in step 101), an entering image is captured by the entrance camera 49a (step 102).

When the entrance gate device 48a is opened (step 103) and the passage of the vehicle is detected, the entering image is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 (from YES in step 104 to step 105). Then, the entrance gate device 48a is closed to complete the entrance (step 106).

The parking lot management device 15 receives the entering image (step 107), generates entering image information 97 shown in FIG. 7, and registers it in the entering image DB (step 108). The vehicle information is extracted by the vehicle information reader 81 (step 109) and stored as the entering image information 97 (step 110). For example, the vehicle number and vehicle-related information shown in FIG. 7 are stored.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing related to selection of entering vehicles in the selection image. 11 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing examples of operation screens (GUI) displayed on the mobile terminal 10. FIG.

For example, the guidance device 44 shown in FIG. 2 displays guidance to the effect that the entering image is selected from the images for selection, such as "Please access the image publication site and select your vehicle." The guidance displays, for example, a URL associated with a web page containing a selection image. Alternatively, a QR code storing information of a web page URL including a selection image is displayed.

The user inputs the displayed URL via the mobile terminal 10 . Alternatively, the user uses the mobile terminal 10 to read the displayed QR code. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a transmission request for a selection image is transmitted from the portable terminal 10 to the parking lot management device 15 (step 201).

The parking lot management device 15 receives the transmission request (step 202). Then, a selection image is generated (step 203) and transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 (step 204). The transmitted selection image is received and displayed by the mobile terminal 10 (step 205).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection image. As shown in FIG. 11, the selection image 100 is an image in which entering images 101 are arranged based on the entry date and time. In the present embodiment, the entering images 101 are arranged so that the entry date and time (closest to the current time) are displayed at the top. As a result, when the user who parks the vehicle in the parking lot immediately displays the selection image 100, it is possible to easily find the own vehicle displayed at the top of the list.

Such an effect that it is easier to find the own vehicle by displaying the selection image as soon as possible prompts the user to display the selection image and select the own vehicle as soon as the vehicle is parked. becomes possible.

As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, in this embodiment, together with an entering image 101, information about entering vehicles is displayed. Specifically, the entry time, entry gate name, and vehicle number are displayed. Thus, it is possible to generate a selection image including at least part of the vehicle information together with the vehicle entry image 101 . As a result, the user can search for his/her own vehicle while confirming the vehicle information, etc., thereby exhibiting high usability. Of course, only the entering images 101 may be arranged based on the entry date and time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the selection image 100 reflects the state of vehicle selection by the user of the parking lot. Specifically, the selected vehicle 101a selected by another user is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the unselected vehicle 101b. For example, each display is controlled so that the unselected vehicle 101b is emphasized rather than the selected vehicle 101a. This allows the user to more easily select his/her own vehicle.

For example, consider a case in which the own vehicle is selected after a period of time (for example, 2 hours) has passed since the vehicle was parked. In this case, the entering image of the own vehicle may be displayed in the lower position in the list of selection images 100 .

As shown in FIG. 11B, in this embodiment, the unselected vehicle 101b and the selected vehicle 101a are displayed in a distinguishable manner. Accordingly, while scrolling the selection image 100, the user selects one of the vehicles that entered about two hours ago. It becomes possible to easily find the own vehicle. Moreover, vehicles other than the own vehicle are often selected at earlier timings. Therefore, the host vehicle that has not been selected is often displayed with sufficient emphasis and can be easily found.

Note that the image configuration of the selection image 100 is not limited and may be arbitrarily designed. Further, the specific method of distinguishing and displaying the unselected vehicle 101b and the selected vehicle 101a, and the specific method of displaying the unselected vehicle 101b more emphasized than the selected vehicle 101a are not limited, and any display is possible. method may be employed.

For example, it is possible to hide the selected vehicle 101a. Since only the unselected vehicle 101b is narrowed down by this, it becomes possible to select a self-vehicle easily.

Returning to FIG. 10, the user executes a vehicle entry image search (step 206). The vehicle-entering image search is a process of narrowing down the vehicle-entering images 101 by inputting search conditions.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the entering image search. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12A, "vehicle entered 2 hours ago" is displayed on the scroll bar at the top of the screen as a search condition related to the entry time, and is entered by selecting the notation. On the mobile terminal 10, a selection image 100' is displayed in which vehicles that entered two hours or more ago are arranged based on the entry date and time based on the search conditions.

Search conditions that can be entered are not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, "exclude participating cars", "exclude paid", "by entrance gate", "display all", "time search", "number search", "car name search", "body color search", "manufacturer Arbitrary search conditions such as "search by name" may be input. For example, it is possible to easily find the host vehicle by narrowing down the search conditions according to the vehicle information extracted by the vehicle information reading unit 81 .

A specific method of inputting search conditions is not limited and may be set arbitrarily. For example, a desired search condition is selected and input from the search condition selection section 102 shown in FIG. 12B. In addition, it may be possible to execute a keyword search by inputting a keyword.

Moreover, the specific method of search processing is not limited. For example, a search request including search conditions is transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the parking lot management device 15 . The selection image 100 may be updated by the parking lot management device 15 based on the search conditions. The updated selection image 100 is transmitted to and displayed on the mobile terminal 10 .

Alternatively, the selection image 100 may be updated on the mobile terminal 10 based on the search conditions. In this case, the vehicle number and vehicle-related information stored in the entering image DB may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 and used as appropriate. In addition, arbitrary processing may be performed to realize the entering image search.

Since the entering image search makes it easier to narrow down the candidates when selecting the own vehicle, the user can easily select the own vehicle.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a GUI when selecting an entering vehicle. For example, the entering image 101 is selected from the selection images 100 shown in FIG. 11 and the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, a detailed image 103 is displayed.

The detailed image 103 displays an enlarged image of the entering image 101 and detailed information about the entering vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, the entry time, entry gate name, vehicle number, vehicle name, body color, and vehicle manufacturer are displayed. The user can make a final decision while confirming the detailed image 103 .

When it is determined that the vehicle is not the own vehicle, for example, a return button is pressed. This returns to the display of the selection image 100 . Alternatively, the Next button is pressed. As a result, the detailed image 103 related to the next entering image 101 in the selection image 100 is displayed.

If it is determined that the vehicle is the own vehicle, the decision button is pressed. The operation of pressing the decision button corresponds to the input of the selection operation of the entering image.

Returning to FIG. 10, when an operation to select the own vehicle is input, an instruction to select an entering image is transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the parking lot management device 15 (step 207).

The parking lot management device 15 receives the instruction to select the entering image (step 208). A selection flag is added to the entering image information 97 related to the received entering image (step 209). As a result, the selected entering vehicle becomes the selected vehicle.

User information 98 shown in FIG. 8 is generated by the parking lot management device 15 and registered in the user DB (step 210). First, the user ID is set, and the entering image ID of the selected entering image is stored.

The user mobile terminal ID is appropriately set, for example, based on the received selection instruction. Alternatively, information that can identify the device may be requested from the parking management device 15 to the mobile terminal 10, and the user mobile terminal ID may be generated from the response information.

User information such as mobile phone number, e-mail address, credit information, usage history, point balance, etc. is input by the user by, for example, displaying a predetermined input screen or the like after selecting the entering image. The input of this user information may be performed by the user as part of the member registration process. That is, the member registration may be performed with the selection of the entering image as a trigger.

Information stored in the user DB is not limited. For example, the user inputs information necessary for settlement processing. Of course, instead of selecting the entering image, the user may input the information necessary for the payment process at the time the payment is made.

A parking ticket image is generated by the parking lot management device 15 (step 211) and transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 (step 212). The transmitted parking ticket image is received and displayed by the mobile terminal 10 (step 213).

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a parking ticket image. The parking ticket image 105 is an image imitating the actual parking ticket image and includes the code image 106 . The code image 106 is a code image from which information on the selected vehicle can be read by the store terminal 30 of the store 31 affiliated with the parking lot 6 .

In the example shown in FIG. 13B , a bar code readable by the reader 32 of the store terminal 30 is displayed as the code image 106 . In the code image 106, for example, the entering image ID shown in FIG. 7 and the user ID shown in FIG. 8 are stored as information related to the selected vehicle. In addition, any information that can specify the entry vehicle (selected vehicle) selected by the user may be stored.

For example, when the user goes shopping at an affiliated store, the parking ticket image 105 including the code image 106 is presented at the cash register. The bar code is read by the reader 32 of the store terminal 30, and the entering image ID is acquired, for example. The store terminal 30 transmits the shopping information about the user's shopping to the parking lot management device 15 together with the entering image ID.

As a result, the settlement reception unit 83 of the parking lot management device 15 can execute settlement processing including a discount rate based on the shopping information for the parking fee of the entering vehicle selected by the user, based on the shopping information. Become. In this way, by generating the parking ticket image 105 and displaying it on the mobile terminal 10, even if the parking ticket is not issued at the parking lot 6, when shopping at a commercial facility or the like, the parking lot 6 usage information can be obtained. It is possible to associate the information with shopping information. As a result, it becomes possible to implement a discount service or the like according to the purchase.

By generating an image simulating a real parking ticket as the parking ticket image 105, it is possible to use the parking ticket image as if it were a real parking ticket. As a result, it is possible to prevent forgetting to present the parking ticket image, and high usability is exhibited.

For example, by selecting the download button 107 shown in FIG. 13B, the parking ticket image 105 can be downloaded to the photo folder of the mobile terminal 10 or the like. As a result, the parking ticket image 105 can be presented at any time and place, and the user can use his or her time effectively. In addition, it is convenient to use. Furthermore, it is convenient because it is possible to ask any staff member how to use the parking ticket image 105 .

A code image other than a barcode may be used as the code image 106 . For example, any code image that can be read by the store terminal 30, such as a QR code, may be used. Moreover, the specific configuration of the parking ticket image 105 is not limited. For example, an image that does not imitate a real parking ticket may be used.

The shopping information transmitted from the store terminal 30 is stored, for example, in a predetermined shopping information DB in association with the entering image. Alternatively, the shopping information may be stored in the entering image DB shown in FIG. 7 or the user DB shown in FIG.

14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the GUI when the user pays the bill. Here, an example is given in which an application (program) for using this parking lot management service is downloaded by a user who has selected the entering image 101 via the selection image 100 . That is, a case where a native application is used to execute settlement processing will be taken as an example. Of course, the settlement process may be executable on a web page displayed by a web browser via a web application.

As shown in FIG. 14A , a push notification screen 108 is first displayed on the mobile terminal 10 . In this parking lot management service, prior payment before exiting from the parking lot 6 is recommended. Therefore, the push notification screen 108 displays an application activation button 109 for executing the settlement process.

When the application is activated via the push notification screen 108, a current status display screen 110 is displayed as shown in FIG. 14B. The current status display screen 110 includes parking status information 111 including entry time, information 112 on parking fees up to the present time, parking lot and vehicle information 113, an adjustment operation button 114, a setting button 115, and a usage history button. 116 are displayed.

The setting button 115 is selected when changing user information, etc., and transitions to a predetermined setting screen. When the usage history button 116 is selected, the usage history of this parking lot management service up to the present is displayed.

When the settlement operation button 114 on the current display screen 110 is selected, a settlement operation initial screen 117 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15A. The settlement operation initial screen 117 displays a settlement button 118 , information 119 regarding the parking fee to be settled, a usage information button 120 , and point balance information 121 . When the usage information button 120 is selected, details of the usage information are displayed.

When the settlement button 118 on the settlement operation initial screen 117 is selected, a settlement operation confirmation screen 122 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15B. The settlement operation confirmation screen 122 includes settlement information 123 including the parking fee to be settled, entry time, vehicle information, etc., radio buttons 124 for selecting a payment method, credit card information 125, and other card information. A switch button 126 and a settlement execution button 127 are displayed.

When the user selects the radio button 124 to change the desired payment method, and the payment execution button 127 is selected, a payment request is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 . Then, when the settlement process is completed, a notification to that effect is returned to the mobile terminal 10, and a settlement completion screen 128 shown in FIG. 15C is displayed.

The settlement completion screen 128 displays settlement content information 129 . Also, text information is displayed to the effect that the vehicle should exit within a predetermined time (in this example, 5 minutes). In addition, when the registration to the effect that credit settlement is always executed is made, the payment method is fixed to card payment.

Further, when the registration to the effect that the credit settlement is always executed is made, the fact may be displayed on, for example, the push notification screen 108 shown in FIG. 14A or the current status display screen 110 shown in FIG. 14B. Then, the user may proceed to the settlement completion screen 122 shown in FIG. 15C without prompting the settlement operation.

Regarding the calculation of the parking fee, for example, the parking time is calculated based on the difference between the entry time and the current time when the payment request is accepted. A parking fee is calculated based on this parking time and information on a predetermined fee system. Also, when shopping information is acquired from the store terminal 30, a discount fee is calculated based on the shopping information, and appropriately reflected in the parking fee.

When the settlement process is completed, the settlement status of the vehicle entry image information 97 shown in FIG. 7 is updated from "unsettled" to "settled".

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when a vehicle enters the race. The parking lot control device 5 monitors whether or not an entering vehicle is detected (step 301). When a participating vehicle is detected (YES in step 301), an exit image is captured by the exit camera 49b (step 302).

The parking lot control device 5 inquires about the exit image and the payment information (steps 303 and 304). Specifically, the exit image is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not the entry image information 97 of the corresponding vehicle exists. Then, when the vehicle entry image information 97 exists, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the settlement status is "settled". The parking lot management device 15 transmits the inquiry result to the parking lot control device 5 in response to the inquiry.

The parking lot control device 5 determines whether or not it is possible to participate based on the inquiry result sent from the parking lot management device 15 (step 305). If there is no entry image information 97 related to the participating vehicle, or if the payment status is "unpaid", it is determined that the entry is not possible (NO in step 305). Then, the non-payment notification is executed (step 306). In the present embodiment, a voice is output from the speaker 50 to the effect that the payment has not been made.

If the exiting vehicle is a vehicle for which payment has been made, the exiting gate device 48b is opened to allow entry (from YES in step 305 to step 307).

When the passage of the vehicle is detected, entry information is transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 (from YES in step 308 to step 309). The participation information includes arbitrary information regarding participating vehicles, such as the date and time of participation and parking fees. The entry information is stored, for example, in a history DB or the like constructed in the DB 17 of the parking lot management device 15 . Also, based on the entry information, the date and time of entry is stored in the entry image information 97 shown in FIG.

The exit gate device 48b is closed to complete the exit (step 310).

<How to manage selection images by limited disclosure>
Next, a parking lot management method based on limited disclosure of selection images will be described. Limited disclosure is a management method in which a condition is set for disclosure of a selection image, and the selection image is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 when the condition is satisfied.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in limited access. The processing (not shown) up to step 402 shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing up to step 202 shown in FIG. Further, the processing (not shown) after steps 404 and 405 shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the processing after steps 203 and 204 shown in FIG.

That is, in the process of limited disclosure, when a transmission request for a selection image transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 is received, a selection image is transmitted by the condition determination unit built in the image transmission unit 85 of the parking lot management device 15. It is determined whether the transmission conditions for transmission are met (step 403).

In the present embodiment, conditions regarding the mobile terminal 10 are set as transmission conditions. For example, as a transmission condition, it is determined whether or not the position of the mobile terminal 10 is within a predetermined range. Based on the position information output by the GPS sensor 70 of the mobile terminal 10, it is possible to determine whether or not the transmission conditions are satisfied.

As the predetermined range, for example, the premises of the parking lot 6, a range including the periphery of the parking lot 6, and the like are set. Also, a predetermined range may be set including a range including the premises of the affiliated store 31 and its surroundings. In addition, the range where the users who use this parking lot management service are likely to exist and the range where they are likely to go may be set as appropriate.

As another example of the transmission condition, it may be determined whether or not the mobile terminal 10 is receiving a predetermined signal. In this embodiment, for example, whether or not the beacon signal output from the beacon device 51 is received can be set as a transmission condition. For example, based on the reception state information including the beacon ID generated by the beacon reception unit 73 of the mobile terminal 10, it is possible to determine whether or not the transmission conditions are satisfied.

Setting the presence or absence of reception of the beacon signal output from the beacon device 51 installed in the parking lot 6 as the transmission condition is the same as setting the presence of the user in or around the parking lot 6 as the transmission condition. It can also be said that it means For example, it is possible to install a beacon device in the affiliated store 31 and make the presence or absence of reception of the beacon signal output from the beacon device the transmission condition. That is, whether or not a beacon signal is received from a beacon device installed in a range where a user who uses this parking management service is likely to exist or a range where the user is likely to go may be set as a transmission condition. .

As another example of the transmission condition, it may be determined whether or not the transmission request transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 has been transmitted via a predetermined communication path. For example, when a transmission request is transmitted via a WiFi access point or the like installed in the parking lot 6, it is determined that the transmission condition is satisfied. Such processing is also possible.

Setting the transmission condition as to whether or not a communication path via an access point or the like installed in the parking lot 6 is being used means that the transmission condition is that the user is present in or around the parking lot 6. It can be said that it has the same meaning as For example, it may be determined that the transmission condition is satisfied when the access point is installed at the affiliated store 31 . In other words, whether or not a transmission request is transmitted via an access point installed in an area where a user who uses this parking lot management service is likely to exist or is likely to go is set as a transmission condition. may be

In addition, arbitrary transmission conditions may be set. For example, whether or not a predetermined code image such as a QR code displayed on the guidance device 33 of the affiliated store 31 has been read may be set as a transmission condition. That is, whether or not a predetermined code image or the like displayed in the range where the user who uses this parking lot management service is likely to exist or the range where the user is likely to go may be set as a transmission condition. .

In addition, the presence or absence of acquisition of information that can determine that the parking lot 6 is being used may be set as a transmission condition. Information that can be used to determine that the parking lot 6 is being used may be set arbitrarily. For example, the position information, the beacon ID of the beacon signal, the access point information, and the like described above can be said to be information that can determine that the parking lot 6 is being used.

Information for determining whether or not the transmission condition is satisfied may be transmitted and received between the mobile terminal 10 and the parking lot management device 15 . For example, the parking lot management device 15 requests the mobile terminal 10 for location information, reception status information, access point information, etc. Based on the response from the mobile terminal 10, it is determined whether or not the transmission conditions are satisfied. may

Alternatively, when the mobile terminal 10 transmits the transmission request, the location information, the reception state information, the access point information, and the like may be transmitted to the parking lot management device 15 together. In addition, various processes may be executed to determine whether or not the transmission conditions are satisfied.

If the transmission conditions are satisfied (YES in step 403), a selection image is generated and transmitted (steps 404, 405). If the transmission conditions are not satisfied (NO in step 403), nondisclosure processing is executed (step 406).

For example, a web page in which the selection image portion is blank is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 . Alternatively, a web page is sent to the mobile terminal 10 that includes an error notification that the selection image cannot be sent. Of course, a Web page including a notification that the transmission condition is not satisfied, a notification that instructs an operation required to satisfy the transmission condition, or the like may be transmitted.

In this way, in the management method based on limited access, conditions are set for transmission of selection images. This makes it possible to prevent an outside person who does not use the parking lot 6 from peeking at the selection image. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the security regarding the use of the parking lot 6 .

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of processing performed for a flapless parking lot. For example, in a flapless parking lot in which no gate device or flap device is installed, assume that a vehicle whose payment status is “unpaid” leaves the parking lot 6 . In this case, unpaid parking lot information is transmitted from the parking lot control device 5 to the parking lot management device 15 to the effect that the parking fee has not been paid and the parking lot has entered illegally.

When the parking lot management device 15 receives the unsettled information (step 501), it gives an illegality flag to the corresponding vehicle (step 502). For example, an illegality flag is given as the entering image information 97 shown in FIG. Of course, another DB or the like may be constructed and a fraud flag may be assigned there.

Then, the parking lot management device 15 publishes the entering image and exiting image of the vehicle to which the fraud flag is assigned (step 503). For example, a web page or the like for disclosing fraudulent vehicles is generated so that anyone can access it. Then, an entering image and an exiting image of the vehicle to which the fraud flag is assigned are published on the Web page. Alternatively, a video of a vehicle with an illegal flag entering or exiting may be uploaded to a video distribution service or the like that is accessible to anyone.

For example, the guidance device 44 shown in FIG. 2 displays guidance such as "Images of vehicles are open to the public for unauthorized users." As a result, unauthorized use of the parking lot 6 can be sufficiently deterred.

In the case of a vehicle registered as a member or a selected vehicle, a warning may be sent to the unauthorized user before the image of the vehicle is made public. Then, the image of the vehicle may be made public when the parking fee is not settled despite the notification of the warning. Alternatively, the image of the vehicle may not actually be disclosed, and only a warning to the effect that it will be disclosed may be notified to the unauthorized user. Even in this case, the effect of deterring unauthorized use is sufficiently exhibited.

As described above, in the parking lot management system 500 according to the present embodiment, the selection image 100 in which the images of the entering vehicles are arranged based on the entry date and time is generated. This selection image 100 reflects the selection of vehicles by the users of the parking lot 6 . As a result, convenience for users using the parking lot 6 is improved.

Paid parking lots and parking lots of commercial facilities issue a parking ticket at the entrance that records the time the vehicle entered. A system in which parking fees are discounted, etc., and parking tickets are read at exits of parking lots to settle the fees before exiting has become widespread.

In addition, if it takes time to read the parking ticket at the exit, traffic jams will occur at the exit. A system for adjusting charges has also been introduced in large-scale parking lots and the like.

On the other hand, as described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 above, the disposable parking ticket is abolished in order to set the parking fee to a low amount and to attract more customers than the nearby parking lot. , and systems capable of reducing running costs have also been proposed.

However, in the system described in Patent Literature 1, if the user takes time to operate the advance payment machine, a queue will form before the advance payment, and the system is not user-friendly. There is a problem that if a person in charge explains to the user or strengthens guidance support by an interphone or the like, the effect of reducing the running cost may be offset.

In addition, in the system described in Patent Document 2, in order for the mobile terminal and the entrance machine to communicate directly when entering the parking lot, the ID of the user's mobile terminal is registered in advance in the parking lot management system, and furthermore, when entering the parking lot, It is necessary to prepare for communication between the mobile terminal and the entrance machine, which is not convenient for users, and users who operate the communication connection in front of the entrance machine may cause congestion at the entrance. do not have.

As described above, in the parking management system 500 according to the present invention, there is no need to perform a special operation at the time of entry, and there is no need to wait in line at the advance payment machine. Therefore, it is possible to exhibit high usability for the user.

For example, according to the parking lot management system 500, the user does not need to perform troublesome operations such as inputting the vehicle number and the time when entering the parking lot, but also when paying in advance, which is convenient. In addition, if the user browses the image immediately after entering the parking lot, it is easy to select his/her own vehicle. Further, for other users, information on vehicles already selected by others can be distinguished and browsed, so that the number of candidates for selection of own vehicle is reduced and selection is facilitated.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other embodiments.

In the above description, the host vehicle is selected from the selection image displayed via the web application (web page) after allowing the vehicle to enter the parking lot without any special operation. After that, the native application according to the present technology was downloaded, and processing such as advance payment was executed.

The present technology is applicable without being limited to such configurations and operations. That is, all processes from selection of the own vehicle in the selection image to subsequent pre-payment may be executable via a web application (web page).

Alternatively, the native application according to the present technology is downloaded after allowing the vehicle to enter the parking lot without any special operation. Then, all processes from selection of the own vehicle in the selection image to subsequent pre-payment and the like may be executable via the native application.

In any case, it is possible to use this parking lot management service using an existing mobile terminal such as a smartphone. This makes it possible to exhibit high usability. In addition, since it is possible to build a parking lot management system using existing web technology, network technology, and general-purpose products, it is possible to sufficiently reduce equipment costs.

For example, equipment and facilities such as Web servers and Web/API servers for realizing other services such as collecting and outputting information on vacant parking spaces and accepting reservations for parking lots can be used and installed. can be easily performed.

Of course, it is also possible to reduce equipment costs by abolishing parking tickets and constructing flapless parking lots.

It may be possible to select the own vehicle in the selection image by the guide device 33 of the store 31 shown in FIG. 1, the guide device 44 of the parking lot 6, or the advance payment machine 43 shown in FIG. That is, as an embodiment of the user terminal according to the present invention, a terminal installed in the parking lot 6 or a terminal installed in the store 31 linked with the parking lot 6 may be used. In this case, the parking ticket image may be printed by the guide device 31, the guide device 44, the receipt printer of the advance payment machine 43, or the like, and presented to the user.

Further, the conventional pre-payment system and the parking lot management system according to the present invention may be mixed, and either pre-payment method may be selectable. For example, cash settlement may be performed by a conventional advance settlement machine, and credit settlement and electronic money settlement may be performed by the mobile terminal of the user.

The embodiment of the present technology can manage vehicles such as ordinary automobiles and large automobiles, or can also manage two-wheeled vehicles in combination. That is, in the present disclosure, vehicles are not limited to automobiles, but also include bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles), and the like. A parking lot is a concept that includes a bicycle parking lot for parking bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles), and the like. That is, the present technology is not limited to parking lots where automobiles can be parked, and can be applied to bicycle parking lots and the like.

In the parking management system 500 described above, the functions provided in the parking control device 5, the mobile terminal 10, and the parking management device 15 may be provided in other devices. For example, part of the functions of the parking management device 15 shown in FIG. 5 may be provided in the mobile terminal 10 or the parking control device 5 . That is, the "imaging unit", "generating unit", "transmitting unit", "receiving unit", "extracting unit", "settlement unit", "acquiring unit", etc. provided in the parking management system according to the present invention are each It is not limited whether it is realized by any of the devices, and can be set arbitrarily. These elements may also be realized by a plurality of devices working together.

Similarly, the information processing method and program according to the present invention may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by a plurality of computers working together. That is, acquisition of an entering image, generation of an image for selection, payment, condition determination, and the like may be performed by a single computer, or may be performed by different computers. Execution of each process by a predetermined computer includes causing another computer to execute part or all of the process and obtaining the result. For example, the information processing method and program according to the present technology can also be applied to a cloud computing configuration.

The parking lot, the mobile terminal, the parking control device, the parking management device, the selection image, the parking ticket image, each processing flow, etc. described with reference to each drawing are only one embodiment, and deviate from the gist of the present technology. It can be arbitrarily deformed as long as it does not. That is, any other configuration, algorithm, or the like for implementing the present technology may be employed.

It is also possible to combine at least two characteristic portions among the characteristic portions according to the present invention described above. That is, various characteristic portions described in each embodiment may be combined arbitrarily without distinguishing between each embodiment. Moreover, the various effects described above are only examples and are not limited, and other effects may be exhibited.

In addition, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the parking lot management system that accompanies such modifications is also the technology of the present invention. included in thought.

The technology of the present invention can be suitably used in pay parking lots and parking lots attached to commercial facilities that aim to reduce installation and running costs, whether small or large, indoor or outdoor. .

5 Parking control device 6 Parking lot 10 Portable terminal 15 Parking management device 30 Store terminal 31 Store 33 Guidance device 43 Advance payment machine 44 Guidance device 49a Entrance camera 49b Exit camera 51 Beacon device 97 Entering image information 98 User information 100 Selection image 101 Entering image 101a Selected vehicle 101b Unselected vehicle 105 Parking ticket image 106 Code image 500 Parking management system

Claims (12)

an imaging unit that captures an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot;
a generation unit that generates a selection image including the image of the entering vehicle;
a transmission unit that transmits the selection image to a user terminal that can be operated by a user;
a receiving unit that receives a selection instruction to select the entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal,
The generating unit generates a code image that enables a store terminal of a store affiliated with the parking lot to read information about the selected vehicle that is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been received,
The transmission unit transmits the code image to the user terminal. Parking lot management system. The parking lot management system according to claim 1,
The generation unit generates a parking ticket image including the code image,
The transmission unit transmits the parking ticket image to the user terminal. Parking lot management system. The parking lot management system according to claim 2,
The parking lot management system, wherein the parking ticket image is an image imitating a real parking ticket. The parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The user terminal is a mobile terminal of the user. Parking management system. The parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The user terminal is a terminal installed in the parking lot or a terminal installed in a store affiliated with the parking lot. Parking management system. The parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The generation unit generates a web page including the selection image,
The transmission unit transmits the web page to the user terminal according to selection of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) associated with the web page. Parking management system. The parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
An extraction unit for extracting vehicle information related to the entering vehicle based on the image of the entering vehicle,
The parking lot management system, wherein the generator is capable of generating the selection image including at least part of the vehicle information. A parking lot management system according to claim 7,
The vehicle information includes at least one of vehicle number information, vehicle name information, vehicle body color information, and vehicle manufacturer information. The parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A parking lot management system comprising a settlement unit that executes settlement of a parking fee for the selected vehicle, which is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been accepted, based on a settlement request input via the user terminal. an acquisition unit that acquires an image of an entering vehicle entering the parking lot;
a generation unit that generates a selection image including the image of the entering vehicle;
a transmission unit that transmits the selection image to a user terminal that can be operated by a user;
a receiving unit that receives a selection instruction to select the entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal,
The generating unit generates a code image that enables a store terminal of a store affiliated with the parking lot to read information about the selected vehicle that is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been received,
The information processing device, wherein the transmission unit transmits the code image to the user terminal. A computer-executed information processing method comprising:
an acquisition step of acquiring an image of the entering vehicle entering the parking lot;
a generation step of generating a selection image including the image of the entering vehicle;
a transmission step of transmitting the selection image to a user terminal operable by the user;
a receiving step of receiving a selection instruction to select the entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal;
In the generating step, a store terminal of a store affiliated with the parking lot generates a code image capable of reading information about the selected vehicle, which is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been received,
The information processing method, wherein the transmitting step transmits the code image to the user terminal. A program that causes a computer to execute an information processing method,
The information processing method includes:
an acquisition step of acquiring an image of the entering vehicle entering the parking lot;
a generation step of generating a selection image including the image of the entering vehicle;
a transmission step of transmitting the selection image to a user terminal operable by the user;
a receiving step of receiving a selection instruction to select the entering vehicle in the selection image input via the user terminal;
In the generating step, a store terminal of a store affiliated with the parking lot generates a code image capable of reading information about the selected vehicle, which is the entering vehicle for which the selection instruction has been received,
A program in which the transmitting step transmits the code image to the user terminal.

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