JPH04292245A - Car type discriminator and car-washing machine therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To discriminate a car type so accurately as well as to enable it to perform a perfect car-washing job with no unwashed part by recognizing plural reference points on the basis of the top surface level of an automobile, and discriminating the car type temporarily on the basis of each reference point, while judging the car type in conformity with the result of this temporary discrimination. CONSTITUTION:A control part 20 of a car type discriminator counts each of pulse signals being transmitted out of a rotary encoder 8 with a travel position detecting means 20a, detecting a travel position of a car washing machine. In addition, each pulse signal being transmitted out of another rotary encoder 15 by a top level detecting means 20b, and a lifting position of a carrier is detected as a top level. Moreover, each reference point in the side form of an automobile is successively recognized on the basis of the top level. On the other hand, top level data of each relative zone, setting each reference point down to a starting point, is compared with a reference level line with a temporary discriminating means 20f. Subsequently, the car type is judged according to the result of this temporary discrimination by a car type judging means 20g after the temporary discrimination of respective relative zones is over.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for determining the type of automobile, and more particularly to a device suitable for use in automatic car washes and the like that are programmed to perform specific operations depending on the type of vehicle.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art A device that includes a car wash machine with a vehicle type discriminating means and controls its operation according to the determined vehicle type is known, for example, from Utility Model Application No. 61-1
It is disclosed in No. 76057 and is well known. However, these conventional car wash machines detect the top surface level of a car using an ultrasonic sensor, etc., and simply identify the car type based on the size of this top surface level. It is becoming difficult to identify the type of car. For example, even if a passenger car has a shape that allows the entire surface to be brushed, if there is a high-level part on the top surface, it will be determined to be a wagon. There was an inconvenience that the washing was caused to be left unwashed. Furthermore, in the case of cars with similar roof heights, such as wagons and jeeps, the type of car cannot be determined just by the size of the top surface level, making it difficult to perform a safe car wash operation depending on the type of car.

[0003] Also, as a vehicle type discrimination device, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 5
A device described in Japanese Patent No. 7-36398 is known. That is, the top surface level of a running vehicle is continuously detected, the average value of the top surface levels detected for each of a predetermined number of blocks equally divided by the vehicle length is determined, and this average value is compared with pre-stored reference data. There is already a known device for identifying the type of vehicle. These conventional discrimination devices can more accurately discriminate the vehicle type because they can incorporate the partial shape as a comparison element. If the method is applied to a car wash machine, it will not be possible to identify the car type and wash the car at the same time.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to be able to accurately identify the car model, and when used in a car wash, to identify the car type in parallel with the car wash, so that the process takes no longer than conventional methods. The question is whether there is a device that can complete the car wash.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a vehicle type discrimination device or a means for continuously detecting the top surface level of a vehicle at predetermined intervals as the vehicle moves, and a reference point recognition means for recognizing a plurality of predetermined reference points in a predetermined order; a provisional determination means for provisionally determining a vehicle type based on the recognized reference points; The object of the present invention is to provide a device that can accurately determine a vehicle type by including a vehicle type determination means that determines the vehicle type by integrating the results obtained.

[0006] Furthermore, when using the above-mentioned vehicle type discriminating means in a car wash machine, if the processing device of the car wash machine is operated before the vehicle type discriminating means makes a determination of the vehicle type, the provisional discriminating means may temporarily discriminate the vehicle type. The present invention provides a car wash machine which is provided with a control means for controlling the operation of a processing device based on the selected car type, and which can perform car washing and car type discrimination in parallel.

[0007]

[Embodiment] The embodiment will be explained below based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front explanatory view showing an example of a car wash machine equipped with a vehicle type discrimination device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the same, showing a gate-shaped car wash machine 1 that is formed in a gate shape and runs back and forth on rails 2. is exemplified. 3 to 6 are processing devices, 3 and 3 are side brushes that brush the sides and front and back of the car, 4 is a top brush that brushes the top of the car, and 5 and 5 are side blower nozzles that blow air to the sides of the car to dry it. , 6 is a top blower nozzle that blows air onto the top of the vehicle. All of these processing devices are movable into the car wash 1 by known actuating means and act along the car body. 7.7 is the running motor of car wash machine 1, 8
is a rotary encoder attached to the output shaft of the motors 7 and 7. The motors 7 and 7 are driven forward and backward to move the car wash machine 1 forward and backward, and when the car wash machine 1 moves a unit distance accordingly, the rotary encoder 8 outputs a pulse. do.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view showing the main parts of an embodiment of the vehicle type discrimination device installed in the car wash machine 1.As shown in FIG. It is provided. 10 and 11 are light emitting elements 10a and 11a and light receiving elements 10b and 11 sandwiching the car wash area of the car wash machine 1.
12 and 12 are carriers on which the beam sensors 10 and 11 are mounted and can be raised and lowered along rails 13 and 13; 14 is a carrier 12 and 1 facing each other;
15 is a rotary encoder that outputs pulses as the motor 14 is driven; 16 is a rotary encoder that outputs pulses as the motor 14 drives;
- 17 is a microswitch that detects the lower limit position and upper limit position of the carriers 12; 18 is a drive control section for the motor 14;

The beam sensors 10 and 11 are light emitting elements 10a.
- The light-receiving elements 10b and 11b detect that the beam signal from 11a is blocked by a vehicle, and detect the vehicle body. The drive control unit 18 controls the drive of the motor 14 according to signals from the beam sensors 10, 11 and microswitches 16, 17, and moves the carriers 12, 12 between the upper limit position and the lower limit position to adjust the top surface shape of the vehicle. Move it in a tracing motion. That is, if both beam sensors 10 and 11 are in the vehicle body detection state, the motor 14 is rotated forward and the carrier 12 is
- Raise the carrier 12, and if only the lower beam sensor 10 is in the vehicle body detection state, stop the motor 14 and move the carrier 12.
12 in place and both beam sensors 10 and 11.
If it is not in the detection state, the motor 14 is reversed to lower the carriers 12. In this way, the carrier 1 is placed so that the top surface of the vehicle is always located between the beam sensors 10 and 11.
2 and 12 are raised and lowered, and the corresponding raised and lowered positions of the carriers 12 and 12 are determined by counting pulse signals from the rotary encoder 15, so that the top surface level of the car to be washed can be continuously detected. .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control system of the above embodiment, and 20 is a control section of the vehicle type discriminating device. Control unit 20
is equipped with a microcomputer, and the traveling position detecting means 20
a, upper surface level detection means 20b, detection data storage means 20c, reference point recognition means 20d, reference level sequence storage means 20e, temporary determination means 20f, and vehicle type determination means 20
It has g.

The running position detecting means 20a detects the running position L of the car wash machine 1 by counting pulse signals transmitted from the rotary encoder 8, and detects the running position L of the car wash machine 1 from the start position of the car wash machine 1. When a pulse is input when moving forward, it counts +1, and when a pulse is input when moving backward, it counts -1, and the position L is given by this count number. The upper surface level detection means 20b detects the ascending and descending positions of the carriers 12, 12 obtained by counting the pulse signals transmitted from the rotary encoder 15 as the upper surface level H, and starts from the lower limit position of the carriers 12, 12. Count +1 for each rising pulse and -1 count for each descending pulse, and at this count the top level is H.
give. The detection data storage means 20c stores the running position L and the upper surface level H given by both the detection means 20a and 20b in a table form.

The reference point recognition means 20d sequentially recognizes reference points in the side shape of the automobile based on the upper surface level H provided by the upper surface level detection means 20b. The recognition method will be explained below using FIG. 5. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the front end a of the vehicle body, the roof front end b, the roof rear end c,
and the rear end d of the vehicle body is recognized as a reference point. The front end a of the vehicle body is at the lower limit height Bm of the vehicle body where the upper surface level H is set in advance.
It is recognized by detecting the point in time when it exceeds in. Front edge of roof b
is the roof lower limit height Rm with the upper surface level H set in advance.
This is detected and recognized when the change in the upper surface level becomes less than a predetermined value H1 while the car wash machine 1 travels a predetermined distance L1. The roof rear end c is determined when the upper surface level H is higher than the roof lower limit height Rmin and the change in the upper surface level exceeds a predetermined value H2 while the car wash machine 1 travels a predetermined distance L2, or when the upper surface level H is higher than the roof lower limit height. It is recognized by detecting the point in time when the value becomes less than or equal to Rmin. The rear end d of the vehicle body is
This is recognized by detecting the point in time when the upper surface level H becomes equal to or less than the vehicle body lower limit height Bmin.

The reference level array storage means 20e stores a table of the upper surface level array that serves as a comparison standard when determining the vehicle type, and as shown in FIG. A predetermined range of comparison zones A to C is set in , and a reference level sequence for each vehicle type in this zone is given at the pulse interval of the rotary encoder 8. Although the comparison zone is set here based only on reference points a to c, it is of course possible to set a comparison zone for reference point d, and in this case, the comparison zone should be set in front of reference point d. Good. By setting a large number of comparison zones in this way, it is possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle type determination.

[0014] The temporary discrimination means 20f is the reference point recognition means 20.
The data storage means 20 detects the upper surface level sequence in the comparison zones A to C based on the reference points a to c recognized in step d.
c and compares it with the reference level string provided by the reference level string storage means 20e. The comparison method in this provisional discrimination means 20f will be explained using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a comparison example in comparison zone A based on reference point a, where (0) is a top surface level sequence detected in comparison zone A, (1) is a reference level sequence of passenger cars in comparison zone A, (2) is also the reference level sequence for the wagon. Here, the level data in each level column is sequentially sampled and compared, and the difference ΔH1 between the upper surface level H and each reference level is
- Obtain integral values Z1 to Z2 of ΔH2. The integral values Z1 to Z2 thus obtained are further compared, and the vehicle type in the reference level sequence that gives the minimum value becomes the temporarily determined vehicle type in that comparison zone. That is, in FIG. 7, since Z1<Z2, it is provisionally determined to be a passenger car. Thereafter, the same provisional discrimination is performed every time a reference point is recognized by the reference point recognition means 20d, but in this case, the discrimination is performed with reference to the previous provisional discrimination results as shown in FIG. We will continue to improve the accuracy of discrimination. For example, if it is tentatively determined to be a passenger car in comparison zone A, and later determined to be a wagon in comparison zone B, the results can be combined to determine that it is a jeep-type vehicle (a multi-purpose vehicle with a hood and a roof higher than a passenger vehicle). Discern.

After the preliminary determination in each of the comparison zones A to C is completed, the vehicle type determining means 20g determines the vehicle type by integrating the results of the preliminary determination. This determination method will be explained using FIG. 8. The vehicle type is determined by adding the distance from the front end a to the rear end d of the vehicle body, that is, vehicle length data, to the vehicle type tentatively determined in comparison zones A to C. In the illustrated example, even if the car is tentatively identified as a wagon, there are some that are classified as light cars and others that are not. be.

[0016] In addition to the methods described above, various methods of provisional discrimination and vehicle type determination based on the reference points a to d can be considered. Some of them are introduced below. (i) In each of the comparison zones A to C, the vehicle type may be provisionally determined independently regardless of the previous provisional determination result, and the vehicle type determination means 20g may determine the vehicle type by integrating the preliminary determination results. In this case, it is possible that the tentative judgment results differ for each comparison zone, causing confusion in the judgment, but this can be resolved by taking vehicle length data into consideration in the judgment as described above, or by weighting it according to the comparison zone. be able to. That is, when the preliminary discrimination results are divided into zones, the vehicle type may be determined by preferentially employing the discrimination results of the weighted zones that exhibit the most characteristics.

(ii) It is also possible to determine the vehicle type based only on the positions of reference points a to d without providing comparison zones A to C. In other words, if the vertical level at each reference point is higher than a predetermined value, it is tentatively determined as a wagon, and if it is lower, it is a passenger car. I think it's a wagon. Further, if the distance from reference point c to reference point d is longer than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the vehicle is a three-box vehicle with a trunk, and if it is shorter than the predetermined distance, it can be determined that the vehicle is a one-box or two-box vehicle. The vehicle type may be tentatively determined based on the determination factors provided by the positions of these reference points, and finally the vehicle type may be determined by taking into account vehicle length data and the like. For example, reference point a
If the vehicle is tentatively determined to be a passenger car at reference point b, and the upper and lower levels at reference point b correspond to a wagon vehicle, and it is determined to be a bonnet vehicle based on the distance between a and b, then it is determined to be a jeep type vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control system of the gate-type car wash machine 1, and 30 is a car wash control section that controls the processing devices 3 to 6 and the running motors 7 and 7 to perform a predetermined car wash operation. . The control unit 20 of the vehicle type determination device includes a car wash control unit 30
The running position and the upper surface level given by the detection means 20a and 20b are outputted to the detector 20a and 20b, and provisional discrimination data DA to DC and determination data DX based on the comparison zones A to C are sequentially outputted. The car wash control unit 30 controls the upper surface brush 4 to move up and down based on the given traveling position and upper surface level, and performs brushing with an appropriate contact pressure that matches the shape of the vehicle body. Further, the car wash control unit 30 causes the vehicle type determining device to perform an operation based on the vehicle type provided by the provisional discrimination data DA to DC during the vehicle type determination, and after the vehicle type determination, causes the car wash to be performed according to the vehicle type provided by the determination data DX. For example, when it is tentatively identified as a wagon or the vehicle type is determined, since wagons are usually equipped with rearview mirrors that protrude forward, the position of this rearview mirror is predicted and brushes 3, 3, and 4 are detected.
Make an evasive action to avoid being hit. In addition, if the vehicle is tentatively identified as a Jeep type vehicle or the vehicle type is determined, it is determined that a spare tire, etc. is attached to the rear of the vehicle, and the brushes 3, 3, and 4 are stopped from acting on the rear to prevent the brushes from getting caught or damaged. to prevent Further, when the vehicle is tentatively identified as a truck or the type of vehicle is determined, brushing of the truck bed by the upper brush 4 is stopped to prevent the brush 4 from getting caught or damaged.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a display device provided on the front side of the car wash machine 1, which consists of an LCD display. During the car wash, the display device 31 displays the coordinates of the running position and the upper surface level detected by the detection means 20a and 20b, as shown in FIG. As shown, a silhouette S of a car being washed is displayed. Furthermore, since the vehicle type T determined by the vehicle type determination device is also displayed, it is possible to confirm whether or not the car wash machine 1 has accurately determined the vehicle type.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a charge settlement unit, which is equipped with a card reader/writer 33 and communication means 34 with the POS device, and sets and processes a car wash charge according to the car type determined by the car type determination device. Normally, car wash services using car wash machines such as those mentioned above often include manual wiping after washing, and wiping large wagons, jeeps, etc. requires heavy labor compared to other passenger cars. Due to compulsion, additional fees are being collected. Therefore, a car wash fee is set for each type of car by taking such additional fees into account, and the payment is made by card or billed from the POS. Here, the term "card" refers to a prepaid card that records points according to the prepaid amount, and the term POS device refers to a terminal device installed at a gas station or the like for paying charges. When paying with a card, the reader/writer 33 accepts the card before the car wash, and after the car wash is finished, points corresponding to the car wash fee are subtracted and the card is returned. In the case of using POS, communication means 34 is used to communicate with the POS, and if the POS gives permission to wash the car, the car wash is executed, and the car wash fee is sent to the POS after the car wash.
Send to OS.

This embodiment is constructed as described above, and the reference points in the side shape of the vehicle are sequentially recognized based on the detected upper surface level, and the vehicle type is determined based on these reference points. It is possible to accurately identify the vehicle type. In addition, since the temporarily determined car type is given to the car wash control unit during car type discrimination, if the car is washed according to the temporarily determined car type, car type discrimination and car washing can be performed in parallel, which is different from conventional methods. You can wash your car in the same short time.

[0022]

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately identify the car model and wash the car safely without leaving anything unwashed, and it is also possible to identify the car model and wash the car in parallel, allowing the car to be washed in a short time. is possible.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory front view showing an example of a car wash machine equipped with a vehicle type discrimination device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory side view showing an example of a car wash machine equipped with a vehicle type discrimination device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory front view showing the main parts of the embodiment of the vehicle type discrimination device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a reference point recognition method in the reference point recognition means.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing comparison zones used for vehicle type discrimination.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of provisional discrimination by the provisional discrimination means.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of provisional discrimination and vehicle type determination.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of a car wash machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display device provided in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Gate type car wash machine 3-6 Processing equipment 20b Top surface level detection means 20d Reference point recognition means 20f Temporary determination means 20g Vehicle type determination means 30 Car wash control section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A device for determining the type of vehicle, comprising: means for continuously detecting the top surface level of the vehicle at predetermined intervals as the device or the vehicle moves; a reference point recognition means that recognizes a plurality of predetermined reference points in a predetermined order, a provisional discrimination means that temporarily discriminates the vehicle type based on the recognized reference points, and a reference point recognition means that temporarily discriminates the vehicle type based on the recognized reference points; A vehicle type discriminating device comprising a vehicle type determining means for determining a vehicle type by integrating the determined results. 2. A car wash machine that automatically washes a car as the car wash machine itself or the car runs, comprising a car wash processing device that requires control operations depending on the car type, and the car type discrimination device according to claim 1. In the vehicle, when the processing device is operated before the vehicle type determination means determines the vehicle type, a control means is provided for controlling the operation of the processing device based on the vehicle type provisionally determined by the provisional determination means. A car wash machine equipped with a vehicle type identification device.