JPH11208790A - Vehicle guide system in gas station - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently guide an entering vehicle to an available oil feeder without guide of an employee. SOLUTION: A guide light comprising a plurality of light sources placed at predetermined intervals from a gas station entrance to each of a plurality of oil feeders 10 is provided) while a vehicle sensing part for sensing a vehicle entering at the gas station entrance is provided. When an entering vehicle is sensed, light sources of the plurality of light sources of the guide light 15 which are placed toward an available oil feeder are flashed or lit up with time delayed as if light flew toward the oil feeder, thereby guiding the vehicle to the available oil feeder 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle guidance system in a gas station suitable for use in a self-service gas station.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in Europe and the United States, self-service type gas stations in which customers (drivers) carry out refueling work by themselves are widely used. On the other hand, in Japan, the self-service method is not allowed due to security problems. However, recently deregulation has allowed it to be recognized under certain conditions.

[0003] In the self-service system, the customer himself or herself carries out the refueling work which has been performed by the employees of the gas station, and thus it is necessary to ensure sufficient safety. For this reason, the nature of dangerous goods, fire prevention and
At least one person who has knowledge of fire extinguishing methods, etc., and who is familiar with gas station facilities, etc., should be stationed in the control booth (monitoring room) to allow customers to carry out refueling, respond to emergencies, etc. Measures (interphone call, visual observation and monitoring with a TV camera) can be performed, use of highly safe refueling nozzles that can be handled by amateurs, installation of simple fire extinguishing equipment, starting of refueling pump at control booth The provision of safety measures such as the installation of a switch that can be stopped was required.

[0004]

As described above, self-service of a gas station requires that at least one person with a certain level of knowledge be resident and safety equipment be installed. It should be noted that self-service is not completely self-service because of the above conditions, and it may be appropriate to call it self-service, for example. Hereinafter, self-service including manned self-service will be simply referred to as self-service. By the way, in the past refueling stations, the vehicles that have entered have been guided to refueling machines that are empty for employees. Because it was difficult to understand, efficient sorting was difficult, and traffic jams sometimes occurred in the gas station or from the gas station entrance to the driveway. If the shift to self-service is made under such circumstances, the number of employees is reduced, and there is a sufficient risk of further congestion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle guidance system in a refueling station that can efficiently guide a vehicle that has entered into a refueling machine capable of refueling without the need for guidance by an employee.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises:
Vehicle detection means for detecting a vehicle entering the gas station at the gas station entrance and detecting the vehicle at each of the plurality of refueling machines, and turning on or off the light when a vehicle entering the vehicle is detected by the vehicle detection means Guide means for guiding the vehicle to a refueling machine capable of refueling among the plurality of refueling machines by blinking. According to this configuration, when a vehicle entering at the fueling station entrance is detected, light is turned on or blinked to guide the vehicle to a refueling machine capable of refueling. Therefore, the vehicle that has entered can be efficiently guided to a refueling machine capable of refueling without the guidance of an employee, so that traffic congestion can be reduced and refueling efficiency can be improved.

[0007] The determination of a refueling machine that can be refueled is made to the refueling machine if there is at least one refueling machine that is not refueling.
If all the refueling machines are in a refueling state, a refueling machine that can be refueled is determined based on a refueling end signal from each refueling machine, a settlement end signal from a charge adjusting machine, or a receipt issuing signal from a receipt issuing device. The refueling end signal is, for example, an on / off signal of a pump power supply of a refueling machine, an on / off signal for removing or returning a refueling nozzle from a refueling machine main body, and the like. In addition, two refueling machines are available.
If there are more than one, for example, select the one closer to the entrance.

[0008] In addition, as a method of guiding, a guide light is provided in which a plurality of light sources are arranged at predetermined intervals from an inlet of a gas station toward each of a plurality of refueling machines. Flashing or illuminating ones arranged toward a refueling machine that can be refueled with a time delay so that light flows toward the refueling machine, or one by one in the vicinity of each of a plurality of refueling machines A guide light is provided, and among these guide lights, those near a refueling machine that can be refueled are turned on or flashed. In addition to guidance using light, guidance by voice message may be combined.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (I) First Embodiment (a) Configuration of Vehicle Guidance System in Gas Station FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle guidance system in a filling station of the form. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 18, a memory 19,
Guide light 15 and display control unit 20 for controlling guide light 15
A vehicle detection unit 21 that detects a vehicle at a refueling station entrance and each refueling machine 10 (see FIG. 1 or 3), a voice synthesis output unit 22 that outputs a voice message for guidance, and a speaker 23. It has a function of detecting a vehicle entering at a gas station entrance and guiding the vehicle to a refueling machine 10 capable of refueling.

The guide lights 15 include a plurality of light sources (lamps), and are arranged at predetermined intervals from an inlet of a gas station toward each of the plurality of refueling machines 10, as shown in FIG.
In this case, each light source is buried in such a manner that the surface thereof matches the road surface so as not to give an impact to the vehicle. When detecting the entering vehicle, the control unit 18 checks the refueling machine 10 that is not refueling. When it is determined that there is a refueling machine 10 that has not been refueled, the light sources arranged toward the refueling machine 10 among the plurality of light sources constituting the guide light 15 are set so that the light flows toward the refueling machine 10. Blinks sequentially with a time delay. For example, no. Assuming that the refueling space of the third refueling machine 10 is vacant, the light sources of the guide lights 15 reaching the refueling machine 10 are sequentially blinked with a delay in time. As a result, the driver of the vehicle that has entered the vehicle follows the flow of the light from the guide light 15 and is thus no. Refueling machine 3
You can go to

Incidentally, each light source of the guide light 15 may be lit other than blinking. In this case, the light sources closest to the entrance are turned on sequentially, and when the light source closest to the refueling machine 10 is turned on, all the lights are turned off, and the light sources closest to the entrance are turned on again. This operation is repeatedly performed during the guidance. When the control unit 18 determines that there are two or more vacant refueling spaces, that is, when it determines that there are two or more refueling machines 10 that are not refueling, the control unit 18 selects the one closest to the entrance. For example, no. No. 1 refueling machine 10 and No. 1 When the refueling space of the refueling machine 10 of No. 5 is vacant, No. 5 is selected.

If it is determined that all the refueling machines 10 are refueling, the refueling end signal from each refueling machine 10 is monitored, and the refueling machine 10 which first outputs the refueling end signal is selected. Guide to the refueling machine 10. Note that the refueling end signal is, for example, an on / off signal of a pump power supply of the refueling machine 10, an on / off signal obtained when a refueling nozzle (not shown) is removed or returned from the refueling machine 10 main body, or the like. When this refueling end signal is used, even if this signal is output, in most cases, settlement has not been completed. Therefore, even if the refueling machine that can be refueled is determined, the next vehicle is located behind the refueling machine. Will be waiting.

In addition to the refueling end signal, a settlement end signal from the charge adjusting machine 11, a receipt issuing signal from a not-shown receipt issuing device, or a settlement slip issuing signal may be used. In the case of the drive-through method, the process proceeds to the settlement window. When the refueling is completed and the charge is settled, the control unit 18 causes the light sources of the guide lights 15 between the refueling machine 10 and the exit to blink sequentially with a delay in time so that light flows toward the exit. After refueling, the driver of the vehicle can go out of the exit to the roadway by following the flow of the light.

The vehicle detecting section 21 has a loop coil 12 which is used by being buried in the refueling space of each refueling machine 10 and at the refueling station entrance, and the vehicle enters the refueling space and the refueling station entrance. The change in the magnetic field at that time is detected, and the signal at that time is output as a detection signal. The control unit 18 determines entry of the vehicle and entry into the refueling space based on the detection signal. Here, FIG. 3 shows the vehicle 2 in the refueling space.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the loop coil 5 and the loop coil 12, and as shown in this figure, when the vehicle 25 enters a refueling space, the loop coil 12 is located immediately below the space. The voice synthesis output unit 22 generates a voice message or the like for guiding the vacant refueling space, and outputs the generated voice message from the speaker 23. Memory 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a so-called work memory used in the operation of the control unit 18. Note that a memory in which a control program is stored is provided in the control unit 18.

The vehicle detecting section 21 corresponds to a vehicle detecting means. The control unit 18, the display control unit 20, and the guide light 1
Reference numeral 5 constitutes guidance means. Further, the control unit 18 and the display control unit 20 constitute a control unit. The voice synthesis output unit 22 and the speaker 23 constitute a voice output unit.

(B) Operation of Vehicle Guidance System in Refueling Station FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 18 described above. First, when the vehicle 25 is detected in step S10, a voice message is output in step S12 (for example, "Welcome"). Next, in step S14, the presence or absence of vehicles in all refueling spaces is determined,
When it is determined that there is at least one empty refueling space, each light source of the guide light 15 heading toward the refueling machine 10 in the empty refueling space flashes (step S20). Next, in step S22, a voice message notifying that the space is vacant is output (for example, "Please proceed to No. 5 refueling machine").

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that there is no empty refueling space, it is determined in step S16 whether or not the refueling machine 10 has finished refueling.
That is, the refueling end signal from each refueling machine 10 is monitored to determine whether there is any refueling machine 10 whose refueling has been completed. In this determination, if it is determined that there is no refueling machine 10 for which refueling has been completed, the process returns to step S14. If it is determined that there is at least one refueling machine 10, it is determined in step S18 that the payment has been completed. Is repeated, and in step S20, in step S20, each light source of the guide light 15 heading toward the refueling machine 10 in the empty refueling space blinks, and further, a voice message notifying that the space is empty is output (for example, " Proceed to the first refueling machine ”).

As described above, in this embodiment, the guide light 15 having a plurality of light sources arranged at predetermined intervals from the gas station entrance to each of the plural fueling machines 10 is provided, and the gas station is provided at the gas station entrance. A vehicle detecting unit 21 for detecting a vehicle entering the vehicle, and detecting a vehicle entering the vehicle, when a plurality of light sources of the guide light 15 are disposed toward the refueling device 30 capable of refueling, Blinking or lighting is sequentially performed with a delay in time so that light flows toward the refueling machine 10 so as to be guided to the refueling machine 10 capable of refueling. Therefore, the vehicle that has entered can be efficiently guided to the refueling machine 10 capable of refueling without the guidance of an employee.
The refueling efficiency can be improved.

(II) Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle guidance system in a refueling station according to the second embodiment arranges the guidance lights 30 in the vicinity of each of the plurality of refueling machines 10 and, when detecting a vehicle to enter, among the plurality of guidance lights 30. Guidance is provided by lighting or flashing the vicinity of a refueling machine that can be refueled. For example, no. If the refueling space of the refueling machine 10 is empty, the refueling machine 1
The guide light 30 provided near 0 is turned on or off.

If there are two or more vacant refueling spaces, the one closest to the refueling station entrance is selected as in the vehicle guidance system in the refueling station of the first embodiment. Also,
When all the refueling machines 10 are refueling, the refueling end signal from each refueling machine 10 is monitored, or the refueling end signal from the reimbursement machine 11 is monitored, and the refueling that first outputs the refueling end signal The refueling space of the refueling machine 10 corresponding to the machine 10 or the adjusting machine 11 that first outputs the charge settlement end signal is selected.

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), for example, the guide light 30 may be one having only an arrow, or the one shown in FIG. 6 (b).
As shown in (c), a combination of an arrow and a character (“refueling is possible”, “stand by at number 3”) is conceivable. Further, in addition to disposing the guide lights 30 one by one near each of the plurality of refueling machines 10, as shown in FIG.
(A portion shown by a dotted line in FIG. 5) may be provided near the gas station entrance. Note that the guidance panel 40 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which self and non-self (general) are separated, and the driver selects the preferred one.

In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle is detected by detecting the change in the magnetic field using the loop coil 12. However, other than the above, an infrared detector, an ultrasonic detector, a pressure detector, etc. Alternatively, the detection may be performed by using.
In this case, when the infrared detector is used, the vehicle can be detected based on a temperature difference between the vehicle and the surroundings. When an ultrasonic detector is used, a vehicle can be detected based on the presence or absence of a reflected wave from the vehicle.
When a pressure detector is used, a vehicle can be detected based on a pressure difference between when the vehicle is stepped on and when the vehicle is not stepped on.

[0023]

According to the present invention, a vehicle entering at a fueling station entrance is detected, a refueling machine capable of refueling is checked, and the vehicle is guided to the refueling machine. Vehicle that has been efficiently refueled can be guided to a refueling machine capable of efficiently refueling, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and improving refueling efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle guidance system in a gas station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a loop coil and a vehicle of the vehicle guidance system in the gas station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle guidance system in the gas station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a guide light used in a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a guidance panel used in a vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to a second embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 10 Refueling Machine 11 Fee Settlement Machine 12 Loop Coil 15 Guidance Light 18 Control Unit 19 Memory 20 Display Control Unit 21 Vehicle Detection Unit 22 Voice Synthesis Output Unit 23 Speaker 25 Vehicle 30 Guidance Light 40 Guidance Board 41 Speaker

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle detecting means for detecting a vehicle entering a gas station at a gas station entrance, and detecting a vehicle at each of a plurality of refueling machines; and a vehicle detecting means detected by the vehicle detecting means. And a guide means for guiding the vehicle to a refuelable one of the plurality of refuelers by turning on or blinking light. 2. The guiding means, if at least one refueling machine is not refueling at the time of detection of an entering vehicle, directs the refueling machine to the refueling machine. Based on the refueling end signal from the refueling machine, the settlement end signal from the fee adjusting machine, or the receipt issuing signal from the receipt issuing device, the refueling machine that can be refueled is determined and guided to the refueling machine. The vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to claim 1. 3. The guide means comprises: a guide light comprising a plurality of light sources arranged at predetermined intervals from a gas station inlet to each of a plurality of refueling machines; and a fuel supply among the plurality of light sources of the guide light. Control means for blinking or illuminating a device disposed toward a possible refueling machine with a delay in time so that light flows toward the refueling machine. A vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to any one of the above. 4. The guide means comprises: a plurality of guide lights arranged one by one in the vicinity of each of the plurality of refueling machines; The vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising: control means for causing the vehicle to run. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a voice output unit for outputting a voice message for guidance, wherein the guidance unit operates the voice output unit together with guidance by lighting or blinking of light. A vehicle guidance system in a gas station according to claim 1.