JPS61246887A - Electronic parking apparatus and electronic time counter forparking lot - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an electronic parking device, and more particularly to an electronic timing device for use in a parking system.

[Conventional technology]

By paying the parking fee for any time from the payment machine installed in the parking lot, you can receive a ticket with the release date and time and the paid parking time, or the release date and time until payment is made, for each vehicle. Parking systems that have come to be displayed are well known.

The validity and authenticity of the displayed parking ticket will be checked by a patrol officer who is authorized to issue overage fee receipts for overtime or illegal parking.

Such systems are commonly known as "pay and show" parking systems.

The advantages of this system are that users can quickly enter and exit the parking lot, that the system requires less effort and capital to install, operate and maintain than other parking methods, and that users This means that people often buy more time than they actually need.

However, this system has many drawbacks.

One of them is having to return to the car after buying a parking ticket in order to display this ticket on each vehicle. Therefore, the user must go back and forth between the payment machine and the vehicle.

Furthermore, parking tickets are often displayed on or near a dirty windshield, making it difficult to see the details of the parking ticket.

This problem also occurs when the vehicle is parked against a wall or other object. Additionally, the cost of manufacturing adhesive tickets and printing them with easily readable text can be significant. In addition, discarded tickets and adhesive tape covers become scattered garbage.

Furthermore, users often give away partially used tickets to others, which reduces the parking lot's income. Finally, this conventional system cannot be used properly for motorcycles or oven cars because parking tickets can be stolen.

Other conventional parking systems are such that when a user approaches the entrance gate of a parking lot, a ticket machine issues a parking ticket, and when the user exits the parking lot, the user shows this ticket to the attendant and parks. Parking fees are paid based on time. For example, a vehicle control device such as a barrier is generally provided to prevent the vehicle from leaving the parking lot without paying the toll.

Various entry time encoding methods are used, such as time stamps, magnetic encoding, hole punches and bar codes.

Although these methods allow correct pricing to be determined, the information used in the calculation always comes from parking tickets and is completely independent of the vehicles using the parking lot. This drawback creates a simple problem, especially in expensive airport and car parking areas.

This sagi is generally done as follows.

Users may leave the parking lot for several days, but the fees are very high. When a user attempts to retrieve a vehicle in a parking lot, the user enters the parking lot in an accomplice's car, receives a parking ticket, and uses this parking ticket to pay the minimum fee and leave the parking lot with a car that has been parked for a long time. , an accomplice claims to have lost his parking ticket. - A list of the registration numbers of vehicles parked day and night is usually kept, and if the registration number of the vehicle is not on that list, the fee will be charged for one day. The net loss of parking space is therefore substantial.

The use of parking meters for street parking is, of course, already established. The main drawbacks of this parking system are the high cost of constructing, installing and maintaining parking meters, the expense of collecting and storing fees from a large number of such meters, and the fact that parking meters have a large number of vehicles parked near them, rather than an average number of vehicles. The parking area must be of sufficient length to allow the parking area to be used for a period of time equal to the fee paid by the previous user of the area, resulting in loss of income from use of the area by a later user. , the meter itself becomes a hazard to blind or impaired persons, and is also an aesthetic problem for the large number of meters displayed along the verges of streets or roads.

[Problem 3 to be solved by the invention As described above, each of the conventional parking systems has its own problems. In other words, there are issues such as reciprocation between the ticket vending machine and the width of the vehicle, restrictions on the use of certain vehicles, ease of screeching, and aesthetic issues.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention is applicable to all of these conventional parking systems and does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, information specific to the vehicle to be parked is received and recorded and this information is encoded in machine-readable form in memory into data and form relating to the time at which this specific information was recorded. means operative to memorize;
means operable to interrogate said memory by filling it with information specific to a particular vehicle and provide electronic access to time-related data stored in said memory along with information specific to that vehicle; An electronic parking device is provided.

Preferably, the unique information recorded is a number on the vehicle's license plate. Alternatively, this information can be verified electronically by the vehicle to be parked.

The information receiving and recording means may be located at one or more entrances to the car park and the interrogation device may be located at one or more controlled exits of the car park. The license plate number may be recorded by a video camera that can provide encoded information representing such number to memory.

Alternatively, the number may be entered using an electronic letter-numeric keyboard.

The means for receiving and recording vehicle specific information may be a time payment machine including an alphanumeric keyboard into which information specific to the parked vehicle can be entered and a payment machine that sells parking time. The time-related data held in memory along with the unique information may be the time when the parking time ends or the time at which such information is entered.

The time and payment machine further includes an electronically programmable display device capable of displaying information related to the entered unique information and/or the scheduled parking time.

In one embodiment, the interrogation device includes a separable electronic device that includes an alphanumeric keyboard that allows information specific to a particular parked vehicle to be entered and stored in its memory. In this arrangement, means are provided for electronically linking the interrogation device and the payment machine so that their memories can communicate with each other.

According to another aspect of the invention, one or more ? An electronic timing device is provided for a parking lot where vehicles can exit through two controlled exits. This device records information specific to the parked vehicle and passes the information to a memory where it is retained in machine-readable form along with information related to the time of entry of the vehicle into the parking lot. said memory for determining the time between a device installed at one or more entrances of the car yard and a memory interrogated with recorded unique information containing unique information of the vehicle exiting from the controlled exit; and electronic means for calling.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic timing device for a parking area with free entry and exit, which device includes means for entering information specific to the parked vehicle; a memory that receives and records the unique information in a machine-readable form along with information related to the time at which the information is input;
electronic interrogation means capable of containing and storing said unique information in a machine-readable form, and said memories of said timekeeping means and said interrogation means being linked so that they can communicate with each other for comparison of the stored information; It consists of a means for

〔Example〕

The timed payment ta1 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for a "pay and display" type parking system, which is a clock display bag! ! 2, an alpha-numeric keyboard 3, an electronic programmable display 4 and a coin-accepting slot 5. The coin receiving slot 5 connects to a receiving part (not shown) fixed in the casing of the meter.

This payment I11 also has a slot 6 for issuing a printed receipt, an opening for returning the change to the user, and a confirmation by the user respectively as to whether a correct entry has been made or to cancel such entry. Contains buttons 8.9 for.

Connected to this timed payment 1!11 by a suitable cable 10 is a portaple calling bag H11, which has an alpha-numeric keyboard 12, an electronic programmable display device 13 and a ticket printing and issuing device. 14 and an electronic interface that allows the memory of the device 11 and the payment machine 1 to communicate with each other. Other means can be provided for linking them electronically.

It includes light, radio waves and electrical connections.

The electronic circuitry of machine 1 and device 11 is shown in block form in FIG. Generally, coins inserted into the payment machine 1 are checked by a verification device 15 placed near the slot 5. The device 15 physically and/or electronically evaluates the authenticity and/or price of the deposited coin and issues an electronic signal to the amount integrator 16 indicating the value of the deposited coin.

The output of the amount integrator 16 is sent to the central processing unit (CPU) 1.
7 and the payment was made clock 2 (in this case, the user presses the button on the payment machine or the clock 0
perform a similar operation to indicate that the payment has been completed) or compare the time to be paid against a pre-selected time by the user and complete the transaction when the correct amount has been paid. do.

In either case, upon completion of this process, the CPU 17 transfers the data to the memory 18 and operates the receipt printer 19 to issue a proper receipt from the slot 6.

The receipt from slot 6 is a receipt for time consideration and is not displayed on the parked vehicle.

The data entered from the alpha-numeric keyboard 3 are encoded and sent to the CPU, where they are linked with data relating to the time at which a correct entry was made, ie, in the embodiment shown, the time until payment was made. This linked data is then moved to memory 18.

The data entered by the operator at the keyboard 3 is first displayed on the electronic programmable display 4 and then transferred to the CPtJ 17 after the operator confirms that the entered information is correct by pressing button 8. If the display device 4 indicates that incorrect information has been entered, the entry is deleted by pressing button 9 and the correct information is entered. The data entered from this keyboard is information specific to the parked vehicle, typically the vehicle's registration number.

The device 11 is operated by an accomplice who enters the registration number via the keyboard 12, which information will be maintained in the memory of the device 11 in a machine-readable code C.

In operation, after parking the vehicle, the user walks, for example, to the pedestrian exit of the parking lot or to one of several payment stations installed in the parking lot, and enters the registration number of the vehicle via the keyboard 3. Make an entry. The entered registration number is displayed on the display bag N4, and if it is correct, press button 8 to enter it.

If it is not correct, press the entry deletion button 9 and enter the registration number again. If a correct entry is made, the user pays the amount for the required parking time. The machine then issues a receipt from slot 6. The receipt will print the last departure or entry time along with the date, registration number entered from the keyboard, and payment amount. The machine maintains in its memory the registration number and departure time in machine-readable form. The receipt is only for checking in case of a dispute and does not constitute the main part of this system.

For control purposes, a parking lot patrol monitor uses the porta-pull device 11.
1, use the keyboard 12 to enter the registration numbers of all or some of the vehicles currently in the parking lot. The supervisor then connects this device 11 to the appropriate time and payment machine 1 and reactivates the electronic link between the devices.

The two parties communicate information about the registration numbers entered into the device 11 and delete the registration numbers that have been entered into the memory of the four-time payment 111 and whose payment time has not expired at the time of the communication. Once all appropriate time and payment machines have been called, the display 13 of the portable device 11 will display the registration number remaining in memory along with the scheduled departure time. Registration numbers of vehicles for which there is no record of an entry in the memory of the time and payment machine are also displayed. Alternatively or additionally, this information may be displayed on the time-pay machine or printed by a receipt printer.

In other embodiments, the memory 18 is located remote from the payment machine 1, for example in a central kiosk or a single machine, such as a mask machine. In this case, no matter how many payment machines there are in the parking lot, it is sufficient to connect the portable device to only one of them.

Once each registration number is displayed, the inspector will issue a violation notice. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the illustrated portable device 11, a printer 14 prints appropriate portions of the information stored in the device onto tickets stored in the machine or then individually issued.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portaple l, 111 is replaced by one or more fixed interrogation devices permanently connected to the time and payment machine. In this embodiment, individual areas of the parking lot are scanned, such as by closed-circuit preview, so that the security guard can enter the vehicle's registration number into a fixed terminal.

As mentioned above, the registration numbers of vehicles for which no current payment has been made are verified and notified to the warden so that violation or excess charge notices can be issued automatically or manually.

One advantage of this embodiment is that it additionally allows for constant monitoring of the parking lot.

If necessary, a period of time may be allowed between confirming the registration number as unpaid and printing a violation or overcharge notice to allow the user to move the vehicle to the point of payment.

Yet another feature is the means by which the user pays for the overage fee through the machine.

One means of doing this is as follows.

The user returns to the machine where he paid for the parking time and indicates his intention to pay the excess fee by pressing one or more keys. Then enter the registration number as usual. CPU
17 checks the payment status and displays the excess charge. This fee will be paid to the machine and a printed receipt will be issued with the overage fee and registration number. The user then sends the receipts along with the excess charge notice to the appropriate address or places them in a locked collection box or slot in the machine.

Still other features are offering special rates or more convenient methods of payment to regular users.

In one example, each such user is issued a card or token having the vehicle's registration number and expiration date in a machine-readable code.

After parking the vehicle, the user inserts the card into the payment machine. The payment machine checks the validity of the card, stores the registration number from the card in memory along with the final expiration date for the card, or invokes a special fee appropriate to the owner of the card, and the payment is made. The registration number will be automatically transferred from the card to memory.

In other examples, the card is given a value in addition to the registration number, and the machine deducts the value corresponding to the amount of parking time used.

Although the invention has been described above with respect to a "pay and show" parking system, the invention is applicable to other parking systems.

In one, ticket machines are placed at each entrance to the parking lot.

Conventionally, vehicle control devices such as gates are placed at the exit and/or entrance of a parking lot. According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, a ticket issuing machine 20 has an alphanumeric keyboard 21 and is located at the entrance. The user enters the registration number of the vehicle using the keyboard 21 and confirms the correct entry by pressing the appropriate key as described above. There, a ticket with the date, time of entry, and registration number printed on it is issued, and the barrier 22 is raised to allow entry into the parking lot.

In another example, the registration number of a vehicle approaching a parking lot entrance is monitored using a video camera and an image processor that can transfer coded information representing the number to memory. This camera can be positioned to read the front and/or rear license plate of the vehicle. A means of manually recording the registration number may be provided in case the camera cannot read it, i.e. the number plate is dirty or damaged.

The vehicle registration number so entered is calculation 8123
The ticket is stored in memory along with the date and time of the ticket.

For vehicles approaching the exit of the parking lot, the caretaker looks at the registration number (it or a closed circuit television with camera 24 and monitor 25 may be used) and keys it into the terminal. Once the payment has been made, the circuit breaker 26 is raised to allow access to hot water from the vehicle.

Recording of the registration number of a vehicle leaving the parking lot may be performed by a video camera and image processor as described above.

In yet another example, a guard sees a vehicle approaching an entrance and enters its registration number into a computer terminal. This number is transmitted to the computer's memory and to the ticket machine, which issues a ticket with the date and time of entry and registration number printed on it. This terminal may be the same as the one for the exit, or it may be separate.

The payment point may be remote from the exit, in which case a period of time will be allowed between payment and departure. When a guard sees a vehicle approaching the exit, he or she keys in its registration number and a computer indicates whether the vehicle has been paid or if the time limit has been exceeded.

Alternatively, an automatic visual verification system could be incorporated at the entrance and/or exit of the parking lot to read the vehicle's registration number and automatically enter it into the system.

Unique information other than the registration number can also be used.

That is, the vehicle may be equipped with an electronic verification system that transmits a unique code from the vehicle to a stationary receiver, which then enters the code into the parking control system.

Furthermore, payment may be made by means other than money.

That is, the payment machine can be programmed to accept appropriately encoded cards, seasonal tickets, or discs. In other respects such a machine is the same as described above.

The invention is also applicable to controlling street parking.

In this embodiment, one or more payments vs1 of the invention are placed, for example, one at each end of a parking zone or street. Similar to the "pay and show" system, a user wishing to park will enter his registration number via the machine's letter-numeric keyboard and pay for the required parking time. The patrolman then enters the vehicle's registration number into the portal machine and interrogates the memory of the individual payment machine for identification of vehicles that are unpaid or overpaid.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, there is no need for reciprocation between the ticket vending machine in the parking lot and the vehicle, and furthermore, unauthorized use can be completely prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a front view of a timing and interrogation device according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Time and payment machine, 2... Clock display device, 3゜12... Character-numeric keyboard, 4, 13... Programmable display device, 5... Money acceptance slot, 6.
...Ticket issuing slot, 7...Change slot, 8,9...
・Push button, 10... Cable, 11... Portable interrogation device, 14... Printing ticket issuing machine, 15... Money confirmation device, 16... Money totaling device, 17... CPtJ
, 18... memory, 19... receipt issuing device, 20
...Ticketing machine, 21...Character-numeric keyboard, 22
．． 26... aIi machine, 23... calculator, 24...
Video camera, 25...monitor. Applicant's agent Sato - Yu Fl(i, 7゜F/(:y, 2゜η F1a, 3゜Procedure Valley 11 True Word J (Method) % Formula% 1, Indication of Case 1985 Patent Application No. No. 36486 No. 2, Name of invention Electronic parking device and electronic parking lot electronic timing device 3, Relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent application Artificial Kusel, Limited 4, Agent March 31, 1988 (Shipped) (April 22, 1986) 6. Subject of amendment

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Receiving and recording information specific to a parked vehicle and encoding and storing this information in a machine-readable form in a memory along with data related to the time at which this information was recorded. and electronically interrogating said memory by entering information specific to a particular vehicle for access to time related data stored in said memory together with specific information given to said vehicle. an electronic parking device comprising: a device operable to perform the following steps; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the recorded unique information is a number on a license plate of a vehicle. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the recorded unique information is confirmation information that is electronically read and possessed by a parked vehicle. 4. The information receiving and recording device is located at one or more entrances of the parking lot, and the interrogation device is located at one or more entrances of the parking lot.
Claim 1 located in the above controlled exit
The apparatus described in Items 1 to 3. 5. The number on the license plate is recorded by a video camera capable of transmitting encoded information representing such number to the memory. Device. 6. The number on the license plate is such that it is entered by an electronic alphanumeric keyboard operable to transmit encoded information representing the number to the memory. The device described in Section 1. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the time-related data is the time at which the unique information was entered into the memory. 8. The device for receiving and recording said vehicle-specific information consists of a timing and payment device including an alpha-numeric keyboard on which said information can be entered and a payment device for issuing the estimated parking time, and is retained in said memory together with the specific information. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the data related to the time when the parking time ends is the time when the parking time ends. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the timekeeping and payment device further includes an electronic programmable display device operable to display entered unique information and/or information regarding the scheduled parking time. 10. The interrogation device includes a separable electronic device including an alpha-numeric keyboard in its memory capable of entering and storing information specific to a particular parked vehicle, and an electronic device that electronically connects the interrogation device and the payment device. 10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, comprising means for linking the payment device memory and the interrogation device memory to each other. 11. of said parking lot in order to record information specific to the parked vehicle and to pass that information into a memory where it is retained in a machine-readable form along with information related to the time of entry into the parking lot; A device disposed at one or more entrances and a device that calls the memory by inputting the above-mentioned unique information of a vehicle attempting to exit the parking lot from a managed exit and calls the original unique information recorded. an electronic device for determining a time interval between times when the memory is
An electronic parking lot timing device having one or more controlled exits consisting of: 12. A device for entering information specific to a parked vehicle, and a memory device operative to accept and store said specific information in a machine-readable form together with information relating to the time at which said information is entered. , an electronic interrogation device storing said unique information of a parked vehicle in a machine-readable form in a memory; and said timing device and said interrogation device being connected to each other for comparison of the information stored by said memory. An electronic timekeeping device for a parking lot having an unrestricted means of entry and exit consisting of a communicatively linked device;