JP7638525B2 - Vehicle detection device, parking lot, road and vehicle detection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle detection device, a parking lot, a road and a vehicle detection method for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a specified detection area.

Conventionally, a device has been proposed that detects when a vehicle has stopped and notifies residents of the residence by placing a mat switch at the parking spot in a parking lot or garage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the device described in Patent Document 1, the presence of a vehicle is detected when the contacts of the mat switch are closed by the weight of the vehicle.

A device has also been proposed that uses a distance sensor to detect vehicles in parking spaces in a parking lot (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the device described in Patent Document 2, a detection block with an infrared distance sensor is buried in the ground of the parking space, and the device detects vehicles by measuring the distance to an object above.

Utility Model Registration No. 2603503 JP 2018-146560 A

In a configuration that uses a mat switch to detect vehicles as described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a person standing on the mat switch will close the contacts, resulting in a false detection. In addition, in a configuration that uses a distance sensor to detect vehicles as described in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to handle vehicles with different minimum ground clearances, and there are cases where the vehicle cannot be detected. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can accurately detect when a vehicle has entered a specified detection area.

To improve detection accuracy, it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the mat switch or distance sensor, or to use a detection unit that detects other characteristic parts of the vehicle (for example, metal parts of the body, etc.). However, in order to accurately detect the timing of the vehicle's entry, it is necessary to operate a highly sensitive detection unit or a detection unit that detects metal parts at all times, which tends to consume a lot of power. As such, it has been difficult to achieve both power saving in the detection unit and improved vehicle detection accuracy.

The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle detection device, parking lot, road, and vehicle detection method that can improve vehicle detection accuracy while saving power.

The vehicle detection device of the present invention is a vehicle detection device for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a specified detection area, and comprises a first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area, a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is easier to detect vehicles, a control unit that controls the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and a power source that supplies power to at least the second detection unit, wherein the control unit operates the first detection unit at all times, and when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, operates the second detection unit to detect whether the intruding object is a vehicle or not.

According to the present invention as described above, by operating the first detection unit, which consumes less power, at all times and operating the second detection unit, which consumes more power, only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit, it is possible to save power compared to a configuration in which the second detection unit operates at all times. Furthermore, by using the second detection unit, which is more likely to detect vehicles, it is possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle detection compared to a configuration in which the intrusion of a vehicle is detected only by the first detection unit. In other words, it is possible to achieve both power saving and improved detection accuracy.

In this case, in the vehicle detection device of the present invention, the second detection unit may have at least one of a metal detection means for detecting the metal part of the intruding object based on a change in the surrounding magnetic field, a distance measurement means for measuring the distance to the intruding object by transmitting and receiving light or sound waves, a weight measurement means for measuring the weight of the intruding object, and an imaging means for imaging the detection area. In other words, the detection method of the second detection unit may be appropriately selected depending on the location where the vehicle detection device is installed, the vehicle type to be detected, the required reliability, etc.

In addition, in the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the second detection unit detects whether the intruding object is a vehicle by detecting the presence of the intruding object at a height corresponding to the wheel portion of the vehicle. With this configuration, since the position of the wheel portion is unlikely to change depending on the vehicle model, it is possible to detect vehicles with different minimum ground clearances.

In addition, it is preferable that the vehicle detection device of the present invention further includes an output unit for outputting information on the detection of the entry of a vehicle to the outside. With such a configuration, a user can be notified that a vehicle has entered the detection area at a location where a receiving unit that receives information output from the output unit is provided. For example, if the detection area is set in a parking lot and the receiving unit is provided in a house, a user in the house can be notified that a vehicle has entered the parking lot.

In addition, in the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first detection unit detects the presence of an intruding object by a load being applied by the intruding object. Such a configuration makes it easier to reduce the power consumption of the first detection unit. For example, if the first detection unit is configured so that the contacts are closed by the load to pass electricity, there is no need to supply power constantly.

In addition, in the vehicle detection device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first detection unit is laid on the road surface in the detection area. With such a configuration, there is no need to perform wiring work underground, and the vehicle detection device can be easily installed.

The parking lot of the present invention is characterized by having a vehicle detection device according to any one of the above, and the detection area being set in the parking space. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the entry of a vehicle into the parking space while saving power.

The parking lot of the present invention is characterized in that it is equipped with the above vehicle detection device having the first detection unit that detects the presence of an entering object by the load applied by the entering object, the detection area is set in a rectangular parking space, and the first detection unit is located in the central area when the parking space is divided into three equal parts in the long side direction. According to this invention, since the first detection unit is located in the central area, a load is applied to the first detection unit while the vehicle is entering, and the load is unlikely to be applied to the first detection unit when the entry is completed. This shortens the time that the load is applied to the first detection unit, and deterioration due to the load can be suppressed. For example, when a vehicle having front and rear wheels enters a rectangular parking space, the front and rear wheels are unlikely to be located in the central area when the entry is completed, and the load is unlikely to be applied to the first detection unit.

The road of the present invention is characterized in that a vehicle detection device is provided on any of the above roads, and the detection area is set in the lane. According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect when a vehicle enters a lane with low power consumption. It is also possible to detect when a vehicle has passed through the lane.

The vehicle detection method of the present invention is a vehicle detection method for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area, which uses a first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area and a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is easier to detect vehicles, and is characterized in that the first detection unit is constantly operating, and when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, the second detection unit is operated to detect whether the intruding object is a vehicle or not. According to this invention, as with the above vehicle detection device, the first detection unit, which consumes less power, is constantly operating, and the second detection unit, which consumes more power, is operated only when the intruding object is detected by the first detection unit, thereby improving vehicle detection accuracy while saving power.

In addition, in the vehicle detection method of the present invention, it is preferable to stop operation of the second detection unit when the second detection unit detects that the intrusion is a vehicle or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second detection unit was operated. With this configuration, power can be saved by stopping operation of the second detection unit when it is detected that the intrusion is a vehicle. Furthermore, by stopping operation of the second detection unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second detection unit was operated, it is possible to prevent the second detection unit from operating more than necessary when an intrusion other than a vehicle is detected by the first detection unit, thereby saving power.

According to the vehicle detection device, parking lot, road, and vehicle detection method of the present invention, the first detection unit, which consumes less power, is operated at all times, and the second detection unit, which consumes more power, is operated only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit, thereby improving vehicle detection accuracy while saving power.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a vehicle detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a perspective view showing a parking lot in which the vehicle detection device is installed. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one parking space in the parking lot. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vehicle detection device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a vehicle detection process executed by a control unit of the vehicle detection device. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which a vehicle detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is installed on a road.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment and components having similar functions are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[First embodiment]
1 to 4, the vehicle detection device 1A of this embodiment includes a first detection unit 2, a second detection unit 3, a control unit 4, a power source 5, and an output unit 6, and is provided in a parking lot 10. The parking lot 10 is divided into a plurality of parking spaces P1 to P5, and one vehicle detection device 1A is provided in each of the parking spaces P1 to P5. In the following, the vehicle detection device 1A provided in the parking space P1 will be described, but the vehicle detection devices 1A provided in the other parking spaces P2 to P5 are assumed to have the same configuration.

Parking space P1 is formed in a rectangular shape, with white lines L formed on both sides of the short side and a wheel stopper W provided on one side of the long side. That is, a vehicle enters parking space P1 from the other side of the long side and is parked so that the vehicle's travel direction coincides with the long side. The detection area of vehicle detection device 1A is set to parking space P1. Parking space P1 is partitioned on the assumption that vehicles with four or more wheels (including four-wheel passenger cars and four-or-more-wheel freight vehicles) will be parked there.

The first detection unit 2 is a mat switch that is laid on the road surface of the parking space P1. The first detection unit 2 is formed in a strip shape, extending from one white line L to the center of the short side. When the parking space P1 is virtually divided into thirds in the long side direction into an entrance side area P11, a central area P12, and a wheel stop area P13, the first detection unit 2 is located in the central area P12. When the rear wheels of the vehicle are in contact with the wheel stop W, the front wheels are located in the entrance side area P11, and the rear wheels are located in the wheel stop area P13.

The first detection unit 2 is configured so that the contacts close when a load of a predetermined value (e.g., 100 kg) or more is applied from above. The first detection unit 2 is also configured so that current flows through the circuit only when the contacts are closed, and is capable of operating and detecting load even when no power is supplied. A deformable member that deforms against the load may be provided so that the contacts close only when a load of a predetermined value or more is applied. For example, a leaf spring or coil spring that deforms when a load is applied from above may be provided so that the contacts do not close when a load less than the predetermined value is applied.

The second detection unit 3 is a geomagnetic sensor and is configured to measure the surrounding geomagnetism by receiving power from the power source 5. In other words, the second detection unit 3 is a metal detection means capable of detecting metal parts based on changes in the surrounding magnetic field. The second detection unit 3 is disposed at the tip of the first detection unit 2 (the central region P12 of the parking space P1 and the central part in the short side direction).

The control unit 4 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) equipped with memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is responsible for the overall control of the vehicle detection device 1A.

The power source 5 is configured to supply power to each component of the vehicle detection device 1A. The power source 5 may be provided exclusively for the vehicle detection device 1A, or may be provided in another device (e.g., a power supply device for supplying power to an electric vehicle) located in or around the parking lot 10.

The output unit 6 is composed of an antenna or the like for communicating with an external device, and outputs vehicle detection information when a vehicle is detected as described below. The output unit 6 may also output information to the outside via wired communication. A receiver is placed in a house or the like near the parking lot 10, and the information output from the output unit 6 is received by the receiver.

Here, the specific detection methods of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 will be explained while comparing the two. First, when a vehicle enters the parking space P1, the tires step on the first detection unit 2, which is laid on the road surface, and a load is applied to the first detection unit 2. This closes the contacts in the first detection unit 2, and the entering object is detected. However, for example, a pedestrian or the like may step on the first detection unit 2, causing the contacts to close, and even if an entering object is detected by the first detection unit 2, this does not necessarily mean that the entering object is a vehicle.

In addition, the geomagnetic field around the second detection unit 3 is different when a vehicle has entered (parked) in the parking space P1 and when no vehicle is present in the parking space P1. That is, the geomagnetic field around the second detection unit 3 changes due to the presence of metal parts that make up the vehicle. A vehicle that has entered the parking space P1 can be detected by measuring the amount of change in the geomagnetic field with the second detection unit 3. That is, a vehicle is detected when the amount of change in the geomagnetic field reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold. When an object other than a vehicle is present in the parking space P1, the amount of change in the geomagnetic field is not as large as when a vehicle is present, and therefore an object other than a vehicle is less likely to be mistaken for a vehicle.

In this way, the second detection unit 3 is easier to detect vehicles than the first detection unit 2. On the other hand, the first detection unit 2 can detect an entering object even when power is not being supplied, whereas the second detection unit 3 requires a power supply during detection, and the second detection unit 3 consumes more power than the first detection unit 2.

Next, an example of the vehicle detection process executed by the control unit 4 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The control unit 4 may execute the vehicle detection process, for example, when a vehicle leaves the parking space P1.

The control unit 4 first repeatedly determines whether or not a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value has been detected by the first detection unit 2 (step S1). That is, the first detection unit 2 is operated at all times. If a load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is detected by the first detection unit 2 (Y in step S1), the control unit 4 operates the second detection unit 3 to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetic field (step S2). Next, the control unit 4 determines whether the measured amount of change in the geomagnetic field is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S3).

If the measured change in geomagnetic field is greater than or equal to the threshold value (Y in step S3), the control unit 4 outputs detection information indicating that a vehicle has been detected to the output unit 6 (step S4), stops operation of the second detection unit 3 (step S5), and terminates the vehicle detection process.

On the other hand, if the measured change in geomagnetic field is less than the threshold value (N in step S3), the control unit 4 determines whether the time elapsed since the first detection unit 2 detected a load equal to or greater than the predetermined value is equal to or greater than the timeout time (step S6). If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the timeout time (Y in step S6), the process proceeds to step S5. If the elapsed time is less than the timeout time (N in step S6), the process returns to step S2.

In the above vehicle detection process, the control unit 4 operates the first detection unit 2 at all times, and when an intrusion object is detected by the first detection unit 2, it operates the second detection unit 3 to detect whether the intrusion object is a vehicle or not, and outputs information on the detection of vehicle intrusion to the outside.

When the vehicle leaves the parking space P1, a load is also applied to the first detection unit 2. If the second detection unit 3 is operated at that time to measure the change in the geomagnetic field, it is possible to detect whether the vehicle has left the parking space. When the vehicle leaves the parking space, the vehicle detection process described above can be executed.

In addition, vehicles may be constantly detected without detecting when the vehicle leaves the garage. In other words, in the above vehicle detection process, after the operation of the second detection unit 3 is stopped in step S5, the process may be returned to step S1.

This embodiment has the following advantages. That is, by operating the first detection unit 2, which consumes less power, at all times and operating the second detection unit 3, which consumes more power, only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit 2, it is possible to save power compared to a configuration in which the second detection unit 3 is operated at all times. Furthermore, by using the second detection unit 3, which is more likely to detect vehicles, it is possible to improve the accuracy of vehicle detection compared to a configuration in which the intrusion of a vehicle is detected only by the first detection unit 2. In other words, it is possible to achieve both power saving and improved detection accuracy.

In addition, the output unit 6 outputs information detecting the entry of a vehicle to the outside, allowing the user at the location where the receiving unit is installed to know that a vehicle has entered the parking space P1.

In addition, the first detection unit 2 detects the presence of an entering object by closing the contacts when a load is applied, eliminating the need for a constant supply of power and enabling power savings.

In addition, because the first detector 2 is laid on the road surface, there is no need to perform wiring work underground, and the vehicle detection device 1A can be easily installed. This makes it possible to retrofit the vehicle detection device 1A to a parking lot that does not have a vehicle detection function, for example.

In addition, by disposing the first detection unit 2 in the central region P12 of the parking space P1, a load is applied to the first detection unit 2 while the vehicle is entering the parking space, and the load is unlikely to be applied to the first detection unit 2 when the vehicle has completed entering the parking space. This shortens the time that the load is applied to the first detection unit 2, and suppresses deterioration due to the load.

Moreover, power can be saved by stopping the operation of the second detection unit 3 when it is detected that the intruder is a vehicle. Moreover, by stopping the operation of the second detection unit 3 when a timeout time has elapsed since the operation of the second detection unit 3, it is possible to prevent the second detection unit 3 from operating more than necessary when the first detection unit 2 detects an intruder other than a vehicle, thereby saving power.

[Second embodiment]
The vehicle detection device 1B of this embodiment differs from the vehicle detection device 1A of the first embodiment in that it is installed on a road 20 as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the vehicle detection device 1B is installed so as to detect vehicles entering and passing through a predetermined area in a lane LN of the road 20 as a detection area. The road 20 shown in Fig. 6 has two lanes, and although the vehicle detection device 1B is illustrated as being installed in one lane LN, the vehicle detection device 1B may also be installed in the other lane. In Fig. 6, the vehicle travel direction is from bottom to top as an example.

It is preferable that the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 are installed on the road surface of the traffic lane LN.

The detection method of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The speed of a vehicle traveling in the traffic lane LN is likely to be higher than the speed of a vehicle attempting to park. Therefore, the detection method of the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 may be appropriately selected so as to be able to detect a traveling vehicle.

The vehicle detection device 1B may execute the same process as the vehicle detection process of the first embodiment. That is, the control unit 4 operates the first detection unit 2 at all times, and when the first detection unit 2 detects an intrusion, operates the second detection unit 3 to detect whether the intrusion is a vehicle or not, and outputs information on the detection of the intrusion of a vehicle to the outside.

According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2, which consumes less power, is operated at all times, and the second detection unit 3, which consumes more power, is operated only when an intrusion is detected by the first detection unit 2, thereby achieving both power saving and improved detection accuracy.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the second detection unit 3 is a geomagnetic sensor serving as a metal detection means, but the second detection unit may be another type of metal detection means. An example of another type of metal detection means is a coil (a so-called loop coil). The second detection unit may also be a distance measurement means that measures the distance to the intruding object by transmitting and receiving light or sound waves, a weight measurement means that measures the weight of the intruding object, or an imaging means that images the detection area. The second detection unit may also be an appropriate combination of a metal detection unit, a distance measurement means, a weight measurement means, and an imaging means.

When a distance measuring means is used as the second detection unit, for example, the distance measuring means may be buried underground or laid on the road surface, and the distance may be measured based on the time difference or phase difference between the transmitted wave and the received wave, and whether or not the entering object is a vehicle may be detected based on this measured distance.

The second detection unit may also be positioned to detect the presence of an intruding object at a height equivalent to the wheel portion of the vehicle, and configured to detect the wheel portion. The wheel portion includes the wheel and tire. With this configuration, the position (especially the height) of the wheel is unlikely to change depending on the vehicle model, so detection can be performed for vehicles with different minimum ground clearances.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the vehicle detection device 1A is provided with an output unit, but the vehicle detection device may be provided with an output unit according to its purpose, and may be configured not to include an output unit. For example, when a vehicle detection device is provided in a parking lot (a so-called coin parking lot) where parking fees are calculated according to parking time, information on the detection of a vehicle is used to calculate the fee and does not need to be output to the outside.

In the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2 is a mat switch that detects the presence of an intruding object by load, but the first detection unit may be another device (e.g., a piezoelectric element) that detects the presence of an intruding object by load. The first detection unit may also detect the presence of an intruding object by other methods, for example, by transmitting and receiving weak light or sound waves. In this case, the first detection unit may be one that consumes less power than the second detection unit.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first detection unit 2 and the second detection unit 3 are provided in the central area P12 of the parking space P1, but the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in other areas of the parking space. For example, if it is desired to detect a vehicle before parking is completed, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in the entrance side area P11, and if it is desired to detect a vehicle after parking is completed, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in the wheel stop area P13. Also, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be provided in different areas.

Although the best configurations and methods for implementing the present invention are disclosed in the above description, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention has been illustrated and described mainly with respect to specific embodiments, but those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above-described embodiments in terms of shape, material, quantity, and other detailed configurations without departing from the scope of the technical idea and purpose of the present invention. Therefore, the descriptions limiting the shapes, materials, etc. disclosed above are illustrative descriptions to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention, so descriptions of the names of components that have some or all of the limitations on the shapes, materials, etc. are included in the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1A, 1B Vehicle detection device 2 First detection unit 3 Second detection unit 4 Control unit 5 Power supply 6 Output unit 10 Parking lot P1 to P5 Parking space 20 Road LN Traffic lane

Claims (8)

A vehicle detection device for detecting the entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area,
A first detection unit that detects the presence of an intruding object in the detection area;
a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is more likely to detect a vehicle;
A control unit that controls the first detection unit and the second detection unit;
a power source that supplies power to at least the second detection unit,
the second detection unit is a geomagnetic sensor which is a metal detection means for detecting a metal portion of the intruding object based on a change in a surrounding magnetic field;
The control unit operates the first detection unit at all times, and when the first detection unit detects the intrusion, operates the second detection unit to measure an amount of change in the geomagnetism by the second detection unit,
When the change amount of the geomagnetism becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the second detection unit is stopped.
If the amount of change in the geomagnetism is less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the second detection unit was operated is equal to or greater than a timeout time;
If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the timeout time, stopping the second detection unit;
If the elapsed time is less than the timeout time, the second detection unit continues to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetism and determines whether the amount of change in the geomagnetism is greater than or equal to the threshold value,
A vehicle detection device, characterized in that it detects whether the intruding object is a vehicle by detecting a vehicle when an amount of change in the geomagnetic field becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value . 2. The vehicle detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second detection unit detects whether the intrusion is a vehicle by detecting the presence of the intrusion at a height corresponding to a wheel portion of a vehicle. 3. The vehicle detection device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit for outputting information indicating that a vehicle has entered the vehicle. 4. The vehicle detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first detection unit detects the presence of the intruding object by a load applied by the intruding object. The vehicle detection device according to claim 4 , wherein the first detection unit is installed on a road surface in the detection area. A vehicle detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A parking lot, characterized in that the detection area is set in a parking space. The vehicle detection device according to claim 4 or 5,
The detection area is set in a rectangular parking space,
A parking lot characterized in that the first detection unit is arranged in a central area when the parking space is divided into three equal parts in the long side direction. A vehicle detection method for detecting entry of a vehicle into a predetermined detection area, comprising:
A first detection unit that detects the presence of an intrusion in the detection area and a second detection unit that consumes more power than the first detection unit and is more likely to detect a vehicle are used,
the second detection unit is a geomagnetic sensor which is a metal detection means for detecting a metal portion of the intruding object based on a change in a surrounding magnetic field;
The first detection unit is constantly operated, and when the first detection unit detects the intrusion, the second detection unit is operated to measure an amount of change in the geomagnetism by the second detection unit,
When the change amount of the geomagnetism becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the operation of the second detection unit is stopped.
If the amount of change in the geomagnetism is less than the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from when the second detection unit was operated is equal to or greater than a timeout time;
If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the timeout time, stopping the second detection unit;
If the elapsed time is less than the timeout time, the second detection unit continues to measure the amount of change in the geomagnetism and determines whether the amount of change in the geomagnetism is greater than or equal to the threshold value,
A vehicle detection method, comprising: detecting a vehicle when an amount of change in the geomagnetic field becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value; and thereby detecting whether the intruding object is a vehicle.

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