JP7676202B2 - Mechanical parking device, its control device, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical parking device, a control device thereof, a control method, and a control program.

Mechanical multi-storey car parks attached to office buildings, apartment buildings, etc. are used only by contracted users, so each user is given a dedicated authentication method such as a PIN number, PIN card or remote control in advance, and when each user enters or leaves the car, the information from the authentication method is entered or received by the operation panel, which calls the vehicle transport means (pallet, lift, etc.) and opens and closes the entrance and exit doors. This means that there is no need for special operation by the car park manager (operator), and each user can carry out entry and exit operations by themselves.

However, because the user can open and close the entrance door themselves without the need for the parking lot manager, there is a possibility that the user may not check properly and the entrance door may close while someone is left behind inside the garage device, causing the garage device to start up. Therefore, to avoid such situations, a mechanical multi-story parking lot has been proposed, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

Patent Document 1 discloses a control method for a mechanical multi-story parking facility in which a first authentication process is performed before the entrance door (entrance door) of the parking facility is opened, the entrance door is then opened, and a second authentication process is performed after the vehicle has entered the boarding/deboarding compartment or after the vehicle has been removed from the boarding/deboarding compartment, and if the authentication information input in the first authentication process matches the authentication information input in the second authentication process, the operation of the control panel is enabled and input operations such as unmanned confirmation when the door is closed, safety confirmation, and door closing operation are permitted.

JP 2012-26121 A

In the conventional control method disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the operation of the operation panel is enabled when the matching results in the matching process match. Therefore, if the user temporarily moves away from the operation panel while the operation of the operation panel is enabled, it is difficult to restrict input operations from the operation panel by third parties other than the user.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a mechanical parking device, its control device, control method, and control program that can suppress input by third parties other than authenticated persons when entering and exiting the device.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/exit area, the control device comprising: a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information when the entrance/exit door is closed; a first authentication means for performing first authentication based on the first authentication information; a storage means for storing the first authentication information if the first authentication is successful; a pre-start authentication information acquisition means for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating a vehicle transport means; a pre-start authentication means for performing pre-start authentication based on the pre-start authentication information; and a door-opening processing means for opening the entrance/exit door after the pre-start authentication is successful, wherein the pre-start authentication means performs the pre-start authentication based on whether the pre-start authentication information and the first authentication information stored in the storage means are identical or have a predetermined relationship .
One aspect of the present disclosure is a control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside the boarding/exit area, the control device for the mechanical parking device comprising: a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information when the entrance/exit door is closed; a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; a guidance means for providing guidance to a user to input pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating the vehicle transport means; a pre-start authentication means for performing pre-start authentication using the pre-start authentication information input in accordance with the guidance; and a door-opening processing means for opening the entrance/exit door after the pre-start authentication is successful.
One aspect of the present disclosure is a control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside the boarding/exiting area, the control device for the mechanical parking device comprising: a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information when the entrance/exit door is closed; a first authentication means for performing first authentication based on the first authentication information; a pre-start authentication information acquisition means for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating the vehicle transporting means; a pre-start authentication means for performing pre-start authentication based on the pre-start authentication information; a driving permission means for bringing the vehicle transporting means into an operating permitted state in which it is possible to operate the vehicle transporting means if the pre-start authentication is successful; a call processing means for performing call processing without input instructions from a user in the operating permitted state; and a door-opening processing means for opening the entrance/exit door after the call processing is completed.
One aspect of the present disclosure is a control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/exiting area, in which a computer executes the following steps: a first authentication information acquisition process for acquiring first authentication information while the entrance/exit door is closed; a first authentication process for performing first authentication based on the first authentication information; a storage process for storing the first authentication information in a storage means if the first authentication is successful; a pre-start authentication information acquisition process for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating a vehicle transport means; a pre-start authentication process for performing pre-start authentication based on the pre-start authentication information; and an entrance/exit door control process for opening the entrance/exit door after the pre-start authentication is successful, wherein the pre-start authentication process performs the pre-start authentication based on whether the pre-start authentication information and the first authentication information stored in the storage means are identical or have a predetermined relationship .
One aspect of the present disclosure is a control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside the boarding/exit area, the control method for a mechanical parking device being executed by a computer, the control method including: a first authentication information acquisition process for acquiring first authentication information while the entrance/exit door is closed; a first authentication process for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; a guidance process for providing guidance to a user to input pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating a vehicle transport means; a pre-start authentication process for performing pre-start authentication using the pre-start authentication information input in accordance with the guidance; and a door-opening processing process for opening the entrance/exit door after the pre-start authentication is successful.
One aspect of the present disclosure is a control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside the boarding/exiting area, the control method including a computer executing a first authentication information acquisition process for acquiring first authentication information when the entrance/exit door is closed, a first authentication process for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information, a pre-start authentication information acquisition process for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating the vehicle transporting means, a pre-start authentication process for performing pre-start authentication based on the pre-start authentication information, a driving permission process for setting the vehicle transporting means to an operation permitted state in which operation of the vehicle transporting means is possible if the pre-start authentication is successful, a call processing process for performing call processing without input instructions from a user in the operation permitted state, and a door opening processing process for opening the entrance/exit door after the call processing is completed.
One aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to function as the control device.
One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure includes an operation panel provided outside a boarding/exiting compartment, a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information when an entrance door is closed, a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information, a door-opening processing means for opening the entrance door after the first authentication is successful, an operation locking means for locking the operation of a mechanical mechanism when the entrance door is open, an operation locking means for locking the operation of the operation panel when the entrance door is open, a second authentication information acquisition means for acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked, and a processing means for processing the second authentication information and the previous authentication information. This mechanical parking device comprises a second authentication means for performing a second authentication based on whether the first authentication information is identical or has a predetermined relationship with the first authentication information, an operation permission means for setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state where input operation is permitted to be performed if the second authentication is successful, a third authentication information acquisition means for acquiring third authentication information in the operation permitted state, a third authentication means for performing a third authentication based on whether the third authentication information is identical or has a predetermined relationship with the first authentication information or the second authentication information, and an operation permission means for setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state where operation of a mechanical mechanism is permitted if the third authentication is successful.

One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure is a control method for a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/exiting area, the control method for a mechanical parking device executing, by a computer, the steps of: acquiring first authentication information when an entrance/exit door is closed; performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; opening the entrance/exit door after the first authentication is successful; locking the operation of the mechanical parking device when the entrance/exit door is open; locking the operation of the operation panel when the entrance/exit door is open; acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked; performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; if the second authentication is successful, setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible; acquiring third authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing a third authentication based on whether the third authentication information and the first authentication information or the second authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; and if the third authentication is successful, setting the operation permitted state in which operation of a mechanical mechanism is possible.

One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure is a control program for a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/exiting area, the control program for the mechanical parking device causing a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring first authentication information when an entrance/exit door is closed; performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; opening the entrance/exit door after the first authentication is successful; locking the operation of the mechanical parking device when the entrance/exit door is open; locking the operation of the operation panel when the entrance/exit door is open; acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked; performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; if the second authentication is successful, setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible; acquiring third authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing a third authentication based on whether the third authentication information and the first authentication information or the second authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; and if the third authentication is successful, setting the operation permitted state in which operation of a mechanical mechanism is possible.

One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure is a mechanical parking device that includes an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking compartment, a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information before starting a mechanical mechanism, a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information, an operation permission means for setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is permitted if the first authentication is successful, a second authentication information acquisition means for acquiring second authentication information in the operation permitted state, a second authentication means for performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship, and an operation permission means for setting the operation of the mechanical mechanism to an operation permitted state in which operation is permitted if the second authentication is successful.

One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure is a control method for a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking area, in which a computer executes the following steps before starting a mechanical mechanism: acquiring first authentication information; performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; and, if the first authentication is successful, setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is permitted; acquiring second authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; and, if the second authentication is successful, setting the mechanical mechanism to an operation permitted state in which operation is permitted.

One aspect as a reference example of the present disclosure is a control program for a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking area, which causes a computer to execute the following processes: before starting a mechanical mechanism, a process of acquiring first authentication information; a process of performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; if the first authentication is successful, a process of setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is permitted; a process of acquiring second authentication information in the operation permitted state; a process of performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are identical or have a predetermined relationship; and if the second authentication is successful, a process of setting the operation permitted state in which operation of the mechanical mechanism is permitted.

This disclosure has the advantage of being able to prevent input by third parties other than authenticated individuals when entering and leaving the facility.

This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mechanical parking device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a boarding/deboarding compartment according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control panel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A figure showing a functional block diagram of a control system of a mechanical parking device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unattended confirmation screen according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a safety confirmation screen according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a door closed screen according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A diagram showing transitions between an operation lock state, an operation permitted state, a driving locked state, and a driving permitted state in the warehousing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a warehousing process according to a 9th modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A figure showing an example of an unmanned confirmation screen in variant example 9 of the warehousing processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an eleventh modified example of the warehousing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A figure showing the transitions between the operation locked state, the operation permitted state, the driving locked state, and the driving permitted state when variant example 9 and variant example 11 are combined in the warehousing processing related to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a schematic plan view of a boarding and disembarking area in a mechanical parking device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an example of the installation location of an authentication information providing unit. A schematic external view of the boarding and disembarking compartment of a mechanical parking device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. A schematic plan view of the boarding and disembarking compartment of a mechanical parking device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. A schematic diagram of an operation panel of a mechanical parking device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. A functional block diagram of a control device of a mechanical parking device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a warehousing process according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a third modified example of the warehousing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a fifth modified example of the warehousing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure when a user operates the control panel in a warehousing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure when a user operates the control panel in a warehousing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a mechanical parking device and its control device, control method, and control program according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an elevator-type tower-type mechanical parking device will be described as an example of the mechanical parking device of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and the mechanical parking device of the present disclosure may be a vertical circulation type, a flat reciprocating type, a horizontal circulation type, a multi-layer circulation type, a two-tiered type, etc.

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mechanical parking device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the mechanical parking device 1 is an elevator-type tower-type multi-story parking facility capable of accommodating multiple vehicles 2, and includes a parking tower 5 provided with an entrance/exit gate 3 and an entrance/exit door 4. The ground floor of the parking tower 5 is a boarding/disembarking room 7 for entering and exiting the vehicle 2, and a turntable 8 for changing the direction of the vehicle 2 is installed on its floor. The turntable 8 is configured such that a swivel plate 10 and a swivel drive unit 11 are provided within a concave pit 9 formed on the floor of the boarding/disembarking room 7.

A vertical elevator passage 13 is formed in the center of the parking tower 5, and a lift 14 (vehicle transport means) is provided within this passage so that it can move up and down. The lift 14 is suspended at its four corners by multiple wire ropes 19 that extend downward from a winch (not shown) provided at the top of the parking tower 5, for example, and can move up and down within the elevator passage 13 when the winch is activated.

On the other hand, vehicle storage shelves 17 (parking spaces) are provided on both sides of the elevator passage 13. These vehicle storage shelves 17 are arranged in multiple levels, one above the other, on either side of the elevator passage 13, and each vehicle storage shelf 17 holds one pallet 18 for loading vehicles. Note that the pillars and other components of the vehicle storage shelves 17 are not shown in the figure.

A transfer mechanism (not shown) is provided on the floor surfaces of the lift 14 and the vehicle storage shelf 17, which allows an empty pallet 18 or a pallet 18 loaded with a vehicle 2 to be smoothly transferred from the lift 14 to the vehicle storage shelf 17, or from the vehicle storage shelf 17 to the lift 14, when the heights of the floor surfaces of the lift 14 and the vehicle storage shelf 17 are aligned.

2 is a perspective view showing the boarding/exiting room 7. When viewed from the outside, an emergency entrance 23 is provided to the left of the entrance door 4, and an entrance control light 21 equipped with blue and red lamps is provided above the entrance door 4. In addition, for example, an operation panel 22 is provided on the right side of the entrance door 4. This operation panel 22 is operated, for example, by a user who uses the mechanical parking device 1, or a manager or maintenance staff who manages the mechanical parking device 1.
A monitor 28 for displaying real-time images captured by cameras 35A to 35D (described later) is installed near the operation panel 22. The monitor 28 may be provided on the operation panel 22, or may be configured so that the real-time images are displayed on a touch panel 45 (see FIG. 3) (described later).

Inside the boarding/disembarking room 7, there is a space in the center where the pallet 18 is placed, and on the wall in front of the entrance door 4, there is a mirror 24 that allows the driver (user) to check the position of the vehicle, and an electronic parking position indicator light 25 that provides guidance on "going forward," "stopping," and "backing up."

Four cameras 35A-35D are installed in the boarding/alighting compartment 7 to capture the interior conditions. In this embodiment, the cameras 35A-35D are, for example, video cameras, and are each attached to a different wall surface (four sides) of the boarding/alighting compartment 7. For example, camera 35A is positioned to capture the front of the vehicle 2 parked in the boarding/alighting compartment 7, camera 35B is positioned to capture the rear of the vehicle 2, camera 35C is positioned to capture the left side of the vehicle 2, and camera 35D is positioned to capture the right side of the vehicle 2. Note that the number of cameras installed is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that at least one camera is installed.

The boarding/deboarding compartment 7 is provided with a plurality of sensors 30 (see FIG. 4) that detect people, animals, obstacles, and other objects within the boarding/deboarding compartment. The plurality of sensors 30 may also include an entry/exit detection sensor that detects people entering and leaving the boarding/deboarding compartment 7. As the sensor 30, a known sensor such as a human presence sensor or a sensor equipped with a transmitter that transmits a beam and a receiver that receives the beam can be used. The detection signal of the sensor 30 is transmitted to the main control unit 50 via the sensor control unit 57 (see FIG. 4).

Inside or outside the boarding/disembarking area 7, a parking lot control device 40 that controls the entire mechanical parking device 1 is installed. In addition, a speaker for notifying users of information by voice and various sensors for detecting vehicle width, etc. may be installed inside the boarding/disembarking area 7.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the control panel 22 provided in the mechanical parking device 1. The control panel 22 is housed in a metal housing 43 to protect it from wind and rain and to prevent tampering, and this housing 43 is provided with a lockable lid 44. When a user operates the control panel 22, the user unlocks it and opens the lid 44 to access the control panel 22. Note that the lid 44 may be automatically unlocked as the user approaches, for example, using a dedicated remote control carried by the user.

The operation panel 22 is provided with a touch panel 45, an IC card reader 46, a speaker (guidance means) 47 for providing audio guidance to the user on how to operate the device, an emergency stop button 48 for emergency stopping the operation of the mechanical parking device 1, and the like. Furthermore, the operation panel 22 may be provided with a human presence sensor for detecting whether or not a person is in front of the operation panel 22.

The touch panel 45 has both a display function and an input function. For example, the touch panel 45 displays various kinds of guidance information for performing entry and exit operations (guidance means), and also displays operation buttons (input means) for allowing the user to perform entry and exit operations. The display on the touch panel 45 is controlled by the parking lot control device 40, which will be described later, and information input by the user operating the touch panel 45 is output to the parking lot control device 40.

The IC card reader 46 reads the user ID from an IC card that stores user authentication information (hereinafter referred to as "user ID") that can identify an individual user. The IC cards are held by pre-registered users, managers, maintenance companies, etc. In this embodiment, even if there are multiple users for one registered parked vehicle or one pallet contract, each user is assigned an individual user ID.

4 is a functional block diagram of the control system of the mechanical parking device 1 according to this embodiment. The parking lot control device 40 is, for example, an information processing device, and includes a CPU, an auxiliary storage device for storing programs executed by the CPU, a main memory that functions as a work area when each program is executed, and a communication interface for connecting to a network. The parking lot control device 40 also includes a comprehensive database 52 in which various data required for controlling the mechanical parking device 1 are stored. The comprehensive database 52 stores vehicle presence status, pallet shape type, vehicle storage shelf shape type, user IDs that are identification information of multiple users who are permitted to use the mechanical parking device 1, and the like.
In addition, the parking lot control device 40 is provided with a memory unit 41 that stores the user ID (first authentication information) of the user whose user authentication has been successful if the first user authentication process is successful.

The auxiliary storage device of the parking lot control device 40 stores control programs for controlling each mechanism of the mechanical parking device 1, and the CPU reads the various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device into the main memory and executes them to realize the functions of each part described below. In addition, when executing the programs, the CPU refers to and uses various data stored in the general database 52.

The above control programs may be pre-stored in an auxiliary storage device such as a ROM when the parking lot control device 40 is manufactured, or may be downloaded and installed from a server that distributes control programs, etc. after construction, etc. Alternatively, they may be installed via an external storage device. In this way, there are no particular limitations on the method of installing the various programs.

The parking lot control device 40 is equipped with a main control unit 50. In addition to the above-mentioned general database 52, the main control unit 50 is connected to an entrance/exit door control unit 55, a conveyor control unit 56, a sensor control unit 57, a camera control unit 58, an image database 59, a vehicle measurement control unit 61, a turning drive control unit 62, etc. Furthermore, the main control unit 50 is connected to an operation panel 22, and is configured to enable two-way communication.

The entrance door control unit 55 receives operation commands from the main control unit 50 to open and close the entrance door 4, and receives a position signal of the entrance door 4 from the entrance door sensor 67 and feeds that information back to the main control unit 50.

The conveyor control unit 56 receives operational commands from the main control unit 50 to raise and lower the lift 14 and load and unload the pallet 18, and receives a position signal for the lift 14 from the conveyor position sensor 68 and feeds that information back to the main control unit 50.

The sensor control unit 57 receives a sensor signal from the sensor 30 and outputs the information to the main control unit 50.

The camera control unit 58 receives an operation command from the main control unit 50 and causes the cameras 35 (35A to 35D) installed inside the boarding/disembarking compartment 7 to capture images, and outputs the image information to the main control unit 50. This image information is stored in the image database 59 for a predetermined period of time. The image database 59 may be provided inside the general database 52 or on the cloud.

The vehicle measurement control unit 61 receives an operation command from the main control unit 50, measures the weight of the vehicle mounted on the lift 14 using the vehicle measuring device 69, and feeds back the information to the main control unit 50 via the vehicle weight sensor 73. This vehicle weight information is used for controlling the lift 14, etc.

The swivel drive control unit 62 receives an operation command from the main control unit 50 to operate the swivel drive unit 11 (turntable 8), receives a swivel position signal of the turntable 8 from the turntable position sensor 71, and feeds that information back to the main control unit 50.

The main control unit 50 operates the mechanical parking device 1 based on feedback from each control unit 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62 and input information from the operation panel 22. The main control unit 50 also executes a control program for the entry process and a control program for the exit process described below to perform the entry process and the exit process, and performs display control of the touch panel 45 provided on the operation panel 22, user authentication process, call control of the lift 14, opening and closing control of the entrance door 4, etc. The sensor signal from the sensor 30 may be input directly to the main control unit 50 instead of being input to the main control unit 50 via the above-mentioned sensor control unit 57. In this way, it is possible to implement more rapid control in response to the sensor signal.

[Warehousing process]
Next, the warehousing process executed by the main control unit 50 at the time of warehousing will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 5 to 7 are flow charts showing the procedure of the warehousing process executed by the main control unit 50.

When entering the vehicle, the user first moves the vehicle 2 to the entrance/exit gate 3, gets off, and heads to the operation panel 22. The user then uses a special key to unlock the vehicle and open the lid 44 of the housing 43. When the main control unit 50 detects that the lid 44 has been opened (SA1 in FIG. 5), it causes the touch panel 45 of the operation panel 22 to display a first user authentication screen (SA2).

When a user touches an IC card to the IC card reader 46, the user ID (first authentication information) registered on the IC card is read and transmitted to the main control unit 50. When the user ID is input (SA3), the main control unit 50 performs a first user authentication (first authentication) to determine whether the person attempting to enter the car is a pre-registered user (SA4). Specifically, the main control unit 50 accesses the general database 52 and determines whether the input user ID is registered. As a result, if the first user authentication is not successful (SA5: NO), a message indicating that the user authentication has failed is displayed on the touch panel 45 to notify the user that authentication has failed, and then the first user authentication screen is displayed (SA2).

On the other hand, if the first user authentication is successful (SA5: YES), i.e., if the user ID is registered in the general database 52, the system is set to an operation permission state in which input operations are possible from the touch panel (input means) 45 of the operation panel 22 (SA6: operation permission means), the user ID for which the first user authentication was successful is stored in the memory unit 41 (SA7), and a storage startup confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel 45 of the operation panel 22 (SA8).

The entrance start confirmation screen displays guidance such as "When starting, touch the IC card to the IC card reader 46." In addition to displaying the guidance, a similar guidance may be provided by voice.
When a user ID (fourth authentication information) is input via the IC card reader 46 on the entry start confirmation screen, the input user ID is input to the main control unit 50 (SA9). When the main control unit 50 receives the user ID, it compares the received user ID with the user ID (first authentication information) stored in the memory unit 41 in step SA7 (SA10). As a result, if the two do not match (SA10: NO), it erases the user ID stored in step SA7 (SA11), and sets up an operation lock state in which input from the operation panel 22 is not accepted (SA12), and the process returns to step SA2, where the first user authentication screen is displayed on the touch panel 45.

On the other hand, if the user IDs match in step SA10 (SA10: YES), the main control unit 50 sets the vehicle transport mechanism such as the lift 14 and the mechanical mechanisms such as the entrance/exit door 4 to an operation permission state in which they can be operated (SA13: operation permission means), and outputs an instruction to the transport machine control unit 56 (see FIG. 4) to call up an empty pallet from the vehicle storage shelf 17 (call process). At this time, a waiting-for-entry confirmation screen indicating the waiting-for-entry state may also be displayed on the touch panel 45.

Next, when the empty pallet arrives at the boarding/exit room 7, the main control unit 50 displays a door open screen on the touch panel 45 indicating that the entrance door 4 will open (SA14), and outputs an instruction to open the entrance door 4 to the entrance door control unit 55 (see FIG. 4). This causes the entrance door 4 to be opened by the entrance door control unit 55. Then, when the entrance door 4 is completely open (SA15 in FIG. 6), the main control unit 50 sets the operation lock state to lock the operation of the mechanical mechanisms (vehicle transport means such as the lift 14 and the entrance door 4) (SA16).

Next, the main control unit 50 displays an entrance guide screen on the touch panel 45 that prompts the user to enter the facility (SA17), and further sets the operation panel 22 to an operation-locked state in which no input is accepted from the touch panel 45 (SA18). This makes it possible to prevent a third party from entering input from the touch panel 45 while the user is away from the operation panel 22.

After checking the entrance guide screen, the user gets into the vehicle 2, moves the vehicle 2 into the boarding/deboarding compartment, places the vehicle 2 on an empty pallet transported into the boarding/deboarding compartment, gets off the vehicle, exits the boarding/deboarding compartment 7, and returns to the operation panel 22.
Next, the main control unit 50 causes the touch panel 45 of the operation panel 22 to display a second user authentication screen (SA19).

When the user who has checked the second user authentication screen touches the IC card to the IC card reader 46, the user ID (second authentication information) registered on the IC card is read and transmitted to the main control unit 50 (SA20). When the main control unit 50 receives the user ID, it performs second user authentication (SA21). In the second user authentication (second authentication), it is determined whether the received user ID (second authentication information) is a pre-registered user ID, and a comparison process is performed to determine whether the user ID (first authentication information) input in the first user authentication is the same as the user ID (second authentication information) input in the second user authentication. In this way, in the second user authentication, it is determined whether the user who operated the operation panel 22 has the authority to operate the operation panel 22, and whether the subsequent input operation is performed by the same user as the user who instructed the entry start operation.

In addition, in the second user authentication (second authentication), only the matching process between the user ID input in the first user authentication, in other words, the user ID stored in the memory unit 41 and the user ID input in the second user authentication may be performed. If the second authentication information is the same as the first authentication information, the second authentication information can also be interpreted as a user ID registered in advance, and it can be determined that the user has the authority to operate the operation panel 22.

If the second user authentication is not successful (SA22: NO), the process returns to step SA19, where the second user authentication screen is displayed. At this time, a notification that the authentication has failed may be displayed.
Furthermore, if the second user authentication is successful (SA22: YES), the main control unit 50 sets the operation permission state (SA23: operation permission means), and the main control unit 50 displays an unmanned confirmation screen on the touch panel 45 to prompt the user to confirm that there is no one in the boarding/deboarding compartment, and provides guidance to prompt the user to perform the unmanned confirmation (SA24). Figure 8 shows an example of the unmanned confirmation screen. As shown in Figure 8, the unmanned confirmation screen displays guidance and the like that prompts the user to operate the unmanned confirmation button BT1 after confirming that there is no one in the boarding/deboarding compartment using the unmanned confirmation button BT1 and a real-time image displayed on the monitor 28.

When the unattended confirmation button BT1 is pressed on the unattended confirmation screen (SA25), an unattended confirmation completion signal is sent to the main controller 50. When the main controller 50 receives the unattended confirmation completion signal, it causes the touch panel 45 to display a safety confirmation screen for allowing a final safety confirmation to be performed (SA26 in FIG. 7).
On the safety confirmation screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a safety confirmation button BT3 and guidance urging the user to visually check that there is no one in the boarding/deboarding compartment before operating the safety confirmation button BT3 are displayed.

When the safety confirmation button BT3 is pressed on the safety confirmation screen (SA27), a safety confirmation completion signal is sent to the main control unit 50. When the main control unit 50 receives the safety confirmation completion signal, it causes the touch panel 45 to display a third user authentication screen (SA28).

When the user who has checked the third user authentication screen touches the IC card to the IC card reader 46, the user ID (third authentication information) registered on the IC card is read and transmitted to the main control unit 50 (SA29). When the main control unit 50 receives the user ID, it performs third user authentication (SA30). In the third user authentication (third authentication), it is determined whether the received user ID (third authentication information) is a pre-registered user ID, and a comparison process is performed to determine whether the user ID (first authentication information) entered in the first user authentication is the same as the third authentication information. In this way, in the third user authentication, it is determined whether the user who operated the operation panel 22 has the authority to operate the operation panel 22, and whether subsequent input operations are performed by the same user as the user who instructed the entry start operation.

In addition, in the third authentication process, instead of comparing the third authentication information with the first authentication information, a process of comparing whether the third authentication information matches the second authentication information may be performed.

If the third user authentication is not successful (SA31: NO), the process returns to step SA28, where the third user authentication screen is displayed. At this time, a notification that the authentication has failed may be displayed.
Furthermore, if the third user authentication is successful (SA31: YES), the main control unit 50 sets the operation permission state (SA32: operation permission means), and the main control unit 50 displays a door close screen for closing the entrance door 4 (SA33). An example of the door close screen is shown in Fig. 10. On the door close screen, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, guidance is displayed that encourages the user to press the door close button BT5 after reconfirming that there is no one in the boarding/exiting compartment and then operating the door close button BT5.

When the close door button BT5 is pressed on this door closing screen (SA34), a door closing signal is sent to the main control unit 50. When the main control unit 50 receives the door closing signal, it outputs a close signal for the entrance door 4 to the entrance door control unit 55 (see FIG. 4) (SA35). As a result, the entrance door 4 is closed by the entrance door control unit 55. When the closing operation of the entrance door 4 is completed, the main control unit 50 outputs a transport signal to the transport machine control unit 56. As a result, the pallet on which the vehicle 2 is placed is transported by the lift 14 and stored in the vehicle storage shelf 17. In addition, when the closing operation of the entrance door 4 is completed, the main control unit 50 sets the operation lock state and the driving lock state (SA36), erases the user ID (first authentication information) stored in the memory unit (SA37), and ends the warehousing process.
Furthermore, when the user is sure that the entrance door is completely closed, he or she closes and locks the cover 44 of the operation panel 22 and leaves the operation panel 22 .

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the transitions between the operation locked state, operation permitted state, driving locked state, and driving permitted state in the above-mentioned warehousing process. As shown in Figure 11, the state is in the operation locked state and driving locked state until the first authentication is successful. In this state, if the first authentication is performed and is successful, the state changes from the operation locked state to the operation permitted state. In the operation permitted state, a warehousing start confirmation screen is displayed, and the user ID is entered by touching the IC card as confirmation input. If this user ID is the same as the first authentication information, the state changes from the driving locked state to the driving permitted state.

In this operation permitted state, a call process is performed, and when the lift arrives at the boarding/exiting room, a door-opening process is performed and the entrance door 4 opens. When the entrance door is completely open, the operation permitted state changes to an operation locked state, and the operation permitted state changes to an operation locked state. This makes it impossible to operate the mechanical parking device, and input operations from the touch panel 45 of the operation panel 22 cannot be accepted.

In this state, the user gets into the vehicle and moves it onto the pallet. The user then leaves the boarding/disembarking compartment and moves back to the operation panel 22. While the user is performing the storage operation, the operation is locked, preventing a third party from inputting data from the operation panel 22.

Next, the second authentication is performed, and if the second authentication is successful, the state changes from the operation locked state to the operation permitted state. In this operation permitted state, unattended checks, safety checks, and the third authentication are performed. If the third authentication is successful, the state changes from the operation locked state to the operation permitted state. Then, when a door close command is input in the operation permitted state, door close processing and storage processing are performed, and the state changes from the operation permitted state to the operation locked state. Then, when the door close processing and storage processing are completed, the state changes from the operation permitted state to the operation locked state, and the state returns to the state before the first authentication was performed.

Note that the steps and processing contents of the series of inventory processing described above are only examples, and processing can be added or omitted as appropriate.

[Modification 1]
For example, after the user ID is stored in the memory unit 41 in step SA7 in FIG. 5, the entry start confirmation screen is displayed in step SA8, but a process for performing a safety check may be added between these two processes.
That is, after step SA7 in FIG. 5, a safety confirmation screen (see, for example, FIG. 9) for prompting the user to perform a safety confirmation may be displayed on the touch panel 45, and after the user inputs the safety confirmation, a warehousing start confirmation screen (see SA8) may be displayed.
By making the driver check the safety in this manner, safety can be improved.

[Modification 2]
In the flow shown in FIG. 5, the processes of steps SA8 to SA12 may be omitted, and if the first user authentication is successful, the call process and door-open process may be started without any input operation by the user.

[Modification 3]
The storage start confirmation screen may be displayed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first user authentication was successful. In this way, by not displaying the storage start permission screen until a certain period of time has elapsed since the first user authentication was successful, it is possible to prevent the user from continuously touching the IC card as a series of actions. In addition, by having the safety check according to the above-mentioned modified example 1 be performed during this period, it is possible to secure time to perform the safety check, and it is possible to have the user perform the safety check more reliably.
Similarly, the third user authentication screen may be displayed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the second user authentication was successful. In this manner, by not displaying the third user authentication screen until a certain period of time has elapsed since the second user authentication was successful, it is possible to prevent the user from continuously touching the IC card as a series of actions.

[Modification 4]
During the operation lock state from when the entrance door 4 is opened until the second user authentication is successful, the operation of the sensor 30 may be disabled. During this period, the user gets into the vehicle, and thus a person enters the boarding/exiting compartment. Therefore, by disabling the detection of the sensor 30 during this period, it is possible to reduce unnecessary processing. Furthermore, after the second user authentication is successful, the sensor 30 can be re-enabled, so that safety checks can be performed visually by a person and by the sensor 30, thereby ensuring safety.

[Modification 5]
When the entrance door 4 is closed and the sensor 30 detects an object in the boarding/deboarding compartment, there is a possibility that the user will move away from the operation panel to check for safety in the boarding/deboarding compartment. Therefore, after the operation lock and driving lock are set, the process may return to step SA2 in FIG. 5, where the first user authentication screen is displayed again and user authentication may be performed again.
Similarly, when the entrance door 4 is open and the sensor 30 detects an object in the boarding/deboarding compartment, since there is a possibility that the user will move away from the operation panel to check for safety in the boarding/deboarding compartment, the operation lock state and driving lock state may be established, and the process may return to step SA19 in FIG. 6 , where the second user authentication screen may be displayed again and user authentication may be performed again.

[Modification 6]
In the user ID input (SA9) in FIG. 5, if the user ID is not input within a predetermined period of time after the storage startup confirmation screen (SA8) is displayed, the user ID may be erased (SA11), the operation may be locked (SA12), and the process may return to step SA2 to display the first user authentication screen again.

[Modification 7]
If there is no unmanned confirmation input within a specified period after the unmanned confirmation screen (SA24) is displayed at the unmanned confirmation input (SA25) of Figure 6, if there is no safety confirmation input within a specified period after the safety confirmation screen (SA26) is displayed at the safety confirmation input (SA27) of Figure 7, if there is no user ID input within a specified period after the third user authentication screen (SA28) is displayed at the user ID input (SA29) of Figure 7, or if a close door instruction is not input within a specified period after the close door screen (SA33) is displayed at the close door instruction input (SA34) of Figure 7, the operation may be locked, and the process may return to step SA19 and the second user authentication screen may be displayed again.

[Modification 8]
The unattended confirmation in steps SA24 and SA25 in FIG. 6 may be moved before the series of user authentication processes performed in steps SA19 to SA22 in FIG.

[Modification 9]
The unattended confirmation at steps SA24 and SA25 in FIG. 6 may be moved before the series of user authentication processes performed at steps SA19 to SA22 in FIG. 6, and further, the user may be asked to touch an IC card as input for unattended confirmation, thereby obtaining the user ID.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of variant example 9. As shown in FIG. 12, in step SA18, the main control unit 50 sets the operation lock state, and then displays an unattended confirmation screen on the touch panel 45 (step SA19' in FIG. 12). On this unattended confirmation screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, guidance such as "Please check on the monitor whether there is anyone in the venue, and touch your IC card as a confirmation input" is displayed. Following this guidance, the user performs unattended confirmation, and then touches the IC card to the IC card reader 46.

As a result, the user ID (second authentication information) registered in the IC card is read and transmitted to the main control unit 50 (SA20'). Upon receiving the user ID, the main control unit 50 performs second user authentication (SA21'). If the second user authentication is not successful (SA22': NO), the process returns to step SA20' and the unattended confirmation input is performed again. At this time, a notification that the authentication has failed may be sent.
On the other hand, if the second user authentication is successful (SA22': YES), the main control unit 50 sets the operation permission state (SA23: operation permission means), and proceeds to step SA26 shown in FIG. 7 to perform the subsequent processes.

[Modification 10]
In the flow shown in FIG. 7, the safety confirmation processes in steps SA26 and SA27 may be omitted.

[Modification 11]
In the flow shown in Figure 7, the safety confirmation processing in steps SA26 and SA27 can be omitted, and further, the display of the door close screen and the input of the door close command in steps SA33 and SA34 in Figure 7 can be moved before the series of user authentication processing performed in steps SA28 to SA31 in Figure 7, and in addition, the user can be asked to touch an IC card to input the door close command, thereby obtaining the user ID.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of variant example 11. As shown in Figure 14, when the main control unit 50 sets the operation permission state in step SA23 of Figure 6, the next process is to display a door close screen on the touch panel 45 (SA26' in Figure 14). On this door close screen, guidance such as "Please confirm that no one is in the building and touch your IC card to close the door" is displayed, for example, as shown in Figure 13. Following this guidance, the user touches the IC card to the IC card reader 46 to close the door.

As a result, the user ID (third authentication information) registered in the IC card is read and transmitted to the main control unit 50 (SA27'). When the main control unit 50 receives the user ID, it performs a third user authentication (third authentication) (SA28'). If the third user authentication is not successful (SA29': NO), the process returns to step SA27' and the user is prompted to input a door close command again. At this time, it may be possible to notify the user that the authentication has failed.
On the other hand, if the third user authentication is successful (SA29': YES), the main control unit 50 sets the device in an operable state (SA32), performs a door closing process (SA35), performs subsequent processes, and ends the process.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the transitions of the operation lock state, operation permission state, driving lock state, and driving permission state when the above-mentioned modified example 9 and modified example 11 are combined. As shown in Figure 15, the state transitions are the same as those shown in Figure 11 until the vehicle is moved into the boarding/deboarding compartment, so the description will be omitted. In Figure 15, after the vehicle is moved, a user ID is input as an input for unmanned confirmation, and a second authentication is performed using this user ID. If the second authentication is successful, the state changes from the operation lock state to the operation permission state. In this operation permission state, a user ID is input as an input for a door closing command, and a third authentication is performed using this user ID. If the third authentication is successful, the state changes from the driving lock state to the driving permission state, and door closing processing and storage processing are automatically performed. In addition, when the door closing processing starts, the state changes from the operation permission state to the operation lock state. Then, when the door closing processing and storage processing are completed, the state changes from the driving permission state to the driving lock state, and the state before the first authentication was performed.

The warehousing process according to this embodiment and several modified examples 1 to 11 have been described above, but the above modified examples can be combined as appropriate.
Although the entry process has been described, the basic process flow is the same for the exit process. That is, the exit process is also basically performed according to the procedures in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7. In addition, the modified examples 1 to 11 may be combined as appropriate. The difference between the entry process and the exit process is that in the entry process, an empty pallet moves when the door is opened, and a pallet on which a vehicle is placed moves when the door is closed, whereas in the exit process, a pallet on which a vehicle is placed moves when the door is opened, and an empty pallet moves when the door is closed. In addition, screen displays specialized for entry, such as an entry start confirmation screen and an entry waiting confirmation screen, are changed to screen displays specialized for exit, such as an exit start confirmation screen and an exit waiting confirmation screen. As for other processes, the exit process is the same as the entry process, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the mechanical parking device and its control method and control program of this embodiment, multiple user authentications (second authentication, third authentication) are performed from when the entrance door is open to when it is closed. Of these, the first user authentication (second authentication) is, for example, an authentication for setting the operation permission state in which input operations are possible from an input means such as the touch panel 45 provided on the operation panel 22, and the second authentication (third authentication) is, for example, an authentication for setting the operation permission state in which mechanical mechanisms (for example, vehicle transport means such as the lift 14 and the entrance door 4, etc.) are possible to be operated.

In this way, since user authentication is performed at least twice when closing the door, it is possible to more reliably prevent input operations by a third party compared to the conventional method in which user authentication is performed only once. In addition, since the user ID stored in the memory unit 41 is not erased but remains maintained until the door closing process is completed, a user who has received the first user authentication can continue the entry process or exit process by re-entering the user ID. This improves user convenience.

In addition, in this embodiment, when performing unmanned checks, safety checks, door closing instructions, etc., input operations that require pressing a button (see, for example, Figures 8 to 10) are changed to non-contact input operations such as touching an IC card or voice input, eliminating the need for the user to touch a button. This makes it possible to reduce contact with the touch panel 45 as much as possible, and to extend the life of the touch panel 45.

In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the operation panel 22 is controlled by the main control unit 50 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, an operation panel control device may be provided on the operation panel 22, and the processing according to each embodiment or its modified example may be realized by the exchange of information between the operation panel control device and the main control unit 50. In this case, the operation panel control device may be caused to switch between the operation permitted state and the operation locked state.

In addition, when inputting a user ID for user authentication for operation permission, the contact time of the IC card may be set longer than when inputting a user ID for user authentication for operation permission. In this way, by setting the contact time relatively long for inputting a user ID for operation permission, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the machine mechanism unintentionally.
In addition to setting the contact time to a relatively long time, for example, a continuous touch over several times may be used.Furthermore, a dedicated reader for operation permission with a lid may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the case where user authentication is performed using an IC card has been described, but the mode of user authentication is not limited to this example, and various methods can be adopted, such as an input method using a smart key or an IC tag, or a method of inputting a pre-registered PIN number using a numeric keypad or a touch panel. Furthermore, biometric authentication or the like may also be used.
Other aspects relating to user authentication will now be described.

[Another aspect 1]
For example, with regard to the second and third authentications, if the first authentication information input in the first authentication and the authentication information input in the second and third authentications respectively have a "predetermined relationship," it may be determined that they are the same person and user authentication may be performed.
Furthermore, in the third authentication, user authentication may be performed by collating the third authentication information with the second authentication information, rather than collating the third authentication information with the first authentication information.

Specifically, the first authentication is performed using first authentication information such as a user ID registered in an IC card, and the second and third authentications may be performed by performing a matching process based on information different from the first authentication information, for example, information linked to the user ID (first authentication information).

For example, if the first authentication is successful, the main control unit 50 may provide temporary authentication information to the user and store it in the memory unit 41 in association with the first authentication information. Then, for the second and third authentications, the user may be authenticated by having the user input the temporarily provided authentication information and comparing the input authentication information with the authentication information stored in the memory unit 41 in association with the first authentication information.

Examples of temporarily issued authentication information include a password, a graphic, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode, and a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).
In the case of a password, the information can be input using a numeric keypad or the like. In the case of a figure, one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code, etc., the temporarily issued authentication information can be captured using a camera-equipped terminal such as a smartphone, and when inputting the authentication information, the authentication information can be displayed on the display screen of the camera-equipped terminal and read by a camera provided on the operation panel 22, etc.

In addition, the above-mentioned "temporary authentication information" may be provided to the user via the touch panel 45 of the operation panel 22 after the first authentication is successful. Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, an authentication information providing unit (e.g., a display unit) 80 for providing authentication information may be provided in the boarding/deboarding compartment, and the authentication information may be provided to the user via this authentication information providing unit 80.

Furthermore, the authentication information providing unit 80 may be provided near an end portion of the entrance door 4 that is different from the operation panel 22, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
By providing the authentication information providing unit 80 in such a location, the user is required to go to that location to obtain authentication information, and it becomes possible for the user to check the safety of the boarding and disembarking compartment during the journey.

[Another aspect 2]
In the above-mentioned other aspect 1, the temporary authentication information is issued from the mechanical parking device, but the temporary authentication information may be input by the user himself/herself. For example, after the first user authentication is successful, the user may be given guidance to register the temporary authentication information, and the user may input the temporary authentication information according to the guidance. An example of the temporary authentication information is a password.
In addition, instead of the user actively inputting the temporary authentication information, the mechanical parking device may automatically acquire the temporary authentication information. In this case, the temporary authentication information may be the user's physical characteristics, such as voice, fingerprint, iris, vein pattern, face image, clothing color information, etc.

As a specific example, if the first authentication is successful, the main control unit 50 may have the user input a password. Alternatively, the main control unit 50 may acquire physical characteristics from the user. For example, guidance may be provided for acquiring the physical characteristics, and the user may respond according to the guidance, thereby acquiring the user's physical characteristics. Note that the method for acquiring physical characteristics is a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

When the temporary authentication information is acquired in this manner, the main control unit 50 associates the acquired authentication information with the first authentication information and stores it in the storage unit 41. Then, for the second and third authentications, the main control unit 50 performs user authentication and matching processing by having the user input authentication information (e.g., a password) or acquiring the user's physical characteristics and matching the acquired authentication information with the authentication information associated with the first authentication information and stored in the storage unit 41 to determine whether the person is the same person as the person who performed the first authentication.

[Another aspect 3]
In the first embodiment, the second authentication information is input from the operation panel 22, but the place where the second authentication information is input is not limited to this example.
For example, an authentication information input unit for inputting the second authentication information may be provided in the boarding/deboarding compartment, and the second authentication information may be input from this authentication information input unit. The authentication information input unit may include, for example, an IC card reader, and the user ID may be read by touching the IC card to this IC card reader. The authentication information input unit may also include a guidance unit such as a display unit or a speaker, and may prompt the user to input the user ID by providing guidance such as "Please check the safety of the facility and touch your IC card."
Also, instead of the above example, the authentication information input unit may be provided near an end of the entrance door 4 that is different from the operation panel 22 (see, for example, the position of the authentication information providing unit 80 in FIG. 16).

Second Embodiment
Next, a mechanical parking device and a control method and control program thereof according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.
The mechanical parking device 1 of the first embodiment described above is an elevator-type mechanical parking device 1 in which a pallet 18 is transported by a lift 14 between the boarding and disembarking compartment 7 and the vehicle storage shelf 17, while the mechanical parking device 110 of this embodiment is a berth-type mechanical parking device of a level reciprocating type in which vehicles are handed over and received by a conveyor.

In addition, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a case will be described in which the manager of the mechanical parking device 110 performs input operations for the entry process and exit process as the operator, rather than the driver, who is the user, performing the input operations for the mechanical parking device 110. Below, explanations of the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

Figure 17 is a schematic external view of the boarding/disembarking room 7 of the mechanical parking device 110 according to this embodiment, and Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the boarding/disembarking room 7 of the mechanical parking device 110 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the berth 100, which is also the boarding/disembarking room 7, is provided adjacent to the lift chamber 101. A partition door 104 is provided between the berth 100 and the lift chamber 101.

A conveyor 102 is provided at the berth 100, and the conveyor 102 transports (transversely moves) the vehicle 2 between the berth 100 and the lift chamber 101. In the lift chamber 101, the vehicle is transported (raised and lowered) between the vehicle storage shelf by a vehicle transport means such as a lift. The driver of the vehicle 2 gets on and off the vehicle 2 at the berth 100.

An automatic door 134 is provided on the parking lot entrance/exit SP side of the berth 100. This automatic door 134 is an entrance/exit door used when moving between the berth 100 and the parking lot entrance/exit SP. An operation panel 130 is provided on the parking lot entrance/exit SP side. This operation panel 130 is preferably provided near the automatic door 134 in a location where the inside of the berth 100 can be seen.
Furthermore, an entry/exit detection sensor (not shown) is provided near the automatic door 134 to detect the movement of a person between the parking lot entrance/exit SP and the berth 100. This entry/exit detection sensor may be, for example, a door opening/closing sensor to detect the opening of the automatic door 134, or a sensor (for example, a human sensor or a pressure sensor provided on the floor near the entrance/exit of the automatic door) used as a trigger for the opening/closing operation of the automatic door 134 may be used. The detection signal of the entry/exit detection sensor is transmitted to a main control unit 150 (see FIG. 20) described later.

A plurality of cameras (not shown) are installed at various locations in the berth 100. The plurality of cameras are controlled by a main control unit 150 (see FIG. 20) which will be described later.
Furthermore, a plurality of sensors (not shown) may be installed at various locations in the berth 100. These various sensors make it possible to detect people and the like within the berth, the position of vehicles, and the like.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the operation panel 130. The operation panel 130 is equipped with an IC card reader 301, a parking ticket reader 302, a shutter 303, a monitor 304, a touch panel 305, and a switch 306, and accepts various operational inputs from an operator such as a caretaker via these. The operation panel 130 may also be provided with a human presence sensor (not shown) for detecting whether or not a person is in front of the operation panel 130.

A manager (or user) who is permitted to operate the mechanical parking device 110 carries an IC card to identify the manager (or user). The IC card records the manager's authentication information (hereinafter referred to as "operator ID"). When the IC card reader 301 detects an IC card within the readable range of the IC card reader 301, it reads the operator ID transmitted from the IC card. The read operator ID is transmitted to the main control unit 150 (Figure 20) described later and is used for operator authentication.

The parking ticket reader 302 accepts the insertion of a parking ticket.
The monitor 304 is equipped with a liquid crystal display device for displaying characters and images, and indicator lamps such as LEDs. It may also be configured to provide various information to the caretaker and users by combining it with a speaker that outputs voice generated by a voice synthesizer, an alarm sound, or a buzzer. The monitor 304 also displays images captured by cameras (not shown) installed within the berth 100. With this configuration, the caretaker can check the safety of the berth 100 from the camera images when entering and leaving the berth.

The touch panel 305 is a touch panel type operation screen. The touch panel 305 sequentially displays information and buttons related to the entry and exit reservation, and the manager (or user) can easily perform input operations related to entry and exit by operating the touch panel 305 according to the information.
Switch 306 is an emergency stop button or the like that stops the operation of the mechanical parking device 110 in an emergency.

20 is a functional block diagram of the parking lot control device 115 of the mechanical parking device 110 according to this embodiment. The parking lot control device 115 of the mechanical parking device according to this embodiment includes an operation panel control unit 140 and a main control unit 150 provided on the operation panel 130.
19, the operation panel control unit 140 controls the IC card reader 301, the parking ticket reader 302, the touch panel 305, the monitor 304, etc., which are provided on the operation panel 130. The main control unit 150 is connected to the operation panel control unit 140 and is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the operation panel control unit 140. The main control unit 150 controls the entire mechanical parking device 110 by sending and receiving information to and from the operation panel control unit 140.

The operation panel control unit 140 and the main control unit 150 are, for example, information processing devices, and are equipped with a CPU, an auxiliary storage device for storing programs executed by the CPU, a main memory that functions as a work area when each program is executed, and a communication interface for connecting to a network.
A series of processes for realizing various functions described below is stored in a storage medium or the like in the form of a program (e.g., a control program), and the CPU reads this program into the main memory and executes information processing and arithmetic processing to realize various functions. Note that the program may be installed in a ROM or other storage medium in advance, may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

The operation panel control unit 140 mainly comprises an operation screen control unit 142, a communication unit 144, and a storage unit 146.
The operation screen control unit 142 displays on the touch panel 305 a screen corresponding to the operating status of the mechanical parking device 110, the results of operator authentication, etc.

The communication unit 144 transmits to the main control unit 150 the operator ID read by the IC card reader 301, various operation input information input by the caretaker operating the touch panel 305, etc. In addition, the communication unit 144 receives from the main control unit 150 operation status information indicating the operation status of the mechanical parking device 110, authentication result information indicating the result of operator authentication, etc.
The storage unit 146 stores various programs and data executed by the pendant control unit 140 .

The main control unit 150 includes a communication unit 151, an authentication unit 152, a machine control unit 153, an operation permission unit 154, a driving permission unit 155, a memory unit 156, and the like.
The communication unit 151 receives an operator ID, operation input information, and the like from the operation panel control unit 140 , and transmits operation status information and authentication result information to the operation panel control unit 140 .

The authentication unit 152 has an authentication information database (not shown) in which the operator IDs of managers who have the authority to operate the mechanical parking device 110 are registered, and performs a first operator authentication by matching the operator ID received by the communication unit 151 with an operator ID previously registered in the authentication information database (hereinafter referred to as a "registered operator ID"). The authentication unit 152 also matches the operator ID received by the communication unit 151 with a registered operator ID registered in the authentication information database, and performs a second operator authentication by matching the operator ID stored in the memory unit 156 at the time of the first operator authentication with the operator ID received by the communication unit 151. The result of the operator authentication by the authentication unit 152 is transmitted to the operation panel control unit 140 via the communication unit 151.

The machine control unit 153 controls each mechanism of the mechanical parking device 110, such as the conveyor 102, the compartment door 104, the traveling cart (not shown), the lift (not shown), etc. Information indicating the operating status of each mechanism by the machine control unit 153 is transmitted to the operation panel control unit 140 via the communication unit 151 as operating status information, etc.

The operation permission unit 154 releases the operation lock state in which no input is accepted from the touch panel (input means) 305 of the operation panel 130, and sets the operation permission state in which input operation from the touch panel (input means) 305 of the operation panel 130 is possible.
The operation permission unit 155 releases the operation locked state that locks the operation of the mechanical mechanism, and sets the mechanical mechanism to an operation permitted state in which the mechanical mechanism is capable of being operated.
The storage unit 156 stores various programs and data executed by the main control unit 150, and also stores an operator ID when the first operator authentication is successful. In addition, for example, the storage unit 156 stores parking management information in which information on the storage shelf of the entered vehicle is associated with parking ticket information.

[Warehousing process]
Next, the warehousing process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 23. Figures 21 to 23 are flow charts showing an example of the procedure of the warehousing process according to this embodiment. Note that the warehousing process according to this embodiment has many points in common with the warehousing process according to the first embodiment described above, so detailed description of the common points will be omitted below.

When entering the parking lot, the user follows the manager's guidance and enters the vehicle into the berth 100 from the direction of arrow A in Figure 18. The driver stops the vehicle in an appropriate position in the berth 100, gets off, and moves to the parking lot entrance/exit SP through the automatic door 134.

When an entry/exit detection sensor (not shown) detects that a user has left the berth 100 (SC1), a first authentication screen is displayed on the touch panel 305 of the operation panel 130 based on a signal from the main control unit 150 (SC2).
When the administrator touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301 in accordance with the first authentication screen, the operator ID (first authentication information) registered in the IC card is read (SC3) and transmitted to the main control unit 150. When the operator ID is input, the main control unit 150 determines whether the input operator ID is registered as a registered operator ID in the authentication information database, thereby performing a first operator authentication (first authentication) to determine whether the person attempting to operate the operation panel 130 has legitimate authority (SC4).

As a result, if the first operator authentication is not successful (SC5: NO), a message indicating that the operator authentication has failed is displayed on the touch panel 305 to notify the user that the operator authentication has failed, and then the first authentication screen is displayed (SC2).
On the other hand, if the first operator authentication is successful (SC5: YES), the main control unit 150 sets the operation permission state to an operation allowing input operation from the touch panel (input means) 305 of the operation panel 130 (SC6: operation permission means), stores the operator ID (first authentication information) for which the first user authentication was successful in the storage unit 156 (SC7), and transmits a first authentication completion signal to the operation panel 130. When the operation screen control unit 142 of the operation panel 130 receives the first authentication completion signal, it displays a parking ticket insertion screen on the touch panel 305 (SC8). On the parking ticket insertion screen, for example, a guidance such as "Please insert your parking ticket" is displayed. When the manager inserts the parking ticket into the parking ticket reader 302 (SC9), the operation screen control unit 142 of the operation panel 130 displays an unattended confirmation screen on the touch panel 305 (SC10 in FIG. 22). On the unattended confirmation screen, for example, an "unattended confirmation button" is displayed together with a guidance such as "Please make sure there is no one in the car" that prompts the user to confirm that there is no one in the car. Following this guidance, the driver or passenger confirms that there are no people or the like in the berth 100, and inputs an unmanned confirmation by pressing the "unmanned confirmation button" on the touch panel 305 (SC11). When the unmanned confirmation is input, the operation screen control unit 142 displays a safety confirmation screen on the touch panel 305 (SC12). On the safety confirmation screen, for example, a "safety confirmation button" is displayed together with guidance encouraging a safety check within the berth, such as "Please check the safety of the berth on the monitor." Also, on the safety confirmation screen, images of the berth taken by multiple cameras installed in the berth 100 are displayed on the monitor 304.

When the safety confirmation button is pressed on the safety confirmation screen (SC13), the operation screen control unit 142 then displays the second authentication screen on the touch panel 305 (SC14). When the administrator touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301 (SC15), the operator ID (second authentication information) is transmitted from the operation panel 130 to the main control unit 150. The main control unit 150 performs a second operator authentication (second authentication) (SC16 in FIG. 23). In the second operator authentication, it is determined whether the received operator ID is a pre-registered operator ID, and a comparison process is performed to determine whether the operator ID (first authentication information) input in the first operator authentication is the same as the operator ID (second authentication information) input in the second operator authentication. In this way, in the second operator authentication, it is determined whether the person who operated the operation panel 130 has the authority to operate the operation panel 130, and whether the subsequent processing is performed by the same person who succeeded in the first authentication and set the operation permission state.

If the second operator authentication is not successful (SC17: NO), the operator ID stored in the memory unit 156 is erased (SC26), an operation lock state is established (SC27), and the process returns to step SC2, where the first operator authentication screen is displayed.

On the other hand, if the second operator authentication is successful (SC17: YES), the main control unit 150 sets the mechanical mechanism to an operation permission state in which the mechanical mechanism can be operated (SC18: operation permission means). Examples of the mechanical mechanism include the partition door 104 and vehicle transport means such as the conveyor 102 and a lift (not shown).
Next, the main control unit 150 transmits a second authentication completion signal to the operation panel 130. Upon receiving the second authentication completion signal, the operation screen control unit 142 causes the touch panel 305 to display a start confirmation screen (SC19). On the start confirmation screen, a "start button" is displayed together with guidance to perform a safety check inside the berth 100 again. At this time, images of the inside of the berth taken by multiple cameras installed inside the berth 100 are displayed on the monitor 304.

When the start button is pressed on the start confirmation screen (SC20), a start instruction signal is sent from the operation panel 130 to the main control unit 150. When the main control unit 150 receives the start instruction signal, it performs a storage process to store the entering vehicle (SC21). In parallel with the storage process of the entering vehicle, a parking ticket is discharged from the parking ticket reader 302 of the operation panel 130 (SC22). When the driver or passenger receives the parking ticket, they keep it until they leave the parking lot.

In the vehicle storage process in step SC21, the machine control unit 153 opens the partition door 104 separating the berth 100 and the lift chamber 101, and operates the conveyor 102 of the berth 100, etc. As a result, the vehicle parked at the berth 100 is transported laterally to the lift chamber 101. The machine control unit 153 then closes the partition door 104 separating the berth 100 and the lift chamber 101, and raises and lowers the storage lift (not shown) to the desired storage floor. Then, the traveling cart (not shown) and other devices are operated to store the storage vehicle in a specified storage shelf.
When the storage process for the entered vehicle is completed, the parking ticket information, the vehicle, and the storage shelf are associated with each other and stored as parking management information in the memory unit 156 (SC23).

Then, the main control unit 150 sets the operation lock state and the driving lock state (SC24), erases the operator ID stored in the memory unit 156 (SC25), and ends the warehousing process.

The steps and details of the series of steps in the inventory process described above are merely examples, and processing can be added or omitted as appropriate. Modifications are described below.

[Modification 1]
In the case where, in the parking ticket insertion (SC9) of Figure 21, a parking ticket is not inserted within a predetermined period of time after the parking ticket insertion screen (SC8) is displayed, in the unattended confirmation input (SC11) of Figure 22, no unattended confirmation input is made within a predetermined period of time after the unattended confirmation screen (SC10) is displayed, in the safety confirmation input (SC13), no safety confirmation input is made within a predetermined period of time after the safety confirmation screen (SC12) is displayed, in the operator ID input (SC15), no user ID is input within a predetermined period of time after the second operator authentication screen (SC14) is displayed, or in the start-up instruction input (SC20) of Figure 23, no start-up instruction is input within a predetermined period of time after the start-up confirmation screen (SC19) is displayed, the operation may be locked, and the process may return to step SC2 and the first operator authentication screen may be displayed again.

[Modification 2]
The unattended confirmation in steps SC10 and SC11 in FIG. 22 may be moved before the series of user authentication processes performed in steps SC2 to SC5 in FIG.

[Modification 3]
The unattended confirmation at steps SC10 and SC11 in FIG. 22 may be moved before the series of user authentication processes performed at steps SC2 to SC5 in FIG. 21, and further, the operator may be asked to touch an IC card as input for unattended confirmation, thereby obtaining the operator ID.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart of Modification 3. In Fig. 24, the same processes as those shown in Fig. 21 are given the same process symbols and descriptions thereof will be omitted.
As shown in Fig. 24, when exit from the berth 100 is detected (SC1), an unmanned confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel 305 (step SC2' in Fig. 24). For example, guidance such as "Please confirm that no one is in the vehicle and touch your IC card as a confirmation input" is displayed on this unmanned confirmation screen. Following this guidance, the operator performs unmanned confirmation and then touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301. This causes the operator ID (first authentication information) registered in the IC card to be read (SC3'), and the subsequent first operator authentication is performed (SC4).

[Modification 4]
In the flow shown in FIG. 22, the safety confirmation processes in steps SC12 and SC13 may be omitted.

[Modification 5]
In the flow shown in Figure 22, the safety confirmation processing in steps SC12 and SC13 can be omitted, and further, the display of the startup confirmation screen and the input of the startup instruction in steps SC19 and SC20 in Figure 23 can be moved before the series of operator authentication processing performed in steps SC14 to SC17 in Figures 22 and 23, and in addition, the operator can be made to touch an IC card to input the startup instruction, thereby obtaining the operator ID.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a flowchart of Modification 5. Note that steps SC1 to SC11 are the same as those shown in Figs. 21 and 22, so the explanation will be omitted.
As shown in Fig. 25, when the operator inputs the unmanned confirmation (SC11), a start confirmation screen is then displayed on the touch panel 305 (SC12' in Fig. 25). This start confirmation screen displays guidance such as "Please touch your IC card to confirm that the parking lot is unmanned and to store the vehicle." Following this guidance, the operator touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301 to instruct start-up (SC13').

As a result, the operator ID (second authentication information) registered in the IC card is read, and the second user authentication (second authentication) is performed using the read operator ID (SC14'). If the second user authentication is unsuccessful (SC15': NO), the operator ID is erased (SC26), an operation lock state is established (SC27), and the process returns to step SC2. At this time, a notification that the authentication has failed may be sent.

On the other hand, if the second user authentication is successful (SC15': YES), the vehicle is made drivable (SC16': driving permission means), and the vehicle storage process, etc. is performed (SC21 to SC25), and the process ends.

The above describes the warehousing process according to this embodiment and several modified examples 1 to 5. However, the warehousing process according to this embodiment and several modified examples 1 to 5 can be combined as appropriate.

Although the warehousing process according to this embodiment has been described above, the basic process flow for the warehousing process is similar. That is, the warehousing process is also basically performed according to the procedures in Figures 21 to 23. Modifications 1 to 5 may also be combined as appropriate.
The differences between the receiving process and the shipping process will be explained below.
For example, in the entry process, when exit from berth 100 is detected (SC1), a first authentication screen is displayed (SC2). In contrast, in the exit process, for example, a parking lot user inserts a parking ticket into a fee settlement machine (not shown) provided on the parking lot entrance/exit SP side, and when the parking fee settlement is completed, the lift on which the vehicle is placed is moved to the exit floor where berth 100 is located. When the lift moves to the exit floor, the first authentication screen is displayed on touch panel 305 of operation panel 130.

In addition, in the entrance process, the parking ticket insertion screen is displayed (SC8) and the parking ticket is inserted (SC9), but in the exit process, these processes are omitted.
In the unloading process, a vehicle sending-out process is performed instead of the vehicle storage process in step SC21. In the vehicle sending-out process, the compartment door 104 opens, and the vehicle waiting in the lift hoisting chamber 101 is transported laterally by the conveyor 102 to a predetermined position in the berth 100.
In addition, in the entrance process, after the storage process, the parking ticket is discharged (SC22 in FIG. 23) and the parking ticket information and the like are stored (SC23), but in the exit process, these processes are omitted.
As for other processing, the outgoing processing is almost the same as the incoming processing, so the explanation will be omitted.

In the second embodiment described above, the case where the entry and exit operations are performed by the manager has been described, but the entry and exit operations may also be performed by a user (e.g., the driver). In this case, when entering the vehicle, steps SC8 and SC9 in FIG. 21 are omitted, and in step SC23 in FIG. 23, the first authentication information, the entering vehicle, and the storage shelf are associated with each other and stored in the memory unit 156.

When leaving the parking lot, the user touches an IC card to the IC card reader on the leaving reservation board (not shown) installed on the parking lot entrance/exit SP side to input the user ID, and the lift carrying the vehicle associated with the user ID is moved to the exit floor where the berth 100 is located. When the lift moves to the exit floor, a first authentication screen is displayed on the touch panel 305 of the operation panel 130.

In addition, input of the user ID on the above-mentioned unloading reservation panel may be omitted, and for example, when the user touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301 on the first authentication screen displayed on the operation panel 130, the user ID is input and the first authentication process is performed. If this authentication process is successful, the vehicle information associated with the first authentication information may be read from the memory unit 156, and the vehicle may be moved from the hangar to the exit floor where the berth 100 is located. In addition, other processes in the unloading process are the same as when the unloading operation is performed by the manager.

As a modified example when a user performs a loading/unloading operation, the loading process may be performed according to the flow shown in Figures 26 to 27. Note that the same processes as those shown in Figures 21 to 23 are given the same process symbols and will not be described.

First, when an entry/exit detection sensor (not shown) detects that a user has left the berth 100 (SC1 in FIG. 26), an unmanned confirmation screen is displayed on the touch panel 305 (step SC2'). This unmanned confirmation screen displays guidance such as, for example, "Please make sure that no one is in the vehicle and touch your IC card as a confirmation input." Following this guidance, the user performs unmanned confirmation and then touches the IC card to the IC card reader 301. This causes the user ID (first authentication information) registered on the IC card to be read (SC3'), and the first user authentication is performed using this user ID (SC4').

Next, the processes of SC5 to SC7 are carried out, and the start-up confirmation screen is displayed (SC12' in FIG. 27). For example, guidance such as "Please touch your IC card to confirm that no one is in the building and to close the door" is displayed on this start-up confirmation screen. Following this guidance, the user touches the IC card to IC card reader 301 to command startup (SC13').

As a result, the user ID (second authentication information) registered in the IC card is read, and second user authentication (second authentication) is performed using this second authentication information (SC14'). If the second user authentication is unsuccessful (SC15': NO), the user ID is erased (SC26), an operation lock state is entered (SC27), and the process returns to step SC2. At this time, a notification that the authentication has failed may be sent.

On the other hand, if the second user authentication is successful (SC15': YES), the vehicle is placed in a driving state (SC16': driving permission means), and the vehicle storage process and the like are performed (SC21). When the vehicle storage process is completed, the first authentication information, vehicle information, and storage shelf are associated with each other and stored in the memory unit 156 as parking management information (SC23'). Next, the operation lock state and driving lock state are placed (SC24), the operator ID stored in the memory unit 156 is erased (SC25), and the parking process ends.

In the above flow, the startup confirmation screen may be displayed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first user authentication was successful. In this way, by not displaying the startup confirmation screen until a certain period of time has elapsed since the first user authentication was successful, it is possible to prevent the user from continuously touching the IC card as part of a series of actions. In addition, by having the user perform a safety check during this time, it is possible to ensure that the user has time to perform the safety check, and it is possible to have the user perform the safety check more reliably.

As described above, according to the mechanical parking device and its control method and control program of this embodiment, multiple user authentications (first authentication, second authentication) are performed in the entry and exit process. Of these, the first user authentication (first authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting up an operation permission state in which input operations are possible from an input means such as the touch panel 305 provided on the operation panel 130, and the second authentication (second authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting up an operation permission state in which mechanical mechanisms (for example, vehicle transport means such as the conveyor 102 and lift, and compartment door 104, etc.) are possible to operate.

In this way, user authentication is performed at least twice when entering or leaving the warehouse, making it possible to more reliably prevent input operations by third parties compared to conventional methods in which user authentication is performed only once.

In addition, in this embodiment, by changing the input operation of pressing a button to a non-contact input operation such as touching an IC card or voice input for unmanned confirmation, safety confirmation, startup instructions, etc., it becomes unnecessary for the user to touch the button. This makes it possible to reduce contact with the touch panel 305 as much as possible, and to extend the life of the touch panel 305.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the case where the warehousing process and the warehousing process are realized by cooperation between the main control unit 150 and the operation panel control unit 140 provided on the operation panel 130 has been described as an example, but for example, as in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the operation panel control unit 140 may not be provided and the main control unit may directly control the operation panel 130. In addition, the functions provided by the main control unit 150 and the operation panel control unit 140 are not limited to the above example, and for example, it is also possible to configure the operation panel control unit 140 to have some of the functions provided by the main control unit 150, or to configure the main control unit 150 to have some of the functions provided by the operation panel control unit 140.

Furthermore, when inputting authentication information in the authentication (second authentication) for setting the operation permitted state, the contact time of the IC card may be set longer than when inputting authentication information in the authentication (first authentication) for setting the operation panel 130 in the operation permitted state. For example, if the operator ID or user ID registered in the IC card is not read by the IC card reader continuously for a predetermined period or more, it is not determined that the authentication information has been input.
In this way, by setting the contact time for inputting authentication information to enter an operation permission state to be relatively long, it is possible to prevent the user (administrator, user) from operating the machine mechanism unintentionally.
In addition to setting the contact time to a relatively long time, for example, the touch may be made several times in succession, or a dedicated reader with a lid for permitting operation may be provided.

Although the present disclosure has been described above using each embodiment, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the disclosure, and the forms with such modifications or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.
In addition, the flow of the warehousing and shipping processes described in the above embodiment is also one example, and it is possible to delete unnecessary steps, add new steps, or rearrange the processing order within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

The mechanical parking device and the control method and control program described in each of the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

The mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure includes an operation panel (22) provided outside the boarding/exiting room, a first authentication information acquisition means (SA3) for acquiring first authentication information when the entrance door (4) is closed, a first authentication means (SA4) for performing the first authentication based on the first authentication information, a door-opening processing means (SA15) for opening the entrance door (4) after the first authentication is successful, an operation locking means (SA16) for locking the operation of the mechanical mechanism when the entrance door (4) is open, an operation locking means (SA18) for locking the operation of the operation panel (22) when the entrance door is open, and a second authentication information acquisition means (SA19) for acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked. A20), a second authentication means (SA21) that performs the second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship, an operation permission means (SA23) that sets the operation permission state in which input operation to the operation panel (22) is possible if the second authentication is successful, a third authentication information acquisition means (SA29) that acquires third authentication information in the operation permission state, a third authentication means (SA30) that performs the third authentication based on whether the third authentication information and the first authentication information or the second authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship, and an operation permission means (SA32) that sets the operation permission state in which operation of the mechanical mechanism is possible if the third authentication is successful.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, multiple user authentications (second authentication, third authentication) are performed from when the entrance door is open until it is closed. Of these, the first user authentication (second authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting the operation permission state in which input operations on the operation panel (22) are possible, and the second authentication (third authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting the operation permission state in which operation of mechanical mechanisms (for example, vehicle transport means such as the lift 14 and the entrance door 4, etc.) is possible.

In this way, user authentication is performed at least twice when closing the door, making it possible to more reliably prevent input operations by third parties compared to conventional methods in which user authentication is performed only once.

The mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a guidance means for prompting the user to perform unattended confirmation and for providing guidance for prompting the user to input second authentication information as input for the unattended confirmation, and the second authentication means may perform the second authentication using the second authentication information acquired as input for the unattended confirmation.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein makes it possible to input unattended confirmation and authentication information in a single action. This makes it possible to improve convenience.

The mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a guidance means for prompting the user to input a door-closing command and for providing guidance for prompting the user to input third authentication information as the door-closing command input, and the third authentication means may perform a third authentication using the third authentication information acquired as the door-closing command input.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein makes it possible to input a door-closing command and authentication information in a single action. This makes it possible to improve convenience.

The mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a guidance means for prompting the user to perform a safety check and for providing guidance for prompting the user to input third authentication information as input indicating that the safety check has been performed, and the third authentication means may perform the third authentication using the third authentication information acquired as input for the safety check.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein allows safety confirmation and authentication information to be entered in a single action, improving convenience.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, the third authentication information acquisition means may acquire the third authentication information after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the second authentication was successful or since the operation permission state was established.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein can prevent a user from continuously inputting authentication information as a series of actions.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, the driving permission means may release the driving lock and perform the door closing process without an input instruction from the user.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, when the vehicle is in an operation-permitted state, the door closing process is performed without any input from the user, which improves convenience and makes it possible to improve the efficiency of entering and exiting the parking lot.

The mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein includes a sensor (30) for detecting an object in the boarding/de-boarding compartment, and the operation of the sensor (30) may be disabled during an operation-locked state in which the entrance/exit door is open.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, while the entrance is in an open operation-locked state, the user will enter the vehicle, and thus a person will enter the boarding/exiting compartment. Therefore, by disabling the sensor detection during this period, it is possible to reduce unnecessary processing. In addition, after the second user authentication is successful, the sensor 30 can be re-enabled to perform safety checks by both visual inspection by a person and by the sensor, thereby ensuring safety.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, if the sensor detects an object while the operation is permitted, the operation permitted state may be cancelled and the operation of the control panel may be locked.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, when an object is detected by the sensor inside the parking area, the operation of the operation panel is locked. This makes it possible to prevent a third party from performing input operations while the user is rechecking the interior of the parking area.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, if no input operation is performed for a predetermined period of time in the operation permitted state, the operation permitted state may be cancelled and the operation of the operation panel may be locked.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, if no input operation is performed for a predetermined period of time in the operation permitted state, the device enters an operation locked state, making it possible to prevent input by a third party even if the user moves away from the operation panel.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, the first authentication information acquisition means, the second authentication information acquisition means, and the third authentication information acquisition means may acquire authentication information in a non-contact manner.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein allows for contactless input of authentication information, which prevents deterioration of input means such as touch panels and allows for a longer service life.

In the mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure, the operation permission means sets the device to the operation permission state when the first authentication is successful, and in the operation permission state, the device is provided with a guidance means that prompts the user to input a start-up confirmation and provides guidance to prompt the user to input fourth authentication information as the start-up confirmation input, and a fourth authentication means that performs the fourth authentication based on whether the fourth authentication information acquired as the start-up confirmation input matches or has a predetermined relationship with the first authentication information, and the driving permission means sets the device to the driving permission state when the fourth authentication is successful, and the door-opening processing means may open the entrance door in the driving permission state.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, two user authentications are required to switch the entrance door from a closed state to an open state. This makes it possible to prevent input by a third party, ensuring higher safety. Furthermore, the input of start-up confirmation and input of authentication information can be performed with a single action, improving convenience.

The mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure may include an authentication information providing means for providing temporary authentication information after the first authentication is successful, and the second authentication means may perform the second authentication based on whether the second authentication information acquired by the second authentication acquisition means matches the authentication information provided by the authentication information providing means.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, the second authentication is performed based on whether the authentication information provided by the authentication information providing means matches the second authentication information.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, the authentication information providing means may be provided in the boarding/disembarking compartment.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, it is possible to have the user enter the boarding/de-boarding compartment in order to obtain authentication information to be used for the second authentication information. This makes it possible to increase safety by having the user simultaneously check for safety within the boarding/de-boarding compartment.

In the mechanical parking device (1) disclosed herein, the second authentication acquisition means may be provided on an operation panel, the operation panel may be provided near one end of the entrance door, and the authentication information providing means may be provided near the other end of the entrance door.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, it is possible to have the user move from one end of the entrance door to the other in order to obtain authentication information to be used for the second authentication information and input this authentication information into the operation panel. This allows the user to check for safety within the boarding and disembarking compartment during this movement, thereby increasing safety.

The control method for the mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a step of acquiring first authentication information when the entrance door is closed, a step of performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information, a step of opening the entrance door after the first authentication is successful, a step of locking the operation of the mechanical parking device when the entrance door is open, a step of locking the operation of the operation panel when the entrance door is open, a step of acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked, a step of performing the second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship, a step of setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible when the second authentication is successful, a step of acquiring third authentication information in the operation permitted state, a step of performing the third authentication based on whether the third authentication information and the first authentication information or the second authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship, and a step of setting the operation permitted state in which operation of the mechanical parking device is possible when the third authentication is successful.

The control program for the mechanical parking device (1) according to the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring first authentication information when the entrance door is closed; performing first authentication based on the first authentication information; opening the entrance door after the first authentication is successful; locking the operation of the mechanical parking device when the entrance door is open; locking the operation of the operation panel when the entrance door is open; acquiring second authentication information when the operation of the operation panel is locked; performing second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship; setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible when the second authentication is successful; acquiring third authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing third authentication based on whether the third authentication information and the first authentication information or the second authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship; and setting the operation permitted state in which operation of the mechanical parking device is possible when the third authentication is successful.

The mechanical parking device (110) according to the present disclosure includes an operation panel (130) provided outside the boarding/disembarking area, a first authentication information acquisition means (SC3) for acquiring first authentication information before starting the mechanical mechanism, a first authentication means (SC4) for performing the first authentication based on the first authentication information, an operation permission means (SC6) for setting the operation panel to an operation permission state in which the operation of the operation panel is permitted if the first authentication is successful, a second authentication information acquisition means (SC15) for acquiring second authentication information in the operation permission state, a second authentication means (SC16) for performing the second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship, and an operation permission means (SC18) for setting the operation permission state in which the operation of the mechanical mechanism is permitted if the second authentication is successful.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, multiple user authentications (first authentication, second authentication) are performed before starting the mechanical mechanism. The first user authentication (first authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting the operation permission state in which input operation of the operation panel (130) is possible, and the second user authentication (second authentication) is, for example, authentication for setting the operation permission state in which the mechanical mechanism (for example, vehicle transport means such as the conveyor 102 and lift, and the partition door 104, etc.) is possible to operate. In this way, since at least two user authentications are performed when operating the mechanical mechanism, it is possible to more reliably prevent input operation by a third party compared to the conventional method in which user authentication is performed only once. Note that "user" includes the manager and the user. In other words, "user authentication" includes authentication based on the manager's operator ID and authentication based on the user's user ID. The same applies below.

The mechanical parking device (110) according to the present disclosure includes a guidance means for prompting a user to perform unattended confirmation and for providing guidance for prompting the user to input first authentication information as input for the unattended confirmation, and the first authentication means may perform the first authentication using the first authentication information acquired as input for the unattended confirmation.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein makes it possible to input unattended confirmation and authentication information in a single action. This makes it possible to improve convenience.

The mechanical parking device (110) according to the present disclosure includes a guidance means for prompting the user to input a start-up command and for providing guidance for prompting the user to input second authentication information as the start-up command input, and the second authentication means may perform the second authentication using the second authentication information acquired as the start-up command input.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein makes it possible to input a start command and authentication information in a single action. This makes it possible to improve convenience.

In the mechanical parking device (110) disclosed herein, the driving permission means may release the driving lock and open and close the compartment door without any input instruction from the user.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, when the vehicle is in a driving permission state, the vehicle storage process, the vehicle dispatch process, and the like are performed without any input instructions from the user, thereby improving convenience and making it possible to improve the efficiency of entering and exiting the parking lot.

In the mechanical parking device (110) of the present disclosure, the second authentication information acquisition means may acquire the second authentication information after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first authentication was successful or since the operation permission state was established.

In the mechanical parking device (110) of the present disclosure, if no input operation is performed for a predetermined period of time in the operation permitted state, the operation permitted state may be cancelled and the operation of the operation panel may be locked.

According to the mechanical parking device disclosed herein, if no input operation is performed for a predetermined period of time in the operation permitted state, the device enters an operation locked state, making it possible to prevent input by a third party even if the user moves away from the operation panel.

In the mechanical parking device (110) disclosed herein, the first authentication information acquisition means and the second authentication information acquisition means may acquire authentication information in a non-contact manner.

The mechanical parking device disclosed herein allows for contactless input of authentication information, which prevents deterioration of input means such as touch panels and allows for a longer service life.

The control method for the mechanical parking device (110) according to the present disclosure is a control method for a mechanical parking device equipped with an operation panel provided outside the boarding/disembarking area, in which a computer executes the following steps before starting the mechanical mechanism: acquiring first authentication information; performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; if the first authentication is successful, setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible; acquiring second authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship; and if the second authentication is successful, setting the operation permitted state in which operation of the mechanical mechanism is possible.

The control program for the mechanical parking device (110) disclosed herein is a control program for a mechanical parking device equipped with an operation panel provided outside the boarding/disembarking area, and causes a computer to execute the following processes before starting the mechanical mechanism: acquiring first authentication information; performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information; if the first authentication is successful, setting the operation panel to an operation permitted state in which operation is possible; acquiring second authentication information in the operation permitted state; performing a second authentication based on whether the second authentication information and the first authentication information are the same or have a predetermined relationship; and if the second authentication is successful, setting the operation permitted state in which operation is possible.

1,110: Mechanical parking device 4: Entrance door 7: Boarding/disembarking room 14: Lift 18: Pallet 22: Operation panel 30: Sensor 40: Parking lot control device 41: Memory unit 45: Touch panel 46: IC card reader 50: Main control unit 52: General database 55: Entrance door control unit 56: Conveyor control unit 57: Sensor control unit 58: Camera control unit 59: Image database 61: Vehicle measurement control unit 62: Swing drive control unit 67: Entrance door sensor 68: Conveyor position sensor 80: Authentication information providing unit 100: Berth 101: Lift lift room 102: Conveyor 104: Partition door 115: Parking lot control device 130: Operation panel 140: Operation panel control unit 142: Operation screen control unit 144: Communication unit 146: Memory unit 150: Main control unit 151: Communication unit 152 : Authentication unit 153 : Machine control unit 154 : Operation permission unit 155 : Driving permission unit 156 : Memory unit 301 : IC card reader 302 : Parking ticket reader 304 : Monitor 305 : Touch panel

Claims (14)

A control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a storage means for storing the first authentication information when the first authentication is successful;
a pre-start authentication information acquisition means for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before the vehicle conveyance means is driven;
a pre-boot authentication means for performing pre-boot authentication based on the pre-boot authentication information;
a door-opening process means for opening the entrance door after the pre-boot authentication is successful ,
The pre-start authentication means is a control device for a mechanical parking device that performs the pre-start authentication based on whether the pre-start authentication information and the first authentication information stored in the memory means are identical or have a predetermined relationship . a guidance unit that displays on the operation panel a screen that prompts a user to input the pre-boot authentication information;
A control device for a mechanical parking device as described in claim 1 , wherein if the pre-start authentication information is not input within a predetermined period after the screen is displayed, the first authentication information is erased from the storage means. A control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a guidance means for providing a guidance to a user to prompt the user to input pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before the vehicle conveyance means is driven ;
a pre-boot authentication means for performing pre-boot authentication using the pre-boot authentication information input in accordance with the guidance ;
a door-opening processing means for opening the entrance door after the pre-boot authentication is successful;
A control device for a mechanical parking device comprising : The control device for a mechanical parking device according to claim 3 , wherein the guidance means provides guidance to prompt the input of the pre-start authentication information after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first authentication was successful. The control device for a mechanical parking device as described in claim 3 or 4 , wherein the guidance means displays a screen on the operation panel prompting the input of the pre-start authentication information. an operation lock means for locking an input operation of the operation panel when the entrance door is closed;
an operation permission means for setting the operation panel to an operation permission state in which an input operation can be performed on the operation panel when the first authentication is successful,
A control device for a mechanical parking device as described in claim 5 , which cancels the operation permitted state and locks operation of the operation panel if the pre-start authentication information is not input within a predetermined period after the screen is displayed. an operation lock means for locking an input operation of the operation panel when the entrance door is closed;
A control device for a mechanical parking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising an operation permission means for setting the operation panel to an operation permission state in which input operation is permitted when the first authentication is successful. A control device applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication means for performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a pre-start authentication information acquisition means for acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before the vehicle conveyance means is driven;
a pre-boot authentication means for performing pre-boot authentication based on the pre-boot authentication information;
a driving permission means for setting the vehicle conveyance means to a driving permission state in which the vehicle conveyance means is allowed to be driven when the pre-start authentication is successful;
a call processing means for performing a call process without an input instruction from a user in the operation permitted state ;
a door opening processing means for opening the entrance door after the call processing is completed;
A control device for a mechanical parking device comprising : The control device for a mechanical parking device according to claim 1 or 8 , wherein the first authentication information acquisition means and the pre-start authentication information acquisition means acquire authentication information in a non-contact manner. A mechanical parking device comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition step of acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication step of performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a storage step of storing the first authentication information in a storage means when the first authentication is successful;
a pre-start authentication information acquisition step of acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating the vehicle conveyance means ;
a pre-boot authentication step of performing pre-boot authentication based on the pre-boot authentication information;
an entrance door control step of opening the entrance door after the pre-boot authentication is successful ,
The pre-start authentication process is a control method for a mechanical parking device that performs the pre-start authentication based on whether the pre-start authentication information and the first authentication information stored in the memory means are identical or have a predetermined relationship . A control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition step of acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication step of performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a guidance step of providing a guidance to a user to prompt the user to input pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before the vehicle conveyance means is driven;
a pre-boot authentication step of performing pre-boot authentication using the pre-boot authentication information input in accordance with the guidance;
a door-opening process step of opening the entrance door after the pre-boot authentication is successful;
The control method for a mechanical parking device is executed by a computer. A control method applied to a mechanical parking device having an operation panel provided outside a boarding/disembarking room,
a first authentication information acquisition step of acquiring first authentication information while the entrance door is closed;
a first authentication step of performing a first authentication based on the first authentication information;
a pre-start authentication information acquisition step of acquiring pre-start authentication information after the first authentication is successful and before operating the vehicle conveyance means;
a pre-boot authentication step of performing pre-boot authentication based on the pre-boot authentication information;
a driving permission step of setting the vehicle conveyance means in a driving permission state in which the vehicle conveyance means is allowed to be driven when the pre-start authentication is successful;
a call processing step of performing a call processing without an input instruction from a user in the operation permitted state;
a door opening process step of opening the entrance door after the call process is completed;
The control method for a mechanical parking device is executed by a computer. A control program for a mechanical parking device for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .