JP7725541B2 - Mechanical parking lot equipment and safety check methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to mechanical parking facilities, and in particular to a safety confirmation system and method configured to allow the vehicle user (driver) to operate a control panel to confirm the safety of the vehicle entry area when entering and leaving the parking lot.

Mechanical parking facilities (such as multi-story parking garages) attached to office buildings, apartment buildings, etc. are only available to contracted users, so each user is assigned a PIN number in advance and loaned a remote control transmitter.When a user wants to enter or exit a vehicle, they either enter their PIN number on a control panel installed outside the entrance/exit door or on an exit reservation panel located in the apartment building lobby, or they authenticate themselves by receiving authentication information (remote control signal) transmitted from the remote control transmitter, which then calls the pallet or lift used to transport the vehicle and opens and closes the entrance/exit door.

In such mechanical parking facilities, when closing the entrance/exit door (entrance/exit gate) of the loading compartment through which parked vehicles enter and exit, the user must thoroughly check that no people or pets remain inside the loading compartment. However, because the control panel is located some distance from the entrance/exit gate, it is inconvenient for the user standing in front of the control panel to directly look inside the loading compartment to check for safety, and the entrance/exit gate is often closed without sufficient checking being performed.

In light of this, a camera is installed inside the boarding area, and the images captured by this camera are processed to identify people's faces. The facial features of people who enter the boarding area are stored and identified individually. Once everyone has left the boarding area, mechanical activation, such as closing the entrance and exit doors, is permitted. This automates safety checks and eliminates the need for users to visually check.

Furthermore, the mechanical parking facility disclosed in Patent Document 2 installs a camera inside the loading compartment and sends the video image to a remotely located monitoring center, which then remotely monitors the situation inside the loading compartment and sends safety instructions to the user as remote control information to confirm safety.

JP 2012-158968 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-182195

However, in both the mechanical parking lot facilities in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the camera images are not viewed by the user themselves, but by a control device or a manager located in a remote location, so it is not possible to guarantee complete safety in the event of a system malfunction such as a camera failure or a manager error.

In addition, some mechanical parking facilities have a monitor installed near the control panel that displays images of the interior of the boarding compartment taken by a camera, allowing users to check the interior of the compartment themselves. However, since users are often concentrating on operating the control panel and do not look at the monitor, this does not effectively utilize the camera images to improve safety.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mechanical parking lot equipment and a safety confirmation method that can increase safety by preventing people, pets, etc. from remaining inside the boarding area.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
One aspect of the present invention is a mechanical parking lot facility comprising a boarding room, a sensor provided in the boarding room, an entry/exit door that opens and closes the entry/exit entrance to the boarding room , an operation panel operated by a user, and a control means, wherein when user authentication information is input from the operation panel while the entry/exit door is open, the control means performs user authentication based on the input authentication information, and after the user authentication is successful , determines whether a safety confirmation input for the boarding room has been input from the operation panel, and after a safety confirmation input for the boarding room is input from the operation panel, begins closing the entry/exit door, and if an error condition within the boarding room is detected by any of the sensors between the time the user authentication is successful and the time the entry/exit door is closed, notifies the user of the error condition, then provides guidance to the user to input authentication information, and performs the user authentication again.
One aspect of the present invention is a safety confirmation method for a mechanical parking facility that includes a boarding room, a sensor installed in the boarding room, and an entrance/exit door that opens and closes the entrance/exit gate of the boarding room, wherein a computer executes the following steps: when user authentication information is input while the entrance/exit door is open, performing user authentication based on the input authentication information; after the user authentication is successful, determining whether the user has input a safety confirmation for the boarding room; after the user has input a safety confirmation for the boarding room, closing the entrance/exit door; and if any of the sensors detects an error condition within the boarding room between the time the user authentication is successful and the time the door is closed, performing the user authentication again.
One aspect of the present invention is a program for verifying the safety of mechanical parking facilities, causing a computer to execute the method for verifying the safety of mechanical parking facilities described above.
One embodiment of the present invention as a reference example is a safety confirmation system for a mechanical parking facility that has a boarding room and a sensor installed in the boarding room, and is equipped with a touch panel operation screen that can be operated by the user, a boarding room camera that photographs the inside of the boarding room, and a control device, and when the user checks the safety of the inside of the boarding room, the control device displays a safety confirmation input means on the operation screen along with real-time image information captured by the boarding room camera, provided that the sensor has not detected an error condition inside the boarding room, and if the safety confirmation input means is not operated for a certain period of time or more, this is a safety confirmation system for a mechanical parking facility that displays a user authentication screen on the operation screen.
One embodiment of the present invention is a mechanical parking facility equipped with the above-described safety confirmation system.
One aspect of the present invention as a reference example is a safety confirmation method for a mechanical parking facility that includes a boarding room and a sensor installed in the boarding room, in which, when a user checks the safety inside the boarding room, a safety confirmation input means is displayed on a touch panel operation screen along with real-time image information captured by the boarding room camera, provided that the sensor does not detect an error condition inside the boarding room, and if the safety confirmation input means is not operated for a certain period of time or more, a user authentication screen is displayed on the operation screen.
A safety confirmation system for a mechanical parking facility according to one embodiment of the present invention, as a reference example, is a system for confirming the safety inside the boarding room in a mechanical parking facility that includes a boarding room where parked vehicles enter and exit, a boarding door that opens and closes the entrance and exit gate of the boarding room, a transport machine that transports the parked vehicles, and a touch panel operation screen on which the user of the parked vehicle performs mechanical operations such as authentication operations and opening and closing and starting the boarding door.The system is equipped with the operation screen, a sensor that detects the presence of the parked vehicle and people inside the boarding room and the parking position of the parked vehicle, a boarding room camera that captures images of the interior of the boarding room, and a control device, and is characterized in that the control device displays on the operation screen real-time image information captured by the boarding room camera and a safety confirmation button that notifies the user that the safety inside the boarding room has been confirmed.

With the safety confirmation system for mechanical parking facilities configured as described above, image information about the interior of the boarding compartment is displayed on a touch panel operation screen operated by the user, allowing the user to reliably view this image information and confirm the safety of the interior of the boarding compartment. This prevents people, pets, etc. from remaining inside the boarding compartment, thereby enhancing the safety of the mechanical parking facility.

In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the control device also displays real-time detection information from the sensor on the operation screen along with the image information and the safety confirmation button.

This allows users to check the sensor detection information along with image information from the boarding compartment when operating the safety confirmation button. This makes it possible to recognize error situations that are difficult to identify from image information from the boarding compartment alone, making it easier to deal with them and further improving safety.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, when the user checks the safety of the interior of the boarding compartment, the control device preferably displays the safety check button on the operation screen along with the image information, provided that the sensor has not detected an error condition within the boarding compartment, and controls the device not to proceed to the next operation stage unless the safety check button is pressed.

This means that the user cannot proceed to the next operation step until they confirm the image information about the boarding room interior displayed on the operation screen and press the safety confirmation button, ensuring that the user performs a safety check of the boarding room interior, further increasing safety.

In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable to install multiple boarding room cameras at different locations within the boarding room, and have the control device display multiple pieces of image information from the multiple boarding room cameras on the operation screen, allowing the user to check each one and press the safety confirmation button.

In this way, by installing multiple boarding room cameras inside the boarding room and displaying the image information captured by each of these cameras on the operation screen, the user can check each image before pressing the safety confirmation button, eliminating blind spots inside the boarding room and further improving safety.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the sensors may be installed at multiple locations inside the boarding compartment, and when any of these multiple sensors detects an error condition inside the boarding compartment, the control device may select from the multiple boarding compartment cameras installed inside the boarding compartment a boarding compartment camera that is capable of capturing the error condition detected by the sensor, and display the image information on the operation screen.

In this way, if any of the sensors installed in multiple locations within the boarding compartment detects an error condition within the compartment, the boarding compartment camera capable of capturing the error condition detected by that sensor is selected, and the image information is displayed on the operation screen, allowing the user operating the operation screen to reliably recognize the error condition within the boarding compartment, thereby increasing safety.

In addition to the above configuration, the control device may be configured to disable subsequent operations if the sensor detects an error condition in the boarding compartment while the safety confirmation button and the image information are being displayed, or after the safety confirmation button is pressed.

In this way, the sensor's detection of an error condition takes priority over the user's safety confirmation, and subsequent operations are disabled, preventing the mechanical parking facility from starting up without the error condition being checked and repaired, thereby further improving safety.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, an operator camera may be provided to capture images of the face of the user operating the operation screen, and the image of the user may be recorded along with the date and time of operation.

In this way, by recording the face of the user operating the operation screen and the date and time of operation, it becomes easier to verify in the unlikely event of an accident or malfunction. In addition, since users are aware that they are being photographed, this has the effect of discouraging them from operating the device in a familiar manner (such as acting as a proxy).

In addition to the above configuration, multiple sensors may be arranged inside the boarding room so that multiple detection lines cross the vicinity of the entrance/exit gate, and the control device may determine that the user has exited the boarding room when the detection lines cross in order from the back to the front.

This allows the sensor to reliably detect when the user has left the boarding compartment, increasing safety.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device may be configured to display a close door button as the safety confirmation button along with the image information on the operation screen when the user performs an operation to close the loading/unloading door, and to control the loading/unloading door to close by having the user press and hold the close door button for a predetermined period of time while viewing the image information.

In this way, the loading/unloading door will not close unless the close door button is pressed and held for a specified period of time (for example, one second), preventing the user from accidentally touching and pressing the close door button without checking the operation screen, ensuring safety checks and avoiding danger.

Furthermore, in addition to the above configuration, the control device may be configured to display a door reversal button as the safety confirmation button on the operation screen along with the image information while the loading/unloading door is closing, and to control the loading/unloading door to open when the user presses the door reversal button.

In this way, even while the loading/unloading door is closing, the operation screen will display an image of the loading/unloading compartment along with a door reverse button, and by pressing this door reverse button, the loading/unloading door that is currently closing can be reversed (reopened). Therefore, even after the user presses the door close button and the loading/unloading door begins to close, if an error condition within the loading/unloading compartment is displayed on the operation screen, the user can press the door reverse button to open the loading/unloading door and avoid danger.

Furthermore, a mechanical parking facility according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by being equipped with any of the safety confirmation systems described above.

This mechanical parking facility allows users to operate the operation screen while reliably checking images from the boarding compartment camera installed inside the boarding compartment. This means that users can check for error conditions on the operation screen, such as people or pets remaining inside the boarding compartment or the doors of parked vehicles being open, thereby avoiding danger and increasing safety.

In addition, a safety confirmation method for mechanical parking facilities according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for confirming the safety of the interior of a boarding room in a mechanical parking facility equipped with a boarding room where parked vehicles enter and exit, a boarding door that opens and closes the entrance and exit gate of the boarding room, a transport machine that transports the parked vehicles, and a touch-panel operation screen on which a user of the parked vehicle performs mechanical operations such as authentication operations and opening and closing the boarding door and starting the transport machine. When the user confirms the safety of the interior of the boarding room, the operation screen displays real-time image information from a boarding room camera that captures the interior of the boarding room, and a safety confirmation button that notifies the user that the safety of the interior of the boarding room has been confirmed. The method also prompts the user to check the safety of the interior of the boarding room by looking at the image information and then pressing the safety confirmation button. The method proceeds to the next operation stage when the user has pressed the safety confirmation button.

With the above safety confirmation method, image information about the inside of the boarding compartment is displayed on a touch panel operation screen operated by the user, allowing the user to reliably view this image information and confirm the safety of the inside of the boarding compartment. This prevents people, pets, etc. from remaining inside the boarding compartment, thereby improving the safety of mechanical parking facilities.

In the above safety confirmation method, if a sensor installed inside the boarding compartment that detects an error condition within the boarding compartment detects an error condition within the boarding compartment while the safety confirmation button and the image information are being displayed, or after the safety confirmation button is pressed, subsequent operations may be disabled.

In this way, the sensor's detection of an error condition takes priority over the user's safety confirmation, and subsequent operations are disabled, preventing the mechanical parking facility from starting up without the error condition being checked and repaired, further improving safety.

This invention can increase safety by preventing people, pets, etc. from remaining inside the passenger compartment.

1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a mechanical parking facility to which the safety confirmation system according to the present invention can be applied. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the layout of each sensor in the boarding compartment, and FIG. 10B is a table showing the function of each sensor. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a control system for a mechanical parking facility. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first authentication screen of the operation screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that asks the user whether they wish to store the item. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen during transport of an empty pallet. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that guides the user to store items in stock. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that provides the user with information about stop locations. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that provides the user with information about stop locations. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen when an error condition occurs in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen when an error condition occurs in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen when an error condition occurs in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second authentication screen of the operation screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm that no one is in the boarding compartment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm safety when closing the storage/retrieval door. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm safety when closing the storage/retrieval door. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm safety when closing the storage/retrieval door. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen that prompts the user to confirm safety when closing the storage/retrieval door. FIG. 10 shows a screen when the loading/unloading door is closed. FIG. 10 shows a screen when the loading/unloading door is closed. FIG. 10 shows a screen when the loading/unloading door is closed. FIG. 10 shows a screen when the loading/unloading door is closed. FIG. 10 shows the screen after the loading/unloading door has been closed. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow (control method) during a safety confirmation operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the manned-in-park signal is turned ON. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the manned-in-park signal is turned OFF.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an elevator-type mechanical parking facility, showing an example of a mechanical parking facility to which the safety confirmation system of the present invention can be applied. Note that the safety confirmation system of the present invention can be widely applied to any mechanical parking facility that uses a conveyor to move parked vehicles into and out of multiple parking spaces, and is not limited to the elevator-type multi-story parking facility described below.

The mechanical parking facility 1 is an elevator-type tower-type multi-story parking facility capable of accommodating multiple vehicles 2, and includes a parking tower 5 with an entrance/exit entrance 3 and an entrance/exit door 4. The ground floor of the parking tower 5 is a boarding area 7 where vehicles 2 enter and exit the parking lot, and a turntable 8 for changing the direction of vehicles 2 is installed on its floor. The turntable 8 is configured with a swivel plate 10 and a swivel drive unit 11 installed within a concave pit 9 formed in the floor of the boarding area 7.

A vertical elevator passage 13 is formed in the center of the parking tower 5, within which a lift 14 (elevator-like transport vehicle) is installed so that it can move up and down. The lift 14 is suspended at its four corners by multiple wire ropes 15 extending downward from a winch (not shown) installed at the top of the parking tower 5, for example, and can be raised and lowered within the elevator passage 13 when the winch is activated.

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

A transfer mechanism (not shown) is provided on the floor 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 floor heights of the lift 14 and the vehicle storage shelf 17 are aligned.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the boarding area 7. When viewed from the outside, an emergency entrance 20 is located to the left of the entrance/exit door 4, and an entrance control light 21 equipped with blue and red lamps is provided above the entrance/exit door 4. In addition, a control panel 22 is provided, for example, on the right side of the entrance/exit door 4. This control panel 22 is operated by the user (driver) of each vehicle 2 entering the mechanical parking facility 1. Reference numeral 23 denotes a three-color light that indicates the control status of the mechanical parking facility 1.

Inside the boarding compartment 7, there is a space in the center where a pallet 18 is placed, and on the wall in front of the loading/unloading door 4, there is a mirror 24 that allows the driver to check the vehicle's position, and an electronic parking position indicator light 25 that provides guidance on "go forward," "stop," and "back up."

In addition, multiple sensors 30 are provided at various locations inside the boarding compartment 7 to detect the presence of the vehicle 2 and people inside the boarding compartment 7, as well as the size and parking position of the vehicle 2 (all sensors are simply indicated by the reference numeral 30 in Figure 2). The parking position indicator light 25 provides the driver with information about the vehicle's location based on the vehicle position data detected by each sensor 30.

Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the layout of each sensor 30 (301-320) in the boarding area 7, and Figure 3(b) is a table showing the function of each sensor 301-320. These sensors are arranged in pairs facing each other, with an infrared beam 30a being distributed between them. When this infrared beam is blocked by a vehicle 2, a person, etc., the sensor turns ON, and the detection signal is transmitted to the control device 40 via the entry/exit monitoring control unit 57, which will be described later.

Furthermore, for example, four boarding room cameras 35A-35D are installed to capture images of the interior of the boarding room 7. These boarding room cameras 35A-35D are each attached to a different wall (four sides) of the boarding room 7, with boarding room camera 35A capturing images of the front of the vehicle 2 parked inside the boarding room 7, boarding room camera 35B capturing images of the rear of the vehicle 2, boarding room camera 35C capturing images of the left side of the vehicle 2, and boarding room camera 35D capturing images of the right side of the vehicle 2.

In addition, a control device 40 that controls the entire mechanical parking facility 1 is installed inside or outside the loading area 7. The control device 40 is a device that executes a series of loading and unloading operations using the lift 14, and as will be described later, executes loading and unloading operations while exchanging information with the operation panel 22.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the control panel 22. 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 wants to operate the control panel 22, they unlock it and open the lid 44 to access the control panel 22. Note that the lid may be automatically unlocked as the user approaches, for example, using a transponder provided on a dedicated remote control carried by the user.

The operation panel 22 has a simple configuration, including a touch panel operation screen 45 that allows the user to perform authentication operations and machine operations such as opening and closing the loading/unloading door 4 and starting the lift 14; a reader 46 for reading transponder signals transmitted from portable authentication media such as IC cards and remote controls; a speaker 47 for providing audio guidance to the user on how to operate the device; and an emergency stop button 48.

The operation screen 45 displays a display section 45a such as an operation guide and an input section 45b such as a numeric keypad. These displays are not necessarily displayed in a specific section of the operation screen 45; the entire operation screen 45 may serve as the display section 45a or the input section 45b.

Furthermore, an operator camera 49 is installed inside the housing of the operation panel 22. This operator camera 49 is a camera that captures the face of the user operating the operation screen 45, and the captured image of the user is recorded along with the date and time of operation. If a sign is displayed near the operation panel 22 indicating that the operator is being filmed by this operator camera 49, it can be expected that tasks such as safety checks by users will not become too familiar, and that misuse by outsiders will be effectively prevented.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the control system of this mechanical parking facility 1. The control device 40 is connected to the operation panel 22. The touch-panel operation screen 45 of the operation panel 22 has a display unit 45a and an input unit 45b, as described above. Various information entered by the user through the operation screen 45 is transmitted to the control device 40, and various information sent from the control device 40 is displayed on the operation screen 45.

The control device 40 incorporates an information processing unit 51 that performs machine control, authentication control, screen display/scrolling processing, input information processing, safety confirmation processing, etc., and is connected to a comprehensive database 52. The comprehensive database 52 stores data such as vehicle presence status, pallet shape type, vehicle storage shelf shape type, presence or absence of charging vehicles, charging status, and EV charging data for each pallet.

In addition, the control device 40 is connected to various control units, such as an EV charging control unit 54, a loading/unloading door control unit 55, a conveyor control unit 56, a loading/unloading monitoring control unit 57, a camera control unit 58, an image database 59, a vehicle weight measurement/control unit 61, and a turning drive control unit 62.

The EV charging control unit 54 receives a charging command from the control device 40 to operate the charging device 65, controls charging based on the current value obtained from the charging ammeter 66, and feeds back EV charging status accumulation information to the control device 40.

The loading/unloading door control unit 55 receives operational commands from the control device 40 to open and close the loading/unloading door 4, receives position signals for the loading/unloading door 4 from the loading/unloading door sensor 67, and feeds this information back to the control device 40.

The conveyor control unit 56 receives operational commands from the control device 40 to raise and lower the lift 14 (conveyor) 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 control device 40.

The entry/exit monitoring control unit 57 receives operational commands from the control device 40, receives information from numerous sensors 30 (301-320) installed inside the boarding room 7, such as the presence and location of vehicles and people in the boarding room 7, and feeds this information back to the control device 40.

The camera control unit 58 receives operational commands from the control device 40, causes the multiple boarding room cameras 35A-35D and the operator camera 49 installed inside the boarding room 7 to capture images, and feeds the image information back to the control device 40. This image information is stored in the image database 59 for a predetermined period of time. The image database 59 may also be provided within the general database 52 or on the cloud.

The vehicle weight measurement and control unit 61 receives operational commands from the control device 40, measures the weight of the vehicle mounted on the lift 14 using the vehicle measuring device 69, and feeds this information back to the control device 40 via the vehicle weight sensor 70. This vehicle weight information is used to control the lift 14, etc.

The swivel drive unit control unit 62 receives operation commands from the control device 40 to operate the swivel drive unit 11 (turntable 8), receives a swivel position signal for the turntable 8 from the turntable position sensor 71, and feeds that information back to the control device 40.

The control device 40 receives feedback from each control unit 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, and 62 to operate the mechanical parking facility 1 and also controls the safety confirmation system SCS related to the present invention.

The safety confirmation system SCS allows the user to confirm the safety inside the boarding room 7, and is composed of the operation screen 45 of the operation panel 22, sensors 30 (301-320) installed inside the boarding room 7, four boarding room cameras 35A-35D also installed inside the boarding room 7, and a control device 40.

In this safety confirmation system SCS, when a user checks the safety of the interior of the boarding room 7, the control device 40 displays, on the operation screen 45 of the operation panel 22, real-time image information CI of the interior of the boarding room 7 captured by the boarding room cameras 35A-35D, real-time detection information DI (see Figures 16-18) from the sensors 30 (301-320), and a safety confirmation button (e.g., unmanned confirmation button SB1) that notifies the user that safety inside the boarding room 7 has been confirmed, as shown in Figures 7-10, 16-18, 20-32, etc., and prompts the user to check the image information CI of the interior of the boarding room 7 and the sensor detection information DI, and then press the safety confirmation button.

[Receipt operation]
The flow of operations for parking the vehicle 2 in the mechanical parking facility 1 configured as above will be explained.

First, the user (driver) of vehicle 2 parks vehicle 2 in front of the entrance/exit gate 3, applies the parking brake, gets out of the vehicle, lets any passengers or pets exit the vehicle, and then heads to the control panel 22. Then, the user unlocks the vehicle with a dedicated key or automatically unlocks it using the transponder on the dedicated remote control, and opens the lid 44 of the housing 43. At this point, the first authentication screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the operation screen 45 of the control panel 22, and the hall lights in the boarding area 7 are turned on.

As mentioned above, the operation screen 45 has a display unit 45a and an input unit 45b. In the first authentication screen shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 45a is blank, and the input unit 45b displays the numeric keypad 81 and a guide for entering a PIN number. This guide, as well as other guides (instructions, etc.) described below, are also all transmitted audibly from the speaker 47 shown in FIG. 4. When the user follows this guide and enters their PIN number using the numeric keypad 81, the first authentication is completed, and the operation screen 45 switches to the screen shown in FIG. 7. The display unit 45a of this screen displays the contract number of the authenticated user, as well as the progress of each operation, such as calling, entering, confirming, and closing the door.

As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the operation screen 45 (input section 45b) displays a confirmation screen that prompts the user to confirm that the inside of the boarding room 7 is definitely unoccupied before starting the mechanical parking facility 1 (first safety confirmation operation). That is, the control device 40 displays an unoccupied confirmation button SB1 (safety confirmation button) on the operation screen 45 (input section 45b) along with real-time image information CI of the inside of the boarding room 7 taken by the four boarding room cameras 35A to 35D installed within the boarding room 7. The images taken by the boarding room cameras 35A to 35D are displayed as "front" (Figure 7), "rear" (Figure 8), "left side" (Figure 9), and "right side" (Figure 10), respectively.

The user checks this image information CI one by one within a specified time period, and if no abnormalities are found, presses the unmanned confirmation button SB1. The display on the operation screen 45 may be switched in the following order: Figure 7 → Figure 8 → Figure 9 → Figure 10 each time the unmanned confirmation button SB1 is pressed. Alternatively, the user may be shown Figures 7 through 10 before pressing the unmanned confirmation button SB1 once. Since the boarding compartment 7 is vacant and visibility is good, only one of the four boarding compartment cameras 35A-35D may capture an image of the entire interior of the boarding compartment 7, and the user may confirm the image without switching images. In short, the key is to display real-time image information CI of the interior of the boarding compartment 7 and the unmanned confirmation button SB1 on the operation screen 45 operated by the user, and have the user confirm this and press the unmanned confirmation button SB1. During this confirmation process, the operator camera 49 records the user's face, hands, etc.

In this way, the image information CI of the boarding room 7 and the unmanned confirmation button SB1 are displayed on the operation screen 45 under the prerequisite that none of the numerous sensors 30 (301-320) in the boarding room 7 have detected an error condition within the boarding room 7. An error condition here refers to, for example, when there is a person or obstacle inside the boarding room 7, and it would be dangerous to start the machine as is.

When the user presses the unmanned confirmation button SB1 to confirm that the inside of the boarding room 7 is definitely unmanned and safe, the first safety confirmation operation is completed, and the display on the operation screen 45 changes to the display shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, if the unmanned confirmation button SB1 on each screen is not pressed within a predetermined time (for example, one minute), the screen will return to the first authentication screen shown in Figure 6 (see Figure 6). In other words, the safety confirmation system SCS is controlled so that it will not proceed to the next operation stage unless the user presses the unmanned confirmation button SB1 within the predetermined time.

The next screen shown in Figure 11 asks the user whether they wish to store the item, and the user can select and press either the "Yes" button YB or the "No" button NB. If the "No" button NB is pressed, the screen display will return to the first authentication screen (see Figure 6).

When the "Yes" button YB is pressed, the transportation (calling) of an empty pallet 18 begins. That is, as shown in Figure 1, an empty pallet 18 is removed from a vehicle storage shelf 17 where no vehicle 2 is stored by the lift 14, lowered down along the elevator passage 13, and placed on the turntable 8 (swivel plate 10). The turntable 8 then turns the pallet 18 90 degrees and directs it toward the loading/unloading entrance 3.

The display on the operation screen 45 during this time will be as shown in Figure 12. The display unit 45a shows in countdown form the time until the empty pallet 18 arrives at the loading room 7. At this time, for example, a real-time image of the interior of the loading room 7 may be displayed on the input unit 45b. This can somewhat alleviate the user's discomfort during the waiting time.

When an empty pallet 18 arrives at the boarding compartment 7, as shown in Figure 13, the operation screen 45 displays a message saying "Please enter the compartment," and the loading/unloading door 4 opens automatically. Following this, the user drives the vehicle 2 slowly into the boarding compartment 7 through the loading/unloading entrance 3, drives the vehicle 2 onto the empty pallet 18 placed on the turntable 8, and moves forward. Then, when the parking position indicator light 25 located at the front of the boarding compartment 7 changes from "Go Forward" to "Stop," the user stops the vehicle, applies the parking brake, securely closes and locks the windows and doors, folds the door mirrors, stows the antenna, etc., then gets out of the vehicle and exits the boarding compartment 7.

When vehicle 2 enters the loading/unloading compartment 7 from the loading/unloading entrance 3 in this way, the entry of vehicle 2 is detected by, for example, blocking the infrared beam 30a emitted by the loading/unloading entrance emergency stop sensor 305 and vehicle confirmation sensor (cargo presence sensor) 303 shown in FIG. 3, and the display on the operation screen 45 switches to one that provides information on the stopping position, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The guidance displays shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are similar to the display of the stopping position indicator light 25. The display on these screens and the stopping position indicator light 25 is achieved by detecting the front-to-rear position of vehicle 2 relative to pallet 18 when the infrared beams 30a emitted by the vehicle front sensor 301, vehicle rear sensor 302, etc. shown in FIG. 3 are blocked or transmitted by the front and rear ends of vehicle 2.

If an error condition occurs (or has occurred) in the vehicle 2 on the pallet 18, one of the sensors 30 (301-320) installed at multiple locations inside the boarding compartment 7 will detect the error condition within the boarding compartment 7. At this time, the control device 40 selects from among the four boarding compartment cameras 35A-35D installed inside the boarding compartment 7 the boarding compartment camera 35A-35D that can best capture the error condition detected by the sensor 30 (301-320), and displays the image information CI on the operation screen 45. This is also true during the first safety confirmation operation.

At the same time, the control device 40 displays the real-time detection information DI from the sensors 30 (301-320) along with the image information CI on the operation screen 45, as shown in Figures 16-18.

For example, if the front of a vehicle 2 parked in the boarding area 7 blocks the infrared beam 30a of the vehicle front sensor 301 shown in FIG. 3, causing an error, as shown in FIG. 16, image information CI captured by the boarding area camera 35A, which can capture the front of the vehicle 2, is selected and displayed on the operation screen 45, and a bar-shaped animation DI (detection information) is displayed across the front of the image of the vehicle 2. This animation DI is displayed prominently, for example by flashing. By displaying this animation DI, a user looking at the operation screen 45 can quickly recognize that the vehicle 2 is parked too far forward and correct it.

Furthermore, for example, if the right door of vehicle 2 is open and this door blocks the infrared beam 30a of the door open detection (top) (right) sensor 317B shown in Figure 3, causing an error, as shown in Figure 17, image information CI captured by the boarding compartment camera 35D, which can capture the right side of vehicle 2, is selected and displayed on the operation screen 45, and a bar-shaped animation DI is displayed along the right side of the image of vehicle 2. This allows the user to quickly recognize that the right door of vehicle 2 is open and go to close it immediately.

Furthermore, for example, if vehicle 2 is a mid-roof or high-roof vehicle with a high overall height and the front of the vehicle body is blocking the infrared beam 30a of mid-roof vehicle corner cutting (front) sensor 309 or high-roof vehicle corner cutting (front) sensor 311 shown in FIG. 3, causing an error, as shown in FIG. 18, image information CI captured by boarding room camera 35C, which can capture the left side of vehicle 2, or boarding room camera 35D, which can capture the right side, is selected and displayed on operation screen 45, and an animation DI in the shape of a diagonal bar similar to the actual corner cutting sensor is displayed at the location corresponding to the front of the vehicle body. This lets the user know that parking vehicle 2 is impossible, and they remove vehicle 2 from boarding room 7.

In this way, if the sensor 30 (301-320) detects an error condition in the boarding compartment 7 while the unmanned confirmation button SB1 and image information CI are being displayed, or after the unmanned confirmation button SB1 is pressed, the control device 40 will disable subsequent operations. The control device 40 then notifies the user by displaying a message on the operation screen 45 or by making a sound from the speaker 47 that the user needs to check the boarding compartment 7.

If no error condition has occurred with the vehicle 2 on the pallet 18, the second authentication screen shown in Figure 19 will be displayed on the operation screen 45, and the input section 45b will display the numeric keypad 81 and instructions for entering a PIN number, so the user will once again enter their authentication number using the numeric keypad 81. The purpose of performing this second authentication is to enhance safety by reliably preventing, for example, a situation where a next user arrives while a user is still in the boarding room 7 and closes the loading/unloading door 4 without recognizing that the previous user is still in the boarding room 7.

When the user follows the instructions and enters their PIN number using the numeric keypad 81, the second authentication is completed and the operation screen 45 switches to the screen shown in Figure 20. As shown in Figures 20 to 23, the operation screen 45 (input section 45b) displays a confirmation screen that prompts the user to confirm again that the inside of the boarding compartment 7 is unoccupied before closing the loading/unloading door 4 (second safety confirmation operation).

In other words, similar to the first safety confirmation operation (see Figures 7 to 10), the control device 40 displays the unmanned confirmation button SB2 (safety confirmation button) on the operation screen 45 (input unit 45b) along with real-time image information CI of the interior of the boarding compartment 7 taken by the four boarding compartment cameras 35A to 35D installed within the boarding compartment 7. The images taken by the boarding compartment cameras 35A to 35D are displayed as "front" (Figure 20), "rear" (Figure 21), "left side" (Figure 22), and "right side" (Figure 23), respectively.

The user checks this image information CI one by one, and if there are no abnormalities, presses the unmanned confirmation button SB2. The display order on the operation screen 45 may be such that the screen switches between Figure 20 → Figure 21 → Figure 22 → Figure 23 each time the unmanned confirmation button SB2 is pressed, or the user may be shown Figures 20 through 23 before being prompted to press the unmanned confirmation button SB2 once. The key is to display real-time image information CI of the inside of the boarding compartment 7 and the unmanned confirmation button SB2 on the operation screen 45 operated by the user, and have the user check this and press the unmanned confirmation button SB2. Note that the user's face, hands, etc. are also recorded by the operator camera 49 during this confirmation process.

In this way, the image information CI of the boarding room 7 and the unmanned confirmation button SB2 are displayed on the operation screen 45 under the prerequisite that none of the numerous sensors 30 (301-320) in the boarding room 7 have detected an error condition within the boarding room 7, just as during the first safety confirmation operation.

When the user presses the unmanned confirmation button SB2 to confirm that there are no objects or people other than the vehicle 2 inside the boarding compartment 7 and that it is safe, the second safety confirmation operation is completed and the display on the operation screen 45 changes to the display shown in Figure 24. Furthermore, if the unmanned confirmation button SB2 on each screen is not pressed within a predetermined time (for example, one minute) or if the sensors 30 (301-320) detect an abnormality, the screen will return to the images shown in Figures 16-18 when an error condition is detected.

In the images in Figures 24 to 27, a third safety check operation is performed before the loading/unloading door 4 is closed. As with the first and second safety check operations, the close door button SB3 (safety check button) is displayed on the operation screen 45 (input section 45b) along with real-time image information CI of the inside of the boarding room 7 taken by the four boarding room cameras 35A to 35D installed in the boarding room 7. The images taken by the boarding room cameras 35A to 35D are displayed as "front" (Figure 24), "rear" (Figure 25), "left side" (Figure 26), and "right side" (Figure 27), respectively.

The user checks this image information CI one by one, and if there are no abnormalities, presses the close door button SB3. The display order on the operation screen 45 may be such that the screen switches between Figure 24 → Figure 25 → Figure 26 → Figure 27 each time the close door button SB3 is pressed, or the user may be shown Figures 24 through 27 before pressing the close door button SB3 once. During this checking process, the operator camera 49 records the user's face, hands, etc.

When pressing the close door button SB3 to close the loading/unloading door 4, it is preferable to press and hold the close door button SB3 for a predetermined period of time (for example, one second). This prevents the user from accidentally touching and pressing the close door button SB3 without checking the operation screen 45.

When the user presses the door close button SB3 to confirm that there are no objects or people other than the vehicle 2 inside the boarding area 7 and that it is safe, the third safety confirmation operation is completed and the loading/unloading door 4 begins to close. Accordingly, the display on the operation screen 45 changes to the displays shown in Figures 28 to 31.

While the loading/unloading door 4 is closed, a fourth safety check operation is performed, as shown in Figures 28 to 31. Here, as with the first to third safety check operations, the door reversal button SB4 (safety check button) is displayed along with real-time image information CI of the interior of the boarding compartment 7 taken by the four boarding compartment cameras 35A to 35D installed within the boarding compartment 7. The images taken by the boarding compartment cameras 35A to 35D are displayed as "front" (Figure 28), "rear" (Figure 29), "left side" (Figure 30), and "right side" (Figure 31), respectively.

The user checks this image information CI one by one, and if there are no particular abnormalities, there is no need to press the door reverse button SB4. If any abnormalities are found, pressing the door reverse button SB4 will cause the loading/unloading door 4 to reverse (reopen the door). In this case, control is returned to the second safety confirmation operation stage shown in Figure 20. After the entry is complete, an image of the inside of the boarding compartment 7 is displayed for a while (for example, 10 seconds), as shown in Figure 32. If there are no abnormalities, the entry is complete. If the next user wishes to start entry during this time, they press the reservation button RB displayed in the upper right corner of the operation screen 45. This will change the display on the operation screen 45 to the first authentication screen shown in Figure 6.

If, at any point during the above-described loading operation flow, one of the sensors 30 (301-320) detects an error condition in the loading/unloading room 7, the loading/unloading door 4 is opened and the operation screen 45 is returned to the images shown in Figures 16-18. In this case, the user looks at the operation screen 45 to determine the nature of the error condition, enter the loading/unloading room 7 to resolve the error condition, and start the operation again from the second safety confirmation operation shown in Figure 19.

[Issuance operation]
The process for bringing vehicle 2 into the warehouse will not be explained in detail, but the user first performs the first authentication, then calls the pallet 18 carrying the vehicle 2 to be removed to the loading room 7, and when the loading/unloading door 4 opens, enters the loading room 7, gets into vehicle 2, and removes vehicle 2 from the loading room 7.

After vehicle 2 is removed, the driver disembarks from vehicle 2 and heads to the operation panel 22, where they first perform the second authentication. Next, similar to the second safety confirmation operation during the storage operation, they perform a safety check while looking at the image information CI displayed on the operation screen 45 to confirm that no one is inside the boarding compartment 7.

Next, the operator performs a safety check similar to the third safety check performed during the loading operation, closes the loading/unloading door 4, and while the loading/unloading door 4 is closed, performs a safety check similar to the fourth safety check performed during the loading operation, and then watches the loading/unloading door 4 close, completing the unloading operation. During this series of confirmation operations, the operator camera 49 records the user's face, hands, etc.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the control flow (control method) during the first to fourth safety confirmation operations described above.
After the safety confirmation control is started, in step S1, an authentication screen shown in Fig. 6 or 19 is displayed. Note that this step is omitted in the third and fourth safety confirmation operations.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether user authentication was successful. If user authentication is unsuccessful (S2 → NO), the process returns to step S1. If user authentication is successful (S2 → YES), the process proceeds to step S3, where image information CI of the boarding compartment 7 and safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 are displayed.

Next, in step S4, it is determined whether a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed. The user must press one of the safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 during this predetermined time. If the predetermined time has elapsed (S4 → YES), the process returns to step S1; if the predetermined time has not elapsed (S4 → NO), the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, it is determined whether any of the safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 have been pressed. If they have been pressed (S5 → YES), the process proceeds to step S6; if they have not been pressed (S5 → NO), the process returns to step S4.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not an error condition has been detected in the boarding compartment 7 by the sensors 30 (301-320). If an error condition has not been detected (S6 → NO), the process proceeds to step S7, the next operation step is executed, and safety confirmation control ends. Furthermore, if an error condition has been detected in the boarding compartment 7 (S6 → YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, a camera capable of capturing an error condition is selected from the four boarding room cameras 35A-35D installed inside the boarding room 7. Next, in step S9, image information CI from the selected camera and detection information DI from the sensor are displayed on the operation screen 45 (see Figures 16-18). Then, in step S10, an instruction is given to check the inside of the boarding room 7, after which the process returns to step S3. The user enters the boarding room 7, confirms and resolves the error condition, checks the image information CI displayed on the operation screen 45, and then repeats the operation of pressing the safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4.

Incidentally, when a user enters or leaves the parking space 7, a sensor is used to confirm the user's entry and exit.
As shown in Fig. 3, a vehicle rear sensor 302 and an entrance/exit emergency stop sensor 305 are arranged inside the passenger entry room 7 so that two infrared beams 30a (detection lines) cross the vicinity of the entrance/exit gate 3. The infrared beam 30a of the vehicle rear sensor 302 is on the far side, and the infrared beam 30a of the entrance/exit emergency stop sensor 305 is on the near side (outside).

Then, in the control device 40, as shown in Figure 34, the entrance/exit emergency stop sensor 305 at the front side is first shaded and turns ON, and then the vehicle rear sensor 302 at the back side is shaded and turns ON, at which point the on-site manned signal turns ON and it is determined that a user has entered the premises.
Also, as shown in Figure 35, the vehicle rear sensor 302 at the back is first blocked by light and turns ON, and then the entrance/exit emergency stop sensor 305 at the front is blocked by light and turns ON, at which point the on-site manned signal turns OFF and it is determined that the user has left the premises.

As described above, the safety confirmation system SCS and safety confirmation method according to this embodiment are characterized by displaying, on the touch panel operation screen 45 operated by the user, real-time image information CI captured by the boarding room cameras 35A-35D, along with safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4 that notify the user that they have confirmed the safety of the boarding room 7.

In this way, image information CI for the inside of the boarding room is displayed on the operation screen 45, allowing the user to reliably view this image information CI and confirm the safety of the boarding room 7. This prevents people, pets, etc. from remaining inside the boarding room 7, thereby increasing the safety of the mechanical parking facility 1.

If image information about the inside of the boarding compartment 7 is displayed on a monitor or the like installed separately from the operation screen 45, the image may not be clearly visible due to factors such as sunlight reflection. Furthermore, the user must look away from the operation screen 45 to check the monitor, which reduces operability. In contrast, if image information CI about the inside of the boarding compartment 7 is displayed on the operation screen 45 as in this embodiment, the user can clearly see the image information CI because the operation screen 45 is generally angled so that it is not affected by sunlight.

In addition, this safety confirmation system SCS and safety confirmation method displays real-time detection information (animation DI) from the sensors 30 (301-320) on the operation screen 45, along with image information CI and safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4. This allows the user to check the sensor detection information DI along with image information CI from the boarding compartment 7 when operating the safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4 on the operation screen 45. This makes it possible to recognize error situations that are difficult to identify using image information CI alone, making it easier to deal with error situations and further improving safety.

Furthermore, with this safety confirmation system SCS and safety confirmation method, when the user confirms the safety inside the boarding room 7 (first to fourth safety confirmation operations), provided that the sensors 30 (301 to 320) do not detect an error condition inside the boarding room 7, the safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 are displayed on the operation screen 45 along with image information CI, and the system is controlled so that it will not proceed to the next operation stage unless one of these safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 is pressed.

As a result, the user cannot proceed to the next operation stage until they confirm the image information CI of the boarding room 7 displayed on the operation screen 45 and press one of the safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4. This ensures that the user can perform a safety check inside the boarding room 7, further increasing safety.

In addition, in this safety confirmation system SCS, four boarding room cameras 35A-35D are installed in four different locations within the boarding room 7, and the control device 40 displays four pieces of image information CI from these four boarding room cameras 35A-35D on the operation screen 45, allowing the user to check them one by one and press safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4. This eliminates blind spots within the boarding room 7, further improving safety.

Furthermore, in this safety confirmation system SCS, multiple sensors 30 (301-320) are installed at multiple locations within the boarding room 7, and if any of these sensors detects an error condition within the boarding room 7, the control device 40 selects one of the four boarding room cameras 35A-35D installed within the boarding room 7 that is capable of capturing the error condition, and displays the image information CI on the operation screen 45. This allows the user operating the operation screen 45 to reliably recognize the error condition within the boarding room 7, thereby increasing safety.

In addition, with this safety confirmation system SCS and safety confirmation method, if any of the sensors 30 (301-320) detects an error condition within the boarding compartment 7 while the safety confirmation buttons SB1-SB4 or image information CI are displayed on the operation screen 45, or after a safety confirmation button SB1-SB4 is pressed, subsequent operations are invalidated.

In this way, the detection of an error condition by sensors 30 (301-320) takes priority over safety confirmation by the user, and subsequent operations are disabled. This prevents the mechanical parking facility 1 from starting up without the error condition being confirmed and repaired, further improving safety.

In addition, this safety confirmation system SCS uses an operator camera 49 installed near the operation screen 45 to capture an image of the face of the user operating the operation screen 45, and records the image along with the date and time of operation.

In this way, by recording the face of the user operating the operation screen 45 and the date and time of operation, it becomes easier to verify the cause in the unlikely event of an accident or malfunction. In addition, since the user is aware that they are being photographed, this has the effect of discouraging familiar operations (such as proxy operations).

Note that it is not necessary for the operator camera 49 to capture the user's face from start to finish. For example, the operator may capture a photo of the user when the user presses one of the safety confirmation buttons SB1 to SB4 on the operation screen 45.

In addition, this safety confirmation system SCS arranges sensors 302, 305 inside the boarding room 7 so that multiple infrared beams 30a cross the area near the entrance/exit gate 3, and determines whether a user has entered or left the boarding room 7 based on the order in which the infrared beams 30a of these sensors 302, 305 are blocked. This ensures that the user's entry and exit status can be detected reliably, enhancing safety.

Furthermore, with this safety confirmation system SCS, when a user performs an operation to close the loading/unloading door 4, a close door button SB3 is displayed on the operation screen 45 along with image information CI, and the user is prompted to press and hold the close door button SB3 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second) while viewing the image information CI, thereby closing the loading/unloading door 4.

In this way, the loading/unloading door 4 will not close unless the close door button SB3 is pressed and held down, preventing the user from accidentally touching and pressing the close door button SB3 without checking the operation screen 45, ensuring safety checks and avoiding danger.

In addition, in this safety confirmation system SCS, while the loading/unloading door 4 is closing, a door reversal button SB4 is displayed on the operation screen 45 together with image information CI, and when the user presses this door reversal button SB4, the loading/unloading door 4 that is currently closing opens.
As a result, even after the user has pressed the door close button SB3 and the loading/unloading door 4 has started to close, if an error condition in the boarding room 7 is displayed on the operation screen 45, the user can press the door reversal button SB4 to reopen the loading/unloading door 4 and avoid danger.

Furthermore, according to the mechanical parking facility 1 equipped with the safety confirmation system SCS configured as described above, the user can operate the operation screen 45 while reliably checking the images from the four boarding room cameras 35A to 35D installed in the boarding room 7.
Therefore, the user can check on the operation screen 45 if there is an error situation such as a person or pet remaining inside the boarding area 7 or the door of the parked vehicle 2 being open, thereby avoiding danger and increasing safety.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such modified and improved embodiments are also considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example, while the above explanation uses an elevator-type mechanical parking facility as an example, the safety confirmation system of the present invention is not limited to elevator-type facilities and can be widely applied to all types of mechanical parking facility equipment, including vertical circulation, horizontal reciprocation, and horizontal circulation.

1 Mechanical parking facility 3 Entrance/exit gate 4 Entrance/exit door 7 Boarding room 14 Lift (transport machine)
30 Sensor 30a Infrared beam (sensor detection line)
35A to 35D: Boarding room camera 40; Control device 45; Operation screen 49; Operator camera CI; Image information DI in the boarding room; Sensor detection information SB1; Unmanned confirmation button (safety confirmation button)
SB2 Unmanned confirmation button (safety confirmation button)
SB3 Door close button (safety check button)
SB4 Door reversal button (safety check button)
SCS Safety Confirmation System

Claims (9)

Boarding room and
A sensor provided in the boarding compartment;
An entrance/exit door for opening and closing the entrance/exit gate of the boarding room ;
an operation panel operated by a user;
a control means ;
Equipped with
The control means
When the loading/unloading door is open and user authentication information is input from the operation panel , user authentication is performed based on the input authentication information;
After the user authentication is successful, it is determined whether or not a safety confirmation input for the boarding compartment is input from the operation panel;
After the safety confirmation of the boarding room is input from the operation panel , the closing of the entrance/exit door is started,
If an error condition in the boarding compartment is detected by any of the sensors between the time the user authentication is successful and the time the entrance/exit door is closed, the mechanical parking facility notifies the user of the error condition, then provides guidance to the user to input authentication information, and performs the user authentication again . The mechanical parking facility according to claim 1, wherein the control means provides guidance to the user to input authentication information, provided that the sensor does not detect an error condition in the boarding compartment . 3. The mechanical parking facility according to claim 1, wherein the control means closes the entrance/exit door after the user inputs a command to close the door . a reversal instruction means operable by a person during the closing operation of the loading/unloading door;
A mechanical parking facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the reversal instruction means is operated by a person , the control means opens the entrance/exit door that is in the closing operation and provides guidance to the user to re-enter authentication information . a reversal instruction means operable by a person during the closing operation of the loading/unloading door;
A mechanical parking facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the reversal instruction means is operated by a person , the control means opens the entrance/exit door that is in the closing operation , provides guidance to the user to input authentication information again, and then provides guidance to the user to input the safety confirmation . A boarding room camera that photographs the interior of the boarding room;
a display means for displaying an image captured by the boarding room camera;
A mechanical parking facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: 7. The mechanical parking facility according to claim 6 , wherein the display means is provided on the operation panel. A safety confirmation method for a mechanical parking facility including a boarding room, a sensor provided in the boarding room, and an entrance/exit door that opens and closes the entrance/exit gate of the boarding room,
a step of performing user authentication based on the input authentication information when the user authentication information is input while the loading/unloading door is open;
a step of determining whether or not the user has input a safety confirmation for the boarding compartment after the user authentication has been successful;
a step of closing the entrance/exit door after the user inputs a safety confirmation for the inside of the entrance/exit compartment;
A method for confirming the safety of mechanical parking facilities, in which a computer executes a step of performing the user authentication again if any of the sensors detects an error condition in the boarding compartment between the time the user authentication is successful and the time the door closes. A program for confirming the safety of mechanical parking facilities, which causes a computer to execute the method for confirming the safety of mechanical parking facilities according to claim 8 .