JP2005049985A - Parking space reservation system, compound machine, server, parking space reservation method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience for a user when using a parking space. <P>SOLUTION: In this parking space reservation system 1 connected with a compound machine 100, a server 200 and a parking space terminal 300 each other via a communication network 10, the server 200 acquires and accumulates time to time unoccupied conditions in respective parking spaces. The compound machine 100 inquires a condition input by the user to the server 200, and acquires parking space information conformed to the condition input from the server 200 to be displayed on a display part. The compound machine 100 transmits a reservation request of the parking space to the server 200, in response to the user input. The server 200 updates a database in response to the reservation request from the compound machine 100, and transmits prescribed identification information to the compound machine 100 and the parking space terminal 300. The compound machine 100 issues a parking ticket used in the parking space, using the identification information from the server 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a parking lot reservation system, a multifunction peripheral, a server, a parking lot reservation method, and a program, and in particular, a parking lot reservation system, a multifunction peripheral, a server, a parking lot reservation method, and a program for improving user convenience. Regarding the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers are widely used in offices and the like, and in recent years, printer functions, copy functions, facsimile functions, scanner functions, etc. are realized by a single apparatus, as shown in FIG. Multifunction machines are widely used.
[0003]
The functions of such multi-function peripherals are expanding. For example, a multi-function peripheral and a predetermined server are connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and various functions can be achieved through their cooperation. A system that performs functions efficiently has also been realized. For example, a technique has been realized in which when a document file is transmitted from a client terminal connected to a LAN to a server, the document file is transferred from the server to the multifunction peripheral and transmitted by facsimile (for example, Patent Document 1). That is, it can be said that the function is dramatically expanded by connecting the multifunction peripheral to the network and cooperating with other computers. As a result, it has become possible to use not only in offices but also in a wider range of fields.
[0004]
Conventionally, multifunction devices have been installed in commercial facilities such as convenience stores and public facilities such as libraries and can be used by the public. In such a usage mode, it is considered that a variety of services can be provided to many people by installing a multifunction device having various functions as described above.
[0005]
On the other hand, a parking lot called a “coin parking lot” is particularly useful in urban areas due to a lack of parking lots due to overcrowding of cities. However, these coin parking lots are often built on surplus land or the like, and as a result, there are many small-scale parking lots with few accommodations. Therefore, the vehicle is often full, and it is difficult for the user of the automobile to find an appropriate parking lot at the destination. In view of such problems, for example, services for providing parking lot information to mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones have been realized.
[0006]
However, in order to receive such a service, user registration is often required. When a plurality of services are provided, it is necessary to register each service. In addition, since the display screen of a mobile phone or the like is generally small, it is difficult to understand even if the search result of the parking lot is displayed, which is inconvenient. In addition, such services only provide parking location and vacancy information, so if you visit the parking lot after checking the vacancy information, it may become full during that time. It was not right. That is, according to the conventional method, it is not possible to make a reservation for the coin parking lot.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-126539
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve convenience for users and the like by making reservations for parking lots using a multifunction machine installed in a convenience store or the like.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a parking lot reservation system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
A parking lot reservation system comprising a publicly available multifunction device connected via a communication network,
The MFP is
Through the communication network, obtain information about the predetermined parking lot at any time,
Output the acquired information to be usable by the user,
Reserving the parking lot according to the user's input,
It is characterized by that.
[0010]
In the parking reservation system,
When the multifunction machine reserves the parking lot, it charges the parking fee of the parking lot,
Also,
It is desirable to issue a parking ticket for the parking lot according to the billing.
[0011]
The above parking reservation system
It is desirable to further comprise a server connected to the communication network, in this case,
The server acquires and accumulates information on the predetermined parking lot as needed via the communication network,
It is desirable that the multifunction device acquires at least information related to the predetermined parking lot from the server via the communication network.
[0012]
In order to achieve the above object, a multifunction machine according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
A multi-function machine that is connected to a communication network and is made available to the public.
Via the communication network to obtain information about a predetermined parking lot;
Presenting the acquired information to the user;
In response to an input from the user, information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted via the communication network,
Accept the parking fee of the reserved parking lot,
In response to receiving the parking fee, issue a parking ticket for the parking lot,
It is characterized by that.
[0013]
The MFP is
Based on the acquired information, present at least information indicating the location of the predetermined parking lot and the reservationable parking position in the parking lot,
It is desirable to issue a parking ticket including the presented information.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, a server according to the third aspect of the present invention provides:
A server connected to a plurality of publicly available MFPs via a communication network,
Parking space information accumulating means for acquiring information regarding a predetermined parking lot as needed via the communication network and accumulating in association with information regarding the multifunction device,
In response to a request from the multifunction device, a predetermined parking lot information is selected from the parking lot information storage unit, and a parking lot information providing unit is provided to the multifunction device via the communication network;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting information for reserving the predetermined parking lot to the parking lot via the communication network in response to a request from the multifunction machine;
It is characterized by providing.
[0015]
In the server,
The parking lot information accumulating means acquires information on the parking ticket of the predetermined parking lot issued by the multi-function machine from the multi-function machine via the communication network, records it in association with the information on the parking lot,
It is desirable that the reservation information transmitting means provides information relating to the issued parking ticket to a computer device of the parking lot connected to the communication network.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, a parking lot reservation method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes:
A method of reserving a parking lot using a multifunction device installed for public use,
For a given parking lot, at least acquiring and storing information indicating the availability of each parking lot for each parking area at any time; and
Inputting information on a desired parking lot into the multifunction device;
Searching the stored information based on the input information, and selecting a parking lot that meets the user's request;
Outputting information about the selected parking lot from the multifunction device;
Inputting information for reserving an empty parking area of the parking lot into the multifunction machine;
In response to the input of the reservation information, using the multifunction device, charging the user with a parking fee and issuing a parking ticket for the parking lot;
Transmitting the information for reserving the parking area to the parking lot via the communication network, and reserving the parking area;
It is characterized by providing.
[0017]
In the step of outputting the information regarding the selected parking lot, it is desirable to output image information indicating the location of the parking lot and the reserved parking area.
[0018]
In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is:
A computer is caused to function as the server.
[0019]
According to the invention as described above, a parking lot such as a coin parking lot can be reserved and a parking fee can be paid using a multi-function machine installed in a convenience store or the like.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a “parking lot reservation system” according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a parking lot reservation system 1 that reserves a coin parking lot using a multifunction machine installed in a convenience store will be described as an example. In this case, while providing a multifunction machine, the business entity that manages and operates the parking lot reservation system 1 (hereinafter referred to as “business entity R”), the business entity that operates the convenience store, and each coin parking lot It is assumed that the parking lot reservation system 1 is operated by making a contract in advance with a business entity that manages the parking lot.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a parking lot reservation system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multifunction device 100, a server 200, and a parking lot terminal 300 that are interconnected via a communication network 10.
[0023]
The communication network 10 is a communication network such as the Internet based on a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).
[0024]
The multi-function device 100 has at least a printer function and a copy function, and is installed in a store of a predetermined convenience store. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a parking ticket for a parking lot can be issued by the printer function of the multifunction peripheral 100. In other words, it is possible to print on a normal copy sheet or the like and, for example, to print a parking ticket composed of a magnetic card or the like and to perform magnetic recording.
[0025]
The configuration of such a multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.
[0026]
As illustrated, the multi-function device 100 includes a main body 101 and a peripheral device 102.
[0027]
The main body 101 provides the main functions of the multifunction peripheral 100. In this embodiment, the main body 101 provides at least a copy function and a printer function. The functional configuration of the main body 101 will be described later. In addition, the external configuration of the main body 101 includes an operation panel 121 including an operation button group, a display unit 122 configured on the operation panel 121, and the like, and receives input from a user and displays predetermined information. To do. The display unit 122 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and is configured to allow input by a user directly touching the screen.
[0028]
The peripheral device 102 is for realizing an auxiliary function when the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed so as to be publicly available as in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the depositing unit 103, the parking ticket issuing, Machine 104.
[0029]
The depositing unit 103 normally accepts coins as a copy fee. That is, the operation of the main body 101 is controlled in accordance with the receipt of money by the deposit unit 103 and the amount of money. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the depositing unit 103 receives a parking fee for a parking lot reserved by each process described later.
[0030]
The parking ticket issuing machine 104 issues a parking ticket to be used in a parking lot reserved by each process described later. In the present embodiment, for example, a magnetic card having a magnetic recording area is used as a parking ticket. Therefore, it is assumed that the parking ticket issuing machine 104 includes a reading device that performs magnetic recording. Also, it has a printing function for performing predetermined printing on the ticket surface of the parking ticket. For example, printing is performed on the ticket surface of a parking ticket by a thermal transfer method or an ultraviolet irradiation method. Note that this printing function may be performed by the image forming unit 160 of the main body 101.
[0031]
The peripheral device 102 and the main body 101 are connected via a predetermined interface, and operate by communicating control information with each other. For example, when depositing, the depositing unit 103 controls the operation of the main body 101 according to the depositing operation and the amount, and when the parking ticket is found, the main unit 101 provides predetermined information to the parking ticket issuing unit to perform the ticketing operation. Control.
[0032]
Next, the internal configuration of the main body 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the main body 101 in the multifunction peripheral 100.
[0033]
As illustrated, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 110, a user interface (I / F) 120, a network interface (I / F) 130, a paper feed / discharge unit 140, an image input unit 150, and image formation. Unit 160 and storage unit 170.
[0034]
The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a predetermined storage device (for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.), and the like. Control each part.
[0035]
The user interface 120 controls the operation panel 121, the display unit 122, and the like, and performs input to the control unit 110 and output of predetermined information.
[0036]
The network interface 130 includes a predetermined NIC (Network Interface Card) and a communication device such as a router, and connects the multifunction peripheral 100 and the communication network 10.
[0037]
The paper supply / discharge unit 140 includes, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a sorter, a finisher, an internal paper feed mechanism, and the like, and a document that is captured by the copy function, and paper that is output by the copy function and the printer function. The paper is fed and discharged.
[0038]
The image input unit 150 is composed of an optical reader such as a scanner, and optically reads a document captured by the copy function and converts it into predetermined image data.
[0039]
The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, a laser printer engine, and prints a document output by a copy function and a printer function. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that it is possible to print a predetermined parking ticket in addition to normal copy paper. Further, it is assumed that a reading device for performing magnetic recording on the parking ticket is provided.
[0040]
The storage unit 170 is configured by a rewritable storage device such as a hard disk device, for example, and stores image data captured by the copy function and information acquired via the communication network 10. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the parking lot information acquired from the server 200 is accumulated.
[0041]
Returning to FIG. 1, another configuration of the parking lot reservation system 1 will be described.
The server 200 is constituted by an information processing apparatus such as a mainframe, a workstation, or a PC server (IA server), for example. The server 200 is operated by the business entity R, and based on a predetermined contract, a convenience store in which the multifunction machine 100 used in the parking lot reservation system is installed, and a parking lot that provides information on the availability of the parking lot It is assumed that the operator has registered various information in the server 200 in advance. The configuration of such a server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server 200. As illustrated, the server 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication control unit 220, an input control unit 230, an output control unit 240, a program storage unit 250, and a database (DB) unit 260. .
[0043]
The control unit 210 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a predetermined storage device (RAM (Random Access Memory)) serving as a work area, and controls each unit of the server 200 and a program. Each process described later is executed based on a predetermined operation program stored in the storage unit 250.
[0044]
The communication control unit 220 includes, for example, a predetermined communication device such as a predetermined NIC or a router, and connects the server 200 and the communication network 10 to communicate with the multifunction device 100 and the parking lot terminal 300.
[0045]
For example, the input control unit 230 connects a predetermined input device 23 such as a keyboard or a pointing device, receives an instruction to the control unit 210 input from the input device 23, and transmits the instruction to the control unit 210.
[0046]
The output control unit 240 connects a predetermined output device 24 such as a display device or a printer, and outputs the processing result of the control unit 210 to the output device 24 as necessary.
[0047]
The program storage unit 250 includes a predetermined storage device such as a hard disk device or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores various operation programs executed by the control unit 210. The program storage unit 250 stores “operating system (OS)” as well as the following programs, for example.
(1) “Communication program”: a program for controlling the communication control unit 220 and communicating with the multifunction peripheral 100 and the parking lot terminal 300 via the communication network 10.
(2) “DB control program”: a program for performing input / output control and predetermined search of the database unit 260
(3) “Parking lot information acquisition program”: A program that cooperates with the communication program to acquire and update the availability information of each parking lot from the parking lot terminal 300 as needed.
[0048]
The database unit 260 includes, for example, a predetermined rewritable storage device such as a hard disk device. As shown in FIG. , And so on. Examples of information recorded in each database will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0049]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the parking lot information DB 261. As shown in the figure, in the parking lot information DB 261, a record having a “parking lot code” uniquely assigned to each parking lot as a primary key is created. Information indicating “code”, “lane No.”, “unit price”, and “situation” is recorded.
[0050]
“Parking lot name” is information indicating the name of the parking lot. The “region code” is a coded display of the location of the parking lot. “Lane No.” indicates a parking lane (parking area) of the parking lot. For example, when the number of parking spaces is 3, the parking lane No. Becomes “1” to “3”. “Unit price” indicates a unit price for each lane, for example, a usage fee per hour. “Situation” indicates whether or not each lane is parked, and is “ON” when parked in the lane, and “empty” when parked. The presence / absence of parking is detected by the above-described sensor, and the server 200 is acquired from each parking lot terminal 300 through the communication network 10 as needed.
[0051]
In the store information DB 262, information (hereinafter referred to as “store information”) relating to a convenience store (hereinafter referred to as “store”) in which the multifunction peripheral 100 constituting the parking lot reservation system 1 is installed is recorded. An example of information recorded in the store information DB 262 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the store information DB 262, a record having a “store code” uniquely assigned to each store as a main key is created, and each record has “store name”, “region code”, “ "Multifunction machine code", "jurisdiction parking lot code", etc. are recorded.
[0052]
“Store name” is information indicating the name of the convenience store. The “region code” is information indicating the location of the store in a coded manner. The “multifunction device code” is identification information indicating the multifunction device 100 installed in the store, and is uniquely assigned to each multifunction device 100. The “jurisdiction parking lot code” indicates a parking lot around the store, and is associated with the “parking lot code” recorded in the parking lot information DB 261.
[0053]
In the reservation information DB 263, information related to the parking lot reservation performed by the parking lot reservation system 1 according to the present embodiment is recorded. An example of information recorded in the reservation information DB 263 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the reservation information DB 263, a record having a “reservation code” uniquely assigned to each reservation as a primary key is created, and each record has a “store code” and a “multifunction device code”. , “Ticketing code”, “parking lot code”, “(vehicle) number”, “lane No.”, “reservation date”, and the like are recorded.
[0054]
The “store code” indicates the store where the MFP 100 that made the reservation is installed, and is associated with the “store code” recorded in the store information DB 262. The “multifunction machine code” indicates the multifunction machine 100 that has made a reservation, and is associated with the “multifunction machine code” recorded in the store information DB 262. The “ticketing code” is identification information uniquely assigned to the parking ticket issued by the multifunction device 100. “(Number of vehicles)” is information indicating the number of vehicles parked by the reservation. “Lane No.” is information indicating a reserved lane. “Reservation date / time” is information indicating the reserved parking date / time.
[0055]
In the image information DB 264, image data output from the multifunction device 100 at the time of reservation is recorded. An example of information recorded in the image information DB 264 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the image information DB 264, a record having “parking lot code” as a main key is created, and “map data”, “schedule data”, and the like are recorded in each record. The “parking lot code” is associated with the “parking lot code” recorded in the parking lot information DB 261. “Map data” is image data indicating a map around the parking lot indicated by the parking lot code. “Sketch data” is image data indicating a sketch for indicating the parking lane of the parking lot.
[0056]
The information recorded in each of the above databases is automatically updated when the server 200 constantly communicates with the multifunction peripheral 100 and the parking lot terminal 300 in addition to being input at the time of contract.
[0057]
The parking lot terminal 300 is composed of, for example, an information processing terminal device such as a personal computer (PC), and is installed in each coin parking lot constituting the parking lot reservation system 1 and used for management of the parking lot. The The parking lot terminal 300 is connected to the communication network 10. That is, the parking lot terminal 300 has a configuration that can be connected to the communication network 10 by including a communication device such as a predetermined NIC or a router, for example, so that the MFP 100 and the server 200 can be connected via the communication network 10. Communicate with. In the coin parking lot in the present embodiment, for example, a parking ticket reading device, a gate opening / closing device, a car stop, various display devices, and the like are installed, and these can be operated unattended. Suppose there is. And the parking lot terminal 300 concerning this Embodiment is electrically connected with these each apparatus, Control of these apparatuses based on the information provided from the server 200, the information read from a parking ticket, etc. Shall be performed. In addition, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle is installed in each parking area in the parking lot, and the parking lot terminal 300 is electrically connected to these sensors, so It is assumed that it is always grasped. Further, it is assumed that a predetermined storage unit (such as a hard disk device) is provided and has a function of storing information provided from the server 200 and creating a database.
[0058]
Next, operation | movement of the parking lot reservation system 1 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, in each of the following embodiments, the control unit 210 of the server 200 constantly executes the “parking lot information acquisition program”, thereby indicating information indicating the availability of each parking lot (hereinafter referred to as “the parking lot information acquisition program”). It is assumed that “parking lot information” is acquired from the parking lot terminal 300 at any time via the communication network 10.
[0059]
Next, “parking lot reservation processing” for reserving a parking lot by using the parking lot reservation system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This “parking lot reservation process” indicates that “reserve parking lot” is selected from the “service selection screen” displayed on the display unit 122 of the multifunction peripheral 100 as shown in FIG. It starts when triggered. It is assumed that this “service selection screen” is displayed while the MFP 100 is on standby. In the server 200, each program stored in the program storage unit 250 is executed, and thereby, the following operations are executed.
[0060]
First, the control unit 110 of the MFP 100 controls the user interface 120 to display an “input screen” as shown in FIG. 11B on the display unit 122 (step S101).
[0061]
The user inputs desired reservation conditions by operating the display unit 122. Here, for example, information such as the parking start date and time, the number of vehicles to be parked, and the date and time of leaving the vehicle are input. When the input is completed, the control unit 110 of the MFP 100 controls the network interface 130, and the input information, the MFP code assigned to the MFP 100, and the MFP 100 are installed. The store code of the convenience store (hereinafter referred to as “input information”) is transmitted to the server 200 via the communication network 10 (step S102).
[0062]
In the server 200, when input information is received from the multifunction device 100 (step S103), the database unit 260 is searched based on the received information, and a parking lot that meets the conditions input by the user is selected. The control unit 210 of the server 200 controls the communication control unit 220 to transmit information indicating the selected parking lot (hereinafter referred to as “parking lot information”) to the multi-function device 100 via the communication network 10 (step S100). S104).
[0063]
Here, when the scheduled parking start date and time is “immediately”, the control unit 210 performs the following selection operation. First, the jurisdiction parking lot code of the store is extracted from the store information DB 262 based on the store code included in the input information. That is, a parking lot around the store is first selected. Next, it accesses the parking lot information DB 261, refers to the parking lot information corresponding to the extracted parking lot code, selects and selects a parking lot in which the number of lanes more than the planned number of parking lots is “empty”. Various information related to parking is acquired and transmitted to the multifunction device 100. On the other hand, when the scheduled parking start date and time is designated, first, a parking lot around the store is selected by the same process as described above, and then based on the parking code of the selected parking lot and the inputted scheduled parking start date and time information. The reservation information DB 263 is referred to, and a parking lot that can be parked at the parking start date and time is selected.
[0064]
When receiving the parking lot information from the server 200, the multifunction peripheral 100 displays the parking lot information on the display unit 122 as shown in FIG. 11C (step S105). As shown in the drawing, the information on the selected parking lots based on the received parking lot information is displayed as a list on the display unit 122 of the multifunction device 100 as a “search result” screen. Here, for example, information such as a parking lot name, a reservable parking lane, a unit price, etc. are shown for each parking lot, and a “view detailed information” button is arranged. The user can see a map and a floor plan of the parking lot by selecting a “view detailed information” button for the desired parking lot from the list. That is, when the “view detailed information” button is selected, the multifunction peripheral 100 transmits the parking lot code of the parking lot and information requesting detailed information to the server 200. The server 200 searches the image information DB 264 based on the received parking lot code, acquires image information associated with the parking lot code, and transmits the image information to the multi-function device 100. Here, the control part 210 processes the image information of the floor plan acquired so that the lane which can be reserved in the said parking lot is specified.
[0065]
When receiving the image information indicating the map and the floor plan from the server 200, the multi-function device 100 displays it as “detailed information” on the display unit 122 as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the display unit 122 displays a surrounding map of the parking lot and a sketch of the parking lot. In the floor plan, for example, reservable lanes are displayed in an identifiable manner by reverse display or highlight display.
[0066]
As shown in the figure, a “return” button and a “reserve” button are arranged on the “detailed information” screen. When the user looks at the detailed information and does not wish to reserve the parking lot, the user selects the “Return” button, and the “search result” screen shown in FIG. The On the other hand, when the user wishes to reserve the parking lot, the “Reserve” button is selected (step S106: Yes).
[0067]
When the “Reserve” button is selected, the control unit 110 of the multi-function peripheral 100 calculates “scheduled parking time” based on the input parking start date and time and scheduled delivery date and time information. Then, a charge is calculated based on the scheduled parking time information, the input vehicle number information, and the acquired unit price information. The control unit 110 displays the calculated fee on the display unit 122 and a message prompting the depositing unit 103 to input the fee. When the user inserts money equivalent to the fee into the depositing unit 103, the depositing unit 103 notifies the control unit 110 to that effect. Thereby, the control unit 110 determines that the fee has been paid (step S107: Yes), and transmits information requesting reservation of the parking lot (hereinafter referred to as “reservation information”) to the server 200 (step S108). ).
[0068]
If the “Reserve” button is canceled without being selected (step S106: No), or if the depositing unit 103 has not received a deposit (step S107: No), this processing ends.
[0069]
In the server 200, when the communication control unit 220 receives reservation information from the multi-function device 100, the control unit 210 accesses the database unit 260 and updates each database based on the received reservation information (step S109). More specifically, a reservation code for the reservation is assigned and a new record is created in the reservation information DB 263, and the received reservation information is stored in the created record. Further, identification information (ticketing code) of the parking ticket for the reservation is generated and recorded in the record.
[0070]
When the server 200 creates a new record in the reservation information DB 263 and records predetermined information, the server 200 sets “reservation establishment”, and uses the recorded information as “confirmed reservation information” in the multifunction machine 100 and the reserved parking lot. It transmits to the installed parking lot terminal 300 (step S110).
[0071]
In the multifunction device 100, when the confirmed reservation information is received from the server 200 (step S111), a parking ticket is issued based on the received confirmed reservation information (step S112). That is, the control unit 110 of the multi-function device 100 determines the parking lot name and lane number of the reserved parking lot. , The ticketing code, the reservation date and time, and the image information indicating the surrounding map of the parking lot acquired from the server 200 by the above-described processing, etc. are provided to the parking ticket issuing machine 104, and based on this, the parking ticket issuing machine 104 Issues a parking ticket as shown in FIG. FIG. 12A shows an example of printing on the front side of a parking ticket to be issued, and FIG. 12B shows an example of printing on the back side. As shown in the figure, on the surface of the parking ticket, the parking lot name and lane number of the parking lot concerned. , Ticketing code, reservation date, etc. are printed. Such information is also recorded in, for example, a magnetic recording area. In addition, a map around the parking lot is printed on the back surface.
[0072]
On the other hand, in the parking lot terminal 300, when the confirmed reservation information is received from the server 200 (step S113), for example, the reserved lane wheel stop is operated so as not to be parked, or “reserved Device control such as a display indicating "" is performed (step S114), and the lane cannot be used until the reservation person visits.
[0073]
This completes the “parking lot reservation process”. When the reservation person visits the parking lot and inserts the issued parking ticket into a predetermined parking ticket reading device or the like, the reservation information is read and notified to the parking lot terminal 300. When the parking lot terminal 300 compares the notified information with the confirmed reservation information transmitted from the server 200 and determines that the notified information is valid, for example, the gate opening / closing and wheel stop Device control such as release is performed to allow the reservation person to enter the vehicle.
[0074]
As described above, according to the parking lot reservation system according to the present embodiment, a coin parking lot can be reserved and paid using a multifunction machine installed in a convenience store or the like. In addition, since a map around the reserved parking lot, a floor plan showing the reserved lane, and the like can be displayed or printed on a parking ticket, convenience for the user can be improved.
[0075]
In the above embodiment, the convenience store is described as an example of the installation location of the multifunction device 100. However, the installation location of the multifunction device 100 is not limited to this, and can be installed in any place that can be used by the public. For example, it may be installed in a station premises, a tourist information center, a highway service area, a rental car sales office, or the like.
[0076]
The multi-function device 100 of the above embodiment is a multi-function device having a printer function and a copy function, but may have other functions. For example, the multifunction device 100 may have a scanner function and a facsimile function. In this case, for example, a reservation person's car driver's license etc. are taken in as image data using a scanner function, are stored in server 200, and a driver's license is similarly read and verified in a coin parking lot. May be authenticated.
[0077]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the parking fee was collected by throwing money into the money_receiving | payment part 103, the collection method of a fee is not restricted to this. For example, a point-of-sales (POS) system of a convenience store may be connected to the multifunction peripheral 100, and the calculated parking fee may be paid at a convenience store cash register. Alternatively, the depositing unit 103 may be configured to be able to read and write a credit card or a member card issued by a convenience store so that payment can be made without cash.
[0078]
In the above embodiment, the map is printed on the parking ticket. However, a map of the parking lot and a sketch may be printed on normal copy paper or the like using the printer function of the multi-function peripheral 100 and output. .
[0079]
In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction device 100 acquires various information via the server 200. However, the multifunction device 100 and the parking lot terminal 300 may be directly connected. In this case, the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires and accumulates information indicating the vacant state of the parking lot from the parking lot terminal 300 as needed, and directly makes a reservation request to the parking lot terminal 300.
[0080]
Note that the information processing apparatus for realizing the server 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be realized using a normal computer system, not a dedicated system. For example, by installing the program from a medium (such as a CD-ROM) storing a program for executing any of the above in a general-purpose computer, the server 200 that executes the above-described processing can be configured.
[0081]
Further, means for supplying the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, you may supply via a communication line, a communication network, a communication system. As an example, the program is posted on a bulletin board (BBS) of a communication network, and the program is superimposed on a carrier wave and distributed via the network. Then, the above-described processing can be executed by starting this program and executing it in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reserve and pay for a parking lot using a multi-function device installed in a convenience store or the like, thereby improving user convenience.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a parking lot reservation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine illustrated in FIG. 1;
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a database constituting the database unit shown in FIG. 4;
6 is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in a parking lot information DB shown in FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in a store information DB shown in FIG.
8 is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in a reservation information DB shown in FIG.
9 is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in the image information DB shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining “parking lot reservation processing” according to the embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen displayed on the multifunction peripheral in the process illustrated in FIG. 10, in which (a) illustrates a display example of a “service selection screen”, and (b) illustrates a “reservation information input screen”; "(C) shows a display example of a" search result screen ", and (d) shows a display example of a" detailed information screen ".
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a parking ticket issued by the multifunction machine, in which FIG. 12A illustrates a printing example on the front surface of the parking ticket, and FIG. 12B illustrates a printing example on the back surface of the parking ticket.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a multifunction machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Parking reservation system
10 Communication network
100 MFP
200 servers
300 Parking lot terminal

Claims (11)

A parking lot reservation system comprising a publicly available multifunction device connected via a communication network,
The MFP is
Through the communication network, obtain information about the predetermined parking lot at any time,
Output the acquired information to be usable by the user,
Reserving the parking lot according to the user's input,
A parking lot reservation system characterized by that. 2. The parking lot reservation system according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction peripheral charges a parking fee for the parking lot when reserving the parking lot. The multifunction device issues a parking ticket for the parking lot according to the billing,
The parking lot reservation system according to claim 2. A server connected to the communication network;
The server acquires and accumulates information on the predetermined parking lot as needed via the communication network,
The multi-function peripheral acquires at least information about the predetermined parking lot from the server via the communication network;
The parking lot reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A multi-function machine that is connected to a communication network and is made available to the public.
Via the communication network to obtain information about a predetermined parking lot;
Presenting the acquired information to the user;
In response to an input from the user, information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted via the communication network,
Accept the parking fee of the reserved parking lot,
In response to receiving the parking fee, issue a parking ticket for the parking lot,
This is a multi-function machine. Based on the acquired information, present at least information indicating the location of the predetermined parking lot and the reservationable parking position in the parking lot,
Issue a parking ticket containing the presented information,
The multifunction device according to claim 5. A server connected to a plurality of publicly available MFPs via a communication network,
Parking space information accumulating means for acquiring information regarding a predetermined parking lot as needed via the communication network and accumulating in association with information regarding the multifunction device,
In response to a request from the multifunction device, a predetermined parking lot information is selected from the parking lot information storage unit, and a parking lot information providing unit is provided to the multifunction device via the communication network;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting information for reserving the predetermined parking lot to the parking lot via the communication network in response to a request from the multifunction machine;
A server comprising: The parking lot information accumulating means acquires information on the parking ticket of the predetermined parking lot issued by the multi-function machine from the multi-function machine via the communication network, records it in association with the information on the parking lot,
The reservation information transmitting means provides the computer device with information on the issued parking ticket in response to a request from the computer device of the parking lot connected to the communication network.
The server according to claim 7. A method of reserving a parking lot using a multifunction device installed for public use,
For a given parking lot, at least acquiring and storing information indicating the availability of each parking lot for each parking area at any time; and
Inputting information on a desired parking lot into the multifunction device;
Searching the stored information based on the input information, and selecting a parking lot that meets the user's request;
Outputting information about the selected parking lot from the multifunction device;
Inputting information for reserving an empty parking area of the parking lot into the multifunction machine;
In response to the input of the reservation information, using the multifunction device, charging the user with a parking fee and issuing a parking ticket for the parking lot;
Transmitting the information for reserving the parking area to the parking lot via the communication network, and reserving the parking area;
A parking lot reservation method comprising: The step of outputting information relating to the selected parking lot outputs image information indicating the location of the parking lot and the reserved parking area.
The parking lot reservation method according to claim 9. A program for causing a computer to function as the server according to claim 7 or 8.

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