JP2023010783A - Parking lot management system and program for communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for settling the payment of a parking fee by using the communication apparatus of a user utilizing a parking lot and/or a technology for determining the allowability of use of the parking lot.

SOLUTION: This parking lot management system includes: an assignment unit for assigning to a user a unique number that indicates that the user is eligible to use a parking lot; a reception unit for receiving, from a user staying in a parking lot or staying in a vehicle, the user ID of the user himself and the unique number preliminarily assigned to the user, when entering the parking lot or when exiting the parking lot; an authentication determination unit for performing personal authentication about the user on the basis of the received user ID and determining whether or not the received unique number matches equal to the preliminarily assigned unique number; and a processing unit which, when the personal authentication is successful and a match is true, calculates a parking fee that is billed to the user or permits the user to use the parking lot.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to technology for managing parking lots.

Parking lots with multiple parking positions for vehicles are already widespread. This type of parking lot can be categorized from the viewpoint of the method of transporting the vehicle to the parking position. It is classified into a mechanical type that transports the vehicle to the parking position. In addition, the parking lot may be rented to the user free of charge or may be rented for a fee. Toll parking lots are classified into monthly parking lots and hourly parking lots (including "daily parking") in terms of the length of time they are rented to users.

Hourly parking lots can be categorized in terms of payment methods for parking fees. The user pays the parking fee in advance before parking begins (however, this includes the possibility of paying the parking fee shortfall when exiting the parking lot). and deferred payment in which the user pays the parking fee all at once at the end of parking.

Hourly parking lots can be categorized according to their management methods. It is classified as an unmanned type in which a person is sporadically dispatched to the parking lot at the site.

For example, Patent Literature 1 exists as a known document disclosing this type of parking lot and equipment (including a ticket vending machine) installed in the parking lot.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a prepaid unmanned parking lot. In this parking lot, there is a card issuing machine that issues a parking card that records the time that parking is permitted for a fee, an entrance gate that is always closed, and a parking card that is installed at the entrance and when the parking card is inserted. , and a parking management device that opens the parking gate on condition that the parking card is appropriate. In addition, this parking lot has an exit gate that is always closed, and an exit management device that is installed at the exit and opens the exit gate when a parking card is inserted on the condition that the parking card is appropriate. is installed.

Thus, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which a user parks a car using an existing card (for example, a physical parking ticket) when the user parks the car in an unmanned toll parking lot. .

On the other hand, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique in which a user parks a car in an unmanned toll parking lot in a cardless manner.

JP 2006-146325 A JP-A-8-111000

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the user can park in the parking lot without using a card, so there is an advantage that there is no need to worry about losing the card. However, in order to implement the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, special and expensive equipment must be installed both in the car and in the parking lot in order to obtain information unique to the car to be parked in the parking lot. For those who own parking lots and those who manage parking lots, the cost of the equipment itself, the cost and man-hours required to install the equipment in the parking lot, and the maintenance and inspection of the equipment There is a drawback that the cost and man-hours required for the work to be performed tend to increase.

Moreover, it is important for a parking lot manager who manages a parking lot to accurately grasp the fact that a user has entered or left the parking lot. It is also important for users of hourly parking lots to have improved techniques for reimbursing parking fees.

Based on the above findings, the present invention provides a technique for managing a parking lot, which enables a user to settle parking fees and/or utilize a parking lot by using a user's communication device. It was made as a subject to improve the technology for judging the permission or rejection of

In order to solve this problem , according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot in a ticketless manner without using physical parking tickets,
a granting unit that grants the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot;
When entering the parking lot or leaving the parking lot, the user who is in the parking lot or in the vehicle, via a communication device, requests the user's own user ID and a user ID given in advance to the user. a receiver for receiving the unique number;
Personal authentication of the user is performed based on the user ID received from the communication device, and whether or not the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number assigned in advance to the user are matched. an authentication/determination unit that determines
A calculation unit that calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user when the personal authentication is successful and the collation is established, or a calculation unit that allows the user to use the parking lot when the personal authentication is successful and the collation is established. with permission part to allow
A parking lot management system is provided that includes:

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device program executed by a computer in a communication device used by a user of a parking lot managed by a ticketless system that does not use physical parking tickets, ,
When the user enters the parking lot or exits the parking lot, the communication device transmits information from the user who is in the parking lot or in the vehicle toward the reception unit on the first side. and a unique number assigned in advance to the user that indicates that the user is qualified to use the parking lot,
A communication device program is provided for causing the computer to function as the transmission function.

Further , according to the first aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server includes a registration unit that assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user himself/herself to the management server and a unique number given to the user in advance by the management server. to the management server,
The parking lot management system is
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory in association with the user by the management server is established;
and a charge calculation unit for calculating a parking charge to be charged to the user when the personal authentication is successful and the verification is established.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server includes a registration unit that assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when entering the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user himself/herself to the management server and a unique number given to the user in advance by the management server. to the management server,
The parking lot management system is
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory in association with the user by the management server is established;
and a use permitting unit that permits the user to use the parking lot when the personal authentication is successful and the verification is established.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server includes a registration unit that assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when entering the parking lot or when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user to the management server. including a transmission unit that transmits a unique number assigned in advance to the user to the management server;
The parking lot management system is
Based on the information obtained by the user's communication device from the parking lot when entering or exiting the parking lot or the current position measured by the user's communication device by its positioning function, the user actually a parking lot identification unit that identifies the parking lot for entering or exiting;
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory in association with the user by the management server is established;
a charge calculation unit that calculates a parking charge to be charged to the user when the parking lot where the user actually enters or exits is specified, and the personal authentication is successful and the matching is established; A parking lot management system is provided.

Further, according to a first aspect of the invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot, and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user himself/herself to the management server and a unique number given to the user in advance by the management server. to the management server,
The parking lot management system is
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
and a charge calculation unit for calculating a parking charge to be charged to the user when the personal authentication is successful and the verification is established.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot, and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when entering the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user himself/herself to the management server and a unique number given to the user in advance by the management server. to the management server,
The parking lot management system is
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
and a use permitting unit that permits the user to use the parking lot when the personal authentication is successful and the verification is established.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
a location information output unit that outputs location information that enables the user to identify the parking lot at the location of the parking lot without using a physical parking ticket;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot,
The management server assigns to the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot, and registers it in the memory in association with the user,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting the user ID of the user himself/herself to the management server and a unique number given to the user in advance by the management server. to the management server,
The parking lot management system is
a parking lot identification unit that identifies the parking lot where the user is located based on the location information output from the location information output unit;
a personal authentication unit that performs personal authentication of a user of the communication device based on the user ID received from the communication device;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
and a charge calculation unit for calculating a parking charge to be charged to the user when the parking lot where the user is located is specified, and the personal authentication is successful and the verification is established. be.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting to the management server a unique number given in advance to the user by the management server,
The management server is
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
a fee calculation unit that calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user when the matching is established;
A parking lot management system is provided in which the calculated parking fee is settled by electronic payment.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
including a management server that manages the parking lot at a remote location;
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when entering the parking lot, thereby transmitting to the management server a unique number given in advance to the user by the management server,
The management server is
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
and a use permitting unit that permits the user to use the parking lot when the collation is established.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
a location information output unit that outputs location information that enables the user to identify the parking lot at the location of the parking lot without using a physical parking ticket;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot,
The management server is capable of communicating with communication devices of users in the parking lot,
The communication device accesses the management server when leaving the parking lot, thereby transmitting to the management server a unique number given in advance to the user by the management server,
The management server is
a parking lot identification unit that identifies the parking lot where the user is located based on the location information output from the location information output unit;
a matching determination unit that determines whether or not matching between the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number pre-registered in the memory by the management server is established;
a fee calculation unit that calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user when the parking lot where the user is located is specified and the matching is established;
A parking lot management system is provided in which the calculated parking fee is settled by electronic payment.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
To display parking-related information, which is installed in the parking lot and related to parking for a user who uses the parking lot and includes information that can identify the parking lot, without using a physical parking ticket. a display unit;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot,
The communication device of the user in the parking lot transmits the parking fee to the parking-related information displayed on the display unit and/or other information related thereto so that the user can settle the parking fee when leaving the parking lot. of the parking-related information to the management server,
The management server calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user based on the parking-related information received from the communication device, and when the calculated parking fee is settled by electronic payment, the payment is made. A parking management system is provided in which data representative of is transmitted to the communication device.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, a parking management system for managing a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
To display parking-related information, which is installed in the parking lot and related to parking for a user who uses the parking lot and includes information that can identify the parking lot, without using a physical parking ticket. a display unit;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot,
The user's communication device in the parking lot transmits the parking-related information displayed on the display unit and/or other parking-related information related thereto to the management server;
The management server has a charge calculation unit that calculates the parking charge to be charged to the user as a parking charge for settlement by electronic payment based on the parking-related information received from the communication device. A parking lot management system is provided in which charges are settled by electronic payment.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system that manages a parking lot that is a ticketless and cashless system that does not use a physical parking ticket,
parking-related information that is installed in the parking lot and related to parking for a user who uses the parking lot and that includes information that can identify the location of the parking lot without using a physical parking ticket; a display unit for displaying;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot;
a communication device of a user in the parking lot, which transmits parking-related information displayed on the display unit and/or other parking-related information related thereto to the management server;
A parking lot management system is provided in which the management server has an adjustment unit for adjusting the parking fee charged to the user by electronic payment based on the parking-related information received from the communication device.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system for managing a parking lot, comprising:
A device that is installed in the parking lot and outputs fee information related to parking fees;
a management server that remotely manages the parking lot;
a communication device of a user in the parking lot, which inputs the output charge information and transmits the charge information or information based thereon to the management server;
A parking lot management system is provided in which the management server has an adjustment unit for adjusting the parking fee by electronic payment in response to a request from the user via the communication device.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a user accesses a management server of a parking lot manager online from any location via a communication device, thereby obtaining an electronic parking ticket from the parking lot manager. , a cardless parking management method that allows a user to park in a parking lot selected by the user using the electronic parking ticket, comprising:
a step of receiving the issuance request from the communication device by the management server when the communication device transmits the issuance request in order for the user to request the parking manager to issue the electronic parking ticket;
After receiving the electronic parking ticket, the management server issues the electronic parking ticket to the user, and includes electronic parking ticket identification data for specifying the electronic parking ticket, which is data for displaying the electronic parking ticket. transmitting an object to the communication device;
When the user enters the parking lot, the communication terminal transmits a usage request and the electronic parking ticket specifying data in order to start parking in the parking lot using the issued electronic parking ticket. a step of the management server receiving the usage request and the electronic parking ticket identification data from the communication device;
After the reception, the management server verifies that the user's electronic parking ticket is valid by comparing the received electronic parking ticket identification data with the electronic parking ticket identification data registered in advance in the memory of the management server. determining whether or not the electronic parking ticket is valid, and transmitting information indicating that the use of the electronic parking ticket is not permitted to the communication device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a user accesses a management server of a parking lot manager online from any location via a communication device, thereby purchasing an electronic parking ticket from the parking lot manager. and using the electronic parking ticket to allow the user to park in a parking lot selected by the user, the cardless parking management method comprising:
a step of receiving the issuance request from the communication device by the management server when the communication device transmits the issuance request in order for the user to request the parking manager to issue the electronic parking ticket;
After receiving the information, when the user pays the parking fee corresponding to the length of the scheduled parking time designated by the user, the management server issues the electronic parking ticket to the user, and the electronic parking ticket is issued to the user. a step of transmitting data to be displayed, which includes electronic parking ticket identification data for identifying the electronic parking ticket, to the communication device;
When the user enters the parking lot, the communication terminal transmits a usage request and the electronic parking ticket specifying data in order to start parking in the parking lot using the issued electronic parking ticket. a step of the management server receiving the usage request and the electronic parking ticket identification data from the communication device;
After the reception, the management server verifies that the user's electronic parking ticket is valid by comparing the received electronic parking ticket identification data with the electronic parking ticket identification data registered in advance in the memory of the management server. determining whether or not the electronic parking ticket is valid, and transmitting information indicating that the use of the electronic parking ticket is not permitted to the communication device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a user accesses a parking manager's management server online from any location via a mobile terminal, thereby purchasing an electronic parking ticket from the parking manager, A cardless parking management method for allowing a user to park in a parking lot selected by the user using an electronic parking ticket, comprising:
a step of receiving by the management server from a user's portable terminal, in order for the user to request the parking manager to issue the electronic parking ticket;
After receiving the information, when the user pays the parking fee corresponding to the length of the scheduled parking time designated by the user, the management server issues the electronic parking ticket to the user, and the electronic parking ticket is issued to the user. transmitting data to a user's mobile device for display;
a step of receiving by the management server from a user's mobile terminal in order to start parking in the parking lot using the issued electronic parking ticket when the user enters the parking lot;
After receiving the information, the management server determines whether or not the user's electronic parking ticket is valid. sending to a terminal;
a step of receiving by the management server from the user's portable terminal when the user leaves the parking lot when the actual continuous parking time length by the user exceeds the scheduled parking time length;
After receiving the information, the management server calculates an additional parking fee corresponding to the length of time exceeded, and when the user settles the additional parking fee, the management server sends data indicating that the payment has been made to the user. A cardless parking management method is provided, comprising: sending to a mobile terminal.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a parking lot is installed in each of a plurality of parking lots and displays a time code in which the current time is encrypted so as to be different from the time codes displayed in other parking lots. A time code display device for
The time code is used by an administrator who manages the plurality of parking lots to obtain the fact that the user entered or exited the corresponding parking lot,
A time code display device for a parking lot is provided, in which the time code has a location identification power that can uniquely specify the location of the parking lot where the time code is displayed.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in each of a plurality of parking lots, a time code in which the current time is encrypted is displayed differently from the time codes displayed in other parking lots. A time code display method comprising:
The time code is used by an administrator who manages the plurality of parking lots to obtain the fact that the user entered or exited the corresponding parking lot,
A parking lot time code display method is provided in which the time code has a location identification power that can uniquely specify the location of the parking lot where the time code is displayed.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot time code display device for displaying a time code in which the current time is encrypted in a parking lot,
The time code can be read and reproduced by the user of the parking lot as known letters, numbers, symbols or graphics, or a combination thereof, and cannot be deciphered by the user, but can be deciphered by the manager of the parking lot. A time code display device for a parking lot is provided which can restore the information representing the current time by decoding the time code display device.

The present invention provides the following aspects. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and the numbers of other sections are referred to as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features that can be employed by the present invention and combinations thereof are limited to the following aspects. should not be interpreted as That is, it should be construed that the technical features described in the present specification, which are not described in the following aspects, are appropriately extracted and employed as the technical features of the present invention.

Furthermore, it should be noted that stating each paragraph in a format that refers to the numbers of other paragraphs does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each paragraph from being separated and independent from the technical features described in other paragraphs. It should be construed that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate according to their nature.

(1) A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot, comprising:
In the parking lot,
a clock and
A time code that enables the user of the parking lot to read and reproduce the current time measured by the clock as known letters, numbers, symbols or graphics, or a combination thereof, by encryption, and the user an encryption unit that converts the
A display unit for displaying the time code generated by the encryption unit and a parking lot time code generation/display device including
The parking lot management method is
Information for specifying the electronic parking ticket, which the user transmitted via a communication device when entering the parking lot, in order to park in the parking lot using the electronic parking ticket; a receiving step at the time of entering the parking lot, in which the communication unit receives the time code displayed on the display unit when entering the parking lot;
The processor decodes the time code received at the time of entry with reference to a decryption table, estimates the time represented by the received time code as the time of entry based on the result of decoding, and estimates the estimated time of entry. is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the reception time when the processor receives the time code, thereby determining whether the estimated warehousing time is appropriate. a time validity determination step;
and a parking permission step of permitting the user to use the parking lot when the processor determines that the estimated parking time is appropriate.

Throughout this specification, the term "electronic parking ticket" refers to a non-existent, virtual parking ticket that allows a user to transfer the information on the electronic parking ticket to another medium in order to use the electronic parking ticket. means a parking ticket in a form that is not required to be printed or displayed and presented to the other party.

(2) A parking lot management method for managing a parking lot, comprising:
In the parking lot,
A time code generated by encrypting the current time, which the user of the parking lot can read and reproduce as known letters, numbers, symbols or graphics, or a combination thereof, and the user can A display unit is installed to display what cannot be deciphered but can be deciphered by the manager of the parking lot,
The parking lot management method is
Information for specifying the electronic parking ticket, which the user transmitted via a communication device when entering the parking lot, in order to park in the parking lot using the electronic parking ticket; a receiving step at the time of entering the parking lot, in which the communication unit receives the time code displayed on the display unit when entering the parking lot;
The processor decodes the time code received at the time of entry with reference to a decryption table, estimates the time represented by the received time code as the time of entry based on the result of decoding, and estimates the estimated time of entry. is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the reception time when the processor receives the time code, thereby determining whether the estimated warehousing time is appropriate. a time validity determination step;
and a parking permission step of permitting the user to use the parking lot when the processor determines that the estimated parking time is appropriate.

(3) Furthermore,
Information for identifying the electronic parking ticket, which the user transmitted via the communication device when leaving the parking lot, and a time code displayed on the display unit when leaving the parking lot. a receiving step at the time of leaving the garage for receiving at the communication unit;
The processor decodes the time code received at the time of leaving the car with reference to the decryption table, estimates the time represented by the received time code as the time of leaving the car based on the decoding result, and estimates the time represented by the time code as the leaving time. Determining whether the exit time is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the time when the processor received the time code, thereby determining whether the estimated exit time code is valid. Departure time validity determination step for determination;
When the processor determines that the estimated parking exit time is appropriate, the length of the elapsed time from the estimated parking parking time to the estimated parking parking time is regarded as the parking time by the user. The parking lot management method according to item (1) or (2), comprising a parking time calculation step for calculating.

(4) Furthermore,
an issuance request receiving step of receiving, in the communication unit, an issuance request for requesting the parking administrator to issue the electronic parking ticket, which is transmitted by the user via the communication device;
The processor issues the electronic parking ticket to the user and transmits the electronic parking ticket to the user's communication device in response to the received issuance request on the condition that the user prepays a predetermined fee. The parking lot management method according to any one of items (1) to (3), including an electronic parking ticket issuing step.

(5) Installed and used in parking lots,
A time code generated by encrypting the current time, which the user of the parking lot can read and reproduce as known letters, numbers, symbols or graphics, or a combination thereof, and the user can A time code display device for a parking lot that displays something that cannot be decoded but can be decoded by the manager of said parking lot.

(6) The parking lot time code display device according to item (5), which displays a location code specific to the parking lot together with the time code.

(7) A management server that is communicably connected to the user's communication device via a communication network and executes the parking lot management method according to any one of (1) to (4) by a computer.

(8) A program executed by a computer to implement the parking lot management method according to any one of (1) to (4).

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the service which enables a user to park in a parking lot by a cardless system can be provided, without installing special and expensive equipment in a parking lot.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a parking lot managed by a parking lot management method according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a front view showing the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. 2 with the door open. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the component configuration of the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart conceptually representing a ticket issuing/settlement program executed by the computer shown in FIG. 6(a)-(d) are front views showing a plurality of images displayed on the screen of the display shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 7(a) is a front view showing an example of a parking ticket and a receipt issued by the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. 2 after payment of the prepaid parking fee, and FIG. 7(b) is a ticket issue shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a receipt issued by a machine after payment of an additional parking fee; FIG. 8(a) is a longitudinal sectional view showing the parking ticket shown in FIG. 7(a) in a state immediately after it is issued, and FIG. 8(b) shows the parking ticket partially peeled off and folded. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a folded state; FIG. 9(a) is a side sectional view showing the parking ticket shown in FIG. 7(a) attached to the back surface of the windshield of the parked vehicle, and FIG. 9(b) shows the parking ticket. , is a perspective view showing a state in which a part of the display sheet thereof is peeled off from the separator and folded. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how the parking ticket shown in FIG. 7(a) is attached to the rear surface of the windshield of the parked vehicle. FIGS. 11(a)-(c) show an example configuration of the encrypted data printed on the receipts shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the corresponding real data, and the conversion from the real data to the encrypted data. It is a figure for demonstrating a conversion process. FIG. 12 shows how the user communicates the encrypted data printed on the receipt shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining how the parking lot manager converts the received encrypted data into actual data; FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c) are diagrams for conceptually explaining the process of generating and displaying the time code, which is the portion of the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. 4, which is related to the parking lot management method; is. FIG. 14 conceptually represents a code display program executed by the computer of the ticket issuing machine shown in FIG. 4 in order to execute the processing (generation and display of the time code) shown in FIGS. 13(a)-(c). It is a flow chart. FIG. 15 is a conceptual system diagram for explaining the entire system in which the parking lot management method is implemented. FIG. 16 is a flow chart conceptually representing a first subprogram that is a part of the electronic parking ticket processing program executed in the management server shown in FIG. 17 is a flow chart conceptually representing a second subprogram, which is another part of the electronic parking ticket processing program executed in the management server shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 18 is a flowchart conceptually showing a third subprogram, which is still another part of the electronic parking ticket processing program executed in the management server shown in FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram conceptually showing the member DB shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram conceptually showing the electronic parking ticket DB shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic parking ticket issued by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of member registration performed by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of issuing an electronic parking ticket by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of permitting the use of an electronic parking ticket, which is performed by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of adjusting the parking fee for extended parking, which is performed by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program. FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of prompting to leave the garage, which is executed in the management server shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 28 shows the electronic parking ticket processing program that replaces the second subprogram shown in FIG. 4 is a flow chart conceptually representing 4 subprograms. FIG. 29 is a flow chart conceptually showing a fifth subprogram, which replaces the third subprogram shown in FIG. 18, of the electronic parking ticket processing program in the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of permitting parking using an electronic parking ticket, which is performed by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program in the second embodiment. FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of charge settlement at the end of parking using the electronic parking ticket, which is performed by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program in the second embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by executing the electronic parking ticket processing program in the second embodiment. FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram for explaining the process of prompting to leave the garage, which is executed in the management server according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the parking lot management method according to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a parking lot 10 managed by a parking lot management method according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

This parking lot 10 has a plurality of parking positions (parking spaces) that allow simultaneous parking of a plurality of vehicles. A single ticket issuing machine (generally also referred to as a "payment machine") 20 is located near the only entry/exit entrance 12 (both entrance and exit) of this parking lot 10, and a plurality of parking lots. Common to all locations, it is installed as a centralized ticket issuing machine. This parking lot 10 is an unmanned type in which a user, who is a driver, pays a parking fee to a ticket issuing machine 20 without a full-time employee who is stationed to manage it.

In this embodiment, the user is at the parking lot 10 and can pre-emptively use an electronic parking ticket (usually not a single parking ticket) at any location without being required to access the parking lot manager therefrom. , a parking ticket that allows parking for multiple times, and is equivalent to a coupon ticket for transportation such as trains and buses) is purchased online from the parking lot manager, and the electronic parking ticket is used to use this parking lot. It is possible to park at 10.

However, in the present embodiment, every time the user intends to use the parking lot 10, instead of such a parking method, the user can enter the desired parking schedule prior to parking (at the time of parking). A parking ticket printed on a paper medium (i.e., a physical ticket, an existing ticket, or card) from the ticket issuing machine 20 and use the paper parking ticket to park in the parking lot 10. - 特許庁

That is, in this embodiment, the user can use an electronic parking ticket (virtual ticket) that can be purchased by online access to the parking lot manager from any location. Yes, hereinafter referred to as “cardless parking”)”), and normal parking using a physical parking ticket that can only be purchased from a ticket issuing machine 20 installed in the parking lot 10 (both cash and physical ticket , and hereinafter referred to as “normal parking”) can be selected according to preference.

Incidentally, as an additional remark about the definition of the term "vehicle", in this "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" column, the term "vehicle" means only automobiles, but in other places in this specification , the term "vehicle" should be interpreted as a term encompassing not only automobiles but also all kinds of moving bodies such as bicycles and motorcycles.

There are two types of parking spaces on the site of the parking lot 10. - 特許庁For each vehicle user, there is a section (temporary custody section or day rental section) for renting a parking space on a daily basis, and for each vehicle user, on the premise of a prior contract, on a monthly basis It is a section for renting a parking space (monthly parking section). Ticketing machine 20 is used for the temporary custody section. Hereinafter, the term "parking lot 10" simply means only the temporary deposit section, that is, the area where the ticket issuing machine 20 is used.

In order to use the parking lot 10, the driver, who is the user, drives his/her own vehicle to enter the entrance/exit 12 from the adjacent road, and then drives past the ticket issuing machine 20. Drive your vehicle to any parking space (parking position) of your choice and park it there.

When performing normal parking, the user parks the vehicle in one of the parking spaces, then gets off the vehicle, walks to the ticket issuing machine 20 at the entrance/exit 12, and parks the vehicle there. The fee is paid to the ticket issuing machine 20. - 特許庁

2 shows the ticket issuing machine 20 in a front view, FIG. 3 shows the ticket issuing machine 20 in a perspective view with the door 24 open, and FIG. 20 components are shown in a block diagram. FIG. 5 is a conceptual flow chart of the ticket issuing/settlement program executed by the computer 100 in the control board 34 shown in FIG. 6(a)-(d) show front views of a plurality of images displayed on the screen of the display 36 shown in FIG.

The user receives a parking ticket 80 shown in FIGS. 7A and 8 from the ticket issuing machine 20 in exchange for payment of the parking fee. Thereafter, the user affixes the parking ticket 80 to the rear surface of the windshield 110 of his or her vehicle (an example of the "window glass" of the vehicle), as shown in FIGS. Since the parking ticket 80 is placed in the interior of the parked vehicle, it is neither exposed to the elements nor lost.

The parking lot 10 is a prepaid, unmanned parking lot with a plurality of parking positions. It does not have a stop device (for example, a flap type or a retractable type), and it is possible for the user to freely select one of the plurality of parking positions to park his vehicle (selection The designated parking position is not monitored by ticket dispenser 20). A ticket vending machine 20 is used for the parking lot 10 configured in this way.

Here, the ticket issuing machine 20 will be described more specifically. This ticket issuing machine 20 has a charge settlement function, but neither a change function nor a communication function. This ticket vending machine 20 requires the user to pay the parking fee only in coins, not bills. The ticket issuing machine 20 also prompts the user to input a user identification number, to input vehicle identification information (for example, a vehicle number) about the user's vehicle, and to specify one of a plurality of parking positions selected by the user. , not required.

The ticket issuing machine 20 has a ticket issuing button 70 and a charge adjustment button 74, as shown in FIG. When the user presses the ticket issuing button 70 after paying the prepaid parking fee prior to starting parking, the ticket issuing machine 20 issues a parking ticket 80 (see FIG. 7A) indicating that parking is permitted and a prepaid parking ticket. It has a ticket issuing function of issuing two receipts 81a (see FIG. 7A) indicating that the charge has been settled. Further, when the user presses the fee settlement button 74 after paying the additional parking fee after parking, the ticket issuing machine 20 issues a receipt 81b (see FIG. 7(b)) indicating that the additional parking fee has been settled. ) has a charge settlement function.

In this embodiment, the two-sheet parking ticket issued after payment of the prepaid parking fee is a two-sheet parking ticket 80 and a receipt 81a. Separated from each other, it is possible to leave only the parking ticket 80 in the parked vehicle and carry the receipt 81a. As will be described later, the receipt 81a is printed with the end time of the valid parking time (the time period during which the user is allowed to park), and the user can stop the valid parking time anytime at a place away from the parked vehicle. It is convenient for the user to carry this receipt 81a with him so that he can refer to the time.

As shown in FIG. 3, this ticket issuing machine 20 is constructed by attaching a door 24 to one side of a casing 22 which is vertically long and has a box shape so that it can be opened and closed. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the internal configuration of the ticket issuing machine 20 with the door 24 open. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the component configuration of the ticket issuing machine 20. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ticket issuing machine 20 includes a coin processing unit 30, a safe 32, a control board 34, a display 36, and a printer 40 for printing and issuing a parking ticket 80 and receipts 81a and 81b. and Of those parts, only the coin processing unit 30 is attached to the rear surface of the door 24 and the remaining parts are attached inside the casing 22 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 40 is equipped with a roller 42 on which a continuous sheet before printing is wound and accommodated. The printer 40 prints on a continuous sheet fed from the roller 42 by the length of one sheet. After the printing is completed, the printer 40 cuts the continuous sheet with a cutter (not shown) at any time, and from the continuous sheet, after the payment of the prepaid parking fee, prints two sheets of the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a. After paying the charge, the receipt 81b for one sheet is cut off. However, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a perforation line 89 is formed between the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a, which are two sheets of paper. Parking ticket 80 and receipt 81a can be easily separated from each other.

The cutter has a cutting edge (not shown), and moves the cutting edge in the width direction of the continuous sheet to cut the continuous sheet in the width direction. Further, the cutter can adopt a method of cutting the continuous sheet completely in the width direction, or a method of cutting the continuous sheet in the width direction while leaving only a part in the width direction.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the coin processing unit 30 includes a coin slot 50, a return lever 52, and a coin selector (which discriminates the type of the inserted coin and whether or not the inserted coin is a counterfeit coin). ) 54 and a coin return port 56 . Among the inserted coins, those that have not been returned to the user through the coin return port 56 are stored in the safe 32. - 特許庁As shown in FIG. 4, the control board 34 is connected to the coin selector 54 so as to enable data communication. information on whether or not there is) and a signal representing the number of sheets.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the door 24, there are a transparent window 60 through which display light from the screen of the display 36 (for example, a liquid crystal display) is transmitted, a coin slot 50, a return lever 52, and a coin return slot 56. and an ejection port 64 for ejecting the parking ticket 80 and the receipts 81a and 81b printed by the printer 40 and ejected. Transmissive window 60 also has the function of mechanically protecting display 36 by blocking direct access to display 36 from the outside.

The ticket issuing machine 20 is further configured to have the aforementioned ticket issuing button 70 which is pressed after the user has paid the prepaid parking fee, and the aforementioned fee adjustment button 74 which is pressed after the user has paid the additional parking fee. there is The ticket issuing button 70 and the charge settlement button 74 are mounted on the front surface of the door 24 of the ticket issuing machine 20, as shown in FIG. The ticket issuing button 70 and the charge settlement button 74 are electrically connected to the control board 34 as shown in FIG.

The ticket issue button 70 and the charge adjustment button 74 are both configured as physical switches that actually exist, but are not limited to this. For example, virtual switches ( For example, they may be configured as buttons, keys, icons).

The control board 34 is mainly composed of the computer 100 . The control board 34 has a built-in clock 102 so that the current date and time (for example, the date and time when the issue ticket button 70 was pressed and the date and time when the charge settlement button 74 was pressed) can always be obtained. This control board 34 further incorporates a memory 104 . The memory 104 stores an encryption table, which will be described later, in a state in which it can be rewritten only by an authorized person.

In addition, the control board 34 can have a form that realizes the same functions as the computer 100 by means of a sequencer (sequence control).

Additionally, the ticket issuing machine 20 has a power supply unit (not shown). The power supply unit is a power supply (for example, a commercial power supply, a solar battery installed in the parking lot 10, a generator such as a wind power generator, a rechargeable battery installed in the parking lot 10, and a commercial power supply or a generator ), and supplies power from that power supply to each electrical and electronic component within the ticket issuing machine 20, thereby operating the ticket issuing machine 20. This power supply unit additionally has, for example, a backup circuit having a power storage function, so that even if the power supply from the power supply is temporarily stopped, the operation of the ticket issuing machine 20 will not be affected. . This ensures that the ticket issuing machine 20 always works.

5 is executed by the computer 100, the initial screen shown in FIG. 6(a) is first displayed on the screen of the display 36 in step S1. Next, in step S2, based on the signal from the coin selector 54, it is determined whether or not the user has inserted a coin. If no coins have been inserted, the process returns to step S2. If coins have been inserted, the total amount of coins that the user has inserted is calculated as the amount of money inserted in step S3.

Subsequently, in step S4, from the calculated input amount, the parking time corresponding to the input amount is the parking time (if the parking fee paid this time is the prepaid parking fee, it means the effective parking time). , means extended parking time if the parking fee paid this time is an additional parking fee). Since the relationship between the amount of money invested and the length of parking time, that is, the hourly charge setting is known to the computer 100, the computer 100 can calculate the parking time from the amount of money invested according to the charge setting. For fee setting, for example, the parking lot manager can individually input for each hour by operating the touch panel of the display device 36 .

According to an example of the above-mentioned fee setting, the continuous parking time is 300 yen for up to 2 hours, 400 yen for up to 4 hours, 500 yen for up to 6 hours, 1000 yen for up to 12 hours, and 1500 yen for up to 24 hours. be. Under this example of charge setting, for example, if the user pays 400 yen as a prepaid parking charge as shown in FIG. 7, the computer 100 will calculate 4 hours as the valid parking time. Also, if the user pays 300 yen as an additional parking fee, 2 hours will be calculated as an extended parking time.

After that, in step S5, a coin-inserting screen shown in FIG. At this time, the calculated input amount and length of parking time (effective parking time or extended parking time) are displayed.

Subsequently, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the issuing ticket button 70 has been pressed. If the issue ticket button 70 has not been pressed yet, it is determined in step S7 whether or not the charge settlement button 74 has been pressed. If the charge settlement button 74 has not been pressed yet, the process returns to step S2.

After the start of coin insertion, the execution of steps S2 to S7 is repeated until either the issue ticket button 70 or the charge settlement button 74 is pressed. As a result, each time the user inserts a coin into the coin slot 50, the total amount of coins inserted by the user from the start of insertion to the present time is calculated as the amount of money inserted, and the calculated amount of money inserted is calculated. A parking time corresponding to the amount of money invested is calculated, and the calculated amount of money invested and the parking time (effective parking time or extended parking time) are displayed on the screen of the display device 36 .

When the issue ticket button 70 is pressed, a parking ticket/receipt issue screen shown in FIG. 6(c) is displayed on the screen of the display 36 in step S8. At this time, the amount of the parking fee determined by the user's operation of the issue ticket button 70 is displayed as the amount of the prepaid parking fee. In this case, the parking time calculated in the preceding step S4 means the effective parking time.

Subsequently, in step S9, the entry time when the user entered the parking lot 10 (or the date and time when the user paid the prepaid parking fee, the time when the parking ticket 80 was issued, the start time of the parking time, etc.) and the effective parking time. The actual data representing the length (or the amount of prepaid parking paid by the user, etc.) that is directly decipherable by the user cannot be deciphered by the user by referring to the encryption table. It is converted into encrypted data 130 that cannot be pronounced but can be pronounced uniquely. Encryption is performed, and thus encrypted data 130 is created.

In this embodiment, the encrypted data 130 is defined by a 9-digit code arranged in a row (the number of digits may be greater or less than that), as shown in FIG. 11(a). It is The symbol for each digit is selected, for example, as one of ten numbers from 0 to 9 and a plurality of alphabets. The multi-digit symbol is divided into a plurality of groups and printed on the receipt 81a, and adjacent groups are hyphenated to each other, so that the user pronounces the multi-digit symbol in one breath. Instead of , some breaks are put in to make it easier and more accurate to pronounce.

An example of a general configuration of actual data (the notation of the year is omitted to reduce the number of digits in the actual data) is as shown in FIG. and the length of the effective parking time is TT time.". As shown in FIG. 11C, this actual data consists of a number MM representing the month, a number DD representing the day, a number hh representing the hour of the time, and a number mm representing the minute of the time. , the length of parking time (meaning valid parking time if the relevant receipt is for prepayment, or extended parking time if the relevant receipt is for additional parking charges); It has five elements, the number TT representing .

The encryption table, as shown in FIG. 11(c), is a monthly encryption table that is referenced to encrypt the numeral MM representing the month, and a monthly encryption table that is referenced to encrypt the numeral DD representing the day. an hourly encryption table that is referenced to encrypt the number hh representing the hour of the hour; and an hourly encryption table that is referenced to encrypt the number mm representing the minute of the hour. and a minute-by-minute encryption table that is referenced to encrypt the number TT representing the length of parking time. Each of the five elements mentioned above is encrypted by referring to the corresponding encryption table, thereby creating the 9-digit encrypted data 130 .

In this embodiment, the encryption table is updated every day, but a method of updating each time a period longer than 24 hours elapses (the encryption table is not updated during the same period) is adopted, A period longer than 24 hours is defined as one cycle, and the encryption table is updated every day within the same cycle (the encryption table is updated daily between one cycle period and another cycle period). common pattern) can be adopted.

In one example, if the encryption table is updated daily in memory 104, the encryption table set, which is the encryption table for a month, is updated monthly. In this case, the encryption table set is updated by the administrator, for example, each time the administrator visits the parking lot 10 every month.

In one example, for each of the five elements MM, DD, hh, mm, and TT, the relationship between the actual data and the encrypted data in the encryption table, that is, the number before encryption (for example, "2 "2" representing "month") and the code after encryption generate a random number for each number before encryption, and adopt the random number as the code after encryption. be done.

When the encryption is completed in step S9 shown in FIG. 5, the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a are printed and issued by the printer 40 in step S10. In the receipt 81a, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the same information regarding at least one of the date and amount of payment of the parking fee or the parking time and the length of the parking time is displayed as actual data that can be deciphered by the user. and encrypted data 130 that cannot be deciphered by the user. This completes the current execution of the ticket issuing/settlement program.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7( a ), the parking ticket 80 contains the end time of the valid parking period corresponding to the amount of the prepaid parking fee paid by the user, and the location of the parking lot 10 . is displayed and printed. The receipt 81a is printed with the entry time, the amount of the prepaid parking fee paid by the user, the end time of the valid parking time, and an indication for specifying the location of the parking lot 10. FIG. Encrypted data 130 exemplified by "ABC-DEF-ABC" is also printed on the receipt 81a. This encrypted data 130 is, as shown in text in FIG. The actual data representing the length of the valid parking time (which is equivalent to the amount of the prepaid parking fee paid) is encrypted.

On the other hand, if the charge settlement button 74 is pressed instead of the ticket issue button 70, the settlement receipt issue screen shown in FIG. 6(d) is displayed on the screen of the display 36 in step S11. At this time, the parking fee amount determined by the user's operation of the fee settlement button 74 is displayed as the additional parking fee amount. In this case, the parking time calculated in the preceding step S4 means extended parking time.

Subsequently, in step S12, similarly to step S9, the time at which the receipt 81b was issued due to the user paying the additional parking fee (this is equivalent to the time at which the additional parking fee was paid) and the above Actual data representing the length of extended parking time (which is equivalent to the amount of additional parking fees paid) is converted into encrypted data 140 by referring to the encryption table.

Thereafter, in step S13, the receipt 81b is printed by the printer 40 and issued. In the receipt 81b, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the same information regarding at least one of the date and amount of parking fee payment or parking time, and the length of parking time is displayed as actual data decipherable by the user. and encrypted data 140 that cannot be deciphered by the user. This completes the current execution of the ticket issuing/settlement program.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the receipt 81b includes the date and time when the receipt 81b was issued, the amount of the additional parking fee, and an indication for specifying the location of the parking lot 10. is printed.

Furthermore, encrypted data 140 exemplified by "123-456-789" is also printed on the receipt 81b. This encrypted data 140 is obtained by encrypting real data representing the date and time when the receipt 81b was issued and the length of the extended parking time.

FIG. 7(a) shows a front view of the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a, while FIG. 7(b) shows a front view of the receipt 81b. A double sheet of the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a corresponds to two sheets of the parking ticket 80. In the double sheet, the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a have the same size and structure. The receipt 81b is equivalent to one parking ticket 80, and has the same size and structure as the parking ticket 80. To simplify the explanation, only the configuration of the parking ticket 80 will be representatively explained below.

The parking ticket 80 includes a display sheet (printing paper) 82 as a surface layer, an adhesive layer 83 (glue layer) as an intermediate layer, and a separator (separation sheet, release paper) 84 as a back layer, which are laminated in this order. configured. The adhesive layer 83 is applied to the back surface of the display sheet 82 so as not to be easily peeled off. does not adhere to

As shown in FIG. 7( a ), in one parking ticket 80 , the outer periphery of the display sheet 82 is located inside the outer periphery of the separator 84 . The original sheet wound around the roller 42 is composed of a continuous separator 84 and a plurality of display sheets 82 (blank state) arranged in a row with a gap therebetween.

The continuous sheet (continuous separator 84) in the printer 40 is cut by the cutter, and the cutting is performed at the positions of the gaps between the display sheets 82, and the display sheets 82 are not cut. On the other hand, the surface of the portion of the separator 84 exposed in the gap between the display sheets 82 is not coated with glue.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, when cutting the continuous sheet, the glue of the adhesive layer 83 does not adhere to the cutting blade, and an administrator (for example, The frequency of maintenance of the cutter by service personnel, workers who patrol a plurality of parking lots, patrol supervisors) is reduced, and in turn, personnel costs for administrators are reduced.

However, in this embodiment, for the receipt 81b, the separator 84 is completely cut by the cutter to the length of one sheet, while for the two-sheet binding, the separator 84 is cut by two sheets. completely cut to length. However, as described above, for the two-sheet binding, as shown in FIG. 7A, the separator 84 is partially cut between the parking ticket 80 and the receipt 81a by the cutter, A perforation line 89 is thereby formed.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the display sheet 82 of the parking ticket 80 further includes a cutting line 90 having both ends (not closed) immediately above the character string "parking ticket". The cut line 90 is present to allow the user to peel a portion of the display sheet 82 from the separator 84 while leaving the remaining portion adhered to the separator 84 . As shown in FIG. 8B, when the user peels off a portion of the display sheet 82 (the area surrounded by the cutting line 90) from the separator 84 and folds it along the straight line connecting both ends of the cutting line 90, The surface of the bent portion 92 formed as a result (the portion of the adhesive layer 83 that is applied to the back surface of the bent portion 92) is exposed as an adhesive surface. FIG. 9(a) shows the bent portion 92 in a perspective view.

In this embodiment, in order to prove that the parking by the user is not illegal parking, the user puts the parking ticket 80 received in exchange for inserting coins into the front of the parked vehicle, as shown in FIG. 9(b). Affixing to the back surface of the glass 110 is required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, the user locally bends the specified portion of the parking ticket 80 (the area surrounded by the cutting line 90 and the portion that will eventually become the bent portion 92). After peeling it off and bending it, the surface of the bent portion 92 is attached to the rear surface of the windshield 110 of the parked vehicle as shown in FIG. 9(b). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the contents of the parking ticket 80 (in particular, information for specifying the end time of the parking time zone permitted for the user and the parking lot 10 for which this parking ticket 80 is valid). (display for identifying the location of the equipment) can be viewed from the outside at any time.

The user is required to pay an additional parking fee if the actual parking time exceeds the valid parking time. However, as described above, the parking lot 10 is unmanned and does not have a device that prevents the parked vehicle from leaving unless the necessary additional parking fee is paid. , the fact that the necessary additional parking fee has been paid is notified to a parking lot manager at a remote management center from a location such as a parking lot 10, in the car, or at home, using a communication device such as a mobile phone or fixed telephone. is required.

At this time, the user reads out both the encrypted data 130 printed on the receipt 81a issued at the time of entering the warehouse and the encrypted data 140 printed on the receipt 81b issued at the time of leaving the warehouse. The voice is requested to be transmitted to the parking lot manager via the communication device.

Upon receiving the user-generated voice representing the encrypted data 130, 140, the parking lot manager at the control center operates the input device (e.g., keyboard, touch screen, mouse, etc.) of the decryptor 180 to , enter the symbol corresponding to the user's voice. The encrypted data 130, 140 are input, and the decryptor 180 converts the inputted encrypted data 130, 140 into a decryption table that matches the encryption table and is installed in the decryptor 180. Restore the actual data according to the

As a result, the parking lot manager can determine the length of the actual parking time (for example, , the length of time elapsed from the time of entry specified by the encrypted data 130 to the time of payment of the additional parking fee specified by the encrypted data 140). The total amount (for example, the sum of the prepaid parking fee amount specified by the encrypted data 130 and the additional parking fee amount specified by the encrypted data 140) can also be known. , it is possible to correctly determine whether or not the parking time is insufficient in relation to the length of the actual parking time.

Since the decryption table housed in the decryption device 180 cannot be known even by the parking lot manager unless he/she has the authority, the security of the decryption table is high.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present embodiment, when the receipts 81a and 81b are issued, the encrypted data 130 and 140 are attached to the receipts 81a and 81b, respectively, in symbols that can be pronounced by the user. Only by requesting the user to print and further transmit the encrypted data 130, 140 to the parking manager by voice, the parking manager can correctly judge whether or not the parking fee is insufficient. Therefore, the user can safely park beyond the effective parking time without imposing a heavy burden on the user.

Additionally, in the present embodiment, the user transmits the encrypted data 130 and 140 by voice input. key input using a key, image input using an image reader).

The normal parking has been described above, and the cardless parking will be described next.

As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, neither the parking lot 10 nor the ticket issuing machine 20 has a facility for detecting the fact that each user has entered or left the parking lot 10 . In the case of cardless parking, as will be described in detail later, the user can start parking using his/her own electronic parking ticket using his/her own communication device (for example, mobile phone or smart phone). However, neither the parking lot 10 nor the ticket issuing machine 20 can detect the fact that the user is actually parked in the parking lot 10 at that time, and the user The fact that the user has actually entered the parking lot 10 cannot be detected by simply using his/her own communication device, unless, for example, the GPS function of the communication device is used.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. stored in the memory 104), thereby obtaining the time code 190 as encrypted data. The time code 190 cannot be deciphered by the user but can be deciphered by the parking lot manager (for example, like the encryption codes 130 and 140, it cannot be deciphered by the user but can be pronounced uniquely). be.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the time code 190 is updated discretely, that is, at set time intervals (for example, 15 minutes).

Further, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the ticket issuing machine 20 is designed to display the time code 190 on the screen of the display 36 in a state of being updated sequentially as time passes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13( a ), the ticket issuing machine 20 displays the location code 192 unique to the parking lot 10 along with the time code 190 on the screen of the display 36 . Designed to display what is identifiable.

FIG. 14 conceptually shows a flow chart of the code display program executed by the computer 100 of the ticket issuing machine 20 to display the time code 190 and the place code 192 . This code display program is repeatedly executed while the ticket issuing machine 20 is in operation.

When the code display program is executed each time, first, the current time is measured by the clock 102 in step S31. Next, in step S32, the measured current time is encrypted into the time code 190 by referring to the time encryption table. Subsequently, in step S33, the generated time code 190 and the place code 192 stored in the memory 104 are displayed on the screen of the display 36. FIG. This completes the current execution of the code display program.

By repeatedly executing this code display program, the time code 190 and the place code 192 are displayed on the screen of the display device 36 as shown in FIG. 13(a) and on the same screen as shown in FIG. It is always displayed in a position that does not obscure the message being sent.

Here, the time code 190 will be described in detail. The time code 190 has time dependency because it is generated differently at different times of the day.

Furthermore, time code 190 is generated in such a way that it cannot be deciphered by any user of parking lot 10, so even though the user has not actually entered or exited parking lot 10 at any time. Alternatively, the display device 36 is displayed at a certain time in an attempt to impersonate a user who entered or exited the parking lot 10 at a certain time even though the user actually entered or exited the parking lot 10 at another time. Even if the user tries to predict the time code 190 that should have occurred, the user cannot obtain the correct time code 190 . Therefore, the time code 190 also has confidentiality to the user.

Furthermore, the time code 190 is only displayed on the display 36 of the parking lot 10 where the user is actually parking or is parked, so the user must: You have to go to the site called parking lot 10. Therefore, the time code 190 has location dependency.

In this way, the time code 190 has time dependency, confidentiality from the user, and location dependency. As long as the time code 190 is sent to the management server 202 at a time (within the set allowable range) that is not greatly delayed from the time displayed in 36, the time code 190 indicates the fact that the user actually entered or left the parking lot 10. Strong evidence to back it up.

Here, the time encryption table will be described in detail. The time encryption table is updated periodically, for example, every day, similarly to the encryption table shown in FIG. As a result, if the date is different, the time code 190 is more likely to be different even if the time is the same. As a result, misuse of the time code 190 is prevented.

In an exemplary scenario where the same parking lot manager manages multiple parking lots (including parking lot 10), and the time code 190 is displayed in each of those parking lots, the time code 190 is desirably generated differently at different parking lots even if the time is the same. In this preferred embodiment, the time code 190 displayed in the parking lot 10 has place identification power.

Here, the term “location distinguishability” may be defined so as to mean only the characteristic that the time code 190 varies depending on the location, and not the characteristic that the location can be uniquely identified from the time code 190. For example, it may be defined to mean not only the feature of being different depending on the location, but also the feature of being able to uniquely identify the location from the time code 190 .

However, in this embodiment, in order for the management server 202 to specify the location of the parking lot 10 used by the user from the information received from the user, the time code 190 does not have location identification capability. good too. This is because, in this embodiment, together with the time code 190, the location code 192 having location identification power is also displayed to the user in the parking lot 10. FIG.

Therefore, the correct time code 190 for the parking lot 10 that the user is about to use cannot be obtained unless the user is actually in the parking lot 10 and observes the screen of the display 36 . Therefore, if the user transmits the observed time code 190 together with the location code 192 to the parking lot manager at a remote location when entering the parking lot, the parking lot manager can It is possible to estimate at what time the vehicle entered the warehouse.

Specifically, the time code 190 and the location code 192 are communicated by the user to the parking lot manager via his/her own communication device at the time of parking. Upon receipt of the time code 190 and location code 192, the parking lot manager refers to the decryption table 234 (see FIG. 15) that matches the time encryption table, and converts the time code 190 to actual data. Convert to current time. The parking lot manager can use the received location code 192 to deduce the fact that the user actually entered the parking lot 10 identified by the location code 192 .

Furthermore, the parking lot manager receives the current time obtained by deciphering the time code 190 (for example, the observation time when the user observed the display 36) and the current time measured by the parking lot manager (parking lot management time). If the difference between the time code 190 received by the user and the current time obtained by deciphering the time code 190 is within a set allowable range (for example, 30 minutes), the user actually receives the current time (see FIG. 13 As illustrated in (c), if there is a time span, the earliest time in the time span) and the current time measured by the parking lot manager. The fact that the vehicle has entered the parking lot 10 (parking in the parking lot 10 has started) can be estimated.

On the other hand, the parking lot manager cannot normally decipher the received time code 190, or even if he can normally decipher it, the current time obtained thereby and the time measured by the parking lot manager If it is determined that the difference from the current time exceeds the set allowable range, the time code 190 transmitted by the user to the parking lot manager does not exist as the time code 190 in the ticket issuing machine 20, Or, if there is, the user may not know that his electronic parking ticket is valid because the time the user sent the time code 190 to the parking manager is significantly later than the time the user observes the time code 190 on the display 36 . Even if it is valid, parking using it is rejected by the parking lot manager.

In addition, if the length of the set allowable time is set long, the time when the user observes the time code 190 on the display 36 and the time code 190 are transmitted to the parking lot manager. This means that the time interval between the time and the time may be long to some extent. This increases the range of transmission time selections that are allowed for the user, and thus provides the following advantages.

That is, for example, when the user parks his/her own vehicle in the parking lot 10 and walks out of the parking lot 10, the time code 190 displayed on the display 36 is stored, and then the time code 190 is stored. If it is necessary to walk from the parking lot 10 to the nearest station or the like and use a means of transportation such as a train or a bus, after boarding the means of transportation, remember the time code 190 and enter the parking lot. Allowed to be sent to administrators.

As a result, regardless of whether or not there is time to spare, the user is more time-consuming and mentally stressed than the case where the user is constantly required to transmit the time code 190 from the parking lot 10 to the parking lot manager. The burden is reduced, and the usability of the parking lot 10 is improved.

The characteristic elements of the ticket issuing machine 20 for performing cardless parking have been described in detail above. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. Explain the content.

This service is provided by management server 202 implementing an exemplary parking lot management method according to the present embodiment in system 200 shown in FIG.

In the system 200, a plurality of users and a plurality of persons in charge (each person in charge of parking lot 10 managed by the parking lot manager and a plurality of other parking lots) who work according to instructions of the parking lot manager. (having the duty of patrolling and monitoring the parking lot several times a day) is communicatively connected to the management server 202 via the Internet 204, which is an example of a global communication network, wirelessly or by wire. there is

Management server 202 has a transmitter 210 for transmitting signals or data to external destinations and a receiver 212 for receiving signals or data from external sources for transmission and reception.

Management server 202 further includes processor 220 and storage 222 (eg, ROM, RAM). The processor 220 executes an electronic parking ticket processing program, which is exemplarily and conceptually represented by flow charts in FIGS. 16 to 18, and performs various processes in order to provide the above services. The storage 222 temporarily or permanently stores the electronic parking ticket processing program and data.

The management server 202 further includes a member database (hereinafter referred to as "DB"; the same applies to the drawings) 230 illustrated in FIG. 19 and an electronic parking ticket database (hereinafter referred to as "DB") illustrated in FIG. ) 232 and the decryption table 234 .

In addition, although not shown, the management server 202 has an internal clock for measuring the current time, similarly to the ticket issuing machine 20, or can use the measurement result of an external clock.

First, the content of this service will be roughly explained. According to this service, in response to an issuance request from the user, the management server 200 provides the user with the condition that the user prepays a predetermined amount of parking fee. In response, an electronic parking ticket 250 illustrated in FIG. 21 is issued. When the user intends to park in the parking lot 10 using the issued electronic parking ticket 250, the parking permission request and the time code 190 displayed on the display 36 when entering the parking lot 10 are transmitted. is transmitted to the management server 202, the management server 202 refers to the decryption table 234 to decrypt the received time code 190, and based on the decryption result, the warehousing time represented by the received time code 190 is The management server 202 determines whether or not the time code 190 is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the reception time, and thereby determines whether or not the received time code 190 is valid.

When it is determined that the received time code 190 is valid, the management server 202 permits the user to use the parking lot 10 and transmits a parking permit message indicating this to the user.

[Member registration]

More specifically, in this service, a process of registering a user as a member in order to obtain a license to use the electronic parking ticket 250, a process of issuing the electronic parking ticket 250 to the user, and a process of issuing the electronic parking ticket 250 to the user; A step of permitting the use of the electronic parking ticket 250 by the user, and only when the user has parked for an extended period, at the end of parking, an additional parking fee corresponding to the length of the extended parking time is paid by electronic settlement to settle the bill. and the steps for performing are performed in that order.

More specifically, in this service, the user first accesses the management server 202 and registers as a member, as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG. When the user transmits user information required for member registration to the management server 202, the management server 202 registers the received user information in the member DB 230 illustrated in FIG. 19 for each user.

[Issuance of electronic parking ticket]

Next, the user accesses the management server 202 as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG. 23 in order to request the parking lot manager to issue an electronic parking ticket 250 . After that, the user transmits the user ID and password to the management server 202, after which the management server 202 performs personal authentication. Subsequently, the user transmits the number of points that the user wishes to acquire to the management server 202, and the management server 202 calculates the fee required to acquire the number of points. When the user pays the fee, the management server 202 assigns a unique ticket number to the electronic parking ticket 250 to be issued, and further assigns the number of valid points. Register in the electronic parking ticket DB 232. After that, the management server 202 issues an electronic parking ticket 250 illustrated in FIG. 21 to the user.

[Permission to use electronic parking ticket]

After that, when the user enters the parking lot 10, in order to start parking in the parking lot 10 using the issued electronic parking ticket 250, as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG. to access. Thereafter, the user transmits the unique ticket number assigned to the electronic parking ticket 250 that the user wishes to use this time to the management server 202 , and the management server 202 confirms the validity of the electronic parking ticket 250 . Subsequently, the user transmits the time code 190 and the location code 192 displayed on the display 36 to the management server 202 . The management server 202 estimates the user's entry time by decrypting the received time code 190, and confirms the validity of the estimated entry time by comparing it with the current time measured by the management server 202. do.

After that, the user transmits the parking conditions to the management server 202 . The parking conditions include the length of time the user wishes to park in parking lot 10 from now on. Management server 202 then calculates the number of points used to authorize the user for that parking time. The management server 202 further calculates the number of remaining points by subtracting the number of used points from the current number of valid points, and confirms that the number of remaining points is not 0, and determines the valid parking time allowed for the user. Calculate the length of After that, the management server 202 issues a receipt 260 illustrated in FIG. 25 and sends it to the user.

In this embodiment, the user is required to specify the scheduled exit time (which is equivalent to the length of the scheduled parking time) when entering the parking lot, and then the number of valid points is subtracted. can be considered to be classified as prepaid parking. Also, as shown in FIG. 25, the receipt 260 describes the length of the valid parking time permitted to the user together with the end time of the valid parking time. Therefore, by looking at the receipt 260, the user can know by what time he/she has to leave the garage.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 24, the fact that the user has been permitted to park this time is communicated not only to the user himself but also to the aforementioned multiple persons in charge. The person in charge is contacted by a method (active contact) in which the management server 202 individually sends an e-mail containing information on parking permission for each person in charge, or by a person who can view the management server 202. A method of posting information about parking permits on a website (website dedicated to a business operator) where parking permits are limited, and contacting the person in charge with information about parking permits through individual access to the homepage (passive contact).

[Payment of additional charges for extended parking]

When the length of the actual continuous parking time by the user exceeds the length of the valid parking time described above (the continuous parking time permitted at the time of parking by the user in exchange for the consumption of the use points), i.e., extended parking is performed. In this case, when leaving the parking lot 10, the user accesses the management server 202 as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG.

After that, the user transmits the unique ticket number assigned to the electronic parking ticket 250 used this time to the management server 202 , and the management server 202 confirms the validity of the electronic parking ticket 250 . Subsequently, the user transmits the time code 190 and the location code 192 displayed on the display 36 to the management server 202 . The management server 202 estimates the user's exit time by decrypting the received time code 190, and compares it with the current time measured by the management server 202 to confirm the validity of the estimated exit time. do.

After that, the management server 202 calculates the length of the time elapsed from the end time of the valid parking time recorded in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 to the estimated exit time as the length of the extended parking time, In addition, an additional parking fee corresponding to the length of the extended parking time is calculated. The management server 202 further calculates the number of points used for the amount of the additional parking fee, and subtracts the number of points used from the current number of valid points to calculate the number of remaining points. The management server 202 then issues a settlement receipt (not shown) and sends it to the user.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the contents of the electronic parking ticket processing program will be described more specifically. This electronic parking ticket processing program is repeatedly executed by the processor 220 of the management server 202 .

The electronic parking ticket processing program is configured to include a first sub-program shown in FIG. 16, a second sub-program shown in FIG. 17, and a third sub-program shown in FIG. The first subprogram is for member registration and issuance of an electronic parking ticket, the second subprogram is for permitting the use of an electronic parking ticket, and the third subprogram is for extended parking. This is the part for adjusting the parking fee at the time.

[Member registration]

When the electronic parking ticket processing program is executed each time, first, in step S101 of FIG. . This time, assuming that the user has sent a membership registration request, the determination in step S101 is YES, and in step S102, the user's own user information transmitted from the user's communication device (for example, the user's name, address, e-mail address, etc.) is received via the receiver 212 .

Subsequently, in step S103, a unique user ID is assigned to the current user. Thereafter, in step S104, the personal identification number set by the user transmitted from the user's communication device is received via the receiving unit 212. FIG. In this step S104, other user information additionally transmitted from the user's communication device (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the vehicle number, vehicle model name, and body color of the vehicle that the user plans to park) etc.) are also received via the receiving unit 212 .

Subsequently, in step S105 of FIG. 16, user information about the current user is registered in the member DB 230, thereby registering the current user as a member. Thereafter, in step S106, a registration completion message indicating that membership registration has been completed for the current user is returned to the user via the transmission unit 210. FIG. This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

[Issuance of electronic parking ticket]

A scenario in which the management server 202 receives a member registration request from a user has been described above. The determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the member DB 230 is collated with the user ID and password of the user transmitted from the user's communication device to determine whether or not the current user is a member, that is, whether or not the user is qualified to receive this service. It is determined whether it has In other words, personal authentication is performed, and if this personal authentication is successful, in step S109, data representing the number of points that the user wants to acquire this time, which is transmitted from the user's communication device, is sent via the receiving unit 212. received.

After that, in step S110, a fee (prepaid fee) that the user should pay to the parking manager in order to obtain the number of points the user wants to obtain is predetermined between the number of points and the fee. It is calculated by referring to a charge table or a function expression that expresses the relationship between Subsequently, in step S111, data representing the fee to be paid by the user is sent to the user. Thereafter, in step S112, the user makes an electronic payment to the parking lot manager.

Subsequently, in step S113, it is determined whether or not the electronic payment has been completed normally. If the electronic payment by the user has not been completed normally, the determination in step S113 is NO, and in step S113a, an issuance disapproval message indicating that the issuance of the electronic parking ticket 250 is not permitted is returned to the user. be. This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

On the other hand, assuming that the electronic payment by the user has been completed normally this time, the determination in step S113 is YES, and in step S114, a ticket unique to the electronic parking ticket 250 to be issued to the user this time is issued. A number is given. The assigned ticket number is registered in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 in association with the user ID, as illustrated in FIG. Subsequently, in step S115 of FIG. 16, the number of valid points is given to the current user. The granted number of valid points is registered in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 in association with the user ID in step S116, as illustrated in FIG.

Thereafter, in step S117 of FIG. 16, as illustrated in FIG. 21, an electronic parking ticket 250 is issued to the current user, and data representing the electronic parking ticket 250 is sent from the transmission unit 210 to the communication device of the current user. sent to. This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

[Permission to use electronic parking ticket]

A scenario in which the management server 202 receives an electronic parking ticket issuance request from a user has been described above. The determination in S107 is also NO, the determination in step S118 of FIG. 17 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S119.

In this step S119, similar to step S108 in FIG. 16, personal authentication is performed based on the user's own user ID and password transmitted from the user's communication device. If this personal authentication is successful, in step S120, the reception unit 212 receives the data for specifying the electronic parking ticket 250 that the user wants to use this time, which is the ticket number transmitted from the user's communication device. is received via

Thereafter, in step S121, it is determined whether or not the electronic parking ticket 250 that the current user desires to use is valid by matching the received ticket number with the electronic parking ticket DB 232 for this user. . If the current electronic parking ticket 250 is not valid, in step S122, a use disapproval message indicating that use of the electronic parking ticket 250 is not permitted is returned to the user's communication device. This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the electronic parking ticket 250 that the user wishes to use is valid, the time code 190 and the location code 192 transmitted from the user's communication device are received by the receiving unit 212 in step S123. is received via Subsequently, in step S124, the received time code 190 is decrypted with reference to the decryption table 234. FIG. Thereafter, in step S125, the user's warehousing time is estimated based on the decoding result. Subsequently, in step S126, it is determined whether or not the estimated warehousing time is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the reception time when the management server 202 received the time code 190. It is determined whether the code 190 is valid.

Assuming that the received time code 190 is not valid this time, the determination in step S126 is NO, indicating that the user is not permitted to use the electronic parking ticket 250 (parking in the parking lot 10) in step S122. A non-authorization message is sent to the user's communication device.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the received time code 190 is valid, the determination in step S126 becomes YES, and in step S127, the user's desired parking conditions are received from the user's communication device. The desired parking condition includes, for example, the length of parking time desired by the user.

Subsequently, in step S128, the number of points to be used for realizing the received desired parking condition is calculated. The number of points used is calculated with reference to a predetermined conversion table so as to increase according to the length of parking time for which the user desires free parking, for example. Thereafter, in step S129, the number of valid points is updated by subtracting the calculated number of points used this time from the current value of the number of valid points. The update of the number of valid points is reflected in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 .

Subsequently, in step S130, based on the received data representing the desired parking conditions, the effective parking time, which is the length of parking time allowed for the user in exchange for the consumption of the points used, is calculated. After that, in step S130a, a receipt 260 illustrated in FIG. 25 is issued to inform the user that parking using the electronic parking ticket 250 is permitted. Data representing the issued receipt 260 is transmitted to the user's communication device.

Subsequently, in step S131, a process for communicating the received desired parking conditions to all the persons in charge is performed (for example, the desired parking conditions are individually notified to the persons in charge by e-mail, or the desired parking conditions are Contact the person in charge by posting the terms and conditions on the company's website). This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

[Payment of parking fee for extended parking]

A scenario in which the management server 202 receives an electronic parking ticket utilization request from a user has been described above. The determination in S107 is also NO, the determination in step S118 in FIG. 17 is NO, the step S132 in FIG. 18 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S133.

The steps from step S133 to step S138 have the same execution contents as the steps from step S119 to step S124 shown in FIG. 17, so redundant description will be omitted.

In step S139 of FIG. 18, the user's departure time is estimated based on the decoding result of the time code 190 transmitted from the user's communication device in step S137. Subsequently, in step S140, it is determined whether or not the estimated exit time is within a predetermined allowable range determined with respect to the reception time when the management server 202 received the time code 190. It is determined whether the code 190 is valid.

Assuming that the received time code 190 is not valid this time, the determination in step S140 is NO, indicating that the user is not permitted to use the electronic parking ticket 250 (parking in the parking lot 10) in step S136. A non-authorization message is sent to the user's communication device.

On the other hand, this time, assuming that the received time code 190 is valid, the determination in step S140 becomes YES, and in step S141, valid parking records recorded in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 are determined from the estimated exit time. The length of extended parking time is calculated by subtracting the end time of the time. The estimated exit time is recorded in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 as illustrated in FIG.

Subsequently, in step S142, an additional parking fee corresponding to the length of the calculated extended parking time is calculated by referring to a predetermined conversion table. After that, in step S143, the number of used points corresponding to the calculated amount of the additional parking fee is calculated. Subsequently, in step S144, the number of remaining points is calculated by subtracting the calculated number of used points from the current number of valid points. The number of remaining points is reflected in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 . The electronic parking ticket DB 232 also records data indicating that the user has settled the additional parking fee by partially consuming the number of valid points, as illustrated in FIG. 20 . Thereafter, in step S145, a settlement receipt (not shown) indicating that the additional parking fee has been settled by the user is issued, and data representing the settlement receipt is transmitted to the user's communication device.

Subsequently, in step S146, processing for notifying all persons in charge that the additional parking fee has been settled by the user is performed according to step S131 of FIG. This completes the current execution of the electronic parking ticket processing program.

[Automatic transmission of delivery reminder message]

In this embodiment, as described above, the management server 202 determines the parking time for the user who parks using the electronic parking ticket 250 at the time of parking based on the parking time and the length of the valid parking time. We also know the expected delivery time to be calculated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, in the present embodiment, the management server 202 notifies the user who is parking using the electronic parking ticket 250 that the scheduled leaving time is coming soon, or In order to warn that the time has passed, or to warn that the extended parking will be settled when the scheduled leaving time has passed, a message will be sent individually to the user's communication device by e-mail. Designed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the management server 202 refers to the data in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 for each user to calculate the scheduled exit time (end time of valid parking time). A time earlier than the leaving time by a set time (for example, one hour) is calculated as the leaving prompting time. When the delivery reminder time arrives, the management server 202 creates a delivery reminder message including a description to the effect that "one hour remains until the scheduled delivery time", and sends the delivery reminder message by e-mail. Send to the corresponding user's communication device.

The exit reminder message includes, for example, a description to the effect that "if the scheduled exit time has passed, the user needs to access the management server and settle the additional parking fee when exiting the parking lot." be This alerts the user not to forget to access the management server 202 and settle the additional parking fee when leaving the parking lot after the scheduled exit time.

Furthermore, the management server 202 determines whether or not the scheduled parking time has arrived for each user. determine whether or not If the payment of the additional parking fee has not been completed, the management server 202 sends a description to the effect that ``the scheduled exit time has passed'' It is necessary to settle the The management server 202 transmits the delivery reminder message to the corresponding user's communication device by e-mail. The management server 202 sends the same exit reminder message to the user who has sent the exit reminder message every time a set period of time (for example, one hour) elapses until the user accesses the management server 202 and settles the additional parking fee. Send repeatedly.

In addition, in this embodiment, the same parking lot 10 can be used for both normal parking and cardless parking. is generated by encryption and displayed on the screen of the display device 36. However, in the present invention, for example, only cardless parking is possible in the same parking lot 10, and instead of the ticket issuing machine 20, a clock 102 and an encryptor ( For example, a computer that executes a program for generating the time code 190 by referring to the time encryption table) and a display 36 that displays the time code 190 generated by the encryption. It is possible to implement a mode in which the display device is installed in the parking lot 10 .

As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the clock 102 constitutes an example of the "clock" in the above item (1), and the steps shown in FIG. The part that executes S32 constitutes an example of the "encryption section" in the same paragraph, the display 36 constitutes an example of the "display section" in the same paragraph, and the time code 190 of the ticket issuing machine 20 constitutes an example of the "parking lot time code generation and display device" in the same paragraph, and the display 36 is an example of the "display unit" in the above paragraph (2) and the above It is possible to think that each of them constitutes an example of the "parking lot time code display device" according to item (5).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S120 and S123 shown in FIG. Steps S124 to S126 constitute an example of the "parking time validity determination step" in the same paragraph, and step S130a shown in the same figure constitutes an example of the "parking permission step" in the same paragraph. It is possible to consider that the unit 210 and the receiving unit 212 jointly constitute an example of the "communication unit" in the same paragraph.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S134 and S137 shown in FIG. constitutes an example of the "departure time validity determination step" in the same paragraph, and step S141 shown in the same figure constitutes an example of the "parking time calculation step" in the same paragraph. is.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, step S107 shown in FIG. It can be considered that this constitutes an example of the "electronic parking ticket issuing step" in the same paragraph.

<Second embodiment>

A parking lot management method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described. However, elements common to those of the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals or names to omit redundant description, and only different elements will be described in detail.

In the first embodiment, each time a user who wishes to use the parking lot 10 uses the parking lot 10, prior to parking (at the time of entering the parking lot), the user specifies the length of the planned parking time for which he or she wishes to park this time. Then, of the number of valid points, the number of points corresponding to the prepaid parking fee corresponding to the length of the scheduled parking time is consumed. When the user leaves the parking lot 10 before the scheduled parking time elapses, that is, when the user does not park for an extended period of time, it is not necessary to access the management server 202 at the time of leaving. In other words, the user does not need to access the management server 202 at the time of leaving the parking lot unless the user does extended parking. As a result, the user only has to communicate with the management server 202 when entering the vehicle each time the vehicle is parked, unless the user does extended parking.

However, in the first embodiment, even when the user's actual parking time is shorter than the scheduled parking time, the same number of points as when the user parks for the same amount of time as the scheduled parking time is consumed.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the user has to access the management server 202 not only when entering the warehouse but also when leaving the warehouse. Instead, the number of points is consumed by calculating the parking time collectively when exiting the garage, so that the number of points consumed is calculated to match the actual parking time. As a result, according to this embodiment, the user does not have to waste points, which is economical.

28 to 33, the parking lot management method according to this embodiment will be described. 17 (membership registration and issuance of electronic parking ticket 250), a fourth subprogram that replaces the second subprogram (permission to use electronic parking ticket 250) shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. and a fifth subprogram that replaces the third subprogram (adjustment of additional parking fee for extended parking) shown in FIG.

A fourth subprogram is executed in the management server 202 to authorize parking using the electronic parking ticket 250, and is conceptually represented in the flowchart of FIG. Also, the fifth subprogram is executed in the management server 202 so that the user can settle the parking fee with point consumption at the end of parking using the electronic parking ticket 250, and is conceptually shown in the flow chart of FIG. .

An electronic parking ticket processing program according to the present embodiment will be described below. Duplicate descriptions of processes common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different processes will be described in detail.

[Permission to park using an electronic parking ticket]

When the user enters the parking lot 10, the user accesses the management server 202 as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG. . After that, the user transmits the ticket number assigned to the electronic parking ticket 250 that the user wants to use this time to the management server 202 , and the management server 202 confirms the validity of the electronic parking ticket 250 . Subsequently, the user transmits the time code 190 and the location code 192 displayed on the display 36 to the management server 202 . The management server 202 estimates the user's entry time by decrypting the received time code 190, and confirms the validity of the estimated entry time by comparing it with the current time measured by the management server 202. do.

If the estimated warehousing time is appropriate, the management server 202 permits parking by the user and transmits a parking permission message to the user. The management server 202 not only informs the user himself/herself of the fact that the user has been permitted to park this time, but also informs the aforementioned multiple persons in charge in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

To execute this process, the management server 202 executes the fourth subprogram shown in FIG. When executing the fourth subprogram, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not a parking permission request has been received from the user's communication device. Assuming that the parking permit request has been received this time, the determination in step S301 is YES, and steps S119 through S126 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

If it is determined in step S126 that the estimated parking time by deciphering the time code 190 received this time from the user is valid, in step S302 a parking permission message indicating that the user is permitted to park is displayed. It is sent back to the user's communication device. Thereafter, in step S303, information indicating that the user is permitted to park in parking lot 10 is communicated to all persons in charge. This completes the current execution of the fourth subprogram.

[Payment of parking fee for parking using an electronic parking ticket]

When leaving the parking lot 10, the user accesses the management server 202 in order to settle the parking fee, as illustrated in the sequence diagram of FIG. After that, the user transmits the ticket number assigned to the electronic parking ticket 250 used this time to the management server 202 , and the management server 202 confirms the validity of the electronic parking ticket 250 . Subsequently, the user transmits the time code 190 and the location code 192 displayed on the display 36 to the management server 202 . The management server 202 estimates the user's exit time by decrypting the received time code 190, and compares it with the current time measured by the management server 202 to confirm the validity of the estimated exit time. do.

After that, in the management server 202, the length of the parking time is calculated by subtracting the parking time recorded in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 from the estimated parking time in step S402 shown in FIG. The estimated exit time is recorded in the electronic parking ticket DM232 as illustrated in FIG.

Subsequently, in step S403, a parking fee corresponding to the calculated length of parking time is calculated by referring to a predetermined conversion table. After that, in step S404, the number of used points corresponding to the calculated amount of the parking fee is calculated. Subsequently, in step S405, the number of remaining points is calculated by subtracting the calculated number of used points from the current number of valid points. The number of remaining points is reflected in the electronic parking ticket DB 232 . The electronic parking ticket DB 232 also records data indicating that the user has settled the parking fee by partially consuming the number of valid points, as illustrated in FIG. 20 . Thereafter, in step S406, a receipt 270 representing that the parking fee has been settled by the user is issued, and data representing the receipt 270 is transmitted to the user's communication device.

Subsequently, in step S407, processing is performed to notify all persons in charge that the parking fee has been settled by the user. This completes the current execution of the fifth subprogram.

[Automatic transmission of reminder message]

In this embodiment, as described above, the management server 202 knows the parking time of the user who parks using the electronic parking ticket 250 at the time of parking. , the scheduled delivery time is not known. However, the management server 202 can sequentially calculate the elapsed time from the parking time to the current time, that is, the user's parking time up to the current time, and the number of points used corresponding to the length of the parking time can be calculated sequentially. can be calculated. Then, even if the management server 202 tries to consume the number of points used at that point in time, the number of remaining points is insufficient in relation to the length of the parking time, so the parking fee cannot be settled in full. can notice.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 33, the management server 202 sequentially calculates the length of parking time for each user who has not completed the payment of the parking fee. It also calculates the number of points used for the amount of parking time. The management server 202 further determines whether or not the number of remaining points is insufficient in relation to the length of parking time even if it is attempted to consume the number of used points at that time. When the number of remaining points is insufficient, the management server 202 creates a delivery reminder message for prompting the user to leave the garage immediately, and sends the delivery reminder message by e-mail to the relevant user. Send to device.

As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S120 and S123 shown in FIG. Also, steps S124 to S126 shown in the same figure constitute an example of the "parking time validity determination step" in the same paragraph, and step S302 shown in the same figure is an example of the "parking permission step" in the same paragraph. can be considered to constitute

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, steps S134 and S137 shown in FIG. constitutes an example of the "departure time validity determination step" in the same paragraph, and step S402 shown in the same figure constitutes an example of the "parking time calculation step" in the same paragraph. is.

Additionally, in the several embodiments described above, the ticket issuing machine 20 is an independent type that does not have a function of communicating with the parking lot manager (management server 202). Although advantageous for minimizing equipment costs of 20, the present invention can be practiced in such a manner that ticket dispenser 20 has its communication capabilities.

In this embodiment, for example, the clock 102 and the time encryption unit (computer) that encrypts the current time measured by the clock 102 refer to the time encryption table shown in FIG. 190) is installed in the management server 202, and the management server 202 measures the current time, encrypts it, generates the time code 190, and sends the time code 190 to the ticket issuing machine 20. and the display 36 of the ticket issuing machine 20 displays the received time code 190 . According to this aspect, the ticket issuing machine 20 does not have the clock 102 and the time encryption unit, instead of having the communication function.

As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail based on the drawings, but these are examples, and based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the above [Summary of the Invention] column, It is possible to carry out the present invention in other forms with various modifications and improvements.

Claims (9)

A parking lot management system that manages a parking lot by a ticketless method that does not use a physical parking ticket,
a granting unit that grants the user a unique number indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot;
When entering the parking lot or leaving the parking lot, the user who is in the parking lot or in the vehicle, via a communication device, requests the user's own user ID and a user ID given in advance to the user. a receiver for receiving the unique number;
Personal authentication of the user is performed based on the user ID received from the communication device, and whether or not the unique number received from the communication device and the unique number assigned in advance to the user are matched. an authentication/determination unit that determines
A calculation unit that calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user when the personal authentication is successful and the collation is established, or a calculation unit that allows the user to use the parking lot when the personal authentication is successful and the collation is established. A parking lot management system including a permitting permitting unit and . Furthermore, including a parking lot identification unit that identifies the parking lot where the user is located,
The calculation unit calculates a parking fee to be charged to the user in association with the specified parking lot when the personal authentication is successful and the matching is established,
2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, wherein, when the personal authentication is successful and the collation is established, the permitting unit permits the user to use the parking lot in association with the identified parking lot. The parking lot identification unit is based on the information acquired from the parking lot by the communication device when entering the parking lot or leaving the parking lot or the current position measured by the communication device by its positioning function. 3. The parking lot management system according to claim 2, wherein the user specifies the parking lot where the user actually enters or exits. A program for causing a computer to function as the granting unit, the receiving unit, and the authentication/determining unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A program for causing a computer to function as the parking lot identification unit according to claim 2 or 3. A communication device program executed by a computer in a communication device used by a user of a parking lot managed in a ticketless manner without using a physical parking ticket, comprising:
2. The communication device receives information from a user who is in the parking lot or in the vehicle when entering the parking lot or when leaving the parking lot, to the receiving unit of the parking lot management system according to claim 1. towards the user ID of the user himself and a unique number given to the user in advance and indicating that the user is qualified to use the parking lot,
A communication device program that makes a computer function as the transmission function. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 4 is computer-readable. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is computer-readable. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is computer-readable.

Images