JP6146750B2 - Payment system and method - Google Patents

Description

[Priority claim]
This application is filed with PCT application number PCT / GB2012 / 052802, filed November 12, 2012, PCT application number PCT / GB2012 / 052804, filed November 12, 2012, and PCT application number, filed November 12, 2012. All of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, all of which claim the benefit of PCT / GB2012 / 052805.

  Unless stated otherwise herein, elements described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

  A parking lot (eg, a parking building) is an area where a car can park. In some cases, the parking lot may be charged such that it can allow the car to be parked in the parking lot in exchange for a fee settlement. Typically, this fee is based on the period during which the vehicle is parked in the parking lot.

  When the car is stored in the pay parking lot, the vehicle driver can receive a ticket with a time stamp from the receiving terminal. Before the driver leaves the parking lot with the vehicle, the driver is required to insert the ticket into a payment terminal that can determine a fee (eg, based on the amount of time that has elapsed since the driver received the ticket). There is a case. The driver can then settle the fee by providing cash or a payment instrument such as a credit card or debit card in the payment terminal. The payment terminal can then verify the ticket and return it to the driver. In order to leave the parking lot, the driver can drive to the exit terminal and insert the verified ticket into the exit terminal. The exit terminal can confirm that the ticket has been verified, and in response, the exit terminal can raise the boom to allow the driver's vehicle to leave the parking lot.

  This process of paying for a parking lot can be inconvenient and can present safety and health concerns. In some arrangements, the payment terminal may be located at or near the pedestrian entrance to the parking lot. In such an arrangement, the queue at the payment terminal may be particularly long during peak times, thus causing delays and driver agitation and discouragement. In addition, payment terminals may be out of service or may have insufficient cash to provide correct change, thereby further exacerbating these problems. In addition, the need for drivers to handle cash or payment instruments in a public environment can raise safety concerns.

  In an alternative arrangement, the payment terminal may be integrated with the exit terminal, which may allow the driver to settle the fee while sitting in the vehicle just before leaving the parking lot. However, such an arrangement can result in a long queue of vehicles waiting to reach the payment / ship terminal. In addition, the long queue of vehicles can cause high levels of exhaust gas in a relatively narrow area, which is considered undesirable for health reasons.

  Accordingly, it is desirable to improve the process by which parking fees (or other types of fees) are settled.

  Exemplary embodiments are described herein. In one aspect, exemplary embodiments provide that (i) a mobile device captures a code that is placed on a medium and encodes an identifier; and (ii) the mobile device captures to recover the identifier. Decrypting the code; (iii) the mobile device transmits a recovery identifier to the server over the communication network; and (iv) a second that is at least after the first time and the first time. Receiving a fee from the server over the communication network that is a function of a period of time between and associated with the transmitted identifier; and (v) transmitting an approval for the mobile device to settle the received fee; Take the form of a method involving:

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment takes the form of a mobile device. The mobile device (i) captures a code that is located on the medium and encodes the identifier, (ii) decodes the capture code to recover the identifier, and (iii) transmits the recovery identifier to the server over the communication network And (iv) receiving from the server through the communication network a fee associated with the transmitted identifier that is a function of a period between at least a first time and a second time after the first time; And (v) configured to send an approval to settle the received fee.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment includes: (i) when the mobile device captures a code that is placed on the medium and encodes the identifier when executed by the processor; and (ii) the mobile device (Iii) the mobile device sends a recovery identifier to the server over the communication network; and (iv) the mobile device at least a first time and a first time. Receiving from the server through the communication network a fee associated with the transmitted identifier that is a function of a period of time between the second time and (v) the mobile device settles the received fee A persistent computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions that cause execution of a set of functions including: sending an approval It takes the form.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment provides that, in response to (i) a server receiving an identifier from a mobile device over a communication network, and (ii) a server receiving the identifier, the server receives at least a first Determining a charge associated with the identifier that is a function of a period between time and a second time after the first time; and (iii) the server determines the charge to the mobile device through the communication network (Iv) the server receives an approval to settle the determined fee from the mobile device through the communication network, (v) the server determines that the determined fee has been settled, and (vi) the server Responding to determining that the decision fee has been settled, the server sending an indication that the decision fee has been settled. It takes the form.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment takes the form of a server. The server (i) receives an identifier from the mobile device over the communication network and (ii) responsive to receiving the identifier between at least a first time and a second time after the first time. Determining a fee that is a function of a period and associated with the identifier; (iii) transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device through the communication network; (iv) receiving an approval from the mobile device through the communication network to settle the determined fee; v) configured to send an indication that the determined fee has been settled in response to determining that the determined fee has been settled and (vi) determining that the determined fee has been settled.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment is directed to a server that, when executed by a processor, is responsive to (i) a server receiving an identifier from a mobile device over a communication network and (ii) a server receiving the identifier. Determining a fee associated with the identifier that is a function of a period between at least a first time and a second time that is after the first time; and (iii) the server includes a communication network Transmitting a decision fee to the mobile device through, (iv) the server receiving an approval to settle the decision fee from the mobile device through the communication network, and (v) the server determining that the decision fee has been settled. (Vi) in response to the server determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server has settled the determined fee. It takes the form of a set of non-transitory computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored that cause the execution of functions and transmitting the display.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment includes (i) a mobile device capturing code that is placed on the medium and encodes the identifier; and (ii) the mobile device captures to recover the identifier. Decoding the code; (iii) the mobile device transmits a recovery identifier to the server over the communication network; and (iv) the mobile device is at least a first location different from the first location. Receiving a fee from the server through the communications network as a function of the distance to the location and associated with the transmitted identifier; and (v) sending an approval for the mobile device to settle the received fee. Take the form of a method involving.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment takes the form of a mobile device. The mobile device (i) captures a code that is located on the medium and encodes the identifier, (ii) decodes the capture code to recover the identifier, and (iii) transmits the recovery identifier to the server over the communication network And (iv) receiving a fee from the server through the communication network that is a function of a distance between at least the first location and a second location different from the first location and associated with the transmitted identifier; (V) configured to send an approval to settle the received fee.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment includes: (i) when the mobile device captures a code that is placed on the medium and encodes the identifier when executed by the processor; and (ii) the mobile device (Iii) the mobile device transmits a recovery identifier to the server through the communication network; and (iv) the mobile device at least the first location and the first location. Receiving a fee from the server through the communication network that is a function of a distance between a second location different from the server and associated with the transmitted identifier; and (v) an authorization for the mobile device to settle the received fee A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions that cause execution of a set of functions including: It takes the form.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment provides that, in response to (i) a server receiving an identifier from a mobile device over a communication network, and (ii) a server receiving the identifier, the server receives at least a first Determining a fee that is a function of a distance between the location and a second location that is different from the first location and is associated with the identifier; and (iii) the server determines the determined fee to the mobile device through the communication network. Transmitting, (iv) the server receiving an approval to settle the determined fee from the mobile device through the communication network, (v) the server determining that the determined fee has been settled, and (vi) the server In response to determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server sending an indication that the determined fee has been settled. It takes the form.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment takes the form of a server. The server (i) receives an identifier from the mobile device over the communication network and (ii) in response to receiving the identifier, at least a distance between the first location and a second location different from the first location. Determining a fee associated with the identifier, and (iii) sending the determined fee to the mobile device through the communication network, and (iv) receiving an approval to settle the determined fee from the mobile device through the communication network, (v ) Configured to transmit an indication that the determined fee has been settled in response to determining that the determined fee has been settled, and (vi) determining that the determined fee has been settled.

  In another respect, the exemplary embodiment is directed to a server that, when executed by a processor, is responsive to (i) a server receiving an identifier from a mobile device over a communication network and (ii) a server receiving the identifier. Determining a fee associated with the identifier that is a function of a distance between at least the first location and a second location different from the first location; and (iii) Transmitting a decision fee to the mobile device; (iv) a server receiving an approval to settle the decision fee from the mobile device through a communication network; and (v) determining that the decision fee has been settled. , (Vi) in response to the server determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server has settled the determined fee. It takes the form of a set of non-transitory computer-readable medium in which program instructions are stored that cause the execution of functions and transmitting the display.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment (i) uses a mobile device to scan a quick response (QR) code that encodes a unique ticket code that identifies a parking ticket for using a parking building. And (ii) decrypting the QR code to recover the unique ticket code using the mobile device; (iii) transmitting the unique ticket code from the mobile device to the application server; (Iv) receiving a parking fee for using the parking building in the mobile device and displaying the parking fee on the mobile device; and (v) a settlement means for settlement of the parking fee using the mobile device. And approve the parking fee for payment, and (vi) relate to payment means And (vii) receiving a status data indicating whether the payment of the parking fee was successful or unsuccessful at the mobile device from the application server. I take the.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment captures a quick response (QR) code that encodes (i) a processor and (ii) a unique ticket code that identifies a parking ticket for using a parking building. A configured camera; (iii) a persistent computer readable data storage device including computer readable program instructions executable by the processor to decode the QR code (R); and (iv) for using a parking building. And a user interface configured to allow a user to select a payment instrument for a trial at the time of payment of the parking fee and to approve the parking fee for payment ( v) a network interface device, and (vi) the network interface is fixed (Vii) the network interface is configured to send status data indicating whether the initial attempt at the time of payment settlement was successful or unsuccessful. It takes the form of a mobile device configured to receive from an application server.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment includes (i) receiving a unique ticket code identifying a parking ticket for using the parking building at the application server from the mobile device; and (ii) using the parking building. (Iii) a step of transmitting a parking fee from the application server to the mobile device; and (iv) an attempt to settle the fee at the application server from the mobile device. Receiving the data related to the payment means, and (v) processing of the data related to the parking fee and the data related to the first payment means in the application server brings about the success or failure of the payment of the parking fee. Determining whether or not, and (vi) parking fee Take the form of a method comprising the step of transmitting to the mobile device from the application server status data indicating whether an attempt at settlement of success or failure.

  In another aspect, exemplary embodiments include: (i) a processor; (ii) a persistent computer readable data storage device that includes computer readable program instructions; and (iii) a network interface; (1) a unique ticket code for identifying a parking ticket for using the parking building; and (2) data relating to the settlement means selected for an attempt at the settlement of the parking fee for using the parking building. (Iv) a program instruction to determine whether processing of the parking fee and data associated with the payment means results in a successful or unsuccessful payment of the parking fee. (V) a program instruction can be executed by the network interface. (Vi) a status of the application server system that indicates whether the attempt at payment of the parking fee was successful or unsuccessful. take.

  In another aspect, the exemplary embodiment includes (i) providing a parking ticket for using the parking building at the parking building, and (ii) encoding a unique ticket code identifying the parking ticket at the parking building. Providing a quick response (QR) code.

  These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this summary and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system for paying a fee according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary quick response (QR) code. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an application server according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a first part of a functional flow diagram of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd part of the flowchart of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows a third part of the flow chart of FIG. 5A. FIG. 2 illustrates a display of a mobile device according to an exemplary embodiment.

I. This description describes, in particular, exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods. In this description, the terms “user” and “driver” may be used interchangeably based on context. The article “a” or “an” is used to introduce elements of the exemplary embodiments, and the intent to use those articles is that there is one or more of the elements. . The intent of using the conjunction “or” in a descriptive list of at least two terms is to indicate any of the terms being described or any combination of the terms being described. The use of ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. is to distinguish each element rather than indicating a particular order of those elements. The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the description.
FIG-
FIGs-multiple figures,
PIN-personal identification number,
QR-Quick response.

II. Exemplary Architecture FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for settling a fee according to an exemplary embodiment. To illustrate one example use case for the system 100, the system 100 will be described in the context of a parking lot. However, as will be described further below, the system 100 can be used in connection with other environments as well.

  The system 100 includes an application server 102, a warehousing / dispensing machine terminal 104, a mobile device 106, a shipping terminal 108, a payment processing server 110, and a parking record database 112.

  Distributor terminal 104 may be configured to distribute media to users such as vehicle drivers. In some cases, in response to a vehicle entering the parking lot, the dispenser terminal 104 can dispense media. The medium can take a variety of forms. For example, the medium can take the form of a paper ticket or token.

  The medium may have a code for encoding the session identifier. The code can take a variety of forms. For example, the code can take the form of a one-dimensional code such as a straight bar code or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The session identifier can uniquely identify a particular parking session, ie, a given instance of a vehicle parked in a parking lot. The session identifier can take various forms. For example, the session identifier can be a numeric value or an alphanumeric code. In some embodiments, the code may also encode other data including, for example, time or parking identifiers.

  In some embodiments, the dispenser terminal 104 prints the code on the medium (or otherwise on the medium) at or near the time at which the medium is dispensed. To be arranged). In one example, an event is close to time if the event and time are within a threshold number of seconds of each other. The threshold can be, for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds.

  In other embodiments, the media may already have the code placed when it is loaded into the dispenser terminal 104. The dispenser terminal 104 can be operatively connected to the application server 102 and can further include a session identifier encoded in the code and / or a time that generally indicates the time the vehicle entered the parking lot. Can be configured to transmit to. As used herein, the term “time” refers to time and / or date. The application server 102 can be configured to store the received session identifier and time in the parking record database 112, as described in more detail below.

  The exit device 108 can be configured to control the exit of the vehicle from the parking lot and can include or be integrated with an access control device that can take a variety of forms. In one example, the access control device takes the form of a boom mechanism configured to move between a low position that prevents the vehicle from leaving the parking lot and a high position that allows the vehicle to leave the parking lot. be able to. The exit device 108 can raise and lower the boom.

  In some cases, the same control access device can be used to control the entry and exit of a vehicle from a parking lot. However, in other embodiments, separate control access devices can be used for each purpose. The shipping terminal 108 can be operatively connected to the application server 102.

  Application server 102, mobile device 106, and payment processing server 110 can communicate with each other via communication network 116. Communication network 116 can take a variety of forms. For example, the communication network 116 may take the form of a local area network or a wide area network such as the World Wide Web or the Internet. Communication network 116 may be supported by a wired or wireless interface (eg, an interface configured to communicate using, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® protocol). In particular, in some embodiments, other devices in the system 100 can also communicate with each other over a communication network. Communication between any such devices can be facilitated by a corresponding network interface.

  Communication between the application server 102, the mobile device 106, and the payment processing server 110 includes a server host program installed on the application server 102 and a payment application program (“payment application”) installed and executed on the mobile device 106. And a processing application program (“processing application”) installed and executed on the settlement processing server 110 can be facilitated.

  The user can download a copy of the payment app from the download repository, for example, from the data storage device 188 of the application server 102 (FIG. 4) and install the payment app on the mobile device 106. During or after installation, the payment app generates a user profile 114 on the mobile device 106, certain attributes such as the user's first name, user last name, email address, physical address, and credit card, debit card, The user can be prompted to manually provide details of one or more payment instruments such as an electronic wallet. In accordance with at least some example embodiments, user profile 114 can be stored locally on mobile device 106 and cannot be passed to application server 102. The payment app captures, but is not limited to, a code that encodes the session identifier, decodes the capture code to recover the session identifier, sends the recovery session identifier to the server, and recovers the recovery session identifier. It is possible to facilitate the execution of various functions including the function of receiving a fee associated with the server from the server and providing the server with an approval to settle the fee.

  As described above, an example of the code is a QR code (registered trademark). FIG. 2 shows an exemplary QR code 200. The QR code (registered trademark) is a two-dimensional code. Exemplary embodiments include: Aztec barcode, codablock F code, code16K barcode, code49 barcode, data matrix barcode, micro PDF417 barcode, QR code (R), micro QR code (R), or some other Any of a variety of two-dimensional codes, such as Alternatively, the exemplary embodiment may use a one-dimensional code such as a barcode where only the width of each bar is used to decode the barcode.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mobile device 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile device 106 includes: (i) a processor 150; (ii) a network interface 152 that transmits data to and receives data from the communication network 116; (iii) a user interface 154; (Iv) a camera (or other capture device) 156 configured to capture code such as QR Code®, and (v) a data storage device 158, all of which are connected to the system bus Alternatively, they can be linked together through other connection mechanisms 160. Data storage device 158 includes computer readable program instructions (CRPI) 162, payment application 164, and user profile 114. The CRPI 162 can include a payment application 164. Data storage device 158 may include a persistent computer readable storage medium readable by processor 150. Each computer-readable storage medium described herein can include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components such as optical memory, magnetic memory, organic memory, or other memory, or disk storage. The elements can be integrated with the processor in whole or in part.

  Each processor described herein may be one or more general purpose processors (eg, an INTEL single core microprocessor or INTEL multicore microprocessor), or one or more dedicated processors (eg, digital Signal processor). The processor 150 is configured to execute the CRPI 162 and the payment application 164.

  Mobile device 106 may be configured or include as a cellular phone, smartphone, tablet device, or some other device arranged to perform cellular communications. In this regard, the communication network 116 is a network that performs communication according to the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or some other communication standard developed for cellular communication networks. A cellular communication network such as

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the application server 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the application server 102 includes: (i) a processor 182; (ii) a network interface 184 that transmits data to and receives data from the communication network 116; (iii) a user interface 186; And (iv) a data storage device 188, all of which can be linked together through a system bus or other connection mechanism 190. Data storage device 188 may include (i) CRPI 192 and (ii) payment app 194 downloaded by mobile device 106 (which may be the same as payment app 164). The CRPI 192 can include a payment application 194. Data storage device 188 may include a persistent computer readable storage medium readable by processor 182. The processor 182 is configured to execute the CRPI 192.

III. The exemplary operating system 100 can be used to settle a fee. The following example describes an exemplary use of the system 100 in connection with a user who wishes to settle a parking fee. However, as will be described further below, the system 100 can be used in connection with users who wish to settle other types of charges as well.

  5A-5C illustrate a flow diagram illustrating a set of functions of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. This set of functions is shown in blocks 502-548. The description of those blocks continues here.

  At block 502, the method may involve the distributor terminal 104 distributing the medium on which the code encoding the session identifier is located. At block 504, the method may involve the mobile device 106 capturing code placed on the media. This can involve the mobile device 106 capturing the code using the camera 156 and the payment app 164. At block 506, the method may involve the mobile device 106 decoding the acquisition code to recover the session identifier. This may involve the mobile device 106 using the payment app 164 to decrypt the capture code and recover the session identifier.

  In some embodiments, the mobile device 106 can determine that the acquisition code has certain characteristics, and in response, the mobile device 106 automatically launches an application, such as the payment app 164. can do. In one example, an acquisition code having specific characteristics may be accompanied by an acquisition code encoded with a specific set of data (eg, the string “launch_payment_app”).

  At block 508, the method may involve the mobile device 106 sending a recovery session identifier to the application server 102 over the communication network 116. At block 510, the method may involve the application server 102 receiving the transmitted session identifier from the mobile device 106 over the communication network 116.

  In block 512, the method may involve the application server 102 determining a fee associated with the received session identifier, the fee being at least after the first time and the first time. It is a function of the period between two times.

  In general, the first time is close to the time when the vehicle enters the parking lot. The application server 102 can determine the first time in various ways. For example, distributor terminal 104 can determine that the first time exists at the time at which distributor terminal 104 distributes media. Thereafter, the distributor terminal 104 can transmit the first time to the application server 102 together with the session identifier. In another example, the application server 102 can determine that the first time exists at a time when the application server 102 receives a session identifier from the distributor terminal 104. In either of the two examples described above, the application server 102 can store the received session identifier in the parking record database 112 along with the first time it is received. Accordingly, the act of the application server 102 determining the fee associated with the received session identifier is the step of the application server 102 retrieving the corresponding first time from the parking record database 112 using the received session identifier. Can be accompanied.

  In general, the second time is close to the time that the driver is in the process of paying the fee and / or leaving the parking lot. The application server 102 can determine the second time in various ways. For example, the mobile device 106 can determine whether the second time is when the mobile device 106 (i) acquires the code, (ii) decodes the acquisition code to recover the session identifier, or (iii) a recovery session identifier. Can be determined to exist at the time of transmission to the application server 102. Thereafter, the mobile device 106 can transmit the second time to the application server 102 along with the session identifier. In another example, the application server 102 can determine that the second time exists at a time when the application server 102 receives a session identifier from the mobile device 106. In either of the two examples described above, the application server 102 can store the received session identifier in the parking record database 112 along with the received second time. Thus, the act of the application server 102 determining the fee associated with the received session identifier is the step of the application server 102 retrieving the corresponding second time from the parking record database 112 using the received session identifier. Can be accompanied.

  As mentioned above, the fee can be at least a function of time. Accordingly, the application server 102 can determine a fee based on time using a lookup table (eg, stored in the data storage of the application server 102). The data in the lookup table can be set through a user interface by a parking lot manager, for example.

  In some cases, the fare is further limited to a function of other factors including, but not limited to, parking location, time of day, week, month, or year, and user profile. can do. Thus, in some embodiments, the dispenser terminal 104, mobile device 106, and / or another device may allow the application server 102 to determine a fee by using such factors. Such data can be provided to the application server 102.

  In block 514, the method may involve the application server 102 sending the determined fee to the mobile device 106 over the communication network 116. At block 516, the method may involve the mobile device 106 receiving the transmitted fee.

  At block 518, the method may involve the mobile device 106 displaying the received fee. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary screenshot 600 of the display of the mobile device 106 at block 518. As shown, the mobile device 106 can not only display the determined fee, but can also display a first time and a second time. This allows the user to consider details related to the parking session before approving the payment of the parking session fee.

  If the user wishes to approve the payment for the fee, the user can provide such approval through the user interface 154 of the mobile device 106. Next, at block 520, the method may involve the mobile device 106 sending an approval to settle the received fee to the application server 102 over the communication network 116. The mobile device 106 can not only send such authorization, but can also send payment data to the application server 102. The payment data includes at least a portion of at least one of: interrogation, credit card number, debit card number, cardholder name, card expiration date, card verification code, PIN, and mail code associated with the cardholder. be able to. In one example, the user can provide such payment data to the mobile device 106 through the user interface 154.

  In another example, the mobile device 106 can send a user profile identifier to the application server 102, which uses the user profile identifier to send payment data associated with the user (eg, user profile 114). Can be searched). In some cases, the application server 102 may send at least a portion of the retrieved payment data to the mobile device so that the mobile device 106 can display payment data options to the user. This may allow the user to select payment data (eg, a specific payment instrument) from among the displayed payment data options. The mobile device 106 can then select such payment data and send this selection to the application server 102.

  In block 522, the method responds to the application server 102 receiving an approval to settle the determined fee, and the application server 102 details the fee transaction (e.g., to the payment processing server 110 for parking fee and processing). Details associated with the selected payment instrument.

  At block 524, the method may involve the application server 102 determining that the fee has been settled. In some examples, the application server 102 can determine this based on the stage at which the payment processing server 110 sends a payment status indicator, eg, success or failure, to the application server 102. In block 526, the method involves updating the status of the session identifier in the parking record database 112 as settled in response to the application server 102 determining that the fee has been settled. be able to. Further in response, at block 528, the method may involve the application server 102 sending an indication to the mobile device 106 that the fee has been settled. At block 530, the method may involve the mobile device 106 receiving an indication that the fee has been settled. And in response, at block 532, the method may involve the mobile device 106 displaying an indication that the fee has been settled.

  In some cases, in addition, in response to the application server 102 determining that the fee has been settled, the application server 102 waits until the vehicle must leave the parking lot (eg, before incurring additional fees). A countdown timer can be started to indicate how much time remains. For example, the countdown timer can start at 10 minutes or 15 minutes when started. In one example, the application server 102 can also communicate with the mobile device 106 to cause the mobile device 106 to display the countdown timer value dynamically or in a live manner.

  In particular, if the payment processing server 110 has not succeeded in the payment processing, the application server 102 will probably respond accordingly to the mobile device 106 so that the mobile device 106 can re-approve payment for the fee after selecting alternative payment data. 106 can be notified.

  With the payment completed without failure, the vehicle driver can provide a code to the exit terminal 108 to obtain permission to leave the parking lot with the vehicle. In one example, the driver can do this by providing the shipping terminal 108 with a medium on which the code is placed. In another example, the mobile device 106 can be configured to display the code, and thus the driver can provide the mobile device 106 with the code displayed to the exit terminal 108.

  At block 534, the method may involve the issue terminal 108 capturing the code. This can involve the issue terminal 108 capturing the code using a camera and a payment app. At block 536, the method may involve the issuing terminal 108 decoding the acquisition code to recover the session identifier. This may involve the issue terminal 108 using the payment app to decrypt the capture code and recover the session identifier.

  At block 538, the method may involve the issuing terminal 108 sending a recovery session identifier to the application server 102. At block 540, the method may involve the application server 102 receiving the transmitted session identifier.

  In block 542, the method may involve, in response to receiving the transmitted session identifier, the application server 102 determining that the fee associated with the received session identifier has been settled. it can. This may involve the application server 102 performing a lookup in the parking record database 112 using the received session identifier and retrieving the corresponding status of the session identifier.

  At block 544, the method may involve the application server 102 sending an indication to the shipping terminal 108 that the fee has been settled. At block 546, the method may involve the shipping terminal 108 receiving an indication that the fee has been settled.

  In block 548, the method may involve causing the exit terminal 108 to perform an action in response to the exit terminal 108 receiving an indication that the fee has been settled. In an alternative example, the method is responsive to (i) the shipping terminal 108 receiving an indication that the fee has been settled and (ii) the shipping terminal 108 determining that the countdown timer has not expired. In some cases, the shipping terminal involves a step of executing an action. In the event that the application server 102 determines that the fee has been settled and the countdown timer expires, the application server 102 can determine and send an additional fee to the mobile device 106, The payment of the fee can be approved in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the fee.

  In one example, the step of causing the exit terminal 108 to perform the action can involve the exit terminal 108 moving the access control device. For example, if the access control device takes the form of a boom, the exit terminal 108 can raise the boom and thereby allow the vehicle to leave the parking lot. However, the shipping terminal 108 can execute other actions. For example, the exit terminal 108 can retract a tire spike, thereby allowing the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

IV. Modifications and Benefits of Exemplary Embodiments Obviously, many modifications and substitutions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some of these variations and substitutions are described below.

  1. In accordance with one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the user profile 114 can be stored on the mobile device 106 and on the application server 102. In this embodiment, the capture app 164 on the mobile device 106 synchronizes changes in the user profile 114 with a copy of the profile on the application server 102 when a change occurs under user command or periodically or explicitly. be able to. Thereafter, a copy of the user profile on the application server 102 can be imported to a different mobile device 106 when, for example, the user changes the mobile device or when the user loses or damages the mobile device 106.

  2. In accordance with one or more of the disclosed embodiments, any transmission of data described herein can be encrypted to improve the security of the system 100.

  3. In accordance with one or more of the disclosed embodiments, instead of the application server 102 sending financial transaction details (eg, fee and payment details) to the payment processing server 110 for processing, the application server 102 The payment itself can be processed.

  4). According to at least one exemplary embodiment, after establishing the user profile 114 and capturing the code, the only user action required to achieve the payment of the fee is the payment data associated with the user profile 114. Or otherwise enter information about the payment instrument.

  5. As described in the exemplary embodiment, the use of a code such as a QR code enables the parking fee to be settled more efficiently than is possible with known prior art methods. be able to. In one example, with the user profile 114 established, the user only has to capture the code placed on the medium by the mobile device 106 to achieve payment for parking fees. The user must find a payment terminal in the parking lot, have to wait side by side to use the payment terminal, and offer physical payment means such as cash or credit or debit card for payment You are freed from the hassle of that Furthermore, the user does not face the risk that the payment terminal is out of order or out of change. In addition, the user shall use a clear indication of how much time remains before the countdown timer expires within the range for leaving the parking lot without additional payment, immediately before returning to the user's vehicle in the parking lot. Alternatively, the parking fee can be settled when sitting safely in the user's vehicle. It is anticipated that the disclosed system and method of paying for parking fees will reduce the effort of such payments.

  6). In accordance with one or more of the exemplary embodiments, the application server 102 allows the session identifier, fee to be settled before the exit terminal 108 receives the code or media with the code for the driver to leave the parking lot. And the data that identifies the countdown timer associated with the session identifier charge settlement can be provided to the exit terminal 108. Providing those items in this manner to the exit terminal 108 may allow the exit terminal 108 to more quickly confirm successful settlement for the parking session and timely presentation of the code or media. it can.

  7). As described above, an exemplary application of the system 100 allows a user to settle a parking fee. However, the system 100 can be used in connection with users who wish to settle other types of charges as well. For example, the system may allow a user to settle a fee for a travel session associated with a toll road. In this example, rather than the fee being at least a function of time between the first time and the second time, the fee is at least a first location (eg, the dispenser terminal is located) and a second Can be a function of the distance to the location (eg, the shipping terminal is located). In such cases, the application server 102 can determine the first and / or second location based on the location of the dispenser terminal 104, the location of the issuing terminal 108, and / or the location of the mobile device 106. Both the terminal and the mobile device can send such a location to the application server 102 for use in determining the fee.

V. Additional Exemplary Embodiments The following examples are provided as a further illustration of the disclosed invention.
1. A mobile device (106) capturing a code disposed on the medium to encode the identifier; a mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier; and the mobile device ( 106) transmitting the recovery identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116), and the mobile device (106) at least a first time and a second time after the first time. Receiving a fee from the server (102) through the communication network (116) that is a function of a period of time associated with the transmitted identifier, and the mobile device (106) sends an authorization to settle the received fee A method comprising: (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
2. The method of example 1, wherein the medium includes a paper ticket. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
3. The method of Example 1 or Example 2 wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
4). The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the code includes a two-dimensional matrix code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
5). The method of example 4, wherein the code includes a “Quick Response (QR)” code (200). (Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5A-5C)
6). The method of any one of examples 1-5, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and the fee includes a fee for the parking session. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
7). The method of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the mobile device (106) capturing the code includes a mobile device (106) camera (156) capturing the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
8). The method of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the mobile device (106) capturing the code includes the mobile device (106) scanning the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
9. The method of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
10. The method of any one of examples 1 to 9, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
11. The method of example 10 wherein the wide area network includes “world wide web”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
12 The method of example 10 wherein the wide area network includes “Internet”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
13. The code further encodes a first time, and the method includes: the mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first time; and the mobile device (106) ) To send the first time to the server (102). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
14 The method of any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the first time is close to the time when the medium is distributed from the distributor terminal (104). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
15. The method of any one of examples 1-14, wherein the second time is close to a time at which the mobile device (106) transmits the recovery identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
16. The method of any one of examples 1-15, further comprising the step of the mobile device (106) displaying the received fee. (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5A-5C, and 6)
17. The method of any one of examples 1-16, further including the step of the mobile device (106) sending payment data that facilitates payment of the received fee to the server (102) over the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
18. The identifier is a first identifier and the method includes the step of the mobile device (106) transmitting the second identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116), and the mobile device (106) 17. The method of any one of examples 1-16, further comprising selecting settlement data that facilitates settlement of a received fee associated with the identifier of the first. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
19. The payment data includes at least a part of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mail code associated with the cardholder 17 or the method of Example 18. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
20. In response to the mobile device (106) receiving an indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102) and the mobile device (106) receiving an indication that the fee has been settled, the mobile device (106) The method of any one of examples 1 to 19, further comprising displaying an indication that the fee has been settled. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
21. 21. The method of any one of examples 1 to 20, further comprising providing a code displayed on the medium to the shipping terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
22. The method of any one of examples 1-21, further comprising: a mobile device (106) displaying the capture code and providing the capture device with the code displayed on the medium. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
23. In response to the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has specific characteristics and the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has specific characteristics, the mobile device (106) The method of any one of examples 1 to 21, further comprising: launching an application that facilitates settlement of the received fee. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
24. A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
25. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that, when executed by a processor (150), cause execution of the functions of any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
26. In response to the server (102) receiving an identifier from the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116) and the server (102) receiving the identifier, the server (102) is configured to receive at least a first time. Determining a fee that is a function of a period of time between the second times and associated with the identifier; and wherein the server (102) transmits the determined fee to the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116). The server (102) receives an approval to settle the determined fee from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116), the server (102) determines that the determined fee has been settled, and the server (102 ) Responds to determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server (102) determines the determined fee. Method comprising the step of transmitting an indication that is. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
27. The method of example 26, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and the fee includes a fee for the parking session. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
28. The method of example 26 or example 27, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
29. 29. The method of any one of examples 26 to 28, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
30. The method of example 29, wherein the wide area network includes “world wide web”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
31. The method of example 29, wherein the wide area network includes “Internet”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
32. 32. The method of any one of examples 26-31, further comprising the server (102) receiving a first time from the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
33. The method of any one of examples 26-32, wherein the first time is close to a time when the medium is dispensed from the dispensing device, the code is located on the medium, and the code encodes the identifier. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
34. The method of example 33, further comprising the server (102) receiving a first time from the distributor terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
35. The method of any one of examples 26-34, wherein the second time is close to a time at which the server (102) receives an identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
36. The server (102) receives payment data from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the determined fee, and the server (102) uses the payment data to settle the determined fee. 36. The method of any one of examples 26 to 35, further comprising: (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
37. The identifier is a first identifier, and the method includes the step of the server (102) receiving a second identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116), and the server (102) 36. The method of any one of examples 26 to 35, further comprising: settlement of the determined fee using the settlement data associated with the. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
38. 38. The method of any one of examples 26-37, further comprising the server (102) sending an indication that the fee has been settled to the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
39. The server (102) further includes a step of transmitting an indication that the fee has been settled to the shipping terminal (108), and the shipping terminal (108) displays (i) an indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102). 40. The method of any one of examples 26-38 configured to receive and (ii) perform an action in response to receiving an indication from the server (102) that the fee has been settled. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
40. The method of example 39, wherein performing the action includes performing the action and allowing the vehicle to leave the parking lot. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
41. The method of example 40, wherein performing the action includes moving an access control device in the parking lot. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
42. A server (102) configured to perform the functions of any one of Examples 24 to 41. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
43. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that, when executed by a processor (182), cause execution of the functions of any one of Examples 24 to 41. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
44. A mobile device (106) capturing a code disposed on the medium to encode the identifier; a mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier; and the mobile device ( 106) sending the recovery identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116) and the mobile device (106) is at least between the first location and a second location different from the first location. Receiving from the server (102) through the communication network (116) a fee associated with the transmitted identifier that is a function of the distance of the mobile device (106) and transmitting an approval for the mobile device (106) to settle the received fee. And a method comprising. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
45. The method of example 44, wherein the medium includes a paper ticket. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
46. The method of example 44 or example 45, wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
47. 47. The method of any one of examples 44 to 46, wherein the code includes a two-dimensional matrix code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
48. The method of example 47, wherein the code includes a “quick response (QR)” code (200). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
49. The method of any one of examples 44-48, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a travel session associated with the toll road, and the fee includes a fee for the travel session. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
50. 50. The method of any one of examples 44-49, wherein the mobile device (106) capturing the code includes the mobile device (106) camera (156) capturing the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
51. 51. The method of any one of examples 44-50, wherein the mobile device (106) capturing the code includes the mobile device (106) scanning the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
52. The method of any one of examples 44-51, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
53. The method of any one of examples 44-52, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
54. The method of example 53, wherein the wide area network includes “World Wide Web”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
55. The method of example 53, wherein the wide area network includes “Internet”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
56. The code further encodes the first location, and the method includes: the mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first location; and the mobile device (106) ) To send the first location to the server (102). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
57. The method of any one of examples 44 to 56, wherein the first position is close to the position when the medium is distributed from the distributor terminal (104). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
58. The second location is the method of any one of Examples 44-57, wherein the second location is close to the location when the mobile device (106) sends the recovery identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
59. 59. The method of any one of examples 44-58, further comprising the step of the mobile device (106) displaying the received fee. (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5A-5C, and 6)
60. 60. The method of any one of examples 44 through 59, further comprising the step of the mobile device (106) sending settlement data that facilitates settlement of the received fee to the server (102) through the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
61. The identifier is a first identifier and the method includes the step of the mobile device (106) transmitting the second identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116), and the mobile device (106) The method of any one of examples 44-59, further comprising: selecting settlement data that facilitates settlement of a received fee associated with the identifier of. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
62. The payment data includes at least a part of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mail code associated with the cardholder 60 or the method of Example 61. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
63. In response to the mobile device (106) receiving an indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102) and the mobile device (106) receiving an indication that the fee has been settled, the mobile device (106) The method of any one of examples 44 to 62, further comprising: displaying an indication that the fee has been settled. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
64. The method of any one of examples 44-63, further comprising providing a code displayed on the medium to the shipping terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
65. 65. The method of any one of examples 44-64, further comprising a mobile device (106) displaying the capture code and providing the code displayed on the media to the capture device. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
66. In response to the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has specific characteristics and the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has specific characteristics, the mobile device (106) 68. The method of any one of examples 44-65, further comprising launching an application that facilitates settlement of the received fee. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
67. A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of examples 44-66. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
68. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that, when executed by a processor (150), cause execution of the functions of any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
69. In response to the server (102) receiving an identifier from the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116) and the server (102) receiving the identifier, the server (102) is configured to receive at least a first location; Determining a fee that is a function of a distance between a second location different from the first location and associated with the identifier, and the server (102) transmits the determined fee to the mobile device through the communication network (116). Transmitting to (106), the stage in which the server (102) receives an approval to settle the determined fee from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116), and the server (102) has settled the determined fee. In response to the determining step and the server (102) determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server (1 The method comprising the steps of: 2), determined fee to send an indication that was settled. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
70. The method of example 69, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a travel session associated with the toll road, and the fee includes a fee for the travel session. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
71. The method of example 69 or example 70, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
72. 74. The method of any one of examples 69 to 71, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
73. The method of example 72, wherein the wide area network includes “world wide web”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
74. The method of example 72, wherein the wide area network includes “Internet”. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
75. The method of any one of examples 69-74, further comprising the server (102) receiving a first location from the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
76. The first position is close to the position when the medium was dispensed from the dispensing device, the code is located on the medium, and the code is any one of examples 69 to 75 encoding the identifier. Method. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
77. The method of example 76, further comprising the server (102) receiving the first location from the dispenser terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
78. The server (102) receives payment data from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the determined fee, and the server (102) uses the payment data to settle the determined fee. The method of any one of examples 69 to 76, further comprising: (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
79. The identifier is a first identifier, and the method includes the step of the server (102) receiving a second identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116), and the server (102) 80. The method of any one of examples 69-78, further comprising: using the settlement data associated with to settle the determined fee. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
80. 80. The method of any one of examples 69-79, further comprising the server (102) sending an indication that the fee has been settled to the mobile device (106) over the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
81. The server (102) further includes a step of transmitting an indication that the fee has been settled to the shipping terminal (108), and the shipping terminal (108) displays (i) an indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102). 81. The method of any one of examples 69 to 80 configured to cause an action to be performed in response to receiving and (ii) receiving an indication from the server (102) that the fee has been settled. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
82. 82. The method of example 81, wherein performing the action includes performing the action and allowing the vehicle to leave the toll booth. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
83. The method of example 82, wherein performing the action includes moving an access control device within the toll gate. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
84. A server (102) configured to perform the functions of any one of Examples 69-83. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
85. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that, when executed by a processor (182), cause execution of the functions of any one of examples 69-83. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
86. A mobile device (106) that facilitates communication between the processor (150), a capture device (156) configured to capture code, and the mobile device (106) and the server (102) And a program instruction (162) that, when executed by the processor (150), causes execution of the functions of any one of examples 1 to 23 or examples 44 to 66. And a persistent computer readable medium (106). (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)
87. A server (102) implemented by a processor (150), a network interface (184) configured to facilitate communication between the server (102) and another device, and the processor (182) A server (102) that includes a persistent computer-readable medium that stores program instructions (192) that sometimes cause execution of the functions of any one of Examples 26-41 or 69-83. (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5A-5C)

VI. CONCLUSION Exemplary embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

  This detailed description describes various features and functions of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. As generally described herein and shown in the drawings, the disclosed aspects of the present invention can be arranged, replaced, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of configurations, all of which are described herein. It will be readily understood what is explicitly considered in the book.

  With respect to some or all of the message flow diagrams, scenarios, and flow charts in the figures, and as described herein, each stage, block, and / or communication is a process of information and / or according to an exemplary embodiment. It can represent the transmission of information. Alternative embodiments are within the scope of these exemplary embodiments. In these alternative embodiments, for example, functions described as stages, blocks, transmissions, communications, requests, responses, and / or messages include substantially simultaneous or reverse order depending on the functionality involved. Can be performed out of order with respect to what is shown or described. Further, more or fewer stages, blocks, and / or functions may be used with any of the message flow diagrams, scenarios, and flow diagrams described herein, and these message flow diagrams, scenarios, and flows. Charts can be combined with each other, partly or entirely.

  The stages or blocks representing the processing of information may correspond to circuitry that can be configured to perform certain logic functions of the methods or techniques described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the steps or blocks representing the processing of information may correspond to modules, segments, or portions of program code (including related data). Program code may include one or more instructions that can be executed by a processor to perform a particular logical function or action in a method or technique. Program code and / or associated data may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive or other storage medium.

  Computer-readable media can include persistent computer-readable media, such as computer-readable media that store data over a short period of time, such as register memory, processor cache, and / or random access memory (RAM). Computer readable media may be used over a longer period of time, such as secondary or persistent long-term storage such as, for example, read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disk, and / or compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). A persistent computer readable medium storing program code and / or data may be included. The computer readable medium can be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. A computer readable medium may be considered, for example, a computer readable storage medium or a tangible storage device. Any data identified as being stored on a data storage device or being transmitted to a device for storage within the data storage device may include a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.

  Further, a stage or block representing one or more information transmissions may correspond to information transmissions between software modules and / or hardware modules within the same physical device. However, other information transmissions can also exist between software modules and / or hardware modules in different physical devices.

  While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

100 System for Payment of Charge 104 Distributor Terminal 106 Mobile Device 108 Delivery Terminal 116 Communication Network

Claims (87)

A mobile device (106) is located on the medium distributed by the distributor terminal (104) and has an identifier and a first time representing the time when the distributor terminal (104) distributed the medium. Capturing the code to be encoded;
The mobile device (106) decrypts the captured code to recover the identifier and the first time ;
The mobile device (106) sending the recovery identifier and the recovery first identifier to a server (102) over a communication network (116);
Wherein the mobile device (106), associated with said transmitted identifier, a fee determined by the server, said method comprising the steps of receiving from the server (102) through the communication network (116), the server is at least Determining the fee as a function of a period between the recovery first time and a second time after the first time ;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 1, wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket.   The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the code includes a one-dimensional code.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the code includes a two-dimensional matrix code.   The method of claim 4, wherein the code comprises a "Quick Response (QR)" code (200). The identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with a parking lot;
The fee includes a fee for the parking session,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:   The mobile device (106) capturing the code comprises the mobile device (106) camera (156) capturing the code. 2. The method according to item 1.   The mobile device (106) capturing the code comprises the mobile device (106) scanning the code, according to any one of the preceding claims. Method.   9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network.   The method of claim 10, wherein the wide area network includes a “world wide web”.   The method of claim 10, wherein the wide area network includes the “Internet”. The mobile device (106) is a mobile phone;
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The mobile device (106) is a tab red device,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that:   15. The second time of claim 1, wherein the second time is close to a time for the mobile device (106) to transmit the recovery identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116). The method according to claim 1. The mobile device (106) displaying the received fee;
16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: The mobile device (106) sending payment data to the server (102) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the received fee;
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising: The identifier is a first identifier;
The method is
The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116);
The mobile device (106) further comprising: selecting payment data associated with the second identifier to facilitate payment of the received fee.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that:   The payment data includes at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mail code associated with the cardholder. 19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18 comprising. The mobile device (106) receives an indication from the server (102) that the fee has been settled;
Responsive to the mobile device (106) receiving the indication that the fee has been settled, the mobile device (106) displaying an indication that the fee has been settled;
20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising: Providing the code displayed on the medium to a shipping terminal;
21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising: The mobile device (106) displaying the capture code;
Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capture device;
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising: The mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has certain characteristics;
In response to the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has the particular characteristic, the mobile device (106) launches an application that facilitates settlement of the received fee. When,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising:   24. A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23.   24. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that, when executed by a processor (150), cause the execution of the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23. A server (102) receiving an identifier and a first time from a mobile device (106) via a communication network (116) , wherein both the identifier and the first time are received by a distributor terminal (104); Encoded by a code located on the distributed medium;
Wherein the servers (102), comprising the steps of determining the fee associated with the identifier, the server (102), during a first time and a second time to recover from the acquisition of at least the code Determining the fee as a function of a period of time, and a paragraph ;
The server (102) transmits the determined fee to the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
The server (102) receives an approval from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to settle the determined fee;
The server (102) determining that the determined fee has been settled;
In response to the server (102) determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server (102) transmitting an indication that the determined fee has been settled;
A method comprising the steps of: The identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with a parking lot;
The fee includes a fee for the parking session,
27. A method according to claim 26.   28. A method according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network.   29. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the wide area network includes a "world wide web".   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the wide area network includes the "Internet". The mobile device (106) is a mobile phone;
32. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 31 characterized in that: The mobile device (106) is a tab red device,
32. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 31 characterized in that: The server (102) receiving the first time from the distributor terminal;
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising:   35. Any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein the second time is close to a time for the server (102) to receive the identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116). The method according to item. The server (102) receives payment data from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the determined fee;
Causing the server (102) to settle the determined fee using the settlement data;
36. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35, further comprising: The identifier is a first identifier;
The method is
The server (102) receives a second identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
Causing the server (102) to settle the determined fee using settlement data associated with the second identifier;
Further including
36. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein: The server (102) sends an indication that the fee has been settled to the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
38. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 37, further comprising: The server (102) sends an indication to the shipping terminal (108) that the fee has been settled;
Further including
The shipping terminal (108) receives (i) the indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102), and (ii) receives the indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102). Configured to take action in response to
39. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 38, wherein:   40. The method of claim 39, wherein causing the action to be performed includes allowing the vehicle to leave the parking lot by performing the action.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein performing the action includes moving an access control device in the parking lot.   A server (102) configured to perform the function of any one of claims 24 to 41.   42. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that, when executed by a processor (182), cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 24 to 41. A mobile device (106) is located on the medium distributed by the distributor terminal (104) and encodes an identifier and a first position representing the position where the distributor terminal (104) distributed the medium Capturing the code to be
The mobile device (106) decrypts the captured code to recover the identifier and the first location ;
The mobile device (106) sends the recovery identifier to a server (102) over a communication network (116);
The mobile device (106) charges a fee associated with the transmitted identifier that is a function of a distance between at least a first location and a second location different from the first location. Receiving from the server (102) through (116);
The mobile device (106) sends an authorization to settle the received fee;
A method comprising the steps of:   45. The method of claim 44, wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket.   46. A method according to claim 44 or claim 45, wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code.   47. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the code comprises a two-dimensional matrix code.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the code comprises a "Quick Response (QR)" code (200). The identifier includes a unique identifier of a travel session associated with the toll road;
The fee includes a fee for the travel session,
49. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein:   50. The method of any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises capturing the code by a camera (156) of the mobile device (106). 2. The method according to item 1.   51. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the step of capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises the step of the mobile device (106) scanning the code. Method.   52. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network.   53. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network.   54. The method of claim 53, wherein the wide area network includes a "world wide web".   54. The method of claim 53, wherein the wide area network includes the "Internet". The code further encodes the first position;
The method is
The mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first position;
The mobile device (106) transmitting the first location to the server (102) over the communication network (116);
Further including
56. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein: The mobile device (106) is a mobile phone;
57. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 56, wherein: The mobile device (106) is a tab red device,
57. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 56 , wherein: The mobile device (106) displaying the received fee;
59. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 58, further comprising: The mobile device (106) sending payment data to the server (102) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the received fee;
60. The method of any one of claims 44 to 59, further comprising: The identifier is a first identifier;
The method is
The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) through the communication network (116);
The mobile device (106) further comprising: selecting payment data associated with the second identifier to facilitate payment of the received fee.
60. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 59, characterized in that   The payment data includes at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mail code associated with the cardholder. 62. A method according to claim 60 or claim 61 comprising. The mobile device (106) receives an indication from the server (102) that the fee has been settled;
Responsive to the mobile device (106) receiving the indication that the fee has been settled, the mobile device (106) displaying an indication that the fee has been settled;
63. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 62, further comprising: Providing the code displayed on the medium to a shipping terminal;
64. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 63, further comprising: The mobile device (106) displaying the capture code;
Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capture device;
The method according to any one of claims 44 to 64, further comprising: The mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has certain characteristics;
In response to the mobile device (106) determining that the acquisition code has the particular characteristic, the mobile device (106) launches an application that facilitates settlement of the received fee. When,
66. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 65, further comprising:   A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 44 to 66. 66. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that, when executed by a processor (150), cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 44 to 65 . A server (102) receiving an identifier and a first location from a mobile device (106) via a communication network (116) , wherein both the identifier and the first location are received by a distributor terminal (104); Encoded by a code located on the distributed medium;
The servers (102), comprising the steps of determining the fee associated with the identifier, the server (102) has a first position and the first position recovered from the capture of at least the code Determining the fee as a function of distance between different second locations; and
The server (102) transmits the determined fee to the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
The server (102) receives an approval from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to settle the determined fee;
The server (102) determining that the determined fee has been settled;
In response to the server (102) determining that the determined fee has been settled, the server (102) transmitting an indication that the determined fee has been settled;
A method comprising the steps of: The identifier includes a unique identifier of a travel session associated with the toll road;
The fee includes a fee for the travel session,
70. The method of claim 69.   71. A method according to claim 69 or claim 70, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network.   72. A method according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network.   The method of claim 72, wherein the wide area network comprises a "world wide web".   The method of claim 72, wherein the wide area network includes the "Internet". The mobile device (106) is a mobile phone;
75. A method according to any one of claims 69 to 74, wherein: The mobile device (106) is a tab red device ,
75. A method according to any one of claims 69 to 74 , wherein: The server (102) receiving the first location from the distributor terminal;
77. The method of claim 76, further comprising: The server (102) receives payment data from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116) to facilitate payment of the determined fee;
Causing the server (102) to settle the determined fee using the settlement data;
77. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 76, further comprising: The identifier is a first identifier;
The method is
The server (102) receives a second identifier from the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
Causing the server (102) to settle the determined fee using settlement data associated with the second identifier;
Further including
79. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 78, wherein: The server (102) sends an indication that the fee has been settled to the mobile device (106) through the communication network (116);
80. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 79, further comprising: The server (102) sends an indication to the shipping terminal (108) that the fee has been settled;
Further including
The shipping terminal (108) receives (i) the indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102), and (ii) receives the indication that the fee has been settled from the server (102). Configured to take action in response to
81. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 80, wherein:   82. The method of claim 81, wherein performing the action comprises performing the action and allowing the vehicle to leave the toll booth.   The method of claim 82, wherein performing the action comprises moving an access control device within the toll gate.   84. A server (102) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 69 to 83.   84. A persistent computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that, when executed by a processor (182), cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 69 to 83. A mobile device (106),
A processor (150);
A capture device (156) configured to capture code;
A network interface (152) configured to facilitate communication between the mobile device (106) and a server (102);
A persistent computer storing program instructions (162) that, when executed by the processor (150), cause execution of a function according to any one of claims 1 to 23 or 44 to 66. A readable medium;
A mobile device (106) characterized by comprising: A server (102),
A processor (150);
A network interface (184) configured to facilitate communication between the server (102) and another device;
A persistent computer storing program instructions (192) that, when executed by the processor (182), cause execution of a function according to any one of claims 26 to 41 or 69 to 83. A readable medium;
The server (102) characterized by including.