JP6655273B1 - Parking lot management system - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to make a post-pay parking lot, in which a checkout machine that does not support electronic payment is installed, compatible with electronic payment by using a user terminal. A mobile terminal 90 transmits a settlement request to a management server 50 at the time of departure, and the management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the settlement machine 210, and the settlement machine reduces the parking fee. Calculating, transmitting the parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server, the management server relaying the parking fee data to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server 110, When the electronic settlement is completed, a payment completion signal is transmitted to the management server, and the management server transmits a leaving permission signal to the checkout machine, which sends the vehicle to the entry / exit control device 200 from the parking lot. Command to permit the operation. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology that enables a payment device that does not support electronic payment to be compatible with electronic payment as a whole system by combining it with a user's communication terminal.

  In various business fields, there are various ways in which users settle fees.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a ticket vending machine or a checkout machine installed in a parking lot requires (1) a user to settle payment (payment (money or value transfer) + enter information for transaction completion (mere transfer of money or value). (2) a payment function that allows the user to use the parking lot as a compensation for the payment by the user, and proof of the payment function. It is designed to have an issue function to issue tickets or receipts.

  The timing at which the user pays the parking fee as a parking fee includes a prepaid system in which the parking fee is paid prior to using the parking lot, and a postpaid system in which the parking fee is paid after using the parking lot. As a method of settling a parking fee, there are cash settlement, prepaid IC card settlement, and electronic settlement described later. In addition, as a medium used to settle a parking fee, money (cash, prepaid IC card or credit card having a value equivalent to cash, etc.), substitute money (token, gift certificate, preferential treatment Tickets, etc.), benefits (points with limited use, coupons, discount tickets, rebate tickets, etc.), and use tickets (free tickets with limited use, etc.).

  Therefore, throughout this application document, even if it is referred to as "prepayment type" or "postpayment type" settlement, it is not essential that the user use money for the settlement, and even when using substitute money, When used, when a voucher is used, when it is equivalent to them, or when these media are combined, it means that the payment falls under the “prepayment type” or “postpay type” settlement.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a system that uses a vending machine (cash settlement is possible; equivalent to a ticket vending machine), a user's portable terminal (an example of a communication terminal), and a server.

  In the vending machine, when a change is generated, an electronic value, which is electronic information having the same cash value as the change, is deposited in an account in the server.

  Specifically, first, the user accesses the server using the mobile terminal, and after the necessary authentication is successfully performed, the mobile terminal receives the barcode from the server. Next, the user holds the mobile terminal displaying the barcode over the barcode reader of the vending machine.

  Subsequently, the vending machine communicates with the server, and if the authenticity of the bar code is verified, the vending machine obtains a sales permit from the server.

  Thereafter, the user presses the cash settlement button or the electronic value settlement button among the settlement selection buttons at the vending machine. When the user presses the cash settlement button and a change occurs after selecting the product, the user presses the cash return button or the electronic value return button among the return selection buttons. When the user presses the electronic value return button, the electronic value corresponding to the change amount is transmitted to the server.

  This patent document 1 describes (1) the portable terminal using the cash settlement function of the vending machine, and (2) linking the vending machine with the portable terminal using a barcode. Looks like it has been disclosed.

  Patent Literature 2 discloses a system for managing a postpaid parking lot. In this system, a user's communication terminal communicates with a delivery terminal (corresponding to a ticket vending machine) having a cash settlement function and a centralized management system (centralized management server). At the time of delivery, the user's communication terminal selects one of cash, IC and credit as the settlement method, and notifies the delivery terminal of the selection result.

  Patent Literature 3 discloses a system in which a communication terminal, a ticket issuing machine, and a server of a user are mutually connected via the Internet. Therefore, there is a possibility that the ticket issuing machine, the user's communication terminal, and the server are connected in series with each other, or that the ticket issuing machine and the user's communication terminal are connected in parallel to the server. The ticket issuing machine issues a ticket when receiving information from the mobile terminal and the server. When the ticket issuance is completed, the ticketing machine transmits a ticketing completion notification to the server.

JP-A-2003-77036 JP 2010-198096 A JP-A-2017-27441

  Recently, many potential users for a parking lot have a communication terminal (for example, a mobile terminal), and the communication terminal has a communication function capable of near field communication and long field communication.

  Paying attention to the fact that the communication terminal has such an advanced communication function, the present inventor has set a ticket vending machine installed in a parking lot in addition to the above-mentioned conventional settlement function and ticketing function, and (1) ticket sales. A transmission function for transmitting identification information unique to the machine (for example, a parking lot ID for identifying a parking lot where the ticket vending machine is installed); and (2) a communication terminal of the user, which can perform long-distance communication with the management server. It is proposed to add a communication function for short-distance communication with the management server (as a result, it can be linked to the management server via a communication terminal) or directly for long-distance communication with the management server.

  Further, the inventor of the present invention uses a communication terminal but does not use a ticket vending machine when a user performs electronic payment (also referred to as “smartphone payment”, for example, credit card payment). When performing payment or prepaid IC card payment (also simply referred to as “card payment”), conversely, if the system is designed to use a ticket vending machine but not a communication terminal, cash payment or prepaid When performing an IC card settlement, the management server cannot collect information from the ticket vending machine, and the management server is inconvenient to collect information from a plurality of parking lots and centrally manage their operation status and the like. I noticed that

  In other words, the present inventor, regardless of the settlement method, if the user uses a communication terminal and designs a system to communicate with the management server, the characteristics of the communication terminal, that is, regardless of the location, It has been noticed that the user can enjoy the information that the management server can download the parking-related information from the user.

  Alternatively, the ticket vending machine may be designed to have both a function of performing short-distance communication with the communication terminal and a function of performing long-distance communication with the management server. May raise a new problem.

  Therefore, the present inventor sets the payment function Z by (a) a payment function X that enables the user to pay a fee, and (b) a user of information necessary for establishing a transaction related to parking by the payment. It is divided into an information input function Y that enables input.

  Then, the present inventor realizes the payment function X by the ticket vending machine while realizing the information input function Y not by the ticket vending machine but by the user's communication terminal capable of long-distance communication with the management server (the ticket vending machine). The purpose of inputting information into the vending machine is, for example, to link a vending machine to a communication terminal. Accordingly, among the vending machines, a toll payment machine (for example, a cash payment machine, a prepaid IC card) is used. He proposed to emphasize the character as a card reader, that is, the ability to make cash or card payments using a ticket vending machine.

  Furthermore, the present inventor has set forth that the ticket vending machine emphasizes the character as a toll dispenser, while the communication terminal knows from the ticket vending machine that the user has completed the payment. , The vending machine sends a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal.

  However, none of Patent Documents 1-3 discloses that the ticket vending machine transmits a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal.

  Further, the present inventor has proposed that a portion (for example, the above-mentioned X) and another portion (for example, the above-mentioned Y) of the conventional settlement function Z of the ticket vending machine (for example, software in the same device in the past). In the case of sharing between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal which are physically inseparable from each other, which are inseparable from each other in the configuration, the payment at the ticket vending machine and the information at the communication terminal In order to complement the insulation (dispersibility) between inputs, a plurality of actions by the same user that occur in different places, that is, a user action of paying at a ticket vending machine and information at a communication terminal I noticed that it is necessary to link with the user action of input.

  Therefore, the present inventor, as a solution, for example, assuming that bidirectional communication between a ticket vending machine and a user's communication terminal is performed, (1) a communication method between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal Limited to short-range communication (forcing the user to operate the communication terminal near the ticket vending machine), (2) sharing the same unique information about the user between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal (3) When communication is established between the communication terminal of one user and the ticket vending machine, the ticket vending machine is placed between the communication terminal of another user and the ticket vending machine in order to secure the uniqueness of the communication. Proposed to prevent another communication from being subsequently established.

  In short, the present inventor has set forth that the ticket vending machine has a unique characteristic that cash settlement or card settlement is possible, while the user's communication terminal has information stored in the management server regardless of its location. There is a unique characteristic that can be provided, and it is possible to use ticket vending machines and the user's communication terminal together while making use of each characteristic, diversifying the settlement method by the user and centrally managing multiple parking lots by the management server. I realized that it was desirable to balance them.

  Against this background, the first aspect of the present invention is to use both a ticket vending machine and a user's communication terminal while making use of their respective characteristics, thereby diversifying the settlement method by the user and using a plurality of management servers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a parking lot management system that can easily achieve both centralized management of parking lots.

  Further, in order to manage a post-paid parking lot, a parking lot is conventionally provided in a parking lot with an entrance / exit control device (for example, a gate device that moves up and down as appropriate, a vehicle that stops ascending and descending appropriately). ), And a control device capable of communicating with the entry / exit control device, wherein at least a control function of a control function for controlling the entry / exit control device and a settlement function for enabling a user to settle a parking fee. (For example, a checkout machine), and a management server that can communicate with the control device outside the parking lot and can communicate with the entry / exit control device via the control device. Is installed.

  If the payment machine is capable of cash payment or prepaid IC card payment, but not electronic payment, electronic payment is possible while using the payment machine substantially as it is (at least with the hardware configuration as it is). To this end, the present inventor has proposed that the user does not use the user's communication terminal at the time of entry, but performs both the exit procedure and the settlement of the parking fee using the user's communication terminal at the time of exit.

  That is, the present inventor has proposed a technical idea that a payment apparatus that does not support electronic payment can be compatible with electronic payment as a whole system by combining with a user's communication terminal.

  Against this background, the second aspect of the present invention relates to a system that uses a payment device that does not support electronic payment by using a user's communication terminal while taking advantage of the payment device. The task was to make it responsive.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
A non-electronic payment method, excluding the electronic payment method, which is installed in the parking lot and calculates the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot of the vehicle of the user. A payment machine having a payment function that enables payment to be made with a payment,
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the checkout machine;
A user communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
Including
The user operates the payment machine when the parking fee is settled by the non-electronic payment method at the time of leaving the car, while the communication is performed in place of the payment device when the parking fee is settled by the electronic payment method. Operate the terminal,
The payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and pays the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method.
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, sends a payment request to the management server,
The management server sends a parking fee calculation request to the checkout machine,
The settlement machine calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server,
The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the payment server ends the electronic payment, the payment completion signal is managed. To the server,
This provides a parking lot management system that allows the user to settle the parking fee with a selected one of the non-electronic settlement method and the electronic settlement method.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking management system for managing a post-pay parking lot,
A non-electronic payment method, excluding the electronic payment method, which is installed in the parking lot and calculates the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot of the vehicle of the user. A payment machine having a payment function that enables payment to be made with a payment,
A user communication terminal capable of communicating with the checkout machine;
Including
The user operates the payment machine when the parking fee is settled by the non-electronic payment method at the time of leaving the car, while the communication is performed in place of the payment device when the parking fee is settled by the electronic payment method. Operate the terminal,
The payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and pays the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method.
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, sends a payment request to the payment machine,
The payment machine, upon receiving the payment request, calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, the payment completion signal is settled. To the machine,
This provides a parking lot management system that allows the user to settle the parking fee with a selected one of the non-electronic settlement method and the electronic settlement method.
The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each mode is divided into sections, each section is numbered, and if necessary, is described in a form in which the numbers of other sections are cited. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention and combinations thereof, and the technical features and the combinations thereof that can be adopted by the present invention are limited to the following aspects. Should not be interpreted as That is, it should be construed that it is not hampered that technical features not described in the following embodiments but described in the present specification are appropriately extracted and adopted as technical features of the present invention.

  Furthermore, listing each section in a form that quotes the number of the other section does not necessarily prevent the technical features described in each section from being separated from and independent of the technical features described in the other sections. It is to be construed that the technical features described in the respective sections can be appropriately made independent according to their properties.

(1) In order for the management server to centrally manage a plurality of prepaid parking lots, the user may use the communication terminal to allow the user to lend any of the parking lots selected by the user to the user. Parking management system comprising:
Installed in the parking lot, a payment function that enables at least one of cash payment and prepaid card payment by the user, a ticket issuing function, a ticket vending machine having a communication function,
A management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal,
The ticket vending machine can communicate with the communication terminal, but cannot communicate with the management server, but information from the ticket vending machine can be transmitted to the management server via the communication terminal. Communication between the first communication environment and the second communication environment where communication with the management server is possible while communication with the management terminal is not possible. Do
Further, the ticket vending machine, when the user pays the prepaid fee to the ticket vending machine while using the communication terminal, issues a ticket to the user and sends a payment completion signal to the communication terminal or the management terminal. Send it to the server,
A parking lot management system, wherein the communication terminal or the management server, upon receiving the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine, gives a user the right to use the parking lot.

(2) The ticket vending machine performs communication under the first communication environment,
The ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal to the communication terminal when the payment is made to the ticket vending machine,
The communication terminal, when receiving the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine, transmits a procedure completion signal to the management server,
The parking lot management system according to (1), wherein the management server, upon receiving the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal, gives a user a right to use the parking lot to the user.

(3) The ticket vending machine transmits first unique information (including, for example, position information for identifying the position of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) unique to the user to the communication terminal. ,
The communication terminal inputs, from the user, second unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information and / or a user ID for specifying the position of an individual parking space),
The communication terminal establishes a match between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information input to the communication terminal (for example, associating the ticket vending machine with the communication terminal). When all the conditions including the condition and the condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine are satisfied, the procedure completion signal is transmitted to the management server,
The parking lot management system according to (2), wherein the management server, upon receiving the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal, grants a user a right to use the parking lot.

(4) the communication terminal transmits a signal to the ticket vending machine when the user wants to make the payment to the ticket vending machine;
The ticket vending machine, when receiving the signal from the communication terminal, prohibits reception of a signal from a communication terminal other than the communication terminal, thereby exclusively establishing communication between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal. (2) The parking lot management system according to the item.

(5) The ticket vending machine performs communication under the second communication environment,
The ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal to the management server when the payment is made to the ticket vending machine,
The ticket vending machine transmits first unique information unique to a user (for example, including position information and / or a user ID for specifying the position of an individual parking space) to the management server,
The communication terminal transmits, to the management server, second unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information and / or a user ID for specifying the position of an individual parking space).
The management server sets a condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal (for example, associating the ticket vending machine with the communication terminal). The parking lot management system according to item (1), wherein when all of a plurality of conditions including a condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine are satisfied, the right to use the parking lot is given to the user.

(6) The management server transmits a condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal, and the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine. When all of the plurality of conditions including the condition of reception are satisfied, the right to use the parking lot is given to the user, and a procedure completion signal is transmitted to at least the communication terminal of the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to item (5).

(7) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication terminal according to any one of (1) to (6).

  In the present application, the term "program" is to be interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its function, and not only the combination of these instructions but also processing according to each instruction. However, the present invention can be interpreted to include, but is not limited to, files and data to be read.

  In addition, this program may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer by itself, or may achieve its intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. Can, but is not limited to. In the latter case, the program according to this section can be mainly composed of data, but is not limited thereto.

(8) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of (1) to (6).

(9) A recording medium in which the program according to (7) or (8) is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

  In the present application, the recording medium represented by the term "recording medium" can adopt various forms, for example, a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD or a CD-ROM, and an MO. , Or an unremovable storage such as a ROM, but is not limited thereto.

(10) A parking lot management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
A payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that allows a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot,
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the checkout machine;
A communication terminal of a user capable of communicating with the management server,
The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server at the time of leaving the warehouse,
The management server sends a parking fee calculation request to the checkout machine,
The settlement machine calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server,
The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the payment server ends the electronic payment, the payment completion signal is managed. Parking lot management system to send to the server.

  According to this system, a post-payment type parking lot in which a payment machine of a type not compatible with electronic payment is installed can use the payment machine substantially as it is (while minimizing a change in configuration), By using a communication terminal, it becomes possible to support electronic payment.

(11) A parking lot management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
An entry / exit control device installed in the parking lot and controlling entry / exit of the vehicle to / from the parking lot,
A payment function that is installed in the parking lot and allows a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, and a command function that commands the entry / exit control device. A payment machine having
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the checkout machine;
A communication terminal of a user capable of communicating with the management server,
The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server at the time of leaving the warehouse,
The management server sends a parking fee calculation request to the checkout machine,
The settlement machine calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server,
The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the payment server ends the electronic payment, the payment completion signal is managed. To the server,
The management server sends a leaving permission signal to the checkout machine,
The payment machine transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device,
A parking lot management system that performs a parking permission operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

(12) A parking lot management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
An entry / exit control device installed in the parking lot and controlling entry / exit of the vehicle to / from the parking lot,
A payment function that is installed in the parking lot and allows a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, and a command function that commands the entry / exit control device. A payment machine having
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the checkout machine;
A communication terminal of a user capable of communicating with the management server,
The communication terminal,
At the time of the leaving, the settlement request transmission for transmitting a settlement request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user among the plurality of parking positions in the parking lot to the management server in accordance with a user operation. Part
The management server,
When receiving the payment request and the identification information, the payment request machine has a calculation request transmission unit that transmits the parking fee calculation request together with the identification information,
The payment machine,
When the calculation request is received together with the identification information, a parking time is calculated by calculating a parking time for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, and parking fee data representing the parking fee is transmitted to the management server. It has a parking fee data transmission unit,
The management server,
When receiving the parking fee data, the parking fee data relay unit that relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal,
After receiving the parking fee data, in response to a user operation, an electronic payment request is sent to a payment server to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and the electronic payment is performed by the payment server. When is completed, having a payment completion signal transmission unit that transmits a payment completion signal to the management server,
The management server,
Upon receiving the payment completion signal, has a leaving permission signal transmission unit that transmits a leaving permission signal to the payment machine,
The payment machine,
Upon receiving the exit permission signal, the exit control device transmits an exit permission operation command signal for instructing an operation for permitting the vehicle to exit the parking lot. Having a parking lot management system.

(13) The communication terminal has a positioning function of measuring its own current position,
The parking lot management system according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the communication terminal and / or the management server permits the electronic payment on condition that a user is near the parking lot. .

(14) A parking lot management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
A payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that allows a user to settle the parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when the user leaves the vehicle from the parking lot,
A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the checkout machine;
The communication terminal transmits a payment request to the payment machine at the time of leaving the warehouse,
The payment machine, upon receiving the payment request, calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, the payment completion signal is settled. To the machine,
When the payment machine receives the payment completion signal, the parking lot management system operates to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

(15) The parking lot has a plurality of parking positions,
The payment machine manages the presence or absence of a parked vehicle for each parking position,
The communication terminal,
At the time of leaving, in accordance with the operation of the user, the payment request, and identification information for identifying the selected parking position selected by the user among the plurality of parking positions in the parking lot, to the payment machine,
The payment machine is
Upon receiving the settlement request and the identification information, the parking time is calculated by calculating the parking time for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, and parking fee data representing the parking fee is transmitted to the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to item (14).

(16) Further, it includes a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal,
When the communication terminal transmits the payment completion signal to the checkout machine, the communication terminal transmits parking information indicating a parking situation regarding the parking lot to the management server,
The management server according to the item (14) or (15), wherein the management server acquires parking information related to the parking lot, which is acquired by the payment machine, from the payment machine via the communication terminal. Parking lot management system.

  Here, the management server is, for example, a plurality of parking information (for example, operating status, parking time zone, amount of parking fee for each parking position) respectively obtained from communication terminals of a plurality of users using the parking lot. And the like, and has a function of comprehensively managing the parking lot.

  Furthermore, the management server also acquires, for example, parking information on other parking lots from the settlement machine of each parking lot via the communication terminal of each user, whereby a plurality of parking lots are obtained. It has a function of centrally managing based on a plurality of pieces of parking information about a parking lot.

(17) The communication terminal performs short-range wireless communication with the checkout machine, whereby the communication terminal performs the electronic payment on condition that a user is near the checkout machine ( 16) A parking lot management system according to the item.

(18) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication terminal according to any one of (10) to (17).

(19) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of (10) to (17).

(20) A program for causing a computer to function as the payment machine according to any one of (10) to (17).

(21) A recording medium on which the program according to any one of (17) to (20) is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

(22) A parking lot management system for managing a parking lot,
An entry / exit control device installed in the parking lot and controlling entry / exit of the vehicle to / from the parking lot,
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the entry / exit control device directly or through another device,
A communication terminal of a user capable of communicating with the management server,
The communication terminal transmits a retrieval request to the management server at the time of retrieval,
When a predetermined condition (for example, payment of a parking fee, use of a free parking ticket or a coupon, etc.) is established, the management server transmits an exit permission signal to the entry / exit control device,
A parking lot management system, wherein the entry / exit control device performs an operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot when receiving the exit permission signal.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a bicycle parking lot to which a bicycle parking lot management system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view conceptually showing how a plurality of bicycle parking lots, a plurality of users, a management center, and a settlement company communicate with each other in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the ticket vending machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a communication network configuration in which a ticket vending machine, a portable terminal, a management server, and a settlement server are components in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the mobile terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the management server shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine, the portable terminal, and the management server in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing a management list created in the management server for managing the operation status of the bicycle parking lot in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. 1 in a table format. FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine, the mobile terminal, and the management server in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by a ticket vending machine, a mobile terminal, and a management server in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a communication network configuration in which a ticket vending machine, a mobile terminal, a management server, and a settlement server are constituent elements in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a route for communication between the entry / exit control device, the checkout machine, and the management server in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a communication network configuration for communication with a settlement server. FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a storage processing program executed by the storage and retrieval control device and the checkout machine at the time of parking in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 14 conceptually illustrates an example of an exit processing program executed by the entry / exit control device, the settlement machine, the mobile terminal of the user, the management server, and the settlement server in the exit from the bicycle parking lot management system illustrated in FIG. It is a flowchart. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a route for communication between the entry / exit control device, the checkout machine, and the mobile terminal of the user, and the mobile terminal of the user according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a communication network configuration for communication between a server and a settlement server. FIG. 16 conceptually shows an example of a leaving processing program executed by the entry / exit control device, the payment machine, the user's portable terminal, the management server, and the settlement server in the parking lot management system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart.

  Hereinafter, some more specific and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>

  As shown in FIG. 1, a bicycle parking lot management system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system”) 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a user pays a prepaid fee in cash or a transportation IC card (“prepaid type”). A bicycle parking lot 22 (an example of a bicycle parking space) having a plurality of racks 72 (an example of a bicycle parking space) in which a plurality of bicycles 12 can be parked by paying by payment using an “IC card” or electronic payment. This is used to provide a bicycle parking service in which one of a plurality of racks 72 in “car park” is lent to a user. The bicycle parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

  Here, the “transportation IC card” is a prepaid IC card that can mainly settle the service fee of a specific transportation facility, and replaces, for example, conventional commuter passes, balance tickets, and coupons. Things.

  First, schematically, as shown in FIG. 1, according to the system 10, according to the system 10, when a user pays a prepaid fee in cash or using a transportation card, a ticket is issued to each bicycle parking lot 22. A ticket vending machine 30 is installed. The user is required to paste the purchased ticket to his / her bicycle 12 in order to prove that he has the authority to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, according to the system 10, the user uses the portable terminal 90 (an example of the “communication terminal” in the present invention) and communicates via a communication network (for example, the Internet as a global network). Then, the user accesses the management server 50 operated by the management center 40, whereby the user acquires the authority to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the user uses the mobile terminal 90 to access the payment server 110 operated by the payment operator 100 via the communication network, whereby the user can pay the necessary fee. Pay by electronic payment. On condition of this payment, the management server 50 gives the user the right to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Next, specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of bicycle parking lots 22 centrally managed by the management center 40 (FIG. 1 shows only a representative bicycle parking lot 22 among the bicycle parking lots 22). ) Are provided with bicycle parking facilities 20. The bicycle parking facility 20 has a ticket vending machine 30 and a bicycle accommodation device 70.

  First, the hardware configuration of the ticket vending machine 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issuing button 32 and a fee settlement button 34. Prior to the start of bicycle parking, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to select the length of the scheduled bicycle parking time (scheduled use time) (the ticket type corresponding to the type of ticket) and to pay a prepaid bicycle parking fee corresponding to that. When the ticketing button 32 is pressed after the user has paid the ticket, a physical ticket is issued under a predetermined condition. When the user presses the charge settlement button 34 after paying an additional bicycle parking fee after the bicycle parking is completed, the ticket vending machine 30 further issues a receipt indicating that the additional bicycle parking fee has been settled. Has functions.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 30 includes a coin processing unit, a safe and a control board (not shown), a display 36, and a printer (not shown) for printing and issuing tickets and receipts, respectively. Is configured.

  The control board is mainly composed of a computer having a processor and a memory. By executing a program described below with reference to FIG. 7, the user can settle the prepaid fee by cash or a transportation card. To Therefore, the software configuration of the ticket vending machine 30 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The ticket vending machine 30 further includes a card reader 38 for reading data from a user's own prepaid card when the user holds the card over the card, and a communication unit 40 for performing short-range wireless communication with the user's portable terminal 90.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the coin processing unit includes a coin insertion slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin selector (determination of the type of the inserted coin, and determination of whether the inserted coin is not a counterfeit coin). (Not shown), and a coin return port 56. Of the inserted coins, those that have not been returned to the user from the coin return slot 56 are stored in the safe.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the front surface of the door 24 of the ticket vending machine 30, a ticket issuing button 32, a charge settlement button 34, and a transmission window 60 through which display light from a screen of a display 36 (for example, a liquid crystal display) is transmitted. , A coin slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin return slot 56, and a discharge port 64 for discharging a ticket and a receipt printed and discharged by the printer.

  The display 36 is of a touch panel type in the present embodiment. Therefore, the display unit 36 displays the length of a plurality of bicycle parking times in association with the amount of the prepaid fee, and if the user touches any of the bicycle parking hours, any of the bicycle parking times is estimated. The bicycle parking time is selected, and as a result, the ticket type is selected.

  Further, the display 36 displays the numbers of the plurality of racks 72 and displays a message for urging the user to input the number of the rack 72 in which the user wants to store his / her bicycle 12. In response, the user touches the number of one of the racks 72, thereby designating the rack 72 used by the user.

  Next, the configuration of the bicycle housing device 70 will be described.

  The bicycle housing device 70 includes a plurality of racks 72 and a frame 74 that connects the racks 72 to each other. The racks 72 respectively define a plurality of bicycle parking spaces on a support surface of the bicycle parking lot 22 (for example, the ground, a leveling surface, a pavement surface, etc.).

  A user who wants to park his / her bicycle 12 in the bicycle parking space 22 selects one of the vacant (unused or non-occupied) racks 72 and causes the bicycle 12 to enter the rack 72 and stop. . Thereafter, the user unlocks his or her loop lock 80 and anchors the bicycle 12 to the rack 72. Thereafter, the user locks the loop lock 80. Subsequently, the user leaves the bicycle parking area 22 alone.

  As is well known, the loop lock 80 is formed by connecting both ends of a single flexible wire to each other via a dial lock. The dial lock is unlocked when the corresponding password is applied.

  Next, a communication network configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  The ticket vending machine 30 uses the IR signal, the communication unit of the checkout machine 210, the NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, and the like in the communication unit (transmission unit and reception unit) 40 to communicate with the portable terminal 90. Perform two-way wireless communication. The ticket vending machine 30 may be capable of performing long-distance two-way wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90 and / or the management server 50 via the Internet.

  The mobile terminal 90 performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the management server 50 of the management center 40 via the Internet. Further, the mobile terminal 90 performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the settlement server 110 of the settlement company 100 via the Internet.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the portable terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mobile terminal 90 is an example of a type of communication terminal that can be carried by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and a PDA, but is installed in the bicycle parking space 22 instead. It may be a communication terminal of a type that cannot be carried by the user, such as a fixed telephone set and a public telephone set installed near the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Here, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 which is a functional block diagram. The mobile terminal 90 includes a processor 130 and a plurality of programs (also referred to as “applications”) executed by the processor 130. ) (See FIG. 7).

  The portable terminal 90 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 for displaying information, a receiving unit 138 for receiving a signal from the management server 50 (and / or the settlement machine 210), and a signal for generating a signal. A transmission unit 140 that transmits the signal to the management server 50 (and / or the checkout machine 210).

  The mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 includes, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by a user to input desired information (for example, commands, data, and the like) to the mobile terminal 90. The operation unit includes a touch screen that displays an icon (for example, a virtual button) that can be operated by the user, a physical operation unit (for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, and the like) that can be operated by the user, and a sound. There are, but are not limited to, microphones that sense.

  The mobile terminal 90 further has a GPS (satellite positioning system) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives a plurality of GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and determines the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth based on the GPS signals. Measure by triangulation.

  Here, the GPS is an example of a positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal 90, that is, the current position 90 of the user.

  As another example, the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal indicating the position coordinates of a wireless base station (for example, an access point or a cellular base station) that is installed inside or outside the bicycle parking lot 22 for wireless communication of the mobile terminal 90. The portable terminal 90 receives a signal from a transmitter installed in the bicycle parking lot 22 and a signal representing a unique transmitter ID, and uses the transmitter ID as the transmitter ID. There is a method of performing positioning by converting the coordinates into position coordinates.

  The portable terminal 90 further has a built-in acceleration sensor 154 for detecting its own acceleration. Since the acceleration sensor 154 is mounted on the portable terminal 90, the acceleration sensor 154 vibrates integrally with the portable terminal 90. As a result, the acceleration acting on the acceleration sensor 154 itself is equivalent to the acceleration acting on the portable terminal 90. Detected as

  Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 which is a functional block diagram. The management server 50 stores a processor 160 and a memory storing a plurality of applications (see FIG. 7) executed by the processor 160. The computer 164 is mainly configured with a computer 164 having a computer 162.

  The management server 50 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 for displaying information, a receiving unit 168 for receiving a signal from the mobile terminal 90, and generating a signal and transmitting the signal to the mobile terminal 90. And a clock 172. The management server 50 does not directly communicate with the ticket vending machine 30 but, in effect, performs the communication via the portable terminal 90.

  Next, the respective software configurations of the ticket vending machine 30, the user's portable terminal 90, and the management server 50 will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 in the system 10, wherein the user operates the mobile terminal 90 to pay a prepaid fee using the ticket vending machine 30. An example of what allows payment by cash or transit card is conceptually represented in a flow chart.

  The portable terminal 90 first activates the bicycle parking request processing program by executing the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 by the processor 130 in step S31.

  Next, in step S32, the mobile terminal 90 inputs the number of the rack that the user desires to use for storing the bicycle 12 among the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22 this time. Enable.

  Subsequently, in step S33, when the user desires to settle the prepaid fee by cash or a transportation card in step S33, the mobile terminal 90 sends a message for prompting the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 to the mobile terminal 90. 90 on the screen.

  This time, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30 according to the message.

  In step S1, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of scheduled use times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding amount of the prepaid fee, and further displays the time on the touch panel of the display 36. When a finger touches any of the plurality of scheduled use times, the user selects a desired ticket type. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

  Subsequently, in step S2, the ticket vending machine 30 inputs the number of the rack that the user desires to use for storing the bicycle 12 among the plurality of racks 72 in the garage 22 this time. Enable.

  Thereafter, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current prepaid fee in cash or a transportation card in step S3.

  Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, in step S4, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits a payment completion signal indicating this to the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the bicycle parking lot 22, the input rack number, and the selected rack number. The information is transmitted to the portable terminal 90 together with the length of the scheduled use time corresponding to the ticket type.

  Communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90 is short-range two-way wireless communication using an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (short-range wireless communication) signal, or the like, as described above. Usually, since one user is located in front of one ticket vending machine 30, it is expected that one ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90 communicate with each other.

  At this time, in step S34, the portable terminal 90 attempts reception with the ticket vending machine 30, and if the reception is successful, the determination in step S35 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S36.

  In this step S36, the portable terminal 90 collates the rack number input by the user in step S32 with the rack number received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34, and if the collation is successful (these If only one user is located in front of one ticket vending machine 30 (if the two rack numbers match), a normal state exists if a one-to-one relationship exists between the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90. It is determined that there is.

  Subsequently, in step S37, the mobile terminal 90 follows the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22, which is stored in the memory 132 in advance, and according to the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34. Authenticates the bicycle parking area 22 where the user is currently staying.

  Thereafter, in step S38, the portable terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking lot lending procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S39, transmits a procedure completion signal indicating that, to the current bicycle parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the current Together with the length of the scheduled use time (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “bicycle parking related information”).

  On the other hand, in step S51, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the above-described bicycle parking related information. Subsequently, in step S52, the management server 50 associates the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 stored in the memory 162 with the bicycle parking lot ID (“bicycle parking area A” in the example of the figure), Register this rack number.

  After that, in step S53, the management server 50 gives the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S54, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in a management list illustrated in FIG.

  Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S55, and subsequently, in step S56, the actual use time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the scheduled use time. Is determined. If not, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S55. However, if it is exceeded, the determination is YES, and in step S57, the user determines that the use of the bicycle parking lot 22 is time-over. 8 is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG.

  This management list is shared by being browsed by a plurality of workers under the control of the management center 40 and dispatched to any bicycle parking lot 22. As a result, each worker can individually detect the bicycle 12 whose time is over in the bicycle parking area 22 in charge.

  On the other hand, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30 in step S40, substantially in parallel with the execution of step S39 described above, as in step S39.

  On the other hand, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal from the portable terminal 90 in step S5, and subsequently, in step S6, the user has the right to use the present bicycle parking area 22 using the printer. Issue a physical ticket as proof of that.

  Thereafter, the user pastes the ticket thus purchased on his bicycle 12. As a result, the worker can visually determine whether each bicycle 12 is the bicycle 12 of the user who paid the prepaid fee.

<Second embodiment>

  Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, a duplicated description of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90 are divided into a person who paid the ticket vending machine 30 (payer) and a person who operated the portable terminal 90 (operator). Are forced to input the same rack number to both the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 in order to link them with attention to the fact that they are the same user.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, if the user inputs the rack number only to the portable terminal 90, the same purpose is achieved. However, instead of this, if the user inputs the rack number only to the ticket vending machine 30, the present invention may be implemented in such a manner that the same purpose is achieved.

  FIG. 9 shows a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90 and the management server 50 in the system 10, wherein the user operates the mobile terminal 90 to pay a prepaid fee using the ticket vending machine 30. An example of what makes it possible to pay by cash or by transit card is conceptually represented in a flow chart.

  According to the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 first activates the bicycle parking request processing program by the processor 130 executing the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 in step S131. .

  Next, in step S132, the mobile terminal 90 inputs the number of the rack that the user desires to use for storing the bicycle 12 among the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22 this time. Enable.

  Subsequently, in step S133, when the user desires to settle the prepaid fee by cash or a transportation card, the mobile terminal 90 determines the rack number and its own transmission source address (the IP address of the mobile terminal 90 or The portable terminal 90 transmits the signal including the MAC address and the like to the ticket vending machine 30 as a transmission destination (at this point, the portable terminal 90 transmits the signal to the transmission destination address (at this point in time) by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method or via the Internet. IP address, MAC address, etc.) to the ticket vending machine 30 that does not know).

  Thereafter, in step S134, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message for urging the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 on the screen of the mobile terminal 90.

  According to the message, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30.

  In step S102, the ticket vending machine 30 specifies the transmission source from the transmission source address included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90, and then, in step S103, the communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90 is performed. Then, in step S104, reception of a signal transmitted from the portable terminal 90 of another user as another transmission source is rejected. Specifically, the ticket vending machine 30 thereafter receives only a signal including its own address as the destination address.

  Subsequently, in step S105, the ticket vending machine 30 displays the rack number included in the signal received from the portable terminal 90 in step S101 described above on the touch panel of the display unit 36. Display in association with multiple prepaid amounts.

  Thereafter, in step S106, when the user touches one of the plurality of scheduled use times displayed on the touch panel of the display unit 36 with the finger, the ticket vending machine 30 selects a desired ticket type. . At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

  Subsequently, in step S107, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current prepaid fee by cash or a transportation card.

  Subsequently, when the above-mentioned payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30 outputs a payment completion signal indicating this in step S108 to the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the bicycle parking lot this time, and the scheduled use time corresponding to the selected ticket type. Along with the length of the mobile terminal 90 in a unicast manner via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method or via the Internet (at this point, the ticket vending machine 30 knows the transmission destination address of the portable terminal 90 which is the transmission destination). Only the portable terminal 90 transmits the message together with its own transmission source address.

  At this time, in step S135, the portable terminal 90 attempts reception with the ticket vending machine 30, and if the reception is successful, the determination in step S136 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S137.

  In this step S137, the portable terminal 90 determines the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 according to the correspondence stored in the memory 132 in advance, based on the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in the aforementioned step S135. The bicycle parking area 22 where the user is currently staying is authenticated.

  Thereafter, in step S138, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking lot lending procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S139, transmits a procedure completion signal indicating that, to the bicycle parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the current rack number. Together with the length of the scheduled use time (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “bicycle parking related information”).

  In contrast, in step S151, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the above-described bicycle parking related information. Subsequently, in step S152, the management server 50 associates the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 stored in the memory 162 with the bicycle parking lot ID (“bicycle parking area A” in the example of the figure), Register this rack number.

  After that, in step S153, the management server 50 gives the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S154, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in a management list illustrated in FIG.

  Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S155, and subsequently, in step S156, the actual use time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned use time. Is determined. If not, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step S155. However, if it is exceeded, the determination is YES, and in step S157, the user determines that the use of the bicycle parking lot 22 is over. 8 is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, after executing (or before executing) the above-described step S108, the ticket vending machine 30 uses the printer in step S109 as a proof that the user has authority to use the present bicycle parking area 22. Issue a special ticket.

<Third embodiment>

  Next, a description will be given of a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. However, a duplicated description of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment is omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

  In both the first and second embodiments, the first communication environment, that is, the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the portable terminal 90, but cannot communicate with the management server 50. Is a specific example of the case where the present invention is implemented in a communication environment in which information from the ticket vending machine 30 can be transmitted to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90. Two communication environments, that is, a case where the present invention is implemented in a communication environment in which the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50 but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90. This is a specific example.

  FIG. 10 shows a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, wherein the user operates the mobile terminal 90 to pay a prepaid fee using the ticket vending machine 30. An example of what allows payment by cash or transit card is conceptually represented in a flow chart.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30, the portable terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 are mutually connected via the Internet. However, in the present embodiment, communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90 is not performed. As a result, in the present embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90, which do not communicate with each other, are connected to the management server 50 in parallel.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the mobile terminal 90 first executes the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 by the processor 130 in step S231 to thereby execute the bicycle parking request. Start the processing program.

  Next, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S232 that the user is a user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, (A telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.) to the management server 50.

  On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the user ID in step S251.

  In step S233, after the execution of step S232, the mobile terminal 90 uses the first option of cash payment or card payment using the ticket vending machine 30 and the user's own mobile terminal 90 in step S233. And electronic payment (smartphone payment, credit card payment, cash card payment, etc.).

  Subsequently, in step S234, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the payment method selected by the user is the first option. If the determination is YES, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message for urging the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 in step S235.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S234 is NO, the mobile terminal 90 communicates with the payment server 110 shown in FIG. 2 so that the user pays the prepaid fee by electronic payment. Since this is not directly related to the present invention, further description is omitted.

  The user approaches the ticket vending machine 30 according to the message displayed on the screen by executing the step S235.

  The ticket vending machine 30 displays, on the touch panel of the display 36, the plurality of scheduled use times in step S201 in association with the plurality of corresponding prepaid amounts, and further displays the time on the touch panel of the display 36. When the user touches any of the plurality of scheduled use times with a finger, the user selects a desired ticket type. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

  Subsequently, in step S202, when the user holds his or her own membership card over the card reader 38 in step S202, the ticket vending machine 30 reads the user ID from the membership card.

  Thereafter, in step S203, the ticket vending machine 30 informs the user of the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22 that the user wants to input the number of the rack 72 that the user desires to use for storing the bicycle 12. enable.

  Subsequently, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits the input user ID to the management server 50 together with the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22 in step S204.

  On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the user ID and the bicycle parking lot ID from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S252. Subsequently, in step S253, the management server 50 collates the input user ID with the user ID input in step S251. If the verification is successful, the management server 50 determines in step S254 that the user authentication has been successful for the current user.

  Thereafter, in step S255, the management server 52 authenticates the current bicycle parking lot 22 from the input bicycle parking ID according to the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 and stored in the memory 162 in advance. I do.

  On the other hand, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current prepaid fee by cash or a transportation card in step S205 after execution of step S204.

  Subsequently, when the above-described payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30 will, in step S206, transmit a payment completion signal indicating this to the present bicycle parking lot ID, the input rack number, and the selected ticket type. The information is transmitted to the management server 50 together with the length of use time (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “bicycle-related information”).

  On the other hand, in step S256, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal together with the above-described bicycle parking related information. Subsequently, in step S257, the management server 50 associates the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 stored in the memory 162 with the bicycle parking lot ID (“bicycle parking area A” in the example of the figure). Register this rack number.

  After that, in step S258, the management server 50 determines that the procedure to be performed by the current user to use the bicycle parking lot 22 this time has been completed. In response, the management server 50 transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this to the portable terminal 90 in step S259, and in parallel with this, in step S260 the management server 50 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30. Send to.

  After that, in step S261, the management server 50 gives the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S262, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in a management list illustrated in FIG.

  Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S263, and subsequently, in step S264, the actual use time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned use time. Is determined. If not, the determination is NO and the process returns to step S263. However, if it is exceeded, the determination is YES, and in step S265, the user determines that the time is over for the use of the bicycle parking lot 22. 8 is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal in step S207 after execution of the above-described step S206, and subsequently, in step S208, uses the printer to enable the user to use the current bicycle parking area 22. Issue a physical ticket as proof of having

  In step S236, the portable terminal 90 attempts to receive the procedure completion signal from the management server 50. If the reception is successful, the determination in step S237 is YES, and in step S238, the current user It is determined that the procedure to be performed by the user this time to use the bicycle parking lot 22 has been completed.

<Fourth embodiment>

  Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, a duplicated description of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

  This embodiment is different from the above-described first to third embodiments, each of which is an example of a prepaid parking management system, in that it is an example of a postpaid parking management system. However, in the present embodiment, the second communication environment, that is, the checkout machine 210 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50, but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90. The third embodiment is common to the third embodiment in that the present embodiment is a specific example when the present invention is implemented in a communication environment.

  In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user does not operate his / her mobile terminal 90 or the settlement machine 210 at the time of storage. Only the entry / exit control device 200 that operates in response to the user having entered the bicycle 12 (an example of a “vehicle”) into any of the racks 72 at that time.

  On the other hand, at the time of departure, when the user desires cash settlement or prepaid IC card settlement for settlement of the postpaid parking fee, the user operates only the settlement machine 210 and does not need to operate the own mobile terminal 90. When electronic payment is desired, only the user's own mobile terminal 90 is operated, and the operation of the settlement machine 210 is unnecessary.

  However, at the time of unloading, the checkout machine 210 operates in accordance with a command from the management server 50, and the management server 50 is instructed by the mobile terminal 90. Is not operated, but it is interpreted that the settlement machine 210 is indirectly operated and the entry / exit control device 200 is operated via the settlement machine 210.

  FIG. 12 shows a path (for example, a communication cable, a public telephone line, an Internet line, etc.) for communication between the entry / exit control device 200 and the checkout machine 210 in this system 10, a checkout machine 210 and a management server. 50 (for example, a public telephone line, a long-distance wireless communication line, an Internet line, etc.) and a communication between the user's portable terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110. A communication network configuration (for example, the Internet) is conceptually represented.

  An example of the entry / exit control device 200 includes a gate device (not shown) installed at an entrance / exit of the bicycle parking lot (an example of “parking lot”) 22 (common to a plurality of racks 72), and a controller (not shown) for controlling the gate device. (Not shown). The gate device has a movable member (for example, a boom, a bar, or the like), and the movable member is switched between a state in which the bicycle 12 is allowed to exit the bicycle parking area 22 and a state in which the bicycle 12 is blocked.

  Another example of the entry / exit control device 200 is a retractable, flap-type or lock-type lock device (each of which is installed in a plurality of racks 72 (each of an example of a “parking position” or a “parking space”) in the bicycle parking lot 22. (Not shown) and a controller (not shown) for controlling the locking device. In any case, the entry / exit control device 200 for each rack 72 has a movable member (for example, a baffle, a flap, a lock, etc.), and the movable member moves the bicycle 12 out of the corresponding rack 72. The state is switched between a state in which (delivery) is permitted (an unlocked state) and a state in which it is prevented (a locked state).

  The settlement machine 210 differs from the ticket vending machine 30 in that instead of issuing a ticket as a settlement certificate at the time of entry, a receipt is issued as a settlement certificate at the time of exit, but cash settlement and prepaid card settlement by a user. In having a settlement function enabling at least one of them and a communication function, it is common to the ticket vending machine 30 in both the hardware configuration and the software configuration.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a storage processing program executed by the storage and retrieval control device 200 and the checkout machine 210 at the time of storage in the system 10.

  When each storage processing program is executed in the storage stage, first, in step S1301, the computer (not shown) of the storage and retrieval control device 200 causes the bicycle 12 to enter (enter) one of the racks 72 in the bicycle parking lot 22. For example, a bicycle presence / absence sensor (not shown, a sensor (not shown, for example, a loop coil) for detecting a change in a magnetic field corresponding to a relative position to the bicycle) of the entry / exit control device 200, (E.g., a sensor that senses a change in light).

  If there is a warehouse, the determination in step S1301 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1302, the computer of the warehouse control device 200 transmits a rack number, which is an example of identification information for identifying the current rack 72, to the checkout machine 210. I do.

  On the other hand, the settlement machine 210 receives the rack number in step S1351, and subsequently measures the current time as the entry time using the clock (not shown) of the settlement machine 210 in step S1352. Then, in step S1353, the rack number and the storage time are stored in a memory (not shown) of the checkout machine 210 in association with each other.

  After executing step S1302, the entry / exit control device 200 operates in step S1303 to prevent the bicycle 12 having entered the current rack 72 from exiting without authorization. For example, when the entry / exit control device 200 uses a vertically movable flap, the flap is raised from the support surface of the bicycle parking lot 22 to lock the bicycle 12, and the entry / exit control device 200 is unlocked. When a lockable lock is used, the lock is locked while being moored to the bicycle 12.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of an example of a retrieval processing program executed by the entry / exit control device 200, the settlement machine 210, the user's portable terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 in the system 10 at the time of retrieval. Is shown in a flowchart.

  When the respective retrieval processing programs are executed in the retrieval stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the user has input a settlement request (also serving as a retrieval request) to the mobile terminal 90 in step S1431. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1431 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1432, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 in which his / her bicycle 12 is stored to the portable terminal 90.

  After that, the portable terminal 90 transmits the input rack number to the management server 50 in step S1433.

  In response to this, the management server 50 receives the rack number in step S1451, and subsequently, in step S1452, calculates a calculation request for calculating the amount of the parking fee to be paid by the current user and the current rack number. Is transmitted to the settlement machine 210.

  On the other hand, the settlement machine 210 receives the above-described calculation request and the rack number in step S1411, and subsequently measures the current time by using the clock in step S1412. Thereafter, in step S1413, the settlement machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the entry time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

  Subsequently, in step S1414, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of parking fee by converting the calculated length of parking time into the amount of parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. Then, the settlement machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of parking fee to the management server 50 in step S1415.

  In response, the management server 50 receives the parking fee data in step S1453, and subsequently transmits the received parking fee data to the mobile terminal 90 in step S1454.

  In response, the portable terminal 90 receives the parking fee data in step S1434. That is, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 does not directly receive the parking fee data from the payment machine 210 that originally generated the data, but indirectly receives the parking fee data using the management server 50 as a relay point. It is configured as

  Subsequently, the portable terminal 90 transmits an electronic settlement request to the settlement server 110 in step S1435 to electronically settle the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

  In response, the payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1471, subsequently performs electronic payment in step S1472, and when the payment is completed, sends a payment completion signal indicating the completion to the mobile terminal 90. Reply to.

  In response to this, the portable terminal 90 transmits to the management server 50 a payment completion signal indicating that the payment of the parking fee has been completed by electronic payment in step S1436.

  In response to this, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal in step S1455, and subsequently transmits a leaving permission signal to the checkout machine 210 in step S1456.

  In response, the settlement machine 210 receives the exit permission signal in step S1416, and subsequently transmits an exit permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device 200 in step S1417.

  In response to this, the entry / exit control device 200 shifts the movable member to the unlocked state in step S1401, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to exit the rack 72 this time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, at the retrieval stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the settlement server 110, but cannot communicate with the settlement machine 210 and cannot communicate with the entry / exit control device 200. The entry / exit control device 200 can communicate with the checkout machine 210, and since the adjuster 210 can communicate with the management server 50, the portable terminal 90 indirectly and ultimately controls the entry / exit control. The device 200 can be operated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, although the settlement machine 210 does not support electronic settlement, the hardware configuration of the entry / exit control device 200, the hardware configuration of the settlement machine 210, and the hardware configuration of the management server 50 are also entered / exited. Without changing the communication environment (communication path) between the control device 200, the settlement machine 210, and the management server 50, the user can use the mobile terminal 90 that can communicate with the payment server 110 to support electronic payment. It is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the user can operate his or her mobile terminal 90 at a position away from the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic payment. On the other hand, if a step for confirming that the user's current position is near the current bicycle parking lot 22 using the GPS function of the portable terminal 90 is added, the user can move the portable terminal 90 this time for electronic payment. In the vicinity of the bicycle parking lot 22.

  Specifically, in one example, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the measured current position is the position coordinates of the current bicycle parking lot 22 (whether the mobile terminal 90 is stored in advance in the mobile terminal 90 in association with each bicycle parking lot 22 or managed by the mobile terminal 90). The communication with the management server 40 is permitted on condition that the distance from the server 50 (downloaded from the server 50) is equal to or less than the set value, and the user is allowed to perform a procedure for electronic payment.

  In another example, after an access from the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50 receives the current position from the mobile terminal 90, and the current position is the distance from the current position coordinates of the bicycle parking lot 22. Is further set to be equal to or less than the set value, further communication with the portable terminal 90 is permitted, and thus a procedure for electronic payment by the user is permitted.

<Fifth embodiment>

  Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the same parts as those in the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will not be described again, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

  This embodiment is common to the above-described fourth embodiment in that it is an example of a post-paid parking lot management system. However, in this embodiment, the settlement machine 210 can communicate with the management server 50 in that the settlement machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90 but cannot communicate with the management server 50. However, this is different from the fourth embodiment in which communication with the portable terminal 90 is impossible.

  As in the fourth embodiment, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user does not operate his or her own mobile terminal 90 or the payment machine 210 at the time of entry. Only the entry / exit control device 200 that operates in response to the user having entered the bicycle 12 (an example of a “vehicle”) into any of the racks 72 at that time.

  On the other hand, at the time of departure, when the user desires cash settlement or prepaid IC card settlement for settlement of the postpaid parking fee, the user operates only the settlement machine 210 and does not need to operate the own mobile terminal 90. When electronic payment is desired, only the user's own mobile terminal 90 is operated, and the operation of the settlement machine 210 is unnecessary. This is also the same as in the fourth embodiment.

However, at the time of unloading, since the settlement machine 210 is instructed by the mobile terminal 90, in this system 10, the user does not directly operate the settlement machine 210, but indirectly operates the settlement machine 210, It is interpreted that the entry / exit control device 200 is operated via the settlement machine 210.

  FIG. 15 shows a path (for example, a communication cable, a public telephone line, an Internet line, etc.) for communication between the entry / exit control device 200 and the checkout machine 210 in this system 10, and a connection between the checkout machine 210 and the user. A path for communication with the mobile terminal 90 (for example, short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) and a communication path between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 A communication network configuration (for example, the Internet) is conceptually represented.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, the settlement machine 210 includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range communication with the mobile terminal 90 in order to support electronic payment. Have. As a result, the user is required to operate the portable terminal 90 in the vicinity of the checkout machine 210, for example, within a radius of about 5 m from the checkout machine 210 for electronic payment.

  On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, unless the user uses the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90 to add a step for confirming that the current position of the user is in the vicinity of the bicycle parking lot 22 this time, It is not possible to force the portable terminal 90 to be used in the vicinity of the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic settlement.

  In this system 10, at the time of warehousing, the warehousing control program 200 and the checkout machine 210 respectively execute the warehousing processing programs. However, since an example of each warehousing processing program is common to that of FIG. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 16 conceptually illustrates an example of a retrieval processing program executed by the entry / exit control device 200, the checkout machine 210, the user's portable terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 in the system 10 at the time of retrieval. Is shown in a flowchart.

  When each retrieval processing program is executed in the retrieval stage, the portable terminal 90 determines whether or not the user has input a settlement request (also serving as a retrieval request) to the portable terminal 90 in step S1631. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1631 is YES, and subsequently, in step S1632, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 in which his / her bicycle 12 is stored to the portable terminal 90.

  Then, in step S1633, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the input rack number to the payment machine 210 together with a payment request. In the present embodiment, the checkout machine 210 is designed to have a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the portable terminal 90. One example of the communication unit includes a communication device that performs short-range communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.

  In response to this, the settlement machine 210 receives the settlement request and the rack number in association with each other in step S1611, and subsequently measures the current time by using the clock in step S1612. Thereafter, in step S1613, the settlement machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the entry time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

  Subsequently, in step S1614, the settlement machine 210 calculates the amount of parking fee by converting the calculated length of parking time into the amount of parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. Thereafter, in step S1615, the payment machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of the parking fee to the mobile terminal 90.

  In response, the portable terminal 90 receives the parking fee data in step S1634. That is, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 does not receive the parking fee data indirectly using the management server 50 as a relay point, but directly receives the parking fee data from the payment machine 210 that originally generated the parking fee data. It is configured to do so.

  Subsequently, in step S1635, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 to electronically settle the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

  In response to this, the payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1671, subsequently performs electronic payment in step S1672, and when the payment is completed, sends a payment completion signal indicating that to the mobile terminal 90. Reply to.

  In response to this, the portable terminal 90 transmits a payment completion signal indicating that the payment of the parking fee has been completed by electronic payment to the checkout machine 210 in step S1636.

  In response, the settlement machine 210 receives the exit permission signal in step S1616, and subsequently transmits an exit permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device 200 in step S1617.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of transmitting the exit permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device 200 is an example of the “operation for permitting the vehicle to exit the parking lot”. Another example of the "operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot" is to display a message on the display screen of the checkout machine 210 indicating that the vehicle is permitted to leave in association with the current parking position. And turning on an indicator lamp of the checkout machine 210 which indicates that the user is allowed to leave the car in association with the current parking position.

  In response, in step S1601, the entry / exit controller 200 shifts the movable member to the unlocked state, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to exit the rack 72 this time.

  After that, the portable terminal 90 transmits the parking information to the management server 50 in Step S1637. The parking information includes, for example, a rack number in which the user has parked the bicycle 12 in the bicycle parking lot 22 this time, a time zone in which the bicycle was parked, the length of the bicycle parking time, and the user according to the length. Includes the amount of bicycle parking fees paid.

  In contrast, the management server 50 receives the parking information from the mobile terminal 90 in step S1651. The management server 50 is designed to receive parking information from the mobile terminals 90 of the users of the plurality of bicycle parking lots 22 and thereby centrally manage the plurality of bicycle parking lots 22. As a result, for example, the management server 50 can monitor a temporal change in the operating rate for each bicycle parking lot 22 or evaluate a difference in the operating rate among a plurality of bicycle parking lots 22.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, at the retrieval stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with not only the settlement machine 210 but also the management server 50 and the settlement server 110. The entry / exit control device 200 can communicate with the checkout machine 210, and since the settlement device 210 can communicate with the portable terminal 90, the portable terminal 90 is indirectly and ultimately connected to the entry / exit control device. 200 can be operated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even though the payment machine 210 does not support electronic payment, the user can change the hardware configuration of the entry / exit control device 200 and the hardware configuration of the payment machine 210 without changing the payment server. The use of the portable terminal 90 capable of communicating with the terminal 110 makes it possible to support electronic payment.

  By the way, in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the user performs the work for electronic payment using his / her own mobile terminal 90 at a position away from the checkout machine 210 and physically operates the checkout machine 210. Since it is possible to perform the operation without occupying the space, the user is convenient in that a place for performing a necessary operation is not restricted.

  However, the fact that the settlement machine 210 is not physically occupied during electronic settlement by one user means that another user attempts to perform work for non-electronic settlement (cash settlement or card settlement) using the settlement machine 210. It leads to the possibility.

  In this case, the rack number (for example, parking position identification information) assigned to a certain user and the rack number assigned to another user normally do not match each other. Electronic payment that does not require use and non-electronic payment that requires it can be performed in parallel with each other in terms of time. Therefore, the time for waiting for the order of settlement is reduced for the user, which is convenient.

  However, the rack number actually input by the user to the portable terminal 90 and the rack number input by the user to the checkout machine 210 or selected on the checkout machine 210 for some reason (for example, by accident) If they coincide with each other, the rack number of the two payment processes performed first by the two users (for example, the payment request issued by each user before the other party) is the rack number at that time. , Regardless of whether it is correct or not. This is because there is no means for determining the authenticity of the rack number.

  Therefore, as an exemplary measure for preventing erroneous input and erroneous selection of the rack number, a plurality of racks 72 (an example of the parking position, the vehicle compartment, and the like) in the bicycle parking lot 22 (an example of the parking lot) are provided. May be provided in advance with an identification mark, for example, a computer-readable pattern (for example, a two-dimensional code such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark)) or the transmitter.

  Here, the “identification mark” is a display medium that indicates a rack position (an example of a parking position) that differs for each rack 72. On the other hand, the “transmitter” is a communication device that transmits a signal indicating a transmitter ID different for each rack 72. The transmitter ID is uniquely converted by the mobile terminal 90 into a rack position (an example of a parking position). Both the identification mark and the transmitter are position information presenting means for presenting different position information for each parking position.

  To explain the transmitter more specifically, the transmitters are installed in the corresponding rack 72 at least one by one, and contactless or contact type which transmits an identification signal capable of identifying an ID unique to the corresponding rack 72. Communication device. The transmitter only needs to have at least a transmission function, but may have a reception function if necessary.

  This transmitter emits a unique identification signal actively without the need for an external trigger signal and permanently as long as the supply power is not insufficient.

  Further, the transmitter is a device generally known by a name such as a beacon device for transmitting a beacon signal as an identification signal, a wireless beacon, and the like. In one example, the transmitter modulates an original signal to generate an identification signal representing a corresponding parking lot ID, and converts the generated identification signal into an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC ( It is transmitted as a near field communication signal.

  When the identification mark is used for each rack 72, for example, the user reads the image using an image sensor (for example, a digital camera) of his / her mobile terminal 90 prior to electronic payment or non-electronic payment, and reads the read result. The ID is converted to a combination of the ID of the current bicycle parking lot 22 and the ID of the current rack 72, or at least to the ID of the current rack 72. The portable terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment and to the checkout machine 210 in the fifth embodiment.

  In contrast, when the transmitter is used for each rack 72, for example, the user receives a signal from the transmitter at the receiver of his or her mobile terminal 90 prior to electronic payment or non-electronic payment, The received signal is converted into a transmitter ID, and further, the transmitter ID is converted into a combination of the current ID of the bicycle parking lot 22 and the ID of the rack 72, or at least into the ID of the current rack 72. The mobile terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment and to the checkout machine 210 in the fifth embodiment.

  Further, as another exemplary countermeasure, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of leaving the warehouse may apply the portable terminal 90 to the location information presenting means at the time of entering the warehouse for personal authentication (collation of personal information) at the time of leaving the warehouse. In response to this, the portable terminal 90 transmits the current ID of the bicycle parking lot 22, the current ID of the rack 72, and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.). May be transmitted to the management server 40 or the checkout machine 210. In other words, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of leaving the warehouse need only hold the portable terminal 90 over the position information presenting means at the time of entering the warehouse.

  In this case, at the time of departure, as in the case of entry, if the user applies the mobile terminal 90 to the position information presenting means, the mobile terminal 90 responds to the request, and the mobile terminal 90 receives the ID of the current bicycle parking lot 22 and the current time. The combination of the ID of the rack 72 and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.) may be transmitted to the management server 40 or the checkout machine 210. That is, a user who wants to make an electronic payment need only hold the mobile terminal 90 over the position information presenting means when leaving the warehouse.

  In this case, in response to this, the management server 40 or the checkout machine 210 collates the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of entry and the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of exit. If the verification is successful, in response, the management server 40 or the settlement machine 210 calculates the amount of the parking fee, and further sends a request for electronic payment for the parking fee via the management server 40. It may be transmitted to the settlement server 110 without or through the terminal.

  It should be noted that in some embodiments described above, the present invention is implemented by selecting a bicycle, which is an example of a “vehicle” as a moving object, as an object to be stored. In addition, a motorcycle, a moped, a car, or the like, which is another example of the “vehicle”, may be selected as the object to be stored to carry out the present invention.

  In addition, in some embodiments described above, all or part of the processing executed in the mobile terminal 90 may be executed in the management server 50 instead, or conversely, the management server 50 All or part of the processing executed in may be executed in the mobile terminal 90 instead. Which device performs the process to be performed is usually determined by the circumstances at that time, for example, the amount and type of data to be handled, the processing speed and storage capacity of each device, and the like. .

  In addition, in some embodiments described above, a payment apparatus (e.g., a checkout machine 210) that does not support electronic payment is combined with a user communication terminal (e.g., the mobile terminal 90) to provide an electronic system as a whole. The technical idea of enabling settlement is embodied in the business field of parking lot management, but the technical idea is also useful in other business fields. For example, a business that receives a fare from a user and issues a ticket as a price, a business that receives a fee from a user at a store and issues a meal ticket as a price, and a business that receives a price from a user and issues a permit as a price. The technical idea is also useful.

  As described above, some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the embodiments described in the “Summary of the Invention” section may be used by those skilled in the art. The present invention can be implemented in other forms in which various modifications and improvements are made based on knowledge.

Claims (6)

A parking management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
A non-electronic payment method, excluding the electronic payment method, which is installed in the parking lot and calculates the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot of the vehicle of the user. A payment machine having a payment function that enables payment to be made with a payment,
A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the checkout machine;
A communication terminal of a user capable of communicating with the management server,
The user operates the payment machine when the parking fee is settled by the non-electronic payment method at the time of leaving the car, while the communication is performed in place of the payment device when the parking fee is settled by the electronic payment method. Operate the terminal,
The payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and pays the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method.
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, sends a payment request to the management server,
The management server sends a parking fee calculation request to the checkout machine,
The settlement machine calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server,
The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the payment server ends the electronic payment, the payment completion signal is managed. To the server,
Accordingly, a parking lot management system that allows a user to settle a parking fee with a selected one of a non-electronic settlement method and an electronic settlement method. The communication terminal has a positioning function of measuring its own current position,
The parking lot management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal and / or the management server permits the electronic payment on condition that the user is near the parking lot. A parking management system for managing a post-paid parking lot,
A non-electronic payment method, excluding the electronic payment method, which is installed in the parking lot and calculates the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot of the vehicle of the user. A payment machine having a payment function that enables payment to be made with a payment,
A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the checkout machine;
The user operates the payment machine when the parking fee is settled by the non-electronic payment method at the time of leaving the car, while the communication is performed in place of the payment device when the parking fee is settled by the electronic payment method. Operate the terminal,
The payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and pays the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method.
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, sends a payment request to the payment machine,
The payment machine, upon receiving the payment request, calculates a parking fee, transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, the payment completion signal is settled. To the machine,
Accordingly, a parking lot management system that allows a user to settle a parking fee with a selected one of a non-electronic settlement method and an electronic settlement method. The parking lot has a plurality of parking positions,
The payment machine manages the presence or absence of a parked vehicle for each parking position,
The communication terminal,
At the time of leaving, in accordance with the operation of the user, the payment request, and identification information for identifying the selected parking position selected by the user among the plurality of parking positions in the parking lot, to the payment machine,
The payment machine is
Upon receiving the settlement request and the identification information, the parking time is calculated by calculating the parking time for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, and parking fee data representing the parking fee is transmitted to the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to claim 3. Further, it includes a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal,
When the communication terminal transmits the payment completion signal to the checkout machine, the communication terminal transmits parking information indicating a parking situation regarding the parking lot to the management server,
5. The parking lot management system according to claim 3, wherein the management server acquires parking information related to the parking lot, which is obtained at the payment machine, from the payment machine via the communication terminal. 6. .   The communication terminal performs short-range wireless communication with the checkout machine, whereby the communication terminal performs the electronic payment on condition that a user is near the checkout machine. 5. The parking lot management system according to any one of 5.

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