JP7231975B2 - parking lot management system - Google Patents

Description

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

In various fields of business, there are various schemes for users to settle fees.

Conventionally, for example, a ticket vending machine or a fare adjustment machine installed in a parking lot has the following functions: information for giving economic meaning to physical phenomena)); It is designed to have an issuing function to issue tickets or receipts as

As timing for the user to pay the parking fee as the usage fee of the parking lot, there are 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. Methods of paying parking fees include cash payment, prepaid IC card payment, and electronic payment, which will be described later. In addition, the media used to settle parking fees include money (cash, prepaid IC cards, credit cards, etc. that have a value equivalent to cash), substitute money (tokens with limited uses, gift certificates, special offers, etc.). tickets, etc.), benefits (points, coupons, discount coupons, rebates, etc. with limited uses), and coupons (free tickets with limited uses, etc.).

Therefore, throughout this application document, it is not essential that the user uses money for the settlement even if it is a "prepaid" or "postpaid" settlement, and even if a substitute currency is used, the benefits will not be given. Use, use of coupons, their equivalents, and combinations of these media mean that they fall under "prepaid" or "postpaid" settlement.

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

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

Specifically, first, the user accesses the server with the mobile terminal, and after the required authentication is successful, the mobile terminal receives the barcode from the server. Next, the user holds the portable terminal displaying the bar code over the bar code reader of the vending machine.

The vending machine then communicates with the server and obtains a vending authorization from the server if the bar code is verified as genuine.

After that, the user presses a cash payment button or an electronic value payment button among the payment selection buttons on the vending machine. When the user presses the cash settlement button, selects the product, and changes are generated, the user presses either 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 point that the mobile terminal uses the cash settlement function of the vending machine, and (2) the point that the vending machine and the mobile terminal are linked with a bar code. appears to disclose.

Patent Literature 2 discloses a system for managing postpaid parking lots. 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 control system (centralized control server). The communication terminal of the user selects one of cash, IC, and credit as the settlement method when leaving the garage, and notifies the leaving terminal of the selection result.

Patent Document 3 discloses a system in which a user's communication terminal, a ticket issuing machine, and a server are interconnected via the Internet. Therefore, the ticket issuing machine, the user's communication terminal and the server may be connected in series, or the ticket issuing machine and the user's communication terminal may be connected in parallel to the server. The ticket issuing machine issues a ticket when receiving information from the mobile terminal and the server respectively. Further, the ticket issuing machine transmits a ticket issuing completion notice to the server when issuing the ticket is completed.

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

These days, many potential users of parking lots have communication terminals (for example, mobile terminals), and the communication terminals have communication functions capable of short-range communication and long-range communication.

Paying attention to the fact that communication terminals have such advanced communication functions, the present inventors have developed a ticket vending machine installed in a parking lot, in addition to the above-mentioned conventional payment functions and ticket issuing functions: (1) ticket vending; and (2) a communication terminal of the user capable of long-distance communication with the management server. It is proposed to add a communication function for short-distance communication with objects (as a result, it is possible to link with the management server via a communication terminal) or direct long-distance communication with the management server.

Furthermore, the present inventor uses a communication terminal but does not use a ticket vending machine when a user makes an electronic payment (also referred to as "smartphone payment", which corresponds to, for example, a credit card payment). Conversely, when making payments or prepaid IC card payments (simply referred to as "card payments"), if the system is designed to use ticket vending machines but not communication terminals, cash payments or prepaid payments will not be possible. The management server cannot collect information from ticket vending machines when IC card payments are made, and it is inconvenient for the management server to collect information from multiple parking lots and centrally manage their operation status. I noticed that it is.

That is, regardless of the settlement method, the present inventor uses a communication terminal, and if the system is designed to communicate with the management server, the characteristics of the communication terminal, that is, regardless of the location , he noticed that the management server could take in parking-related information from the user.

Alternatively, the ticket vending machine may be designed to have both the function of short-distance communication with the communication terminal and the function of long-distance communication with the management server. A new problem may arise in that

Therefore, the inventor of the present invention considers the payment function Z to be (a) a payment function X that enables the user to pay a fee, and (b) a payment function that allows the user to complete a transaction related to parking with the payment. It is divided into an information input function Y that enables input.

On that basis, the present inventor still realizes the payment function X by the ticket vending machine, while realizing the information input function Y by the user's communication terminal capable of long-distance communication with the management server instead of the ticket vending machine (ticket vending machine The purpose of inputting information to is, for example, to link the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal). I proposed to emphasize the character as a card reader), that is, the character that cash and card payments can be made using the ticket vending machine.

Furthermore, the present inventors have proposed that while emphasizing the character of the ticket vending machine as a toll payment machine, in order to allow the communication terminal to know from the ticket vending machine that the payment by the user has been completed, proposed that the ticket vending machine send a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal when the payment is completed.

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

Furthermore, the inventors have found that one portion (eg, the aforementioned X) and another portion (eg, the aforementioned Y) of the conventional payment function Z of a ticket vending machine (eg, conventionally software In the case where the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal, which are physically independent of each other, are assigned to each other, the payment at the ticket vending machine and the information at the communication terminal In order to complement the insulation (distribution) between the input and the input, multiple actions by the same user that occur in different places, that is, the user action of payment at the ticket vending machine and the information at the communication terminal I noticed that it is necessary to link with the user action of input.

Therefore, as a solution to this problem, the inventor of the present invention, for example, assumes that two-way communication between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal of the user is performed. (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, in order for the ticket vending machine to ensure the uniqueness of the communication, the communication terminal of another user and the ticket vending machine It proposed, among other things, to prevent another communication from being subsequently established.

In short, the present inventor believes that ticket vending machines have the unique characteristic of being able to accept cash and card payments, while users' communication terminals can store information in management servers regardless of their location. The combination of the ticket vending machine and the user's communication terminal while making the most of each characteristic enables diversification of payment methods by the user and centralized management of multiple parking lots by the management server. I realized that it was desirable to have both.

Against this background, the first aspect of the present invention is to use both the ticket vending machine and the user's communication terminal while taking advantage of their respective characteristics, thereby diversifying the payment methods by the user and managing multiple payment methods by the management server. The object of the present invention is to provide a parking lot management system that facilitates compatibility with the centralized management of parking lots.

Furthermore, in order to manage postpaid parking lots, conventionally, a parking lot is equipped with an entry/exit control device (e.g., a gate device that ascends/descends appropriately, a vehicle movement prevention device that ascends/descends appropriately, etc.) that controls the entry and exit of vehicles into and out of the parking lot. and a control device capable of communicating with the parking entry/exit control device, wherein at least a control function of a control function of controlling the entry/exit control device and a payment function of enabling a user to pay a parking fee. (for example, a fare adjustment machine) is installed, 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.

To enable electronic payment while using the payment machine substantially as it is (at least with the hardware configuration unchanged) when the payment machine is capable of cash payment or prepaid IC card payment but not electronic payment. In order to do so, the present inventor proposed not using the user's communication terminal when entering the parking lot, but using the user's communication terminal when leaving the parking lot for both the exit procedure and the payment of the parking fee.

In other words, the present inventor proposed a technical idea of making the system as a whole compatible with electronic payment by combining a payment device that does not support electronic payment with a user's communication terminal.

Against this background, the second aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that uses a payment device that does not support electronic payment by using the user's communication terminal while making use of the payment device. It was made as a task to make it possible to respond.

In order to solve the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
When exiting the parking lot, a calculation function that calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the parking time, and a non-electronic payment method that includes cash payment or card payment, excluding electronic payment. a payment machine having an electronic payment function;
A management server that communicates with the payment machine
including
The user of the parking lot has a communication terminal,
The communication terminal
a settlement request transmission function for transmitting a settlement request to the management server when leaving the parking lot;
User-specific information of the same type as the user-specific information at the time of parking, which is user-specific information acquired at the location of the parking lot at the time of parking, and specified by the user on the communication terminal at the location of the parking lot at the time of leaving the vehicle. a user-specific information transmission function for transmitting certain user-specific information at the time of leaving the garage to the management server;
has
Upon receiving the payment request, the management server adjusts the amount of the parking fee calculated by the payment machine on condition that the matching between the user-specific information at parking and the user-specific information at leaving is successful. or the management server calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the parking information representing the parking status of the parking lot received from the payment machine. has a parking fee data transmission function for transmitting parking fee data representing it to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal further has an electronic payment request transmission function for transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server via or without the management server in order to perform the electronic payment based on the received parking fee data. death,
A parking management system having an electronic payment function is provided in which the payment server receives the electronic payment request and performs the electronic payment for the parking fee calculated by the payment machine or the management server.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, comprising:
When operated by the user of the parking lot when leaving the parking lot, the elapsed time from the time of entering the parking lot to the time of leaving the parking lot is calculated as parking time, and based on the parking time. a fare adjustment machine having a calculation function for calculating the amount of the parking fee and a non-electronic payment function for paying the parking fee by a non-electronic payment method other than electronic payment, including cash payment or card payment;
and a management server that communicates with the payment machine,
The user of the parking lot has a communication terminal,
The communication terminal has a settlement request transmission function for transmitting a settlement request to the management server when operated by the user of the parking lot when leaving the parking lot,
The communication terminal further transmits, to the management server, user-specific information of a predetermined type, which is specified by the user on the communication terminal at the position of the parking lot at the time of parking, to the management server, A user-specific information transmission function for transmitting to the management server user-specific information at the time of leaving, which is the same type of user-specific information as the user-specific information at the time of parking and which is specified by the user on the communication terminal at the position of the parking lot at the time of leaving the car. has
When the management server receives the settlement request, the management server succeeds in collation between the user-specific information at parking received from the communication terminal at the time of parking and the user-specific information at leaving received from the communication terminal at the time of parking. on the condition that the parking fee data representing the amount of parking fee calculated by the payment machine is transmitted to the communication terminal, or the parking information representing the parking situation regarding the parking lot is received from the payment machine a parking fee data transmission function in which the management server calculates the amount of parking fee based on the amount of parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing it to the communication terminal;
The communication terminal further has an electronic payment request transmission function for transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server via or without the management server in order to perform the electronic payment based on the received parking fee data. death,
A parking management system having an electronic payment function is provided in which the payment server receives the electronic payment request and performs the electronic payment for the parking fee calculated by the payment machine or the management server.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system for managing a parking lot, comprising:
a payment machine having a non-electronic payment function that, when operated by a user of the parking lot, pays the parking fee by a non-electronic payment method including cash payment or card payment, excluding electronic payment;
and a management server that communicates with the payment machine,
When the user settles the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, the user operates the payment machine. operate and
The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server when operated by the user on the condition that the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot,
Upon receiving the payment request, the management server transmits parking fee data representing the amount of parking fee calculated by the payment machine to the communication terminal, or the management server calculates the amount of parking fee by itself. and transmitting parking fee data representing it to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server through or without the management server in order to make the electronic payment based on the received parking fee data,
The payment server is provided with a parking lot management system that performs the electronic payment when the electronic payment request is received.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system for managing a parking lot,
a payment machine having a non-electronic payment function that, when operated by a user of the parking lot, pays the parking fee by a non-electronic payment method including cash payment or card payment, excluding electronic payment;
a management server that communicates with the payment machine;
A communication terminal of the user of the parking lot, which is capable of communicating with the management server,
The user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the communication terminal instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. death,
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a settlement request to the management server;
Upon receiving the payment request, the management server receives, from the payment machine, parking information representing the parking status of the parking lot, which is obtained by the payment machine, and based on the received parking information. , transmitting parking fee data to the communication terminal;
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server via or without the management server in order to perform the electronic payment;
When the payment server receives the electronic payment request, the payment server performs the electronic payment,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, a parking lot management system for managing a parking lot,
a payment machine having a non-electronic payment function that, when operated by a user of the parking lot, pays the parking fee by a non-electronic payment method including cash payment or card payment, excluding electronic payment;
a management server that communicates with the payment machine;
A communication terminal of the user of the parking lot, which is capable of communicating with the management server,
The user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the communication terminal instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. death,
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a payment request and parking-related information related to the user's parking in the parking lot to the management server;
When the management server receives the payment request and the parking-related information, the management server receives from the payment machine the parking information representing the parking status of the parking lot, which is acquired by the payment machine. transmitting parking fee data to the communication terminal based on the received parking information;
the communication terminal, based on the received parking fee data, transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server through or without the management server in order to make the electronic payment;
When the payment server receives the electronic payment request, the payment server performs the electronic payment,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

Further, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
A calculation function installed in the parking lot for calculating the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot, and a non-electronic payment method for the parking fee other than electronic payment, which is cash payment or card payment. a checkout machine having a checkout function that enables checkout including payment;
A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the payment machine;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
When leaving the parking lot, the user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the payment machine instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. operate the terminal
the payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and settles the parking fee with the non-electronic payment method;
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a settlement request to the management server;
The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine,
The payment machine calculates a parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server;
The management server transmits parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server through or without the management server for electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data,
When the payment server receives the electronic payment request, the payment server performs the electronic payment,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
A calculation function installed in the parking lot for calculating the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot, and a non-electronic payment method for the parking fee other than electronic payment, which is cash payment or card payment. a checkout machine having a checkout function that enables checkout including payment;
A user's communication terminal that is capable of communicating with the payment machine,
When leaving the parking lot, the user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the payment machine instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. operate the terminal
the payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and settles the parking fee with the non-electronic payment method;
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a payment request to the payment machine,
When the payment machine receives the payment request, the payment machine 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 the payment server through or without the management server for electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data,
When the payment server receives the electronic payment request, the payment server performs the electronic payment,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
A calculation function installed in the parking lot for calculating the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot, and a non-electronic payment method for the parking fee other than electronic payment, which is cash payment or card payment. a checkout machine having a checkout function that enables checkout including payment;
A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the payment machine;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
When leaving the parking lot, the user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the payment machine instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. operate the terminal
the payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and settles the parking fee with the non-electronic payment method;
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a settlement request to the management server;
The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine,
The payment machine calculates a parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server;
The management server relays parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to the 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 transmitted to the management terminal. send to the server,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, comprising:
A calculation function installed in the parking lot for calculating the parking fee when the user leaves the parking lot, and a non-electronic payment method for the parking fee other than electronic payment, which is cash payment or card payment. a checkout machine having a checkout function that enables checkout including payment;
A user's communication terminal that is capable of communicating with the payment machine,
When leaving the parking lot, the user operates the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the non-electronic payment method, and operates the payment machine instead of the payment machine when paying the parking fee by the electronic payment method. operate the terminal
the payment machine, when operated by a user, calculates a parking fee and settles the parking fee with the non-electronic payment method;
The communication terminal, when operated by a user, transmits a payment request to the payment machine,
When the payment machine receives the payment request, the payment machine 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 the 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 transmitted to the payment. machine,
A parking lot management system is thereby provided that allows a user to settle parking fees with a choice of non-electronic and electronic payment methods.

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

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

(1) In order for the management server to centrally manage a plurality of prepaid parking lots, the user uses a communication terminal to allow the user to rent out any one of the parking lots selected by the user. A parking lot management system comprising:
a ticket vending machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that enables at least one of cash payment and prepaid card payment by a user, a ticket issuing function, and a communication function;
a management server communicable 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. and a second communication environment in which communication with the management server is possible but communication with the communication terminal is impossible. do,
Further, when the user pays the prepaid fee to the ticket vending machine using the communication terminal, the ticket vending machine issues a ticket to the user and sends a payment completion signal to the communication terminal or the management terminal. send to the server,
A parking lot management system in which the communication terminal or the management server grants a user the right to use the parking lot when the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine.

(2) the ticket vending machine communicates 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;
When the communication terminal receives the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits a procedure completion signal to the management server,
(1) The parking lot management system according to item (1), wherein the management server gives the user permission to use the parking lot when the procedure completion signal is received from the communication terminal.

(3) The ticket vending machine transmits to the communication terminal first unique information unique to the user (for example, including location information for specifying the location of an individual parking space and/or a user ID). ,
The communication terminal inputs 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) from the user;
The communication terminal establishes matching between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information input to the communication terminal (for example, associates the ticket vending machine with the communication terminal). and the condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine, the procedure completion signal is transmitted to the management server, and
(2) The parking lot management system according to item (2), wherein the management server grants the user the authority to use the parking lot when the procedure completion signal is received from the communication terminal.

(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;
When the ticket vending machine receives the signal from the communication terminal, the ticket vending machine prohibits reception of signals from communication terminals 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 communicates 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 the user (for example, including location information and/or a user ID for specifying the location of an individual parking space) to the management server;
The communication terminal transmits second unique information unique to the user (for example, including location information and/or a user ID for specifying the location of an individual parking space) to the management server;
The management server sets a condition that matching 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, linking the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal). and a condition that the payment completion signal has been received from the ticket vending machine, the parking lot management system according to item (1), wherein the user is authorized to use the parking lot when all of a plurality of conditions are satisfied.

(6) The management server receives a condition that matching 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 a plurality of conditions including the condition that it has been received are satisfied, authorization to use the parking lot is granted 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 (5).

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

In this application document, the term "program" shall be construed to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its functions, and may be processed in accordance with each instruction as well as the combination of those instructions. can be construed to include, but not be limited to, files and data that are

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. They can, but are not limited to. In the latter case, the programs under this section may be data-based, but are not so limited.

(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 computer-readable.

In this application document, the recording medium represented by the term "recording medium" can adopt various forms, for example, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, MO A magneto-optical recording medium such as a ROM, an unremovable storage such as a ROM, or the like can be used, but the present invention is not limited to them.

(10) A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
a payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that enables the user to pay the parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when exiting the parking lot;
A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the payment machine;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server when leaving the garage,
The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine,
The payment machine calculates a parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server;
The management server relays parking fee data to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to the 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 transmitted to the management terminal. Parking management system to send to the server.

According to this system, a postpaid parking lot equipped with a fare adjustment machine that does not support electronic payment can use the fare adjustment machine substantially as it is (while minimizing structural changes), and the user's By using a communication terminal, it becomes possible to handle electronic payment.

(11) A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
an entry/exit control device installed in the parking lot for controlling entry/exit of vehicles to/from the parking lot;
a payment function installed in the parking lot and enabling the user to settle the parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when exiting the parking lot; and a command function for commanding the parking entry/exit control device. a fare adjustment machine having
A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the payment machine;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server when leaving the garage,
The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine,
The payment machine calculates a parking fee and 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 the 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 transmitted to the management terminal. send to the server,
The management server transmits a leaving permit signal to the payment machine,
The fare adjustment machine transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entering/leaving control device,
The parking lot control device and the parking lot management system for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

(12) A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, comprising:
an entry/exit control device installed in the parking lot for controlling entry/exit of vehicles to/from the parking lot;
a payment function installed in the parking lot and enabling the user to settle the parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when exiting the parking lot; and a command function for commanding the parking entry/exit control device. a fare adjustment machine having
A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the payment machine;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
The communication terminal is
Transmitting a settlement request for transmitting a settlement request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user from among a plurality of parking positions in the parking lot to the management server in accordance with a user's operation when leaving the garage. has a part
The management server is
a calculation request transmission unit that, upon receiving the payment request and the identification information, sends a calculation request for the parking fee together with the identification information to the payment machine;
The payment machine is
When the calculation request is received together with the identification information, a parking time is calculated for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, a parking fee is calculated, and parking fee data representing the parking fee is transmitted to the management server. having a parking fee data transmission unit,
The management server is
a parking fee data relay unit that, upon receiving the parking fee data, relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal;
The communication terminal is
After receiving the parking fee data, an electronic payment request is transmitted to a payment server in order to perform electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data in accordance with a user's operation, and the electronic payment is performed by the payment server. has a payment completion signal transmission unit that transmits a payment completion signal to the management server when is completed,
The management server is
a delivery permission signal transmission unit that transmits a delivery permission signal to the payment machine when the payment completion signal is received;
The payment machine is
a parking exit permission operation command signal transmitting unit that, when receiving the parking exit permission signal, transmits a parking exit permission operation command signal for instructing the parking entry/exit control device to operate to permit the vehicle to exit the parking lot; parking lot management system.

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

(14) A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, comprising:
a payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that enables the user to pay the parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when the user's vehicle leaves the parking lot;
A user's communication terminal that is capable of communicating with the payment machine,
The communication terminal transmits a payment request to the payment machine at the time of leaving the garage,
When the payment machine receives the payment request, the payment machine 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 the 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 transmitted to the payment. machine,
The parking lot management system, wherein the payment machine, upon receiving the payment completion signal, permits the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

(15) the parking lot has a plurality of parking positions;
The fare adjustment machine manages the presence or absence of a parked vehicle for each parking position,
The communication terminal is
at the time of exiting the garage, transmitting the payment request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user from among a plurality of parking positions in the parking lot to the payment machine in response to an operation by the user;
The calculator is
When the payment request and the identification information are received, the parking time is calculated for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, the parking fee is calculated, and parking fee data representing the parking fee is transmitted to the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to (14).

(16) further comprising a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal;
When the communication terminal transmits the payment completion signal to the payment machine, the communication terminal transmits parking information representing the parking status of the parking lot to the management server,
(14) or (15), wherein the management server acquires from the payment machine via the communication terminal the parking information related to the parking lot that has been acquired by the payment machine. parking management system.

Here, the management server, for example, collects a plurality of pieces of parking information (e.g., operation status, parking time zone, amount of parking fee for each parking position) obtained from communication terminals of a plurality of users who use the parking lot. etc.), it has a function of comprehensively managing the parking lot.

Furthermore, the management server, for example, also acquires parking information about other parking lots from each parking lot's payment machine via each user's communication terminal, thereby enabling a plurality of parking lots to It has a centralized management function based on multiple pieces of parking information about parking lots.

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

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

(19) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of items (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 in which the program according to any one of (17) to (20) is computer-readable.

(22) A parking lot management system for managing a parking lot,
an entry/exit control device installed in the parking lot for controlling entry/exit of vehicles 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 via another device;
a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server;
The communication terminal transmits a delivery request to the management server at the time of delivery,
When a predetermined condition (for example, payment of parking fee, use of free parking ticket or coupon) is established, the management server transmits an exit permission signal to the entry/exit control device,
The parking lot management system receives the parking permitting signal and permits the vehicle to exit the parking lot.

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 exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view conceptually showing how mutual communication is performed among a plurality of bicycle parking lots, a plurality of users, a management center, and a settlement agent in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. 3 is a front view showing the ticket vending machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a communication network having ticket vending machines, mobile terminals, a management server, and a settlement server as constituent elements in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the mobile terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram conceptually representing the management server shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine, mobile terminal, and management server in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing, in tabular form, 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. FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program respectively executed by a ticket vending machine, a mobile terminal and a management server in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program respectively executed by a ticket vending machine, a mobile terminal and a management server in a bicycle parking lot management system according to the exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a communication network having ticket vending machines, mobile terminals, management servers, and settlement servers as components in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a path for communication between an entry/exit control device, a fare adjustment machine, and a management server, a user's mobile terminal, and the management server, in a bicycle parking lot management system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 1 conceptually represents a communication network configuration for communication with a payment server; FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a warehousing processing program executed by the warehousing/leaving control device and the fare adjustment machine at the time of warehousing in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 conceptually shows an example of a leaving processing program executed by the entering/leaving control device, the payment machine, the mobile terminal of the user, the management server, and the settlement server at the time of leaving the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. It is a flow chart. FIG. 15 shows, in a bicycle parking lot management system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a path for communication between an entry/exit control device, a fare adjustment machine, and a user's mobile terminal, and a user's mobile terminal and a management system. 1 conceptually represents a communication network configuration for communication between a server and a payment server; FIG. FIG. 16 conceptually shows an example of a leaving processing program executed by the entering/leaving control device, the payment machine, the mobile terminal of the user, the management server, and the settlement server when leaving the parking lot in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. It is a flow chart.

Hereinafter, some more specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

<First Embodiment>

As shown in FIG. 1, a bicycle parking lot management system (hereinafter simply referred to as "system") 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows a user to pay a prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation IC card ("prepaid system"). A bicycle parking lot 22 (an example of a “parking space” in the present invention) 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 settlement using an IC card or by electronic settlement. It is used to provide a bicycle parking service in which any one of the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot is rented out to the user. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

Here, the "transportation IC card" is a prepaid IC card that can mainly settle the service charges of a specific transportation system, and for example, replaces the conventional commuter pass, balance ticket, and coupon ticket. It is.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, according to this 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 in return. A ticket vending machine 30 is installed. The user is required to attach the purchased ticket to his/her own bicycle 12 in order to prove that he or she is authorized to use the bicycle parking lot 22 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, according to this system 10, a user uses a mobile terminal 90 (an example of a "communication terminal" in the present invention) to communicate 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 , thereby obtaining the right 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 agent 100 via the communication network, thereby allowing the user to pay the necessary fees. Pay by electronic payment. On the condition of this payment, the management server 50 gives the user permission to use the bicycle parking lot 22 .

Next, specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of bicycle parking lots 22 centrally managed by a management center 40 (only representative bicycle parking lots 22 of those bicycle parking lots 22 are shown in FIG. 1). ), a bicycle parking facility 20 is installed. The bicycle parking facility 20 has a ticket vending machine 30 and a bicycle storage device 70. - 特許庁

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

The ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issue button 32 and a charge adjustment button 34, as shown in FIG. The ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to select the length of the scheduled bicycle parking time (scheduled use time) (ticket type, which is the type of the corresponding ticket) prior to the start of bicycle parking, and pay a prepaid bicycle parking fee corresponding to it. has a ticket issuing function of issuing a physical ticket under predetermined conditions when a ticket issuing button 32 is pressed after paying the . The ticket vending machine 30 further issues a fee settlement receipt indicating that the additional bicycle parking fee has been settled when the user presses the fee settlement button 34 after paying the additional bicycle parking fee after parking the bicycle. have a function.

As shown in FIG. 3, this ticket vending machine 30 has 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. is configured to

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

The ticket vending machine 30 further has a card reader 38 that reads data from the user's prepaid card when held up, and a communication unit 40 that performs short-range wireless communication with the user's portable terminal 90 .

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

As shown in FIG. 3, on the front surface of the door 24 of the ticket vending machine 30, there are a ticket issue button 32, a fare adjustment button 34, and a transmission window 60 through which display light from the screen of the display 36 (for example, a liquid crystal display) is transmitted. , a coin slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin return slot 56, and an ejection slot 64 for ejecting tickets and receipts printed and ejected by the printer.

The display 36 is of a touch panel type in this embodiment. Therefore, the display device 36 displays a plurality of lengths of bicycle parking time in association with the amount of the prepaid fee, and when the user touches one of the bicycle parking times, one of the bicycle parking times is scheduled. It is selected as the bicycle parking time, 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 prompting the user to enter the number of the rack 72 in which he or she wishes to store his/her bicycle 12 . In response, the user touches the number of one of the racks 72, thereby designating the rack 72 that he has utilized.

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

The bicycle storage device 70 comprises a plurality of racks 72 and a frame 74 connecting the racks 72 together. A plurality of bicycle parking spaces are respectively defined by the racks 72 on the supporting surface of the bicycle parking lot 22 (for example, the ground, leveled surface, paved surface, etc.).

A user who wants to park his/her own bicycle 12 in the bicycle parking lot 22 selects one of the racks 72 that are vacant (unused or unoccupied), and allows the bicycle 12 to enter and park in that rack 72. . The user then unlocks his/her loop lock 80 to lock the bicycle 12 to the rack 72 . After that, the user locks the loop lock 80 . Subsequently, the user exits the bicycle parking lot 22 alone.

As is well known, the loop lock 80 is constructed by connecting both ends of one flexible wire to each other via a combination lock. The combination lock is unlocked when the corresponding PIN number is applied.

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

In communication unit (transmitting unit and receiving unit) 40, ticket vending machine 30 communicates with portable terminal 90 using IR signals, the communication unit of fare adjustment machine 210, NFC (Near Field Communication) signals, and the like. 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. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 90 performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the settlement server 110 of the settlement agent 100 via the Internet.

Next, the hardware configuration of the mobile 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 the user, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a PDA. It may also be a type of communication terminal that cannot be carried by the user, such as a fixed telephone installed near the bicycle parking lot 22 or a public telephone 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. ) (see FIG. 7).

The portable terminal 90 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 136 that displays information, a reception unit 138 that receives signals from the management server 50 (and/or the payment machine 210), and a signal generator that generates and a transmission unit 140 that transmits the signal to the management server 50 (and/or the payment machine 210).

This mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 has, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by the user to input desired information (eg, commands, data, etc.) to the mobile terminal 90 . The operation unit includes a touch screen that displays icons (e.g., virtual buttons) that can be operated by the user, a physical operation unit that can be operated by the user (e.g., keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.), and voice. Sensing microphones and the like include, but are not limited to.

This 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 based on the GPS signals, determines the position (latitude, longitude and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth. Measured by triangulation.

Here, 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 representing the position coordinates of a wireless base station (installed inside or outside the bicycle parking lot 22, such as an access point or a cellular base station) for wireless communication of the mobile terminal 90. Then, the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal from a transmitter installed in the bicycle parking lot 22 and represents a unique transmitter ID, and uses the transmitter ID as the transmitter. There is a method of performing positioning by transforming to the position coordinates of .

The mobile terminal 90 further incorporates an acceleration sensor 154 that detects its own acceleration. Since the acceleration sensor 154 is mounted on the mobile terminal 90, it vibrates integrally with the mobile terminal 90. As a result, the acceleration acting on the acceleration sensor 154 itself is equivalent to the acceleration acting on the mobile terminal 90. Detect 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 explained with reference to FIG. 6, which is a functional block diagram. A computer 164 having 162 is the main component.

The management server 50 further includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 166 that displays information, a reception unit 168 that receives signals from the mobile terminal 90 , and a signal that generates and transmits the signal to the mobile terminal 90 . and a clock 172 . This management server 50 does not directly communicate with the ticket vending machine 30 , but practically communicates via the mobile terminal 90 .

Next, the respective software configurations of the ticket vending machine 30, the user's mobile 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. The user operates the mobile terminal 90 and uses the ticket vending machine 30 to pay in advance. An example of what makes it possible to pay with cash or a transit card is conceptually represented by a flow chart.

The mobile terminal 90 first activates the bicycle parking request processing program by causing the processor 130 to execute the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 in step S31.

Next, in step S32, the mobile terminal 90 allows the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes 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, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message for prompting the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 if the user wishes to settle the prepaid fee with cash or a transportation card. 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 usage times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding amount of the prepaid fee. When one of the plurality of scheduled use times is touched with a finger, 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 allows the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12 among the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22 this time. enable

The ticket vending machine 30 then allows the user to pay the current prepaid fare in cash or with a transportation card in step S3.

Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30, in step S4, sends a payment completion signal indicating that the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22, the input rack number, and the selected It 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 mobile terminal 90 is, as described above, short-range two-way wireless communication using IR signals, Bluetooth (registered trademark) signals, NFC (Near Field Communication) signals, and the like. Since one user is usually positioned in front of one ticket vending machine 30, one ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90 are expected to communicate with each other.

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

In this step S36, the portable terminal 90 compares the rack number input by the user in step S32 with the rack number received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34. If the two rack numbers match), only one user is positioned in front of one ticket vending machine 30, and if there is a one-to-one relationship between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90, it is normal. Determine that there is.

Subsequently, in step S37, the mobile terminal 90 stores the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34 in accordance with the correspondence relationship between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22, which is stored in advance in the memory 132. , the bicycle parking lot 22 where the user is currently staying is authenticated.

After that, in step S38, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking lot rental procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S39, a procedure completion signal indicating this is sent to the current bicycle parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the current bicycle parking lot ID. (These will be collectively referred to as “bicycle parking related information” below.) to the management server 50 .

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

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

After that, in step S55, the management server 50 measures the current time, and in step S56, the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the scheduled usage time. determine whether or not there is If not exceeded, the determination becomes NO, and the process returns to step S55. It is registered in the management list illustrated in 8.

This management list is viewed and shared by a plurality of workers under the control of the management center 40 who are dispatched to any bicycle parking lot 22 . As a result, each worker can individually pick up the bicycles 12 that are out of time in the bicycle parking lot 22 that they are in charge of.

On the other hand, the portable terminal 90 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30 in step S40 substantially in parallel with execution of step S39 described above, similarly to 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 then, in step S6, the user is authorized to use the bicycle parking lot 22 this time using the printer. A physical ticket will be issued as proof.

The user then affixes the ticket thus purchased to his/her bicycle 12 . As a result, the worker can visually determine whether or not each bicycle 12 belongs to a user who has paid an advance 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, redundant description of the parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

In the above-described first embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 are separated by the person who paid the ticket vending machine 30 (payer) and the person who operated the mobile terminal 90 (operator). is the same user, the user is forced to input the same rack number into both the ticket vending machine 30 and the portable terminal 90 .

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

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. The user operates the mobile terminal 90 and uses the ticket vending machine 30 to pay in advance. An example of what makes it possible to pay with cash or with a transit card is conceptually represented in a flow chart.

According to this embodiment, the mobile 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 S131. .

Next, in step S132, the mobile terminal 90 allows the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes 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, if the user wishes to settle the prepaid fee with cash or a transportation card, the mobile terminal 90 receives the rack number and its own transmission source address (the IP address of the mobile terminal 90 or MAC address, etc.), for example, in a Bluetooth (registered trademark) method or via the Internet, in a broadcast method (at this point, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the destination address of the ticket vending machine 30 ( (IP address, MAC address, etc.) is sent to the ticket vending machine 30.

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

The user approaches the ticket vending machine 30 according to the message.

The ticket vending machine 30 identifies the source from the source address included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90 in step S102. After that, in step S104, reception of a signal transmitted from another user's portable terminal 90, which is another transmission source, is rejected. Specifically, the ticket vending machine 30 only receives signals containing its own address as the destination address thereafter.

Subsequently, in step S105, the ticket vending machine 30 displays the rack number included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90 in the above-described step S101 on the touch panel of the display device 36. associated with multiple prepaid fee amounts.

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

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

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

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

In this step S137, the portable terminal 90, according to the correspondence relationship between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22, which is stored in advance in the memory 132, from the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in the above-described step S135, To authenticate the bicycle parking lot 22 where the user is currently staying.

After that, in step S138, the portable terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking lot rental procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S139, a procedure completion signal indicating that is transmitted to the current bicycle parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the current bicycle parking lot ID. (These will be collectively referred to as “bicycle parking related information” below.) to the management server 50 .

On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the said procedure completion signal with the above-mentioned bicycle parking related information in step S151. Subsequently, in step S152, the management server 50 associates the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 and stored in the memory 162 with the bicycle parking lot ID (“bicycle parking lot A” in the example shown), Register the current rack number.

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

After that, in step S155, the management server 50 measures the current time, and in step S156, the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the scheduled usage time. Determine whether or not If not exceeded, the determination becomes NO, and the process returns to step S155. It is registered in the management list illustrated in 8.

On the other hand, after (or before) executing step S108 described above (or before executing), the ticket vending machine 30 uses the printer in step S109 to print a physical image as proof that the user has the authority to use the bicycle parking lot 22 this time. issue tickets.

<Third Embodiment>

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

In both the first and second embodiments described above, the first communication environment, that is, the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90, but cannot communicate with the management server 50. is a specific example of implementing the present invention under 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. 2 communication environment, that is, one case of carrying out the present invention under 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 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. The user operates the mobile terminal 90 and uses the ticket vending machine 30 to pay in advance. An example of what makes it possible to pay with cash or a transit card is conceptually represented by a flow chart.

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

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, thereby executing the bicycle parking request. Start the processing program.

Next, in step S232, on the condition that the user is a member of the current bicycle parking service, the mobile terminal 90 sets a user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.) to the management server 50.

In response to this, the management server 50 receives the user ID in step S251.

After executing step S232, in step S233, the mobile terminal 90 allows the user to select the payment method for the prepaid fee as the first option of cash payment using the ticket vending machine 30 or card payment, and to use his or her own mobile terminal 90. It is possible to select from the second option of electronic payment (smartphone payment, credit card payment, cash card payment, etc.).

Subsequently, in step S234, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the payment method selected by the user is the first option. If the determination is YES, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 to prompt the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 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, and the user pays the prepaid fee by electronic payment. Since this is not directly related to the present invention, further explanation is omitted.

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

In step S201, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of scheduled usage times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding amounts of prepaid fees. The user selects a desired ticket type by touching with a finger any one of the plurality of scheduled usage times. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

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

After that, in step S203, the ticket vending machine 30 prompts the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12 among the plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22 this time. enable.

Subsequently, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits the inputted 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.

In response to this, 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 collation succeeds, the management server 50 determines in step S254 that the identity authentication of the current user has succeeded.

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

On the other hand, after executing step S204, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to pay the current prepaid fee with cash or a transportation card in step S205.

Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30, in step S206, will send a payment completion signal indicating that to correspond to the current bicycle parking lot ID, the input rack number, and the selected ticket type. It is transmitted to the management server 50 together with the length of usage time (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bicycle parking related information").

On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the said payment completion signal with the above-mentioned bicycle parking related information in step S256. Subsequently, in step S257, the management server 50 associates the management list illustrated in FIG. Register the current rack number.

After that, in step S258, the management server 50 determines that the procedures to be performed by the current user for the current user to use the current bicycle parking lot 22 have been completed. In response to this, the management server 50 transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90 in step S259. Send to.

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

After that, in step S263, the management server 50 measures the current time. Subsequently, in step S264, the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the scheduled usage time. Determine whether or not If not exceeded, the determination becomes NO, and the process returns to step S263. It is registered in the management list illustrated in 8.

On the other hand, after executing step S206, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal in step S207. Issue a physical ticket as proof that you have

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

<Fourth Embodiment>

Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, redundant description of the 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 this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

This embodiment is an example of a postpaid parking lot management system, and is different from the first to third embodiments described above, which are all examples of a prepaid parking lot management system. However, in this embodiment, the second communication environment, that is, the payment machine 210 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50, but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90. This embodiment is common to the above-described third embodiment in that it is a specific example of implementing the present invention 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 payment machine 210 when entering the warehouse. At that time, only the entry/exit control device 200 is activated in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a “vehicle”) into one of the racks 72 .

On the other hand, when leaving the parking lot, if the user desires cash payment or prepaid IC card payment in order to settle the deferred parking fee, he or she operates only the payment machine 210 and does not need to operate his/her own portable terminal 90. If the user wishes to make an electronic payment, he or she operates only the portable terminal 90 and does not need to operate the payment machine 210 .

However, when leaving the garage, the fare adjustment machine 210 operates according to instructions from the management server 50, and the management server 50 is commanded by the mobile terminal 90. is not operated, but it is interpreted that the fare adjustment machine 210 is indirectly operated, and the entry/exit control device 200 is operated via the fare adjustment machine 210 .

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

An example of the entry/exit control device 200 includes a gate device (not shown) installed (commonly to a plurality of racks 72) at the entrance of a bicycle parking lot (an example of a “parking lot”) 22, and a controller (not shown) that controls the gate device. not shown). The gate device has a movable member (eg, boom, bar, etc.) that can be switched between permitting and blocking the exit of the bicycle 12 from the bicycle parking lot 22 .

Another example of the entry/exit control device 200 is a retractable, flap, or lock lock device ( (not shown) and a controller (not shown) for controlling the locking device. In either form, the entry/exit control device 200 for each rack 72 has a movable member (e.g., baffle plate, flap, lock, etc.) that controls the exit of the bicycle 12 from the corresponding rack 72. (unlocked state) and blocked state (locked state).

In one example, the controller is installed in the bicycle parking lot 22 and configured to centrally control a plurality of locking devices respectively installed in a plurality of racks 72 in the bicycle parking lot 22 .

The fare adjustment machine 210 differs from the ticket vending machine 30 in that it issues a receipt as a payment certificate at the time of exiting instead of issuing a ticket as a payment certificate at the time of entering the parking lot. and a communication function for wireless communication with the management server 50 (or mobile terminal 90). It is also common with the ticket vending machine 30 in this regard.

On the other hand, with respect to the time/fare calculation function, the ticket vending machine 30 receives instructions from the user (for example, the above-mentioned ticket type selection result) for each rack 72 (for example, for each vehicle compartment, for each parking space) when entering the parking lot. ), calculate the length of the effective parking time, the expected parking time or the reserved parking time instead of the actual parking time, and calculate the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

On the other hand, when exiting the garage, the fare adjustment machine 210 receives a signal from a bicycle presence/absence sensor (for example, an object presence/absence sensor) of the parking/leaving control device 200 for each rack 72 (for example, for each vehicle compartment or for each parking space). It has a calculation function of calculating the length of actual parking time based on the signal and calculating the amount of parking fee based on the calculated value. In any case, the ticket vending machine 30 and the fare adjustment machine 210 have in common that they calculate the length of parking time and calculate the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

This calculation function is shared by non-electronic payment and electronic payment regardless of whether the ticket vending machine 30 or the payment machine 210 is used.

FIG. 13 conceptually shows an example of a warehousing processing program executed by the warehousing/retrieving control device 200 and the payment machine 210 at the time of warehousing in the system 10 in the form of a flow chart.

When each warehousing processing program is executed in the warehousing stage, first, in step S1301, the computer (not shown) of the warehousing/dispatching control device 200 enters (enters) the bicycle 12 into one of the racks 72 in the bicycle parking lot 22. For example, the presence/absence sensor of the parking/leaving control device 200 (not shown, but a sensor (for example, a loop coil) that senses a change in the magnetic field according to the relative position with the bicycle, (e.g., a sensor that senses changes in light).

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

In response to this, the payment machine 210 receives the rack number in step S1351, and then uses the clock (not shown) of the payment machine 210 to measure the current time as the warehousing time in step S1352. Thereafter, in step S1353, the rack number and the warehousing time are associated with each other and stored in the memory (not shown) of the payment machine 210. FIG.

After execution of step S1302, the parking/leaving control device 200 operates in step S1303 to prevent the bicycle 12 that has entered the rack 72 this time from leaving the parking lot without authorization. For example, when the entry/exit control device 200 uses a flap that can be raised and lowered, the flap is lifted from the support surface of the bicycle parking lot 22 to lock the bicycle 12, and the entry/exit control device 200 is released. If a lockable lock is used, the lock is locked to the bicycle 12 in a moored manner.

FIG. 14 conceptually shows an example of a delivery processing program executed by the entry/delivery control device 200, the payment machine 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 at the time of delivery in the system 10. is represented by a flow chart.

When each delivery processing program is executed in the delivery stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the user has input a settlement request (which also serves as a delivery request) to the mobile terminal 90 in step S1431. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1431 becomes YES, and then in step S1432, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 in which the user's bicycle 12 is stored into the mobile 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 then, in step S1452, a calculation request for calculating the amount of parking fee to be paid by the user this time and the rack number of this time. to the payment machine 210 .

In response, the payment machine 210 receives the calculation request and the rack number in step S1411, and measures the current time using the clock in step S1412. Thereafter, in step S1413, the fare adjustment machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the parking time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

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

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

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

Subsequently, in step S1435, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 in order to electronically pay for 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 S1471, then performs electronic payment in step S1472. reply to

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

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

In response to this, the fare adjustment machine 210 receives the leaving permission signal in step S1416, and then transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entering/leaving control device 200 in step S1417.

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

Thus, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user in the delivery stage. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the settlement server 110 , but cannot communicate with the payment machine 210 and cannot communicate with the warehousing control device 200 . The entry/exit control device 200 can communicate with the payment machine 210, and the payment machine 210 can communicate with the management server 50. Therefore, the portable terminal 90 can indirectly and ultimately control entry/exit. It becomes possible to operate the device 200 .

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

In this embodiment, it is possible for the user to operate his/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 is added using the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90 to confirm that the user's current location is in the vicinity of the bicycle parking lot 22 this time, the user can use the mobile terminal 90 for electronic payment this time. can be forced to do in the vicinity of the bicycle parking lot 22.

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

In another example, after being accessed from the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50 receives its 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 equal to or less than the set value, further communication with the mobile terminal 90 is permitted, and the procedure for electronic payment by the user is permitted.

<Fifth Embodiment>

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

This embodiment is in common with the above-described fourth embodiment in that it is an example of a postpaid parking lot management system. However, in this embodiment, the fare adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the management server 50, although the fare adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90, but cannot communicate with the management server 50. However, it differs from the fourth embodiment in which communication with the mobile terminal 90 is impossible.

As in the fourth embodiment, in the system 10 according to the present embodiment, the user does not operate his/her mobile terminal 90 or the payment machine 210 when entering the warehouse. At that time, only the entry/exit control device 200 is activated in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a “vehicle”) into one of the racks 72 .

On the other hand, when leaving the parking lot, if the user desires cash payment or prepaid IC card payment in order to settle the deferred parking fee, he or she operates only the payment machine 210 and does not need to operate his/her own portable terminal 90. If the user wishes to make an electronic payment, he or she operates only the portable terminal 90 and does not need to operate the payment machine 210 . This point is also the same as in the fourth embodiment.

However, since the fare adjustment machine 210 is commanded by the portable terminal 90 when leaving the garage, the user does not directly operate the fare adjustment machine 210 in this system 10, but indirectly operates the fare adjustment machine 210. It is interpreted that the entry/exit control device 200 is operated via the payment machine 210 .

FIG. 15 shows, in this system 10, communication paths (for example, communication cables, public telephone lines, Internet lines, etc.) between the entry/exit control device 200 and the fare adjustment machine 210, and the route between the fare adjustment 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 path for communication between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 A communication network configuration (eg, the Internet, etc.) is conceptually represented.

Thus, in this embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, the payment 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 mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the payment machine 210, for example, within a radius of about 5 m from the payment machine 210 for electronic payment.

On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, unless a step is added to confirm that the user's current position is near the current bicycle parking lot 22 using the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90, the user It is not possible to force the mobile terminal 90 to be near the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic payment.

On the other hand, if the user cannot force the mobile terminal 90 to be near the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic payment, the user may operate the mobile terminal 90 before arriving at the current bicycle parking lot 22. There is a risk of fraudulently requesting electronic payments.

When this fraudulent act occurs, a false parking time shorter than the actual parking time is calculated, and based on the calculated value, a false parking charge lower than the official charge is calculated. When the user electronically pays for the false parking fee, the entry/exit control device 200 switches to a state permitting exit of the corresponding bicycle 12 via the payment machine 210, and as a result, the user arrives at the current bicycle parking lot 22. Then, it becomes possible to leave the bicycle parking lot 22 together with the bicycle 12 .

On the other hand, the act of the user operating the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the bicycle parking lot 22 this time and requesting electronic payment means that once the electronic payment is completed, the user can immediately park the bicycle without intentionally prolonging the parking time. 12 is expected to leave the bicycle parking lot 22. In this case, the length of parking time calculated in response to the aforementioned electronic payment request is not unduly shortened from the length of actual parking time.

In this system 10, at the time of warehousing, a warehousing processing program is executed by the warehousing/dispatching control device 200 and the fare adjustment machine 210, respectively. Description is omitted.

FIG. 16 conceptually shows an example of a delivery processing program executed by the entry/delivery control device 200, the payment machine 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 at the time of delivery in the system 10. is represented by a flow chart.

When each delivery processing program is executed in the delivery stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether or not the user has input a settlement request (which also serves as a delivery request) to the mobile terminal 90 in step S1631. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1631 becomes YES, and then in step S1632, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 where the user's bicycle 12 is stored into the mobile terminal 90.

Thereafter, the portable terminal 90 transmits the inputted rack number to the payment machine 210 together with the payment request in step S1633. In this embodiment, the fare adjustment machine 210 is designed to have a communication section for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90 . An example of the communication unit has 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 step S1611 in association with each other, and measures the current time by using the clock in step S1612. Thereafter, in step S1613, the fare adjustment machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the parking time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

Subsequently, in step S1614, the fare adjustment 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 fare adjustment machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of the parking fee to the mobile terminal 90. FIG.

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

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

In response to this, payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1671, then performs electronic payment in step S1672. reply to

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

In response to this, the fare adjustment machine 210 receives the leaving permission signal in step S1616, and then transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entering/leaving control device 200 in step S1617.

In this embodiment, the operation of transmitting the leaving permission operation command signal to the entering/leaving control device 200 is an example of "the operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot". Another example of "operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot" is to display a message on the screen of the display of the payment machine 210 to the effect that the vehicle is permitted to leave the parking lot in association with the current parking position. and an operation of turning on an indicator lamp of the fare adjustment machine 210 that indicates that the user is permitted to leave the parking lot in association with the current parking position.

In response to this, the entering/leaving control device 200 shifts the movable member to the unlocked state in step S1601, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to leave the rack 72 this time.

Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 transmits parking information (or parking-related information) to the management server 50 in step S1637. The parking information includes, for example, the rack number where the current user parked the bicycle 12 in the current bicycle parking lot 22, the time period during which the bicycle was parked, the length of the parking time, and the user It includes the amount of bicycle parking fees paid by

In response to this, 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 multiple bicycle parking lots 22 and thereby centrally manage the multiple bicycle parking lots 22 . As a result, the management server 50 can, for example, monitor temporal changes in operating rates for each bicycle parking lot 22 and evaluate differences in operating rates among a plurality of bicycle parking lots 22 .

Thus, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user in the delivery stage. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the settlement server 110 as well as the settlement machine 210 . The entry/exit control device 200 can communicate with the payment machine 210, and the payment machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90. Therefore, the mobile terminal 90 indirectly and ultimately functions as the entry/exit control device. 200 can be operated.

Therefore, in this embodiment, although the payment machine 210 does not support electronic payment, the user can use the payment server without changing the hardware configuration of the entry/exit control device 200 and the payment machine 210. By using a mobile terminal 90 that can communicate with 110, electronic payment can be handled.

By the way, in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, as long as the user is in the bicycle parking lot 22, the work for electronic payment using his/her mobile terminal 90 can be performed at a location away from the payment machine 210. Since it is possible to perform the work without physically occupying the payment machine 210, it is convenient for the user in that there are no restrictions on where to perform the necessary work.

However, the fact that the payment machine 210 is not physically occupied during an electronic payment by one user means that another user may use the payment machine 210 to attempt work for non-electronic payment (cash payment or card payment). lead to the possibility.

In this case, the rack number (e.g., parking position identification information) assigned to a certain user and the rack number assigned to another user do not match each other. Electronic payments that do not require use and non-electronic payments that do require it can be performed in parallel with each other in time. Therefore, for the user, the time to wait for the order of payment is shortened, which is convenient.

However, for some reason (for example, by accident), the rack number actually entered by a user into mobile terminal 90 and the rack number entered by another user into payment machine 210 or selected on payment machine 210 may be different. If they match each other, the rack number at that time is the one that was executed first (for example, each user issued a payment request before the other user issued a payment request) among the two payment processings by those two users. Regardless of whether it is correct or not, it will be processed preferentially. This is because there is no rack number authenticity determination means.

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

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

To describe the transmitter more specifically, at least one transmitter is installed in each of the corresponding racks 72, and is a contactless or contact type transmitter that transmits an identification signal that can identify the unique ID of the corresponding rack 72. communication device. It is sufficient for this transmitter to have at least a transmission function, but if necessary, it may be configured to have a reception function as well.

This transmitter actively transmits a unique identification signal without requiring an external trigger signal and permanently as long as the power supply is not short.

Furthermore, this transmitter is generally a device that is also known as a beacon device, a radio beacon, etc. that emits a beacon signal as an identification signal. In one example, this transmitter modulates the original signal to generate an identification signal representing the corresponding parking lot ID, and transmits the generated identification signal to an IR signal, Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, NFC ( short-range wireless communication) signals, etc.

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

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

As another exemplary measure, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of leaving the shed has the mobile terminal 90 applied to the location information presenting means for personal authentication (collation of personal information) at the time of leaving the shed. , in response to this, the mobile terminal 90 sends the ID of the current bicycle parking lot 22, the ID of the current rack 72, a user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.) and may be transmitted to the management server 40 or the payment machine 210. In other words, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of leaving the car only needs to hold the portable terminal 90 over the position information presenting means at the time of entering the car.

In this case, when leaving the parking lot, similarly to when entering the parking lot, if the user causes the mobile terminal 90 to be applied to the position information presentation means, the mobile terminal 90 responds to this, and the mobile terminal 90 receives the ID of the bicycle parking lot 22 this time and A combination of the rack 72 ID and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.) may be sent to the management server 40 or the payment machine 210 . In other words, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment simply holds the portable terminal 90 over the position information presenting means when leaving the garage.

In this case, in response to this, the management server 40 or the payment machine 210 collates the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of parking with the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of leaving. In response to a successful match, management server 40 may calculate the amount of the parking fee and send a request for electronic payment of the parking fee to payment server 110. Also, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of the parking fee, and further transmits a request for electronic payment of the parking fee to the payment server 110 with or without the management server 40. may

In addition, in some of the embodiments described above, the present invention is carried out by selecting a bicycle, which is an example of a "vehicle" as a moving object, as an object to be stored. In addition, the present invention may be carried out by selecting other examples of "vehicles" such as motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and automobiles as objects to be stored.

Additionally, in some of the embodiments described above, all or part of the processing executed in the mobile terminal 90 may instead be executed in the management server 50, 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 executes the processing to be executed is usually determined by circumstances at that time, such as 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 of the embodiments described above, the system as a whole can be electronically The technical idea of making payment possible has been 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 consideration, a business that receives a fee from a user at a store and issues a meal ticket as consideration, a business that receives a fee from a user and issues a permit as consideration, etc. The technical idea is also useful for

Although some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are examples, and a person skilled in the art can It is possible to implement the present invention in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on knowledge.

Claims (10)

A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot,
When exiting the parking lot, a calculation function that calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the parking time, and a non-electronic payment method that includes cash payment or card payment, excluding electronic payment. a payment machine having an electronic payment function;
and a management server that communicates with the payment machine,
The user of the parking lot has a communication terminal,
The communication terminal
a settlement request transmission function for transmitting a settlement request to the management server when leaving the parking lot;
User-specific information of the same type as the user-specific information at the time of parking, which is user-specific information acquired at the location of the parking lot at the time of parking, and specified by the user on the communication terminal at the location of the parking lot at the time of leaving the vehicle. a user-specific information transmission function for transmitting certain user-specific information at the time of leaving the garage to the management server;
Upon receiving the payment request, the management server adjusts the amount of the parking fee calculated by the payment machine on condition that the matching between the user-specific information at parking and the user-specific information at leaving is successful. or the management server calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the parking information representing the parking status of the parking lot received from the payment machine. has a parking fee data transmission function for transmitting parking fee data representing it to the communication terminal,
The communication terminal further has an electronic payment request transmission function for transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server via or without the management server in order to perform the electronic payment based on the received parking fee data. death,
A parking lot management system having an electronic payment function in which the payment server, upon receiving the electronic payment request, performs the electronic payment for the parking fee calculated by the payment machine or the management server. The communication terminal and/or the management server use the communication terminal to determine whether or not the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot, and when it is determined that the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot, 2. The parking lot management system according to claim 1, having an electronic payment permission function for permitting said electronic payment. The communication terminal has a positioning function for measuring its own current position,
The electronic payment permission function has a function of permitting the electronic payment by the communication terminal and/or the management server on the condition that the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot based on the positioning result by the positioning function. The parking lot management system according to claim 2. The parking lot management system further includes a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the communication terminal,
The electronic payment permission function permits the electronic payment on condition that short-range wireless communication is established between the communication terminal and the short-range wireless communication unit by the communication terminal and/or the management server. 3. The parking lot management system according to claim 2, which has a function of A program executed by the communication terminal to manage the parking lot using the parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A program that causes a computer to realize the settlement request transmission function, the user-specific information transmission function, and the electronic payment request transmission function. A program executed by the fare adjustment machine to manage the parking lot using the parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A program that causes a computer to implement the calculation function and the non-electronic payment function. A program executed by the management server to manage the parking lot using the parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A program that causes a computer to realize the parking fee data transmission function. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 5 is computer-readable. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is computer-readable. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is computer-readable.

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