KR20150084948A - Payment system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A payment system and method are disclosed. In one example, the method comprises the steps of (i) capturing a code that the mobile device is placed on the medium, the code encoding the identifier; (ii) the mobile device decodes the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmits the restored identifier to the server via the communication network 116; (iv) the mobile device receives a charge associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communications network 116, the charge being a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; And (v) sending a permission for the mobile device to pay the received fee.

Description

[0001] PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD [0002]

Priority claim

This application claims priority from PCT Application No. PCT / GB2012 / 052802, filed November 12, 2012, PCT Application No. PCT / GB2012 / 052804, filed November 12, 2012, and PCT Application No. PCT / PCT / GB2012 / 052805, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

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

Parking lots (for example, parcades) are areas where cars can park. In some instances, the car park may be fee-based, and thus the car may be allowed to park in the car park in exchange for payment of the fare. Typically, these charges are based on the length of time the car is parked in the parking lot.

When a car enters a fee-based parking lot, the driver of the vehicle can receive a timestamped ticket from the entry terminal. Before the driver leaves the car park with the car, the driver may be required to insert a ticket into a payment terminal that can determine the charge (e.g., based on the amount of time that has elapsed since the driver received the ticket). The driver can then pay the fee by providing cash or a payment means such as a credit card or debit card into the payment terminal. The paying terminal can then verify the ticket and return the ticket to the driver. To get out of the parking lot, the driver can drive to the exit terminal and insert the verified ticket into the exit terminal. The leaving terminal confirms that the ticket has been verified, and in response, the leaving terminal may cause the boom to rise so that the driver's car leaves the parking lot.

The process of paying for the parking lot can be inconvenient and can lead to safety and health problems. In some arrangements, the payment terminal may be located at or near the pedestrian entrance to the parking lot. In such arrangements, the queue at the paying terminal may be particularly long at peak times, thus causing delays and irritating and unpleasant drivers. Moreover, the payment terminal may have cash that is inadequate to service or provide the correct change, thus worsening these problems. In addition, the need for drivers to use cash or means of payment in an open environment can cause safety problems.

In alternative arrangements, the payment terminal may be integrated with the leaving terminal, which may enable the driver to sit in the car and pay the fee just before leaving the parking lot. However, such arrangements may result in a long vehicle queue waiting to reach the pay-out terminal. In addition, long vehicle queues can cause high exhaust levels in relatively small areas, which may be undesirable for health reasons.

Accordingly, it is desirable to improve the process of paying parking fees (or other types of charges).

summary

Embodiments are described herein. In one aspect, an embodiment includes (i) a mobile device capturing a code disposed on a medium, the code encoding an identifier; (ii) the mobile device decodes the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmits the restored identifier to the server via the communication network; (iv) the mobile device receives a charge associated with the transmitted identifier from the server over the communication network, the charge being a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; And (v) sending a permission for the mobile device to pay the received fee.

In another aspect, one embodiment takes the form of a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to: (i) capture the code disposed on the medium; and code encode the identifier; (ii) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) transmitting the restored identifier to the server over the communication network; (iv) receiving a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communication network, the charge being a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; (v) send an authorization to pay the received fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment, when executed by a processor, comprises: (i) a function-code in which a mobile device captures code disposed on a medium encodes an identifier; (ii) the mobile device decodes the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmits the restored identifier to the server via the communication network; (iv) the ability of the mobile device to receive a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communication network; the charge is a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; And (v) a program for causing a mobile device to perform a set of functions, the function including sending a permission to pay a received fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes (i) a server receiving an identifier over a communication network from a mobile device; (ii) in response to the server receiving the identifier, the server determining a charge associated with the identifier, the charge being a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; (iii) the server transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device via the communication network; (iv) receiving a permission from the mobile device via the communication network to pay the determined fee; (v) the server determining that the determined fee has been paid; And (vi) in response to the server determining that the determined fee has been paid, sending an indication that the server has been paid the determined fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment takes the form of a server. The server receives (i) an identifier from the mobile device over the communication network; (ii) in response to receiving the identifier, determining a charge associated with the identifier, the charge being a function of at least a first time period and a second time period after the first time; (iii) transferring the determined charge to the mobile device over the communications network; (iv) receiving a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device via the communication network; (v) determine that the determined fee has been paid; (vi) send an indication that the determined fee has been paid, in response to determining that the determined charge has been paid.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes a computer program product, when executed by a processor, for: (i) receiving a identifier from a mobile device over a communications network; (ii) in response to the server receiving the identifier, the function by which the server determines the fee associated with the identifier, the fee being a function of at least a first time and a period of time between a second time after the first time; (iii) the server transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device over the communication network; (iv) the function of the server to receive a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device via the communication network; (v) the server determines that the determined fee has been paid; And (vi) a non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions for causing a server to perform a set of functions, the function comprising sending an indication that a determined fee has been paid, in response to determining that the determined fee has been paid. It takes the form of a possible medium.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes (i) capturing a code disposed on a medium by a mobile device, the code encoding an identifier; (ii) the mobile device decodes the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmits the restored identifier to the server via the communication network; (iv) the mobile device receives a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communication network, the charge being a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; And (v) sending a permission for the mobile device to pay the received fee.

In another aspect, one embodiment takes the form of a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to: (i) capture the code disposed on the medium; and code encode the identifier; (ii) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) transmitting the restored identifier to the server over the communication network; (iv) receiving a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communication network, the charge being a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; (v) send an authorization to pay the received fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment, when executed by a processor, comprises: (i) a function-code in which a mobile device captures code disposed on a medium encodes an identifier; (ii) the mobile device decodes the captured code to recover the identifier; (iii) the mobile device transmits the restored identifier to the server via the communication network; (iv) the ability of the mobile device to receive a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server via the communication network; the charge is a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; And (v) a program for causing a mobile device to perform a set of functions, the function including sending a permission to pay a received fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes (i) a server receiving an identifier over a communication network from a mobile device; (ii) in response to the server receiving the identifier, the server determining a charge associated with the identifier, the charge being a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; (iii) the server transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device via the communication network; (iv) receiving a permission from the mobile device via the communication network to pay the determined fee; (v) the server determining that the determined fee has been paid; And (vi) in response to the server determining that the determined fee has been paid, sending an indication that the server has been paid the determined fee.

In another aspect, an embodiment takes the form of a server. The server receives (i) an identifier from the mobile device over the communication network; (ii) in response to receiving the identifier, determining a charge associated with the identifier, the charge being a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; (iii) transferring the determined charge to the mobile device over the communications network; (iv) receiving a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device via the communication network; (v) determine that the determined fee has been paid; (vi) send an indication that the determined fee has been paid, in response to determining that the determined charge has been paid.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes a computer program product, when executed by a processor, for: (i) receiving a identifier from a mobile device over a communications network; (ii) in response to the server receiving the identifier, the function by which the server determines the fee associated with the identifier, wherein the charge is a function of at least a first location and a distance between the first location and the second location; (iii) the server transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device over the communication network; (iv) the function of the server to receive a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device via the communication network; (v) the server determines that the determined fee has been paid; And (vi) a non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions for causing a server to perform a set of functions, the function comprising sending an indication that a determined fee has been paid, in response to determining that the determined fee has been paid. It takes the form of a possible medium.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes a method comprising: (i) scanning a fast response (QR) code that uses a mobile device to encode a unique ticket code identifying a parking ticket for using a paraced; (ii) decoding the QR code using the mobile device to recover the unique ticket code; (iii) transferring the unique ticket code from the mobile device to the application server; (iv) receiving, in the mobile device, a parking charge for using the paraced and displaying a parking charge on the mobile device; (v) selecting a payment means for paying the parking fee using the mobile device, and allowing payment of the parking fee; (vi) transmitting data regarding the payment means from the mobile device to the application server; And (vii) receiving at the mobile device from the application server status data indicating whether the payment of the parking fee was successful or unsuccessful.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes (i) a processor; (ii) a camera configured to capture a fast response (QR) code that encodes a unique ticket code identifying a parking ticket for using the parade; (iii) non-volatile computer-readable data storage device-program instructions comprising computer-readable program instructions that can be executed by the processor to decode the QR code; (iv) a user interface configured to display a parking charge for using the parcade, to enable a user to select a payment means to attempt to pay the parking fee, and to authorize payment of the parking fee; And (v) a mobile device comprising a network interface, (vi) the network interface is configured to transmit data relating to the unique ticket code and payment means to the application server, and (vii) Is configured to receive status data from the application server indicating whether the initial attempt to succeed was successful or failed.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes the steps of: (i) receiving at the application server from the mobile device a unique ticket code identifying a parking ticket for using the parcade; (ii) at the application server, determining a parking fee for using the parcade; (iii) transmitting a parking charge from the application server to the mobile device; (iv) receiving at the application server data relating to the payment means selected for the attempt to pay a fee from the mobile device; (v) determining, at the application server, whether the processing of the data relating to the parking fee and the data relating to the first payment means causes the success or failure of payment of the parking fee; And (vi) transferring status data from the application server to the mobile device indicating whether the attempt to pay the parking charge was successful or unsuccessful.

In another aspect, an embodiment includes (i) a processor; (ii) non-transitory computer readable data storage comprising computer readable program instructions; And (iii) a network interface; (iv) the network interface comprises: (1) a unique ticket code identifying a parking ticket for utilizing the parade; and (2) (V) the program instructions are arranged to cause the processing of the data relating to the parking fee and the payment means to be successful or unsuccessful in paying the parking fee, (Vi) the program instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the network interface to transmit the status data to the mobile device, and (vii) the status data may be executed by the processor to attempt to pay the parking fee To indicate whether it was successful or failed.

In another aspect, an embodiment provides a method comprising: (i) providing a parking ticket for use in a parcade; And (ii) in a parade, providing a fast response (QR) code that encodes a unique ticket code identifying the parking ticket.

These and other aspects and advantages will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description, when appropriate, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is also to be understood that this summary and the embodiments described elsewhere are by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system for paying bills in accordance with one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows an exemplary fast response (QR) code.
3 is a block diagram of a mobile device in accordance with one embodiment.
4 is a block diagram of an application server in accordance with one embodiment.
5A is a first part of a flow chart of functions of a method according to one embodiment.
Figure 5b is the second part of the flow chart of Figure 5a.
Figure 5c is the third part of the flow chart of Figure 5a.
6 illustrates a display of a mobile device in accordance with one embodiment.

I. Introduction

This description particularly describes embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods. In the present description, the terms "user" and "driver" can be used interchangeably depending on the situation. The articles "a" or "an" are used to introduce elements of the embodiments, and the intent to use such articles is that there is more than one element. Intention to use a conjunction "or" in the list of at least two terms to be described is intended to indicate any of the listed terms or any combination of the terms listed. The use of ordinals such as " first, "" second, "" third," and the like are intended to distinguish each element rather than to denote a particular order of such elements.

The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the description.

FIG. - (Figure);

FIGs. - Figures;

PIN - Personal Identification Number;

QR - Quick Response;

II. Example architecture

1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 for paying a fee, in accordance with one embodiment. To illustrate one exemplary use of the system 100, the system 100 is described in relation to a parking lot. However, as further described below, the system 100 may be used in conjunction with other environments.

The system 100 includes an application server 102, an entry or distributor terminal 104, a mobile device 106, an exit terminal 108, a payment processing server 110 and a parking history database 112.

The distributor terminal 104 may be configured to distribute media to a user, such as a driver of the vehicle. In some instances, in response to an automobile entering the parking lot, the distributor terminal 104 may distribute the media. The medium may take various forms. For example, the medium may take the form of a paper ticket or a token.

The medium may have a code for encoding a session identifier thereon. The code can take various forms. For example, the code may take the form of a one-dimensional code such as a linear bar code or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code. The session identifier may uniquely identify a given parking session, i.e., a given instance of car parking within a parking lot. The session identifier may take various forms. For example, the session identifier may be a numeric or alphanumeric code. In some embodiments, the code may also encode other data including, for example, time or parking identifiers.

In some embodiments, the distributor terminal 104 may be configured to print the code on the medium (or cause the code to be placed on the medium) close to (i.e., at or about the time of the time) Lt; / RTI > In one example, if the event and time are within one second of the threshold number of seconds, the event is close in time. The threshold can be, for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds.

In other embodiments, the media may have already been placed on top of it when loaded into the distributor terminal 104. The distributor terminal 104 may be operatively connected to the application server 102 and may communicate to the application server 102 a time period that generally indicates the session identifier encoded in the code and / Lt; / RTI > As used herein, the term "time " refers to time and / or date. The application server 102 may be configured to store the received session identifier and time in the parking history database 112, as described in more detail below.

The exiting device 108 may be configured to control the exiting of cars out of the parking lot and may include or be integrated with an access control device that may take various forms. In one example, the access control device may take the form of a boom mechanism configured to move between a low position that blocks cars from leaving the car park and a high position that allows the cars to leave the car park. The exiting device 108 may raise or lower the boom.

In some instances, the same access control device may be used to control the entry of vehicles into the parking lot and the exit of cars out of the parking lot. However, in other embodiments, individual access control devices may be used for each purpose. The redirection terminal 108 may be functionally connected to the application server 102.

The application server 102, the mobile device 106, and the payment processing server 110 may communicate with each other by the communications network 116. The communication network 116 may take various forms. For example, the communication network 116 may take the form of a local area network or a wide area network, such as the World Wide Web or the Internet. The communication network 116 may be supported by wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., interfaces configured to communicate using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth protocols, for example). In particular, in some embodiments, other devices within the system 100 may communicate with each other via a communication network. Communication between any such devices may be facilitated by corresponding network interfaces.

Communication between the application server 102, the mobile device 106 and the payment processing server 110 is accomplished by a server-hosted program installed on the application server 102, ("Payment apps") and payment application servers ("processing apps") that are installed and run on the payment processing server 110. [

The user may download a copy of the payment application from the download store, for example from the data store 188 (FIG. 4) of the application server 102, and install the payment application on the mobile device 106. During or after installation, the payment application creates a user profile 114 on the mobile device 106 and displays the user's profile 114, including the user's name, the user's surname, the email address, the physical address and one or more payment means, Card, e-wallet, and the like. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > According to at least some embodiments, the user profile 114 may be stored locally on the mobile device 106 and may not be transmitted to the application server 102. The payment app captures the code that encodes the session identifier, decodes the captured code to restore the session identifier, sends the restored session identifier to the server, receives the fee associated with the restored session identifier from the server, But may also facilitate the performance of a variety of functions, including but not limited to providing the server with permission to pay.

As described above, an example of the code is a QR code. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary QR code 200. The QR code is a two-dimensional code. Embodiments may include any of a variety of two-dimensional codes, such as an Aztec bar code, a codablock F code, a code 16k bar code, a code 49 bar code, a data-matrix bar code, a micro PDF 417 bar code, a QR code, A predetermined other two-dimensional code can be used. Alternatively, embodiments may use one-dimensional codes such as bar codes, where only the width of each bar is used to decode the bar code.

3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a mobile device 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile device 106 includes (i) a processor 150, (ii) a network interface 152 for transmitting data to and receiving data from the communication network 116, (iii) A camera (or other capture device) 156 configured to capture code such as a user interface 154, (iv) a QR code, and (v) a data storage device 158, May be linked together via a connection mechanism 160. The data storage device 158 includes computer readable program instructions (CRPI) 162, a payment application 164, and a user profile 114. The CRPI 162 may include a payment app 164. The data storage 158 may include non-volatile computer readable storage medium that may be read by the processor 150. Each computer-readable storage medium described herein may include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disk storage devices that may be wholly or partly integrated with the processor .

Each processor described herein may include one or more general purpose processors (e.g., Intel single core microprocessors or Intel multi-core microprocessors) or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors) have. Processor 150 is configured to execute CRPI 162 and payment app 164.

The mobile device 106 may be a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet device, or some other device that is arranged to perform cellular communications, or may include them. In this regard, the communication network 116 may include a network for performing communications in accordance with the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) or some other communication standard developed for a cellular communication network The same cellular communication network.

4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an application server 102. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 4, the application server 102 includes (i) a processor 182, (ii) a network interface 184 for transmitting data to and receiving data from the communication network 116, (iii) User interface 186, and (iv) data storage 188, all of which may be linked together via a system bus or other connection mechanism 190. [ Data store 188 may include a paying app 194 that may be (i) CRPI 192 and (ii) downloaded by mobile device 106 (which may be the same as paid app 164). The CRPI 192 may include a payment app 194. The data storage 188 may include non-volatile computer readable storage medium that may be read by the processor 182. The processor 182 is configured to execute the CRPI 192.

III. Exemplary operation

The system 100 may be used to pay a fee. The example below illustrates an exemplary use of the system 100 in relation to a user desiring to pay a parking fee. However, as will be discussed further below, the system 100 may be used in connection with users desiring to pay other types of charges.

5A-5C are flow charts illustrating a set of functions of a method according to an embodiment. A set of functions is shown in blocks 502-548. Now, a description of such blocks follows.

At block 502, the method may include distributing the medium over which the distributor terminal 104 has placed the code, and the code encodes the session identifier. At block 504, the method may include the step of the mobile device 106 capturing the code disposed on the medium. This may include the mobile device 106 capturing the code using the camera 156 and the payment app 164. At block 506, the method may include the mobile device 106 decoding the captured code to recover the session identifier. This may include the mobile device 106 using the payment app 164 to decode the captured code to recover the session identifier.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 106 may determine that the captured code has certain attributes, and in response, the mobile device 106 may automatically launch an application, such as the payment application 164. In one example, the captured code with a particular attribute may include a capture code having a specific data set encoded therein (e.g., the string "launch_payment_app").

At block 508, the method may include the mobile device 106 transmitting the restored session identifier to the application server 102 via the communications network 116. [ At block 510, the method may comprise the step of the application server 102 receiving the transmitted session identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communication network 116. [

At block 512, the method may include determining that the application server 102 charges a fee associated with the received session identifier, and the fee is a function of at least a first time period and a time period between a second time after the first time .

Generally, the first time is close to the time the car enters the parking lot. The application server 102 may determine the first time in a variety of ways. For example, the distributor terminal 104 may determine the time at which the distributor terminal 104 distributes the medium as the first time. The distributor terminal 104 may then send the first time to the application server 102 with the session identifier. In another example, the application server 102 may determine, as a first time, the time at which the application server 102 receives the session identifier from the distributor terminal 104. [ In either of the two examples described above, the application server 102 may store the received session identifier in the parking history database 112 along with the received first time. Thus, the step of the application server 102 determining the fee associated with the received session identifier may include the step of the application server 102 retrieving the corresponding first time from the parking history database 112 using the received session identifier .

In general, the second time approaches the time the driver is paying the fee and / or leaving the parking lot. The application server 102 may determine the second time in a variety of ways. For example, the mobile device 106 may allow the mobile device 106 to (i) capture the code, (ii) decode the captured code to recover the session identifier, and (iii) 102) as the second time. The mobile device 106 may then send a second time to the application server 102 along with the session identifier. In another example, the application server 102 may determine, as a second time, the time at which the application server 102 receives the session identifier from the mobile device 106. [ In either of the two examples described above, the application server 102 may store the received session identifier in the parking history database 112 along with the received second time. Thus, the step of the application server 102 determining the fee associated with the received session identifier is a step of the application server 102 retrieving the corresponding second time from the parking history database 112 using the received session identifier .

As described above, the fee may be a function of at least a period. Thus, the application server 102 may determine a charge based on time period using a search table (e.g., stored in a data store of the application server 102). The data in the search table can be set, for example, by the administrator of the parking lot through the user interface.

In some instances, the rate may also be a function of other factors including, but not limited to, the location of the parking lot, the time of day to which the period belongs, week, month, year and user profile. Thus, in some embodiments, the distributor terminal 104, the mobile device 106 and / or other devices may provide such data to the application server 102, and thus the application server 102 may use such factors You can determine the charge.

At block 514, the method may include transmitting the determined fee to the mobile device 106 over the communication network 116 by the application server 102. At block 516, the method may include the mobile device 106 receiving the transmitted rate.

At block 518, the method may include the mobile device 106 displaying the received rate. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary screenshot 600 of the display of the mobile device 106 at block 518. FIG. As shown, in addition to indicating a determined charge, the mobile device 106 may further display a first time and a second time. This enables the user to review details about the parking session before allowing payment of the charge for the parking session.

If the user wants to authorize the payment of the fee, the user may provide such permission via the user interface 154 of the mobile device 106. Next, at block 520, the method may include the mobile device 106 sending permission to the application server 102 via the communication network 116 to pay the received fee. In addition to transferring such authorization, the mobile device 106 may further transfer payment data to the application server 102. The payment data may in particular include at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a PIN, and a mailing code associated with the cardholder. In one example, the user may provide such payment data to the mobile device 106 via the user interface 154.

In another example, the mobile device 106 may send a user profile identifier to the application server 102, which may be used by the application server 102 to send a payment associated with the user (e.g., stored within the user profile 114) Data can be retrieved. In some instances, the application server 102 may send at least a portion of the retrieved payment data to the mobile device, and therefore the mobile device 106 may display payment data options to the user. This may enable a user to select payment data (e.g., a particular payment means) from the displayed payment data options. The mobile device 106 may then select such payment data and send the selection to the application server 102.

At block 522, the method begins in response to the application server 102 receiving an authorization to pay the determined fee, allowing the application server 102 to send the details of the fee transaction (e.g., the parking fee and the details of the selected payment means ) To the payment processing server 110 for processing.

At block 524, the method may include determining that the application server 102 has been charged. In some instances, the application server 102 may determine this based on the payment processing server 110 sending a payment status indicator, e.g., a success or a failure, to the application server 102. At block 526, the method includes updating the status of the session identifier in the parking history database 112 as being paid, in response to determining that the application server 102 has been charged . Additionally, in response, at block 528, the method may include sending an indication to the mobile device 106 that the application server 102 has been charged. At block 530, the method may include receiving an indication that the mobile device 106 has been charged. And, in response, at block 532, the method may include displaying an indication that the mobile device 106 has been charged.

In some instances, and in response to determining that the application server 102 has been charged, the application server 102 may determine how much (e.g., before an additional charge occurs) A countdown timer may be initiated to indicate whether time has remained. For example, a countdown timer can start at 10 or 15 minutes as soon as it starts. In one example, the application server 102 may also communicate with the mobile device 106 to cause the mobile device 106 to display the value of the countdown timer in a dynamic or live fashion.

In particular, if the payment processing server 110 fails to process the payment, then the application server 102 may notify the mobile device 106 accordingly, and therefore the mobile device 106 may, perhaps, You may re-authorize payment of the fee.

Once the payment is successfully completed, the driver of the vehicle may provide a code to the redemption terminal 108 to obtain permission to leave the car with the car. In one example, a driver can do this by providing the ejecting terminal 108 with a medium on which the code is located. In another example, the mobile device 106 may be configured to display a code so that the driver can provide the mobile device 106 with a code at the top to the redemption terminal 108.

At block 534, the method may include the step of the leaving terminal 108 capturing the code. This may include the step of the redemption terminal 108 capturing the code using the camera and the payment app. At block 536, the method may include the step of the leaving terminal 108 decoding the captured code to recover the session identifier. This may include the step of the redemption terminal 108 using the payment app to decode the captured code to recover the session identifier.

At block 538, the method may include sending the restored session to the application server 102 by the egress terminal 108. At block 540, the method may include the step of the application server 102 receiving the transmitted session identifier.

In block 542, the method may include, in response to the application server 102 receiving the transmitted session identifier, determining that the application server 102 has been charged a fee associated with the received session identifier. This may include the application server 102 performing a search in the parking record database 112 using the received session identifier to retrieve the corresponding status of the session identifier.

At block 544, the method may include sending an indication to the leaving terminal 108 that the application server 102 has been charged. At block 546, the method may include receiving an indication that the leaving terminal 108 has been charged.

At block 548, the method may include causing the exiting terminal 108 to perform an action in response to receiving an indication that the exiting terminal 108 has been charged. In an alternative embodiment, the method may include the steps of (i) receiving an indication that the redemption terminal 108 has been charged, (ii) in response to the redemption terminal 108 determining that the countdown timer has not expired, And causing the action to be performed. If the application server 102 determines that the fee has been paid and the countdown timer has expired, the application server 102 may determine and send an additional fee to the mobile device 106, The payment of the fee may be authorized in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the initial charge.

In one example, the step of causing the exit terminal 108 to perform an action may include causing the exit terminal 108 to move the access control device. For example, if the access control device takes the form of a boom, the leaving terminal 108 may allow the boom to rise and allow the cars to leave the parking lot. However, the leaving terminal 108 may cause other actions to be performed. For example, the exit terminal 108 may allow tire spikes to retract and allow cars to leave the parking lot.

IV. Variations and advantages of the embodiments

Obviously, many modifications and permutations of the embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some of these variations and exchanges are described below.

1. User profile 114 may be stored on mobile device 106 and on application server 102, according to one or more of the disclosed embodiments. In this embodiment, the capturing application 164 on the mobile device 106 may make changes to the user profile 114, such as when changes occur, or periodically or explicitly in response to a user command, a copy of the profile on the application server 102 You can synchronize. A copy of the user profile on the application server 102 may then be fetched to a different mobile device 106, for example, when the user changes mobile devices or when the user loses or damages the mobile device 106.

2. According to one or more of the disclosed embodiments, in order to improve the security of the system 100, the transmission of any data described herein may be encrypted.

3. According to one or more of the disclosed embodiments, instead of the application server 102 sending details of financial transactions (e.g., fees and payment details) to the payment processing server 110 for processing, The application server 102 can process the payment itself.

4. According to one or more of the disclosed embodiments, the only user action required to set up the user profile 114 and to execute the payment of the charge after capturing the code is to retrieve the payment data associated with the user profile 114 The user selects the payment means or inputs information on the payment means.

5. As described in the embodiments, the use of codes such as QR codes may enable payment of parking fees to be performed more efficiently than is possible by known prior art methods. In one example, once the user has set up the user profile 114, the user only needs to capture the code placed on the medium by the mobile device 106 to effect payment of the parking fee. The user must find the payment terminal in the parking lot, wait in line to use the payment terminal, and do not suffer the tedium of providing cash or physical payment means, such as credit or debit cards, for payment. Moreover, the user does not face the risk of the payment terminal failing or having no change. Moreover, when the user is safely seated in the user's car, just before arriving back to the user's car in the car park, or alternatively as a substitute, the user can be certain of how much time left before the expiration of the countdown timer, You can pay parking fees with instructions. The disclosed systems and methods for paying parking fees will reduce the boredom of such payments.

6. In accordance with one or more of the embodiments, the application server 102 may provide the leaving terminal 108 with a session identifier, a rate (for example, < RTI ID = 0.0 > An indication that it has been paid, and data identifying a countdown timer associated with paying for the session identifier. Providing such items to the redemption terminal 108 in this manner may enable the redemption terminal 108 to more quickly confirm the timely delivery of codes or media for successful payment and parking sessions.

7. As discussed above, an exemplary application of system 100 enables a user to pay a parking fee. However, the system 100 may be used in connection with users desiring to pay other types of charges. For example, the system may enable a user to pay for a mobile session associated with a toll road. In this example, the charge is not a function of at least a period of time between a first time and a second time, but the charge is at least equal to a first location (e.g., where the distributor terminal is located) and a second location (e.g., Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > position. ≪ / RTI > In such instances, the application server 102 may determine the first and / or second locations based on the location of the distributor terminal 104, the location of the leaving terminal 108 and / or the location of the mobile device 106 , Any such device may send such locations to the application server 102 for use in rate determination.

V. Additional Embodiments

The following examples are provided as further illustration of the invention disclosed herein.

1. Mobile device 106 captures a code placed on a medium, the code encoding an identifier;

The mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier;

The mobile device 106 transmitting the recovered identifier to the server 102 via the communication network 116;

Wherein the mobile device (106) receives a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server (102) via the communication network (116), the fee including at least a first time and a second time after the first time A function of the period between; And

Wherein said mobile device (106) transmits an authorization to pay said received fee

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

4. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-3, wherein the code includes a two-dimensional matrix code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

5. The method of embodiment 4 wherein said code comprises a fast response (QR) code (200). (Figures 1, 2-4 and 5a-5c).

6. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-5, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and wherein the charge includes a charge for the parking session. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

7. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-6, wherein the step of capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises capturing the code by a camera (156) of the mobile device (106). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

8. The method as in any one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the step of capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises the step of the mobile device (106) scanning the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

9. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-8, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

10. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-9, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

13. The system as in any of the embodiments 1-12, wherein the code further encodes the first time,

The method

The mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first time; And

Wherein the mobile device (106) is transmitting the first time to the server (102) via the communication network (116)

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

14. The method as in any one of the embodiments 1-13, wherein the first time approximates the time the media is dispensed from the dispenser terminal (104). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

15. The method as in any of the embodiments 1-14, wherein the second time is close to the time at which the mobile device (106) transmits the recovered identifier to the server (102) via the communication network Way. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

16. The method as in any of the embodiments 1-15, further comprising the mobile device 106 displaying the received charge. (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5a-5c and 6).

17. The system as in any of the embodiments 1-16, wherein the mobile device (106) transmits payment data for facilitating payment of the received charge to the server (102) via the communication network ≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

18. The system as in any of the examples 1-16, wherein the identifier is a first identifier,

The method

The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116); And

The mobile device 106 selecting payment data to facilitate payment of the received charge

Wherein the payment data is associated with the second identifier. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the payment data includes at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, ≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

20. The process as in any one of Examples 1-19,

Receiving an indication from the server (102) that the mobile device (106) has been charged the fee; And

In response to receiving the indication that the mobile device (106) has been paid the fee, the mobile device (106) indicating an indication that the fee has been paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

21. The method as in any one of the examples 1-20, further comprising providing the redemption terminal with the code displayed on the medium. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

22. In any one of Examples 1-21,

The mobile device 106 displaying the captured code; And

Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capturing device

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

23. In any one of Examples 1-21,

The mobile device (106) determining that the captured code has a specific attribute; And

In response to the mobile device 106 determining that the captured data has the specific attribute, launching an application for the mobile device 106 to facilitate payment of the received charge

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

24. Mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions described in any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

25. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that when executed by the processor (150) cause execution of the functions described in any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

26. A method comprising: receiving an identifier from a mobile device (106) via a communications network (116);

In response to the server 102 receiving the identifier, the server 102 determining a fee associated with the identifier, the fee being a function of at least a period of time between a first time and a second time;

The server 102 sending the determined fee to the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;

Receiving, by the server (102), a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116);

Determining that the server 102 has paid the determined fee; And

In response to the server 102 determining that the determined fee has been paid, the server 102 transmits an indication that the determined fee has been paid (step < RTI ID = 0.0 >

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the identifier comprises a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and wherein the fee includes a charge for the parking session. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

28. The method as in 26 or 27, wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

29. The method as in any one of claims 26-28, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

30. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

31. The method of embodiment 29 wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

32. The method as in any one of claims 26-31, further comprising the server (102) receiving the first time from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

33. The method as in any one of Examples 26-32, wherein the first time is close to the time the medium is dispensed from the dispensing device, a code is placed on the medium, and the code encodes the identifier. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

34. The method of embodiment 33 further comprising the server 102 receiving the first time from the distributor terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

35. The method as in any one of claims 26-34, wherein the second time approaches the time at which the server (102) receives the identifier via the communication network (116) from the mobile device (106). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

36. The method of any one of Examples 26-35,

Receiving from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116) payment data for facilitating payment of the determined fee by the server (102); And

Causing the server (102) to use the payment data to cause the determined fee to be paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

37. The method as in any one of Examples 26-35, wherein the identifier is a first identifier,

The method

The server 102 receiving a second identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communication network 116;

Causing the server 102 to use the payment data associated with the second identifier to cause the determined fee to be paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

38. The method as in any one of claims 26-37, wherein the server (102) further comprises transmitting, via the communication network (116), an indication to the mobile device (106) that the fee has been paid. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

39. The system of any one of claims 26-38 further comprising the server 102 sending an indication to the leaving terminal 108 that the fee has been paid, To receive the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102); and (ii) in response to receiving the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

40. The method of claim 39, wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing the action to be performed to allow the automobile to exit the car park. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

41. The method of claim 40, wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing an access control device in the car park to be moved. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

42. A server (102) configured to perform the functions described in any one of Examples 24-41. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

43. Non-volatile computer readable medium having program instructions (192) that when executed by the processor (182) cause execution of the functions described in any one of examples 24-41. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

44. A method, comprising: capturing a code arranged on a medium by a mobile device, the code encoding an identifier;

The mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier;

The mobile device 106 transmitting the recovered identifier to the server 102 via the communication network 116;

Wherein the mobile device (106) receives a charge associated with the transmitted identifier from the server (102) via the communications network (116), the charge including at least a first location and a second location A function of the distance between; And

Wherein said mobile device (106) transmits an authorization to pay said received fee

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

46. The method of embodiment 44 or 45 wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

47. The method as in any one of Examples 44-46, wherein the code includes a two-dimensional matrix code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

48. The method of embodiment 47 wherein the code comprises a fast response (QR) code (200). (Figures 1, 2-4 and 5a-5c).

49. The method as in any one of Examples 44-48, wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a mobile session associated with a toll road, and wherein the fee includes a charge for the mobile session. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

50. The method as in any of the examples 44-49, wherein the step of capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises capturing the code by a camera (156) of the mobile device (106). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

51. The method as in any of the embodiments 44-50, wherein the step of capturing the code by the mobile device (106) comprises the step of the mobile device (106) scanning the code. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

52. The method as in any of the examples 44-51, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

53. The method as in any of the examples 44-52, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

54. The method of Ex 53 wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

55. The method of embodiment 53, wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

56. The system as in any of the examples 44-55, wherein the code further encodes the first location,

The method

The mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first location; And

Wherein the mobile device (106) transmits the first location via the communication network (116) to the server (102)

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

57. The method as in any of the examples 44-56, wherein the first position is proximate to a position when the medium is dispensed from the dispenser terminal (104). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

58. The method of any one of Examples 44-57, wherein the second location is proximate to the location of the mobile device (106) when transmitting the recovered identifier to the server (102) via the communications network (116) How to. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

59. The method as in any of the examples 44-58, further comprising the mobile device 106 displaying the received rate. (Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5a-5c and 6).

60. The system as in any of the embodiments 44-59, wherein the mobile device 106 transmits payment data for facilitating payment of the received rate to the server 102 via the communication network 116 ≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

61. The method as in any of the examples 44-59, wherein the identifier is a first identifier,

The method

The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116); And

The mobile device 106 selecting payment data to facilitate payment of the received charge

Wherein the payment data is associated with the second identifier. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

62. The system of embodiment 60 or 61 wherein the payment data includes at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, ≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

63. In any one of Examples 44-62,

Receiving an indication from the server (102) that the mobile device (106) has been charged the fee; And

In response to receiving the indication that the mobile device (106) has been paid the fee, the mobile device (106) indicating an indication that the fee has been paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

64. The method as in any of the examples 44-63, further comprising: providing the redemption terminal with the code displayed on the medium. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

65. In any one of the examples 44-64,

The mobile device 106 displaying the captured code; And

Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capturing device

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

66. In any one of Examples 44-65,

The mobile device (106) determining that the captured code has a specific attribute; And

In response to the mobile device 106 determining that the captured data has the specific attribute, launching an application for the mobile device 106 to facilitate payment of the received charge

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

67. A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions described in any one of the examples 44-66. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

68. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that when executed by a processor (150) cause execution of the functions described in any one of examples 1-23. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

69. A method comprising: receiving an identifier from a mobile device (106) via a communications network (116);

In response to the server (102) receiving the identifier, the server (102) determining a fee associated with the identifier, the fee including at least a first location and a second location between the first location and a second location A function of distance;

The server 102 sending the determined fee to the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;

Receiving, by the server (102), a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116);

Determining that the server 102 has paid the determined fee; And

In response to the server 102 determining that the determined fee has been paid, the server 102 transmits an indication that the determined fee has been paid (step < RTI ID = 0.0 >

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

70. The method of Example 69, wherein the identifier comprises a unique identifier of a mobile session associated with a toll road, and wherein the fee includes a fee for the mobile session. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

71. The method of embodiment 69 or 70 wherein the communications network (116) comprises a local area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

72. The method as in any one of Examples 69-71, wherein the communications network (116) comprises a wide area network. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

73. The method of Example 72 wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

74. The method of Example 72, wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

75. The method as in any of the examples 69-74, wherein the server 102 further comprises receiving the first location from the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

76. The system as in any of the examples 69-75, wherein the first location is proximate to a location when the medium is dispensed from the dispensing device, a code is disposed on the medium, . (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

77. The method of embodiment 76 further comprising the server 102 receiving the first location from the distributor terminal. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

78. In any one of Examples 69-76,

Receiving from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116) payment data for facilitating payment of the determined fee by the server (102); And

Causing the server (102) to use the payment data to cause the determined fee to be paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

79. The method as in any of the examples 69-78, wherein the identifier is a first identifier,

The method

The server 102 receiving a second identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communication network 116;

Causing the server 102 to use the payment data associated with the second identifier to cause the determined fee to be paid

≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

80. The method as in any of the examples 69-79, further comprising the server 102 sending an indication through the communication network 116 to the mobile device 106 that the charge has been paid. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

81. The method as in any of the examples 69-80, further comprising the server 102 sending an indication to the leaving terminal 108 that the fee has been paid, wherein the leaving terminal 108 is (i) To receive the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102); and (ii) in response to receiving the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102). (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

82. The method of embodiment 81, wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing the action to be performed to permit the automobile to exit the toll booth. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

[0218] 83. The method of Example 82, wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing the access control device in the toll clearinghouse to move. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

84. A server (102) configured to perform the functions described in any one of examples 69-83. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

85. A non-volatile computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that when executed by the processor (182) cause execution of the functions described in any one of examples 69-83. (Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5a-5c).

86. A mobile device (106)

A processor 150;

A capture device (156) configured to capture code;

A network interface 152 configured to facilitate communication between the mobile device 106 and the server 102; And

Non-transitory computer readable medium (ROM) 166 that stores program instructions 162 that when executed by the processor 150 cause execution of the functions described in either example 1-23 or 44-66,

(106). ≪ / RTI > (Figures 1, 3 and 4 and Figures 5a-5c).

87. A server (102)

A processor 150;

A network interface 184 configured to facilitate communication between the server 102 and another device; And

Non-transitory computer readable medium (ROM) 182 that stores program instructions 192 that when executed by the processor 182 cause execution of the functions described in any one of examples 26-41 or 69-83,

Lt; / RTI > (Figures 1, 3 and 4 and Figures 5a-5c).

VI. conclusion

The above embodiments have been described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

This detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar components, unless the context indicates otherwise. The embodiments described in the specification, drawings and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure herein. It will be readily appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated herein.

With respect to any or all of the message flow diagrams, scenarios and flow charts as described herein and in the drawings, each step, block and / or communication may include processing of information according to embodiments and / Can represent the transmission of information. Alternative embodiments are included within the scope of these embodiments. In these alternative embodiments, functions described as, for example, steps, blocks, transmissions, communications, requests, responses, and / or messages may include, Or may be executed in a different order than described. Further, more or fewer blocks and / or functions may be used with any of the message flow diagrams, scenarios and / or flow charts described herein, and such message flows, scenarios, and flow charts May be partially or completely combined with each other.

Steps or blocks representing processing of information may correspond to circuits that may be configured to perform certain logical functions of the methods or techniques described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the steps or blocks representing the processing of information may correspond to modules, segments or portions of program code (including associated data). The program code may include one or more instructions that may be executed by a processor to implement particular logical functions or actions within the method or technology. The program code and / or associated data may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, such as a disk or a storage device including a hard drive or other storage media.

Computer readable media can include non-volatile computer readable media such as computer readable media for storing data for a short period of time, such as a register memory, a processor cache, and / or a random access memory (RAM). Computer readable media can include, for example, program code and / or data for a long period of time, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an optical or magnetic disk and / or an auxiliary or permanent long- term storage device such as a compact disk read-only memory Non-volatile computer readable media for storage. Computer readable media may be any other volatile or nonvolatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be, for example, a computer readable storage medium or type of storage device. Any data identified as being stored in the data storage device or transmitted to the device for storage in the data storage device may include computer data signals embodied in the carrier wave.

Moreover, steps or blocks representing one or more information transmissions may correspond to the transmission of information between software and / or hardware modules within the same physical device. However, other information transmissions may be made between software modules and / or hardware modules in different physical devices.

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

Claims (87)

As a method,
The mobile device 106 capturing a code disposed on the medium, the code encoding an identifier;
The mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier;
The mobile device 106 transmitting the recovered identifier to the server 102 via the communication network 116;
Wherein the mobile device (106) receives a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server (102) via the communication network (116), the fee including at least a first time and a second time after the first time A function of the period between; And
Wherein said mobile device (106) transmits an authorization to pay said received fee
≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the code comprises a two-dimensional matrix code. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the code comprises a fast response (QR) code (200). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and wherein the charge includes a charge for the parking session. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Wherein said step of capturing said code by said mobile device (106) comprises capturing said code by a camera (156) of said mobile device (106). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein the step of the mobile device (106) capturing the code comprises the step of the mobile device (106) scanning the code. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The code further encoding the first time,
The method
The mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first time; And
Wherein the mobile device (106) is transmitting the first time to the server (102) via the communication network (116)
≪ / RTI > 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein the first time approximates the time the media is dispensed from the distributor terminal (104). 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Wherein the second time approaches the time at which the mobile device (106) transmits the recovered identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116). 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
And wherein the mobile device (106) indicates the received rate. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Further comprising the step of the mobile device (106) sending payment data to the server (102) via the communications network (116) to facilitate payment of the received charge. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Wherein the identifier is a first identifier,
The method
The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116); And
The mobile device 106 selecting payment data to facilitate payment of the received charge
Wherein the payment data is associated with the second identifier. The method according to claim 17 or 18,
Wherein the payment data comprises at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mailing code associated with the cardholder. 20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Receiving an indication from the server (102) that the mobile device (106) has been charged the fee; And
In response to receiving the indication that the mobile device (106) has been paid the fee, the mobile device (106) indicating an indication that the fee has been paid
≪ / RTI > 21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
And providing the code displayed on the medium to a leaving terminal. 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The mobile device 106 displaying the captured code; And
Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capturing device
≪ / RTI > 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The mobile device (106) determining that the captured code has a specific attribute; And
In response to the mobile device 106 determining that the captured code has the specific attribute, launching an application for the mobile device 106 to facilitate payment of the received charge
≪ / RTI > A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that when executed by a processor (150) cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23. As a method,
The server 102 receiving an identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;
In response to the server 102 receiving the identifier, the server 102 determining a fee associated with the identifier, the fee being a function of at least a period of time between a first time and a second time;
The server 102 sending the determined fee to the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;
Receiving, by the server (102), a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116);
Determining that the server 102 has paid the determined fee; And
In response to the server 102 determining that the determined fee has been paid, the server 102 transmits an indication that the determined fee has been paid (step < RTI ID = 0.0 >
≪ / RTI > 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the identifier includes a unique identifier of a parking session associated with the parking lot, and wherein the charge includes a charge for the parking session. 28. The method of claim 26 or 27,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. 29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. 32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31,
Further comprising the server (102) receiving the first time from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116). 33. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 32,
Wherein the first time is close to the time the medium is dispensed from the dispensing device, a code is placed on the medium, and the code encodes the identifier. 34. The method of claim 33,
Further comprising the server (102) receiving the first time from the distributor terminal. 35. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 34,
Wherein the second time is close to the time at which the server (102) receives the identifier from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116). 36. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35,
Receiving from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116) payment data for facilitating payment of the determined fee by the server (102); And
Causing the server (102) to use the payment data to cause the determined fee to be paid
≪ / RTI > 36. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 35,
Wherein the identifier is a first identifier,
The method
The server 102 receiving a second identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communication network 116;
Causing the server 102 to use the payment data associated with the second identifier to cause the determined fee to be paid
≪ / RTI > 37. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 37,
Further comprising the server (102) sending an indication to the mobile device (106) via the communications network (116) that the charge has been paid. 39. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 38,
Further comprising the step of the server 102 sending an indication to the departure terminal 108 that the charge has been paid and the departure terminal 108 is configured to (i) receive the indication of the payment from the server 102 And (ii) in response to receiving the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102). 40. The method of claim 39,
Wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing the action to be performed to allow the vehicle to exit the parking lot. 41. The method of claim 40,
Wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing an access control device in the car park to be moved. 41. A server (102) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 24 to 41. 41. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that when executed by a processor (182) cause execution of the functions of any of claims 24-41. As a method,
The mobile device 106 capturing a code disposed on the medium, the code encoding an identifier;
The mobile device (106) decoding the captured code to recover the identifier;
The mobile device 106 transmitting the recovered identifier to the server 102 via the communication network 116;
Wherein the mobile device (106) receives a fee associated with the transmitted identifier from the server (102) via the communication network (116), the fee including at least a first location and a second location different from the first location A function of the distance between; And
Wherein said mobile device (106) transmits an authorization to pay said received fee
≪ / RTI > 45. The method of claim 44,
Wherein the medium comprises a paper ticket. 46. The method according to claim 44 or 45,
Wherein the code comprises a one-dimensional code. 46. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 46,
Wherein the code comprises a two-dimensional matrix code. 49. The method of claim 47,
Wherein the code comprises a fast response (QR) code (200). 49. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 48,
Wherein the identifier comprises a unique identifier of a mobile session associated with the toll road, and the fee includes a charge for the mobile session. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 49,
Wherein said step of capturing said code by said mobile device (106) comprises capturing said code by a camera (156) of said mobile device (106). 50. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 50,
Wherein the step of the mobile device (106) capturing the code comprises the step of the mobile device (106) scanning the code. 52. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 51,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. 53. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 52,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. 54. The method of claim 53,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. 54. The method of claim 53,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. 56. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 55,
The code further encodes the first location,
The method
The mobile device (106) decoding the code to recover the first location; And
Wherein the mobile device (106) transmits the first location via the communication network (116) to the server (102)
≪ / RTI > 57. The method of any of claims 44 to 56,
Wherein the first position is proximate to a position when the medium is dispensed from the dispenser terminal (104). 58. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 57,
Wherein the second location approximates the location of the mobile device (106) when transmitting the recovered identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116). 60. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 58,
And wherein the mobile device (106) indicates the received rate. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 59,
Further comprising the step of the mobile device (106) sending payment data to the server (102) via the communications network (116) to facilitate payment of the received charge. A method according to any one of claims 44 to 59,
Wherein the identifier is a first identifier,
The method
The mobile device (106) transmitting a second identifier to the server (102) via the communication network (116); And
The mobile device 106 selecting payment data to facilitate payment of the received charge
Wherein the payment data is associated with the second identifier. 62. The method of claim 60 or 61,
Wherein the payment data comprises at least a portion of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, a cardholder name, a card expiration date, a card verification code, a personal identification number, and a mailing code associated with the cardholder. 63. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 62,
Receiving an indication from the server (102) that the mobile device (106) has been charged the fee; And
In response to receiving the indication that the mobile device (106) has been paid the fee, the mobile device (106) indicating an indication that the fee has been paid
≪ / RTI > 63. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 63,
And providing the code displayed on the medium to a leaving terminal. 65. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 64,
The mobile device 106 displaying the captured code; And
Providing the code displayed on the medium to a capturing device
≪ / RTI > 65. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 65,
The mobile device (106) determining that the captured code has a specific attribute; And
In response to the mobile device 106 determining that the captured code has the specific attribute, launching an application for the mobile device 106 to facilitate payment of the received charge
≪ / RTI > 66. A mobile device (106) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 44 to 66. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that when executed by a processor (150) cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23. As a method,
The server 102 receiving an identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;
In response to the server (102) receiving the identifier, the server (102) determining a fee associated with the identifier, the fee including at least a first location and a second location between the first location and a second location A function of distance;
The server 102 sending the determined fee to the mobile device 106 via the communications network 116;
Receiving, by the server (102), a permission to pay the determined fee from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116);
Determining that the server 102 has paid the determined fee; And
In response to the server 102 determining that the determined fee has been paid, the server 102 transmits an indication that the determined fee has been paid (step < RTI ID = 0.0 >
≪ / RTI > 70. The method of claim 69,
Wherein the identifier comprises a unique identifier of a mobile session associated with a toll road, and wherein the fee includes a fee for the mobile session. 70. The method of claim 69 or 70,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a local area network. 72. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 71,
Wherein the communication network (116) comprises a wide area network. 73. The method of claim 72,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the World Wide Web. 73. The method of claim 72,
Wherein the wide area network comprises the Internet. 73. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 74,
Further comprising the server (102) receiving the first location from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116). 76. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 75,
Wherein the first position is proximate to a position when the medium is dispensed from the dispensing apparatus and a code is disposed on the medium, the code encoding the identifier. 80. The method of claim 76,
Further comprising the server (102) receiving the first location from the distributor terminal. 77. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 76,
Receiving from the mobile device (106) via the communication network (116) payment data for facilitating payment of the determined fee by the server (102); And
Causing the server (102) to use the payment data to cause the determined fee to be paid
≪ / RTI > 78. The method of any one of claims 69 to 78,
Wherein the identifier is a first identifier,
The method
The server 102 receiving a second identifier from the mobile device 106 via the communication network 116;
Causing the server 102 to use the payment data associated with the second identifier to cause the determined fee to be paid
≪ / RTI > 80. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 79,
Further comprising the server (102) sending an indication to the mobile device (106) via the communications network (116) that the charge has been paid. 79. The method according to any one of claims 69 to 80,
Further comprising the step of the server 102 sending an indication to the departure terminal 108 that the charge has been paid and the departure terminal 108 is configured to (i) receive the indication of the payment from the server 102 And (ii) in response to receiving the indication that the fee has been paid from the server (102). 83. The method of claim 81,
The step of causing the action to be performed comprises causing the action to be performed to allow the vehicle to exit the toll collection center. 83. The method of claim 82,
Wherein causing the action to be performed comprises causing the access control device in the toll clearinghouse to move. 83. A server (102) configured to perform the functions of any one of claims 69-83. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that when executed by a processor (182) cause execution of the functions of any of claims 69-83. As the mobile device 106,
A processor 150;
A capture device (156) configured to capture code;
A network interface 152 configured to facilitate communication between the mobile device 106 and the server 102; And
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions (162) that when executed by the processor (150) cause execution of the functions of any one of claims 1 to 23 or 44 to 66, media
(106). ≪ / RTI > As the server 102,
A processor 150;
A network interface 184 configured to facilitate communication between the server 102 and another device; And
Readable (non-volatile) computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions (192) that when executed by the processor (182) cause execution of the functions of any of claims 26 to 41 or 69 to 83. & media
Lt; / RTI >

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