WO1991002332A1

WO1991002332A1 - Process and device for managing the occupancy rate of devices subject to charges

Info

Publication number: WO1991002332A1
Application number: PCT/EP1990/001229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tom Schur
Original assignee: Tom Schur
Priority date: 1989-08-02
Filing date: 1990-07-27
Publication date: 1991-02-21
Also published as: AU6160190A; EP0484427B1; DE59002865D1; ES2045941T3; CA2064732A1; JPH04507468A; CH688566A5; EP0484427A1; KR920704239A

Abstract

In installations with places subject to charges, such as multi-storey car parks, the instantaneous occupancy rate (N - n) is determined and the fee (G) for occupying the devices is automatically adapted to the instantaneous occupancy rate (N - n) and to client demand, in accordance with a function (F) which can be input. These installations automatically adapt the fee to a predetermined occupancy rate. The instantaneous occupancy rate or demand can be varied with time in accordance with a predetermined function of the empirically determined occupancy rate or demand for management adapted to a model.

Description

Process and system for controlling the occupancy rate of chargeable facilities

The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the degree of occupancy of a predetermined number when occupying fee-based facilities.

The most well-known example of such facilities is parking lots, especially parking lots e.g. in parking garages. It is known that, for example, parking spaces are in much greater demand at certain times than at others, for example parking spaces near theaters during theater seasons. Another example of such chargeable facilities is luggage lockers, cinema spaces, theater spaces, flight seats, etc. It is beyond doubt that in some cases users of such facilities, as in emergencies, would be quite willing to spend a significantly higher amount , as required, if they could prove such a facility, but that the specified number of these facilities has already been occupied or sold, at fixed fees.

For example, from the prospectus "Rentabilisez la stion de votre parking avec parcotax" from ZEAG Systems, Schlieren / Switzerland, it is recognized that the occupancy demand for parking garages is a function of the parking fee rate. Accordingly, it is shown that the parking fee is staggered as a function of the parking space demand. Based on this knowledge, the present invention now aims to remedy the above-mentioned problem, for which purpose a method according to the wording of claim 1 or an installation therefor according to the wording of claim 16 is proposed.

The present invention assumes that only by recording the degree of occupancy or an occupancy requirement and by automatically adjusting a fee as a function of the occupancy level or the occupancy requirement can a fee policy be flexibly adapted to the current conditions . A tariff structure, based on previously determined experience, does not take into account the current needs and supply conditions.

With the present invention, the fee for a particular facility, depending on the instantaneous degree of occupancy of all existing facilities, is consequently targeted by automatic adaptation — in the sense of the automatic tracking of a fee model, the current occupancy or need relationships the law of "supply and demand" changed. An instrument is thus created to strive for a desired degree of occupancy or occupancy rate range via fees to be paid _r> whether this is a high occupancy, by lowering the fees from a certain occupancy in accordance with the wording of claim 3, or this is by ei¬ to avoid high occupancy, according to the wording of claim 2. For example, full occupancy can be sought in airplanes and public transport and container ships in that the fees for the last available places in such a vehicle are reduced. Likewise, however, a contingent of train or flight seats can always be kept free for densely occupied transport routes by correspondingly increasing the charges, for example for emergencies. The same applies to parking lots and the other facilities listed above, for example.

According to the wording of claim 4, a degree of occupancy / time function is stored and the fee is changed based on this function, this function being corrected in accordance with the currently detected variables. Such a degree of occupancy / time function can certainly be based on degrees of experience.

In a further variant according to the wording of claim 5, a size dependent on the degree of occupancy or need is used in a predeterminable fee factor / occupancy degree or requirement function. On the output side of this function, the fee or the corresponding fee factor corresponding to the respective degree of occupancy or need recorded is now output. Further preferred embodiment variants of the method according to the invention are specified in claims 6 to 13.

A system according to the invention is distinguished according to the wording of claim 16. Preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention are specified in claims 16 to 25.

The invention is particularly suitable and in particular for the determination of parking fees, but also for facilities according to claim 27.

The invention is subsequently explained, for example, using figures.

Show it:

1 shows a simple signal flow diagram of a first embodiment variant of the method according to the invention,

2 shows a functional block diagram of a system according to the invention operating according to the method of FIG. 1,

3 shows a signal flow / function block diagram of a further embodiment variant of a system according to the invention,

4 shows a simplified functional block signal flow diagram of a system according to the invention, such as for parking garages, by means of which both the degree of occupancy of the parking garage and the occupancy time, i.e. the parking time,

5 shows a further embodiment of an inventive the system in a representation analogous to FIG. 4,

6 shows a block diagram of a system for a parking garage working according to the method according to the invention,

7, depending on the degree of occupancy or occupancy requirement, a fixed charge rate function,

FIG. 8 over time, a stored charge function and, by taking into account the current occupancy rate in the system according to FIG. 6, two further modified charges / time functions,

9 shows four examples of the totalized parking fees displayed, depending on the entered entry time for a system according to FIG. 6 and a trend according to curve (a) of FIG. 8,

10 shows four examples of the average hourly fees displayed, depending on the entry time indicated for a system according to FIG. 6, and a trend curve according to curve (a) of FIG. 8.

1 shows a simplified signal flow diagram of a first embodiment variant of the method according to the invention. Of a total number N of available facilities 1, which is represented by the facility offering block 3, For example, it is continuously recorded how large the occupancy rate is, ie either the number of free facilities still available n or the number of facilities already occupied (N - n). It is irrelevant whether the degree of unoccupied facilities is used, corresponding to n, or the degree of occupancy (N - n).

The following explanations are made with the degree of occupancy (N - n).

This degree of occupancy (N-n (t)), a function of the time t, is recorded and thus into a predefinable one

Function 5 received, from which a fee factor F,

G as a function of the degree of occupancy (N - n (t)).

The degree of occupancy (N - n (t)) can vary in the range from zero to N.

If, for example, the aim is to ensure that all of the N facilities available are never occupied, the function between the fee factor F and the degree of occupancy is compared to full occupancy (N

G - n = N), that is, towards 100% occupancy, chosen to be increasing, in extreme cases asymptotic, for example, starting from a constant charge in the lower occupancy levels. Such a procedure is suitable, for example, when selling cinema, theater, etc. cards with a charge indicator 6.

This is to be further explained using the example according to FIG. 2, in which a simple construction of a setup device for the automatic execution of the signal processing according to FIG. 1 is shown.

At the point of sale, for example for cinema tickets, a counter 7 is incremented each time a ticket is sold or when it is ordered by telephone. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, a button 9 can be provided for this purpose, which is operated manually by the sales person, or the counting of sold or issued cards can be directly coupled to the cash register.

The respective current count S at the output of the counter 7 is used to enter a function generator unit 11, in which, as was explained with reference to FIG. 1, a charge factor F is assigned to each count or to each defined count range

G is. The function generator is a

Memory in which the count / charge factor assignments are stored. This function is previously entered into the function generator 11, as is shown schematically with the loading input 13, and can preferably be changed. It can be, for example, a ROM, PROM, EPROM memory. On the output side of the function generator, a corresponding price appears after each allocation procedure for a cinema seat, which price is displayed, for example at the cinema box office, for people standing in line by means of a display 15. Thus, anyone standing in line at the checkout can find out at what price the remaining seats are currently being offered and it is up to him or her to decide whether the intended visit is worth the displayed price or - 8th -

Not .

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment variant of the present invention which is modified with respect to the embodiment variant of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is based on the fact that in many cases, for example in parking garages, there is experience based on the occupancy rate (N - n), over 24 hours or on certain days. In these cases, an experience function (N - n) can be stored in a memory unit 17, which can be input through a memory input 19, and the memory unit e 17 can be controlled by means of a time and possibly date generator 21 for data output. The empirical values of the occupancy density now appear on the output side of the storage unit 17 as a function of the real time t '

(N - n). These output values are used to enter a function generator unit 23, in which, depending on the degree of occupancy, fee factors F are stored. According to the entered

The respective fixed fees appear at the output of the function generator unit 23. The function in the functional unit 25 is also entered, as indicated by the loading input 25, and can be changed or changed (ROM) if necessary.

1 to 3, it was assumed that a fixed fee had to be paid for the occupancy of a unit 1 in accordance with FIG. 1 and that a predetermined, uniform occupancy period. Duration of a film - available. In some cases, such as when parking Bursting in parking garages must also be taken into account that the occupancy period Δ is a variable that also has an effect on the final fee.

4 shows a signal flow / function block diagram of a device according to the invention, as is provided, for example, in parking garages, where, in addition to the degree of occupancy or need, the parking time period is also reflected in the fee.

Generally shown at 27, registration arrangements are provided, by means of which it is registered when a facility, such as a parking space in the parking garage, is occupied and when it is released again. This can be done by means of parking tickets 27a, on which the time of entry is registered when entering the parking garage and by means of which the time of leaving is recorded. It can also be sensors 27b, such as light barriers, assigned to the individual devices, such as parking spaces, or this registration can be carried out, for example, with the aid of video cameras, as represented by 27c. It is important here that whatever means are used, it is reported to a registration unit 29 at any time when a facility, such as a parking space, is occupied or released. The registration unit 29 determines the degree of occupancy (N-n (t)) from the known number N of totally available devices, as a function of the time t.

This size is used in a function generator Unit 31 received, in which, depending on the degree of occupancy mentioned, the fee factor F is stored. If the occupancy rate (N - n (t)) approaches the value N, the fee factor F is increased,

G the degree of occupancy approaches zero (e.g.

Car park unoccupied), the fee factor F is

G nimal. The fee factor is thus at any time / t

F, as a function of the current assignment or the current

The total occupancy requirement is determined, be it continuously or at fixed or variable time intervals, and it is displayed, for example, by parking space users at the entrance, with a display 33.

As a function of time t, the fee factors F (t) thus determined are stored in a memory unit 35.

G laid, in tabular form as a function of the respective instantaneous time t. For example, the x-mentioned fee factors F are entered into the storage unit every hour

G 35 stored, depending on the requirement, for example for a week and then renewed cyclically or continuously.

Shown so for the sake of simplicity, the

Storage unit 35 for each time t, for which an x fee factor F has been stored, an output stage

Gx, all of which are routed to a multiplexer unit 37.

Depending on the system 27 provided for registering the occupations, an occupancy registration unit 39 is also provided, for example on a central parking meter, which, for example, if the vehicle has a parking ticket 27a, the parking garage leaves, on the one hand registers the exit time _QUT and the entry time t from the parking ticket

IN reads. With these two known times t and t

IN OUT the multiplexer unit 37 is controlled and those charge factors F are read out,

G which are assigned times t in the storage unit 35, which / between the entry time t and the exit

Lie in travel time t. Thus, output

OUT tig of the multiplexer unit 37 successively the fee factors F (t ^ t ^ t) essential for an individual parking time. You will be a sum-

G IN ^v OUT tion or integration unit 40, added there and there appears on the output side of the integration or summation unit 40 a total fee factor F as a function of the

T time Δt occupations or needs.

From those determined by the registration unit 39

A difference unit determines times t and t

IN OUT 43 the occupancy period Δt of the respective user. On the output side, the occupancy period Δt determined in this way is entered into a further function generator unit 45, in which, as a function of the occupancy period Δt, a further factor K is stored. Depending on the respective registered occupancy period Δt, this factor K, for example multiplicative, is multiplied by the fee factor F, which is dependent on the occupancy rate, and

T appears on the output side of a multiplication unit

47 the display of a fee. G now in function of both the occupancy status during the occupancy period and the occupancy period Δt. In this way, for example, the occupancy of parking garages can be controlled in such a way that full occupancy never occurs, and there are always some parking spaces available, but at higher prices, but users, for example for very important reasons, are still free to occupy a space .

A modified concept is realized with the arrangement according to FIG. 5.

4, the user only pays the occupancy fee after the occupancy and does not know at the beginning how expensive the occupancy will be, but the current occupancy rate is also taken into account during the occupancy, the user pays in the embodiment variant of Fig. 5 at the beginning of the assignment. The fee is based on an occupancy trend or need and takes into account the occupancy level or occupancy requirement at the moment of occupancy. This means that the user knows the "purchase price" for the intended occupancy from the start and pays this price when leaving.

At a payment unit 50, the user pays the required fee G for the intended occupancy time.

To do this, he presses the buttons T to enter the desired occupancy at the start of occupancy.

XIN time period Δt '. The occupancy period-dependent fee factor K (Δt) is determined on the function generator 52 from the desired time period Δ, t 'x x and is combined with a fee factor F dependent on the occupancy rate.

G calculates, as multiplied, what the fee G, ie the purchase price, results from. This will be show 54 displayed. If the user decides to use a facility such as a parking lot, he pays the fee G. A device is thus considered occupied during the paid period

Δt. By paying the fee G, as is shown schematically by the x switch S, the respective start of occupancy time t and the period of time paid are shown

XIN Δt stored in a memory unit 56. The memory content of all t becomes a computing unit

XIN x 58 fed, which calculates the "paid" degree of occupancy (N - n (t)). For this purpose, the real time t is fed to the computer b. On the output side, the result (N - n (t)) is entered into the function generator 60 b, at the output of which, depending on the degree of occupancy (N - n (t)), the fee factor F appears, which for the next user's charge calculation is used.

The charge factor function over time t is advantageously stored in a further memory unit 62 and the current trend in charge factor development is determined via a discriminator unit 64. This is displayed to the user at the paying agent 54 with a display 66, at most with the current fee factor F on a display 68. How

Shown in dashed lines, the determined trend, practically extrapolating, can be used to correct the fee, ascertained on the basis of the situation at the start of occupancy. A further possibility to take into account deviations of paid fees from fees which take account of the degree of occupancy during the occupancy period is to correct the fees subsequently required. rig.

Instead of calculating the degree of occupancy based on the occupancy time paid, here too, as by means of occupancy sensors at the facilities, e.g. Parking spaces that determine the real occupancy times and are used to determine the fee factor. Such sensors also allow a less personnel-intensive, central monitoring of compliance with paid occupancy times.

Although, in general, in the case of such chargeable facilities, such as parking lots, the aim will be to increase prices with increasing demand, the present invention can also be used to control occupancy levels in the opposite sense. Considering, for example, that it often occurs on railroads that there are many cars in a train composition that are only sparsely used and that it would be a good idea, for reasons of rationalization, to concentrate the passengers on fewer cars, the present invention can be used in this way that the prices of certain cars are lowered in order to achieve a higher occupancy rate and to be able to hang out empty cars if necessary. In parks, this can be used to ensure a full house.

In principle, a method would also be conceivable in which the fee G is reduced as the degree of occupancy increases (N-n) in order to achieve full occupancy. 6, as shown with block 80, occupancy sensors are provided in a parking garage above each parking area. The outputs of these sensors are led to a so-called "multiplier" unit 82. Outputs of the "multiplier" unit 82 are routed to a so-called trend setter unit 84, the outputs of which are in turn fed to a calculation unit 86. On the output side of the trendsetter unit 84, the fee is displayed on a unit 88, in a manner still to be explained, while on the output side of the “multiplier” unit 82 the current fee level and the “current” trend can be displayed . Instead of sensors 80, other devices for counting the occupancy can also be used. A parking ticket issue and a billing unit or an exit ticket unit are also connected to the billing unit 86. The function of the system shown in FIG. 6 and of the method carried out therewith will be explained with reference to the following figures.

From the output signals of the sensors of the sensor unit 80, as shown in FIG. 8, an occupancy-experience curve valid for the past is determined and stored as a trend curve (a) over the time of day (t). The current occupancy of the parking garage is continuously determined by current evaluation of the current sensor output signals. If it is higher than given by the trend curve (a) at this time, the trend curve (a) is modified, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, in the curve (b), the current degree of occupancy is lower, then, accordingly, in the Trend curve (c). This will continuously, in In the extreme case with each new entry, an updated trend curve is determined and stored. This current trend course is shown on the display 90 according to FIG. 6, for example symbolically with arrows or by means of numbers, to the new parking garage user. From the updated trend curves according to, for example (b) or (c), fed to the trendsetter unit 84 and a predetermined charge rate function depending on the degree of occupancy, as shown in FIG. 7, the trendsetter unit 84 continuously becomes In accordance with the updated trend, the function of the hourly parking fee is calculated over the time of day (t). These charge curves look essentially the same as those shown in FIG. 8, in that the trend curves (b) and (c) are weighted with the respective charge rate.

The parking garage user is shown the current charges on the charge display 88, for example as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the fees that would theoretically result if the trend persisted in curve (a) of FIG. 8. In reality, this curve will continuously adjust upwards (curve b) or downwards (curve c) to the current needs, so that new numbers can appear for every further parking garage user.

On the output side of the trendsetter unit 84, the accounting unit 86 is activated, a ticket is issued and, depending on the occupancy period and occupancy conditions, the fee for the occupancy period. For example, a parking garage user is now driving at 12.00 in the parking garage with a trend that corresponds to the first table in FIG. 9, and the current trend then moves beyond the stored long-term trend, the parking garage user who enters the parking garage after him is pay increased fee table. These new charges then take into account the charges for those who have driven in at 12 noon, which are currently under-charged in order to compensate for them.

According to the present invention, it is thus ensured, in particular by specifying the fee rate according to FIG. 7, that a certain number of parking spaces are always free for high priorities in the parking garage.

The charge display 88 shows the parking garage user who is currently approaching which charges he has to pay, while a trend display 90 additionally shows him whether the current trend is in the process of rising or falling.

The fee display 88 can either display the total fee to be paid according to the parking time, as shown in FIG. 9, or the average hourly fee, as shown in FIG. 10. 10, it is also possible to charge the customer a fraction of an hour by calculating them at the applicable hourly rate.

By announcing the level of charges and the trend of parking garages, for example in an urban area, the traffic flow can also be controlled. Such Announcements can be made via radio, for example.

Instead of recording the degree of occupancy, as in the case of parking garages, it is entirely possible in other systems, for example ski lifts, to record the need, for example, by recording the queue length and analogously to the representations made above. to control the ski lift fee. The same procedure can be used for paying agents on motorways, public transport, shipping by land and water, etc.

On the one hand, the operator of such a system can choose his pricing by choosing the charge rate / occupancy level or demand function according to FIG. 7, based on entrepreneurial considerations, for example, the charge cannot drop to zero below a predetermined occupancy level , but keep it constantly low. Only from a predetermined occupancy percentage, for example from 80% or 90% occupancy, the fee, which then corresponds to the needs of the users, will automatically increase drastically.

Claims

Claims:

1. Method for controlling the degree of occupancy ((N - n)) of a predetermined number (N) of chargeable facilities, characterized in that the degree of occupancy or a size indicating the occupancy requirement is recorded and the fee (G) is automatically dependent on the Degree of occupancy ((N - n)) changed in order to control a desired degree of occupancy.

2. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the fee (G) is increased as the degree of occupancy ((N - n)) or demand increases in order to avoid full occupancy .

3. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the fee (G) is reduced as the degree of occupancy ((N - n)) or demand decreases, by ei¬ ne To strive for full occupancy.

4. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fee (G) is based on a stored assignment or need / time function (17; 35 ) changed as a function of time (t; t, t), preferably the function

IN OUT arithmetically determined from previously recorded occupancy levels or need sizes and in the sense of a

Model adaptation corrected again and again.

5. The method, preferably according to at least one of the Claims as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the degree of occupancy or the size is recorded (7, 17; 29), depending on this in a predeterminable fee factor / occupancy degree function (11; 23; 31) to receive the fee corresponding to the respective occupancy level or occupancy requirement (G).

6. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the fee is determined at the start of occupancy of a facility, preferably for a predetermined occupancy period, for example for 24 hours, and further preferably the Carries out billing according to the fee / time function available at the beginning of the occupancy and preferably displayed at the end of the occupancy.

7. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as claim 6, characterized in that the charge / time function is determined according to a determined trend function of the degree of occupancy or need, taking into account the occupancy period.

8. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that there are deviations of the fee / time function determined at the beginning of an occupancy from a fee which arises during the occupancy time after the actual occupancy , compensated for by adjusting the charge / time function when the occupancy begins later.

9. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fee, the fee factor and / or a trend in fee development are shown before an individual assignment indicates (15; 33), preferably a fee that is guaranteed to the user during his parking period.

10. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the occupancy of each device is detected (27).

11. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fee-based facilities are divided into groups and the occupancy rate is taken into account individually for each group.

12. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the occupancy period (t, t) is

IN OUT of the device detects (39), thus entering an occupancy time period / fee rate function (45) and the occupancy level or occupancy requirement during times within the occupancy time period

(t t) recorded, from this an occupancy or loading

IN, OUT rate-of-charge-dependent fee rate (40) is determined, and both fee rates are calculated to form the furnishing fee (47).

13. The method, preferably according to at least one of the Claims as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the degree of occupancy is determined from occupancy periods, for which a fee has been paid.

14. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the effective occupancy period is calculated in fractions of hours.

15. The method, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a queue length at the entrance to a system is recorded as the need-indicating quantity.

16. System for controlling the degree of occupancy of a predetermined number (N) when occupying chargeable facilities, characterized in that it is provided:

a function generator storage unit (5, 11, 23, 31), in which a charge factor is stored as a function of the degree of occupancy of the predetermined number, the storage unit acting on the output side on a unit (48) for displaying the charge;

a measuring device for a current occupancy level or a current occupancy requirement, which controls the function generator storage unit on the output side.

17. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that a device (17, 27, 29, 7) is provided for determining the degree of occupancy or occupancy needs, which on the output side relates to the storage unit ( 11, 23, 31) acts to read out the fee factors from the latter, as a function of the degree of occupancy.

18. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that a device (39) for determining a start and end of occupancy is provided, that the latter with the storage unit (31, 35 , 37) is connected in order to read out charge factors in times between the beginning and end of occupancy.

19. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that a device is provided for determining the start of occupancy and for determining an occupancy period from a paid fee, and that a computing unit is provided in order to determine the degree of occupancy or the occupancy requirement from the occupancy times mentioned, the computing unit being connected to the function generator storage unit.

20. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that display means (48) are provided for currently valid fee factors.

21. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that a computing unit is provided which is connected to the measuring device on the input side and which, from the output signals of the measuring device, determines the degree of occupancy or the need profile is continuously determined - and inputs a memory device that the computing unit further determines the previously created profile, compares it with the stored one and adjusts the latter to the current one or an adjusted one from the stored one History determined and saved as current history.

22. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the computing unit determines the charge profile from the adjusted profile stored in the memory unit and multiply outputs of the memory unit and a fee for this purpose. linked memory unit that the output of the multiplicative linkage is preferably shown on a display for the predetermined period of time.

23. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 21 or 22, characterized in that the predetermined period of time can be entered and an adjustment takes place continuously.

24. Plant, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the measuring device measures the length of a queue.

25. System, preferably according to at least one of the claims, such as according to one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the measuring device counts input and output events to a device, such as to a parking garage or a section of a motorway.

26. Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 15 or the system according to one of claims 16 to 25 for the determination of parking fees.

27. Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 15 or the system according to one of claims 16 to 25 for determining ski lift fees or similar fees, fees for public transport, highways, shipping of freight on land and water.