Parking lot management system and program

Abstract

To enable electronic settlement to be performed by making a user use a communication terminal to communicate with a management server.SOLUTION: A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot 22 includes a management server 50, and the management server includes a function for receiving user unique information of the same kind of entry time user unique information being user unique information acquired at a position of a parking at an entry time, as exit time user unique information at the position of the parking lot from a communication terminal 90 of a user when the user exits from the parking lot, and a function for transmitting parking fee data for performing electronic settlement about a parking fee to the communication terminal on condition of succeeding in collation between the entry time user unique information and the exit time user unique information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology that enables an entire system to support electronic payment by combining a payment device having a non - electronic payment function for making payments by a non - electronic payment method excluding electronic payment with a user's communication terminal. 、and / or, a technology that enables electronic payment by a user communicating with a management server using a communication terminal It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] In various business fields, there are various ways for users to pay fees.

[0003] Conventionally, for example, a ticket vending machine or a payment machine installed in a parking lot is designed to have (1) a payment function that enables a user to make a payment (payment (transfer of money or value) + input of information for establishing a transaction (information for giving an economic meaning to a mere physical phenomenon of transfer of money or value)) and (2) an issuing function that grants the user the right to use the parking lot as compensation for the payment and issues a ticket or a receipt as proof thereof.

[0004] As the timing for a user to pay the parking fee as the usage fee of the parking lot, there are a prepayment method of paying the parking fee prior to using the parking lot and a post - payment method of paying the parking fee after using the parking lot. Also, as methods for settling the parking fee, there are cash payment, prepaid IC card payment, and electronic payment described later. Further, as media used for settling the parking fee, there are currency (cash, prepaid IC cards, credit cards, etc. having a value equivalent to cash), substitute currency (tokens with limited use, gift certificates, coupons, etc.), privileges (points with limited use, coupons, discount vouchers, refund vouchers, etc.), usage vouchers (free vouchers with limited use, etc.).

[0005] Therefore, throughout this application document, even when referring to "prepaid" or "postpaid" settlement, it is not essential for the user to use currency for such settlement. Whether using substitute currency, points, vouchers, equivalent items, or a combination of these media, it is considered to fall under "prepaid" or "postpaid" settlement.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a vending machine (capable of cash settlement, corresponding to a ticket vending machine), a user's mobile terminal (an example of a communication terminal), and a server.

[0007] In that vending machine, when change occurs, electronic value, which is electronic information having the same cash value as the change, is deposited into an account in the server.

[0008] Specifically, first, the user accesses the server using the mobile terminal. After successfully passing the necessary authentication, the mobile terminal receives a barcode from the server. Next, the user holds the mobile terminal displaying the barcode over the barcode reader of the vending machine.

[0009] Subsequently, when the vending machine communicates with the server and the barcode is authenticated as genuine, the vending machine obtains permission to sell from the server.

[0010] After that, the user presses either the cash settlement button or the electronic value settlement button among the settlement selection buttons in the vending machine. If the user presses the cash settlement button and change occurs after selecting a product, the user presses either the cash return button or the electronic value return button among the return selection buttons. When the user presses the electronic value return button, electronic value corresponding to the amount of change is sent to the server.

[0011] This Patent Document 1 seemingly discloses (1) the point that the mobile terminal uses the cash settlement function of the vending machine, and (2) the point that the barcode is used to link the vending machine and the mobile terminal.

[0012] Patent Document 2 discloses a system for managing a pay-later parking lot. In this system, a user's communication terminal communicates with an exit terminal (corresponding to a ticket vending machine) having a cash settlement function and a centralized management system (centralized management server). When exiting, the user's communication terminal selects one of cash, IC, and credit as the settlement method and notifies the exit terminal of the selection result.

[0013] Patent Document 3 discloses a system in which a user's communication terminal, a ticket issuing machine, and a server are interconnected via the Internet. Therefore, there is a possibility that the ticket issuing machine, the user's communication terminal, and the server are connected in series with each other, or there is also a possibility that the ticket issuing machine and the user's communication terminal are connected in parallel to the server. When the ticket issuing machine receives information from the mobile terminal and the server respectively, it issues a ticket. Also, when the ticket issuance is completed, the ticket issuing machine transmits a ticket issuance completion notification to the server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0014]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] These days, many potential users for a parking lot have a communication terminal (for example, a mobile terminal), and the communication terminal has a communication function capable of short-distance communication and long-distance communication.

[0016] Focusing on the fact that a communication terminal has such advanced communication functions, the inventor proposed adding to the ticket vending machine installed in a parking lot, in addition to the aforementioned conventional settlement function and ticket issuing function, (1) a transmission function for transmitting identification information unique to the ticket vending machine (for example, a parking lot ID for identifying the parking lot where the ticket vending machine is installed), and (2) a communication function for the user's communication terminal to communicate at a short distance with a communication terminal capable of communicating with a management server over a long distance (as a result, it can be linked to the management server via the communication terminal) or directly communicate with the management server over a long distance.

[0017] Furthermore, the inventor noticed that if the system is designed such that when the user makes an electronic payment (also referred to as "smartphone payment", for example, credit card payment is applicable), the communication terminal is used but the ticket vending machine is not, while conversely, when making a cash payment or prepaid IC card payment (also simply referred to as "card payment"), the ticket vending machine is used but the communication terminal is not, then when making a cash payment or prepaid IC card payment, the management server cannot collect information from the ticket vending machine, and it is inconvenient for the management server to collect information from multiple parking lots and centrally manage their operating status and the like.

[0018] That is, the inventor noticed that if the system is designed such that regardless of the payment method, the user uses a communication terminal and communicates with the management server, then the management server can take in parking-related information from the user, regardless of the characteristics of the communication terminal, that is, regardless of the location.

[0019] Alternatively, the ticket vending machine may be designed to have both a function of communicating at a short distance with a communication terminal and a function of communicating with a management server over a long distance, but doing so may cause a new problem of increasing the manufacturing cost and operating cost of the ticket vending machine.

[0020] Therefore, the present inventor divided the settlement function Z into (a) a payment function X that enables a user to pay a fee, and (b) an information input function Y that enables a user to input information necessary to conclude a transaction related to parking by the payment.

[0021] Furthermore, while the present inventor still realizes the payment function X by a ticket vending machine, the information input function Y is realized by a user's communication terminal capable of communicating with a management server at a distance rather than by a ticket vending machine (the purpose of inputting information to the ticket vending machine is, for example, to link the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal), and thereby proposed to emphasize the character of the ticket vending machine as a fee payment machine (for example, a cash payment machine, a card reader for a prepaid IC card), that is, the character that cash settlement or card settlement is possible by using the ticket vending machine.

[0022] Furthermore, in order for the communication terminal to know from the ticket vending machine that the settlement by the user has been completed while the ticket vending machine emphasizes its character as a fee payment machine, the present inventor proposed that when the settlement by the user for the ticket vending machine ends, the ticket vending machine transmits a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal.

[0023] However, none of Patent Documents 1-3 disclose the point that the ticket vending machine transmits a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal.

[0024] Furthermore, when the present inventor shares different parts (for example, the aforementioned X) and another part (for example, the aforementioned Y) (for example, those that were integrally inseparable in terms of software configuration in the same device in the past) of the conventional settlement function Z of the ticket vending machine between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal that are physically independent, in order to complement the insulation (dispersibility) between the payment at the ticket vending machine and the information input at the communication terminal, the present inventor noticed that it is necessary to link a plurality of actions by the same user that occur at different locations, that is, the user action of payment at the ticket vending machine and the user action of information input at the communication terminal.

[0025] Therefore, as a solution, the present inventor proposed, for example, on the premise of performing two-way communication between a ticket vending machine and a user's communication terminal, (1) limiting the communication method between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal to short-range communication (forcing the user operating the communication terminal to be near the ticket vending machine), (2) sharing the same unique information about the user between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal, and (3) when communication is established between a communication terminal of one user and the ticket vending machine, preventing another communication from being established between the communication terminal of another user and the ticket vending machine thereafter in order to ensure the uniqueness of the communication for the ticket vending machine.

[0026] In short, the present inventor noticed that the ticket vending machine has the unique characteristic of enabling cash settlement and card settlement, while the user's communication terminal has the unique characteristic of being able to provide information to the management server regardless of its location. Utilizing the respective characteristics while using both the ticket vending machine and the user's communication terminal is desirable for enabling both the diversification of the settlement methods by the user and the centralized management of multiple parking lots by the management server.

[0027] Against this background, a first aspect of the present invention aims to provide a parking lot management system that can easily achieve both the diversification of the settlement methods by the user and the centralized management of multiple parking lots by the management server by utilizing both the ticket vending machine and the user's communication terminal while taking advantage of their respective characteristics.

[0028] Furthermore, in order to manage a post-payment parking lot, conventionally, an in-out control device (for example, a gate device that appropriately moves up and down, a vehicle movement stopper that appropriately moves up and down, etc.) for controlling the entry and exit of vehicles to the parking lot, and a control device that can communicate with the in-out control device and has at least a control function for controlling the in-out control device and a settlement function for enabling the settlement of parking fees by the user (for example, a cashier machine) are installed in the parking lot. Further, outside the parking lot, a management server that can communicate with the control device and can communicate with the in-out control device via the control device is installed.

[0029] When the payment machine can perform cash payment or prepaid IC card payment but cannot perform electronic payment, in order to enable electronic payment while substantially using the payment machine as it is (at least keeping the hardware configuration the same), the inventor proposed that at the time of warehousing, the user's communication terminal is not used, but at the time of warehousing, both the warehousing procedure and the payment of parking fees are performed using the user's communication terminal.

[0030] That is, the inventor proposed the technical idea of making the entire system compatible with electronic payment by combining a payment device having a non - electronic payment function that settles by a non - electronic payment method excluding electronic payment with the user's communication terminal.

[0031] Against this background, the present invention aims to make a system using a payment device having a non - electronic payment function that settles by a non - electronic payment method excluding electronic payment compatible with electronic payment by making use of the payment device and using the user's communication terminal. 、and / or, enabling electronic payment by a user communicating with a management server using a communication terminal This is the problem to be solved.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0032] To solve the problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, including a management server, wherein the management server, when the user exits the parking lot, has a function of receiving, from the user's communication terminal, user-specific information of the same type as the user-specific information at the time of entry, which is user-specific information obtained at the position of the parking lot at the time of entry, as user-specific information at the time of exit at the position of the parking lot; and a function of transmitting parking fee data for performing an electronic payment for the parking fee to the communication terminal on the condition that the verification between the user-specific information at the time of entry and the user-specific information at the time of exit is successful including parking lot management A system is provided.

[0033] Also, according to the second aspect of the present invention, A program executed by a computer of a communication terminal of a user of a postpaid parking lot managed by a parking lot management system including a management server, wherein the communication terminal has a function of receiving, from the management server, parking fee data for performing an electronic payment for the parking fee on the condition that the verification between the user-specific information at the time of entry, which is user-specific information obtained at the position of the parking lot at the time of entry, and the user-specific information of the same type as the user-specific information at the time of entry, which is obtained as user-specific information at the time of exit at the position of the parking lot at the time of exit, is successful; executed by the computer to realize the function A program is provided.

[0034] The following aspects can be obtained by the present invention. Each aspect is divided into items, each item is numbered, and other item numbers are cited as appropriate. This is to facilitate the understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention can adopt and combinations thereof, and it should not be construed that the technical features that the present invention can adopt and combinations thereof are limited to the following aspects. That is, although not described in the following aspects, it should be construed that it is not prohibited to appropriately extract and adopt the technical features described in this specification as the technical features of the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, describing each item in a form that cites the numbers of other items does not necessarily mean preventing the technical features described in each item from being separated and made independent from the technical features described in other items. It should be construed that the technical features described in each item can be appropriately made independent according to their nature.

[0036] (1) A parking lot management system configured to allow a user to rent out any one of the parking lots selected by the user by using a communication terminal so that a management server centrally manages a plurality of prepaid parking lots, a ticket vending machine installed in the parking lot, having a settlement function enabling at least one of cash settlement and prepaid card settlement by the user, a ticket issuing function, and a communication function; a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal and including the ticket vending machine communicates under either a first communication environment in which it can communicate with the communication terminal but cannot communicate with the management server, but information from the ticket vending machine can be transmitted to the management server via the communication terminal, or a second communication environment in which it can communicate with the management server but cannot communicate with the communication terminal, furthermore, when the user pays the prepaid fee to the ticket vending machine while using the communication terminal, the ticket vending machine issues a ticket to the user and transmits a payment completion signal toward the communication terminal or the management server, A parking lot management system in which the communication terminal or the management server grants the user the right to use the parking lot when receiving the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine.

[0037] (2) The ticket vending machine communicates under the first communication environment. When the payment is made to the ticket vending machine, the ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal toward the communication terminal. When the communication terminal receives the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits a procedure completion signal to the management server. When the management server receives the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal, the management server grants the user the right to use the parking lot, which is the parking lot management system according to item (1).

[0038] (3) The ticket vending machine transmits first unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information for specifying the position of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) toward the communication terminal. The communication terminal inputs second unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information for specifying the position of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) from the user. When all of a plurality of conditions including the condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information input to the communication terminal (for example, linking the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal) and the condition that the communication terminal has received the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine are satisfied, the communication terminal transmits the procedure completion signal toward the management server. When the management server receives the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal, the management server grants the user the right to use the parking lot, which is the parking lot management system according to item (2).

[0039] (4) When the user wants to make the payment to the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits a signal to the ticket vending machine. When the ticket vending machine receives the signal from the communication terminal, it prohibits the reception of signals from communication terminals other than the communication terminal, thereby establishing communication exclusively between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to item (2).

[0040] (5) The ticket vending machine communicates under the second communication environment, When the payment is made to the ticket vending machine, the ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal toward the management server, The ticket vending machine transmits first unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information for specifying the position of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) toward the management server, The communication terminal transmits second unique information unique to the user (for example, including position information for specifying the position of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) toward the management server, When all of a plurality of conditions including the condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal (for example, associating the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal) and the condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine are satisfied, the management server grants the user the right to use the parking lot. The parking lot management system according to item (1).

[0041] (6) When all of a plurality of conditions including the condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal and the condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine are satisfied, the management server grants the user the right to use the parking lot and transmits a procedure completion signal toward at least the communication terminal among the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to item (5).

[0042] (7) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication terminal according to any one of items (1) to (6).

[0043] In the present application documents, the term "program" can be interpreted, for example, to mean a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform its functions, or can be interpreted to include not only those combinations of instructions but also files and data processed according to each instruction, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] Also, this program can be executed by a computer alone to achieve a desired purpose, or can be executed by a computer together with other programs to achieve a desired purpose, but is not limited thereto. In the latter case, the program according to this item can be mainly data, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] (8) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0046] (9) A recording medium in which the program according to (7) or (8) above is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

[0047] In the present application documents, the recording medium represented by the term "recording medium" can adopt various forms. For example, it can adopt any of magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and non-removable storage such as ROMs, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] (10) A parking lot management system for managing a postpaid parking lot, A settlement machine installed in the parking lot and having a settlement function that enables a user to settle the parking fee by a settlement method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating with the settlement machine, A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server and including Upon leaving the warehouse, the communication terminal sends a settlement request to the management server. The management server sends a request to calculate the parking fee to the settlement machine. The settlement machine calculates the parking fee and sends parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server. The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal. The communication terminal sends an electronic payment request to the payment server in order to perform an electronic payment for the parking fee represented by the parking fee data. When the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, the communication terminal sends a payment completion signal to the management server. A parking lot management system.

[0049] According to this system, a post-payment parking lot with a settlement machine in a form that does not support electronic payment can support electronic payment by using the user's communication terminal while substantially using the settlement machine as it is (minimizing configuration changes).

[0050] (11) A parking lot management system for managing a post-payment parking lot, An access control device installed in the parking lot to control the entry and exit of vehicles to and from the parking lot, A settlement machine installed in the parking lot, having a settlement function that enables a user to settle the parking fee by a settlement method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, and a command function for commanding the access control device, A management server installed outside the parking lot for communicating with the settlement machine, A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server including, Upon leaving the warehouse, the communication terminal sends a settlement request to the management server. The management server sends a request to calculate the parking fee to the settlement machine. The settlement machine calculates the parking fee and sends parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server. The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal. The communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to perform an electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data. When the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, a payment completion signal is transmitted to the management server. The management server transmits a shipping permission signal to the cash register. The cash register transmits a shipping permission operation command signal to the inventory control device. The inventory control device, a parking lot management system that performs a shipping permission operation to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

[0051] (12) A parking lot management system for managing a post-payment parking lot, An inventory control device installed in the parking lot for controlling the entry and exit of vehicles to and from the parking lot, A cash register installed in the parking lot, having a settlement function that enables a user to settle the parking fee by a settlement method other than electronic payment when exiting the parking lot, and a command function for commanding the inventory control device, A management server installed outside the parking lot for communicating with the cash register, A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server including The communication terminal At the time of exit, according to the user's operation, has a settlement request transmission unit that transmits a settlement request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user among a plurality of parking positions in the parking lot to the management server. The management server When receiving the settlement request and the identification information, has a calculation request transmission unit that transmits a calculation request for the parking fee to the cash register together with the identification information. The cash register When receiving the calculation request together with the identification information, a parking fee data transmission unit calculates the parking time for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, calculates the parking fee, and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server. The management server When receiving the parking fee data, has a parking fee data relay unit that relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal. The communication terminal After receiving the parking fee data, in response to a user operation, in order to perform an electronic settlement of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, an electronic settlement request is transmitted to a settlement server, and when the electronic settlement is completed by the settlement server, a payment completion signal is transmitted to the management server, and has a payment completion signal transmission unit. The management server When receiving the payment completion signal, has a delivery permission signal transmission unit that transmits a delivery permission signal to the cash register. The cash register When receiving the delivery permission signal, has a delivery permission operation command signal transmission unit that transmits a delivery permission operation command signal for instructing an operation to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot to the in-out control device, and is a parking lot management system.

[0052] (13) The communication terminal has a positioning function for measuring its own current position. The communication terminal and / or the management server permit the electronic settlement on the condition that the user is near the parking lot, and is a parking lot management system according to any one of (10) to (12).

[0053] (14) A parking lot management system for managing a post-payment type parking lot, A cash register installed in the parking lot and having a settlement function that enables a user to settle the parking fee by a settlement method other than electronic settlement when the user's vehicle leaves the parking lot, A user's communication terminal that can communicate with the cash register and includes When leaving the warehouse, the communication terminal sends a settlement request to the settlement machine. When the settlement machine receives the settlement request, it calculates the parking fee and sends parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal. The communication terminal sends an electronic settlement request to the settlement server to perform an electronic settlement of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data. When the electronic settlement is completed by the settlement server, it sends a payment completion signal to the settlement machine. When the settlement machine receives the payment completion signal, it operates to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot, which is a parking lot management system.

[0054] (15) The parking lot has a plurality of parking positions. The settlement machine manages the presence or absence of parked vehicles for each parking position. The communication terminal When leaving the warehouse, according to the user's operation, it sends the settlement request and identification information for identifying the selected parking position among the plurality of parking positions in the parking lot to the settlement machine. The settlement machine When it receives the settlement request and the identification information, it calculates the parking time and the parking fee for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, and sends parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal. The parking lot management system according to item (14).

[0055] (16) Further, it includes a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal. When the communication terminal sends the payment completion signal to the settlement machine, it sends parking information representing the parking situation regarding the parking lot to the management server. The management server obtains, via the communication terminal, the parking information related to the parking lot obtained by the settlement machine. The parking lot management system according to item (14) or (15).

[0056] Here, the management server has a function of comprehensively managing the parking lot based on a plurality of parking information (for example, the operating status for each parking position, the parking time zone, the amount of parking fees, etc.) respectively acquired from the communication terminals of a plurality of users who use the parking lot.

[0057] Furthermore, the management server, for example, also acquires parking information regarding other parking lots from the settlement machines of the respective parking lots via the communication terminals of the respective users, and thereby has a function of centrally managing a plurality of parking lots based on the plurality of parking information regarding those parking lots.

[0058] (17) The communication terminal performs short-range wireless communication with the settlement machine, and thereby, the communication terminal performs the electronic settlement on the condition that the user is in the vicinity of the settlement machine. The parking lot management system according to item (16).

[0059] (18) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication terminal according to any one of items (10) to (17).

[0060] (19) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of items (10) to (17).

[0061] (20) A program for causing a computer to function as the settlement machine according to any one of items (10) to (17).

[0062] (21) A recording medium in which the program according to any one of items (17) to (20) is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

[0063] (22) A parking lot management system for managing a parking lot, An entrance / exit control device installed in the parking lot and controlling the entrance and exit of vehicles to and from the parking lot, A management server installed outside the parking lot and communicating directly or via another device with the entrance / exit control device, A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server including Upon leaving the warehouse, the communication terminal sends a warehouse exit request to the management server, and when a predetermined condition (e.g., payment of parking fees, use of free parking tickets or coupons, etc.) is met, the management server sends a warehouse exit permission signal to the access control device, and upon receiving the warehouse exit permission signal, the access control device performs an operation to permit the vehicle to exit the parking lot. A parking lot management system

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0064]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0065] Hereinafter, some more specific and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0066] <First Embodiment>

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, a parking lot management system (hereinafter simply referred to as "system") 10 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention is used to provide a parking service of lending any one of a plurality of racks 72 (an example of a parking space) in a parking lot 22 (an example of a "parking lot" in the present invention) where a plurality of bicycles 12 can be parked to a user by the user paying a prepaid fee in cash or by settlement using a transportation IC card (an example of a "prepaid IC card") or electronic settlement. The parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

[0068] Here, the "transportation IC card" is a prepaid IC card that can mainly settle service fees of a specific transportation agency, and for example, replaces a conventional monthly pass, balance-type fare card, and ticket card.

[0069] First, schematically, as shown in FIG. 1, according to this system 10, a ticket vending machine 30 that issues a ticket as a compensation when a user pays a prepaid fee in cash or using a transportation card is installed at each parking lot 22. The user is required to attach the purchased ticket to his / her own bicycle 12 to prove that he / she has the right to use the parking lot 22.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, according to this system 10, a user uses a mobile terminal 90 (an example of the "communication terminal" in the present invention) to access a management server 50 operated by a management center 40 via a communication network (for example, the Internet as a global network), whereby the user obtains the right to use the parking lot 22.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the user uses the mobile terminal 90 to access a payment server 110 operated by a payment provider 100 via the communication network, whereby the user pays the required fee by electronic payment. On the condition of this payment, the management server 50 grants the user the right to use the parking lot 22.

[0072] Next, specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, parking lot facilities 20 are installed in each of a plurality of parking lots 22 (only a representative parking lot 22 among those parking lots 22 is shown in FIG. 1) centrally managed by the management center 40. The parking lot facilities 20 include a ticket vending machine 30 and a bicycle storage device 70.

[0073] First, the hardware configuration of the ticket vending machine 30 will be described.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issuing button 32 and a fee settlement button 34. When the user selects the length of the planned parking time (the type of ticket corresponding thereto, i.e., the ticket type) and pays the prepaid parking fee corresponding thereto before starting parking and then presses the ticket issuing button 32, the ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issuing function of issuing a physical ticket under predetermined conditions. Further, when the user presses the fee settlement button 34 after paying the additional parking fee after the end of parking, the ticket vending machine 30 has a fee settlement function of issuing a receipt indicating that the additional parking fee has been settled.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, this ticket vending machine 30 is configured to include a coin processing unit (not shown), a safe, and a control board, a display 36, and a printer (not shown) that prints and issues tickets and receipts, respectively.

[0076] The control board is mainly composed of a computer having a processor and a memory, and by executing a program described later with reference to FIG. 7, it enables a user to settle a prepayment in cash or with a transportation card. Therefore, the software configuration of this ticket vending machine 30 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0077] The ticket vending machine 30 further includes a card reader 38 that reads data from a user's prepaid card when the user holds it up, and a communication unit 40 for performing short-range wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal 90.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3, the coin processing unit includes a coin insertion slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin selector (for discriminating the type of inserted coin and whether the inserted coin is a counterfeit coin) (not shown), and a coin return slot 56. Among the inserted coins, those not returned to the user from the coin return slot 56 are stored in the safe.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, on the front surface of the door 24 of the ticket vending machine 30, there are arranged a ticket issuing button 32, a fare settlement button 34, a transmission window 60 through which display light from the screen of the display 36 (for example, a liquid crystal display) passes, the coin insertion slot 50, the return lever 52, and the coin return slot 56, and an outlet 64 for discharging tickets and receipts printed and discharged by the printer.

[0080] In this embodiment, the display 36 is of a touch panel type. Therefore, the display 36 displays the lengths of a plurality of parking times in association with the amount of the prepayment, and if the user touches any of those parking times, any of the parking times is selected as the scheduled parking time, and as a result, the ticket type is selected.

[0081] Furthermore, the display 36 displays the numbers of the plurality of racks 72 and also displays a message for prompting the user to input the number of the rack 72 in which the user wants to store his or her bicycle 12. In response to this, the user touches the number of any one of the racks 72, thereby designating the rack 72 that the user has used.

[0082] Next, the configuration of the bicycle storage device 70 will be described.

[0083] The bicycle storage device 70 includes a plurality of racks 72 and a frame 74 that connects those racks 72 to each other. The racks 72 define a plurality of parking spaces on the support surface (e.g., the ground, a leveled surface, a paved surface, etc.) of the parking lot 22, respectively.

[0084] A user who wants to park his or her bicycle 12 in the parking lot 22 selects any one of the racks 72 that is vacant (in an unused state or a non-occupied state), and enters and stops the bicycle 12 in that rack 72. After that, the user unlocks his or her loop lock 80 and moors the bicycle 12 to the rack 72. After that, the user locks the loop lock 80. Subsequently, the user exits the parking lot 22 alone.

[0085] As is well known, the loop lock 80 is configured by connecting both ends of a flexible single wire to each other via a dial lock. The dial lock unlocks when the corresponding password is applied.

[0086] Next, the communication network configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0087] The ticket vending machine 30 performs short-range two-way wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90 using an IR signal, the communication unit of the cash register 210, an NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, etc. in the communication unit (transmission unit and reception unit) 40. The ticket vending machine 30 may be capable of performing long-range two-way wireless communication via the Internet with the mobile terminal 90 and / or the management server 50.

[0088] The mobile terminal 90 performs long-range two-way wireless communication via the Internet with the management server 50 of the management center 40. Further, the mobile terminal 90 performs long-range two-way wireless communication via the Internet with the settlement server 110 of the settlement provider 100.

[0089] Next, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0090] The mobile terminal 90 is an example of a type of communication terminal that can be carried by a user, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or PDA. However, instead of this, it may be a type of communication terminal that cannot be carried by a user, such as a fixed telephone installed at the bicycle parking lot 22 or a public telephone installed near the bicycle parking lot 22.

[0091] Here, to describe the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 90 with reference to FIG. 5 which is a functional block diagram, the mobile terminal 90 is mainly configured by a computer 134 having a processor 130 and a memory 132 that stores a plurality of programs (also referred to as "applications") (see FIG. 7) executed by the processor 130.

[0092] This mobile terminal 90 further includes a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 136 for displaying information, a reception unit 138 for receiving signals from the management server 50 (and / or the cash register 210), and a transmission unit 140 for generating signals and transmitting the signals to the management server 50 (and / or the cash register 210).

[0093] This mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 has, for example, an operation unit operable by the user to input desired information (such as commands, data, etc.) into the mobile terminal 90. Examples of the operation unit include a touch screen that displays icons (such as virtual buttons) operable by the user, a physical operation unit (such as a keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.) operable by the user, a microphone that senses sound, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0094] This mobile terminal 90 further has a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives a plurality of GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites and measures the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth by triangulation based on those GPS signals.

[0095] Here, GPS is an example of a positioning unit that measures the current position of the mobile terminal 90, that is, the current position 90 of the user.

[0096] As another example, there are methods in which the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal representing the position coordinates of a wireless base station (installed inside or outside the parking lot 22, such as an access point or a cellular base station, etc.) for wireless communication of the mobile terminal 90 and performs positioning using it, and methods in which the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal from a transmitter installed in the parking lot 22 that represents a unique transmitter ID and performs positioning by converting the transmitter ID into the position coordinates of the transmitter.

[0097] The mobile terminal 90 further incorporates an acceleration sensor 154 for detecting its own acceleration. Since the acceleration sensor 154 is mounted on the mobile terminal 90, it vibrates integrally with the mobile terminal 90, and as a result, the acceleration acting on the acceleration sensor 154 itself is detected as equivalent to the acceleration acting on the mobile terminal 90.

[0098] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6 which is a functional block diagram to explain the hardware configuration of the management server 50, the management server 50 mainly includes a computer 164 having a processor 160 and a memory 162 that stores a plurality of applications (see FIG. 7) executed by the processor 160.

[0100] This management server 50 further includes a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 166 for displaying information, a receiving unit 168 for receiving signals from the mobile terminal 90, a transmitting unit 170 for generating signals and transmitting the signals to the mobile terminal 90, and a clock 172. This management server 50 does not directly communicate with the ticket vending machine 30, but in fact, communicates via the mobile terminal 90.

[0101] Next, the software configurations of the ticket vending machine 30, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 will be described.

[0102] FIG. 7 conceptually shows, in the form of a flowchart, an example of a parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0103] First, in step S31, the mobile terminal 90 starts the parking request processing program by executing the parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 by the processor 130.

[0104] Next, in step S32, the mobile terminal 90 enables the user to input the number of one of the plurality of racks 72 in the current parking lot 22 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12.

[0105] Subsequently, if the user wishes to pay the prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card in step S33, the mobile terminal 90 displays, on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, a message for prompting the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30.

[0106] This time, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30 according to the message.

[0107] In step S1, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of scheduled use times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding prepaid fee amounts. Further, when the user touches any one of the plurality of scheduled use times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36 with a finger, the user selects the ticket type desired. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

[0108] Subsequently, in step S2, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to input the number of the one among the plurality of racks 72 at the current bicycle parking lot 22 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12.

[0109] Thereafter, in step S3, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to pay the current prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card.

[0110] Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, in step S4, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits a payment completion signal indicating this, together with the parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22, the input rack number, and the length of the scheduled use time corresponding to the selected ticket type, to the mobile terminal 90.

[0111] The communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 is short-range two-way wireless communication using an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, etc., as described above. Usually, since one user is located in front of one ticket vending machine 30, it is expected that one ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90 communicate with each other.

[0112] At this time, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive data from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34. If the reception is successful, the determination in step S35 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S36.

[0113] In this step S36, the mobile terminal 90 compares the rack number input by the user in step S32 described above with the rack number received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34 described above. If the comparison is successful (if the two rack numbers match), it is determined that the normal state is that only one user is located in front of one ticket vending machine 30 and a one-to-one relationship exists between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90.

[0114] Subsequently, in step S37, the mobile terminal 90 authenticates the parking lot 22 where the user is currently staying from the parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34 according to the correspondence relationship between the parking lot ID and the parking lot 22 stored in advance in the memory 132.

[0115] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S38 that the parking lot rental procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S39, it transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this together with the current parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the length of the current scheduled usage time (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "parking-related information") to the management server 50.

[0116] On the other hand, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the above-mentioned parking-related information in step S51. Subsequently, in step S52, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in association with the parking lot ID (in the example of the figure, "Parking Lot A") in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 and stored in the memory 162.

[0117] Thereafter, in step S53, the management server 50 grants the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S54, the management server 50 measures the current time as the start time and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0118] Thereafter, in step S55, the management server 50 measures the current time. Subsequently, in step S56, it is determined whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed, the determination is NO and the process returns to step S55. If it exceeds, the determination is YES, and in step S57, it is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 that the user has exceeded the time limit regarding the use of the parking lot 22.

[0119] This management list is shared by being viewed by a plurality of workers under the control of the management center 40 and dispatched to any parking lot 22. As a result, each worker can individually detect a bicycle 12 that has exceeded the time limit in the assigned parking lot 22.

[0120] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30 in step S40 in substantially parallel with the execution of step S39 described above, in the same manner as step S39.

[0121] In contrast, in step S5, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal from the mobile terminal 90. Subsequently, in step S6, using the printer, a physical ticket is issued as evidence that the user has the right to use the current parking lot 22.

[0122] Thereafter, the user attaches the ticket purchased in this way to his / her own bicycle 12. As a result, the worker can visually determine whether each bicycle 12 is a bicycle 12 of a user who has paid the prepaid fee.

[0123] <Second Embodiment>

[0124] Next, a parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, redundant descriptions of parts common to the parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

[0125] In the above-described first embodiment, in order to associate the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 by paying attention to the fact that both the person who pays the fee to the ticket vending machine 30 (payer) and the person who operates the mobile terminal 90 (operator) are the same user, the user is forced to input the same rack number to both the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90.

[0126] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the same purpose can be achieved if the user inputs the rack number only to the mobile terminal 90. However, instead of this, the present invention may be implemented in such a manner that the same purpose can be achieved if the user inputs the rack number only to the ticket vending machine 30.

[0127] FIG. 9 conceptually shows an example of a parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90, in a flowchart.

[0128] According to the present embodiment, first, in step S131, the mobile terminal 90 starts the parking request processing program by the processor 130 executing the parking request processing program stored in the memory 132.

[0129] Next, in step S132, the mobile terminal 90 enables the user to input the number of the rack among the plurality of racks 72 at the current parking lot 22 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12.

[0130] Subsequently, in step S133, when the user wishes to settle the prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card, the mobile terminal 90 sends a signal including the rack number and its own source address (such as the IP address or MAC address of the mobile terminal 90) to the ticket vending machine 30 in a broadcast manner, for example, via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method or the Internet (at this time, the mobile terminal 90 does not know the destination address (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the ticket vending machine 30 which is the destination).

[0131] Thereafter, in step S134, the mobile terminal 90 displays on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 a message for prompting the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30.

[0132] Following the message, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30.

[0133] In step S102, the ticket vending machine 30 identifies the source from the source address included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90. Subsequently, in step S103, the ticket vending machine 30 establishes communication with one mobile terminal 90. Thereafter, in step S104, the ticket vending machine 30 rejects the reception of signals transmitted from mobile terminals 90 of other users who are other sources. Specifically, the ticket vending machine 30 will only receive signals that include its own address as the destination address hereafter.

[0134] Subsequently, in step S105, the ticket vending machine 30 displays the rack number included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90 in step S101 described above on the touch panel of the display 36, and further displays a plurality of scheduled usage times in association with the amounts of the corresponding prepaid fees.

[0135] Thereafter, when the user touches with a finger any one of the plurality of scheduled usage times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36 in step S106, the ticket vending machine 30 selects the type of ticket desired by the user. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is determined.

[0136] Subsequently, in step S107, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to pay the current prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card.

[0137] Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, in step S108, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits, in a unicast manner via the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method or the Internet (at this point, the ticket vending machine 30 knows the transmission address of the current mobile terminal 90 which is the destination), together with the parking lot ID unique to the current parking lot and the length of the scheduled usage time corresponding to the selected ticket type, a payment completion signal indicating this, only to the mobile terminal 90, together with its own source address.

[0138] At this time, in step S135, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive from the ticket vending machine 30, and if the reception is successful, the determination in step S136 becomes YES and it proceeds to step S137.

[0139] In this step S137, the mobile terminal 90 authenticates the parking lot 22 where the user is currently staying from the parking lot ID received from the ticket vending machine 30 in the above step S135 according to the correspondence between the parking lot ID and the parking lot 22 stored in advance in the memory 132.

[0140] Thereafter, in step S138, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the parking lot lending procedure for the current user is completed, and in step S139, it transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this, together with the current parking lot ID, the current rack number, and the length of the current scheduled usage time (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "parking-related information"), to the management server 50.

[0141] On the other hand, in step S151, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the above-mentioned parking-related information. Subsequently, in step S152, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 and stored in the memory 162 in association with the parking lot ID (in the example of the figure, "Parking Lot A").

[0142] Thereafter, in step S153, the management server 50 grants the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S154, the management server 50 measures the current time as the start time and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0143] Thereafter, in step S155, the management server 50 measures the current time. Subsequently, in step S156, it determines whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed, the determination is NO and it returns to step S155. If it exceeds, the determination is YES and in step S157, it is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 that the user has exceeded the time limit regarding the use of the parking lot 22.

[0144] On the other hand, after (or before) executing step S108 described above, in step S109, the ticket vending machine 30 issues a physical ticket using the printer as evidence that the user has the right to use the current parking lot 22.

[0145] <The Third Embodiment>

[0146] Next, a parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, redundant descriptions of parts common to the parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

[0147] Both of the above-described first and second embodiments are specific examples of the case where the present invention is implemented under a first communication environment, that is, the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90, but cannot communicate with the management server 50, and information from the ticket vending machine 30 can be transmitted to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90. However, this embodiment is a specific example of the case where the present invention is implemented under a second communication environment, that is, the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50, but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90.

[0148] FIG. 10 conceptually shows an example of a parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90, in the form of a flowchart.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110 are interconnected via the Internet. However, in this embodiment, communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 is not performed. As a result, in this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90, which do not communicate with each other in effect, are respectively connected to the management server 50 in parallel.

[0150] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S231, the mobile terminal 90 starts the parking request processing program when the parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 is executed by the processor 130.

[0151] Next, in step S232, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.), which is information unique to the user, to the management server 50 on the condition that the user is a member of the current parking service.

[0152] In contrast, in step S251, the management server 50 receives the user ID.

[0153] After the execution of step S232, in step S233, the mobile terminal 90 enables the user to select from a first option of cash settlement or card settlement using the ticket vending machine 30 and a second option of electronic settlement (such as smartphone settlement, credit card settlement, prepaid card settlement, etc.) using the user's own mobile terminal 90 for the payment method of the prepayment.

[0154] Subsequently, in step S234, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the payment method selected by the user is the first option. If the determination is YES, in step S235, the mobile terminal 90 displays, on the screen of the mobile terminal 90, a message for prompting the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30.

[0155] In contrast, if the determination in step S234 is NO, the user pays the prepayment by electronic settlement by the mobile terminal 90 communicating with the settlement server 110 shown in FIG. 2. Since this is not directly related to the present invention, further explanation is omitted.

[0156] In accordance with the message displayed on the screen by the execution of step S235, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30.

[0157] In step S201, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of scheduled use times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding amounts of the prepayments. Further, when the user touches any one of the plurality of scheduled use times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36 with a finger, the user selects the type of ticket desired. At this time, the amount of the prepayment is determined.

[0158] Subsequently, when the user holds their membership card over the card reader 38 in step S202, the ticket vending machine 30 reads the user ID from the membership card.

[0159] Thereafter, in step S203, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to input the number of the one among the plurality of racks 72 in the current bicycle parking lot 22 that the user wishes to use for storing the bicycle 12.

[0160] Subsequently, in step S204, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits the input user ID to the management server 50 together with the parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22.

[0161] In contrast, in step S252, the management server 50 receives the user ID and the parking lot ID from the ticket vending machine 30. Subsequently, in step S253, the management server 50 collates the input user ID with the user ID input in step S251. When the collation is successful, the management server 50 determines in step S254 that the authentication of the current user has been successful.

[0162] Thereafter, in step S255, the management server 52 authenticates the current bicycle parking lot 22 from the input parking lot ID according to the correspondence relationship between the parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 that is stored in advance in the memory 162.

[0163] On the other hand, after executing step S204, in step S205, the ticket vending machine 30 enables the user to pay the current prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card.

[0164] Subsequently, when the above payment is completed, in step S206, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits a payment completion signal indicating this together with the planned usage time length corresponding to the current parking lot ID, the input rack number, and the selected ticket type (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "parking-related information") to the management server 50.

[0165] On the other hand, in step S256, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal together with the above-mentioned parking-related information. Subsequently, in step S257, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 and stored in the memory 162 in association with the parking lot ID (in the example of the figure, "Parking Lot A").

[0166] Thereafter, in step S258, the management server 50 determines that the procedure to be performed by the current user for using the current parking lot 22 has been completed. In response to this, in step S259, the management server 50 transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90, and in parallel therewith, in step S260, the management server 50 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30.

[0167] Thereafter, in step S261, the management server 50 grants the user the right to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current parking lot 22. Subsequently, in step S262, the management server 50 measures the current time as the start time and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0168] Thereafter, in step S263, the management server 50 measures the current time, and then, in step S264, determines whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed, the determination is NO and it returns to step S263, but if it exceeds, the determination is YES and in step S265, it is registered in the management list illustrated in FIG. 8 that the user has exceeded the time limit regarding the use of the parking lot 22.

[0169] On the other hand, after the execution of step S206 described above, in step S207, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal, and then, in step S208, uses the printer to issue a physical ticket as evidence that the user has the right to use the current parking lot 22.

[0170] Also, in step S236, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive the procedure completion signal from the management server 50. If the reception is successful, the determination in step S237 becomes YES, and in step S238, it is determined that the procedure to be performed by the current user for using the current parking lot 22 this time has been completed.

[0171] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0172] Next, a parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, duplicate descriptions of parts common to the parking lot management system 10 according to the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The parking lot management system according to the present embodiment is configured to execute the parking lot management method according to the present embodiment.

[0173] This embodiment is different from the aforementioned first to third embodiments, which are all examples of a prepaid parking lot management system, in that it is an example of a postpaid parking lot management system. However, this embodiment is common to the third embodiment described above in that it is a specific example of implementing the present invention under a second communication environment, that is, an accounting machine 210 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 30 is capable of communicating with the management server 50 while being incapable of communicating with the mobile terminal 90.

[0174] In the system 10 according to the present embodiment, at the time of entry, the user does not operate either their mobile terminal 90 or the accounting machine 210. At that time, only the entry / exit control device 200 that operates in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a "vehicle") into any of the racks 72 is activated.

[0175] On the other hand, at the time of leaving the warehouse, if the user wishes to pay in cash or by prepaid IC card for the settlement of the postpaid parking fee, the user only needs to operate the payment machine 210 and does not need to operate his / her mobile terminal 90. However, if the user wishes to make an electronic payment, the user only needs to operate his / her mobile terminal 90 and does not need to operate the payment machine 210.

[0176] However, at the time of leaving the warehouse, the payment machine 210 operates according to a command from the management server 50, and since the management server 50 is commanded by the mobile terminal 90, in this system 10, although the user does not directly operate the payment machine 210, it is interpreted that the user indirectly operates the payment machine 210 and the entry / exit control device 200 is activated via the payment machine 210.

[0177] FIG. 12 conceptually shows, in this system 10, a path for communication between the entry / exit control device 200 and the payment machine 210 (e.g., a communication cable, a public telephone line, an Internet line, etc.), a path for communication between the payment machine 210 and the management server 50 (e.g., a public telephone line, a long-distance wireless communication line, an Internet line, etc.), and a communication network configuration for communication between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 (e.g., the Internet, etc.).

[0178] An example of the entry / exit control device 200 includes a gate device (not shown) installed at the entrance of the bicycle parking lot (an example of a "parking lot") 22 (commonly for a plurality of racks 72) and a controller (not shown) for controlling the gate device. The gate device has a movable member (e.g., a boom, a bar, etc.), and the movable member is switched between a state permitting the exit of the bicycle 12 from the bicycle parking lot 22 and a state blocking it.

[0179] Another example of the warehousing and shipping control device 200 includes retractable, flap-type, or locking devices (not shown) respectively installed in a plurality of racks 72 (each an example of a "parking position" or "parking space") in the parking lot 22, and a controller (not shown) for controlling the locking devices. In any form, the warehousing and shipping control device 200 for each rack 72 has a movable member (such as a baffle, flap, lock, etc.), and the movable member is switched between a state (unlocked state) that permits the bicycle 12 to exit (ship out) from the corresponding rack 72 and a state (locked state) that blocks it.

[0180] In one example, the controller is installed in the parking lot 22 and configured to centrally control a plurality of locking devices respectively installed in a plurality of racks 72 in the parking lot 22.

[0181] The settlement machine 210 is different from the ticket vending machine 30 in that it issues a receipt as a settlement certificate at the time of shipping instead of issuing a ticket as a settlement certificate at the time of warehousing, but it has a non-electronic settlement function that enables at least one of cash settlement and prepaid card settlement by the user, and a communication function for performing wireless communication with the management server 50 (or the mobile terminal 90), and is common to the ticket vending machine 30 in terms of both hardware configuration and software configuration.

[0182] On the other hand, regarding the time and fee calculation function, the ticket vending machine 30 calculates, at the time of warehousing, for each rack 72 (for example, for each vehicle compartment, for each parking space), not the actual parking time, but the length of the effective parking time, the expected parking time, or the reserved parking time according to an instruction from the user (for example, the selection result of the above-mentioned ticket type), and has a calculation function for calculating the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

[0183] On the other hand, at the time of shipment, for each rack 72 (for example, for each passenger compartment, for each parking space), the settlement machine 210 calculates the length of the actual parking time based on a signal from a bicycle presence / absence sensor (for example, an object presence / absence sensor) of the access control device 200 described later, and has a calculation function for calculating the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value. In any case, the ticket vending machine 30 and the settlement machine 210 have something in common in that they calculate the length of the parking time and calculate the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

[0184] This calculation function is shared by non-electronic settlement and electronic settlement regardless of whether it is the ticket vending machine 30 or the settlement machine 210.

[0185] FIG. 13 conceptually shows, in the form of a flowchart, an example of the warehousing processing program respectively executed by the access control device 200 and the settlement machine 210 at the time of warehousing in this system 10.

[0186] When each warehousing processing program is executed in the warehousing stage, first, in step S1301, a computer (not shown) of the access control device 200 determines whether or not there has been an entry (warehousing) of the bicycle 12 into any one of the racks 72 in the parking lot 22, for example, using a signal from a bicycle presence / absence sensor (not shown) of the access control device 200 (a sensor that senses a change in the magnetic field according to the relative position with the bicycle (for example, a loop coil), a sensor that senses a change in light according to the relative position with the bicycle, etc.).

[0187] If there is an entry, the determination in step S1301 becomes YES, and subsequently, in step S1302, the computer of the access control device 200 transmits a rack number, which is an example of identification information for identifying the current rack 72, to the settlement machine 210.

[0188] On the other hand, in step S1351, the cash register 210 receives its rack number, and then, in step S1352, measures the current time as the storage time using a clock (not shown) of the cash register 210. After that, in step S1353, it saves the rack number and the storage time in association with each other in a memory (not shown) of the cash register 210.

[0189] After executing step S1302, the warehousing and shipping control device 200 operates in step S1303 to prevent the bicycle 12 stored in the current rack 72 from being shipped without permission. For example, when the warehousing and shipping control device 200 uses a flap that can be raised and lowered, the flap is raised from the support surface of the bicycle storage area 22 to lock the bicycle 12. Also, when the warehousing and shipping control device 200 uses a lock that can be unlocked, the lock is locked in a state of being tethered to the bicycle 12.

[0190] FIG. 14 conceptually shows, in a flowchart, an example of the shipping processing programs respectively executed by the warehousing and shipping control device 200, the cash register 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 when shipping in this system 10.

[0191] When each shipping processing program is executed at the shipping stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S1431 whether the user has input a settlement request (which also serves as a shipping request) to the mobile terminal 90. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1431 becomes YES, and then, in step S1432, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 where his / her bicycle 12 is stored to the mobile terminal 90.

[0192] After that, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the input rack number to the management server 50 in step S1433.

[0193] In response, the management server 50 receives the rack number in step S1451, and then, in step S1452, transmits a calculation request for calculating the amount of parking fee to be paid by the current user and the current rack number to the payment machine 210.

[0194] In contrast, the payment machine 210 receives the above-mentioned calculation request and rack number in step S1411, and then, in step S1412, measures the current time by using the clock. After that, in step S1413, the payment machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the storage time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

[0195] Subsequently, in step S1414, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of parking fee by converting the calculated length of parking time into the amount of parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. After that, in step S1415, the payment machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of parking fee to the management server 50.

[0196] In response, the management server 50 receives the parking fee data in step S1453, and then, in step S1454, transmits the received parking fee data to the mobile terminal 90.

[0197] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives the parking fee data in step S1434. That is, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to indirectly receive the parking fee data through the management server 50 as a relay, rather than directly receiving the data from the payment machine 210 that originally generated the data.

[0198] Subsequently, in step S1435, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 in order to electronically pay the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

[0199] In response, the payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1471, and then performs an electronic payment in step S1472. When it is completed, the payment server 110 returns a payment completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90.

[0200] In response, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a payment completion signal indicating that the payment of the parking fee has been completed by electronic payment to the management server 50 in step S1436.

[0201] In response, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal in step S1455, and then transmits a release permission signal to the cash register 210 in step S1456.

[0202] In response, the cash register 210 receives the release permission signal in step S1416, and then transmits a release permission operation command signal to the inventory control device 200 in step S1417.

[0203] In response, the inventory control device 200 shifts the movable member to the unlocked state in step S1401, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to be released from the current rack 72.

[0204] Thus, in this embodiment, at the release stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user. However, although the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the payment server 110, it cannot communicate with the cash register 210 or the inventory control device 200. Since the inventory control device 200 can communicate with the cash register 210 and the cash register 210 can communicate with the management server 50, the mobile terminal 90 can indirectly and ultimately operate the inventory control device 200.

[0205] Therefore, in the present embodiment, even though the payment machine 210 does not support electronic payment, without changing the hardware configurations of the warehousing and shipping control device 200, the payment machine 210, and the management server 50, nor the communication environment (communication path) among the warehousing and shipping control device 200, the payment machine 210, and the management server 50, the user can support electronic payment by using the mobile terminal 90 capable of communicating with the payment server 110.

[0206] In the present embodiment, the user can operate his / her own mobile terminal 90 at a position away from the current parking lot 22 for electronic payment. On the contrary, if a step for confirming that the current position of the user is near the current parking lot 22 is added by using the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90, it is possible to force the user to perform the mobile terminal 90 near the current parking lot 22 for electronic payment.

[0207] Specifically, in one example, the mobile terminal 90 permits communication with the management server 40, and thus permits the procedure for electronic payment by the user, on the condition that the measured current position is within a set value of the position coordinates of the current parking lot 22 (pre-stored in the mobile terminal 90 in association with each parking lot 22 or downloaded by the mobile terminal 90 from the management server 50).

[0208] In another example, after receiving access from the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50 receives the current position of the mobile terminal 90 therefrom, and permits further communication with the mobile terminal 90, and thus permits the procedure for electronic payment by the user, on the condition that the current position is within a set value of the distance from the position coordinates of the current parking lot 22.

[0209] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0210] Next, a parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the description of the parts common to the parking lot management system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described in detail. The parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0211] This embodiment is common to the aforementioned fourth embodiment in that it is an example of a post-payment type parking lot management system. However, this embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the settlement machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90 but cannot communicate with the management server 50, while the settlement machine 210 in the fourth embodiment can communicate with the management server 50 but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90.

[0212] Similar to the fourth embodiment, in the system 10 according to this embodiment, at the time of storage, the user does not operate either their mobile terminal 90 or the settlement machine 210. At that time, only the entrance / exit control device 200 that operates in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a "vehicle") into any of the racks 72 is activated.

[0213] On the other hand, at the time of exit, if the user wishes to pay the post-payment parking fee in cash or by prepaid IC card settlement, the user only operates the settlement machine 210 and does not need to operate their mobile terminal 90. However, if the user wishes to pay by electronic settlement, the user only operates their mobile terminal 90 and does not need to operate the settlement machine 210. This point is also the same as the fourth embodiment.

[0214] However, at the time of exit, since the settlement machine 210 is commanded by the mobile terminal 90, in this system 10, it is interpreted that the user does not directly operate the settlement machine 210 but indirectly operates the settlement machine 210, and the entrance / exit control device 200 is activated via the settlement machine 210.

[0215] FIG. 15 conceptually shows, in this system 10, a path (e.g., a communication cable, a public telephone line, an Internet line, etc.) for communication between the warehousing and shipping control device 200 and the cash register 210, a path (e.g., short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) for communication between the cash register 210 and the user's mobile terminal 90, and a communication network configuration (e.g., the Internet, etc.) for communication between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the settlement server 110.

[0216] As described above, in this embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, the cash register 210 has a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range communication with the mobile terminal 90 in order to support electronic settlement. As a result, the user is required to operate the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the cash register 210, for example, within a range of about 5 m in radius from the cash register 210, for electronic settlement.

[0217] On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, unless steps are added to confirm that the user's current position is near the current bicycle parking lot 22 by using the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90, etc., it is not possible to force the user to perform the mobile terminal 90 near the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic settlement.

[0218] On the other hand, if it is not possible to force the user to perform the mobile terminal 90 near the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic settlement, there is a risk that the user may operate the mobile terminal 90 to illegally request electronic settlement before arriving at the current bicycle parking lot 22.

[0219] When this illegal act occurs, a false parking time shorter than the actual parking time is calculated, and based on the calculated value, a false parking fee lower than the normal fee is calculated. When the user electronically settles the false parking fee, the warehousing and shipping control device 200 switches to a state that permits the warehousing of the corresponding bicycle 12 via the cash register 210. As a result, when the user arrives at the current bicycle parking lot 22, the user can exit the bicycle parking lot 22 together with the bicycle 12.

[0220] On the other hand, when the user operates the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the current bicycle parking lot 22 to request an electronic payment, upon completion of the electronic payment, it is expected that the user will promptly leave the bicycle parking lot 22 together with the bicycle 12 without deliberately extending the parking time. In this case, the length of the parking time calculated in response to the above-described electronic payment request does not need to be inappropriately shortened compared to the actual parking time.

[0221] In this system 10, at the time of warehousing, warehousing processing programs are respectively executed by the warehousing and inventory control device 200 and the cash register 210. However, since an example of each warehousing processing program is common to that of FIG. 13, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0222] FIG. 16 conceptually shows, in the form of a flowchart, an example of the warehousing processing programs respectively executed by the warehousing and inventory control device 200, the cash register 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 at the time of warehousing in this system 10.

[0223] When each warehousing processing program is executed at the warehousing stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines, in step S1631, whether the user has input a settlement request (which also serves as a warehousing request) to the mobile terminal 90. When the settlement request is input, the determination in step S1631 becomes YES, and subsequently, in step S1632, the user inputs the rack number of the rack 72 in which his / her bicycle 12 is stored to the mobile terminal 90.

[0224] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 transmits, in step S1633, the input rack number to the cash register 210 together with the settlement request. In the present embodiment, the cash register 210 is designed to have a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90. An example of the communication unit has a communication device that performs short-distance communication by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) method.

[0225] In response, the payment calculator 210 receives, in step S1611, the payment request and the rack number in association with each other, and then, in step S1612, measures the current time by using the clock. Thereafter, the payment calculator 210 calculates, in step S1613, the elapsed time from the storage time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

[0226] Subsequently, the payment calculator 210 calculates, in step S1614, the amount of the parking fee by converting the length of the calculated parking time into the amount of the parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. Thereafter, the payment calculator 210 transmits, in step S1615, the parking fee data representing the calculated amount of the parking fee to the mobile terminal 90.

[0227] In response, the mobile terminal 90 receives, in step S1634, the parking fee data. That is, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to directly receive the parking fee data from the payment calculator 210 that originally generated the parking fee data, rather than indirectly receiving the parking fee data by using the management server 50 as a relay.

[0228] Subsequently, the mobile terminal 90 transmits, in step S1635, an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 in order to electronically pay the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

[0229] In response, the payment server 110 receives, in step S1671, the electronic payment request, and then, in step S1672, performs the electronic payment. When it is completed, the payment server 110 returns a payment completion signal indicating that to the mobile terminal 90.

[0230] In response, the mobile terminal 90 transmits, in step S1636, a payment completion signal indicating that the payment of the parking fee has been completed by the electronic payment to the payment calculator 210.

[0231] In response thereto, the payment machine 210 receives the shipping permission signal in step S1616, and then transmits a shipping permission operation command signal to the entrance / exit control device 200 in step S1617.

[0232] In the present embodiment, the operation of transmitting the shipping permission operation command signal to the entrance / exit control device 200 is an example of "an operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot". Another example of "an operation for permitting the vehicle to leave the parking lot" is an operation of displaying a message permitting departure associated with the current parking position on the screen of the display of the payment machine 210, or an operation of lighting an indicator lamp of the payment machine 210 that indicates permission for the user to depart associated with the current parking position in a lit state.

[0233] In response thereto, the entrance / exit control device 200 shifts the movable member to the unlocked state in step S1601, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to leave the current rack 72.

[0234] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 transmits parking information (or parking-related information) to the management server 50 in step S1637. The parking information includes, for example, the rack number where the user parked the bicycle 12 at the current parking lot 22, the time period when the parking was performed, the length of the parking time, and the amount of the parking fee paid by the user according to the length.

[0235] In contrast, the management server 50 receives the parking information from the mobile terminal 90 in step S1651. The management server 50 is designed to receive parking information from the mobile terminals 90 of users of a plurality of parking lots 22, thereby centrally managing the plurality of parking lots 22. As a result, the management server 50 can, for example, monitor the temporal change in the occupancy rate for each parking lot 22 or evaluate the difference in the occupancy rate among the plurality of parking lots 22.

[0236] As described above, in this embodiment, at the shipping stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only operation target for the user. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the settlement server 110 as well as the cash register 210. Since the warehousing and shipping control device 200 can communicate with the cash register 210 and the cash register 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90, the mobile terminal 90 can indirectly and ultimately operate the warehousing and shipping control device 200.

[0237] Therefore, in this embodiment, even though the cash register 210 does not support electronic settlement, without changing the hardware configuration of the warehousing and shipping control device 200 or the hardware configuration of the cash register 210, the user can use the mobile terminal 90 that can communicate with the settlement server 110 to support electronic settlement.

[0238] By the way, in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, as long as the user is within the bicycle parking area 22, the user can perform the work for electronic settlement using his or her own mobile terminal 90 at a position away from the cash register 210 without physically occupying the cash register 210. Therefore, it is convenient for the user in that the location for performing the necessary work is not restricted.

[0239] However, the fact that the cash register 210 is not physically occupied during electronic settlement by a certain user leads to the possibility that another user may attempt to perform work for non - electronic settlement (cash settlement or card settlement) using the cash register 210.

[0240] In this case, since the rack numbers (for example, parking position identification information) assigned to one user and those assigned to another user do not originally match each other, electronic settlement that does not mainly require the use of the cash register 210 and non - electronic settlement that requires it can be carried out in parallel with each other in terms of time. Therefore, for the user, the time to wait for the settlement order is shortened, which is convenient.

[0241] However, if for some reason (e.g., by chance) the rack number actually entered by a certain user into the mobile terminal 90 matches the rack number entered by another user into the payment machine 210 or selected on the payment machine 210, then the first of the two payment processes performed by these two users (e.g., the payment request from each user was issued earlier than the other) will be preferentially processed regardless of the validity of the rack number at that time. This is because there is no means for verifying the authenticity of the rack number.

[0242] Therefore, as an exemplary measure to prevent incorrect input or selection of the rack number, each of the plurality of racks 72 (each being an example of the parking position, the passenger compartment, etc.) in the parking lot 22 (an example of the parking area) may be provided with an identification mark, for example, a computer-readable pattern (such as a two-dimensional code like a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), etc.), or the transmitter may be pre-mounted.

[0243] Here, the "identification mark" is a display medium representing a different rack position (an example of the parking position) for each rack 72. On the other hand, the "transmitter" is a communication device that transmits a signal representing a different transmitter ID for each rack 72. The transmitter ID is uniquely converted into a rack position (an example of the parking position) by the mobile terminal 90. Both the identification mark and the transmitter are position information presenting means that present different position information for each parking position.

[0244] To explain the transmitter in more detail, the transmitter is a non-contact or contact communication device that is installed at least one per corresponding rack 72 and transmits an identification signal capable of identifying a unique ID of the corresponding rack 72. This transmitter only needs to have at least a transmission function, but may be configured to also have a reception function if necessary.

[0245] This transmitter actively transmits a unique identification signal without requiring an external trigger signal and continuously as long as the supply power is sufficient.

[0246] Furthermore, this transmitter is generally a beacon device that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal, and is also known by names such as a wireless tag. In one example, this transmitter generates an identification signal representing the corresponding parking lot ID by modulating the original signal, and transmits the generated identification signal as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (Near Field Communication) signal, or the like.

[0247] When using the identification mark for each rack 72, for example, before electronic or non - electronic settlement, the user reads it with the image sensor (e.g., digital camera) of his / her mobile terminal 90, and converts the reading result into a combination of the ID of the current parking space 22 and the ID of the current rack 72, or at least into the ID of the current rack 72. The mobile terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment and to the calculator 210 in the fifth embodiment respectively.

[0248] On the other hand, when using the transmitter for each rack 72, for example, before electronic or non - electronic settlement, the user receives the signal from the transmitter with the receiver of his / her mobile terminal 90, converts the received signal into a transmitter ID, and further converts the transmitter ID into a combination of the ID of the current parking space 22 and the ID of the rack 72, or at least into the ID of the current rack 72. The mobile terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment and to the calculator 210 in the fifth embodiment respectively.

[0249] As another exemplary measure, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of checkout, at the time of check-in, for personal authentication (verification of personal information) at the time of checkout, causes the mobile terminal 90 to be applied to the position information presenting means, and in response thereto, the mobile terminal 90 combines the ID of the current parking lot 22, the ID of the current rack 72, and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an email address, etc.) and transmits it to the management server 40 or the payment machine 210. That is, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment at the time of checkout only needs to hold the mobile terminal 90 in front of the position information presenting means at the time of check-in.

[0250] In this case, at the time of checkout as well, as in the case of check-in, if the user causes the mobile terminal 90 to be applied to the position information presenting means, in response thereto, the mobile terminal 90 combines the ID of the current parking lot 22, the ID of the current rack 72, and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an email address, etc.) and transmits it to the management server 40 or the payment machine 210. That is, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment only needs to hold the mobile terminal 90 in front of the position information presenting means at the time of checkout.

[0251] In response thereto, the management server 40 or the payment machine 210 collates the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of check-in with the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of checkout. If the collation is successful, in response thereto, the management server 40 calculates the amount of the parking fee and may further transmit a request for electronic payment for the parking fee to the settlement server 110. Also, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of the parking fee and may further transmit a request for electronic payment for the parking fee to the settlement server 110 either via the management server 40 or without going through the management server 40.

[0252] It should be noted that in several embodiments described above, the present invention is implemented by selecting a bicycle, which is an example of a "vehicle" as a moving object, as the object to be stored. Instead of or in addition to this, the present invention may be implemented by selecting a motorcycle, a moped, a car, or the like, which is another example of a "vehicle", as the object to be stored.

[0253] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some of the embodiments described above, all or part of the processing executed in the mobile terminal 90 may instead be executed in the management server 50, or conversely, all or part of the processing executed in the management server 50 may instead be executed in the mobile terminal 90. This is because which device should execute the processing to be executed is usually determined by the circumstances at that time, for example, the amount and type of data to be handled, the processing speed and storage capacity of each device, and the like.

[0254] Furthermore, it should be noted that some of the embodiments described above embody the technical idea of making a settlement device (such as the ticket vending machine 210) that does not support electronic payment capable of supporting electronic payment as a whole system in combination with a user's communication terminal (such as the mobile terminal 90) in the business field of parking lot management. However, that technical idea is also useful in other business fields. For example, the technical idea is also useful in businesses such as receiving fares from users and issuing tickets as consideration, receiving fees from users in stores and issuing food coupons as consideration, and receiving fees from users and issuing permits as consideration.

[0255] As described above, some of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting from the aspects described in the column of [Summary of the Invention].

Claims

1. A parking management system for managing postpaid parking lots, Including a management server, The management server is a function of receiving, when the user leaves the parking lot, user-specific information of the same type as user-specific information at the time of entry, which is user-specific information acquired at the location of the parking lot when the user enters the parking lot, as user-specific information at the time of exit from the user's communication terminal at the location of the parking lot; a function of transmitting parking fee data to the communication terminal for electronic payment of the parking fee on condition that the matching between the user unique information at the time of entry and the user unique information at the time of exit is successful; Parking management system including.

2. The parking management system further includes: a location information presenting means for presenting location information corresponding to the parking lot; A program executed by a computer of the communication terminal; Including, The management server further comprises: receiving the location information corresponding to the parking lot and identifying the parking lot based on the received location information; transmitting the amount of said parking fee; Including, The electronic payment of the parking fee is performed using a payment server that is an element not belonging to the parking lot management system, The communication terminal has a plurality of functions, A function for enabling selective connection to the management server and the payment server; a function of transmitting the location information corresponding to the parking lot to the management server when the communication terminal is applied to the location information presentation means corresponding to the parking lot; a function of receiving, in a communication state with the management server, the amount of the parking fee for the parking lot from the management server; a function of transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server while in communication with the payment server; Including, The parking lot management system according to claim 1 , wherein the program is executed by a computer of the communication terminal to realize the plurality of functions.

3. the location information presentation means includes an identification mark or a transmitter corresponding to the parking lot; The identification mark includes a pattern representing the location information corresponding to the corresponding parking lot, The parking management system according to claim 2 , wherein the transmitter includes a function of transmitting a signal representing the location information corresponding to a corresponding parking lot.

4. The parking lot management system according to claim 2 , wherein the location information includes information for identifying each vehicle compartment or each parking space when the parking lot has a plurality of vehicle compartments or a plurality of parking spaces.

5. The parking lot management system of claim 1, wherein the communication terminal and / or the management server use the communication terminal to determine whether the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot, and has an electronic payment authorization function that authorizes the electronic payment if it is determined that the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot.

6. A program executed by the management server to manage the parking lot using the parking lot management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A program executed by a computer of a communication terminal of a user of a postpaid parking lot managed by a parking lot management system including a management server, the communication terminal includes a function of receiving from the management server, when the user leaves the parking lot, parking fee data for electronic payment of the parking fee on condition that a comparison is successful between user unique information at the time of entry, which is user unique information acquired at the location of the parking lot at the time of entry, and user unique information of the same type acquired as user unique information at the time of exit at the location of the parking lot at the time of exit; A program executed by the computer to realize that function.

8. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

9. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

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