Parking fee settlement system, parking fee settlement method, program

Abstract

To provide a parking fee settlement system that allows a user to perform online settlement of a parking fee from an appropriate location.SOLUTION: A parking fee settlement system includes: an SSID transmission unit that transmits SSIDs of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points to a user terminal carried by a user; a terminal status information receipt unit that receives, from the user terminal, terminal status information including information on signal strength or communication speed of the SSID or information indicating connection status of the user terminal to the SSID; and a settlement determination unit that determines, when the terminal status information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, that online settlement of a parking fee through the user terminal is not permitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a parking fee settlement system, a parking fee settlement method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for paying parking fees online using a mobile terminal, a smartphone, or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). The technology of Patent Document 1 improves user convenience by eliminating the need to pay at an exit payment machine or a prepayment machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-174730 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when paying parking fees online using a mobile device, if the user pays near the parking lot, the time required from payment to exiting tends to be shorter, and if the user pays far from the parking lot, the time required from payment to exiting tends to be longer.

[0005] Normally, parking lot operators set a grace period from the time of payment of parking fees to the time of exiting the parking lot. However, if the same grace period is set for all users who use online payment from various locations as described above, if the grace period is short, users who pay from a location far from the parking lot will exceed the grace period and incur additional fees, which will lead to complaints. Also, if the grace period is long, users who pay from a location close to the parking lot will be unable to exit smoothly, which will be a problem.

[0006] To address this issue, for example, even if GPS (GNSS) information is used to identify the location of a user attempting to pay parking fees, the error can be too large to be useful. Particularly when the user is indoors, the error in the GPS (GNSS) information becomes significant because radio waves from the satellite are blocked by ceilings and walls.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a parking fee settlement system that allows a user to settle parking fees online from an appropriate location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The parking fee settlement system of the present disclosure includes an SSID transmission unit, a terminal status information reception unit, and a settlement determination unit.

[0009] The SSID transmitter transmits the SSIDs of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points to a user terminal carried by a user. The terminal status information receiver receives terminal status information from the user terminal, including information on the signal strength or communication speed of the SSID or information indicating the connection status of the user terminal to the SSID. The payment determination unit determines that online payment of parking fees by the user terminal is not permitted if the terminal status information does not satisfy predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the parking fee settlement system of the present disclosure, a user can settle parking fees online from an appropriate location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of a parking lot management system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a variation of the device configuration of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a parking fee settlement system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart including a settlement possibility determination process of the parking fee settlement system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data table stored in an SSID storage unit. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart including a parking fee addition process of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart including a coupon transmission process of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart including a grace period shortening process of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart including a grace period extension process of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart including a coupon transmission process of the parking fee settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that components having the same functions are assigned the same numbers, and redundant explanations will be omitted. [Example]

[0013] The device configuration of the parking lot management system of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in the figure, the parking lot management system 1 of the present embodiment includes a parking fee settlement system 11, a user terminal 12, an entry system 13, an exit system 14, wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and a payment service provider server 16.

[0014] The wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N are assumed to be wireless LAN access points set as a guide for areas where users can pay parking fees. In this embodiment, the wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N are assumed to be located within a shopping mall (ABC Mall), and the parking lot used by users is assumed to be a parking lot attached to ABC Mall.

[0015] However, the parking lot management system 1 of this embodiment is not intended for use limited to parking lots attached to shopping malls. For example, the wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N may be installed inside an indoor parking lot. The wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N may be installed in an outdoor parking lot. The wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N may also be installed in electronics retail stores, sports gyms, hot spring facilities, movie theaters, art museums, aquariums, concert halls, live music venues, stadiums, amusement parks, train stations, airports, etc.

[0016] The entrance system 13 includes an entrance gate 131, an entrance vehicle number reader 132, and an entrance passage camera 133. The entrance vehicle number reader 132 and the entrance passage camera 133 may be the same camera. Each device of the entrance system 13 is installed near the entrance to the parking lot.

[0017] The exit system 14 includes an exit gate 141, an exit vehicle number reader 142, an exit passage camera 143, and a fare adjustment machine 144. The exit vehicle number reader 142 and the exit passage camera 143 may be the same camera. Each device of the exit system 14 is installed near the exit gate of the parking lot. The fare adjustment machine 144 may be omitted in some cases.

[0018] Next, the device configuration of the parking fee settlement system 11 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in the figure, the parking fee settlement system 11 of this embodiment may be configured to include, for example, a parking lot management server 11a and a parking lot web server 11b that manages the parking lot's web, or may be configured to include, for example, a parking lot management server 11a and a parking lot application server 11c that controls the parking lot's application.

[0019] When the process related to parking fee settlement, which will be described later, is executed on a web page, it is preferable that the parking fee settlement system 11 is configured to include a parking lot management server 11a and a parking lot web server 11b.

[0020] Furthermore, when processing related to parking fee settlement, which will be described later, is executed on an application, it is preferable that the parking fee settlement system 11 is configured to include a parking lot management server 11a and a parking lot application server 11c.

[0021] In addition, the parking fee settlement system 11 may be configured as a single device that has both the functions of the parking lot management server 11a and the functions of the parking lot web server 11b, or it may be configured as a single device that has both the functions of the parking lot management server 11a and the functions of the parking lot application server 11c.

[0022] The functional configuration of the parking fee settlement system 11 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in the figure, the parking fee settlement system 11 of this embodiment includes a data transmission / reception unit 111, an SSID storage unit 112, a coupon issuing unit 113, an entering / exiting vehicle data storage unit 114, a settlement determination unit 115, a grace period adjustment unit 116, and a parking fee calculation unit 117.

[0023] The data transmitter / receiver unit 111 includes a request receiver unit 111a, an SSID transmitter unit 111b, a grace period transmitter unit 111c, a coupon transmitter unit 111d, an entrance congestion status receiver unit 111e, an exit congestion status receiver unit 111f, an entering / exiting vehicle data receiver unit 111g, a terminal status information receiver unit 111h, and a payment information transmitter unit 111i.

[0024] Below, the operation of each component will be explained for each type of processing.

[0025] <Process to determine whether settlement is possible> The process of determining whether payment is possible will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the request receiving unit 111a receives a request for payment or inquiry of parking fees from the user terminal 12 carried by the user (S111a). When the SSID transmitting unit 111b receives the request, it transmits the SSID of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points stored in the SSID storage unit 112 (S111b).

[0026] An example of a data table stored in the SSID storage unit 112 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As described above, the SSID storage unit 112 stores the SSIDs of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points. These SSIDs are the SSIDs of wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N, which are set as a guide for areas where users can pay parking fees. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the SSIDs of wireless LAN access points 15-1, ..., 15-N are "ABCmall-001," "ABCmall-002," "ABCmall-003," ..., etc. Although three or more SSIDs are specified in the example shown in FIG. 5, only one SSID may be specified. Furthermore, the SSIDs do not necessarily specify all wireless LAN access points within a facility. For example, wireless LAN access points located far from the parking lot, even within the facility, may not need to be specified. Furthermore, some or all of the wireless LAN access points provided by each tenant within the facility may not need to be specified.

[0027] Furthermore, these SSIDs are specified with conditions for radio wave strength, communication speed, and whether or not connection is required. These conditions for radio wave strength, communication speed, and whether or not connection is required are specified as conditions for a user to settle parking fees. In this embodiment, the conditions for radio wave strength, communication speed, and whether or not connection is required are all specified as AND conditions, but this is not limited to this, and these may be specified as OR conditions, or only one or two of the conditions for radio wave strength, communication speed, and whether or not connection is required may be specified.

[0028] In the example shown in the figure, for each SSID, the radio wave strength must be xxx [dBm] or more, the communication speed (average) must be yyy [Mbps] or more for downloading, and connection requirement must be set to yes. In other words, in this example, a user who is a customer of ABC Mall can settle parking fees only when the radio wave strength is xxx [dBm] or more, the communication speed (average) must be yyy [Mbps] or more for downloading, and the user is connected to one of the wireless LAN access points designated by SSID "ABCmall-001," "ABCmall-002," "ABCmall-003," ... at ABC Mall, and the wireless LAN access point is connected to the wireless LAN access point.

[0029] As mentioned above, this condition can be relaxed. For example, a user may be able to settle the parking fee if the radio wave strength is xxx [dBm] or higher for any wireless LAN access point with a specified SSID of "ABCmall-001," "ABCmall-002," "ABCmall-003," .... Also, for example, a user may be able to settle the parking fee if the communication speed (average) for a wireless LAN access point with a specified SSID of "ABCmall-001," "ABCmall-002," "ABCmall-003," ... is yyy [Mbps] or higher. Also, for example, a user may be able to settle the parking fee as long as they can connect to any wireless LAN access point with a specified SSID of "ABCmall-001," "ABCmall-002," "ABCmall-003," ....

[0030] Furthermore, the SSID storage unit 112 stores grace periods set for each SSID. In the example shown in the figure, a grace period of 10 minutes is specified for SSID: "ABCmall-001," a grace period of 10 minutes is specified for SSID: "ABCmall-002," and a grace period of 15 minutes is specified for SSID: "ABCmall-003." In this way, the grace period can be changed depending on the SSID. Generally, a longer grace period is given to the SSID of a wireless LAN access point far from the parking lot, and a shorter grace period is given to the SSID of a wireless LAN access point close to the parking lot.

[0031] In the example shown in the figure, the grace period for each SSID is marked with a small "+10" in bold, which means that the grace period has been temporarily extended by 10 minutes due to congestion or other reasons.

[0032] The SSID storage unit 112 may also store a true grace time, which is longer than the grace time for each SSID. This true grace time differs from the grace time notified to the user as an alert; if exceeded, an additional parking fee will be incurred. The true grace time is not normally notified to the user. The true grace time is also normally set to a longer time than the grace time. In the example shown in the figure, a true grace time of 30 minutes is specified for SSID: "ABCmall-001," a true grace time of 30 minutes for SSID: "ABCmall-002," and a true grace time of 35 minutes for SSID: "ABCmall-003." In the example shown in the figure, the true grace time for each SSID is marked with "+10" in small letters. This indicates that the true grace time has been temporarily extended by 10 minutes due to congestion or other reasons.

[0033] 4, the grace period transmission unit 111c may transmit the grace period corresponding to the SSID to the user terminal 12 (S111c-1). The notification of the grace period may be made at the same time as the notification of the SSID, or after the parking fee payment is completed, or may be made at both times.

[0034] The user terminal 12 receives the SSID from the parking fee settlement system 11. As an optional operation, the user terminal 12 also receives a grace period set for the SSID from the parking fee settlement system 11. The user terminal 12 generates terminal status information including information on the radio wave strength or communication speed of the SSID or information indicating the connection status of the user terminal 12 to the SSID, and transmits the information to the parking fee settlement system 11.

[0035] Examples of terminal status information (TSI) include TSI=[SSID, measured signal strength, measured communication speed, connected / disconnected status], TSI=[SSID, measured signal strength, measured communication speed], TSI=[SSID, measured signal strength], TSI=[SSID, measured communication speed], TSI=[SSID, connected / disconnected status], etc.

[0036] The terminal status information receiving unit 111h of the parking fee payment system 11 receives terminal status information from the user terminal 12 (S111h). If the terminal status information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the payment determining unit 115 determines that online payment of the parking fee by the user terminal 12 is not permitted (S115). The predetermined condition may be that the radio wave strength or communication speed of the SSID is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or that the connection status of the user terminal 12 is connected. As examples of the predetermined condition, the radio wave strength, communication speed, and whether or not connection is required have already been shown in FIG. 5.

[0037] If the settlement determination unit 115 determines that settlement is not possible (Settlement possible?=N), the processing of this flowchart ends. If the settlement determination unit 115 determines that settlement is possible (Settlement possible?=Y), the parking fee calculation unit 117 refers to the vehicle number and entry time of the entering vehicle corresponding to the user terminal 12, which are stored in the entering / exiting vehicle data storage unit 114, and, if any discount information corresponding to the user terminal 12 exists, the discount information, and calculates the parking fee corresponding to the user terminal 12 (S117-1).

[0038] In addition, the vehicle numbers, entry times, and exit times of vehicles entering the parking lot and vehicles that have exited the parking lot are received at any time by the entry and exit vehicle data receiving unit 111g from the entry system 13 and the exit system 14, and are continuously recorded in the entry and exit vehicle data memory unit 114.

[0039] If the settlement determination unit 115 determines that settlement is possible (settlement possible?=Y) and the parking fee calculation unit 117 calculates the parking fee, the payment information transmission unit 111i transmits the payment information to the user terminal 12 (S111i-1). Thereafter, the parking fee settlement system 11 and the payment business server 16 execute a payment procedure, which is omitted because it is the same as the conventional procedure.

[0040] As described above, after the payment is completed, the grace period transmission unit 111c may notify the corresponding user terminal 12 of the grace period again (or for the first time). For example, the grace period transmission unit 111c may transmit to the user terminal 12 time limit information that is the payment completion time plus the grace period.

[0041] <<What to do if the true grace period is exceeded>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing when the user's vehicle has not yet exited even after the true grace time has elapsed will be described. As described above, the entering / exiting vehicle data receiving unit 111g constantly receives the vehicle number and exit time of a vehicle that has exited (or will exit) the parking lot (S111g-1). When the entering / exiting vehicle data receiving unit 111g receives the vehicle number of the user's vehicle after the true grace time has elapsed as the vehicle number of an exiting vehicle, it means that the user's vehicle has arrived at the exit gate 141 (has arrived at the exit gate after the true grace time has elapsed). In this case, the parking fee calculation unit 117 adds the parking fee for the excess time to the user terminal 12 that has not exited after the true grace time has elapsed (S117-2). The payment information transmitting unit 111i transmits payment information to the user terminal 12 or the settlement machine 144 (S111i-2). Note that the content and format of the payment information transmitted to the user terminal 12 and the payment information transmitted to the settlement machine 144 may differ. The user pays the additional fee using his / her own user terminal 12 or an adjustment machine 144 provided near the exit gate.

[0042] In this case, the parking fee settlement system 11 may lock the exit gate 141 until the payment of the parking fee is completed.

[0043] In addition, if the entering / exiting vehicle data receiving unit 111g does not receive the vehicle number of the user's vehicle after the true grace time has elapsed as the vehicle number of the exiting vehicle (i.e., the vehicle has not arrived at the exit gate after the true grace time has elapsed), the flow returns to the start of the same figure.

[0044] <Coupon transmission process for users who exited a venue a predetermined time before the grace period> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a coupon transmission process for a user who exits the venue a predetermined time before the grace period will be described.

[0045] From the viewpoint of the parking lot operator, it is desirable for users who have paid their parking fees to exit as quickly as possible in order to improve parking lot turnover. Therefore, it is preferable for users to exit without using up the grace period, but in order to achieve prompt exit, an incentive is also required on the user side. The process shown in the figure is a process for providing incentives to users.

[0046] The entering / exiting vehicle data receiving unit 111g constantly receives the vehicle number and exit time of a vehicle that has exited (or will exit) the parking lot (S111g-2). If a vehicle of a certain user terminal 12 exits a parking lot a predetermined time before the grace period (exited a parking lot a predetermined time before the grace period?=Y), the coupon issuing unit 113 issues a coupon for the corresponding user terminal 12 (S113-1). If a vehicle of a certain user terminal 12 does not exit a parking lot a predetermined time before the grace period (exited a parking lot a predetermined time before the grace period?=N), the processing of this flowchart ends. The coupon sending unit 111d sends the corresponding issued coupon to a user terminal 12 that exited a parking lot a predetermined time before the grace period (S111d-1).

[0047] It would be ideal if the coupons could be used at parking-related facilities (including the aforementioned electronics retailers, sports gyms, hot springs, movie theaters, art museums, aquariums, concert halls, live music venues, stadiums, amusement parks, stations, airports, etc.) or to pay parking fees.

[0048] <<Reduction of grace period when the entrance is crowded>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the grace period shortening process when the entrance side of the parking lot is congested will be described.

[0049] When the entrance side of a parking lot is crowded, it is desirable to have users who have paid their parking fees exit as quickly as possible to improve parking turnover. The process shown in Figure 7 is effective in achieving this, but another option is to shorten the grace period to alert users. The process shown in Figure 8 is for providing this alert.

[0050] First, the entrance congestion status receiving unit 111e receives the congestion status of the entrance side of the parking lot (S111e). For example, the congestion status of the entrance side of the parking lot may be acquired from an image captured by an entrance passage camera 133 installed in the entrance passage of the parking lot. When the entrance side of the parking lot is crowded, there are often many vehicles in the entrance passage, and therefore the number of vehicles waiting to enter can be identified from the captured image.

[0051] If the congestion level at the entrance to the parking lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value of an index indicating the congestion level (Is the congestion level equal to or greater than the threshold value?=Y), the grace period adjustment unit 116 shortens the grace period (S116-1). If the congestion level at the entrance to the parking lot is less than a predetermined threshold value of an index indicating the congestion level (Is the congestion level equal to or greater than the threshold value?=N), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0052] The grace period transmitting unit 111c transmits the grace period that has been shortened in accordance with the congestion state on the entrance side of the parking lot to the user terminal 12 (S111c-2).

[0053] <True grace period extension process when the exit side is congested> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the true grace period extension process when the exit side of the parking lot is congested will be described.

[0054] When the exit side of a parking lot is congested, the situation is different from when the entrance side is congested. Even if a user wants to exit the parking lot quickly, they cannot do so because the exit gate is congested. In addition, not only the exit gate but also the surrounding roads connected to the exit gate may be congested.

[0055] In such cases, it is important for parking lot operators to alleviate users' dissatisfaction with the congestion as much as possible. For example, it would be ideal if they could take measures to prevent additional parking fees from being incurred due to congestion.

[0056] The process shown in the figure is a process for alleviating users' dissatisfaction with the congestion that is occurring as much as possible.

[0057] First, the exit congestion status receiving unit 111f receives the congestion status on the exit side of the parking lot (S111f). The congestion status on the exit side of the parking lot may be obtained, for example, from the operation status of the exit gate 141 of the parking lot. This is because when the exit side of the parking lot is congested, the operation status of the exit gate 141 is likely to be high frequency. Alternatively, the congestion status on the exit side of the parking lot may be obtained from images captured by an exit aisle camera 143 installed in the exit aisle of the parking lot. This is because when the exit side of the parking lot is congested, there are often many vehicles in the exit aisle, and therefore the number of vehicles waiting to exit can be identified from the captured images.

[0058] If the congestion level at the exit side of the parking lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value of an index indicating the congestion level (Is the congestion level equal to or greater than the threshold value?=Y), the grace period adjustment unit 116 extends the true grace period (S116-2). If the congestion level at the exit side of the parking lot is less than a predetermined threshold value of an index indicating the congestion level (Is the congestion level equal to or greater than the threshold value?=N), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0059] The grace period transmitting unit 111c transmits the true grace period extended according to the congestion state on the exit side of the parking lot to the user terminal 12 (S111c-3).

[0060] <Coupon sending process when the exit side is congested> Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the coupon transmission process when the exit side of the parking lot is congested will be described.

[0061] As already mentioned, when the exit side of a parking lot is congested, it is important from the perspective of the parking lot operator to alleviate as much as possible the frustration of users about the congestion that is occurring.

[0062] In such cases, from the perspective of the facilities attached to the parking lot, there may be an incentive to ease users' dissatisfaction and encourage them to make more use of the facilities during the free time created by late departures.

[0063] The process shown in the figure is intended to alleviate users' dissatisfaction with the congestion that is occurring as much as possible, and to increase users' opportunities to use the facility during the free time that is created by late entries.

[0064] First, the exit-side congestion status receiving unit 111f receives the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot (S111f). If the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot is equal to or greater than a predetermined index threshold indicating the congestion status (is the congestion status equal to or greater than the threshold?=Y), the coupon issuing unit 113 issues a coupon to the user using the parking lot (S113-2). If the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot is less than a predetermined index threshold indicating the congestion status (is the congestion status equal to or greater than the threshold?=N), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0065] The coupon sending unit 111d sends a predetermined coupon to the user terminal 12 of the user using the parking lot, depending on the congestion situation on the exit side of the parking lot (S111d-2).

[0066] <Additional Notes> The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory.

[0067] In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0068] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0069] The various processes described above can be implemented by loading a program that executes each step of the above method into the recording unit 10020 of the computer shown in Figure 11 and operating the control unit 10010, input unit 10030, output unit 10040, etc.

[0070] The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, which may be, for example, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any other suitable recording medium.

[0071] The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, lending, etc. a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM on which the program is recorded. Furthermore, the program may be stored in a storage device of a server computer, and then transferred from the server computer to another computer via a network, thereby distributing the program.

[0072] A computer that executes such a program may first temporarily store the program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. Then, when executing a process, the computer reads the program stored on its own recording medium and executes the process in accordance with the read program. Alternatively, the computer may read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute the process in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the computer may execute the process in accordance with the program each time a program is transferred from a server computer to the computer. The server computer may not transfer the program to the computer, but may instead execute the process through a so-called ASP (Application Service Provider) service, which realizes the processing function by issuing an execution instruction and obtaining the results. Furthermore, the server computer may execute the process on a terminal using a so-called SaaS (Software as a Service) service, which allows users to use part of the server computer along with the program. In this embodiment, the program includes information used for computer processing that is equivalent to a program (such as data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has properties that define computer processing).

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device is configured by executing a predetermined program on a computer, but at least a part of the processing contents may be realized by hardware.

Claims

1. an SSID transmission unit that transmits the SSIDs of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points to a user terminal carried by a user; a terminal status information receiving unit that receives, from the user terminal, terminal status information including information regarding the radio wave strength or communication speed of the SSID or information indicating the connection status of the user terminal to the SSID; and a payment determination unit that determines that online payment of parking fees by the user terminal is not possible if the terminal status information does not satisfy a predetermined condition. Parking fee settlement system.

2. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 1, The predetermined conditions are: The signal strength or communication speed of the SSID is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the connection status is connected. Parking fee settlement system.

3. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 1, an SSID storage unit that stores a grace period set for the SSID; a grace time transmission unit that transmits the grace time corresponding to the SSID to the user terminal Parking fee settlement system.

4. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 3, The SSID storage unit storing a true grace time for the SSID that is longer than the grace time; and a parking fee calculation unit that adds the parking fee for the excess time to the user terminal that has not exited after the true grace time has elapsed. Parking fee settlement system.

5. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 3, a coupon sending unit that sends a predetermined coupon to the user terminal that exits the facility a predetermined time before the grace period; Parking fee settlement system.

6. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 3, The grace time transmission unit The grace period, which has been shortened depending on the congestion situation on the entrance side of the parking lot, is transmitted to the user terminal. Parking fee settlement system.

7. 7. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 6, and an entrance congestion status receiving unit that receives the congestion status of the entrance side of the parking lot acquired from an image captured by a camera installed in the entrance side passage of the parking lot. Parking fee settlement system.

8. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 4, The grace time transmission unit The true grace period extended according to the congestion situation on the exit side of the parking lot is transmitted to the user terminal. Parking fee settlement system.

9. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 1, a coupon sending unit that sends a predetermined coupon to the user terminal according to the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot; Parking fee settlement system.

10. 10. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 5 or 9, The coupon is Can be used at facilities related to parking or can be used to pay for parking fees Parking fee settlement system.

11. 10. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 8 or 9, and an exit congestion status receiving unit that receives the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot acquired from the operation status of the exit gate of the parking lot. Parking fee settlement system.

12. 10. The parking fee settlement system according to claim 8 or 9, and an exit-side congestion status receiving unit that receives the congestion status of the exit side of the parking lot obtained from an image captured by a camera installed in the exit-side passage of the parking lot. Parking fee settlement system.

13. A parking fee settlement method executed by a parking fee settlement system, transmitting SSIDs of one or more predetermined wireless LAN access points to a user terminal carried by the user; receiving terminal status information from the user terminal, the terminal status information including information on the radio wave strength or communication speed of the SSID or information indicating the connection status of the user terminal to the SSID; and determining that online payment of parking fees by the user terminal is not possible if the terminal status information does not satisfy a predetermined condition. How to pay parking fees.

14. A program that causes a computer to function as the parking fee settlement system according to claim 1.

Images