Parking fee management system, parking fee management device, mobile terminal and program

Abstract

We provide a parking fee management system, parking fee management device, mobile terminal, and program that allows customers to check their current parking fees at their convenience. [Solution] The parking fee management system comprises a mobile terminal carried by the customer and a parking fee management device. The mobile terminal has an access destination reading unit that reads a 2D code printed on the parking ticket that includes the access destination to the parking fee management device and the time of entry, a purchase amount receiving unit that receives the purchase amount at the store, a parking fee information inquiry unit that inquires about the parking fee at the current time, and a parking fee information display unit that displays the answer to the inquiry. The parking fee management device has an inquiry information acquisition unit that obtains the time of entry and the purchase amount of goods from the mobile terminal, a parking fee information calculation unit that calculates the parking fee at the current time from the information obtained from the mobile terminal, the current time, and the parking fee table of the parking lot, and a parking fee information output unit that outputs the calculated parking fee to the mobile terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a parking fee management system, a parking fee management device, a mobile terminal, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when using a parking lot attached to a store, it is possible to receive a parking fee service according to the purchase amount in the store (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a customer could not immediately know the parking fee at the current time. Therefore, when a customer wanted to know the parking fee at the current time, the customer had to calculate the parking fee at the current time by himself / herself from the current time, the entry time, and the purchase amount in the store.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a parking fee management system, a parking fee management device, a mobile terminal, and a program that enable a customer to check the current parking fee at a free timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The parking fee management system of this embodiment manages parking fees for customers' vehicles that have entered the store's parking lot. The parking fee management system comprises a mobile terminal carried by the customer and a parking fee management device. The mobile terminal has a code reading unit, a purchase amount receiving unit, a parking fee information inquiry unit, a parking fee information acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The code reading unit reads the registered contents of a code symbol from a parking ticket issued upon entry, which has a code symbol printed on it that includes at least the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device and the time of entry. The purchase amount receiving unit receives input of the purchase amount of goods at the store. The parking fee information inquiry unit outputs the time of entry and the purchase amount of goods to the access destination and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time. The parking fee information acquisition unit obtains the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for further discounts on the parking fee from the parking fee management device. The display control unit displays the parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods acquired by the parking fee information acquisition unit on its own display unit. The parking fee management device also includes an inquiry information acquisition unit, a parking fee information calculation unit, and a parking fee information output unit. The inquiry information acquisition unit acquires the entry time and the purchase amount of goods from the mobile terminal. The parking fee information calculation unit calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee from the entry time and purchase amount of goods acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit, the current time, and a parking fee table that registers parking fees corresponding to parking time and purchase amount of goods in the parking lot. The parking fee information output unit outputs the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee, calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit, to the mobile terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the parking fee management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a parking fee management device included in a parking fee management system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the parking fee master stored in the parking fee management device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the parking fee discount master stored in the parking fee management device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of a parking fee management file stored by a parking fee management device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the gate management device included in the parking fee management system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a parking ticket issued by a gate management device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal included in a parking fee management system. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a purchase amount input screen displayed on a mobile device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is the first diagram showing an example of a parking fee display screen that appears on a mobile device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is the first diagram showing an example of a parking fee display screen that appears on a mobile device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a parking fee management device, a gate management device, and a mobile terminal included in a parking fee management system. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a parking fee management system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the parking fee management system 10 of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Outline of the parking fee management system) The schematic configuration of the parking fee management system 10 of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the parking fee management system of the embodiment.

[0010] The parking fee management system 10 manages parking fees when a car is parked in a parking lot attached to or near a store. Generally, when a customer makes a purchase at a store, parking fees are waived for a specified period of time if they spend a certain amount. Therefore, the parking fee management system 10 calculates the parking fee based on the parking time and the amount spent at the store.

[0011] The parking fee management system 10 has a configuration in which a parking fee management device 12, a gate management device 13, a gate device 14, and a payment machine 15 are connected to each other via a network 18. In addition, a mobile terminal 17 carried by a customer is wirelessly connected to the network 18 via a wireless router 16.

[0012] The parking fee management device 12 obtains information related to parking payment from the gate management device 13 and generates a parking fee management file 224 (see Figure 2) that stores the history of parking fee payments.

[0013] Furthermore, the parking fee management device 12 receives a request from a mobile terminal 17 held by a customer using the parking lot and responds with the parking fee at the time of the request, the remaining time for which the parking fee will be maintained, or the amount of additional goods that must be purchased in order for a further discount on the parking fee.

[0014] The gate management device 13 manages the operations of an entrance gate for admitting vehicles into the parking lot and an exit gate for discharging vehicles from the parking lot. Specifically, when a vehicle enters the parking lot through the entrance gate, the gate management device 13 reads and stores the registration number described on the vehicle's license plate. Also, the gate management device 13 issues a parking ticket 25. Details of the parking ticket 25 will be described later (see Fig. 7). Further, when a vehicle exits the parking lot through the exit gate, the gate management device 13 reads the parking ticket 25 and the receipt issued when the customer shopped at the store, and calculates the parking fee. Then, the gate management device 13 accepts payment (settlement) for the parking fee, and when the settlement is completed, opens the gate and discharges the vehicle.

[0015] The gate device 14 controls the entry and exit of vehicles by operating in cooperation with the gate management device 13. The gate device 14 is composed of, for example, an opening and closing bar or an opening and closing shutter.

[0016] The payment machine 15 accepts payment for the parking fee by operating in cooperation with the gate management device 13. Any payment method can be used, and depending on the customer's choice, cash payment, credit card payment, prepaid card payment, etc. are available.

[0017] Note that the payment machine 15 may be installed at a position close to the gate device 14 and perform settlement at the time of exit, or may be a pre-payment machine that performs settlement in advance prior to exit.

[0018] The network 18 is a structure that connects the components of the parking fee management system 10 so that they can communicate with each other. Specifically, the network 18 is a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or the like.

[0019] The wireless router 16 is a device that wirelessly connects the mobile terminal 17 held by the customer to the parking fee management device 12 via the network 18.

[0020] The mobile terminal 17 is held by the customer and queries the parking fee management device 12 for the current parking fee. The mobile terminal 17 also transmits the amount of money the customer has spent at the store to the parking fee management device 12. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 17 retrieves from the parking fee management device 12 the current parking fee, the remaining time until the parking fee changes, the amount of additional goods that need to be purchased to receive a further discount on the parking fee, etc., and presents this information to the customer. The mobile terminal 17 can be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0021] Note that the configuration of the parking fee management system 10 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1. For example, the parking fee management device 12 may be located on the cloud.

[0022] (Hardware configuration of the parking fee management system) The hardware configuration of the parking fee management device 12 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the parking fee management device included in the parking fee management system.

[0023] The parking fee management device 12 has a configuration in which a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication controller 24 are connected to each other by an internal bus 23.

[0024] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the parking fee management device 12. The control unit 21 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213. The CPU 211 connects to the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 211 loads various programs stored in the ROM 212 and the memory unit 22 into the RAM 213. The CPU 211 controls the operation of the parking fee management device 12 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 213. In other words, the control unit 21 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0025] The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 22 stores the control program 221, the parking fee master 222, the parking fee discount master 223, and the parking fee management file 224.

[0026] The control program 221 is a program that controls the overall operation of the parking fee management device 12. The control program 221 may be provided stored in the storage unit 22, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 221 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 221 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0027] The parking fee master 222 is a master file that stores parking fees for parking lots. The specific data structure of the parking fee master 222 will be described in detail later (see Figure 3). Note that the parking fee master 222 is an example of a parking fee table in this disclosure.

[0028] The parking fee discount master 223 is a master file that stores the discount amount for parking fees based on the purchase amount at a store. The specific data structure of the parking fee discount master 223 will be described in detail later (see Figure 4). Note that the parking fee discount master 223 is an example of a parking fee table in this disclosure.

[0029] The parking fee management file 224 is a file that cumulatively records the status of parking fee charges. The specific data structure of the parking fee management file 224 will be described in detail later (see Figure 5).

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 21 transmits and receives various information with the gate management device 13 via the communication controller 24. For example, the parking fee management device 12 obtains parking fee settlement information (identification number to identify the parking space, vehicle number, date of entry, time of entry, time of exit, purchase amount, parking fee) from the gate management device 13.

[0031] Furthermore, the parking fee management device 12 transmits and receives various information to and from the mobile terminal 17 via the communication controller 24. For example, the parking fee management device 12 receives an inquiry from the mobile terminal 17 regarding the current parking fee. The parking fee management device 12 also outputs to the mobile terminal 17 the current parking fee and the remaining time until the parking fee changes. In addition, the parking fee management device 12 outputs to the mobile terminal 17 the amount of additional goods that must be purchased to receive a further discount on the parking fee.

[0032] (Data structure of the parking fee master) The data structure of the parking fee master 222 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the parking fee master stored by the parking fee management device.

[0033] Parking fee master 222 is a master file that stores the parking time, which is the elapsed time from the time of entry to the time of exit, in association with the parking fee.

[0034] The parking fee management device 12 receives an inquiry about the current parking fee and the entry time of the vehicle from the mobile terminal 17, and calculates the current parking fee by referring to the parking fee master 222.

[0035] (Data structure of the parking fee discount master) The data structure of the parking fee discount master 223 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the parking fee discount master stored by the parking fee management device.

[0036] Parking fee discount master 223 is a master file that stores the relationship between the purchase amount range and the amount of free parking time at stores that offer parking fee discounts.

[0037] The parking fee management device 12 receives an inquiry from the mobile terminal 17 regarding the current parking fee, the purchase amount at stores eligible for parking fee discounts, and the entry time of the vehicle, and calculates the free parking time based on the parking fee discount master 223. Then, based on the parking fee master 222, the parking fee management device 12 calculates the parking fee corresponding to the time obtained by subtracting the free parking time from the actual parking time.

[0038] (Data structure of the parking fee management file) Figure 5 illustrates the data structure of the parking fee management file 224. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of a parking fee management file stored by a parking fee management device.

[0039] The parking fee management file 224 is a data file that represents the usage history of a parking lot. The parking fee management file 224 stores the parking ID, vehicle number, entry time, exit time, purchase amount, free parking time, and parking fee, associating them with each other.

[0040] The parking ID is an identification number that identifies a single parking space. The parking ID is issued by the gate management device 13 when a vehicle enters the parking area. If there are multiple gates in a single parking area, the parking ID may also include a number that identifies the specific gate.

[0041] The vehicle number is the registration number of the vehicle, as read by the gate device 14 upon entry into the depot.

[0042] The time of entry is the time measured by the gate device 14 at the time of entry.

[0043] The departure time is the time measured by the gate device 14 at the time of departure.

[0044] Parking time is calculated by subtracting the entry time from the exit time.

[0045] Free parking time is determined by the amount of money spent by the customer.

[0046] Parking fees are calculated based on the actual parking time, which is calculated by subtracting the free parking period from the total parking time.

[0047] The parking fee management device 12 obtains this information from the gate management device 13, generates a parking fee management file 224, and stores it. The parking fee management device 12 obtains all of the above information from the gate management device 13 after the vehicle has exited the parking lot. Alternatively, the parking ID, vehicle number, and entry time may be obtained from the gate management device 13 when the vehicle enters the parking lot and this information is confirmed, and the exit time, parking time, purchase amount, and parking fee may be obtained from the gate management device 13 when the vehicle exits and this information is confirmed.

[0048] (Gate management system hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the gate management device 13 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the gate management device included in the parking fee management system.

[0049] The gate management device 13 has a configuration in which a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a peripheral device controller 34, and a communication controller 35 are connected to each other by an internal bus 33.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the gate management device 13. The control unit 31 comprises a CPU 311, a ROM 312, and a RAM 313. The CPU 311 connects to the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 311 loads various programs stored in the ROM 312 and the memory unit 32 into the RAM 313. The CPU 311 controls the operation of the gate management device 13 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 313. In other words, the control unit 31 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0051] The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the storage unit 32 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 32 stores the control program 321, the parking fee master 322, and the parking fee discount master 323.

[0052] The control program 321 is a program that controls the overall operation of the gate management device 13. The control program 321 may be provided stored in the storage unit 32, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 321 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 321 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0053] The parking fee master 322 is the same master file as the parking fee master 222 stored in the parking fee management device 12.

[0054] The parking fee discount master 323 is the same master file 223 stored by the parking fee management device 12.

[0055] The control unit 31 is connected to the gate device 14 and the payment machine 15 via the peripheral device controller 34.

[0056] The gate device 14 includes a camera 141, an opening / closing gate 142, and a ticket dispenser 143.

[0057] Camera 141 photographs the vehicle numbers of vehicles entering and leaving the depot.

[0058] The gate 142 opens upon vehicle entry, provided that the vehicle number has been read, thereby allowing the vehicle to enter. Similarly, the gate 142 opens upon vehicle exit, provided that the parking fee has been paid, thereby allowing the vehicle to exit.

[0059] The ticket machine 143 issues a parking ticket 25 (see Figure 7) when a vehicle enters the parking lot. More details about the parking ticket 25 will be provided later.

[0060] The payment machine 15 includes a display device 151, a card reader 152, a money deposit / withdrawal device 153, and a receipt printer 154.

[0061] The display device 151 displays various information related to the payment of parking fees (parking fees, parking time, purchase amount, etc.). The display device 151 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor.

[0062] The card reader 152 is, for example, a magnetic reader that reads information (parking ID, vehicle number, date of entry, time of entry, purchase amount, free parking time, etc.) recorded on the magnetic stripe 26 of the parking ticket 25 (see Figure 7).

[0063] The money deposit and withdrawal device 153 accepts banknotes or coins inserted by customers for parking fees. The money deposit and withdrawal device 153 also dispenses banknotes or coins as change.

[0064] Although not shown in Figure 6, the payment machine 15 may also be equipped with a device that reads various media such as credit cards and electronic money cards to perform cashless payments.

[0065] The receipt printer 154 prints and issues a receipt with the result of the parking fee settlement.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 31 transmits and receives various information to and from the parking fee management device 12 via the communication controller 35. For example, the gate management device 13 outputs settlement information related to parking fees to the parking fee management device 12.

[0067] (Parking ticket composition) The configuration of the parking ticket 25 issued by the gate management device 13 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a parking ticket issued by the gate management device.

[0068] The parking ticket 25 is issued by the ticket dispenser 143 of the gate device 14 when a vehicle enters the parking lot. The parking ticket 25 is a magnetic card with a magnetic stripe 26 on its back. The front of the parking ticket 25 also has the entry time 27 and a two-dimensional code 28 printed on it.

[0069] The magnetic stripe 26 records various parking-related information, such as parking ID, vehicle number, date of entry, time of entry, purchase amount, and free parking time. The purchase amount and free parking time are recorded on the magnetic stripe 26 by a store employee at the store's service counter or other location after a purchase has been made, provided the purchase amount meets the requirement for the designated free parking time.

[0070] The entry time 27 is the time the vehicle entered the parking lot. The entry time 27 is printed on the front of the parking ticket 25 so that the time of entry can be immediately confirmed by the customer.

[0071] The two-dimensional code 28 includes, at a minimum, the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device 12, the time of entry, and a code symbol. The two-dimensional code 28 is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). The access destination for accessing the parking fee management device 12 is, for example, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the parking fee management device 12.

[0072] (Hardware configuration of mobile devices) The hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 17 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal included in a parking fee management system.

[0073] The mobile terminal 17 has a configuration in which a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a peripheral device controller 44, and a communication controller 45 are connected to each other by an internal bus 43.

[0074] The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 17. The control unit 41 comprises a CPU 411, a ROM 412, and a RAM 413. The CPU 411 connects to the ROM 412 and the RAM 413 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 411 loads various programs stored in the ROM 412 and the memory unit 42 into the RAM 413. The CPU 411 controls the operation of the mobile terminal 17 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 413. In other words, the control unit 41 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0075] The storage unit 42 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. Alternatively, the storage unit 42 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 42 stores the control program 421.

[0076] The control program 421 is a program that controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 17. The control program 421 may be provided stored in the memory unit 42, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 421 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 421 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0077] The control unit 41 is connected to the display device 441, the operation device 442, and the camera 443 via the peripheral device controller 44.

[0078] The display device 441 displays various information to the customer. The display device 441 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor. Note that the display device 441 is an example of a display unit in this disclosure.

[0079] The operating device 442 receives various operational information from the customer. The operating device 442 is, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 441.

[0080] Camera 443 reads the 2D code 28 printed on the parking ticket 25.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 41 transmits and receives various information with the parking fee management device 12 via the communication controller 45. For example, the mobile terminal 17 inquires with the parking fee management device 12 about the current parking fee, and the mobile terminal 17 obtains the current parking fee from the parking fee management device 12.

[0082] (Purchase amount input screen displayed on mobile device) Using Figure 9, we will explain the purchase amount input screen 36 displayed on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17 when checking the parking fee at the current time. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase amount input screen displayed on the mobile terminal.

[0083] The purchase amount input screen 36 displays a 10-key keypad 361, auxiliary keys 362, a purchase amount display field 363, and a confirmation button 364.

[0084] The 10-key 361 is an operator used to input the purchase amount. Customers input the total amount including tax by operating the 10-key 361 while looking at the receipt printed with the results of their purchase. The 10-key 361 includes numeric keys for inputting numbers from 0 to 9, and a clear key for clearing the entered information.

[0085] The auxiliary key 362 includes an add key and an equals key, which are used to add up the purchase amounts printed on multiple receipts. The customer enters the purchase amount from one receipt and then presses the add key. After that, they enter the purchase amount from another receipt and press the equals key, at which point the mobile terminal 17 calculates the sum of the purchase amounts from the two receipts. To add up the purchase amounts from three or more receipts, the same operation is repeated.

[0086] The purchase amount display field 363 displays the entered purchase amount or the sum of the purchase amounts from multiple receipts.

[0087] The confirmation button 364 is an operator used to confirm the purchase amount displayed in the purchase amount display field 363. When the confirmation button 364 is pressed, the mobile terminal 17 outputs the purchase amount displayed in the purchase amount display field 363 to the parking fee management device 12.

[0088] (Screen displaying parking fees on a mobile device) Using Figure 10, we will explain the parking fee display screen 37 that is displayed on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17. Figure 10 is the first diagram showing an example of a parking fee display screen that is displayed on a mobile terminal.

[0089] The parking fee display screen 37 shows the entry time 371, the purchase amount 372, the free exit time 373, the current time 374, the current parking fee 375, and the additional purchase amount 376. This information is the response from the parking fee management device 12 to an inquiry from the mobile terminal 17.

[0090] The entry time 371 is the time measured by the gate device 14 at the time of entry.

[0091] The purchase amount of 372 represents the total amount spent by customers on purchasing goods and services at stores that offer parking fee discounts.

[0092] The free exit time 373 is the final time when you can exit the parking lot free of charge, calculated based on the entry time 371 and the purchase amount 372.

[0093] The current time of 374 is the time when the mobile terminal 17 inquired about the parking fee from the parking fee management device 12.

[0094] The current parking fee of 375 is the parking fee at the current time of 374.

[0095] The additional purchase amount of 376 is the amount required to receive further discounts on parking fees.

[0096] (Screen displaying parking fees on a mobile device) The parking fee display screen 38 shown on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a second diagram showing an example of a parking fee display screen shown on a mobile terminal.

[0097] The parking fee display screen 38 shows the entry time 381, the purchase amount 382, ​​the free exit time 383, the current time 384, and the remaining free exit time 385. This information is the response from the parking fee management device 12 to an inquiry from the mobile terminal 17.

[0098] The entry time 381 is the time measured by the gate device 14 at the time of entry.

[0099] The purchase amount of 382 represents the total amount spent by the customer on purchasing goods and services at stores that offer parking fee discounts.

[0100] Free exit time 383 is the final time when you can exit free of charge, calculated based on the entry time 381 and the purchase amount 382.

[0101] The current time of 384 is the time when the mobile terminal 17 inquired about the parking fee from the parking fee management device 12.

[0102] The remaining free exit time of 385 is the time remaining from the current time of 384 until the free exit time of 383.

[0103] Furthermore, it is desirable that the mobile terminal 17 displays the remaining free parking time 385 shown on the parking fee display screen 38 if parking is free at the current time, and displays the additional purchase amount 376 (see Figure 10) shown on the parking fee display screen 37 if parking is not free at the current time.

[0104] (Functional configuration of the parking fee management system) The functional configuration of the parking fee management system 10 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the parking fee management device, gate management device, and mobile terminal included in the parking fee management system.

[0105] (Functional configuration of the gate control system) First, let's explain the functional configuration of the gate management device 13.

[0106] The control unit 31 of the gate management device 13 deploys the control program 321 to the RAM 313 and operates it, thereby realizing the following as functional units: the vehicle number reading unit 51, the parking ticket issuing unit 52, the parking ticket reading unit 53, the parking fee confirmation unit 54, the settlement processing unit 55, the gate opening / closing control unit 56, and the settlement information output unit 57, as shown in Figure 12. Note that all or some of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0107] The vehicle number reading unit 51 causes the camera 141 to read the vehicle number of a vehicle entering the parking lot.

[0108] The parking ticket issuing unit 52 causes the ticket issuing machine 143 to issue parking tickets 25.

[0109] When a vehicle exits the parking lot, the parking ticket reader 53 causes the card reader 152 to read the information recorded on the magnetic stripe 26 of the parking ticket 25 (parking ID, vehicle number, date of entry, time of entry, purchase amount, free parking time, etc.).

[0110] The parking fee determination unit 54 determines the parking fee based on the information read by the parking ticket reading unit 53. Specifically, the parking fee determination unit 54 calculates the actual parking time by subtracting the free parking time from the elapsed time from the time of entry to the current time. Then, it determines the parking fee corresponding to the calculated parking time.

[0111] The settlement processing unit 55 causes the settlement machine 15 to perform settlement processing related to the parking fee determined by the parking fee determination unit 54.

[0112] The gate opening / closing control unit 56 controls the opening and closing of the gate 142. Specifically, the gate opening / closing control unit 56 opens the gate 142 when a vehicle enters the parking lot and a parking ticket 25 has been issued. The gate opening / closing control unit 56 also opens the gate 142 when the payment process for the parking fee has been completed. The gate opening / closing control unit 56 closes the gate 142 when a vehicle has passed through it.

[0113] The settlement information output unit 57 outputs information representing the parking lot usage history to the parking fee management device 12, provided that the settlement process for parking fees has been completed. Specifically, the settlement information output unit 57 outputs the parking ID, vehicle number, entry time, exit time, parking time, free parking time, and parking fee, each associated with the other.

[0114] (Functional configuration of mobile devices) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the mobile device 17.

[0115] The control unit 41 of the mobile terminal 17 deploys the control program 421 to the RAM 413 and operates it to realize the following functional units as shown in Figure 12: the access destination reading unit 61, the purchase amount receiving unit 62, the parking fee information inquiry unit 63, the parking fee information acquisition unit 64, and the parking fee information display unit 65. Note that all or some of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0116] The access destination reading unit 61 reads the registered contents of the two-dimensional code 28 from the parking ticket 25, which is issued upon entry and has at least the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device 12, the entry time, and the two-dimensional code 28 printed on it. More specifically, the access destination reading unit 61 reads the two-dimensional code 28 printed on the parking ticket 25 using the camera 443 of the mobile terminal 17. Note that the access destination reading unit 61 is an example of a code reading unit in this disclosure.

[0117] The purchase amount reception unit 62 receives input of the purchase amount of goods at the store. More specifically, the purchase amount reception unit 62 receives input of the purchase amount of goods on the purchase amount input screen 36 (see Figure 9) displayed on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17.

[0118] The parking fee information inquiry unit 63 outputs the entry time read from the parking ticket 25 and the purchase amount entered on the purchase amount input screen 36 to the parking fee management device 12, and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee for the current time.

[0119] The parking fee information acquisition unit 64 obtains from the parking fee management device 12 the current parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee. The parking fee information acquisition unit 64 also obtains from the parking fee management device 12 the remaining time during which the current parking fee will not change.

[0120] The parking fee information display unit 65 displays the current parking fee, acquired by the parking fee information acquisition unit 64, and the additional purchase amount required for a further discount on the parking fee, on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17. The parking fee information display unit 65 also displays the remaining time during which the parking fee will not change, acquired by the parking fee information acquisition unit 64, on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17. Note that the parking fee information display unit 65 is an example of a display control unit in this disclosure.

[0121] (Functional configuration of the parking fee management system) Next, the functional configuration of the parking fee management device 12 will be explained.

[0122] The control unit 21 of the parking fee management device 12 implements the inquiry information acquisition unit 71, the parking fee information calculation unit 72, the parking fee information output unit 73, and the parking fee management unit 74 as functional units, as shown in Figure 12, by deploying the control program 221 to the RAM 213 and operating it. Note that all or part of these functional units may be implemented using dedicated hardware.

[0123] The inquiry information acquisition unit 71 acquires the parking fee for the current time, along with the time of entry and the purchase amount of the goods, from the mobile terminal 17.

[0124] The parking fee information calculation unit 72 calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount required for a further discount on the parking fee, based on the entry time, the purchase amount of goods, and the current time obtained by the inquiry information acquisition unit 71, the registered contents of the parking fee master 222, and the registered contents of the parking fee discount master 223. The parking fee information calculation unit 72 also calculates the remaining time during which the parking fee at the current time will not change.

[0125] The parking fee information output unit 73 outputs to the mobile terminal 17 the current parking fee calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit 72, and the additional purchase amount required for a further discount on the parking fee. The parking fee information output unit 73 also outputs to the mobile terminal 17 the remaining time during which the parking fee will not change at the current time.

[0126] The parking fee management unit 74 acquires information representing the parking lot usage history output by the settlement information output unit 57 of the gate management device 13, stores it in the parking fee management file 224, and updates it.

[0127] (Processing flow performed by the product sales data processing system) Figure 13 illustrates the processing flow of the parking fee management system 10. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the parking fee management system.

[0128] (Process flow performed by the gate management device) First, let's explain the processing flow performed by the gate management device 13.

[0129] The vehicle number reading unit 51 causes the camera 141 to read the vehicle number of a vehicle entering the parking lot (step S11).

[0130] The parking ticket issuing unit 52 causes the ticket issuing machine 143 to issue a parking ticket 25 (step S12).

[0131] The gate opening / closing control unit 56 opens the opening / closing gate 142 (step S13).

[0132] The parking ticket reader 53 causes the card reader 152 to read the information recorded on the magnetic stripe 26 of the parking ticket 25 (parking ID, vehicle number, date of entry, time of entry, purchase amount, free parking time, etc.) (step S14).

[0133] The parking fee determination unit 54 determines the parking fee based on the information read by the parking ticket reading unit 53 (step S15).

[0134] The settlement processing unit 55 causes the settlement machine 15 to perform the settlement process related to the parking fee determined by the parking fee determination unit 54 (step S16).

[0135] The gate opening / closing control unit 56 opens the opening / closing gate 142 on the condition that the settlement process for parking fees has been completed (step S17).

[0136] The settlement information output unit 57 outputs information representing the parking lot usage history to the parking fee management device 12 (step S18). Specifically, the settlement information output unit 57 outputs the parking ID, vehicle number, entry time, exit time, parking time, free parking time, and parking fee, each associated with the others. After that, the gate management device 13 terminates processing.

[0137] (Process flow performed by mobile devices) Next, we will explain the process performed by the mobile device 17 carried by a customer who has entered the parking lot.

[0138] The access destination reading unit 61 causes the camera 443 of the mobile terminal 17 to read the two-dimensional code 28 of the parking ticket 25 (step S21).

[0139] The purchase amount receiving unit 62 displays the purchase amount input screen 36 on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17 and receives input from the customer for the purchase amount of the products (step S22).

[0140] The parking fee information inquiry unit 63 outputs the entry time read from the parking ticket 25 and the purchase amount entered on the purchase amount input screen 36 to the parking fee management device 12, and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time (step S23).

[0141] The parking fee information acquisition unit 64 acquires at least the parking fee for the current time from the parking fee management device 12 (step S24). The parking fee information acquisition unit 64 may also acquire the additional purchase amount of goods necessary for further discounts on the parking fee.

[0142] The parking fee information display unit 65 displays at least the current parking fee on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17 (step S25). The parking fee information display unit 65 may also display on the display device 441 of the mobile terminal 17 the amount of additional goods that must be purchased to receive a further discount on the parking fee. After that, the mobile terminal 17 terminates processing.

[0143] (Process flow performed by the parking fee management system) Next, we will explain the processing flow performed by the parking fee management device 12.

[0144] The inquiry information acquisition unit 71 acquires an inquiry about parking fees from the mobile terminal 17, along with the time of entry and the purchase amount of the goods (step S31).

[0145] The parking fee information calculation unit 72 calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee, based on the entry time and purchase amount of goods acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit 71, the current time, the registered contents of the parking fee master 222, and the registered contents of the parking fee discount master 223 (step S32).

[0146] The parking fee information output unit 73 outputs to the mobile terminal 17 the parking fee for the current time calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit 72, and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee (step S33).

[0147] The parking fee management unit 74 acquires information representing the parking lot usage history output by the settlement information output unit 57 of the gate management device 13, stores it in the parking fee management file 224, and updates it (step S34). After that, the parking fee management device 12 terminates the process.

[0148] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the parking fee management system 10 of this embodiment comprises a mobile terminal 17 and a parking fee management device 12. The mobile terminal 17 includes an access destination reading unit 61 (code reading unit) that reads the registered contents of a two-dimensional code 28 from a parking ticket 25, which is held by the customer and issued upon entry, and which has a two-dimensional code 28 printed on it that includes at least the access destination and entry time for accessing the parking fee management device 12; a purchase amount receiving unit 62 that accepts input of the purchase amount of goods at the store; a parking fee information inquiry unit 63 that outputs the entry time and the purchase amount of goods to the access destination and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time; a parking fee information acquisition unit 64 that obtains the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods necessary for a further discount on the parking fee from the parking fee management device 12; and a parking fee information display unit 65 (display control unit) that displays the parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods obtained by the parking fee information acquisition unit 64 on its own display device 441 (display unit). The parking fee management device 12 includes: an inquiry information acquisition unit 71 that acquires the parking fee for the current time, along with the time of entry and the amount of goods purchased, from a mobile terminal 17; a parking fee information calculation unit 72 that calculates the parking fee for the current time and the amount of goods purchased necessary to further discount the parking fee, based on the time of entry and the amount of goods purchased acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit 71, the current time, and a parking fee table that registers parking fees corresponding to parking time and the amount of goods purchased in the parking lot; and a parking fee information output unit 73 that outputs the parking fee for the current time and the amount of goods purchased necessary to further discount the parking fee, calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit 72, to the mobile terminal 17. Therefore, customers can check the current parking fee at their convenience. Furthermore, since it can be configured independently of sales management devices such as POS terminals installed in stores, it can be easily installed in existing stores.

[0149] Furthermore, in the parking fee management system 10 of this embodiment, the parking fee information calculation unit 72 of the parking fee management device 12 further calculates the remaining time during which the parking fee will not change at the current time, the parking fee information acquisition unit 64 of the mobile terminal 17 further acquires the remaining time from the parking fee management device 12, and the parking fee information display unit 65 (display control unit) further displays the remaining time on its display device 441 (display unit). Therefore, if the parking fee is free at the current time, the remaining time during which the customer can exit the parking lot for free is displayed, allowing the customer to make effective use of the time, such as by doing other shopping.

[0150] Furthermore, the portable terminal 17 of the parking fee management system 10 of the embodiment includes an access destination reading unit 61 (code reading unit) that reads the registered contents of the two-dimensional code 28 from a parking ticket 25 issued upon entry, which has at least an access destination for accessing the parking fee management device 12, the time of entry, and the two-dimensional code 28 printed on it; a purchase amount receiving unit 62 that accepts input of the purchase amount of goods at the store; a parking fee information inquiry unit 63 that outputs the time of entry and the purchase amount of goods to the access destination and inquires about parking fee information including the parking fee at the current time; a parking fee information acquisition unit 64 that obtains the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods necessary for a further discount on the parking fee from the parking fee management device 12; and a parking fee information display unit 65 (display control unit) that displays the parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods obtained by the parking fee information acquisition unit 64 on its own display device 441 (display unit). Therefore, customers can check the current parking fee at any time using their own mobile device 17.

[0151] Furthermore, the parking fee management device 12 in the parking fee management system 10 of this embodiment includes: an inquiry information acquisition unit 71 that acquires the time of entry into the parking lot and the amount of goods purchased at the store, along with an inquiry about the parking fee at the current time, from a mobile terminal 17 held by the customer; a parking fee information calculation unit 72 that calculates the parking fee at the current time and the amount of goods purchased necessary to further discount the parking fee from the parking fee table which has registered the parking fee corresponding to the parking time and the amount of goods purchased at the parking lot, acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit 71; and a parking fee information output unit 73 that outputs the parking fee at the current time and the amount of goods purchased necessary to further discount the parking fee, calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit 72, to the mobile terminal 17.Therefore, in response to an inquiry about the parking fee from a customer, the parking fee at the current time can be immediately calculated and answered.

[0152] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 10. Parking fee management system 12 Parking fee management device 13 Gate control device 14 Gate device 141 Camera 142 Opening and closing gate 143 Ticket machine 15 Payment machine 151 Display Devices 152 Card Reader 153. Money deposit and withdrawal device 154 Receipt Printer 17 Mobile devices 222 Parking Fee Master (Parking Fee Table) 223 Parking Fee Discount Master (Parking Fee Table) 224 Parking fee management file 25 Parking ticket 26 Magnetic Stripes 28 2D codes 36. Purchase Amount Input Screen 37,38 Parking fee display screen 441 Display device (display unit) 443 Camera 51 Vehicle number reading unit 52 Parking Ticket Issuance Department 53 Parking ticket reader 54 Parking Fee Confirmation Section 55 Settlement Processing Section 56 Gate Opening / Closing Control Unit 57 Settlement Information Output Unit 61 Access destination reading unit (code reading unit) 62 Purchase Amount Reception Department 63 Parking Fee Information Inquiry Department 64 Parking Fee Information Acquisition Department 65 Parking fee information display unit (display control unit) 71 Inquiry Information Acquisition Department 72 Parking Fee Information Calculation Unit 73 Parking fee information output unit 74 Parking Fee Management Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0154] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-13630

Claims

1. A parking fee management system that manages parking fees for customers' vehicles parked in a store's parking lot, The aforementioned customer possessed, A code reader unit reads the registered contents of a code symbol from a parking ticket issued upon entry, which has a code symbol printed on it that includes at least the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device and the time of entry. The aforementioned store includes a purchase amount reception unit that accepts input of the purchase amount of the goods, A parking fee information inquiry unit outputs the aforementioned entry time and the aforementioned purchase price of the goods to the aforementioned access destination and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time. A parking fee information acquisition unit obtains the current parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee from the aforementioned parking fee management device. A display control unit that causes the parking fee and the additional purchase amount of the goods acquired by the parking fee information acquisition unit to be displayed on its own display unit, and a portable terminal having a display control unit An inquiry information acquisition unit obtains from the aforementioned mobile terminal the time of entry and the purchase price of the goods, along with an inquiry about the parking fee at the current time. A parking fee information calculation unit calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee, based on the aforementioned entry time and purchase amount of goods acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit, the current time, a parking fee table that registers parking fees in the parking lot corresponding to the parking time and purchase amount of goods, and A parking fee management device having a parking fee information output unit that outputs to the mobile terminal the parking fee at the current time calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit, and the amount of additional goods that must be purchased to receive a further discount on the parking fee. A parking fee management system equipped with [features].

2. The parking fee information calculation unit of the parking fee management device further calculates the remaining time during which the parking fee will not change at the current time, The parking fee information acquisition unit of the mobile terminal further acquires the remaining time from the parking fee management device, and the display control unit further displays the remaining time on its own display unit. The parking fee management system according to claim 1.

3. A mobile device owned by the customer, A code reader unit reads the registered contents of a code symbol from a parking ticket issued upon entry, which has at least the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device, the entry time, and a code symbol printed on it. A purchase amount reception desk in the store that accepts input of the purchase amount of products, A parking fee information inquiry unit outputs the aforementioned entry time and the aforementioned purchase price of the goods to the aforementioned access destination and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time. A parking fee information acquisition unit obtains the current parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee from the aforementioned parking fee management device. The system includes a display control unit that causes the parking fee information acquisition unit to display the parking fee and the additional purchase price of the goods on its own display unit. Mobile device.

4. An inquiry information acquisition unit obtains information from the customer's mobile device, including the time of entry into the parking lot, the amount of goods purchased at the store, and the current parking fee. A parking fee information calculation unit calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee, based on the aforementioned entry time and purchase amount of goods acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit, the current time, a parking fee table that registers parking fees in the parking lot corresponding to the parking time and purchase amount of goods, and The system includes a parking fee information output unit that outputs to the mobile terminal the parking fee calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit for the current time, and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee. Parking fee management device.

5. The computer that controls the mobile device held by the customer, A code reader unit reads the registered contents of a code symbol from a parking ticket issued upon entry, which has a code symbol printed on it that includes at least the access destination for accessing the parking fee management device and the time of entry. A purchase amount reception desk in the store that accepts input of the purchase amount of products, A parking fee information inquiry unit outputs the aforementioned entry time and the aforementioned purchase price of the goods to the aforementioned access destination and inquires about parking fee information, including the parking fee at the current time. A parking fee information acquisition unit obtains the current parking fee and the additional purchase amount of goods required to receive a further discount on the parking fee from the aforementioned parking fee management device. The display control unit operates by causing the parking fee information acquisition unit to display the parking fee and the additional purchase amount of the product on its own display unit. program.

6. The computer that controls the parking fee management system An inquiry information acquisition unit obtains information from the customer's mobile device, including the time of entry into the parking lot, the amount of goods purchased at the store, and the current parking fee. A parking fee information calculation unit calculates the parking fee at the current time and the additional purchase amount of goods required for a further discount on the parking fee, based on the aforementioned entry time and purchase amount of goods acquired by the inquiry information acquisition unit, the current time, a parking fee table that registers parking fees in the parking lot corresponding to the parking time and purchase amount of goods, and The parking fee management device is configured to operate as having a parking fee information output unit that outputs to the mobile terminal the parking fee at the current time calculated by the parking fee information calculation unit, and the amount of additional goods that must be purchased to receive a further discount on the parking fee. program.

Images