Discount information collection system, discount information collection method, and discount information collection program

Abstract

This system reflects discount information entered at the store's terminal into the user's parking fee, allowing the store to directly manage the discount information and providing a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use. [Solution] The discount information collection system 1 comprises a discount information server 10 that stores vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information for parking fees for vehicles in association with each other, and store terminals 20 that are placed in each store to grant parking fee discounts to vehicle users. The store terminal 20 has a reading unit 24 that reads vehicle information from a parking ticket held by a vehicle user, an input unit 25 that inputs discount information, and a communication unit 22 that transmits the vehicle information identified by the reading unit 24 and the discount information input by the input unit 25 in association with each other to the discount information server 10. The discount information server 10 is capable of outputting vehicle information and discount information associated with the vehicle information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discount information collection system, a discount information collection method, and a discount information collection program.

Background Art

[0002] A system for partnering a parking lot and a store and providing a discount service for the parking lot for each store is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that calculates a parking fee discount according to the total purchase amount obtained by aggregating the purchase amounts at a plurality of stores, as a parking fee discount service for users of vehicles that are customers of the store.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the partnership between a parking lot and a store, there is a case where each store independently partners with a parking lot operator and individually bears the parking fee. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the burden amount of each partnering store at the time of settlement for each vehicle, so it is difficult to apply the technology of Patent Document 1 to such a case where each store independently partners with a parking lot operator.

[0005] Therefore, even in a case where a plurality of stores do not cooperate with each other and each store independently concludes a contract with a parking lot operator, a parking fee discount service that clarifies the payment amount to the parking lot operator by each store in the open area and is easy for the store to use is desired. [[ID=4"]]

[0006] The present invention provides a parking discount information collection system, a discount information collection method, and a discount information collection program that are easy for stores to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention Vehicle information that can identify the vehicle, A discount information server that stores discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question, Store terminals are installed in each store to provide discounts on parking fees to vehicle users, Equipped with, The aforementioned store terminal is A reading means for reading the vehicle information from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, A store-side input method for entering discount information, A transmission means that associates the vehicle information identified by the reading means with the discount information entered by the store-side input means and transmits it to the discount information server, It has, The aforementioned discount information server, The system can output the aforementioned vehicle information and discount information associated with said vehicle information. This is a discount information collection system.

[0008] The present invention Store terminals are installed in each store to provide parking fee discounts to vehicle users. From the parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, vehicle information that can identify the vehicle is read. Enter the discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question. The vehicle information identified by the aforementioned reading and the discount information entered by the aforementioned input are associated and transmitted to the discount information server. The discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. This is a method for gathering discount information.

[0009] The present invention Each store has a terminal that is used to provide parking fee discounts to vehicle users. The steps include: reading vehicle information that can identify the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; A step of inputting discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle; A discount information collection program for causing execution of a step of associating the vehicle information specified by the reading and the discount information input by the input and transmitting the same to a discount information server; The discount information server can output the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information; It is a discount information collection program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a discount information collection system, a discount information collection method, and a discount information collection program that can manage discount information on the store side and are easy to use for the store.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a store terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example of a parking ticket. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a store terminal, where (A) shows a first screen, (B) shows a second screen, (C) shows a third screen, and (D) shows a fourth screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a discount information collection method performed by the discount information collection system according to the first embodiment. <000008�>FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing a situation where a store can distribute discountable time to each branch store at its own discretion. ​​​​​​​

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of a discount information collection system, a discount information collection method, and a discount information collection program according to the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment, and when there are a plurality of embodiments, those configured by combining each embodiment are also included. Also, the constituent elements in the embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, substantially the same ones, and those within a so-called equivalent range.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The discount information collection system 1 includes a discount information server 10 connected by a network N, a store terminal 20, and a settlement system 30. The discount information collection system 1 is a system that provides the settlement system 30 with discount information for calculating the discounted fee for the parking fee of a parking lot where a vehicle is parked when a vehicle user uses a store, but the settlement system 30 may be provided. That is, the discount information collection system 1 does not have the settlement system 30 as an essential configuration.

[0014] The discount information server 10 is a server that can store vehicle information that can identify a vehicle in association with discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle, and is managed and operated by, for example, a parking lot operator, a provider of a discount service in cooperation with each store, etc. In this example, parking information that can identify the parking location of the vehicle is used as the vehicle information. Also, the discount information for the parking fee is, for example, a discount time subtracted from the parking time, a discount fee subtracted from the parking fee, etc., given by the store side to the vehicle user.

[0015] The store terminal 20 is an electronic terminal installed in each store that provides discounts on parking fees to vehicle users. The discount period and discount amount can be arbitrarily determined by the store based on factors such as the amount spent by the user at the store, the length of time the user stays at the store, and whether the user is a specific customer. The store terminal 20 can be, for example, a tablet, smartphone, or POS (Point of Sales) terminal. A store can become a partner store by, for example, submitting a partner store application form to a parking operator in advance. Possible types of partner stores include retail stores where goods can be purchased, restaurants and clinics where services can be received, and hotels that provide accommodation services. In the case of hotels, a parking service ticket associated with the stay can be set to allow unlimited entry and exit within a specified time, such as 24 hours from the time the parking service ticket is issued at the hotel front desk (accommodation ticket issued).

[0016] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the store terminal 20. The store terminal 20 comprises a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a reading unit 24, and an input unit 25. The control unit 21 is a computer for controlling the overall operation of the store terminal 20 and is composed of arithmetic units such as a processor and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 21 may also include a storage device for storing various data and programs. The storage device can store at least a part of the discount information collection program for the discount information collection method described later, which is executed by the discount information collection system 1, and the control unit 21 can read the program and execute the discount information collection method. However, the location of the storage device is not particularly limited. Such a discount information collection program is distributed to each store, for example, by the operator of the discount information server 10.

[0017] The reading unit 24 constitutes a reading means for reading vehicle information from a parking ticket held by the vehicle user. Figure 3 is a plan view of an example of a parking ticket. In this example, the parking ticket has barcode information including vehicle information and various other information printed on it. In this example, the vehicle information is parking information that can identify the parking location, and the parking information in this example includes "parking lot ID," "parking ticket number," and "entrance gate number," and this information is printed on the parking ticket as barcode information. The various other information includes "entrance time," "4-digit vehicle number," which is part of the vehicle number, and "discount information for advance payment," etc. Vehicle users usually hold a parking ticket issued from a parking lot ticket machine when parking. The reading unit 24 can read information such as barcodes and 2D codes from the parking ticket held by the user. The reading unit 24 is, for example, a scanner, camera, etc., which is integrated with the store terminal 20 or configured separately from the store terminal 20.

[0018] In this example, the vehicle information includes parking information such as "parking lot ID," "parking ticket number," and "entrance gate number." However, the parking information does not necessarily have to include all of this information; it only needs to include information that can identify the parking location. For example, if a parking lot has one gate, the entrance gate number, which is the information of the gate used for entry, does not need to be included in the parking information. The parking information may also include the address or latitude and longitude information of the parking lot. Furthermore, if a parking lot operator manages multiple parking lots, and there are multiple parking lots with the same name, the parking information may include information that can identify which parking lot it is, such as a branch number. In addition, the parking information may include information that can identify a parking space for a single vehicle in the parking lot. Furthermore, instead of parking information, a vehicle number may be used as vehicle information. A vehicle number is information that can identify a vehicle and is a unique number (identifier) ​​for each vehicle that is written on the vehicle's license plate.

[0019] Furthermore, if vehicle information is printed on the parking ticket as a barcode, the reading unit 24 can be configured as a barcode reader, allowing the store terminal 20 to easily acquire the vehicle information. However, the vehicle information may be printed on the parking ticket as numerical data, and the reading means may be configured as an OCR for the reading unit 24. Alternatively, the parking ticket may be a card with an embedded IC chip, and the vehicle information may be stored in the IC chip, allowing the reading unit 24 to acquire the vehicle information from the IC chip, for example, by contactless communication. Moreover, the parking ticket may be issued electronically in a ticketless system, for example, by assigning vehicle information to a communication terminal held by the vehicle user. In a ticketless system, a barcode or the like containing vehicle information may be displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal, and the vehicle information may be acquired by a barcode reader, so the reading unit 24 should be configured according to the form of vehicle information assigned to the communication terminal.

[0020] The input unit 25 is a device for inputting discount information, and constitutes a store-side input means in which store staff input discount information, specifically discount time to be deducted from parking time, or discount amount to be deducted from parking fees, according to the user's store usage status (e.g., total purchase amount). The input unit 25 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., which is integrated with the store terminal 20 or configured separately from the store terminal 20.

[0021] The communication unit 22 is a device that exchanges information with an external device, such as a discount information server 10, via the network N, for example, by wireless communication, and functions as a receiving means for receiving information from the outside, or a transmitting means for sending information to the outside. In particular, in this embodiment, the communication unit 22 constitutes a transmitting means that transmits information, which is obtained by the control unit 21 by associating vehicle information identified by the reading unit 24 with discount information input by the input unit 25, to the discount information server 10.

[0022] The discount information server 10 can receive and output the vehicle information and the discount information associated with that vehicle information from the store terminal 20. This output includes outputting the information so that it can be displayed on a display device such as an operation terminal installed in the office of a parking lot operator, or outputting it to another device such as the payment system 30.

[0023] The payment system 30 is a system for settling parking fees and comprises a parking fee server 31, a payment machine 32 for users to pay parking fees, and an imaging unit 33. The payment machine 32 and the imaging unit 33 are installed, for example, at the entrance or exit of a parking lot.

[0024] The parking fee server 31 is a server that stores vehicle information and associated discount information for that vehicle. The payment machine 32 is a device for users to pay parking fees. In this embodiment, when a parking ticket is inserted, the payment machine 32 can reflect the discount information associated with the corresponding vehicle information from the parking fee server 31 into the parking fee.

[0025] The imaging unit 33 is provided, for example, as part of the payment machine 32 and consists of a camera capable of capturing the license plate of a vehicle entering the parking lot. Vehicle information, specifically the vehicle number, can be obtained from the image captured by the imaging unit 33. In other words, the imaging unit 33 constitutes a vehicle number authentication system. Vehicle information can be easily obtained using the imaging unit 33.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of the screen display of the store terminal 20, with Figure 4(A) showing the first screen, Figure 4(B) showing the second screen, Figure 4(C) showing the third screen, and Figure 4(D) showing the fourth screen. In this example, each screen is displayed on the touch panel. An example of screen transitions is described below. When a store staff member operates the touch panel of the store terminal 20, for example, when a user is paying for their purchases, the touch panel displays the first screen shown in Figure 4(A). The first screen displays three buttons: "Issue Service Coupon," "Cancel," and "Issue Status." The "Issue Service Coupon" button corresponds to the granting of a service for parking fees, i.e., a discount.

[0027] When a staff member presses the "Issue Service Ticket" button, the touch panel display transitions to the second screen shown in Figure 4(B), and the reader unit 24 automatically activates, enabling it to photograph the surroundings. When a staff member takes the parking ticket held by the user and holds it over the reader unit 24, the reader unit 24 can photograph the parking ticket and read the vehicle information on it, as shown in the diagram.

[0028] Once the vehicle information reading is complete, the touch panel display transitions to the third screen shown in Figure 4(C), and the input unit 25 becomes available for inputting discount information. In this embodiment, the discount information is a discounted time that is deducted from the original parking time according to the amount of store usage (total amount of purchases, etc.). The staff inputs the discounted time, which is the discount information, using the input unit 25, i.e., the touch panel. In this example, the discounted time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

[0029] The fourth screen in Figure 4(D) shows a case where the user enters the purchase amount, and the purchase amount is converted into discount time. A message is displayed indicating that a 2-hour and 30-minute service voucher will be granted based on the total purchase amount (5,500 yen), i.e., a message indicating that 2 hours and 30 minutes of discount time will be granted. This message allows store staff to understand the discount information. After the second screen in Figure 4(B) is displayed, it may be possible to configure the system to allow selection whether to transition to the third screen shown in Figure 4(C) or the fourth screen shown in Figure 4(D). Once the input of discount information is confirmed as shown in Figure 4(C) or Figure 4(D), the store terminal 20 associates the vehicle information read by the reading unit 24 with the discount information entered from the input unit 25 and transmits it to the discount information server 10 via the network N. Although an example of displaying the second screen after the first screen has been described, store staff may start the series of processes from the display of the second screen (see Figure 4(B)) without displaying the first screen by operating the touch panel of the store terminal 20.

[0030] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for collecting discount information performed by the discount information collection system 1. The operator of the discount information server 10 predetermines the available discount time for each store and assigns it to each store. The available discount time is, for example, the limit of the discount time that each store can deduct from the actual parking time during a predetermined period (e.g., one month). The discount information server 10 transmits this predetermined available discount time information to the store terminal 20 (step S1).

[0031] When a user makes a purchase at a store and pays, a store staff member operates the store terminal 20 to display the first screen shown in Figure 4(A). The reading unit 24 of the store terminal 20 then reads vehicle information from the parking ticket as shown in the second screen shown in Figure 4(B) (Step S2). Further, the staff member operates the input unit 25 to input discount information as shown in the third screen shown in Figure 4(C) (Step S3). The control unit 21 associates the vehicle information with the discount information and confirms the input of the discount information (Step S4).

[0032] The communication unit 22 transmits the associated vehicle information and discount information to the discount information server 10 (step S5). The discount information server 10 stores the associated vehicle information and discount information in a storage device or the like (step S6). When discount information is input, the discount information server 10 subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information (see Figure 4(C)) from the pre-determined discountable time for that store (see step S1) (step S7). This subtraction is performed each time discount information for a particular store is input, so the discountable time decreases in accordance with the input of discount information.

[0033] Furthermore, the discount information server 10 transmits the associated vehicle information and discount information to the payment system 30 (step S8). At this time, the discount information server 10 may display the vehicle information and discount information on a display device. The payment system 30, having received the vehicle information and discount information, reflects the discount information in the parking fee corresponding to the vehicle information (step S9). Specifically, it deducts the amount corresponding to the discount information from the original parking fee. The payment machine 32 of the payment system 30 presents the reduced parking fee when paying for the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle information (step S10). The payment machine 32 may, for example, print a receipt showing the original parking fee, the discount information (discount amount), and the final parking fee.

[0034] If the same user purchases goods or benefits from services at different stores and receives a parking fee discount, the store terminal 20 sends the information in step S5 at each store. In step S6, the discount information server 10 stores the discount information obtained at each store for each user and sends the same discount information to the parking fee server 31.

[0035] Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram illustrating a scenario where a store can allocate its discount time to each of its sub-stores at its own discretion. This diagram shows that a certain store has a total discount time limit of 100 hours for August 2024. The diagram also shows that the total discount time used in August, i.e., the time deducted, is 10 hours. This store can allocate to each of its sub-stores, at its own discretion, the maximum discount time that can be granted per purchase, the maximum discount time that can be granted per month, etc. Each sub-store can then grant the aforementioned discounts to each user within the allocated limits.

[0036] According to the discount information collection system 1 of this embodiment, when discount information for a vehicle user is entered at the store terminal 20, this discount information is associated with vehicle information and transmitted to the discount information server 10, which is then able to output vehicle information (parking information) and discount information. Therefore, when the discount information server 10 outputs vehicle information and discount information to, for example, the settlement system 30 that settles parking fees, the settlement system 30 can reflect the discount information entered at the store terminal 20 in the user's parking fee. In this way, the store can directly manage the discount information, enabling the provision of parking fee discount services that are easy for the store to use. Furthermore, parking operators can easily collect and manage discount information, such as the amount or duration of discounts offered by stores in open areas, which is necessary for calculating the parking fee that a user will pay.

[0037] Furthermore, stores can offer discounted parking services to their customers by entering discount information into the store terminal 20. In other words, stores can offer discounted parking services to their customers using the parking lot, only when and in the quantity they need, without having to order parking service tickets as consumables or strictly manage parking service tickets that have the same value as cash vouchers, which was previously required. In particular, since parking service tickets have monetary value, there is a risk of them being resold, but since the discount service is implemented through data processing on the server and parking service tickets are not required, the resale of parking service tickets can be prevented, thus preventing damage to the company's image due to resale.

[0038] Furthermore, by centrally managing parking fee discount information, the discount information server 10 can provide parking fee discount services to an entire area (town) that includes multiple stores with different discount conditions, and users can also obtain parking fee discounts from multiple independent stores, thereby contributing to encouraging visits to the area by car.

[0039] In particular, the discount information server 10 pre-assigns discounted time to each store (step S1), and when discount information is entered from the store terminal 20, it can subtract the discounted time corresponding to the discount information from the store's discounted time (step S7). This allows, for example, a parking operator to grant each store a discounted time that is the upper limit of the discounted time, according to the contract conditions for each store. If the discounted time falls below a predetermined time due to the accumulation of subtractions, the discount information server 10 may send a warning message to the store terminal 20, or the store may pay a fee to increase the discounted time. Alternatively, if the discounted time falls below a predetermined time, the discount information server 10 may automatically grant the store terminal 20 a predetermined amount of discounted time.

[0040] Furthermore, the discount information server 10 does not need to collect purchase information of the parking ticket holder (vehicle user) at the store. By not collecting purchase information at the store, the discount information server 10 can prevent the leakage of personal information.

[0041] Furthermore, the discount information collection system 1 of this embodiment includes a discount information server 10, a store terminal 20, and a payment system 30 for settling parking fees. When the parking fee server 31 of the payment system receives vehicle information and discount information associated with that vehicle information from the discount information server 10, it can reflect the discount information in the parking fee associated with the corresponding vehicle information (step S9). As a result, the payment system 30 used by the vehicle user when settling parking fees reflects the discount information in the parking fee. Therefore, the convenience for the vehicle user can be improved, such as when the payment machine 32 reads the parking ticket and displays the discount details.

[0042] Furthermore, in the store terminal 20, the input unit 25 may be configured to allow the store to input the amount of the user's purchase. Once the purchase amount is entered, the store terminal 20 may convert the purchase amount into discount time. This allows the store terminal 20 to easily obtain discount time based on the user's purchase amount.

[0043] Furthermore, in cases where parking spaces are required to be provided when a building is newly constructed or expanded, and these spaces are replaced with parking spaces in nearby parking lots, this embodiment allows for the provision of effective discount services even for such off-site parking. For example, if a hotel has a contract for off-site parking for three vehicles, the parking operator will provide the hotel with stock time equivalent to the monthly fee for three vehicles as off-site parking time. This allows the hotel to offer discount services to 50 participants (50 vehicles, exceeding the contracted number of three vehicles) when holding a party, for example. In this way, the convenience for the store is improved because the store can freely allocate the stock time.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, discount information can be easily collected by the discount information server 10, which is independent of the payment machine 32, thus separating the discount information service from the payment method at the time of payment. Therefore, parking operators have the advantage of being able to freely design payment methods, including ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) payments. In addition, parking operators also have the advantage of being able to easily expand their network of partner stores.

[0045] In addition, for vehicle users, there are advantages such as clearer parking fee discounts and the ability to obtain parking fee discounts from multiple independent stores as the number of participating discount locations increases.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, an example is shown where time in 30-minute, 1-hour, or 24-hour increments is entered as discount information, and the fee corresponding to that time is discounted. However, the discount information is not limited to this example. For example, time in 1-minute increments may be entered as discount information, the fee to be discounted may be entered, or the discount rate may be entered.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) Figure 7 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The discount information collection system 1A of the second embodiment differs from the discount information collection system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a management terminal 40, the parking fee server 31A is not included in the settlement system 30 but is an independent server, and the settlement system 30A has a ticket issuing machine 34 in addition to the settlement machine 32 and imaging unit 33. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0048] The management terminal 40 is an operational terminal installed in the parking lot operator's office or other location, and is composed of a general-purpose computer. The management terminal 40 is connected to the discount information server 10 so as to be able to communicate with it, and transmits the discount availability time for each store to the discount information server 10. The management terminal 40 is configured to communicate with the store terminals 20, the discount information server 10, and the settlement system 30A, and is used for the operation of the entire discount information collection system 1A.

[0049] The payment system 30A includes a payment machine 32 and an imaging unit 33, as well as a ticket issuing machine 34. The ticket issuing machine 34 prints the parking ticket number on the barcode information of the parking ticket and records vehicle information in the magnetic data of the parking ticket. When the parking ticket is inserted into the payment machine 32 and the payment process begins, the payment system 30A transmits information indicating the start of the payment process to the parking fee server 31A. When the payment system 30A receives vehicle information and discount information from the parking fee server 31A, it reflects the discount information in the parking fee and displays the discounted parking fee.

[0050] The parking fee server 31A has the same functions as the parking fee server 31 of the first embodiment and is configured to communicate with the discount information server 10 and the settlement system 30A. The parking fee server 31A receives information including vehicle information transmitted from the settlement system 30A. In this embodiment, the information transmitted from the settlement system 30A includes the parking ticket number, the vehicle number read by the imaging unit 33 at the time of entry, the entry time, and the vehicle presence information. The vehicle presence information indicates that the entered vehicle is still parked in the parking space. Specifically, the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is present if there is an entry time but no exit time is recorded. When the parking fee server 31A receives a request to confirm the vehicle presence from the discount information server 10, it determines that the vehicle is present if there is no record of an exit time, and determines that the vehicle is not present (already exited) if there is a record of an exit time. Furthermore, if the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is present, it sends a response to the discount information server 10 indicating that a discount is available. If the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is not present, it sends a response to the discount information server 10 indicating that a discount is not applicable. When the parking fee server 31A receives barcode information (vehicle information) and discount information from the discount information server 10, it stores the barcode information, discount information, and vehicle presence information in association. The vehicle presence information indicates whether or not the vehicle is present. When the parking fee server 31A receives information from the payment system 30A indicating that payment has started, it sends the vehicle information and discount information to the payment system 30A.

[0051] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for collecting discount information performed by the discount information collection system 1A. Similar to the first embodiment, each store is allocated a discountable time in advance. The payment system 30A transmits information about the entering vehicle, namely the parking ticket number, the vehicle number read by the imaging unit 33 at the time of entry, the entry time, and the vehicle's presence information, to the parking fee server 31A (step S21). Meanwhile, the management terminal 40 transmits the discountable time allocated to each store in advance to the discount information server 10 (step S22). The discount information server 10 also transmits the discountable time to the store terminal 20 when the store terminal logs in (step S23). The store terminal 20 reads barcode information including vehicle information using the reading unit 24 (step S24). The store terminal 20 verifies the parking ID using the control unit 21 (step S25), and if a discount is applicable, accepts input of discount information from the store staff (step S26, see Figure 4). The store terminal 20 associates barcode information (vehicle information) with discount information using the control unit 21, and confirms the input of discount information (step S27).

[0052] The store terminal 20 transmits barcode information and discount information to the discount information server 10 (step S28). Upon receiving the barcode information and discount information, the discount information server 10 requests the parking fee server 31A to confirm the presence of the vehicle (step S29). Based on the information received from the payment system 30A, the parking fee server 31A checks whether the vehicle is present or not and transmits a response regarding the eligibility of the discount to the discount information server 10 (step S30). The discount information server 10 transmits the received response regarding the eligibility of the discount to the store terminal 20 (step S31). The discount information server 10 also stores the barcode information and discount information in association (step S32) and subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discountable time of the store (step S33). Furthermore, the discount information server 10 transmits the barcode information and discount information to the parking fee server 31A (step S34). The parking fee server 31A stores the received barcode information and discount information in association with the vehicle presence information.

[0053] When a vehicle user inserts a parking ticket into the payment machine 32 and information indicating the start of the payment process is transmitted from the payment system 30A to the parking fee server 31A (step S36), the parking fee server 31A transmits barcode information and discount information to the payment system 30A (step S37). The payment system 30A reflects the received discount information in the parking fee (step S38) and displays the discounted parking fee (step S39).

[0054] According to the discount information collection system 1A of this embodiment, when discount information for a vehicle user is entered at the store terminal 20, this discount information is associated with barcode information (vehicle information) and transmitted to the discount information server 10, which is then able to output the barcode information (vehicle information) and the discount information. Therefore, when the discount information server 10 outputs the barcode information (vehicle information) and the discount information to the payment system 30A, the payment system 30A can reflect the discount information entered at the store terminal 20 in the user's parking fee. In this way, the store can directly manage the discount information, enabling it to provide a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use. According to the discount information collection system 1A of this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, beneficial effects can be achieved not only for the store but also for vehicle users, the community, and parking operators.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discount information server 10 checks for vehicle presence, and if the vehicle is not present, for example, if the vehicle user mistakenly presents a used parking ticket at the store, the store terminal 20 is notified that the discount cannot be applied. Thus, misuse or fraudulent use of the discount service can be prevented.

[0056] In the second embodiment described above, the discount information server 10 and the parking fee server 31A were configured as separate servers, but the functions of both servers may be integrated and configured as a single server. In this case, the transmission and reception of various information between servers can be replaced with the input and output of various information between the various functional blocks of a single server.

[0057] Based on the above, this disclosure contains at least the following information. Note that the components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are indicated in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] (1) A discount information server (10) that stores vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information for parking fees for said vehicle in association with each other, Each store is equipped with a store terminal (20) for providing discounts on parking fees to vehicle users, The aforementioned store terminal is A reading means (reading unit 24) for reading the vehicle information from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, A store-side input means (input unit 25) for entering discount information, The system includes a transmission means (communication unit 22) that associates the vehicle information identified by the reading means with the discount information entered by the store-side input means and transmits it to the discount information server. The discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. Discount information collection system (1).

[0059] With the above configuration, when discount information for a vehicle user is entered at the store terminal, this discount information is associated with the vehicle information and sent to the discount information server, which can then output the vehicle information and the discount information. Therefore, by outputting the vehicle information and discount information from the discount information server and stored in the parking fee server to, for example, the settlement system that settles parking fees, the settlement system can reflect the discount information entered at the store terminal in the user's parking fee. In this way, stores can directly manage the discount information, enabling them to provide a parking fee discount service that is easy for stores to use. In addition, parking operators can easily collect and manage discount information, such as the amount or duration of discounts offered by stores in open areas, which is necessary for calculating the parking fee that users pay.

[0060] (2) The discount information server pre-assigns discount hours to each store, and when discount information is entered from the store terminal, it subtracts the discount hours corresponding to the discount information from the discount hours of the store. (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0061] According to the above configuration, for example, a parking lot operator can grant each store a maximum discount period, which is the maximum discount period, according to the contract terms and conditions for each store.

[0062] (3) The vehicle information includes parking information that can identify the parking location of the vehicle, (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0063] With the above configuration, the discount information server can provide discount services using parking information.

[0064] (4) The vehicle information includes the vehicle number, (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0065] With the above configuration, the discount information server can easily obtain vehicle information.

[0066] (5) A parking fee server (31, 31A) that stores vehicles and their parking fees in association, The system includes a payment machine (32) for users to pay parking fees, When the parking fee server receives vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information from the discount information server, it reflects the discount information in the parking fee associated with the vehicle information. (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the payment system used by vehicle users when settling parking fees will reflect discount information in the parking fees, thereby improving convenience for vehicle users.

[0068] (6) Equipped with an imaging unit (33) capable of capturing images of the vehicle's license plate, Vehicle information is obtained from the image captured by the aforementioned imaging unit. (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0069] With the above configuration, the payment system can easily acquire vehicle information.

[0070] (7) The vehicle information is printed on the parking ticket by barcode, The reading means of the store terminal is comprised of a barcode reader. (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0071] With the above configuration, the store terminal can easily acquire vehicle information.

[0072] (8) The store-side input means inputs the discount time, (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0073] With the above configuration, the store terminal can easily obtain discount time as discount information.

[0074] (9) The store-side input means can input the user's purchase amount and convert the purchase amount into discount time. (1) The discount information collection system described above.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the store terminal can easily obtain the discount time based on the user's input of the purchase amount. For example, if a store has a defined relationship between the purchase amount and the discount time, the store staff does not need to derive and input the discount time from the purchase amount based on this relationship; they can simply input the purchase amount, and the store terminal will easily obtain the discount time as discount information. This thus improves convenience for the store.

[0076] (10) Store terminals are installed in each store to provide discounts on parking fees to vehicle users. From the parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, vehicle information that can identify the vehicle is read. Enter the discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question. The vehicle information identified by the aforementioned reading and the discount information entered by the aforementioned input are associated and sent to the discount information server. The discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. How to gather discount information.

[0077] According to the above configuration, when discount information for a vehicle user is entered at the store terminal, this discount information is associated with the vehicle information and sent to the discount information server, which can then output the vehicle information and the discount information. Therefore, by outputting the vehicle information and the discount information to, for example, a payment system that settles parking fees, the payment system can reflect the discount information entered at the store terminal in the user's parking fee. In this way, the store can directly manage the discount information, enabling them to provide a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use.

[0078] (11) Store terminals installed in each store to provide discounts on parking fees to vehicle users, The steps include: reading vehicle information that can identify the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; Steps include entering discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question, A discount information collection program that performs the steps of: transmitting the vehicle information identified by the aforementioned reading and the discount information entered by the aforementioned input to a discount information server in association, The discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. A program for collecting discount information.

[0079] With the above configuration, when discount information for a vehicle user is entered at the store terminal, this discount information is associated with the vehicle information and sent to the discount information server, which can then output both the vehicle information and the discount information. Therefore, by outputting the information output from the discount information server and stored in the parking fee server to, for example, a payment system that settles parking fees, along with the vehicle information and discount information, the payment system can reflect the discount information entered at the store terminal in the user's parking fee. In this way, the store can directly manage the discount information, enabling them to provide a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use.

[0080] Furthermore, with the above configuration, a store terminal can be realized simply by installing a predetermined application software on a tablet device, for example. As a result, stores can implement a parking fee discount service targeting multiple stores with different discount conditions without having to introduce a dedicated parking ticket authentication machine or link it with a POS system that manages sales information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. 1A Discount Information Collection System 10 Discount Information Server 20 store terminals 21 Control Unit 22. Communication section (transmission means) 24 Reading unit (reading means) 25 Input section (store-side input means) 30, 30A Settlement System 31, 31A Parking Fee Server 32 Payment machine 33 Imaging Unit 34 Ticket machines 40 Management terminals

Claims

1. A discount information server that stores vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information for the parking fee of that vehicle in association with each other, Each store is equipped with a store terminal for providing discounts on parking fees to vehicle users, The aforementioned store terminal is A reading means for reading the vehicle information from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, A store-side input method for entering discount information, The system includes a transmission means that associates the vehicle information identified by the reading means with the discount information entered by the store-side input means and transmits it to the discount information server. The discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. Discount information collection system.

2. The discount information server pre-assigns discount hours to each store, and when discount information is entered from the store terminal, it subtracts the discount hours corresponding to the discount information from the discount hours available for that store. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle information includes parking information that can identify the parking location of the vehicle. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned vehicle information includes the vehicle number. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

5. A parking fee server that stores a vehicle and its associated parking fee, It is equipped with a payment machine for users to pay parking fees, When the parking fee server receives vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information from the discount information server, it reflects the discount information in the parking fee associated with the vehicle information. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

6. It is equipped with an imaging unit capable of capturing images of vehicle license plates, Vehicle information is obtained from the image captured by the aforementioned imaging unit. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned vehicle information is printed on the parking ticket as a barcode. The reading means of the store terminal is comprised of a barcode reader. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

8. The store-side input means inputs the discount time. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

9. The store-side input means can input the user's purchase amount, which can then be converted into discount time. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

10. Store terminals are installed in each store to provide parking fee discounts to vehicle users. From the parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle, vehicle information that can identify the vehicle is read. Enter the discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question. The vehicle information identified by the aforementioned reading and the discount information entered by the aforementioned input are associated and sent to the discount information server. The discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. How to gather discount information.

11. Each store has a terminal that is used to provide parking fee discounts to vehicle users. The steps include: reading vehicle information that can identify the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; Steps include entering discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question, A discount information collection program that performs the steps of: transmitting the vehicle information identified by the aforementioned reading and the discount information entered by the aforementioned input to a discount information server in association, The discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. A program for collecting discount information.

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