Electronic payment systems and programs

Abstract

To allow a system that uses a settlement device that does not support electronic settlement to support electronic settlement by using a communication terminal of a user while utilizing the settlement device.SOLUTION: An electronic settlement system that allows for electronic settlement of fees charged to a user by using a communication terminal 90 of the user of a system 22 that uses a settlement device 210 that does not support electronic settlement, includes: a management server 50 that includes a function to transmit the fees; and a program that is executed by a computer of the communication terminal 90. The communication terminal 90 includes, as a plurality of functions, a function to enable selective connection to the management server 50 and a settlement server 110, a function to receive the fees from the management server 50 in a communication state with the management server 50, and a function to send an electronic settlement request to the settlement server 110 in a communication state with the settlement server 110. The program is executed to implement the plurality of functions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic payment A payment device equipped with a non-electronic payment function that makes payments by non-electronic payment methods other than the above. The present invention relates to a technology that enables the entire system to handle electronic payments by combining the above with a user's communication terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In different business fields, there are different ways for users to settle fees.

[0003] Conventionally, for example, ticket vending machines or payment machines installed in parking lots are designed to have (1) a payment function that enables a user to pay the fee (payment (transfer of money or value) + input of information to complete the transaction (information to give economic meaning to the simple physical phenomenon of transferring money or value)), and (2) an issuing function that grants the user authority to use the parking lot in return for the user's payment and issues a ticket or receipt as proof of this.

[0004] There are two types of timing for paying parking fees as parking fees: prepaid, where the parking fee is paid before using the parking lot, and postpaid, where the parking fee is paid after using the parking lot. There are also methods for paying parking fees: cash payment, prepaid IC card payment, and electronic payment, which will be described later. There are also media used to pay parking fees: currency (cash, prepaid IC cards and credit cards that have a value equivalent to cash), substitute currencies (tokens, gift certificates, coupons, etc. with limited uses), rewards (points, coupons, discount coupons, rebate coupons, etc. with limited uses), vouchers (free tickets, etc. with limited uses), etc.

[0005] Therefore, throughout this application document, when we refer to a payment as "prepaid" or "postpaid," it is not essential that the user use money to make the payment; it means that the payment also falls under "prepaid" or "postpaid" if a substitute currency, a benefit, a voucher, an equivalent medium, or a combination of these is used.

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

[0007] In the vending machine, when change is given, electronic value, which is electronic information having a cash value equal to the change, is deposited into an account in the server.

[0008] Specifically, a user first accesses the server with a mobile device, and after the necessary authentication is successfully completed, the mobile device receives a barcode from the server. Next, the user holds the mobile device displaying the barcode over a barcode reader on a vending machine.

[0009] The vending machine then communicates with the server, and if the barcode is authenticated as genuine, receives permission to sell from the server.

[0010] Thereafter, the user presses the cash payment button or electronic value payment button among the payment selection buttons on the vending machine. When the user presses the cash payment button, selects a product, and receives change, the user presses the cash return button or electronic value return button among the return selection buttons. When the user presses the electronic value return button, electronic value equivalent to the amount of the change is transmitted to the server.

[0011] Patent Document 1 appears to disclose that (1) a mobile terminal utilizes the cash payment function of a vending machine, and (2) a barcode is used to link the vending machine and the mobile terminal.

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

[0013] Patent Document 3 discloses a system in which a user's communication terminal, a ticket issuing machine, and a server are interconnected via the Internet. Therefore, the ticket issuing machine, the user's communication terminal, and the server may be connected in series with each other, or the ticket issuing machine and the user's communication terminal may be connected in parallel to the server. When the ticket issuing machine receives information from the mobile terminal and the server, respectively, it issues a ticket. In addition, when the ticket issuing machine completes issuing the ticket, it sends a ticket issuing completion notification to the server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-77036 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-198096 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2017-27441 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] Nowadays, many potential users of parking lots have communication terminals (for example, mobile terminals), and these communication terminals have communication functions that enable short-range communication and long-range communication.

[0016] Taking note of the fact that communication terminals have such advanced communication functions, the present inventors have proposed adding to ticket vending machines installed in parking lots, in addition to the conventional payment and ticket issuing functions described above, (1) a transmission function for transmitting identification information unique to the ticket vending machine (for example, a parking lot ID that identifies the parking lot in which the ticket vending machine is installed), and (2) a communication function for either short-distance communication with a user's communication terminal that is capable of long-distance communication with a management server (which can ultimately be linked to the management server via the communication terminal) or long-distance communication directly with the management server.

[0017] Furthermore, the inventor realized that if the system was designed so that when a user makes an electronic payment (also called "smartphone payment", for example, credit card payment), the communication terminal is used but the ticket vending machine is not used, but conversely, when a user makes a cash payment or a prepaid IC card payment (also simply called "card payment"), the ticket vending machine is used but the communication terminal is not used, then when a cash payment or a prepaid IC card payment is made, the management server would not be able to collect information from the ticket vending machine, and it would be inconvenient for the management server to collect information from multiple parking lots and centrally manage their operating status, etc.

[0018] In other words, the inventor realized that if the system is designed so that users, regardless of the payment method, use a communication terminal and communicate with the management server, it is possible to take advantage of the characteristics of the communication terminal, namely, the ability of the management server to collect parking-related information from users regardless of location.

[0019] Alternatively, the ticket vending machine may be designed to have both short-range communication with the communication terminal and long-range communication with the management server, but this may result in new problems such as increased manufacturing and operating costs for the ticket vending machine.

[0020] Therefore, the inventors have divided the payment function Z into (a) a payment function X that enables the user to pay the fee, and (b) an information input function Y that enables the user to input the information necessary to complete the parking transaction through the payment.

[0021] Based on this, the inventor proposed that while payment function X would still be realized by the ticket vending machine, information input function Y would be realized not by the ticket vending machine but by a user's communications terminal capable of long-distance communication with the management server (the purpose of inputting information into the ticket vending machine is, for example, to link the ticket vending machine with the communications terminal), thereby emphasizing the ticket vending machine's role as a fare payment machine (for example, a cash dispensing machine, a card reader for prepaid IC cards), i.e., the ability to use the ticket vending machine to accept cash or card payments.

[0022] Furthermore, the inventor proposed that, while emphasizing the ticket vending machine's character as a fare payment machine, the ticket vending machine send a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal when the user has completed payment to the ticket vending machine, so as to enable the communication terminal to know from the ticket vending machine that the user's payment has been completed.

[0023] However, none of Patent Documents 1 to 3 discloses the ticket vending machine sending a payment completion signal to the user's communication terminal.

[0024] Furthermore, the inventor has realized that when one part (for example, the above-mentioned X) and another part (for example, the above-mentioned Y) of the ticket vending machine's conventional payment function Z (for example, functions that were previously inseparable in terms of software configuration within the same device) are assigned to the ticket vending machine and the communications terminal, which are physically independent, it is necessary to link multiple actions by the same user that occur in different locations, i.e., the user action of making a payment at the ticket vending machine with the user action of inputting information into the communications terminal, in order to complement the insulation (distribution) between payment at the ticket vending machine and information input into the communications terminal.

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

[0026] In summary, the inventor realized that ticket vending machines have the unique characteristic of allowing cash or card payments, while the user's communication terminal has the unique characteristic of being able to provide information to the management server regardless of location, and that using both the ticket vending machine and the user's communication terminal while taking advantage of their respective characteristics would be desirable in order to achieve both diversification of user payment methods and centralized management of multiple parking lots by the management server.

[0027] Against this background, the first aspect of the present invention is to provide a parking lot management system that uses both ticket machines and users' communication terminals while taking advantage of the characteristics of each, thereby making it easy to achieve both a diversification of user payment methods and centralized management of multiple parking lots by a management server.

[0028] Furthermore, in order to manage a post-pay parking lot, traditionally, the parking lot is equipped with an entry / exit control device (e.g., a gate device that rises and lowers as appropriate, a vehicle movement prevention device that rises and lowers as appropriate, etc.) that controls the entry and exit of vehicles from the parking lot, and a control device that can communicate with the entry / exit control device and has at least one of a control function to control the entry / exit control device and a payment function that allows users to pay parking fees (e.g., an adjustment machine), and further, a management server is installed outside the parking lot that is capable of communicating with the control device and can communicate with the entry / exit control device via the control device.

[0029] In cases where a payment machine allows cash or prepaid IC card payments but not electronic payments, in order to enable electronic payments while using the payment machine essentially as is (at least with the hardware configuration unchanged), the inventor has proposed that the user's communications terminal not be used when entering the parking lot, but when leaving the parking lot, both the leaving procedure and payment of the parking fee are carried out using the user's communications terminal.

[0030] That is, the inventor A payment device equipped with a non-electronic payment function that makes payments by non-electronic payment methods other than the above. The technical idea proposed was to make the entire system capable of handling electronic payments by combining this with the user's communications terminal.

[0031] In light of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an electronic payment A payment device equipped with a non-electronic payment function that makes payments by non-electronic payment methods other than the above. The present invention addresses the problem of enabling a system using the above-mentioned payment device to be compatible with electronic payments by using a user's communication terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0032] In order to solve the problem, according to a first aspect of the present invention, with a non-electronic payment function to make payments by non-electronic payment methods other than Payment Device and the parking spaces available to the user. A system having The parking space An electronic payment system that enables a user who uses a service to electronically pay a fee by using the user's communication terminal, comprising: A management server; In the system having the payment device and the parking space, a location information presenting means presents location information corresponding to the parking space; A program executed by a computer of the communication terminal; Including, The management server includes: receiving the location information corresponding to the parking space and identifying the parking space based on the received location information; Ability to send said charges and Including, The electronic payment of the fee is made using a payment server that is an element not belonging to the electronic payment system; The communication terminal has a plurality of functions, A function for enabling selective connection to the management server and the payment server; a function of transmitting the location information corresponding to the parking space to the management server when the communication terminal is applied to the location information presentation means corresponding to the parking space; In a state of communication with the management server, Regarding the parking space receiving said fee from said management server; a function of transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server while in communication with the payment server; Including, An electronic payment system is provided in which the program is executed by a computer of the communication terminal to realize the plurality of functions.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, The above The program is provided.

[0051] The present invention provides the following embodiments. Each embodiment is divided into clauses, each clause is numbered, and other clause numbers are cited as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention may employ and their combinations, and should not be construed as limiting the technical features and combinations that the present invention may employ to the following embodiments. In other words, it should be construed that technical features that are not described in the following embodiments but are described in this specification may be appropriately extracted and employed as technical features of the present invention.

[0052] Furthermore, describing each section in a form that refers to the number of other sections does not necessarily mean that the technical features described in each section are prevented from being separated and made independent from the technical features described in other sections, and it should be interpreted that the technical features described in each section can be made independent as appropriate depending on their nature.

[0053] (1) A parking management system configured to allow a user to rent out any of the parking lots selected by the user using a communication terminal so that a management server centrally manages a plurality of prepaid parking lots, the parking management system comprising: A ticket vending machine is installed in the parking lot and has a payment function that allows a user to make at least one of cash payment and prepaid card payment, a ticket issuing function, and a communication function; a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal; Including, The ticket vending machine communicates under either a first communication environment in which the ticket vending machine can communicate with the communication terminal, but cannot communicate with the management server, but information from the ticket vending machine can be transmitted to the management server via the communication terminal, or a second communication environment in which the ticket vending machine can communicate with the management server, but cannot communicate with the communication terminal; Furthermore, when the user pays the advance fee to the ticket vending machine using the communication terminal, the ticket vending machine issues a ticket to the user and transmits a payment completion signal to the communication terminal or the management server; A parking lot management system in which the communication terminal or the management server grants the user authority to use the parking lot when the communication terminal or the management server receives the payment completion signal from the ticket machine.

[0054] (2) the ticket vending machine communicates under the first communication environment; When the payment is made to the ticket vending machine, the ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal to the communication terminal; When the communication terminal receives the payment completion signal from the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits a procedure completion signal to the management server; The parking management system according to claim 1, wherein the management server grants the user authority to use the parking lot when the management server receives the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal.

[0055] (3) the ticket vending machine transmits first unique information that is unique to the user (e.g., including location information for identifying the location of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) to the communication terminal; The communication terminal inputs second unique information unique to the user (e.g., including location information for identifying a location of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) from the user; When a plurality of conditions are all satisfied, including a condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information input to the communication terminal (for example, a condition that the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal are linked), and a condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits the procedure completion signal to the management server; The parking management system according to claim 2, wherein the management server grants the user authority to use the parking lot when the management server receives the procedure completion signal from the communication terminal.

[0056] (4) when the user wishes to make the payment to the ticket vending machine, the communication terminal transmits a signal to the ticket vending machine; A parking management system as described in paragraph (2) above, in which when the ticket vending machine receives the signal from the communication terminal, it prohibits the reception of signals from communication terminals other than the communication terminal, thereby establishing communication exclusively between the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal.

[0057] (5) the ticket vending machine communicates under the second communication environment; When the payment is made to the ticket vending machine, the ticket vending machine transmits the payment completion signal to the management server; The ticket vending machine transmits first unique information that is unique to the user (e.g., including location information for identifying the location of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) to the management server; the communication terminal transmits second unique information that is unique to the user (e.g., including location information for identifying a location of an individual parking space and / or a user ID) to the management server; The parking lot management system described in (1) above, wherein the management server grants the user permission to use the parking lot when multiple conditions are all met, including a condition that a match is established between the first unique information received from the ticket vending machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal (for example, linking the ticket vending machine and the communication terminal) and a condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket vending machine.

[0058] (6) A parking lot management system as described in (5), in which, when all of a plurality of conditions are met, including a condition that a match is made between the first unique information received from the ticket machine and the second unique information received from the communication terminal, and a condition that the payment completion signal is received from the ticket machine, the management server grants the user authority to use the parking lot and sends a procedure completion signal to at least the communication terminal of the ticket machine and the communication terminal.

[0059] (7) A program for causing a computer to function as a communication terminal according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0060] In this application, the term "program" may be interpreted to mean, for example, a combination of instructions executed by a computer to perform a function, and may also be interpreted to include not only the combination of instructions, but also files and data that are processed in accordance with each instruction, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] Furthermore, this program may be executed by a computer alone to achieve the intended purpose, or may be executed by a computer together with other programs to achieve the intended purpose, but is not limited thereto. In the latter case, the program according to this section may be, but is not limited to, one that mainly consists of data.

[0062] (8) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0063] (9) A recording medium having the program described in (7) or (8) recorded thereon in a computer-readable manner.

[0064] In this application document, the recording medium represented by the term "recording medium" may take various forms, including, but not limited to, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and non-removable storage such as ROMs.

[0065] (10) A parking management system for managing post-paid parking lots, comprising: a payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that allows a user to pay a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot; A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the payment machine; A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server. Including, The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server when the vehicle leaves the warehouse, The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine, The payment machine calculates the parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server. The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal, The communication terminal sends an electronic payment request to a payment server to make electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, it sends a payment completion signal to the management server.

[0066] With this system, post-paid parking lots that are equipped with payment machines that do not support electronic payments can become compatible with electronic payments by using the users' communications terminals while essentially using the payment machines as is (with minimal configuration changes).

[0067] (11) A parking management system for managing postpaid parking lots, comprising: An entry / exit control device that is installed in the parking lot and controls the entry and exit of vehicles into and from the parking lot; A payment machine is installed in the parking lot, and has a payment function that allows a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, and a command function that commands the entrance / exit control device; A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the payment machine; A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server. Including, The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the management server when the vehicle leaves the warehouse, The management server transmits a parking fee calculation request to the payment machine, The payment machine calculates the parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server. The management server relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal, the communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to make an electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, transmits a payment completion signal to the management server; The management server transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the settlement machine, The settlement machine transmits a departure permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device, The entrance / exit control device and the parking lot management system perform an exit permission operation to permit the vehicle to exit the parking lot.

[0068] (12) A parking management system for managing post-paid parking lots, comprising: An entry / exit control device that is installed in the parking lot and controls the entry and exit of vehicles into and from the parking lot; A payment machine is installed in the parking lot, and has a payment function that allows a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when leaving the parking lot, and a command function that commands the entrance / exit control device; A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the payment machine; A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server. Including, The communication terminal includes: a payment request transmission unit that transmits to the management server a payment request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user from among a plurality of parking positions in the parking lot in response to a user's operation at the time of leaving the parking lot, The management server includes: a calculation request sending unit that, upon receiving the payment request and the identification information, sends a calculation request for the parking fee together with the identification information to the payment machine; The settlement machine is a parking fee data transmission unit that, when receiving the calculation request together with the identification information, calculates a parking fee by calculating a parking time for the selected parking position identified by the identification information, and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the management server; The management server includes: a parking fee data relay unit that relays the parking fee data to the communication terminal when the parking fee data is received; The communication terminal includes: a payment completion signal transmitting unit which, after receiving the parking fee data, transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in response to a user's operation in order to make an electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and transmits a payment completion signal to the management server when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server; The management server includes: a withdrawal permission signal transmitting unit that transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the settlement machine when the payment completion signal is received; The settlement machine is A parking lot management system having an exit permission operation command signal transmitting unit that, upon receiving the exit permission signal, transmits an exit permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device, instructing the entry / exit control device to operate to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

[0069] (13) The communication terminal has a positioning function for measuring its current location, A parking lot management system according to any one of items (10) to (12), wherein the communication terminal and / or the management server permit the electronic payment on the condition that the user is in the vicinity of the parking lot.

[0070] (14) A parking management system for managing postpaid parking lots, comprising: a payment machine installed in the parking lot and having a payment function that enables a user to settle a parking fee by a payment method other than electronic payment when the user's vehicle leaves the parking lot; A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the settlement machine. Including, The communication terminal transmits a settlement request to the settlement machine at the time of leaving the warehouse, When the payment machine receives the payment request, it calculates the parking fee and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal; the communication terminal transmits an electronic payment request to a payment server in order to make an electronic payment of the parking fee represented by the parking fee data, and when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, transmits a payment completion signal to the settlement machine; In the parking lot management system, when the settlement machine receives the payment completion signal, it performs an operation to permit the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

[0071] (15) The parking lot has a plurality of parking locations; The payment machine manages the presence or absence of a parked vehicle for each parking position, The communication terminal includes: When the vehicle leaves the parking lot, the payment request and identification information for identifying a selected parking position selected by the user from among a plurality of parking positions in the parking lot are transmitted to the payment machine in response to a user operation. The calculator is A parking management system as described in paragraph (14) above, when the settlement request and the identification information are received, calculates the parking time for the selected parking location identified by the identification information, calculates the parking fee, and transmits parking fee data representing the parking fee to the communication terminal.

[0072] (16) The method further includes a management server capable of communicating with the communication terminal, When the communication terminal transmits the payment completion signal to the payment machine, the communication terminal transmits parking information representing a parking status related to the parking lot to the management server, The parking management system according to claim (14) or (15), wherein the management server obtains parking information related to the parking lot, which has been obtained at the payment machine, from the payment machine via the communication terminal.

[0073] Here, the management server has a function of comprehensively managing the parking lot based on multiple parking information (e.g., operation status for each parking location, parking time period, parking fee amount, etc.) respectively acquired from the communication terminals of multiple users who use the parking lot.

[0074] Furthermore, the management server has the function of obtaining parking information regarding other parking lots, for example, from the payment machines of each parking lot via each user's communication terminal, thereby centrally managing multiple parking lots based on multiple parking information for those parking lots.

[0075] (17) A parking lot management system as described in (16) above, in which the communication terminal performs short-range wireless communication with the adjustment machine, thereby enabling the communication terminal to perform the electronic payment on the condition that the user is in the vicinity of the adjustment machine.

[0076] (18) A program for causing a computer to function as a communication terminal according to any one of (10) to (17).

[0077] (19) A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to any one of (10) to (17).

[0078] (20) A program for causing a computer to function as a settlement machine described in any one of (10) to (17).

[0079] (21) A recording medium having a program according to any one of (17) to (20) recorded thereon in a computer-readable manner.

[0080] (22) A parking management system for managing a parking lot, comprising: An entry / exit control device that is installed in the parking lot and controls the entry and exit of vehicles into and from the parking lot; A management server that is installed outside the parking lot and communicates with the entrance / exit control device directly or via another device; A user's communication terminal capable of communicating with the management server. Including, The communication terminal transmits a delivery request to the management server at the time of delivery, The management server transmits an exit permission signal to the entrance / exit control device when a predetermined condition (e.g., payment of parking fees, use of a free parking ticket or coupon) is met, The parking lot management system includes a parking entry / exit control device that, upon receiving the exit permission signal, operates to permit the vehicle to exit the parking lot. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0081] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a bicycle parking lot to which a bicycle parking lot management system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view conceptually showing how communications are carried out between a plurality of bicycle parking lots, a plurality of users, a management center, and a settlement agent in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the ticket vending machine shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a communication network configuration in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. 1, the components of which are the ticket vending machines, the mobile terminals, the management server, and the payment server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram conceptually showing the management server shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket machine, the mobile terminal, and the management server in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing, in a table format, a management list created in the management server for managing the operating status of the bicycle parking lots in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket machine, the mobile terminal, and the management server, respectively, in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket machine, the mobile terminal, and the management server, respectively, in the bicycle parking lot management system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing a communication network configuration in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. 10, the components of which are the ticket vending machine, the mobile terminal, the management server, and the payment server. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the paths for communication between the entry / exit control device, the adjustment machine, and the management server, and the communication network configuration for communication between a user's mobile terminal, the management server, and the payment server in a bicycle parking lot management system according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of an entry processing program executed by the entry / exit control device and the settlement machine at the time of entry in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in FIG. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of an exit processing program executed by the entry / exit control device, the settlement machine, the user's mobile terminal, the management server, and the payment server at the time of exit in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing paths for communication between the entry / exit control device, the adjustment machine, and the user's mobile terminal, and the communication network configuration for communication between the user's mobile terminal, the management server, and the payment server in a bicycle parking lot management system according to an illustrative fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of an exit processing program executed by the entry / exit control device, the settlement machine, the user's mobile terminal, the management server, and the payment server at the time of exit in the bicycle parking lot management system shown in Figure 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Hereinafter, some more specific and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0083] <First embodiment>

[0084] As shown in Fig. 1, a bicycle parking lot management system (hereinafter simply referred to as "the system") 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is used to provide a bicycle parking service in which a bicycle parking lot 22 (an example of a "parking lot" in the present invention) has multiple racks 72 (an example of bicycle parking spaces) in which multiple bicycles 12 can be parked, and the bicycle parking lot management system (hereinafter simply referred to as "the system") 10 has multiple racks 72 (an example of bicycle parking spaces) in which multiple bicycles 12 can be parked, and the bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute a bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0085] Here, a "transportation IC card" refers to a prepaid IC card that can be used to settle service fees for specific transport facilities, and is an alternative to, for example, conventional commuter passes, balance-based tickets, and coupon tickets.

[0086] 1, according to this system 10, a ticket vending machine 30 is installed at each bicycle parking lot 22, which issues a ticket in exchange for a user's prepaid fee paid in cash or with a transportation card. The user is required to attach the purchased ticket to his or her bicycle 12 to prove that he or she is authorized to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, according to this system 10, a user uses a mobile terminal 90 (an example of a "communication terminal" in the present invention) to access a management server 50 operated by a management center 40 via a communication network (e.g., the Internet as a global network), and thereby the user obtains authority to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

[0088] 2, the user uses a mobile terminal 90 to access a payment server 110 operated by a payment company 100 via the communication network, and the user pays the necessary fee by electronic payment. On condition of this payment, the management server 50 grants the user the right to use the bicycle parking lot 22.

[0089] Next, to explain in more detail, as shown in Fig. 1, a bicycle parking lot facility 20 is installed in each of a plurality of bicycle parking lots 22 (only a representative bicycle parking lot 22 among the bicycle parking lots 22 is shown in Fig. 1) that are centrally managed by a management center 40. The bicycle parking lot facility 20 includes a ticket vending machine 30 and a bicycle storage device 70.

[0090] First, the hardware configuration of the ticket vending machine 30 will be described.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 3, the ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issuing button 32 and a fee settlement button 34. The ticket vending machine 30 has a ticket issuing function that issues a physical ticket under predetermined conditions when a user selects the length of planned bicycle parking time (planned usage time) (a ticket type that is the type of ticket that corresponds) prior to starting bicycle parking, pays the corresponding amount of prepaid bicycle parking fee, and then presses the ticket issuing button 32. The ticket vending machine 30 further has a fee settlement function that issues a receipt indicating that the additional bicycle parking fee has been settled when the user presses the fee settlement button 34 after completing bicycle parking and paying the additional bicycle parking fee.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 30 is configured to have a coin processing unit, a safe, and a control board (not shown), as well as a display 36, and a printer (not shown) that prints and issues tickets and receipts.

[0093] The control board is mainly configured as a computer having a processor and memory, and enables the user to pay the advance fare with cash or a transportation card by executing a program described later with reference to Fig. 7. The software configuration of this ticket vending machine 30 will be described later with reference to Fig. 7.

[0094] The ticket vending machine 30 further includes a card reader 38 that reads data from a prepaid card when the user holds it over the card, and a communication unit 40 for performing short-range wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal 90.

[0095] 3, the coin processing unit has a coin insertion slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin selector (which determines the type of inserted coin and whether the inserted coin is a counterfeit coin or not) (not shown), and a coin return slot 56. Of the inserted coins, those that are not returned to the user from the coin return slot 56 are stored in the safe.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3, on the front of the door 24 of the ticket vending machine 30, there are arranged a ticket issuing button 32, a fare settlement button 34, a transparent window 60 through which display light from the screen of the display 36 (e.g., an LCD display) passes, a coin insertion slot 50, a return lever 52, a coin return slot 56, and an outlet 64 for discharging tickets and receipts printed and discharged by the printer.

[0097] In this embodiment, the display 36 is a touch panel type, and therefore the display 36 displays a plurality of parking times in association with the amount of the prepaid fee, and when the user touches any of the parking times, that parking time is selected as the planned parking time, and as a result, the ticket type is selected.

[0098] Furthermore, the display 36 displays the numbers of multiple racks 72, and also displays a message to prompt the user to input the number of the rack 72 where the user wants to store his / her bicycle 12. In response to this, the user touches the number of one of the racks 72, thereby specifying the rack 72 that the user has used.

[0099] Next, the configuration of the bicycle storage device 70 will be described.

[0100] The bicycle storage device 70 includes a plurality of racks 72 and a frame 74 that connects the racks 72 to one another. The racks 72 define a plurality of bicycle parking spaces on a supporting surface (e.g., the ground, a leveled surface, a paved surface, etc.) of the bicycle parking area 22.

[0101] A user who wishes to park his / her bicycle 12 in the bicycle parking lot 22 selects any vacant (unused or unoccupied) rack 72 and drives the bicycle 12 into that rack 72 to park it. The user then unlocks his / her loop lock 80 to lock the bicycle 12 to the rack 72. The user then locks the loop lock 80. The user then exits the bicycle parking lot 22 alone.

[0102] As is well known, the loop lock 80 is constructed by connecting two ends of a flexible wire via a combination lock. The combination lock is unlocked when the corresponding PIN number is entered.

[0103] Next, the communication network configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

[0104] The ticket vending machine 30 performs short-range two-way wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90 using an IR signal, a communication unit of the adjustment machine 210, an NFC (near field wireless communication) signal, or the like, via the communication unit (transmitter and receiver) 40. The ticket vending machine 30 may also be capable of performing long-range two-way wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90 and / or management server 50 via the Internet.

[0105] The mobile terminal 90 performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the management server 50 of the management center 40 via the Internet. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 90 performs long-distance two-way wireless communication with the payment server 110 of the payment agent 100 via the Internet.

[0106] Next, the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 90 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] The mobile terminal 90 is an example of a type of communication terminal that can be carried by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a PDA, but alternatively, it may be a type of communication terminal that cannot be carried by a user, such as a fixed-line telephone installed in the bicycle parking area 22 or a public telephone installed in the vicinity of the bicycle parking area 22.

[0108] Here, the hardware configuration of mobile terminal 90 will be explained with reference to functional block diagram FIG. 5. Mobile terminal 90 is mainly composed of computer 134 having processor 130 and memory 132 that stores a plurality of programs (also called "applications") executed by processor 130 (see FIG. 7).

[0109] The mobile terminal 90 further has a display unit (e.g., an LCD display) 136 for displaying information, a receiving unit 138 for receiving signals from the management server 50 (and / or the settlement machine 210), and a transmitting unit 140 for generating signals and transmitting the signals to the management server 50 (and / or the settlement machine 210).

[0110] The mobile terminal 90 further includes an input unit 150 for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit 150 includes, for example, an operation unit operable by the user to input desired information (e.g., commands, data, etc.) to the mobile terminal 90. The operation unit may be, but is not limited to, a touch screen that displays icons (e.g., virtual buttons) operable by the user, a physical operation unit (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.) operable by the user, a microphone that detects voice, etc.

[0111] The mobile terminal 90 further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 152. As is well known, the GPS receiver 152 receives a plurality of GPS signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and measures the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver 152 on the earth by triangulation based on the GPS signals.

[0112] Here, the GPS is an example of a positioning unit that measures the current location of the mobile terminal 90, that is, the current location 90 of the user.

[0113] As another example, there is a method in which the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal indicating the position coordinates of a wireless base station (installed inside or outside the bicycle parking area 22, such as an access point or cellular base station) for wireless communication of the mobile terminal 90 and uses that to determine its position, or there is a method in which the mobile terminal 90 receives a signal from a transmitter installed in the bicycle parking area 22 that indicates a unique transmitter ID and converts the transmitter ID into the position coordinates of the transmitter to determine its position.

[0114] The mobile terminal 90 further includes an acceleration sensor 154 that detects its own acceleration. Since the acceleration sensor 154 is mounted on the mobile terminal 90, it vibrates integrally with the mobile terminal 90. As a result, the acceleration sensor 154 detects the acceleration acting on the mobile terminal 90 as being equivalent to the acceleration acting on the mobile terminal 90.

[0115] Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] The hardware configuration of the management server 50 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 6. The management server 50 is mainly composed of a computer 164 having a processor 160 and a memory 162 that stores a plurality of applications (see FIG. 7) executed by the processor 160.

[0117] This management server 50 further has a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) 166 that displays information, a receiving unit 168 that receives signals from the mobile terminal 90, a transmitting unit 170 that generates signals and transmits them to the mobile terminal 90, and a clock 172. This management server 50 does not communicate directly with the ticket vending machine 30, but in effect communicates via the mobile terminal 90.

[0118] Next, the software configurations of the ticket vending machine 30, the user's mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 will be described.

[0119] FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates in a flowchart an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee using cash or a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0120] First, in step S31, the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 executes the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132, thereby starting up the bicycle parking request processing program.

[0121] Next, in step S32, the mobile terminal 90 enables the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes to use to store the bicycle 12 from among the multiple racks 72 in the current parking lot 22.

[0122] Next, in step S33, the portable terminal 90 displays a message on the screen of the portable terminal 90 to prompt the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30 if the user wishes to pay the prepaid fare with cash or a transportation card.

[0123] This time, the user follows the message and approaches the ticket vending machine 30.

[0124] In step S1, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of planned use times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with the corresponding prepaid fee amounts, and when the user touches with his / her finger any of the plurality of planned use times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36, the user selects the desired ticket type. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is confirmed.

[0125] Next, in step S2, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to input the number of the rack 72 in the current parking area 22 that the user wishes to use to store the bicycle 12.

[0126] Thereafter, in step S3, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current advance fare with cash or a transportation card.

[0127] Next, when the payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30 sends a payment completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90 in step S4, together with the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22, the input rack number, and the length of planned usage time corresponding to the selected ticket type.

[0128] As described above, communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 is short-range two-way wireless communication using IR signals, Bluetooth (registered trademark) signals, NFC (near field wireless communication) signals, etc. Normally, one user is positioned in front of one ticket vending machine 30, and therefore one ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90 are expected to communicate with each other.

[0129] At this time, the mobile terminal 90 attempts reception with the ticket vending machine 30 in step S34, and if the reception is successful, the determination in step S35 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S36.

[0130] In this step S36, the mobile terminal 90 compares the rack number input by the user in the above-mentioned step S32 with the rack number received from the ticket vending machine 30 in the above-mentioned step S34, and if the comparison is successful (the two rack numbers match), it determines that only one user is located in front of one ticket vending machine 30 and that a one-to-one relationship exists between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90, which means that the status is normal.

[0131] Next, in step S37, the mobile terminal 90 authenticates the bicycle parking lot 22 in which the user is currently staying from the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket machine 30 in the aforementioned step S34, in accordance with the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 that has been previously stored in the memory 132.

[0132] Then, in step S38, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking space rental procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S39, sends a procedure completion signal indicating this to the management server 50, along with the current bicycle parking space ID, the current rack number, and the current planned usage time (collectively referred to below as "bicycle parking-related information").

[0133] In response to this, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the bicycle parking related information in step S51. Next, in step S52, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in the management list shown in Fig. 8 and stored in the memory 162, in association with the bicycle parking lot ID (in the example shown in the figure, "Bicycle Parking Lot A").

[0134] Thereafter, in step S53, the management server 50 grants the user the authority to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Next, in step S54, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG.

[0135] Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S55, and then in step S56 determines whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed the planned usage time, the determination is NO and the process returns to step S55, but if it does exceed the planned usage time, the determination is YES and in step S57, the fact that the user has exceeded the time limit for using the bicycle parking lot 22 is registered in the management list shown in FIG.

[0136] This management list is shared by being viewed by multiple workers under the control of the management center 40 who are dispatched to any bicycle parking lot 22. As a result, each worker can individually intercept bicycles 12 that are over the time limit in the bicycle parking lot 22 that he or she is responsible for.

[0137] On the other hand, substantially in parallel with the execution of the above-mentioned step S39, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30 in step S40, similar to step S39.

[0138] In response, in step S5, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal from the mobile terminal 90, and then, in step S6, uses the printer to issue a physical ticket as proof that the user is authorized to use the bicycle parking lot 22 at that time.

[0139] The user then attaches the ticket thus purchased to his / her own bicycle 12. As a result, the worker can visually determine whether each bicycle 12 belongs to a user who has paid the prepaid fee.

[0140] <Second embodiment>

[0141] Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, duplicated explanations of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0142] In the first embodiment described above, in order to link the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90 by noting that the person who paid the fee to the ticket vending machine 30 (payer) and the person who operated the mobile terminal 90 (operator) are both the same user, the user is forced to enter the same rack number into both the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90.

[0143] In contrast, in this embodiment, the same purpose is achieved if the user inputs the rack number only into the mobile terminal 90. However, instead of this, the present invention may be embodied in a mode in which the same purpose is achieved if the user inputs the rack number only into the ticket vending machine 30.

[0144] FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates in a flowchart an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee in cash or with a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0145] According to this embodiment, first, in step S131, the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132 is executed by the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90, thereby starting up the bicycle parking request processing program.

[0146] Next, in step S132, the mobile terminal 90 enables the user to input the number of the rack 72 that the user wishes to use to store the bicycle 12 from among the multiple racks 72 in the current parking area 22.

[0147] Next, in step S133, if the user wishes to pay the prepaid fare with cash or a transportation card, the mobile terminal 90 transmits a signal including the rack number and its own source address (such as the IP address or MAC address of the mobile terminal 90) to the ticket vending machine 30 in a broadcast manner (at this point, the mobile terminal 90 does not know the destination address (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the ticket vending machine 30, which is the destination), for example, via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the Internet.

[0148] Thereafter, in step S134, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 to urge the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30.

[0149] Following the message, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30 .

[0150] In step S102, the ticket vending machine 30 identifies the sender from the sender address included in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90, and then in step S103, establishes communication between the ticket vending machine 30 and one mobile terminal 90, and then in step S104, refuses to receive a signal transmitted from another sender, that is, a mobile terminal 90 of another user. Specifically, thereafter, the ticket vending machine 30 will only receive signals that include its own address as the destination address.

[0151] Next, in step S105, the ticket vending machine 30 displays on the touch panel of the display 36 the rack number contained in the signal received from the mobile terminal 90 in the above-mentioned step S101, and further displays a number of planned usage times in association with a number of corresponding prepaid fee amounts.

[0152] Thereafter, in step S106, the ticket vending machine 30 selects the desired ticket type when the user touches one of the multiple planned use times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36 with his / her finger. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is confirmed.

[0153] Next, in step S107, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current advance fare with cash or a transportation card.

[0154] Next, when the payment is completed, in step S108, the ticket vending machine 30 sends a payment completion signal indicating this, together with the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot and the length of planned usage time corresponding to the selected ticket type, to only the mobile terminal 90 (at this point, the ticket vending machine 30 knows the destination address of the current mobile terminal 90, which is the destination), via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or via the Internet, via unicast (at this point, the ticket vending machine 30 knows the destination address of the current mobile terminal 90) and its own source address.

[0155] At this time, in step S135, the mobile terminal 90 attempts reception with the ticket vending machine 30, and if the reception is successful, the determination in step S136 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S137.

[0156] In this step S137, the mobile terminal 90 authenticates the bicycle parking lot 22 in which the user is currently staying from the bicycle parking lot ID received from the ticket machine 30 in the aforementioned step S135, in accordance with the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 that is previously stored in the memory 132.

[0157] Thereafter, in step S138, the mobile terminal 90 determines that the bicycle parking space rental procedure for the current user has been completed, and in step S139, sends a procedure completion signal indicating this to the management server 50, together with the current bicycle parking space ID, the current rack number, and the current planned usage time (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bicycle parking-related information").

[0158] In response to this, the management server 50 receives the procedure completion signal together with the bicycle parking related information in step S151. Next, in step S152, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in the management list shown in Fig. 8 and stored in the memory 162, in association with the bicycle parking lot ID (in the example shown in the figure, "Bicycle Parking Lot A").

[0159] Thereafter, in step S153, the management server 50 grants the user the authority to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Next, in step S154, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG.

[0160] Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S155, and then in step S156 determines whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed the planned usage time, the determination is NO and the process returns to step S155, but if it does exceed the planned usage time, the determination is YES and in step S157, the fact that the user has exceeded the time limit for using the bicycle parking lot 22 is registered in the management list shown in FIG.

[0161] Meanwhile, after (or before) performing the above-mentioned step S108, in step S109, the ticket vending machine 30 uses the printer to issue a physical ticket as proof that the user has the authority to use the bicycle parking lot 22 at this time.

[0162] <Third embodiment>

[0163] Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, duplicated explanations of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0164] Both the first and second embodiments described above are specific examples of implementing the present invention in a first communication environment, i.e., a communication environment in which the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90 but cannot communicate with the management server 50, but information from the ticket vending machine 30 can be transmitted to the management server 50 via the mobile terminal 90. Meanwhile, the present embodiment is a specific example of implementing the present invention in a second communication environment, i.e., a communication environment in which the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50 but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90.

[0165] FIG. 10 conceptually illustrates in a flowchart an example of a bicycle parking request processing program executed by the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, and the management server 50 in the system 10, which enables a user to pay a prepaid fee using cash or a transportation card using the ticket vending machine 30 while operating the mobile terminal 90.

[0166] As shown in Fig. 11, in this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30, the mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 are connected to each other via the Internet. However, in this embodiment, communication is not performed between the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90. As a result, in this embodiment, the ticket vending machine 30 and the mobile terminal 90, which do not actually communicate with each other, are each connected in parallel to the management server 50.

[0167] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S231, the processor 130 of the mobile terminal 90 executes the bicycle parking request processing program stored in the memory 132, thereby starting up the bicycle parking request processing program.

[0168] Next, in step S232, the mobile terminal 90 sends a user ID (e.g., a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an email address, etc.), which is information unique to the user, to the management server 50, on the condition that the user is a member of the current bicycle parking service.

[0169] In response, the management server 50 receives the user ID in step S251.

[0170] After executing step S232, in step S233, the mobile terminal 90 allows the user to select the method of payment for the prepaid fee from a first option of cash payment or card payment using the ticket vending machine 30, and a second option of electronic payment using the user's own mobile terminal 90 (smartphone payment, credit card payment, cash card payment, etc.).

[0171] Next, in step S234, the mobile terminal 90 determines whether the payment method selected by the user is the first option. If the determination is YES, in step S235, the mobile terminal 90 displays a message on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 to prompt the user to operate the ticket vending machine 30.

[0172] On the other hand, if the determination in step S234 is NO, the mobile terminal 90 communicates with the payment server 110 shown in Fig. 2, and the user pays the prepayment fee by electronic payment. This is not directly related to the present invention, so further explanation will be omitted.

[0173] Following the message displayed on the screen in step S235, the user approaches the ticket vending machine 30.

[0174] In step S201, the ticket vending machine 30 displays a plurality of planned use times on the touch panel of the display 36 in association with a corresponding plurality of prepaid fee amounts, and further, when the user touches with his / her finger any one of the plurality of planned use times displayed on the touch panel of the display 36, the user selects the desired ticket type. At this time, the amount of the prepaid fee is confirmed.

[0175] Next, in step S202, when the user holds his / her membership card over the card reader 38, the ticket vending machine 30 reads the user ID from the membership card.

[0176] Thereafter, in step S203, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to input the number of the rack 72 in the current parking area 22 that the user wishes to use to store the bicycle 12.

[0177] Next, in step S204, the ticket vending machine 30 transmits the input user ID to the management server 50 together with the bicycle parking lot ID unique to the current bicycle parking lot 22.

[0178] In response, in step S252, the management server 50 receives the user ID and the bicycle parking lot ID from the ticket machine 30. Next, in step S253, the management server 50 compares the input user ID with the user ID input in step S251. If the comparison is successful, in step S254, the management server 50 determines that the identity authentication of the current user has been successful.

[0179] Thereafter, in step S255, the management server 52 authenticates the current bicycle parking lot 22 from the input bicycle parking lot ID in accordance with the correspondence between the bicycle parking lot ID and the bicycle parking lot 22 that is pre-stored in the memory 162.

[0180] On the other hand, after executing step S204, in step S205, the ticket vending machine 30 allows the user to pay the current advance fare with cash or a transportation card.

[0181] Next, when the payment is completed, the ticket vending machine 30 sends a payment completion signal indicating this to the management server 50 in step S206, together with the current bicycle parking lot ID, the input rack number, and the length of planned usage time corresponding to the selected ticket type (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bicycle parking-related information").

[0182] In response to this, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal together with the bicycle parking related information in step S256. Next, in step S257, the management server 50 registers the current rack number in the management list shown in Fig. 8 and stored in the memory 162, in association with the bicycle parking lot ID (in the example shown in the figure, "Bicycle Parking Lot A").

[0183] Thereafter, in step S258, the management server 50 determines that the procedure that the current user must carry out in order to use the current bicycle parking lot 22 has been completed. In response to this, in step S259, the management server 50 transmits a procedure completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90, and in parallel therewith, in step S260, transmits the procedure completion signal to the ticket vending machine 30.

[0184] Thereafter, in step S261, the management server 50 grants the user the authority to use the rack 72 having the current rack number in the current bicycle parking lot 22. Next, in step S262, the management server 50 measures the current time as a start time, and registers the start time in the management list illustrated in FIG.

[0185] Thereafter, the management server 50 measures the current time in step S263, and then in step S264 determines whether the actual usage time obtained by subtracting the start time from the current time exceeds the planned usage time. If it does not exceed the planned usage time, the determination becomes NO and the process returns to step S263, but if it does exceed the planned usage time, the determination becomes YES and in step S265, the fact that the user has exceeded the time limit for using the bicycle parking lot 22 is registered in the management list shown in FIG.

[0186] Meanwhile, after executing the aforementioned step S206, the ticket vending machine 30 receives the procedure completion signal in step S207, and then, in step S208, uses the printer to issue a physical ticket as proof that the user is authorized to use the current bicycle parking lot 22.

[0187] In addition, in step S236, the mobile terminal 90 attempts to receive the procedure completion signal from the management server 50, and if the reception is successful, the judgment in step S237 becomes YES, and in step S238, it is determined that the procedure that the current user must carry out in order to use the current bicycle parking lot 22 has been completed.

[0188] <Fourth embodiment>

[0189] Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, duplicated explanations of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management systems 10 according to the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0190] This embodiment is an example of a postpaid parking lot management system, and is different from the first to third embodiments described above, which are all examples of prepaid parking lot management systems. However, this embodiment is common to the third embodiment described above in that it is a specific example of a case in which the present invention is implemented in a second communication environment, that is, a communication environment in which the settlement machine 210 corresponding to the ticket vending machine 30 can communicate with the management server 50 but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90.

[0191] In the system 10 according to this embodiment, when entering the bicycle, the user does not operate either his / her mobile terminal 90 or the payment machine 210. At that time, only the entry / exit control device 200 operates in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a "vehicle") into any of the racks 72.

[0192] On the other hand, when exiting the parking lot, if the user wishes to pay the deferred parking fee by cash or prepaid IC card, he / she only operates the settlement machine 210 and does not need to operate his / her own mobile terminal 90, but if the user wishes to pay electronically, he / she only operates his / her own mobile terminal 90 and does not need to operate the settlement machine 210.

[0193] However, when leaving the warehouse, the adjustment machine 210 operates according to instructions from the management server 50, and the management server 50 is instructed by the mobile terminal 90. Therefore, in this system 10, the user does not directly operate the adjustment machine 210, but indirectly operates the adjustment machine 210, and the entry / exit control device 200 is operated via the adjustment machine 210.

[0194] Figure 12 conceptually shows in this system 10 the paths for communication between the entry / exit control device 200 and the settlement machine 210 (e.g., a communication cable, a public telephone line, an Internet line, etc.), the paths for communication between the settlement machine 210 and the management server 50 (e.g., a public telephone line, a long-distance wireless communication line, an Internet line, etc.), and the communication network configuration for communication between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 (e.g., the Internet, etc.).

[0195] An example of the entry / exit control device 200 includes a gate device (not shown) installed (shared by multiple racks 72) at the entrance / exit of a bicycle parking lot (an example of a "parking lot") 22, and a controller (not shown) that controls the gate device. The gate device has a movable member (e.g., a boom, a bar, etc.), and the movable member is switched between a state that permits the bicycle 12 to exit the bicycle parking lot 22 and a state that prevents the bicycle 12 from exiting the bicycle parking lot 22.

[0196] Another example of the entry / exit control device 200 includes a retractable, flap or lock type locking device (not shown) installed on each of a plurality of racks 72 (each an example of a "parking position" or "parking space") in the bicycle parking lot 22, and a controller (not shown) that controls the locking device. In either form, the entry / exit control device 200 for each rack 72 has a movable member (e.g., a baffle plate, a flap, a lock, etc.) that can be switched between a state that allows (unlocked state) and a state that prevents (locked state) the exit (exit) of the bicycle 12 from the corresponding rack 72.

[0197] In one example, the controller is installed in the bicycle parking space 22 and configured to centrally control a plurality of locking devices installed in each of a plurality of racks 72 in the bicycle parking space 22 .

[0198] The settlement machine 210 differs from the ticket vending machine 30 in that instead of issuing a ticket as proof of payment upon entry, the settlement machine 210 issues a receipt as proof of payment upon exit. However, it is similar to the ticket vending machine 30 in both hardware and software configuration in that it has a non-electronic payment function that allows the user to pay by cash or by prepaid card, and a communication function that enables wireless communication with the management server 50 (or mobile terminal 90).

[0199] On the other hand, with regard to the time and fee calculation function, the ticket vending machine 30 has a calculation function that calculates the effective parking time, expected parking time or reserved parking time, rather than the actual parking time, for each rack 72 (e.g., for each vehicle compartment or each parking space) when entering the parking lot, in accordance with instructions from the user (e.g., the result of selecting the above-mentioned ticket type), and calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

[0200] In contrast, the settlement machine 210 has a calculation function that calculates the length of actual parking time for each rack 72 (e.g., for each vehicle compartment or for each parking space) based on a signal from a bicycle presence sensor (e.g., an object presence sensor) described below in the entrance / exit control device 200 when leaving the parking lot, and calculates the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value. In any case, the ticket vending machine 30 and the settlement machine 210 have in common the fact that they both calculate the length of parking time and calculate the amount of the parking fee based on the calculated value.

[0201] This calculation function is shared by both non-electronic and electronic payments, whether it is a ticket vending machine 30 or a payment settlement machine 210.

[0202] FIG. 13 conceptually illustrates, in a flowchart, an example of a warehousing processing program executed by the warehousing / retrieval control device 200 and the settlement device 210 at the time of warehousing in the system 10. In FIG.

[0203] When each entry processing program is executed in the entry stage, first, in step S1301, a computer (not shown) of the entry / exit control device 200 determines whether a bicycle 12 has entered (entered) any of the racks 72 in the bicycle parking area 22, for example, using a signal from a bicycle presence / absence sensor of the entry / exit control device 200 (not shown, but a sensor (e.g., a loop coil) that detects changes in a magnetic field depending on the relative position to the bicycle, or a sensor that detects changes in light depending on the relative position to the bicycle, etc.).

[0204] If there is an entry, the determination in step S1301 becomes YES, and then in step S1302, the computer of the entry / exit control device 200 transmits to the settlement machine 210 the rack number, which is an example of identification information for identifying the current rack 72.

[0205] In response to this, the payment machine 210 receives the rack number in step S1351, and then, in step S1352, measures the current time as the entry time using a clock (not shown) of the payment machine 210. After that, in step S1353, the payment machine 210 stores the rack number and the entry time in a memory (not shown) in association with each other.

[0206] After executing step S1302, in step S1303, the entry / exit control device 200 operates to prevent the bicycle 12 stored in the current rack 72 from being taken out without authorization. For example, if the entry / exit control device 200 uses a liftable flap, the flap is lifted from the support surface of the bicycle parking space 22 to lock the bicycle 12, and if the entry / exit control device 200 uses a releasable lock, the lock is applied while the bicycle 12 is tethered to it.

[0207] Figure 14 conceptually illustrates in a flowchart an example of an exit processing program executed by the entry / exit control device 200, the settlement machine 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 at the time of exit in this system 10.

[0208] When each of the exit processing programs is executed in the exit stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S1431 whether or not the user has input a payment request (which also serves as an exit request) to the mobile terminal 90. If a payment request has been input, the determination in step S1431 becomes YES, and then in step S1432, the user inputs into the mobile terminal 90 the rack number of the rack 72 where the user's bicycle 12 is stored.

[0209] Thereafter, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the input rack number to the management server 50 in step S1433.

[0210] In response, in step S1451, the management server 50 receives the rack number, and then in step S1452, transmits to the payment machine 210 a calculation request to calculate the amount of parking fee to be paid by the current user and the current rack number.

[0211] In response to this, the adjustment machine 210 receives the above-mentioned calculation request and rack number in step S1411, and then measures the current time by using the clock in step S1412. After that, in step S1413, the adjustment machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the entry time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time.

[0212] Next, in step S1414, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of the parking fee by converting the calculated parking time length into the amount of the parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. After that, in step S1415, the payment machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of the parking fee to the management server 50.

[0213] In response to this, management server 50 receives the parking fee data in step S1453, and then transmits the received parking fee data to mobile terminal 90 in step S1454.

[0214] In response to this, the mobile terminal 90 receives the parking fee data in step S1434. That is, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to receive the parking fee data indirectly by using the management server 50 as a relay device, rather than directly from the settlement machine 210 that originally generated the data.

[0215] Next, in step S1435, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 to electronically pay the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

[0216] In response to this, the payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1471, and then performs the electronic payment in step S1472. When the electronic payment is completed, the payment server 110 returns a payment completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90.

[0217] In response to this, in step S1436, the mobile terminal 90 transmits to the management server 50 a payment completion signal indicating that the parking fee has been paid by electronic payment.

[0218] In response to this, the management server 50 receives the payment completion signal in step S1455, and then transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the settlement device 210 in step S1456.

[0219] In response to this, the settlement machine 210 receives the leaving permission signal in step S1416, and then transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entering / leaving control device 200 in step S1417.

[0220] In response to this, the entry / exit control device 200 transitions the movable member to an unlocked state in step S1401, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to be removed from the current rack 72.

[0221] Thus, in this embodiment, in the outgoing stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only object of operation for the user. However, although the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with both the management server 50 and the settlement server 110, it cannot communicate with the adjustment machine 210 and cannot communicate with the incoming / outgoing control device 200. Since the incoming / outgoing control device 200 can communicate with the adjustment machine 210 and the adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the management server 50, the mobile terminal 90 can indirectly and ultimately operate the incoming / outgoing control device 200.

[0222] Therefore, in this embodiment, even though the settlement machine 210 does not support electronic payment, the user can support electronic payment by using a mobile terminal 90 that can communicate with the payment server 110, without changing the hardware configuration of the entry / exit control device 200, the hardware configuration of the settlement machine 210, the hardware configuration of the management server 50, or the communication environment (communication path) between the entry / exit control device 200, the settlement machine 210, and the management server 50.

[0223] In this embodiment, the user can operate his / her mobile terminal 90 for electronic payment at a location away from the current bicycle parking lot 22. In contrast, if a step is added for confirming that the user's current location is near the current bicycle parking lot 22 using the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90, the user can be forced to use the mobile terminal 90 near the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic payment.

[0224] Specifically, in one example, the mobile terminal 90 allows communication with the management server 40, and ultimately allows the user to complete the procedure for electronic payment, on the condition that the distance between the measured current location and the location coordinates of the current bicycle parking lot 22 (which are associated with each bicycle parking lot 22 and stored in advance in the mobile terminal 90, or downloaded by the mobile terminal 90 from the management server 50) is less than a set value.

[0225] In another example, after access from a mobile terminal 90, the management server 50 receives the current location of the mobile terminal 90 from the mobile terminal 90, and, on the condition that the distance of the current location from the location coordinates of the current bicycle parking space 22 is within a set value, allows further communication with the mobile terminal 90, and ultimately allows the user to complete the procedure for electronic payment.

[0226] <Fifth embodiment>

[0227] Next, a bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, duplicated explanations of parts common to the bicycle parking lot management system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described in detail. The bicycle parking lot management system according to this embodiment is configured to execute the bicycle parking lot management method according to this embodiment.

[0228] This embodiment is common to the above-mentioned fourth embodiment in that it is an example of a postpaid parking lot management system. However, this embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90 but cannot communicate with the management server 50, in that the adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the management server 50 but cannot communicate with the mobile terminal 90.

[0229] As in the fourth embodiment, in the system 10 according to this embodiment, when entering the bicycle, the user does not operate either his / her mobile terminal 90 or the adjustment machine 210. At that time, only the entry / exit control device 200 operates in response to the user entering the bicycle 12 (an example of a "vehicle") into any of the racks 72.

[0230] On the other hand, when exiting the parking lot, if the user wishes to settle the deferred parking fee by cash or prepaid IC card, the user only operates the settlement machine 210 and does not need to operate the user's mobile terminal 90, but if the user wishes to pay electronically, the user only operates the user's mobile terminal 90 and does not need to operate the settlement machine 210. This is also the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0231] However, when leaving the warehouse, the adjustment machine 210 is instructed by the mobile terminal 90, so in this system 10, it is interpreted that the user does not directly operate the adjustment machine 210, but indirectly operates the adjustment machine 210, and the entry / exit control device 200 is activated via the adjustment machine 210.

[0232] Figure 15 conceptually shows in this system 10 the paths for communication between the entry / exit control device 200 and the settlement machine 210 (e.g., communication cables, public telephone lines, Internet lines, etc.), the paths for communication between the settlement machine 210 and the user's mobile terminal 90 (e.g., short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.), and the communication network configuration for communication between the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 (e.g., the Internet, etc.).

[0233] Thus, in this embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, the settlement machine 210 has a short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range communication with the mobile terminal 90 to support electronic payment. As a result, the user is required to operate the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the settlement machine 210, for example, within a radius of about 5 m from the settlement machine 210, in order to make electronic payment.

[0234] In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, unless a step is added to use the GPS function of the mobile terminal 90 to confirm that the user's current location is in the vicinity of the current bicycle parking lot 22, the user cannot be forced to use the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the current bicycle parking lot 22 for electronic payment.

[0235] On the other hand, if the user cannot be forced to make an electronic payment using the mobile terminal 90 in the vicinity of the current bicycle parking lot 22, there is a risk that the user will operate the mobile terminal 90 to fraudulently request an electronic payment before arriving at the current bicycle parking lot 22.

[0236] When this fraudulent act occurs, a false parking time that is shorter than the actual parking time is calculated, and a false parking fee that is lower than the normal fee is calculated based on this calculation. When the user electronically pays the false parking fee, the entry / exit control device 200 switches via the settlement machine 210 to a state that allows the corresponding bicycle 12 to be removed, and as a result, when the user arrives at the current bicycle parking lot 22, he or she is able to leave the bicycle parking lot 22 together with the bicycle 12.

[0237] On the other hand, the act of the user requesting electronic payment by operating the mobile terminal 90 near the bicycle parking lot 22 leads the user to expect that once the electronic payment is completed, the user will promptly leave the bicycle parking lot 22 with the bicycle 12 without intentionally prolonging the parking time. In this case, the length of parking time calculated in response to the electronic payment request will not be unduly shortened from the actual parking time.

[0238] In this system 10, when an item enters the warehouse, an entry / exit processing program is executed by the entry / exit control device 200 and the settlement machine 210, respectively. However, since an example of each entry processing program is the same as that shown in Figure 13, a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0239] Figure 16 conceptually illustrates in a flowchart an example of a withdrawal processing program executed by the entry / exit control device 200, the settlement machine 210, the user's mobile terminal 90, the management server 50, and the payment server 110 at the time of withdrawal in this system 10.

[0240] When each of the exit processing programs is executed in the exit stage, the mobile terminal 90 determines in step S1631 whether or not the user has input a payment request (which also serves as a departure request) to the mobile terminal 90. When a payment request has been input, the determination in step S1631 becomes YES, and then in step S1632, the user inputs into the mobile terminal 90 the rack number of the rack 72 where his / her bicycle 12 is stored.

[0241] Thereafter, in step S1633, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the input rack number together with a payment request to the payment adjustment machine 210. In this embodiment, the payment adjustment machine 210 is designed to have a communication unit for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 90. One example of the communication unit has a communication device that performs short-range communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) system.

[0242] In response to this, the adjustment machine 210 receives the adjustment request and the rack number in association with each other in step S1611, and then measures the current time using the clock in step S1612. After that, the adjustment machine 210 calculates the elapsed time from the entry time stored in the memory to the current time as the parking time in step S1613.

[0243] Next, in step S1614, the payment machine 210 calculates the amount of the parking fee by converting the calculated parking time length into the amount of the parking fee according to a predetermined conversion table. Then, in step S1615, the payment machine 210 transmits parking fee data representing the calculated amount of the parking fee to the mobile terminal 90.

[0244] In response to this, the mobile terminal 90 receives the parking fee data in step S1634. That is, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 90 is configured to receive the parking fee data directly from the settlement machine 210 that originally generated the parking fee data, rather than indirectly receiving the parking fee data using the management server 50 as a relay.

[0245] Next, in step S1635, the mobile terminal 90 transmits an electronic payment request to the payment server 110 to electronically pay the parking fee represented by the received parking fee data.

[0246] In response to this, the payment server 110 receives the electronic payment request in step S1671, and then performs the electronic payment in step S1672. When the payment is completed, the payment server 110 returns a payment completion signal indicating this to the mobile terminal 90.

[0247] In response to this, in step S1636, the portable terminal 90 transmits to the settlement machine 210 a payment completion signal indicating that the parking fee has been paid by electronic payment.

[0248] In response to this, the settlement machine 210 receives the leaving permission signal in step S1616, and then transmits a leaving permission operation command signal to the entering / leaving control device 200 in step S1617.

[0249] In this embodiment, the operation of transmitting an exit permission operation command signal to the entry / exit control device 200 is an example of "an operation for permitting the vehicle to exit from the parking lot". Other examples of "an operation for permitting the vehicle to exit from the parking lot" include an operation of displaying a message on the screen of the display of the settlement machine 210 indicating that exit is permitted in association with the current parking position, and an operation of turning on an indicator lamp of the settlement machine 210 which indicates that the exit by the user is permitted in association with the current parking position when turned on.

[0250] In response to this, the entry / exit control device 200 transitions the movable member to an unlocked state in step S1601, thereby permitting the bicycle 12 to be removed from the current rack 72.

[0251] Thereafter, in step S1637, the mobile terminal 90 transmits parking information (or parking-related information) to the management server 50. The parking information includes, for example, the rack number where the current user parked the bicycle 12 in the current bicycle parking lot 22, the time period during which the bicycle was parked, the length of time the bicycle was parked, the amount of parking fee paid by the user according to the length of time, and the like.

[0252] In response to this, in step S1651, the management server 50 receives the parking information from the mobile terminal 90. The management server 50 is designed to receive parking information from the mobile terminals 90 of users of multiple bicycle parking lots 22, thereby centrally managing the multiple bicycle parking lots 22. As a result, the management server 50 can, for example, monitor changes over time in the occupancy rate for each bicycle parking lot 22 and evaluate differences in occupancy rates between the multiple bicycle parking lots 22.

[0253] Thus, in this embodiment, in the withdrawal stage, the mobile terminal 90 is the only object of operation for the user. However, the mobile terminal 90 can communicate with not only the adjustment machine 210 but also the management server 50 and the settlement server 110. Since the entry / withdrawal control device 200 can communicate with the adjustment machine 210, and the adjustment machine 210 can communicate with the mobile terminal 90, the mobile terminal 90 can indirectly and ultimately operate the entry / withdrawal control device 200.

[0254] Therefore, in this embodiment, even though the settlement machine 210 does not support electronic payment, the user can support electronic payment by using a mobile terminal 90 that can communicate with the payment server 110, without changing the hardware configuration of either the entry / exit control device 200 or the hardware configuration of the settlement machine 210.

[0255] Incidentally, in the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the user can perform the operations for electronic payment using his / her mobile terminal 90 at a location away from the settlement machine 210 as long as he / she is within the bicycle parking lot 22, without having to physically occupy the settlement machine 210, which is convenient for the user in that there are no restrictions on the location in which he / she can perform the necessary operations.

[0256] However, the lack of physical occupation of the checkout machine 210 while a user is making an electronic payment means that another user may attempt to use the checkout machine 210 to perform a non-electronic payment (cash or card payment).

[0257] In this case, since the rack number (e.g., parking location identification information) assigned to one user and the rack number assigned to another user would not normally match, electronic payments that do not require active use of the settlement machine 210 and non-electronic payments that do require it can be carried out in parallel. This reduces the time users have to wait for their turn to make a payment, which is convenient.

[0258] However, if the rack number actually entered by one user into the mobile terminal 90 and the rack number entered by another user into the settlement machine 210 or selected on the settlement machine 210 match for some reason (for example, by chance), the first of the two settlement processes by the two users (for example, the one in which each user issues a settlement request before the other user) will be processed preferentially regardless of whether the rack number at that time is correct or not. This is because there is no means for determining whether the rack number is genuine or not.

[0259] Therefore, as an exemplary measure to prevent incorrect input / selection of rack numbers, an identification mark, for example, a computer-readable pattern (for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), etc.) or the transmitter may be attached in advance to each of the multiple racks 72 (an example of the parking lot) in the bicycle parking area 22 (an example of the parking lot).

[0260] Here, the "identification mark" is a display medium that indicates a rack position (an example of a parking position) that differs for each rack 72. Meanwhile, the "transmitter" is a communication device that transmits a signal that indicates a transmitter ID that differs for each rack 72. The transmitter ID is converted uniquely into a rack position (an example of a parking position) by the mobile terminal 90. Both the identification mark and the transmitter are position information presenting means that present different position information for each parking position.

[0261] To explain the transmitter more specifically, the transmitter is a non-contact or contact communication device that is installed in each corresponding rack 72, and transmits an identification signal capable of identifying an ID unique to the corresponding rack 72. It is sufficient for this transmitter to have at least a transmission function, but it may also be configured to have a receiving function as well, if necessary.

[0262] This transmitter actively transmits a unique identification signal without the need for an external trigger signal, and continuously so long as there is no shortage of power supply.

[0263] Furthermore, this transmitter is generally a device known as a beacon device, a radio beacon, etc., that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal. In one example, this transmitter generates an identification signal representing a corresponding parking lot ID by modulating an original signal, and transmits the generated identification signal as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (near field communication) signal, etc.

[0264] When the identification mark is used for each rack 72, for example, the user reads it with an image sensor (e.g., a digital camera) of his / her mobile terminal 90 prior to electronic or non-electronic payment, and converts the read result into a combination of the ID of the current bicycle parking space 22 and the ID of the current rack 72, or at least into the ID of the current rack 72. The mobile terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment, and to the settlement machine 210 in the fifth embodiment.

[0265] In contrast, when a transmitter is used for each rack 72, for example, the user receives a signal from the transmitter with the receiver of his / her mobile terminal 90 prior to electronic or non-electronic payment, converts the received signal into a transmitter ID, and further converts the transmitter ID into a combination of the ID of the current bicycle parking space 22 and the ID of the rack 72, or at least into the ID of the current rack 72. The mobile terminal 90 may transmit the conversion result to the management server 50 in the fourth embodiment, and to the settlement machine 210 in the fifth embodiment.

[0266] As another exemplary measure, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment when leaving the parking lot may apply the mobile terminal 90 to the position information presentation means for personal authentication (collation of personal information) when entering the parking lot, and in response, the mobile terminal 90 may transmit a combination of the ID of the current bicycle parking space 22, the ID of the current rack 72, and a user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an email address, etc.) to the management server 40 or the settlement machine 210. In other words, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment when leaving the parking lot may simply hold the mobile terminal 90 over the position information presentation means when entering the parking lot.

[0267] In this case, when leaving the parking lot, just as when entering the parking lot, if the user applies the mobile terminal 90 to the location information presentation means, the mobile terminal 90 may respond by transmitting a combination of the ID of the current bicycle parking lot 22, the ID of the current rack 72, and the user ID (for example, a unique number, a unique symbol string, a telephone number, an email address, etc.) to the management server 40 or the settlement machine 210. In other words, a user who wishes to make an electronic payment need only hold the mobile terminal 90 over the location information presentation means when leaving the parking lot.

[0268] In this case, in response to this, the management server 40 or the settlement machine 210 compares the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of entry with the information received from the mobile terminal 90 at the time of exit. If the comparison is successful, in response to this, the management server 40 may calculate the amount of the parking fee and further transmit a request for electronic payment for the parking fee to the payment server 110, or the settlement machine 210 may calculate the amount of the parking fee and further transmit a request for electronic payment for the parking fee to the payment server 110, with or without passing through the management server 40.

[0269] It should be noted that in some of the embodiments described above, the present invention is implemented by selecting a bicycle, which is an example of a "vehicle" as a moving body, as the stored object, but instead or in addition, the present invention may be implemented by selecting a motorcycle, moped, or automobile, which is another example of a "vehicle," as the stored object.

[0270] Additionally, in some of the embodiments described above, all or part of the processing executed in the mobile terminal 90 may be executed in the management server 50 instead, and conversely, all or part of the processing executed in the management server 50 may be executed in the mobile terminal 90 instead. This is because which device executes the processing to be executed is usually determined by the circumstances at the time, such as the amount and type of data to be handled, the processing speed and storage capacity of each device, and the like.

[0271] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments embody the technical idea of ​​making a payment device (such as the fare adjustment machine 210) that does not support electronic payment compatible with electronic payment as a whole system by combining it with a user's communication terminal (such as the mobile terminal 90) in the field of parking lot management business, the technical idea is also useful in other business fields. For example, the technical idea is also useful in a business that issues tickets in exchange for receiving fares from users, a business that issues meal tickets in exchange for receiving fees from users at a store, and a business that issues permits in exchange for receiving fees from users.

[0272] Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the [Summary of the Invention] section above.

Claims

1. 1. An electronic payment system that enables a user of a system having a parking space available to a user to electronically pay a fee for using the parking space by using a communication terminal of the user, the system comprising: a payment device having a non-electronic payment function for making a payment by a non-electronic payment method other than electronic payment; and a parking space available to the user, the system comprising: A management server; In the system having the payment device and the parking space, a location information presenting means presents location information corresponding to the parking space; A program executed by a computer of the communication terminal; Including, The management server includes: receiving the location information corresponding to the parking space and identifying the parking space based on the received location information; a function for transmitting said charges; Including, The electronic payment of the fee is made using a payment server that is an element not belonging to the electronic payment system; The communication terminal has a plurality of functions, A function for enabling selective connection to the management server and the payment server; a function of transmitting the location information corresponding to the parking space to the management server when the communication terminal is applied to the location information presentation means corresponding to the parking space; receiving, in communication with the management server, the fee for the parking space from the management server; a function of transmitting an electronic payment request to the payment server while in communication with the payment server; Including, The program is executed by a computer of the communication terminal to realize the plurality of functions of the electronic payment system.

2. The location information presentation means includes an identification mark or a transmitter corresponding to the parking space, the identification mark includes a pattern representing the position information corresponding to the corresponding parking space; The electronic payment system of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter includes a function for transmitting a signal representing the location information corresponding to a corresponding parking space.

3. A program for causing a computer to function as the management server according to claim 1.

4. The program according to claim 1.

5. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 3 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

6. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 4 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.

Images