Entrance / exit management system and entrance / exit management program

Abstract

To provide an entry / exit management system for simply and reliably executing cashless payment for a parking fee in a parking lot.SOLUTION: An entry / exit management system 30 includes a detection unit 311, an acquisition unit 312, and a registration unit 313. The detection unit 311 detects a vehicle entering or exiting a predetermined parking area. The acquisition unit 312 acquires identification information including at least one of unique information of an in-vehicle unit installed on the vehicle entering the parking area, unique information of an ECT card inserted in the in-vehicle unit, and a vehicle number. The registration unit 313 registers parking area information for identifying the parking area where the vehicle has entered, detected by the detection unit, and the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an entrance / exit management system and an entrance / exit management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods for cashless payment of parking fees have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which parking fees are calculated based on data on the time a vehicle enters and leaves the parking lot, and are transmitted to a website server, where payment of the parking fee is accepted on the website. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-256995 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, when paying parking fees, the user confirms the parking booth they used, enters the number into a website, and executes the payment process. This requires the user to check the booth number and enter it into the website every time they pay parking fees, which is inconvenient for the user. Furthermore, if the user cannot confirm the booth number due to nighttime or bad weather, the vehicle cannot be properly removed, which can be a problem. Furthermore, if the user makes an error in confirming or entering the booth number, not only will the vehicle not be able to be removed, but further problems such as incorrect billing may occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an entrance / exit management system and an entrance / exit management program for easily and reliably performing cashless payment of parking fees at a parking lot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above object can be achieved by the following means.

[0007] The entry / exit management system has a detection unit, an acquisition unit, and a registration unit. The detection unit detects when a vehicle enters or exits a specified parking area. The acquisition unit acquires identification information including at least one of the following: unique information of the onboard unit installed in the vehicle entering the parking area, unique information of the ETC card inserted in the onboard unit, and the vehicle number. The registration unit associates and registers parking area information for identifying the parking area into which the detection unit detected the vehicle's entry with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] The entry / exit management program is configured to cause a computer to execute processes including a detection step, an acquisition step, and a registration step. The detection step detects that a vehicle has entered or exited a specified parking area. The acquisition step acquires identification information including at least one of the unique information of the onboard unit installed in the vehicle entering the parking area, the unique information of the ETC card inserted in the onboard unit, and the vehicle number. The registration step associates and registers parking area information for identifying the parking area into which the entry of the vehicle was detected in the detection step with the identification information acquired in the acquisition step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the entry / exit management system of the present invention, a vehicle entering or exiting a designated parking area is detected, identification information including at least one of the following is acquired: unique information of the on-board device installed on the vehicle entering the parking area, unique information of the ETC card inserted in the on-board device, and the vehicle number; and the acquired identification information is associated with parking area information for identifying the parking area where the vehicle's entry was detected and registered. This allows at least one of the unique information of the on-board device installed on the vehicle entering the parking area, unique information of the ETC card, and the vehicle number to be associated with the parking area information of the parking area where the vehicle entered. Therefore, based on the parking area information of the parking area where the vehicle entered, which is easy for users to understand, the unique information of the on-board device, unique information of the ETC card, and the vehicle number can be easily referenced and used, thereby enabling cashless payment of parking fees at parking lots to be performed simply and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an acquisition device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a detection device. [Figure 2C] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle restriction device; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of the server. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a server. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ETC vehicle-mounted device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a payment system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an entrance / exit management process executed by the server. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an entrance / exit management process executed by the server. [Figure 11] 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing the procedure of the process shown in step S102 of FIG. 9 for registering parking area information and identification information in association with each other. [Figure 12] 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing the procedure of the process shown in step S106 of FIG. 9 for registering customer information and identification information in association with each other using parking area information as an association key. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of convenience and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0012] (Overall system configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 is composed of an in-park system 10, an information terminal 20, a server 30, an ETC vehicle-mounted unit 40, and a payment system 50. The in-park system 10, the information terminal 20, the server 30, and the payment system 50 are connected via a network, and each component can communicate using various wired or wireless communication methods. The ETC vehicle-mounted unit 40 can wirelessly communicate with the acquisition device 110 of the in-park system 10 using a predetermined communication standard such as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication).

[0014] The on-site system 10 is provided in each parking area for parking vehicles in a pay parking lot, for example. The on-site system 10 includes an acquisition device 110, a detection device 120, and a vehicle restriction device 130.

[0015] The acquisition device 110 is equipped with an ETC antenna and performs wireless communication with an ETC in-vehicle unit 40 mounted on a vehicle entering the parking area using a communication standard such as DSRC. The acquisition device 110 also has a camera and takes images of vehicles entering the parking area.

[0016] The detection device 120 includes various sensors and detects when a vehicle enters or leaves a parking area.

[0017] The vehicle restriction device 130 includes a restriction unit that restricts the movement of a vehicle, and restricts the vehicle from leaving the parking area when the entry of the vehicle into the parking area is detected.

[0018] The information terminal 20 is a terminal for a user to register payment information, etc. The information terminal 20 is, for example, a terminal such as a smartphone used by a vehicle driver. The information terminal 20 communicates with the server 30, etc. via a network.

[0019] The server 30 transmits and receives various information to and from each component of the on-site system 10, the information terminal 20, the payment system 50, and the like.

[0020] The ETC vehicle-mounted device 40 is attached to a vehicle and communicates wirelessly with the acquisition device 110 located within a predetermined distance. The ETC vehicle-mounted device 40 acquires various information from the inserted ETC card and transmits it to the acquisition device 110.

[0021] The settlement system 50 is a system installed in a settlement institution (financial institution) such as a bank or credit card company, or in a settlement agent that handles various operations for making settlements at such settlement institutions.

[0022] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the server 30 constitutes an entrance / exit management system. Note that the processing executed by the server 30 may be executed by other components such as the acquisition device 110 and the detection device 120. In this case, the other components constitute the entrance / exit management system. Furthermore, the server 30 and the other components may operate in cooperation with each other, and the server 30 and the other components may constitute the entrance / exit management system. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0023] (Acquisition device 110) FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the acquisition device.

[0024] 2A, the acquisition device 110 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication unit 113, an ETC antenna 114, and a camera 115. The components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. Alternatively, the components may be connected to the server 30 directly via a network without using a bus.

[0025] The control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the above-mentioned components as well as the components of the in-venue system 10 and executes various types of arithmetic processing in accordance with a program.

[0026] The storage unit 112 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data in advance, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores programs and data as a working area, and a hard disk that stores various programs and data.

[0027] The communication unit 113 includes an interface for communicating with other terminals and devices via a network, and transmits and receives various data to and from the server 30, for example.

[0028] The ETC antenna 114 is configured to perform wireless communication with the ETC on-board unit 40 according to a predetermined communication standard. The acquisition device 110 acquires an on-board unit ID, represented by a Wireless Call Number (WCN), which is unique information for identifying the ETC on-board unit 40, from the ETC on-board unit 40 via the ETC antenna 114. The acquisition device 110 also acquires an ETC card number, which is unique information for identifying the ETC card inserted into the ETC on-board unit 40, from the ETC on-board unit 40 via the ETC antenna 114. The ETC card number is acquired in an encrypted state and can be decrypted before being transmitted to, for example, the upper server 30.

[0029] Camera 115 captures images of vehicles entering the parking area. By analyzing the images captured by camera 115, information indicating the vehicle number (vehicle plate number) of the vehicle is obtained.

[0030] (Detection device 120) FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the detection device.

[0031] 2B, the detection device 120 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a communication unit 123, and a detection unit 124. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, if the detection device 120 is a device that does not include the control unit 121, the storage unit 122, etc., the detection unit 124 may be configured to be connected to the control unit 111 of the acquisition device 110.

[0032] The control unit 121, storage unit 122, and communication unit 123 of the detection device 120 are similar to the corresponding components of the acquisition device 110, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0033] The detection unit 124 is configured to detect when a vehicle enters or leaves a parking area, and may be configured with various sensors such as a loop coil, a laser lidar (Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)), a camera, etc. Each of the various sensors described above may be used alone, or multiple sensors may be used in combination.

[0034] For example, if a loop coil that electromagnetically detects the approach of a vehicle is used as the detection unit 124, the loop coil is placed, for example, under the roadway along which vehicles pass when entering or exiting a parking area. For example, by placing multiple loop coils along the roadway and checking the timing and order in which each loop coil detects the passage of a vehicle, it is possible to determine whether a vehicle has entered or exited the parking area. For example, if one loop coil is placed at a first position close to the parking area and one at a second position farther from the parking area than the first position, it is possible to determine that a vehicle has entered if the loop coil at the second position detects first, and that a vehicle has exited if the loop coil at the first position detects first, based on the timing at which the two loop coils detect the passage of a vehicle.

[0035] Furthermore, when a laser lidar is used as the detection unit 124, the laser lidar is installed in a position that includes within its detection range vehicles entering or exiting the parking area. By analyzing the image information acquired by the laser lidar, it is possible to detect that a vehicle has entered or exited the parking area.

[0036] Furthermore, when a camera is used as the detection unit 124, the camera is installed in a position that includes within its imaging range vehicles entering or exiting the parking area. By analyzing images (video) continuously captured by the camera, it is possible to detect that a vehicle has entered or exited the parking area. Image (video) recognition can be performed using known techniques, such as background subtraction or a method using machine learning.

[0037] The sensors that can be used as the detection unit 124 are not limited to the above examples, and may be, for example, a contact sensor that comes into contact with a vehicle entering or exiting a parking area to detect the passage and direction of the vehicle, a weight sensor that detects the passage and direction of the vehicle based on the weight of the passing vehicle, etc. Alternatively, an infrared sensor, sonic sensor, geomagnetic sensor, etc., provided in a position that can detect vehicles entering or exiting the parking area may be used.

[0038] (Vehicle control device 130) FIG. 2C is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle restriction device.

[0039] 2C, the vehicle restriction device 130 includes a control unit 131, a communication unit 132, and a restriction unit 133. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. In addition, if the vehicle restriction device 130 does not include the control unit 131 or the communication unit 132, the restriction unit 133 may be configured to be connected to a control device of the acquisition device 110.

[0040] The control unit 131 and the communication unit 132 of the vehicle restriction device 130 are similar to the corresponding configurations of the acquisition device 110, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0041] Restriction unit 133 is a component for restricting the movement of a vehicle. Restriction unit 133 is configured, for example, by a lock plate that is placed on the ground (floor) of the parking area and protrudes toward the bottom of the parked vehicle to restrict the movement of the vehicle. For example, when restriction unit 133 detects that a vehicle has entered the parking area, it restricts the vehicle from leaving the parking area. Note that the method for realizing restriction unit 133 is not limited to the above example, and any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of restricting the movement of a vehicle.

[0042] (Information terminal 20) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information terminal.

[0043] 3, the information terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation reception unit 25. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 of the information terminal 20 are similar to the corresponding components of the acquisition device 110, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0044] Display unit 24 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic EL display, etc., and displays various information. Operation reception unit 25 includes a touch sensor, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and receives various operations from the user. Display unit 24 and operation reception unit 25 may form a touch panel by superimposing a touch sensor serving as operation reception unit 25 on the display surface serving as display unit 24.

[0045] (Server 30) Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server, Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of the server, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the server.

[0046] 4, the server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The control unit 31, storage unit 32, and communication unit 33 of the server 30 are similar to the corresponding components of the acquisition device 110, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0047] 5, the control unit 31 of the server 30 loads a program and executes processing, thereby functioning as a detection unit 311, an acquisition unit 312, a registration unit 313, a reception unit 314, and a vehicle regulation unit 315. The control unit 31 may also be configured to distribute some of its functions to the control units in each component of the on-site system 10.

[0048] Based on the detection result of the detection device 120, the detection unit 311 detects that a vehicle has entered or exited a parking area.

[0049] The acquisition unit 312 acquires from the acquisition device 110 identification information including at least one of the unique information (on-board unit ID) of the ETC on-board unit 40 installed in a vehicle entering the parking area, the unique information (ETC card number) of the ETC card inserted into the ETC on-board unit 40, and the vehicle number of the vehicle.

[0050] The registration unit 313 associates and registers the parking area information for identifying the parking area into which the detection unit 311 has detected the entry of the vehicle with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 312.

[0051] The reception unit 314 receives, from the vehicle user, input of parking area information for the parking area where the vehicle is parked. The reception unit 314 also receives, from the user, input of customer information, including information regarding the payment method selected by the vehicle or the person responsible for paying the fee charged to the vehicle user.

[0052] When the detection unit 311 detects that a vehicle has entered the parking area, the vehicle restriction unit 315 controls the vehicle restriction device 130 to restrict the vehicle from leaving the parking area.

[0053] Server 30, as reception unit 314, provides a dedicated web page that users can access using information terminal 20 in order to associate and register the above information based on instructions from the user. The dedicated web page is provided, for example, using a different URL for each parking lot. For example, when the user's information terminal 20 connects to a wireless LAN network installed in the parking lot, the web page of that URL is set to be displayed on information terminal 20. This allows users who use the parking lot to easily access the web page and register the necessary information.

[0054] Next, the information stored in the storage unit 32 of the server 30 will be described.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, identification information, payment information, and user information are stored in association with each other in the memory unit 32 of the server 30. The identification information is information for identifying the vehicle, the vehicle user, etc. The payment information and user information are information related to the vehicle user and the payment method. The payment information and user information constitute customer information.

[0056] The identification information includes the vehicle-mounted unit ID, ETC card number, and vehicle number.

[0057] The payment information includes credit card information, bank account information, and other information for using payment schemes. The payment information is used as information regarding the payment method selected by the person responsible for the fee charged to the vehicle or the vehicle user. The payment information also includes information indicating permission to automatically pay the fee by a predetermined method when the vehicle leaves the venue.

[0058] User information includes user identification information for identifying a user, contact information, authentication information, etc. User identification information includes, for example, name, address, date of birth, gender, nickname, driver's license number, etc. Contact information includes, for example, phone number, email address, ID for social media and various messaging services, etc. Authentication information stores IDs, passwords, etc. for accessing member-only websites, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, storage unit 32 of server 30 stores parking area information, such as parking area numbers (parking stall numbers) for identifying each parking area in each parking lot, in association with device identification information for identifying detection devices 120 installed in each parking area. In this embodiment, acquisition device 110 is installed for each parking area where a vehicle is parked, or by analyzing information acquired by acquisition devices 110 responsible for multiple parking areas and information acquired by detection devices 120, it is possible to identify the parking area in which a vehicle is parked.

[0060] The above information described as being stored in the memory unit 32 may be stored in external storage that can be connected to the server 30 via a network, and may be configured to be accessed and retrieved from the server 30 as needed.

[0061] (ETC on-board device 40) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ETC vehicle-mounted unit.

[0062] 7, the ETC on-board unit 40 includes a control unit 41, a memory unit 42, a communication unit 43, a card acceptance unit 44, and an output unit 45. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The control unit 41, the memory unit 42, and the communication unit 43 of the ETC on-board unit 40 are similar to the corresponding components of the acquisition device 110, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0063] The card acceptance unit 44 accepts the insertion of an ETC card. The card acceptance unit 44 acquires various information, including the ETC card number, from the inserted ETC card. The control unit 41 transmits the information acquired by the card acceptance unit 44 to the acquisition device 110 via the communication unit 43.

[0064] The output unit 45 is configured to output light and sound, and is configured, for example, by an indicator lamp that indicates the reading status of the ETC card, a speaker that outputs voice guidance, etc.

[0065] The storage unit 42 stores an on-board device ID, typically a WCN (Wireless Call Number), which is unique information for identifying the ETC on-board device 40 as a wireless base station. Therefore, the acquisition device 110 can acquire the on-board device ID of the ETC on-board device 40 when wirelessly communicating with the ETC on-board device 40 via the ETC antenna 114.

[0066] (Payment System 50) Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the payment system, and Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information related to ETC card numbers stored in the payment system.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 8, payment system 50 includes control unit 51, storage unit 52, and communication unit 53. The components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Control unit 51, storage unit 52, and communication unit 53 of payment system 50 are similar to the corresponding components of acquisition device 110, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0068] The payment system 50 is a system installed in, for example, a payment institution (financial institution) such as a bank or credit card company, a payment institution that provides various code payment services, or a payment agent that handles various operations for making payments at such payment institutions. By sending and receiving information to and from the payment system 50, the server 30 can execute payment of parking fees by credit card payment, bank transfer, etc.

[0069] The payment system 50 may also store information about the credit card associated with the user's ETC card and information indicating whether the user's ETC card has been rejected (invalidated) by the ETC card issuer. The above information is stored in the storage unit 52 of the payment system 50. The payment system 50 does not need to store rejection information associated with the ETC card number. In this case, for example, the ETC card number may be converted into credit card information, and the payment system 50 may check with the credit card company each time whether the credit card has been rejected.

[0070] Note that the system 1 may include configurations other than those described above. Furthermore, each of the above configurations may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the above-described components. Furthermore, each of the above configurations may be configured by multiple devices, or may be configured as an integrated unit. Furthermore, a function described as being performed by a certain configuration may be performed by another configuration instead. An overview of the processing in the system will be explained.

[0071] (Processing overview) Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure for the entry / exit management process executed by the server. Figure 11 is a subroutine flowchart showing the procedure for the process shown in step S102 of Figure 9, in which parking area information and identification information are associated and registered. Figure 12 is a subroutine flowchart showing the procedure for the process shown in step S106 of Figure 9, in which customer information and identification information are associated and registered using parking area information as an association key. The processes shown in the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 12 are stored as programs in memory unit 32 of server 30, and are executed by control unit 31 controlling each unit.

[0072] 9 and 10, the server 30 detects the entry of a vehicle into a parking area (step S101). Specifically, the server 30 detects the entry of a vehicle into the parking area based on information related to the detection result transmitted from the detection device 120.

[0073] For the vehicle detected in the process of step S101, the server 30 acquires parking area information of the parking area where the vehicle is parked, acquires identification information from the acquisition device 110, and registers the acquired parking area information and identification information in association with each other (step S102). The process of registering the parking area information and identification information in association with each other in step S102 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0074] 11, server 30 acquires parking area information for the parking area where the entry of the vehicle was detected in step S101 (step S201). For example, server 30 acquires device identification information of detection device 120 that detected the entry of the vehicle, and uses the device identification information to search for information stored in memory unit 32, thereby acquiring parking area information that has been stored in advance in association with the device identification information.

[0075] The server 30 acquires identification information for the vehicle whose entry was detected in step S101 (step S202). Specifically, the server 30 acquires, via the acquisition device 110, the identification information including at least one of the on-board device ID, the ETC card number, and the vehicle's license plate number, acquired from the ETC on-board device 40 of the vehicle. When one acquisition device 110 is provided for each parking area, it is possible to determine in which parking area the acquired identification information is from the vehicle parked, by storing in advance in the server 30 the parking area in which the acquisition device 110 is provided, as with the detection device 120. On the other hand, when one acquisition device 110 is provided for multiple parking areas, it is possible to determine in which parking area the acquired identification information is from the vehicle parked, by comparing the timing at which the entry is detected by the detection device 120 with the timing at which the identification information is acquired by the acquisition device 110.

[0076] The server 30 associates the parking area information acquired in step S201 with the identification information acquired in the processing of step S202, stores them in the storage unit 32 (step S203), and ends the processing of step S102.

[0077] The server 30 determines whether customer information is associated with the identification information acquired in the process of step S102 and registered (step S103). Specifically, the server 30 refers to the database of the storage unit 32 and determines whether customer information including payment information such as credit card information and bank account information and user information is stored in association with the identification information acquired in the process of step S102.

[0078] If the customer information is not registered (step S103: NO), the server 30 transmits a control signal to the vehicle restriction device 130 to restrict the vehicle from leaving the parking area (step S104). As a result, the vehicle is parked in the parking area and is restricted from leaving the parking area. Thereafter, when the user finishes parking and wants to leave the parking area, the server 30 executes the following steps S105 to S108.

[0079] The server 30 determines whether or not the dedicated web page has been accessed by the user (step S105).

[0080] If there is no access (step S105: NO), the server 30 waits until there is an access from a user.

[0081] If there is access (step S105: YES), the server 30 executes a process of registering customer information and identification information in association with each other using the parking area information as an association key based on the input from the user (step S106). The process of registering customer information and identification information in association with each other using the parking area information as an association key in step S106 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, server 30 accepts from the user an input of parking area information (such as a parking space number) indicating the parking area where the user parked the vehicle (step S301). For example, server 30 transmits to information terminal 20 information indicating a screen for the user to input the parking area information of the parking area where the user parked the vehicle, and causes display unit 24 of information terminal 20 to display the screen. While viewing the screen, the user operates operation reception unit 25 to input the parking area information, and transmits it to server 30. In this way, server 30 accepts the input of parking area information.

[0083] Based on the parking area information input in the processing of step S301, server 30 calculates the parking fee for the parking area, transmits it to the user's information terminal 20 for display, and accepts input of customer information from the user (step S302). For example, server 30 transmits information to information terminal 20 showing a screen for the user to input customer information such as payment information and user information, and causes the screen to be displayed on display unit 24 of information terminal 20. While viewing the screen, the user operates operation acceptance unit 25 to input customer information, which is then transmitted to server 30. In this way, server 30 accepts the input of customer information.

[0084] If the parking area information received in step S301 matches the parking area information stored in the storage unit 32 in step S203, the server 30 associates the identification information registered in the storage unit 32 with the matching parking area information and stores the customer information received in step S302 in the storage unit 32 (step S303). Furthermore, the server 30 receives from the user an instruction (payment instruction) to pay the parking fee using the registered payment information or an instruction to authorize subsequent automatic payment by, for example, pressing a payment button or an automatic payment authorization button displayed on the webpage. The server 30 stores the content of the payment instruction or the instruction to authorize automatic payment received from the user as payment information in the storage unit 32. The server 30 then terminates the processing of step S106.

[0085] The server 30 determines whether or not the user has registered the payment information in the storage unit 32 and accepted the payment instruction (step S107).

[0086] If not completed (step S107: NO), the server 30 returns to the process of step S106 and accepts input from the user.

[0087] If the payment has been completed (step S107: YES), the server 30 executes the payment process for the parking fee using the payment information stored in the memory unit 32 and the parking fee amount information calculated based on a predetermined fee table, etc. (step S108). After the payment process is completed, the server 30 transmits a control signal to the vehicle restriction device 130 to control it so that it does not restrict the vehicle from leaving the parking area (step S109). This results in a state where the vehicle's exit from the parking area is not restricted, and the user can leave the vehicle from the parking area.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S103 that the payment information has been registered (step S103: YES), the server 30 further determines whether information regarding automatic payment using the payment information (information indicating that automatic payment is permitted) has been registered in the memory unit 32 by the user (step S110).

[0089] If information regarding automatic payment is registered (step S110: YES), the server 30 transmits a control signal to the vehicle restriction device 130 to control the vehicle so as not to restrict the vehicle from exiting the parking area (step S111). If the vehicle restriction device 130 is already set to a state in which it does not restrict the vehicle from exiting the parking area, the server 30 does not need to transmit a control instruction to the vehicle restriction device 130. This results in a state in which the vehicle is parked in the parking area but is not restricted from exiting the parking area. In this embodiment, the user has registered payment information and information regarding automatic payment, enabling the user to be charged the parking fee at any time. Therefore, there is no need to restrict the vehicle from exiting due to concerns about non-payment of the parking fee. At this time, the server 30 may notify the user's information terminal 20, for example, that payment processing is not necessary because automatic payment will be performed upon exiting, or may notify the user of information regarding the payment method to be used for automatic payment. Furthermore, the notification may confirm whether automatic payment will be performed using the registered payment method upon exiting.

[0090] The server 30 determines whether or not the exit of the vehicle from the parking area has been detected based on the information on the detection result transmitted from the detection device 120 (step S112).

[0091] If the exit of the vehicle is not detected (step S112: NO), the server 30 waits until the exit of the vehicle is detected.

[0092] If the exit of the vehicle is detected (step S112: YES), server 30 executes the parking fee payment process (step S113) using the payment information stored in memory unit 32, the calculated parking fee amount information, etc. At this time, server 30 may notify, for example, to the user's information terminal 20, information indicating the parking lot name, parking area, entry date and time, exit date and time, parking fee, the payment method used, etc. as usage authentication information.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S110 that information regarding automatic payment has not been registered (step S110: NO), the server 30 sends a control signal to the vehicle restriction device 130 to restrict the vehicle from exiting the parking area (step S114).

[0094] The server 30 determines whether or not the dedicated web page has been accessed by the user (step S115).

[0095] If there is no access (step S115: NO), the server 30 waits until there is an access from a user.

[0096] If there is an access (step S115: YES), the server 30 displays a screen for accepting the user's selection of payment method and payment instructions (step S116).

[0097] Specifically, the server 30 displays a screen for accepting input of a parking area number (parking stall number) for identifying the parking area where the user parked their vehicle, and accepts the user's input. The server 30 also displays a screen for accepting selection of the payment method to be used by the user, and accepts the user's selection. The selection of the payment method may be accepted from among the payment methods for which the user has previously registered payment information, or the server 30 may accept input of payment information from the user as a new payment method. When payment information for a new payment method is entered, the server 30 associates the identification information acquired in the processing of step S102 in FIG. 9 with the payment information entered by the user and registers them in the database of the storage unit 32. The server 30 also accepts instructions (payment instructions) from the user to pay the parking fee using the selected payment information, for example by pressing a payment button displayed on the webpage.

[0098] The server 30 determines whether the user's selection of the payment method and acceptance of the payment instruction have been completed (step S117).

[0099] If not completed (step S117: NO), the server 30 returns to the process of step S116 and waits until it receives an input from the user.

[0100] If the payment has been completed (step S117: YES), server 30 executes the payment process for the parking fee using the payment information stored in memory unit 32 and the parking fee amount information calculated based on a predetermined fee table, etc. (step S118). After the payment process is completed, server 30 transmits a control signal to vehicle restriction device 130 to control it so that it does not restrict the vehicle from leaving the parking area (step S119). This unrestricts the vehicle from leaving the parking area, allowing the user to leave the vehicle.

[0101] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved. The server 30 includes a detection unit that detects when a vehicle enters or exits a designated parking area, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information including at least one of the following: unique information about the onboard device installed in the vehicle entering the parking area, unique information about the ETC card inserted in the onboard device, and the vehicle number; and a registration unit that associates and registers the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit with parking area information for identifying the parking area where the detection unit detected the vehicle's entry. This allows the server 30 to register at least one of the unique information about the ETC onboard device 40 installed in the vehicle entering the parking area, the unique information about the ETC card, and the vehicle number, in association with the parking area information about the parking area where the vehicle entered. Therefore, based on the parking area information about the parking area where the vehicle entered, which is easy for users to understand, the identification information, such as the unique information about the ETC onboard device 40, the unique information about the ETC card, and the vehicle number, can be easily referenced and used, thereby enabling cashless payment of parking fees at parking lots to be performed simply and reliably.

[0102] The server 30 further includes a reception unit that receives input of parking area information for the parking area from the vehicle user. The reception unit receives input of customer information from the user, including information regarding the payment method selected by the person paying the fee to be charged to the vehicle or the vehicle user. If the parking area information received by the reception unit matches the parking area information registered in the registration unit, the registration unit associates and registers the customer information received by the reception unit with the identification information registered in association with the parking area information. This makes it possible to search and extract, from the storage unit of the server 30, identification information that is difficult for the user to recognize or enter into the server, using the parking area information, which is information that the user can easily recognize and enter into the server, as a key, and to easily register the user's customer information in association with the identification information. The ability to easily associate and register customer information, including the user's payment information, with identification information for identifying the vehicle or vehicle user makes it possible to easily perform processes such as automatically charging parking fees, etc., to the vehicle or vehicle user, and sending and receiving various information to and from the vehicle or vehicle user.

[0103] The server 30 also includes a vehicle restriction unit 315 that can restrict vehicles from entering and leaving the parking area. This allows the system to restrict vehicles from leaving the parking area, for example, when the user's customer information (payment information) or automatic payment settings have not been registered, thereby enabling appropriate entry and exit management.

[0104] Furthermore, when the detection unit detects a vehicle entering the parking area, if the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the registration unit and the payment method information is registered to automatically pay the fee charged to the vehicle or the vehicle user upon exit, the vehicle restriction unit does not restrict the vehicle from exiting the parking area. This allows the user to immediately exit the parking area without waiting for the payment process to be executed or completed, or for the vehicle restriction device 130 to complete the restriction release operation. This eliminates the need to keep users in a hurry waiting or to perform complicated operations, dramatically improving the convenience of parking lot users.

[0105] Furthermore, when the vehicle restriction unit does not restrict the exit of a vehicle that has entered the parking area and the detection unit detects that the vehicle has left the parking area, the billing processing unit automatically charges the fee using the registered payment method. This makes it convenient and hassle-free for users, and also provides peace of mind and convenience for parking lot providers, as it eliminates missed or incorrect billing and allows the appropriate users to be correctly and automatically billed.

[0106] Furthermore, when the detection unit detects the entry of a vehicle into the parking area, if the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is not registered in the registration unit, the vehicle restriction unit restricts the vehicle from leaving the parking area. As a result, if the identification information is not registered, the vehicle can be restricted from leaving the parking area, thereby making it possible to appropriately manage entry and exit to the parking lot.

[0107] Furthermore, when the detection unit detects the entry of a vehicle into the parking area, if the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the registration unit and automatic payment of the fee charged to the vehicle or the vehicle user is not registered as information regarding the payment method, the vehicle regulation unit regulates the vehicle's exit from the parking area. This makes it possible to regulate the vehicle's exit from the parking area if automatic payment of the fee is not registered, thereby more appropriately managing entry and exit to the parking lot.

[0108] The server 30 also detects the entry or exit of a vehicle based on the detection results of a plurality of loop coils that electromagnetically detect the proximity of a vehicle, thereby enabling accurate detection of the entry or exit of a vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0109] The server 30 also detects the entry or exit of a vehicle based on the analysis results of an image captured by a camera whose imaging range includes a predetermined position. This allows accurate detection of the entry or exit of a vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0110] The server 30 also detects the entry or exit of a vehicle based on the detection results of an optical sensor that includes a predetermined position in its detection range, thereby enabling accurate detection of the entry or exit of a vehicle with a simple configuration.

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, the information terminal 20 has been described as a terminal that is owned by the user. However, the information terminal 20 may be a shared terminal installed in a parking lot or the like. In this case, even if the user does not own the information terminal, operations such as registering necessary information can be performed.

[0113] Furthermore, the processing of the system according to the above-described embodiment may include steps other than those in the flowchart described above, or may not include some of the steps described above. The order of the steps is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, each step may be combined with other steps and executed as a single step, may be included in other steps, or may be divided into multiple steps and executed. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, an example has been described in which the detection processing in step S101 is performed before the identification information acquisition processing in step S102 (step S202). However, this is not limiting, and the processing of S102 (step S202) may be performed first.

[0114] The means and methods for performing various processes in each device of the system according to the above-described embodiments can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The above programs may be provided, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are typically transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The above programs may also be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device in the system as a function of that device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 system, 10 In-house system, 110 Acquisition device; 111 control section, 112 Memory section, 113 Communications Department, 114 ETC antenna, 115 cameras, 120 detection devices, 121 control section, 122 Memory section, 123 Communications Department, 124 detection unit, 130 Vehicle restraint devices, 131 control section, 132 Communications Department, 133 Regulatory Department, 20 information terminals, 21 control section, 22 Memory section, 23 Communications Department, 24 Display section, 25 Operation reception unit, 30 servers, 31 control section, 311 detection unit, 312 Acquisition Department; 313 Registration Department, 314 Reception Department, 315 Vehicle Regulation Department, 32 storage section, 33 Communications Department, 40 ETC on-board device, 41 control section, 42 Memory section, 43 Communications Department, 44 Card acceptance section, 45 output section, 50 payment systems, 51 control section, 52 Memory section, 53 Communications Department.

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects that a vehicle has entered a predetermined parking area or that the vehicle has exited from the parking area; an acquisition unit that acquires, by wireless communication, identification information including at least one of unique information of an on-board device installed in the vehicle entering the parking area and unique information of an ETC card inserted into the on-board device; a registration unit that associates and registers parking area information for identifying the parking area into which the detection unit has detected the entry of the vehicle with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a reception unit that receives input of the parking area information of the parking area from a user of the vehicle; the accepting unit accepts input of customer information from the user, including information regarding a payment method selected by the person who will pay the fee for the vehicle or the user of the vehicle; The registration unit is an entry / exit management system that, when the parking area information accepted by the reception unit matches the parking area information registered in the registration unit, associates and registers the identification information registered in association with the parking area information with the customer information accepted by the reception unit.

2. The entrance / exit management system according to claim 1 , further comprising a vehicle restriction unit capable of restricting the entry of the vehicle into the parking area and the exit of the vehicle from the parking area.

3. 3. The entry / exit management system of claim 2, wherein when the detection unit detects the entry of the vehicle into the parking area, the vehicle restriction unit does not restrict the vehicle from exiting the parking area if the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the registration unit and the information regarding the payment method is registered such that the fee charged to the vehicle or the user of the vehicle will be automatically paid upon exit.

4. 4. The entry / exit management system of claim 3, further comprising a billing processing unit that automatically bills the fee using the registered payment means when the detection unit detects that the vehicle has exited the parking area, in the event that the vehicle regulation unit does not regulate the exit of the vehicle that has entered the parking area.

5. 5. The entry / exit management system of claim 3 or 4, wherein when the detection unit detects the entry of the vehicle into the parking area, the vehicle restriction unit restricts the vehicle from exiting the parking area if the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is not registered in the registration unit.

6. An entry / exit management system as described in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the vehicle restriction unit restricts the vehicle from exiting the parking area when the detection unit detects the vehicle's entry into the parking area, the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the registration unit, and the information regarding the payment means does not include the automatic payment of the fee charged to the vehicle or the user of the vehicle.

7. a detection step of detecting that a vehicle has entered a predetermined parking area or that the vehicle has exited from the parking area; an acquiring step of acquiring, by wireless communication, identification information including at least one of unique information of an on-board device installed in the vehicle entering the parking area and unique information of an ETC card inserted into the on-board device; a registration step of associating and registering parking area information for identifying the parking area into which the entry of the vehicle has been detected in the detection step with the identification information acquired in the acquisition step; Including, The method further includes a receiving step of receiving input of the parking area information of the parking area from a user of the vehicle, The receiving step receives input of customer information from the user, the customer information including information regarding a payment method selected by a person who bears the cost of the vehicle or the user of the vehicle; The registration step is an entry / exit management program that causes a computer to execute a process of registering, in association with the parking area information received in the reception step, the identification information registered in association with the parking area information and the customer information received in the reception step, when the parking area information received in the reception step matches the parking area information registered in the registration step.

Images