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

Abstract

To provide a parking fee discount service that is easy for a store to use by reflecting discount information inputted at a store terminal in a user's parking fee and directly managing the discount information on the store side. [Solution] The discount information collection system 1 includes a discount information server 10 that stores vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information for the vehicle's parking fee, in association with each other, and a store terminal 20 that is located in each store and that grants parking fee discounts to vehicle users. The store terminal 20 has a reading unit 24 that reads vehicle information from a parking ticket held by the vehicle user, an input unit 25 that inputs discount information, and a communication unit 22 that associates the vehicle information identified by the reading unit 24 with the discount information input by the input unit 25 and transmits them to the discount information server 10. The discount information server 10 is capable of outputting vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known a system for forming partnerships between parking lots and stores, and providing parking lot discount services to each store. Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that calculates a parking fee discount according to the total purchase amount obtained by adding up the purchase amounts at multiple stores, as a parking fee discount service for vehicle users who are customers of the store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-13630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Regarding partnerships between parking lots and stores, there are cases where each store independently partners with a parking lot operator and pays its own parking fees. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the amount each affiliated store pays at the time of settlement for each vehicle, making it difficult to apply the technology of Patent Document 1 to cases like this where each store independently partners with a parking lot operator.

[0005] Therefore, even in cases where multiple stores do not cooperate with each other and each store independently enters into a contract with a parking lot operator, there is a need for a parking fee discount service that makes it easy for stores to use by making clear the amount each store in an open area pays to the parking lot operator.

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

[0007] The present invention provides Vehicle information that can identify the vehicle; a discount information server that stores discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in association with the discount information; a store terminal disposed in each store for granting a discount on parking fees to vehicle users; Equipped with The store terminal a reading means for reading the vehicle information from a parking ticket held by a user of the vehicle; a store-side input means for accepting input of discount information by an operator of the store terminal; a transmission means for transmitting the vehicle information specified by the reading means and the discount information input by the store-side input means in association with each other to the discount information server; and The discount information server The vehicle information and discount information associated with the vehicle information can be output. the law of nature , The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. It is a discount information collection system.

[0008] The present invention provides A store terminal is provided at each store for providing a discount on parking fees to vehicle users, reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; accepting input of discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle by an operator of the store terminal; The vehicle information specified by the reading and the discount information input by the input are associated with each other and transmitted to a discount information server. The discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. death , The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. This is a method for collecting discount information.

[0009] The present invention provides A store terminal is provided at each store for providing a discount on parking fees to vehicle users. reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by a user of the vehicle; a step of accepting input of discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle by an operator of the store terminal; a step of associating the vehicle information specified by the reading with the discount information input by the input and transmitting the information to a discount information server, The discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information. the law of nature , The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. It is a discount information gathering program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a discount information collection system, a discount information collection method, and a discount information collection program that enable a store to manage discount information and are easy to use for the store. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the store terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example of a parking ticket. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a store terminal, where (A) shows the first screen, (B) shows the second screen, (C) shows the third screen, and (D) shows the fourth screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the discount information collection method performed by the discount information collection system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing a situation in which a store can allocate discount available time to each of its child stores at its own discretion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the discount information collection method performed by the discount information collection system of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the discount information collection system, discount information collection method, and discount information collection program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present invention also includes configurations that combine the various embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent scope.

[0013] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Discount information collection system 1 includes a discount information server 10, a store terminal 20, and a settlement system 30, all connected via a network N. Discount information collection system 1 is a system that provides settlement system 30 with discount information for settling discounted parking fees for parking lots where vehicle users park their vehicles when using a store, but may also include settlement system 30. In other words, discount information collection system 1 does not require settlement system 30.

[0014] The discount information server 10 is a server that can store vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information on the parking fee for that vehicle in association with each other, and is managed and operated, for example, by a parking lot operator or a discount service provider affiliated with each store. In this example, parking information that can identify the parking location of the vehicle is used as the vehicle information. The discount information on the parking fee is, for example, a discount time that is deducted from the parking time or a discount fee that is deducted from the parking fee that is granted by the store to the vehicle user.

[0015] The store terminal 20 is an electronic terminal installed in each store that grants parking fee discounts to vehicle users. The store may arbitrarily determine the discount time, discount rate, etc., depending on the amount of money the user spends at the store, the length of time the user stays at the store, whether the user is a specific customer, etc. The store terminal 20 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, etc. A store can become an affiliated store by, for example, submitting an affiliated store application form to a parking lot operator in advance. The types of affiliated stores include retail stores where products can be purchased, restaurants and clinics where services can be enjoyed, and hotels that offer accommodation services. Hotels and other establishments may also offer parking service vouchers for stays, allowing users to enter and exit the store freely (accommodation vouchers) within a set time period, such as 24 hours, starting from the time the parking service voucher is issued at the hotel front desk.

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

[0017] The reading unit 24 constitutes a reading means for reading vehicle information from a parking ticket held by a vehicle user. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example of a parking ticket. In this example, barcode information including vehicle information and various other information are printed on the parking ticket. In this example, the vehicle information is parking information that can identify the parking location. The parking information in this example includes a "parking lot ID," a "parking ticket number," and an "entrance gate number," and these pieces of information are printed on the parking ticket as barcode information. The various pieces of information include the "entry time," a "four-digit vehicle number" that is part of the vehicle number, and "discount information for advance payment." A vehicle user typically holds a parking ticket issued by a ticket issuing machine at the parking lot when parking. The reading unit 24 can read information such as a barcode or two-dimensional code from the parking ticket held by the user. The reading unit 24 is, for example, a scanner, camera, or the like that is integrated with the store terminal 20 or configured separately from the store terminal 20.

[0018] In this example, the vehicle information is parking information including a "parking lot ID," a "parking ticket number," and an "entrance gate number." However, the parking information does not necessarily have to include all of this information, as long as it is information that can identify the parking location. For example, if a parking lot has one gate, the parking information does not need to include the entrance gate number, which is information about the gate number through which the person entered. The parking information may also include the address or latitude and longitude information of the parking lot. Furthermore, if there are multiple parking lots with the same name, such as when a parking lot operator operates multiple parking lots, the parking information may include information that can identify which parking lot it is, such as a branch number. In addition, the parking information may include information that can identify a parking space for one vehicle in the parking lot. Furthermore, a vehicle number may be used as vehicle information instead of the parking information. The vehicle number is information that can identify a vehicle and is a number (identifier) ​​unique to each vehicle and printed on the vehicle's license plate.

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

[0020] The input unit 25 is a device for inputting discount information, and constitutes store-side input means through which, for example, a store staff member inputs discount information, specifically, discount time to be subtracted from parking time, discount fee to be subtracted from parking fee, etc., depending on the user's store usage status (for example, total shopping amount). The input unit 25 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., which are integrated with the store terminal 20 or configured separately from the store terminal 20.

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

[0022] The discount information server 10 is capable of receiving and outputting the above-mentioned vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information from the store terminal 20. The output here includes outputting so that it can be displayed on a display device such as an operation terminal installed in the office of the parking lot operator, outputting to another device such as the settlement system 30, etc.

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

[0024] The parking fee server 31 is a server that stores vehicle information and discount information for the vehicle in association with each other. The payment machine 32 is a device that allows a user to pay the parking fee. In this embodiment, when a parking ticket is inserted, the payment machine 32 can reflect the discount information associated with the vehicle information from the parking fee server 31 in the parking fee.

[0025] The imaging unit 33 is provided, for example, in a part of the adjustment machine 32, and is configured with a camera or the like that can capture an image of the license plate of the vehicle to be parked. Vehicle information, specifically the vehicle number, can be obtained from the image captured by the imaging unit 33. In other words, the imaging unit 33 constitutes a vehicle number authentication system. The imaging unit 33 makes it possible to easily obtain vehicle information.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen display of the store terminal 20, with FIG. 4(A) showing the first screen, FIG. 4(B) showing the second screen, FIG. 4(C) showing the third screen, and FIG. 4(D) showing the fourth screen. In this example, each screen is displayed on a touch panel. An example of screen transitions will be explained below. When a store staff member operates the touch panel of the store terminal 20, for example, when a user is paying for their purchases, the touch panel displays the first screen of FIG. 4(A). The first screen displays three buttons: "Give a service voucher," "Cancel," and "Give a status." The "Give a service voucher" button corresponds to the granting of a service, i.e., the granting of a discount, on the parking fee.

[0027] When the staff member presses the "Give Free Coupon" button, the display on the touch panel transitions to the second screen shown in Fig. 4(B), and the reading unit 24 automatically starts up, allowing the staff member to photograph the surrounding area. When the staff member takes the parking ticket held by the user and holds it over the reading unit 24, the parking ticket is photographed and the vehicle information on the parking ticket is read, as shown in the figure.

[0028] Once the reading of the vehicle information is complete, the display on the touch panel transitions to the third screen in FIG. 4(C), and discount information can be input using the input unit 25. In this embodiment, the discount information is a discount time that is subtracted from the original parking time according to the use of the store (total amount of shopping, etc.). The staff member inputs the discount time, which is the discount information, using the input unit 25, i.e., the touch panel. In this example, the discount time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

[0029] The fourth screen shown in FIG. 4(D) is a screen in which the user's purchase amount is converted into discount time by inputting the purchase amount. The fourth screen displays a message announcing the granting of a 2.5-hour service coupon based on the total purchase amount (purchase amount: 5,500 yen), i.e., a message indicating that 2.5 hours of discount time will be granted. This message allows the store staff to understand the discount information. After the second screen shown in FIG. 4(B) is displayed, the user may select either the third screen shown in FIG. 4(C) or the fourth screen shown in FIG. 4(D) to be displayed. When the input of the discount information is confirmed as shown in FIG. 4(C) or FIG. 4(D), the store terminal 20 associates the vehicle information read by the reading unit 24 with the discount information input from the input unit 25, and transmits the information to the discount information server 10 via the network N. While the example in which the second screen is displayed after the first screen is displayed has been described, the store staff may operate the touch panel of the store terminal 20 to start the series of processes from the second screen (see FIG. 4(B)) without displaying the first screen.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the discount information collection method performed by the discount information collection system 1. The operator of the discount information server 10, for example, determines the discount available time in advance for each store and allocates it to each store. The discount available time is, for example, the limit of discount time that each store can subtract from the actual parking time during a predetermined period (for example, one month). The discount information server 10 transmits the discount available time information thus determined in advance to the store terminal 20 (step S1).

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

[0032] The communication unit 22 transmits the associated vehicle information and discount information to the discount information server 10 (step S5). The discount information server 10 stores the associated vehicle information and discount information in a storage device or the like (step S6). When the discount information is input, the discount information server 10 subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information (see FIG. 4(C)) from the discount available time of the store determined in advance (see step S1) (step S7). This subtraction is performed every time discount information for a specific store is input, so the discount available time decreases as discount information is input.

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

[0034] If the same user purchases products and receives services at different stores and obtains a parking fee discount service, step S5 is transmitted from store terminal 20 at each store. In step S6, discount information server 10 stores the discount information obtained at each store for each user, and transmits the discount information to parking fee server 31.

[0035] Figure 6 is an illustration showing a situation in which a store can allocate discount hours to each of its child stores at its own discretion. This figure shows that a certain store's total discount time for August 2024, i.e., discount hours available, is 100 hours. This figure also shows that the discount hours used up in August, i.e., the total discount hours after subtraction, are 10 hours. This store can allocate to each of its child stores, at its own discretion, the maximum number of discount hours that can be granted per shopping transaction, the maximum number of discount hours that can be granted per month, etc. Each child store can grant the above-mentioned discounts to each user within the allocated range.

[0036] According to the discount information collection system 1 of this embodiment, by inputting discount information for a vehicle user at the store terminal 20, the discount information is associated with the vehicle information and transmitted to the discount information server 10, and the discount information server 10 can output the vehicle information (parking information) and discount information. Therefore, for example, by outputting the vehicle information and discount information to the settlement system 30 that settles parking fees, the discount information input at the store terminal 20 can be reflected in the user's parking fee at the settlement system 30. In this way, since discount information can be managed directly at the store side, a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use can be provided. Furthermore, parking lot operators can easily collect and manage discount information, such as the discount amount or discount time offered by stores in open areas, which is necessary for calculating the parking fee to be paid by the user.

[0037] Furthermore, by inputting discount information into the store terminal 20, stores can offer parking discounts to their customers. That is, stores can offer parking discounts to their customers who use the parking lot, when and in the quantities they need, without having to order parking discount tickets as consumables or strictly manage parking discount tickets, which have the same value as cash vouchers, as was previously necessary. In particular, parking discount tickets have monetary value and there is a risk of them being resold. However, since the discount service is realized through data processing within the server and parking discount tickets are no longer necessary, resale of parking discount tickets can be prevented, and damage to the company's image due to resale can also be prevented.

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

[0039] In particular, the discount information server 10 allocates discount available time to each store in advance (step S1), and when discount information is input from the store terminal 20, it can subtract the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of that store (step S7). This allows, for example, a parking lot operator to grant each store a discount available time, which is an upper limit of the discount available time, according to the contract conditions of each store. When the discount available time falls below a predetermined time due to accumulated subtractions, the discount information server 10 may send a warning message to the store terminal 20, or the store may pay a fee to increase the discount available time. Furthermore, the discount information server 10 may automatically grant a predetermined amount of discount available time to the store terminal 20 when the discount available time falls below the predetermined time.

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

[0041] Furthermore, the discount information collection system 1 of this embodiment includes a settlement system 30 that settles parking fees, in addition to the discount information server 10 and the store terminal 20. When the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information are input from the discount information server 10, the parking fee server 31 of the settlement system can reflect the discount information in the parking fee associated with the relevant vehicle information (step S9). As a result, the settlement system 30, which the vehicle user uses to settle the parking fee, reflects the discount information in the parking fee. Therefore, convenience for the vehicle user can be improved, for example, by having the settlement machine 32 read the parking ticket and display discount details.

[0042] In the store terminal 20, the input unit 25 may be configured to allow the user to input the purchase amount at the store, and when the purchase amount is input, the store terminal 20 may convert the purchase amount into a discount time. This allows the store terminal 20 to easily obtain the discount time based on the user's purchase amount.

[0043] Furthermore, there may be cases where a nearby parking lot replaces the mandatory parking lot associated with the construction or expansion of a building, resulting in remote parking. According to this embodiment, an effective discount service can be provided for remote parking as well. For example, if a hotel has a contract for remote parking for three vehicles, the parking lot operator will grant the hotel stock time equivalent to three vehicles' monthly fee as remote parking time. This makes it possible to provide a discount service to 50 participants (50 vehicles exceeding the contracted number of three) when holding a party, for example. In this way, the store can freely allocate stock time, improving convenience for the store.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, discount information can be easily collected by the discount information server 10, which is independent of the payment machine 32, so the discount information service can be separated from the payment method at the time of payment. This has the advantage that parking lot operators can freely design payment methods, including ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) payments. Another advantage for parking lot operators is that it becomes easier to expand the number of affiliated stores.

[0045] In addition, vehicle users will benefit from the fact that the amount of discount on parking fees will be made clear, and the number of discount partner stores will increase, allowing them to obtain parking fee discounts from multiple independent stores.

[0046] 4, an example is shown in which a time in 30-minute increments, 1-hour increments, or 24-hour increments is input as discount information, and a fee equivalent to this time is discounted, but the discount information is not limited to this example. For example, a time in 1-minute increments, a discount fee, or a discount rate may be input as discount information.

[0047] (Second embodiment) 7 is a network diagram of a discount information collection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Discount information collection system 1A of the second embodiment differs from discount information collection system 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a management terminal 40, that parking fee server 31A is an independent server rather than being included in payment system 30, and that payment system 30A includes ticket issuing machine 34 in addition to payment machine 32 and imaging unit 33. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0048] The management terminal 40 is an operation terminal installed in the office of the parking lot operator, etc., and is configured as a general-purpose computer. The management terminal 40 is connected to the discount information server 10 so that it can communicate with it, and transmits the discount available times of each store to the discount information server 10. The management terminal 40 is configured so that it can communicate with each of the store terminals 20, the discount information server 10, and the settlement system 30A, and is used to operate the entire discount information collection system 1A.

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

[0050] The parking fee server 31A has the same functions as the parking fee server 31 in the first embodiment and is configured to be able to communicate with the discount information server 10 and the settlement system 30A. The parking fee server 31A receives information, including vehicle information, transmitted from the settlement system 30A. In this embodiment, the information transmitted from the settlement system 30A includes the parking ticket number, the vehicle number read by the imaging unit 33 at the time of entry, the entry time, and vehicle presence information. The vehicle presence information indicates that an entered vehicle is remaining in the parking space. Specifically, the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is present when the entry time is recorded but the exit time is not. When the parking fee server 31A receives a request to confirm vehicle presence from the discount information server 10, the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is present if the exit time is not recorded, and determines that the vehicle is not present (has exited) if the exit time is recorded. Furthermore, if the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is present, it transmits a response to the discount information server 10 indicating that a discount is available. If the parking fee server 31A determines that the vehicle is not present, it transmits a response to the discount information server 10 that the discount is not available. When the parking fee server 31A receives the barcode information (vehicle information) and discount information from the discount information server 10, it stores the barcode information, discount information, and vehicle presence information in association with each other. The vehicle presence information is information indicating whether the vehicle is present or not. When the parking fee server 31A receives information indicating the start of settlement from the settlement system 30A, it transmits the vehicle information and discount information to the settlement system 30A.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the discount information collection method performed by the discount information collection system 1A. As in the first embodiment, a discount available time is allocated to each store in advance. The settlement system 30A transmits information about the entered vehicle, i.e., the parking ticket number, the vehicle number read by the imaging unit 33 at the time of entry, the entry time, and vehicle presence information, to the parking fee server 31A (step S21). Meanwhile, the management terminal 40 transmits the discount available time allocated to each store in advance to the discount information server 10 (step S22). Furthermore, the discount information server 10 transmits the discount available time to the store terminal 20 when the store terminal logs in (step S23). The store terminal 20 reads barcode information including vehicle information using the reading unit 24 (step S24). The store terminal 20 checks the parking lot ID using the control unit 21 (step S25), and if a discount is applicable, accepts input of discount information by the store staff (step S26, see FIG. 4). The store terminal 20 causes the control unit 21 to associate the barcode information (vehicle information) with the discount information and confirms the input of the discount information (step S27).

[0052] The store terminal 20 transmits the barcode information and discount information to the discount information server 10 (step S28). When the discount information server 10 receives the barcode information and discount information, it requests the parking fee server 31A to confirm whether the vehicle is present (step S29). The parking fee server 31A confirms whether the vehicle is present based on the information received from the settlement system 30A, and transmits a response indicating whether the discount is available to the discount information server 10 (step S30). The discount information server 10 transmits the received response indicating whether the discount is available to the store terminal 20 (step S31). The discount information server 10 also stores the barcode information and the discount information in association with each other (step S32), and subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store (step S33). The discount information server 10 also transmits the barcode information and discount information to the parking fee server 31A (step S34). The parking fee server 31A stores the received barcode information and discount information in association with the vehicle presence information.

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

[0054] According to the discount information collection system 1A of this embodiment, by inputting discount information for a vehicle user into the store terminal 20, the discount information is associated with barcode information (vehicle information) and transmitted to the discount information server 10, and the discount information server 10 can output the barcode information (vehicle information) and the discount information. Therefore, by outputting the barcode information (vehicle information) and discount information to the settlement system 30A, the discount information input into the store terminal 20 can be reflected in the user's parking fee in the settlement system 30A. In this way, since the store can directly manage discount information, a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use can be provided. According to the discount information collection system 1A of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, beneficial effects can be achieved not only for the store but also for vehicle users, the local area, and parking lot operators.

[0055] In this embodiment, the discount information server 10 checks whether the vehicle is in the car, and if the vehicle user is not in the car, for example, if the user mistakenly presents a used parking ticket at a store, a response that the discount is not available is sent to the store terminal 20. This prevents incorrect or fraudulent use of the discount service.

[0056] In the second embodiment, the discount information server 10 and the parking fee server 31A are configured as independent servers, but the functions of both servers may be integrated into one server. In this case, the transmission and reception of various information between the servers may be replaced by the input and output of various information between the functional blocks of one server.

[0057] As a result, the present disclosure describes at least the following: Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to these.

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

[0059] According to the above configuration, by inputting discount information for a vehicle user at a store terminal, the discount information is associated with vehicle information and transmitted to a discount information server, and the discount information server can output the vehicle information and discount information. Therefore, by outputting the vehicle information and discount information output from the discount information server and stored in a parking fee server, for example, to a payment system that settles parking fees, the discount information input at the store terminal can be reflected in the user's parking fee in the payment system. In this way, since discount information can be directly managed by the store, a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use can be provided. Furthermore, parking lot operators can easily collect and manage discount information, such as the discount amount and discount time offered by open-area stores and the like, which is necessary for calculating the parking fee to be paid by the user.

[0060] (2) The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store. (1) A discount information collection system.

[0061] According to the above configuration, for example, the parking lot operator can grant each store a discountable time, which is an upper limit of the discount time, in accordance with the contract conditions of each store.

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

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

[0064] (4) The vehicle information includes a vehicle number. (1) A discount information collection system.

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

[0066] (5) a parking fee server (31, 31A) that stores a vehicle and its parking fee in association with each other; and a payment machine (32) for a user to pay a parking fee; When the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information are input from the discount information server, the parking fee server reflects the discount information in the parking fee associated with the corresponding vehicle information. The discount information collection system described in (1).

[0067] According to the above configuration, the settlement system used by the vehicle user when settling the parking fee reflects the discount information in the parking fee, thereby improving convenience for the vehicle user.

[0068] (6) An imaging unit (33) capable of capturing an image of a license plate of a vehicle; Acquiring vehicle information from the image captured by the imaging unit. The discount information collection system described in (1).

[0069] According to the above configuration, the settlement system can easily obtain vehicle information.

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

[0071] According to the above configuration, the store terminal can easily obtain vehicle information.

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

[0073] According to the above configuration, the store terminal can easily obtain discount times as discount information.

[0074] (9) The store-side input means can convert the purchase amount into a discount time by inputting the purchase amount of the user. The discount information collection system described in (1).

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

[0076] (10) A store terminal is provided at each store for providing a discount on parking fees to vehicle users, reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; Enter discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle in question, The vehicle information specified by the reading and the discount information input by the input are associated with each other and transmitted to a discount information server. the discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information; How to collect discount information.

[0077] According to the above configuration, by inputting discount information for a vehicle user at a store terminal, the discount information is associated with vehicle information and transmitted to the discount information server, and the discount information server can output the vehicle information and the discount information. Therefore, by outputting the vehicle information and the discount information to, for example, a payment system that settles parking fees, the discount information input at the store terminal can be reflected in the user's parking fee in the payment system. In this way, since the discount information can be managed directly at the store side, a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use can be provided.

[0078] (11) A store terminal installed in each store for granting discounts on parking fees to vehicle users, reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by a user of the vehicle; inputting discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle; a step of associating the vehicle information specified by the reading with the discount information input by the input and transmitting the information to a discount information server, the discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information; Discount information gathering program.

[0079] According to the above configuration, by inputting discount information for a vehicle user at a store terminal, the discount information is associated with vehicle information and transmitted to the discount information server, and the discount information server can output the vehicle information and discount information. Therefore, by outputting the vehicle information and discount information output from the discount information server and stored in the parking fee server to, for example, a payment system that settles parking fees, the discount information input at the store terminal can be reflected in the user's parking fee in the payment system. In this way, since the discount information can be managed directly at the store, a parking fee discount service that is easy for the store to use can be provided.

[0080] Furthermore, with the above configuration, a store terminal can be realized simply by installing a specific application software on a tablet terminal, for example. This allows the store to realize a parking fee discount service for multiple stores with different discount conditions without the need to install a dedicated parking ticket authentication machine or link with a POS system that manages sales information. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. a discount information server that stores vehicle information that can identify a vehicle and discount information for parking fees for the vehicle in association with each other; a store terminal disposed in each store for granting a discount on parking fees to vehicle users; The store terminal a reading means for reading the vehicle information from a parking ticket held by a user of the vehicle; a store-side input means for accepting input of discount information by an operator of the store terminal; a transmission means for transmitting the vehicle information specified by the reading means and the discount information input by the store-side input means in association with each other to the discount information server, the discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and discount information associated with the vehicle information; The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. Discount information collection system.

2. the discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store; The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

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

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

5. a parking fee server that stores a vehicle and a parking fee for the vehicle in association with each other; a payment machine for a user to pay a parking fee; When the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information are input from the discount information server, the parking fee server reflects the discount information in the parking fee associated with the corresponding vehicle information. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

6. An imaging unit capable of imaging a license plate of a vehicle, Acquiring vehicle information from the image captured by the imaging unit. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

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

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

9. The store-side input means is capable of converting a purchase amount into a discount time by inputting the purchase amount of the user. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

10. A store terminal is provided at each store for providing a discount on parking fees to vehicle users, reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by the user of the vehicle; accepting input of discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle by an operator of the store terminal; The vehicle information specified by the reading and the discount information input by the input are associated with each other and transmitted to a discount information server. the discount information server outputs the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information; The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. How to collect discount information.

11. A store terminal is provided at each store for providing a discount on parking fees to vehicle users. reading vehicle information capable of identifying the vehicle from a parking ticket held by a user of the vehicle; a step of accepting input of discount information for the parking fee of the vehicle by an operator of the store terminal; a step of associating the vehicle information specified by the reading with the discount information input by the input and transmitting the information to a discount information server, the discount information server is capable of outputting the vehicle information and the discount information associated with the vehicle information; The discount information server allocates a discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and sends a warning message to the store terminal when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time. Discount information gathering program.

12. The discount information server allocates discount available time to each store in advance, and when discount information is input from the store terminal, subtracts the discount time corresponding to the discount information from the discount available time of the store within the range of the allocated discount available time, and when the discount available time falls below a predetermined time, automatically grants the predetermined amount of discount available time to the store terminal. The discount information collection system according to claim 1.

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