Parking management system and parking management method

Abstract

This parking management system eliminates the need for long-range wireless communication equipment in parking lots and improves convenience for both users and administrators. [Solution] The parking management system includes a timing control unit 301 that measures the start time of locking when a predetermined locking control device 10 locks a vehicle C parked in a predetermined parking space; an acquisition control unit 302 that acquires parking information when an identification code 10d provided in advance around the parking space is read by a user terminal 11; a calculation control unit 303 that calculates the parking fee for the parking space via long-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the server; a request control unit 304 that requests payment of the calculated parking fee from the user terminal; a selection control unit 305 that displays a selectable unlock key to the user terminal once the payment request is completed by the user terminal; and an unlock control unit 306 that allows the user terminal to unlock the locking control device via short-range wireless communication with the locking control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parking lot management system and a parking lot management method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years' parking lot management systems (also referred to as parking lot settlement systems), by utilizing IoT, smartphones, and encryption technologies, it has become possible to flexibly add electronic payment and contactless entry / exit functions to existing settlement machines and parking facilities later. In particular, by adding a parking lot management system to an existing parking lot (settlement machines, parking facilities, etc.) later, it is possible to improve user convenience, prevent unauthorized use, and enhance the efficiency of the entire system.

[0003] There are various technologies related to such parking lot management systems. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-186616 (Patent Document 1) discloses a remote operation system for a flap-type parking device. Here, the remote operation system for the flap-type parking device includes a vehicle detector, a flap plate, a settlement machine, a mobile terminal, a management server, and an IoT device. The vehicle detector detects a vehicle parked at a parking location. The flap plate is installed at the parking location so as to be able to move up and down, and based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector, it rises to lock the vehicle. Also, the settlement machine settles the parking fee of the vehicle and controls the flap plate. The mobile terminal is possessed by a user and has a dedicated application installed. The management server is connected to the mobile terminal via the Internet and manages the parking fee settlement by the dedicated application on the mobile terminal. The IoT device, at the time of entry, based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle detector, transmits a search signal to be wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal, and when receiving an entry authentication signal from the mobile terminal, outputs an upward command to the flap plate while blocking the entry signal from the flap plate to the settlement machine. Also, the IoT device, at the time of exit, outputs a downward command to the flap plate based on the completion signal of the parking fee settlement by the dedicated application on the mobile terminal. It is said that this can improve user convenience and smooth the exit settlement.

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-014853 (Patent Document 2) discloses a payment system comprising a server, a user terminal, and a payment machine, wherein the terminal reads a first code displayed on the payment machine to perform payment. The server comprises a generation unit and a communication unit. When the generation unit receives payment information regarding the payment amount to the payment machine from the terminal along with information regarding the first code, it generates discrimination information that includes predetermined information encrypted using a different encryption key for each payment machine. The communication unit transmits the discrimination information generated by the generation unit to the terminal. The user terminal comprises a reading unit, a communication unit, and a notification unit. The reading unit reads the first code, and the communication unit transmits information regarding the first code read by the reading unit and payment information to the server, and receives discrimination information transmitted from the server. The notification unit notifies the discrimination information received by the communication unit as a second code. The payment machine comprises an intake unit, a decryption unit, and a notification unit. The acquisition unit acquires the second code, the decryption unit decrypts the information contained in the second code acquired by the acquisition unit using a decryption key corresponding to its own device, and the notification unit notifies the result of the decryption performed by the decryption unit. This makes it possible to perform simple payments at the payment machine while preventing fraudulent use of user-scan QR code payments.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-078978 (Patent Document 3) discloses a flap device comprising an authorized position, a flap plate, and a ramp member. The authorized position permits the entry and exit of vehicles to and from the parking space, and the flap plate swings between this position and a blocking position to prevent vehicles that have entered the parking space from exiting. The ramp member connects the flap plate to the ground of the parking space, and in the flap device, at least one of the flap plate and the ramp member is made of a non-conductive material, and wireless communication equipment for sending and receiving information regarding entry and exit is provided in a position adjacent to one of them. This makes it possible to simplify the installation work.

[0006] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-168421 (Patent Document 4) discloses a parking management system for managing post-payment type parking lots. The parking management system includes a payment machine and a management server. When a user exits the parking lot, the management server receives user-specific information from the communication terminal, which is of the same type as user-specific information acquired at the parking lot location at the time of entry, but is identified by the user on the communication terminal at the parking lot location at the time of exit. The management server transmits parking fee data to the communication terminal for electronic payment of parking fees, provided that it successfully matches the user-specific information at the time of entry and the user-specific information at the time of exit. This makes it possible to enable electronic payment as a whole system by combining a payment device that does not support electronic payment with the user's communication terminal.

[0007] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-010595 (Patent Document 5) discloses a parking payment system. In this system, the parking payment system includes an electronic payment processing means that connects a second parking payment system to a first parking payment system in a communicative manner and performs payment using an electronic payment system. The first parking payment system communicates with a camera, a payment machine, and an entry / exit management server. The camera captures vehicle information of vehicles entering or exiting the parking lot, the payment machine collects parking fees from users who have parked in the parking lot, and the entry / exit management server obtains the garage number of the vehicle that has entered the parking lot from the payment machine and registers it in a parking information database. The second parking payment system includes a data terminal operated by the user and an electronic payment server that is identified by bringing the data terminal close to a communication tag that can be detachably attached to the payment machine. This means that even payment machines that do not support various electronic payment methods can be equipped with the latest electronic payment functions by utilizing the communication infrastructure of the parking payment machine and installing a communication tag on the payment machine. This simple configuration allows for quick payment of parking fees using user-friendly electronic money. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-186616 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-014853 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-078978 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-168421 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-010595 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] When adding a parking management system to an existing parking lot, it requires construction work to add flap-type parking devices, payment machines, and servers capable of long-range wireless communication to manage them. This construction work presents challenges in terms of time and effort.

[0010] As described above, the technology described in Patent Document 1 enables contactless, remote loading / unloading and payment by linking a flap plate with IoT devices and a smartphone app. The technology described in Patent Document 2 reads a first code displayed on the payment machine with a terminal and generates and displays a second code. The technology described in Patent Document 3 simplifies the installation work of the flap device by combining a non-conductive material and wireless communication equipment. The technology described in Patent Document 4 enables post-payment based on identity verification by matching user-specific information at the time of loading / unloading. The technology described in Patent Document 5 attaches a communication tag to the payment machine and links with an external electronic payment server via a user terminal. However, these technologies, as mentioned above, require additional construction work and have the same problems as described above.

[0011] On the other hand, there was a need for a system that could manage parking lots with a simple mechanism that was easy for users to use, without requiring additional construction work on the parking lot.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a parking management system and a parking management method that eliminate the need for long-range wireless communication equipment in parking lots and improve convenience for both users and administrators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The parking management system according to the present invention comprises a timing control unit, an acquisition control unit, a calculation control unit, a request control unit, a selection control unit, and a release control unit. The timing control unit timings the start time of locking when a vehicle parked in a predetermined parking space is locked by a predetermined locking control unit. When an identification code provided in advance around the parking space is read by a user terminal, the acquisition control unit acquires parking information from the locking control unit, including the identification information of the parking space, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking, via short-range wireless communication between the locking control unit and the user terminal. When the parking information is acquired, the calculation control unit calculates the parking fee for the parking space via long-range wireless communication between the user terminal and a server on the network. The request control unit requests payment of the calculated parking fee from the user terminal. When payment of the request is completed by the user terminal, the selection control unit displays the lock release key on the user terminal in a selectable state and accepts the selection of the release key. When the user terminal selects the unlock key, the unlock control unit causes the lock control device to be unlocked via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the lock control device.

[0014] Furthermore, the parking lot management method according to the present invention comprises a timing control step, an acquisition control step, a calculation control step, a request control step, a selection control step, and a release control step. Each control step of the parking lot management method corresponds to each control unit of the parking lot management system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need for long-distance wireless communication equipment in a parking lot and improve convenience for both users and administrators.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a parking lot management system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a conceptual diagram (FIG. 2A) and a perspective view (FIG. 2B) showing an example of a locking control device of a parking lot management system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram of a parking lot management system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the execution procedure of a parking lot management method according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram (FIG. 5A) showing an example when a user parks a vehicle and a locking control device locks the vehicle, and a diagram (FIG. 5B) showing an example when a user terminal reads an identification code. [Figure 6] It is a diagram (FIG. 6A) showing an example when a user terminal performs short-distance wireless communication with a locking control device and acquires parking information from the locking control device, and a diagram (FIG. 6B) showing an example when a user terminal performs long-distance wireless communication with a server and the server calculates a parking fee. [Figure 7] It is a diagram (FIG. 7A) showing an example of a payment request screen, a payment procedure screen, and a non-payment screen, and a diagram (FIG. 7B) showing an example when a user terminal acquires parking information from a locking control device and a server calculates a parking fee. [Figure 8] It is a diagram (FIG. 8A) showing an example of a payment request screen, a payment procedure screen, and a payment completion screen, a case when a server transmits information related to unlocking to a user terminal, and a diagram (FIG. ) showing an example of an unlocking screen. [Figure 9] It is a diagram (FIG. 9A) showing an example when a user selects an unlocking key and a locking control device releases the lock, and a diagram (FIG. 9B) showing an example when a user takes a vehicle out of a parking lot. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example when the parking lot management system according to the present invention is applied to a bicycle or a motorcycle.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0018] Now, as shown in FIG. 1, the parking lot management system 1 according to the present invention includes a locking control device 10, a user terminal 11, a server 12, and a network 13. Note that the parking lot management system 1 according to the present invention does not have a usual payment machine. That is, in the parking lot management system 1 according to the present invention, a user can pay the parking fee for his / her own vehicle C without installing a payment machine (described later).

[0019] Also, the vehicle C can be, for example, an automobile equipped with wheels. However, in the present invention, the vehicle C is not limited to an automobile, and examples include moving bodies such as bicycles, motorcycles, two-wheel vehicles, and small traveling vehicles equipped with wheels.

[0020] Also, the locking control device 10 is installed for each of a plurality of parking locations Sa preliminarily partitioned in a predetermined parking lot S. The parking location Sa is a place where the vehicle C can be parked. The locking control device 10 includes a locking control unit 10a, a flap 10b (also referred to as a flap plate), a parking block 10c, and an identification code 10d.

[0021] Here, the locking control unit 10a can control the flap 10b to raise or lower the flap 10b with respect to the wheels of the vehicle C parked in the parking location Sa. The flap 10b is a plate-shaped member having a length corresponding to the width direction of the wheels of the vehicle C. A slope 10b1 is provided in front of the flap 10b so that the wheels of the vehicle C can overcome the slope 10b1 when the vehicle C enters the storage.

[0022] Furthermore, the parking block 10c is installed in the parking space Sa and is an obstacle that the wheels of vehicle C can come into contact with, and is positioned opposite the flap 10b. In other words, after the wheels of vehicle C pass the flap 10b, they come into contact with the parking block 10c, and vehicle C becomes parkable. There are no particular limitations on the material of the parking block 10c, but examples include concrete, synthetic resin, rubber, etc. The parking block 10c also has the height and strength to restrict the backward movement of the wheels of vehicle C.

[0023] Furthermore, the identification code 10d is installed for each lock control unit 10a (parking space Sa) and includes a code that can identify the parking space Sa. There are no particular limitations on the installation method of the identification code 10d, but examples include signs or plates installed around the lock control unit 10a, the exterior of the lock control unit 10a, or flat surfaces such as covers. The identification code 10d can also be installed by, for example, printing it directly onto a flat surface or by attaching a sheet with the identification code 10d printed on it to a flat surface. The identification code 10d also contains information that can uniquely identify a specific parking space Sa from among multiple parking spaces Sa in the parking lot S. The identification code 10d can be, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). Furthermore, since the identification code 10d needs to be associated with the unlocking device 10, it may be installed as a single unit or as two or more units in a manner that directly corresponds to the unlocking device 10, for example, on the exterior or in the vicinity (around) of the unlocking device 10.

[0024] Next, the configuration of the locking control device 10 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2A, the locking control device 10 includes a locking control unit 10a, a flap 10b, an identification code 10d, as well as a vehicle detection unit 10e, a drive unit 10f, a power supply unit 10g, and a short-range wireless communication unit 10h.

[0025] Here, the vehicle detection unit 10e is electrically connected to the locking control unit 10a and is a detection sensor that detects the presence of a vehicle C in the parking space Sa where the locking control device 10 is installed. Examples of such sensors include a loop coil sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a pressure sensor. For example, if the vehicle detection unit 10e is a loop coil sensor, the sensor can detect whether or not a metallic vehicle C has passed the locking control unit 10a using the loop coil. If the vehicle detection unit 10e is an infrared sensor, the infrared sensor can irradiate the parking space Sa with infrared light and detect the vehicle C using the reflection or blockage of the irradiated infrared light. If the vehicle detection unit 10e is an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic sensor can irradiate the parking space Sa with ultrasonic waves and detect the vehicle C by measuring the distance from the sensor to the vehicle C based on the irradiated ultrasonic waves.

[0026] Furthermore, the drive unit 10f is electrically connected to the locking control unit 10a and, based on the signal from the locking control unit 10a, physically raises (rotates forward) or lowers (rotates backward) the flap 10b. Here, the drive unit 10f can be, for example, a drive mechanism such as an actuator or a motor, and the drive method of the drive unit 10f can be, for example, electric or hydraulic.

[0027] Furthermore, the power supply unit 10g is electrically connected to the locking control unit 10a and the drive unit 10f, and supplies power to the locking control device 10 and the drive unit 10f. Here, the power supply unit 10g can be, for example, a storage battery that stores power from an external source, a power supply unit electrically connected to an external power source, a power supply unit electrically connected to a solar panel (not shown), or a combination of these.

[0028] Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication unit 10h is electrically connected to the locking control unit 10a, enabling short-range wireless communication. For example, when a user terminal 11 capable of short-range wireless communication approaches the locking control device 10, the short-range wireless communication unit 10h of the locking control device 10 can communicate with the user terminal 11 via short-range wireless communication.

[0029] To explain the operation of the locking control unit 10a, for example, when no vehicle C is parked, the locking control unit 10a lowers the flap 10b via the drive unit 10f to make it flat. Here, the flat flap 10b and the slope 10b1 form a gentle mound, and the locking control unit 10a uses the vehicle detection unit 10e to detect whether or not vehicle C is present. When the wheels of vehicle C go over the slope 10b1 in front of the flap 10b, the locking control unit 10a detects the presence of vehicle C using the vehicle detection unit 10e and, as shown in Figure 2B, raises the flap 10b via the drive unit 10f to prevent the wheels of vehicle C from going over the flap 10b. This completes the parking of vehicle C. Furthermore, when vehicle C leaves the parking lot, the user controls the locking control unit 10a using the user terminal 11. The locking control unit 10a then lowers the flap 10b via the drive unit 10f to make it flat. This allows vehicle C to leave the parking lot.

[0030] The user terminal 11 also includes a terminal display unit (output unit), a terminal reception unit (input unit), a code input unit, a long-range wireless communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a terminal storage unit, and a terminal control unit. Here, the terminal display unit displays a screen, and the terminal reception unit receives input of predetermined instructions by the user's operation. The code input unit may be, for example, a camera unit, and can receive input of an identification code 10d via the code input unit. The long-range wireless communication unit enables long-range wireless communication, and the short-range wireless communication unit enables short-range wireless communication.

[0031] Here, long-range wireless communication refers to wireless communication over a wide area, such as Wi-Fi® and other wireless LANs, and mobile networks. Short-range wireless communication refers to wireless communication over a narrow area, such as Bluetooth® and infrared communication. Note that long-range wireless communication and short-range wireless communication are different.

[0032] Furthermore, the user terminal 11 can communicate with the server 12 via the network 13 using the long-range wireless communication unit, and can communicate with the locking control device 10 via short-range wireless communication using the short-range wireless communication unit. In addition, the terminal storage unit stores various types of data, and the terminal control unit controls each of these units.

[0033] Furthermore, the server 12 is a commonly used computer and includes a server communication unit for wireless communication, a server storage unit for storing data, and a server control unit for controlling each unit. Here, the server 12 sends and receives data with the user terminal 11 via the network 13. Also, depending on the type, there may be one server or two or more servers 11. Furthermore, a backend server for controlling data with the user terminal 11 may be placed between the server 11 and the network 13 to facilitate data control and management. This server may, for example, function as an API (Application Programming Interface) between the server 11 and the user terminal 11.

[0034] Furthermore, network 13 connects to both the user terminal 11 and the server 12 via long-range wireless communication. Network 13 can include a LAN (Local Area Network) via a Wi-Fi® access point, a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless base station, third-generation (3G) communication methods, fourth-generation (4G) communication methods such as LTE, and fifth-generation (5G) and later communication methods. Note that network 13 does not include short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0035] Furthermore, the lock control device 10, the user terminal 11, and the server 12 all have built-in CPUs, ROMs, RAMs, HDDs, SSDs, etc. (not shown). The CPU, for example, uses RAM as a workspace and executes programs stored in the ROMs, HDDs, SSDs, etc. Similarly, each control unit, which will be described later, is realized by the CPU executing programs.

[0036] Next, with reference to Figures 3-10, the configuration and execution procedure of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a user is carrying a user terminal 11 and driving a vehicle C (in this case, an automobile). The user searches for a predetermined parking lot S to park the vehicle C, and as shown in Figure 5A, parks the vehicle C facing backward in a predetermined parking spot Sa among the parking lots S that was found.

[0037] Here, the locking control device 10 of the parking management system 1 according to the present invention detects whether or not a vehicle C is parked in the installed parking space Sa. Specifically, the locking control unit 10a of the locking control device 10 uses the vehicle detection unit 10e to detect whether or not a vehicle C is present (Figure 4: S101).

[0038] If the user has not passed the wheels of vehicle C through the flap 10b of the locking control device 10, the locking control unit 10a uses the vehicle detection unit 10e to detect that vehicle C is not present, and the process returns to S101, where the locking control device 10 continues to detect the presence of vehicle C (Figure 4: S101NO).

[0039] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5A, when a user passes the wheels of vehicle C over the flap 10b of the locking control device 10, the locking control unit 10a detects the presence of vehicle C using the vehicle detection unit 10e (Figure 4: S101YES). In this case, the locking control unit 10a uses the drive unit 10f to raise the flap 10b, blocking the wheels of vehicle C with the flap 10b and locking vehicle C (Figure 4: S102). This allows the user to complete the entry of vehicle C.

[0040] Now, once the locking control device 10 has finished locking vehicle C, the timing control unit 301 of the locking control device 10 then starts timing the locking process (Figure 4: S103).

[0041] There are no particular limitations on the timing method of the timing control unit 301, but for example, the timing control unit 301 may refer to a pre-installed clock circuit and acquire the time when vehicle C was locked as the start time of locking (for example, "9:00"). The timing control unit 301 then stores the acquired start time in a predetermined storage unit. This makes it possible to time the time when the user started parking vehicle C.

[0042] Now, having completed parking vehicle C, the user temporarily leaves parking space Sa to complete a predetermined task. Let's assume the user has completed the task and a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. Afterwards, as shown in Figure 5B, the user returns to parking lot S and approaches parking space Sa where their vehicle C was parked. Next, if the user wishes to exit vehicle C, they read the identification code 10d that has been pre-placed around parking space Sa using the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S201).

[0043] There are no particular limitations on how the user terminal 11 reads the identification code 10d. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the user may activate the code input unit 11a (camera unit) of the user terminal 11 and hold it over the identification code 10d, or the user may download the application for the bicycle parking management system 1 according to the present invention to the user terminal 11, activate the application on the user terminal 11, and then read the identification code 10d with the code input unit 11a of the user terminal 11.

[0044] If the code input unit 11a of the user terminal 11 fails to properly read the identification code 10d (Figure 4: S201NO), the process returns to S201, and the user continues to read the identification code 10d again using the code input unit 11a.

[0045] On the other hand, if the code input unit 11a of the user terminal 11 is able to read the identification code 10d appropriately (Figure 4: S201YES), the acquisition control unit 302 of the user terminal 11 acquires parking information from the locking control device 10, including the identification information of the parking space Sa, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking, via short-range wireless communication between the locking control device 10 and the user terminal 11, corresponding to the read identification code 10d.

[0046] Here, there are no particular limitations on the acquisition method of the acquisition control unit 302, but for example, when the code input unit 11a reads the identification code 10d, the acquisition control unit 302 acquires the identification information of the read identification code 10d (for example, "a10") as shown in Figure 5B. Here, the identification information of the identification code 10d is information that can uniquely identify the parking location Sa of the locking control device 10 into which the user parked vehicle C, and can be, for example, access information such as a MAC address that can identify the locking control device 10.

[0047] Then, when the acquisition control unit 302 acquires the identification information of the identification code 10d ("a10") (also referred to as the identification information of the locking control device 10), it activates the short-range wireless communication unit 11b of the user terminal 11, as shown in Figure 6A, and performs short-range wireless communication between the locking control device 10 and the user terminal 11, corresponding to the identification information of the identification code 10d ("a10") (Figure 4: S202).

[0048] Here, there are no particular limitations on the short-range wireless communication method used by the acquisition control unit 302. For example, when using Bluetooth®, the acquisition control unit 302 uses the short-range wireless communication unit 11b of the user terminal 11 to search for short-range wireless communication devices around the user terminal 11. Here, the acquisition control unit 302 can find the lock control device 10 corresponding to the identification information ("a10") of the identification code 10d by using the identification information ("a10") of the identification code 10d. Once the acquisition control unit 302 finds the lock control device 10 corresponding to the identification information ("a10") of the identification code 10d, it pairs the short-range wireless communication unit 11b of the user terminal 11 with the short-range wireless communication unit 10h of the lock control device 10 to establish a short-range wireless communication connection. This enables short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 11 and the lock control device 10.

[0049] Next, when the acquisition control unit 302 initiates short-range wireless communication with the locking control device 10, the acquisition control unit 302 acquires parking information from the locking control device 10, including the identification information of the parking space Sa, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking, as shown in Figure 6A (Figure 4: S203).

[0050] Specifically, the acquisition control unit 302 first refers to the memory unit of the locking control device 10 and acquires the identification information of the parking space Sa (for example, "ab10") that is pre-stored in the memory unit. Here, the identification information of the parking space Sa ("ab10") can include, for example, identification information that can identify the parking space Sa, identification information that can identify the locking control device 10 of the parking space Sa, and identification information that can identify the flap 10b of the locking control device 10 of the parking space Sa. In addition, the identification information of the parking space Sa may also include access information of the server 12 that calculates the parking fee, identification information that can identify the parking lot S, and identification information that can identify the address (location) of the parking lot S.

[0051] Next, the acquisition control unit 302 retrieves the previously stored locking start time ("9:00") from the referenced memory unit. This allows the unit to obtain the time when parking of vehicle C began.

[0052] Furthermore, the acquisition control unit 302 refers to the clock circuit of the locking control device 10 and acquires the time when the user terminal 10 referred to the clock circuit of the locking control device 10 as the scheduled end time of parking (for example, "15:00"). This allows the user to obtain the time when they plan to finish parking vehicle C. Here, as described above, the scheduled end time of parking is the time when the user terminal 10 referred to the clock circuit of the locking control device 10, but it is not limited to this, and other examples include the time when short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 10 and the locking control device 10 started, or the time when the user terminal 10 acquired the identification information of parking space Sa and the start time of locking. Alternatively, the scheduled end time of parking may be an additional time obtained by adding a predetermined set time to the time when the user terminal 10 referred to the clock circuit of the locking control device 10. This allows the time required for user operation to be added in advance. Note that the scheduled end time of parking is only scheduled and can be changed by user operation as described later.

[0053] Once the acquisition control unit 302 has finished acquiring the parking information, the calculation control unit 303 of the server 12 then calculates the parking fee for parking space Sa via long-range wireless communication between the user terminal 11 and the server 12 on the network 13.

[0054] Here, there are no particular limitations on the calculation method of the calculation control unit 303, but for example, the acquisition control unit 302 (user terminal 10) activates the long-range wireless communication unit 11c of the user terminal 11, as shown in Figure 6B, and performs long-range wireless communication between the server 12 corresponding to the lock control device 10 and the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S204).

[0055] Here, there are no particular limitations on the long-distance wireless communication method used by the acquisition control unit 302. For example, when using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the acquisition control unit 302 uses the wireless communication unit of the user terminal 11 to access the server 12 via the network 13. Here, the acquisition control unit 302 may, for example, use the access information of the server 12 included in the identification information of the parking space Sa mentioned earlier, or it may include the access information of the server 12 in the identification information of the identification code 10d, and the acquisition control unit 302 may use the access information of the server 12 in the identification information of the identification code 10d, or either, or both. When the acquisition control unit 302 accesses the server 12, it establishes a long-distance wireless communication connection between the user terminal 10 and the server 12. This enables long-distance wireless communication between the user terminal 11 and the server 12.

[0056] Next, when the acquisition control unit 302 initiates long-range wireless communication with the server 12, it transmits the parking information to the server 12 via the network 13, as shown in Figure 6B. This allows the calculation control unit 303 of the server 12 to receive and acquire the parking information from the user terminal 10. Once the calculation control unit 303 has acquired the parking information, it then calculates the parking fee for parking space Sa based on the acquired parking information (Figure 4: S205).

[0057] Here, there are no particular limitations on the calculation method of the calculation control unit 303, but for example, the calculation control unit 303 calculates the parking usage time as a subtracted time ("4 hours") obtained by subtracting the time the vehicle was locked ("9:00") from the scheduled end time of parking ("15:00") from the acquired parking information. Next, the calculation control unit 303 calculates the parking fee as a multiplied value (for example, "1,000 yen") obtained by multiplying the calculated parking usage time by a predetermined hourly rate (for example, the parking fee per hour, "250 yen / 60 minutes"). This makes it possible to calculate the parking fee for parking space Sa where the user parked vehicle C.

[0058] Here, the hourly rate may differ depending on the location of the parking lot S. In that case, for example, a first hourly rate table may be prepared in advance, which associates the identification information of parking lot Sa with the hourly rate pre-set for parking lot S at parking lot Sa. The calculation control unit 303 may then refer to the first hourly rate table, obtain the hourly rate for parking lot S corresponding to the identification information of parking lot Sa ("ab10") from the parking information, and calculate the parking fee as a multiplied value obtained by multiplying the parking time by the obtained hourly rate for parking lot S. Here, the identification information of parking lot Sa reflects the location of parking lot Sa. As a result, even if the hourly rate differs depending on the location of the parking lot S, it becomes possible to appropriately calculate the parking fee for each location of parking lot S by preparing the first hourly rate table.

[0059] Furthermore, hourly rates may vary depending on the time of day the parking takes place. In such cases, a second hourly rate table may be prepared in advance, which associates the time of day the parking takes place with the hourly rate pre-set for that time of day. The calculation control unit 303 may then refer to this second hourly rate table, obtain the hourly rate for the time of day corresponding to the start time of locking ("9:00") and the scheduled end time of parking ("15:00") from the parking information, and calculate the parking fee by multiplying the parking time by the obtained hourly rate for that time of day. Here, the time of day the parking takes place may include the time of day the locking takes place, the time of day the scheduled end time of parking takes place, or the time of day including both. This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the parking fee for each time of day by preparing a second hourly rate table, even if the hourly rate varies depending on the time of day the parking takes place.

[0060] Furthermore, if a user has entered into a parking contract with the parking management system 1 according to the present invention, and the hourly rate differs depending on the rate plan of the user's parking contract, the following may be done. For example, a third hourly rate table is prepared in advance that associates the user's identification information with the hourly rate of the rate plan of the parking contract entered into by the user, and the calculation control unit 303 obtains the user's identification information by performing user authentication when the user terminal 10 accesses the server 12. The method of user authentication is, for example, as follows. First, the user registers their identification information (e.g., email address) and password (e.g., a string arbitrarily set by the user) in advance with the server 12 via the user terminal 10, and when the user terminal 10 accesses the server 12, the calculation control unit 303 of the server 12 displays a user authentication screen on the user terminal 11, accepts input of the user's identification information and password from the user, and performs user authentication by accepting input of the pre-registered user identification information and password from the user. The calculation control unit 303 may then refer to a third time-based rate table, obtain the time-based rate for the rate plan corresponding to the user's identification information used for user authentication, and calculate the parking fee as a multiplied value obtained by multiplying the parking time by the time-based rate for the rate plan. This makes it possible to appropriately calculate the parking fee for each rate plan of the user's parking contract, even if the time-based rate differs depending on the rate plan of the user's parking contract, by maintaining a third time-based rate table.

[0061] Furthermore, the above description assumes that the user has previously registered their user identification information and password, in other words, that they have registered as a member. However, the system is not limited to this. For example, when the user terminal 10 accesses the server 12, the user may be prompted to register as a member for a parking contract, and the user may register their user identification information and password with the server 12 via the user terminal 10, thereby completing the member registration process on the spot. Also, the above description assumes that the user has already selected a parking contract fee plan. However, the system is not limited to this. For example, after user authentication, the calculation control unit 303 may display a fee plan selection screen on the user terminal 11, prompting the user to select a specific fee plan from among several. Once the user selects a specific fee plan, the calculation control unit 303 may calculate the parking fee using the hourly rate corresponding to the selected fee plan. Moreover, the determination of the parking fee may be based on the first hourly rate table, the second hourly rate table, or the third hourly rate table alone, or a combination of these tables.

[0062] Thus, the server 12 can retrieve parking information from the locking control device 10 via the user terminal 10, and can directly display the parking fee to the user terminal 10 based on the parking information. In other words, the present invention does not require the long-range wireless communication equipment that was previously necessary, and the parking management system 1 is constructed using the short-range and long-range wireless communication of the user terminal 10. This makes it possible to easily manage parking lots S (parking spaces Sa) with a simple mechanism. For example, an administrator who manages the server 12 can easily construct the parking management system 1 by installing the aforementioned locking control device 10 at each parking space Sa in the parking lot S on site and setting up the calculation processing of the server 12.

[0063] Once the calculation control unit 303 has finished calculating the parking fee, the request control unit 304 of the server 12 then requests payment of the calculated parking fee from the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S206).

[0064] There are no particular limitations on the method of requesting by the request control unit 304. For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the request control unit 304 may send the calculated parking fee to the user terminal 10 and display a payment request screen on the user terminal 10, or the request control unit 304 may display the payment request screen by running the application described above.

[0065] Specifically, the payment request screen 700 displays the parking fee 701 (for example, "Parking fee: 1,000 yen"), a message 702 prompting payment (for example, "Please complete the payment procedure within the specified time"), and an OK key 703, as shown in Figure 7A. The OK key 703 is displayed as selectable.

[0066] Here, the request control unit 304 measures the elapsed time from the time it requested the user terminal 11 to pay the parking fee, and determines whether the measured elapsed time has exceeded the predetermined payment waiting time (for example, "5 minutes") (Figure 4: S207). There are no particular limitations on the time point in time that the request control unit 304 measures; for example, it could be the time when the payment request screen 700 is displayed, the time when the user terminal 11 reads the identification code 10d, or the time when the user terminal 11 accesses the server 12.

[0067] Now, when a user sees the payment request screen 700, confirms the parking fee 701, and selects the OK key 703, the request control unit 304 accepts the selection of the OK key 703 and then displays the payment procedure screen on the user terminal 10.

[0068] Specifically, the payment procedure screen 704 displays a message 705 regarding the payment procedure (for example, "Payment Procedure"), a message 706 for selecting a payment method (for example, "Payment Method: Credit Card,..."), and an OK key 707, as shown in Figure 7A. The OK key 707 is displayed as selectable. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the types of payment methods; in addition to credit card payments, electronic money payments, IC card payments, code payments, etc., can also be used.

[0069] Now, suppose a user who has viewed the payment procedure screen 704 confirms the payment method, selects the OK key 707, and is in the process of proceeding with the payment procedure when, for some reason, the payment procedure takes a long time, and the aforementioned elapsed time exceeds the payment waiting time before the parking fee payment is completed.

[0070] The request control unit 304 then determines that the elapsed time has exceeded the payment waiting time (Figure 4: S207NO), determines that payment of the parking fee is not possible, erases the parking fee, returns to S201, and again prompts the user to read the identification code 10d, and displays a payment failure screen on the display unit of the user terminal 11, as well as on the user terminal 10.

[0071] Specifically, the payment failure screen 708 displays a message 709 indicating that the payment waiting time has elapsed (for example, "The specified time has elapsed. Please scan the identification code again to proceed to the payment screen.") and an OK key 710, as shown in Figure 7A. The OK key 710 is displayed as selectable. This allows the system to prompt the user to scan the identification code 10d again if the payment process takes too long and the payment waiting time has elapsed.

[0072] Furthermore, even if a user intentionally takes a long time to complete the payment process and attempts to use parking space Sa in addition to the confirmed parking fee, the process automatically returns to S201 after the payment waiting time has elapsed. This makes it possible to recalculate the parking usage time, including the time spent on the payment process, thus preventing misuse of parking space Sa by users.

[0073] Now, when a user who has seen the payment failure screen 708 selects the OK key 710 to clear the payment failure screen 708, and the user reads the identification code 10d again using the user terminal 11 as shown in Figure 7B (Figure 4: S201YES), the acquisition control unit 302 of the user terminal 11 performs short-range wireless communication between the lock control device 10 corresponding to the identification information ("a10") of the identification code 10d and the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S202).

[0074] Furthermore, the acquisition control unit 302 acquires parking information from the locking control device 10, including the identification information of the parking space Sa, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking (Figure 4: S203). Here, the acquisition control unit 302 acquires the time when the user terminal 10 refers to the clock circuit of the locking control device 10 as the scheduled end time of parking (for example, "15:30"), so the time required for the payment procedure described above is reflected in the scheduled end time of parking. Also, as described above, by defining it as the scheduled end time of parking, it is understood that it can be changed as appropriate by user operation.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 7B, the acquisition control unit 302 performs long-distance wireless communication between the server 12 corresponding to the locking control device 10 and the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S204), and the calculation control unit 303 of the server 12 calculates the parking fee for parking space Sa based on the acquired parking information (Figure 4: S205). Here, for example, the calculation control unit 303 calculates the parking usage time as a subtracted time ("4 hours 30 minutes") obtained by subtracting the locking start time ("9:00") from the scheduled end time of parking ("15:30"), and calculates the parking fee as a multiplied value ("1,125 yen") obtained by multiplying the calculated parking usage time by the hourly rate ("250 yen / 60 minutes"). This allows the time taken for the payment procedure to be reflected in the parking fee.

[0076] The request control unit 304 then requests payment of the calculated parking fee from the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S206). For example, the request control unit 304 displays a payment request screen on the user terminal 10. The payment request screen 800 displays the parking fee 801 (for example, "Parking fee: 1,125 yen"), a message 802 prompting payment ("Please complete the payment procedure within the specified time"), and an OK key 803, as shown in Figure 8A. The request control unit 304 also determines whether the elapsed time since the display of the payment request screen 700 has exceeded the payment waiting time ("5 minutes") (Figure 4: S207).

[0077] When a user sees the payment request screen 800 and selects the OK key 803, the request control unit 304 displays the payment procedure screen on the user terminal 10. As shown in Figure 8A, the payment procedure screen 804 displays a message 805 ("Payment Procedure") related to the payment procedure, a message 806 ("Payment Method: Credit Card,...") for selecting a payment method, and an OK key 807.

[0078] Therefore, let's assume that the user who sees the payment procedure screen 804 selects the OK key 807 to quickly proceed with the payment procedure, and completes the payment procedure before the elapsed time mentioned above exceeds the payment waiting time. Note that for the payment procedure, for example, the payment function provided by the server 12 or the payment function provided by the application on the user terminal 11 may also be used.

[0079] The request control unit 304 then determines that the payment of the parking fee has been completed (Figure 4: S207YES), and displays a payment completion screen on the display unit of the user terminal 11, which is connected to the user terminal 10.

[0080] Specifically, the payment completion screen 808 displays a message 809 indicating that the payment procedure has been completed (for example, "Payment procedure completed.") and an OK key 810, as shown in Figure 8A. The OK key 810 is displayed as selectable. This allows the user to confirm that the payment has been completed.

[0081] Now, when a user who has viewed the payment completion screen 808 selects the OK key 810, the request control unit 304 accepts the selection of the OK key 810 and, as shown in Figure 8B, transmits the identification information of parking space Sa ("ab10") and the flap 10b release permission signal to the user terminal 11 via the network 13. The selection control unit 305 of the user terminal 11 then receives the identification information of parking space Sa ("ab10") and the flap 10b release permission signal, displays the lock release key on the user terminal 10 so that it can be selected, and accepts the selection of the release key.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the display method of the selection control unit 305, but for example, the selection control unit 305 displays a lock / unlock screen including the lock release key on the display unit of the user terminal 11 (Figure 4: S208).

[0083] Specifically, the unlock screen 811 displays a message 812 confirming the vehicle's departure (for example, "Do you want to leave the vehicle? Selecting "YES" will release the flap.") and a YES key 813 corresponding to the unlock key, as shown in Figure 8B. The YES key 813 is displayed as selectable. This allows the user to confirm how to release the flap.

[0084] Here, the selection control unit 305 measures the elapsed time from the moment the YES key 813 (release key) is displayed, and determines whether the measured elapsed time has exceeded a predetermined release waiting time (for example, "5 minutes") (Figure 4: S209).

[0085] Now, when a user who has seen the unlock screen 811 selects the YES key 813, the selection control unit 305 accepts the selection of the YES key 813 (Figure 4: S209 YES), and the unlock control unit 306 of the user terminal 11 unlocks the lock control device 10 via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 11 and the lock control device 10, as shown in Figure 9A (Figure 4: S210).

[0086] Here, there are no particular limitations on the method of releasing the release control unit 306, but for example, when the release control unit 306 sends a release instruction signal to the locking control device 10, and the locking control device 10 receives the release instruction signal, the locking control unit 10a of the locking control device 10 uses the drive unit 10f to lower the flap 10b, as shown in Figure 9A, allowing the wheels of vehicle C to pass through the flap 10b and releasing the lock on vehicle C. This allows the user to exit the parking lot with vehicle C.

[0087] In this invention, the user unlocks the locking control device 10 by operating the unlock key (YES key 813) on the user terminal 11. This allows the user to be aware of and perform the action of unlocking the locking control device 10, thereby prompting the user to quickly complete the departure of vehicle C.

[0088] Furthermore, while it is possible to automatically unlock the locking control device 10 after the payment procedure is completed, in that case, the user may not be aware of when the locking control device 10 was unlocked. Therefore, in this invention, by having the user perform the unlocking operation and making them aware of the unlocking, the subsequent departure of the user's vehicle C can be made smoother.

[0089] Now, once the user confirms that the locking control device 10 has been released, they get into vehicle C and drive out, as shown in Figure 9B. At this point, the flap 10b lowers and becomes flat, allowing the wheels of vehicle C to easily go over the flap 10b, and vehicle C can exit the parking space Sa.

[0090] By the way, in S209, if the user does not select the YES key 813 for any reason, and the elapsed time exceeds the release waiting time ("5 minutes"), the selection control unit 305 may, for example, display the YES key 813 (release key) on the lock release screen 811 again to prompt the user to select the YES key 813. Alternatively, if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time ("5 minutes"), the selection control unit 305 may, for example, consider that the YES key 813 has been selected (Figure 4: S209 YES) and have the release control unit 306 release the lock on the lock control device 10. For example, the selection control unit 305 may notify the release control unit 306 of this, and the release control unit 306 may release the lock on the lock control device 10 via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal 11 and the lock control device 10 (Figure 4: S210). This prevents situations where the locking control device 10 remains locked even after the payment procedure is completed, preventing the user from failing to exit the parking lot or from obstructing other users' vehicles from entering the parking lot.

[0091] As described above, the parking management system 1 according to the present invention eliminates the need for long-range wireless communication equipment in the parking lot S, improves convenience for both users and administrators, does not require additional construction work in the parking lot S, and allows for the management of the parking lot S with a user-friendly and simple mechanism.

[0092] In particular, the server 12 can collect parking information, including at least the identification information of the parking space Sa, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking, and store and manage this information in a designated storage unit. In addition to this, it can also collect, for example, user identification information, passwords, user usage fees, and, if necessary, the user's telephone number (if registered), payment card number and payment identification information required for payment procedures, and store and manage this information in a designated storage unit. Therefore, once the locking control device 10 is installed in the parking space Sa, the administrator can manage the parking management system 1 solely through the information management of the server 12, as long as the locking control device 10 does not malfunction, thereby reducing the burden and effort on the administrator.

[0093] By the way, although an automobile was used as vehicle C above, it is not limited to this, and vehicle C may also be a bicycle or a motorcycle. For example, as shown in Figure 10, when vehicle C is a bicycle, the locking control device 10 is installed in each of the multiple parking spaces Sa that are pre-divided in a designated bicycle parking area S. The locking control device 10 comprises a locking control unit 10a, a bar 10e that replaces the flap 10b, a wheel stopper 10f (or a bicycle stand) that replaces the parking block 10c, and an identification code 10d. When the wheel of bicycle C is inserted into the wheel stopper 10f, the locking control unit 10a can lock bicycle C by inserting the bar 10e through the inside of the wheel of bicycle C.

[0094] Furthermore, if vehicle C is a motorcycle, the locking control device 10 is installed in each of the multiple parking spaces Sa in the designated bicycle parking area S, as described above. The locking control device 10 comprises a locking control unit 10a, a bar 10e, a wheel stopper 10f, and an identification code 10d. When the wheel of motorcycle C is inserted into the wheel stopper 10f, the locking control unit 10a can lock motorcycle C by inserting the bar 10e through the inside of the wheel of motorcycle C.

[0095] Here, by installing the aforementioned identification code 10d for each locking control unit 10a, the parking management system 1 according to the present invention can be implemented in the same manner as described above.

[0096] In this embodiment of the present invention, the parking management system 1 is configured to include each control unit, but it is also possible to configure the system by storing a program that implements each control unit on a storage medium and providing the storage medium. In this configuration, the program is read by a device, and the device implements each control unit. In this case, the program read from the recording medium itself performs the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a method for storing the processes executed by each control unit on a hard disk. [Industrial applicability]

[0097] As described above, the parking management system and parking management method according to the present invention are effective as parking management systems and methods applicable to parking lots for all vehicles with wheels, not just automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles. They are effective as parking management systems and methods that eliminate the need for long-range wireless communication equipment in parking lots and improve convenience for both users and administrators. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Parking Management System 10 Locking control device 11 User terminals 12 servers 13 Networks 301 Timing control unit 302 Acquisition Control Unit 303 Calculation Control Unit 304 Request Control Unit 305 Selection Control Unit 306 Release control unit

Claims

1. A parking management system comprising a locking control device, a user terminal and a server, The locking control device includes a timing control unit that, when a vehicle parked in a predetermined parking space is locked, uses a pre-installed clock circuit to acquire the time the vehicle is locked as the start time of the locking, stores the acquired start time of the locking in a predetermined storage unit, and measures the start time of the locking. The user terminal, upon reading an identification code pre-installed around the parking space, obtains pre-stored identification information of the parking space and the start time of locking from the storage unit of the locking control device via short-range wireless communication with the locking control device corresponding to the identification code, and includes an acquisition control unit that acquires parking information including the identification information of the parking space, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking. The server, upon acquiring the parking information via long-range wireless communication with the user terminal, includes a calculation control unit that calculates the parking fee for the parking space, The system includes a request control unit that requests the user terminal to pay the calculated parking fee, The user terminal further includes a selection control unit that, upon completion of payment for the request, displays the unlock key in a selectable format and accepts the selection of the unlock key. When the release key is selected, the release control unit, via short-range wireless communication with the locking control device, releases the lock on the locking control device, Equipped with, The identification code is provided on a flat surface of a sign, plate, exterior of the locking control unit, or cover of the locking control unit, which are located around the locking control unit of the locking control device. The identification code is either printed directly onto the flat surface, or a sheet on which the identification code is printed is affixed to the flat surface. Parking management system.

2. The request control unit displays a payment request screen on the user terminal showing the parking fee, a message prompting payment, and a selectable OK key, measures the elapsed time from the time the user terminal was requested to pay the parking fee, and determines whether the measured elapsed time has exceeded a predetermined payment waiting time. When the OK key is selected, the request control unit displays the payment procedure screen on the user terminal. If the elapsed time exceeds the payment waiting time before the payment of the parking fee is completed, the request control unit determines that the payment of the parking fee cannot be made, deletes the parking fee, displays a payment failure screen on the user terminal with a message indicating that the payment waiting time has elapsed, and prompts the user to read the identification code again. The parking management system according to claim 1.

3. The calculation control unit, upon acquiring the parking information via long-range wireless communication with the user terminal, calculates the parking usage time as the time obtained by subtracting the start time of locking from the scheduled end time of parking from the acquired parking information, refers to a first time-rate table that associates the identification information of the parking space with the time-rate set in advance for the parking lot of the parking space, and a second time-rate table that associates the time period of parking with the time-rate set in advance for the time period of parking, obtains the time-rate of the parking lot corresponding to the identification information of the parking space of the acquired parking information from the first time-rate table, obtains the time-rate of the time period of parking corresponding to the start time of locking and the scheduled end time of parking of the acquired parking information from the second time-rate table, and calculates the parking fee for the parking space based on the calculated parking usage time, the acquired time-rate of the parking lot, and the acquired time-rate of the time period. The parking management system according to claim 1.

4. A parking management method for a parking management system comprising a locking control device, a user terminal and a server, The locking control device, when a vehicle parked in a predetermined parking space is locked, uses a pre-installed clock circuit to acquire the time the vehicle was locked as the start time of the locking, stores the acquired start time of the locking in a predetermined storage unit, and includes a timing control step for timing the start time of the locking. The user terminal, upon reading an identification code pre-installed around the parking space, obtains pre-stored identification information of the parking space and the start time of locking from the storage unit of the locking control device via short-range wireless communication with the locking control device corresponding to the identification code, and includes an acquisition control step of acquiring parking information including the identification information of the parking space, the start time of locking, and the scheduled end time of parking. When the server obtains the parking information via long-range wireless communication with the user terminal, it performs a calculation control step to calculate the parking fee for the parking space. The system includes a request control step that requests the user terminal to pay the calculated parking fee, The user terminal further includes a selection control step in which, upon completion of payment for the request, it displays the unlock key in a selectable format and accepts the selection of the unlock key. When the release key is selected, a release control step is performed to release the lock on the lock control device via short-range wireless communication with the lock control device, Equipped with, The identification code is provided on a flat surface of a sign, plate, exterior of the locking control unit, or cover of the locking control unit, which are located around the locking control unit of the locking control device. The identification code is either printed directly onto the flat surface, or a sheet on which the identification code is printed is affixed to the flat surface. Parking lot management methods.

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