Discount Authentication System

Abstract

To provide a discount authentication system which applies discount service even if a user shops at a plurality of stores.SOLUTION: A discount authentication system 100 according to the present invention has a parking lot device 10, a shop terminal 20 for presenting discount information for parking fee, and a management device 30 for registering parking information, registering purchasing amount transmitted from the stop terminal 20, calculating the total of purchasing amounts at a plurality of shops ST, and calculating a parking fee discount in response to the total purchasing amount associated with the parking information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discount authentication system that provides a discount service for parking fees to users of affiliated stores.

Background Art

[0002] A system for partnering a parking lot and a store to provide a discount service for each store has been disclosed (Patent Document 1). In the system of Patent Document 1, a discount writing machine provided in the store reads the parking ticket information recorded on the parking ticket presented by the user. When the parking lot ID in the parking ticket information matches the parking lot ID of the partner, the discount writing machine writes discount information on the parking ticket. At the time of checkout, when the parking ticket is inserted into the settlement machine, the parking information and the discount information are read, and the parking fee reflecting the discount information is calculated. Patent Document 1 also discloses a case where discount information is not written on the parking ticket, but the discount terminal ID and discount information are transmitted to the settlement machine of the partner parking lot via a parking lot management device connected to the Internet.

[0003] The system of Patent Document 1 does not manage the purchase amounts at a plurality of stores collectively, and does not promote shopping around at a plurality of stores in the discount service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a discount authentication system that can receive the application of a discount service even when shopping at a plurality of stores.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the discount authentication system according to the present invention comprises a parking device, a store terminal that displays parking fee discount information, and a management device that registers parking information, registers purchase amounts transmitted from the store terminal, totals purchase amounts from multiple stores, and calculates a parking fee discount corresponding to the total purchase amount linked to the parking information.

[0007] According to the discount authentication system described above, the management device can centrally manage the purchase amounts at multiple stores. This allows for an N-to-N relationship between parking lots and stores, i.e., multiple combinations, enabling the provision of parking fee discounts based on the total purchase amount.

[0008] In a specific aspect of the present invention, in the discount authentication system described above, the management device compares parking information transmitted from the parking device with parking information transmitted from the store terminal. In this case, the management device can compare the parking information acquired by the parking device with the parking information acquired by the store terminal and manage all information associated with the same parking information in one place. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent enjoyment of services without parking.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the store terminal includes a reader unit that reads an authentication code corresponding to parking information, a communication unit that transmits the authentication code, store ID, and purchase amount obtained by the reader unit to a management device and receives discount information, and a display unit that displays the discount information. In this case, the management device can link information associated with the parking information, specifically the store ID and purchase amount, and provide accurate discount information.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the management device authenticates whether the store ID transmitted from the store terminal has the authority to register a purchase for the parking lot associated with the parking information during verification. In this case, the discount service can be applied only to stores affiliated with the parking lot. Furthermore, since the management device, which acts as a higher-level server, manages the store's authority, the number of parking lots affiliated with a store and the number of stores affiliated with a parking lot can be easily increased or decreased.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the management device has a purchase aggregation table that stores purchase amounts, and after authentication of parking information, links the parking information and purchase amounts in the purchase aggregation table and aggregates the purchase amounts from multiple stores. In this case, the purchase amounts of the user at affiliated stores can be managed collectively by linking them to the parking information.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the management device has a store information table that stores store location information linked to a store ID transmitted from a store terminal, and transmits map information of the area around the store, information of partner stores, and the remaining amount until discount is applied to the store terminal based on the store location information. In this case, information that promotes purchasing intent can be provided to the user in accordance with the store ID.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the invention includes a display terminal that displays purchase amounts and discount information linked to parking information. In this case, the display terminal allows users to easily find out the purchase amount and parking discount information, thereby improving the effect of encouraging multiple purchases.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the parking system receives discount information linked to parking information from a management device when settling parking fees and applies it to the parking fees. In this case, the parking fee can be determined according to the total amount of purchases made at affiliated stores.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the parking device transmits the discounted parking amount to the management device after payment, and the management device has a purchase summation table that stores the purchase amount and registers the discounted parking amount linked to the purchase summation table. In this case, the discounted parking amount is fed back to the management device, and the apportionment process when billing the store for the discount fee based on the actual discounted amount can be easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is an overall conceptual diagram illustrating the discount authentication system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a parking system installed in a specific parking lot. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating a parking system. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual block diagram explaining the store terminal. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the control device. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates a series of operations performed between a parking system, a store terminal, and a management system. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the discount authentication system of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the discount authentication system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The discount authentication system 100 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 manages parking lots (PA) and enables the use of ancillary services equivalent to discount coupons provided by affiliated stores (hereinafter referred to as "store STs") outside of parking lots (PA). Specifically, the discount authentication system 100 links parking lots (PA) and store STs in multiple combinations, making it possible to apply the total purchase amount at multiple store STs to a discount on the parking fee (hereinafter referred to as "parking fee") of any of the parking lots (PA). The discount authentication system 100 comprises a parking device 10 installed in the parking lot (PA) to be managed, a store terminal 20 installed in the store ST, and a management device 30 installed in a location away from the parking device 10 and store terminal 20. For the sake of explanation, Figure 1 shows a single parking lot (PA) and store ST, but the discount authentication system 100 of this embodiment manages multiple parking lots (PA) and multiple store STs in a unified manner. The discount authentication system 100 is intended to be used by a large number of store STs and users, and the store terminals 20 are installed in multiple store STs that are affiliated with the business operator that manages the parking lot (PA) or the management device 30.

[0019] In the discount authentication system 100, the management device 30 is communicably connected to the parking lot device 10 and the store terminal 20 via the communication network NT. Specifically, this communication network NT is the Internet and accepts connections from the parking lot device 10 and the store terminal 20. The parking lot device 10 transmits parking information (specifically, parking ID, individual usage number, entry time, etc.) to the management device 30 via the communication network NT and performs various processes related to the use of the parking lot PA. The store terminal 20 is operated by an employee of the store ST. When parking information of the parking lot PA is provided by a user, the store ID, parking information (specifically, authentication code), purchase amount, etc. are transmitted to the management device 30, and discount information is received from the management device 30. Here, the discount information is electronic information such as a parking fee discount (specifically, discount amount and discount rate), and corresponds to a parking discount ticket, multiple-use ticket, etc. provided on the premise of presenting parking information to users of the parking lot PA in the store ST.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the parking lot device 10 installed in the parking lot PA. As shown in FIG. 2, the parking lot device 10 includes a gate 11, a parking ticket issuer 12, a cashier 13, and a main control device 14. The parking lot device 10 is installed at the entrance and exit of the parking lot PA. By monitoring the passage at the entrance and exit of the parking lot PA by the parking lot device 10, the use of the parking lot PA is managed, and unauthorized use of the discount authentication system 100 is prevented. The parking lot PA has a plurality of parking bays CA. In the present embodiment, the parking bay CA is an open space obtained by dividing the parking area PS with a white line WL or the like.

[0021] The gate 11 determines whether to allow passage. Specifically, the gate 11 includes an entry gate device 11a and an exit gate device 11b. The entry gate device 11a is provided at the entrance EN of the parking area PS formed in the parking lot PA. The exit gate device 11b is provided at the exit EX of the parking area PS.

[0022] The entrance gate device 11a includes a gate bar GBa and a drive mechanism that move up and down under the control of the main control device 14. The exit gate device 11b includes a gate bar GBb and a drive mechanism that move up and down under the control of the main control device 14.

[0023] The parking ticket issuer 12 is provided at the entrance EN of the parking lot PA and in front of the entrance gate device 11a. The cashier 13 is provided at the exit EX of the parking lot PA and in front of the exit gate device 11b. Although not shown in the figure, the main control device 14 can communicate wirelessly or wired with the gates 11, the parking ticket issuer 12, and the cashier 13. Also, in the illustrated example, the main control device 14 is installed independently of the gates 11, the parking ticket issuer 12, and the cashier 13, but it may be incorporated into any of the gates 11, the parking ticket issuer 12, and the cashier 13. Further, the gates 11, the parking ticket issuer 12, the cashier 13, and the main control device 14 may be an integrated device.

[0024] Figure 3 is a conceptual block diagram for explaining the parking lot device 10. Among the parking lot device 10, the parking ticket issuer 12 issues parking information to users parked in the parking lot PA via the paper medium AT shown in Fig. 1. Examples of the paper medium AT include parking tickets, parking certificates, etc. The parking information includes a parking ID, a user individual number, the entry time, etc. The parking information at the time of entry is particularly called entry information. The parking information is displayed as an authentication code AC, for example, a two-dimensional code DC or a one-dimensional code. The parking ID is parking identification information for identifying the parking lot PA, and is set for each parking lot PA. The user individual number is a number assigned to the vehicle VE or the user parked in the parking lot PA. The user individual number does not specifically identify the user, but the user can be identified in the parking information by the user individual number.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the parking ticket issuing machine 12 includes a control device 12a, a storage device 12b, a communication device 12c, a ticket issuing device 12d, and a vehicle detection device 12e. The control device 12a operates based on a program stored in the storage device 12b. This program has the function of generating a two-dimensional code DC as an authentication code AC from parking information. When generating the two-dimensional code DC, a signature portion obtained by hashing and encrypting the parking information can also be attached. This allows the parking device 10 or the management device 30 to verify the authenticity of the data read from the two-dimensional code DC, and prevents tampering with the two-dimensional code DC.

[0026] The vehicle detection device 12e has sensors and the like, and optically or electromagnetically detects a vehicle VE parked at a predetermined position in front of the parking ticket issuing machine 12.

[0027] The ticket issuing device 12d prints an authentication code AC, specifically a two-dimensional code DC, corresponding to the parking information generated by the control device 12a, onto a paper medium AT to issue a parking ticket or parking certificate. The ticket issuing device 12d issues a parking ticket, etc., when the vehicle detection device 12e detects a vehicle VE. Note that the parking ticket issuing machine 12 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a vehicle detection device 12e, and the user may issue a parking ticket, etc., by operating an operation key (not shown) provided on the parking ticket issuing machine 12.

[0028] The communication device 12c transmits parking information to the main control unit 14.

[0029] The payment machine 13 manages the payment of parking fees by vehicle VEs (Vehicle VEs) as a payment machine for a typical hourly parking lot. The payment machine 13 enables settlement processing related to parking fee payments by individually managing the departure of vehicle VEs based on parking information.

[0030] The payment machine 13 includes a control device 13a, a storage device 13b, a communication device 13c, and a payment device 13d.

[0031] The control device 13a operates based on a program stored in the storage device 13b. The control device 13a obtains parking information from the authentication code AC or two-dimensional code DC acquired by the reader 3d of the payment device 13d (described later), adds the exit time to it, and transmits it to the main control device 14. The parking information at the time of exit includes the parking ID, individual user number, entry time, exit time, etc., and is called exit information.

[0032] The payment device 13d includes a display device 3a, operation keys 3b, a money processing device 3c, a reader 3d, etc. The payment device 13d provides payment-related information to users of the parking lot PA via the display device 3a and receives user responses as operation signals via the operation keys 3b. The payment device 13d also receives coins and banknotes from the user via the money processing device 3c, identifies the type and number of items, and returns the appropriate type and number of coins and banknotes. The payment device 13d may also be compatible with prepaid cards and credit cards. The payment device 13d reads the authentication code AC or two-dimensional code DC presented on a paper medium AT such as a parking ticket held by the user via the reader 3d.

[0033] The communication device 13c transmits parking information to the main control unit 14.

[0034] The main control unit 14 is a control unit for managing entry and exit to the parking area (PA) and calculating parking fees. The main control unit 14 controls the operation of the gate 11, the parking ticket issuing machine 12, and the payment machine 13.

[0035] The main control unit 14 includes a control unit 14a, a storage device 14b, a charge calculation device 14c, a first communication device 14d, and a second communication device 14e. The control unit 14a operates based on a program stored in the storage device 14b.

[0036] When a vehicle VE enters, the control device 14a raises the gate bar GBa to allow the vehicle VE to enter when the user receives a parking ticket from the parking ticket issuing machine 12. After issuing the parking ticket, the control device 14a transmits parking information (entry information) to the management device 30. When a vehicle VE exits, the control device 14a raises the gate bar GBb to allow the vehicle VE to exit when the user makes the correct payment at the payment machine 13. When the control device 14a obtains parking information (entry information or exit information) from the parking ticket issuing machine 12 or the payment machine 13, it causes the storage device 14b to record the parking information. If the parking information received from the management device 30 includes discount information, the control device 14a causes the fee calculation device 14c to calculate the parking fee based on the discount information and transmits the discounted parking fee to the payment machine 13. If the parking information received from the management device 30 does not include discount information, the control device 14a has the fee calculation device 14c calculate the regular parking fee without applying the discount and transmits the regular parking fee to the payment machine 13. After payment, the control device 14a transmits the discounted parking amount to the management device 30. The discounted parking amount is the amount discounted from the regular parking fee, i.e., the actual discount amount.

[0037] In addition to the program that operates the control device 14a, the storage device 14b records parking information obtained from the ticket issuing machine 12 and the payment machine 13, as well as discount information received from the management device 30. When receiving discount information from the management device 30, the discount information is linked to the parking information on the management device 30 side. In the storage device 14b, the discount information is recorded linked to the corresponding parking information that has already been recorded.

[0038] The fee calculation device 14c calculates the parking fee or discounted parking amount from parking information obtained from the ticket issuing machine 12 and payment machine 13, and from discount information received from the management device 30. When settling the parking fee, the fee calculation device 14c receives discount information linked to the parking information from the management device 30 and applies it to the parking fee. This makes it possible to determine the parking fee according to the total purchase amount at store ST. The fee calculation device 14c calculates the regular parking fee by taking into account the entry time and exit time included in the parking information. If a discount is applied to the parking fee, the fee calculation device 14c calculates the discounted parking amount and calculates the parking fee by subtracting the discounted parking amount from the regular parking fee. The discounted parking fee is displayed on the display device 3a of the payment machine 13.

[0039] The first communication device 14d enables communication with the management device 30. The second communication device 14e enables communication with the gate 11, the parking ticket issuing machine 12, and the payment machine 13.

[0040] The store terminal 20 shown in Figure 1 transmits the user's purchase amount along with parking information to the management device 30, and displays parking fee discount information received from the management device 30. The store terminal 20 is installed in store ST. The discount information displayed by the store terminal 20 includes, for example, the parking fee discount corresponding to the current total purchase amount (specifically, the discount amount or discount rate), the remaining amount until the next parking fee discount is applied, and information about affiliated stores corresponding to the parking ID in the parking information. Here, the next parking fee discount will be the first parking fee discount applied if the discount amount corresponding to the current total purchase amount is zero. The parking fee discount may vary depending on the total purchase amount, or it may remain fixed. The parking fee discount may be, for example, a discount amount or discount rate per hour of parking, a discount amount deducted from the total parking fee, or free parking on an hourly basis.

[0041] The store terminal 20 functions as an authentication device in cooperation with the management device 30 in the discount authentication system 100, and does not require dedicated hardware; existing devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs can be used. The store registers its store information in advance with the management device 30 of the discount authentication system 100 and obtains a store ID. Store employees enter the store ID and password into the store terminal 20 to log in to the discount authentication system 100 and use the system.

[0042] Figure 4 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the store terminal 20. As shown in Figure 4, the store terminal 20 has a reading unit 20a, a communication unit 20b, and a display unit 20c. The reading unit 20a is a camera or the like built into the store terminal 20, which reads the authentication code AC corresponding to the parking information when operated by an employee of the store ST. The communication unit 20b enables communication with the management device 30 via the communication network NT shown in Figure 1. The display unit 20c is a display screen such as the display of the store terminal 20, which displays the discount information received from the management device 30.

[0043] The store terminal 20 reads the authentication code AC or two-dimensional code DC of the parking ticket presented by the user using the reader unit 20a. The store terminal 20 transmits the authentication code AC, store ID, and purchase amount corresponding to the read parking information to the management device 30. The store terminal 20 receives discount information based on the total purchase amount linked to the parking information from the management device 30 and displays it on the display unit 20c. By transmitting the information necessary for parking fee discounts from the store terminal 20, the management device 30 can link the information associated with the parking information, specifically the store ID and purchase amount, and provide accurate discount information.

[0044] The display unit 20c of the store terminal 20 shows information about partner stores, map information, and the remaining amount needed to reach the discount. Store employees can announce the contents of the display unit 20c to customers, stimulating their desire to shop around. The store terminal 20 also displays a QR code linking to a website where store information can be viewed, allowing customers to access discount information on their own devices. The partner store information and map information show information about multiple store STs that are affiliated with the parking lot PA, introducing customers to store STs where they can use this discount service.

[0045] The management device 30 shown in Figure 1 is a computer that operates under the management of a system administrator and manages the use or operation of the parking lot PA. The management device 30 registers parking information, registers purchase amounts transmitted from store terminals 20, sums up purchase amounts from multiple stores ST, and calculates a parking fee discount based on the total purchase amount linked to the parking information.

[0046] Figure 5 is a conceptual block diagram illustrating the management device 30. As shown in Figure 5, the management device 30 includes a control device 30a, a storage device 30b, a matching device 30c, a summation / discount calculation device 30d, and a communication device 30e. The management device 30 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 13b, controlled by the control device 13a. The control device 13a controls the operation of the matching device 30c, the summation / discount calculation device 30d, the communication device 30e, etc. The management device 30 communicates with the parking device 10 and the store terminal 20 via the communication network NT shown in Figure 1, using the communication device 30e.

[0047] The storage device 30b stores a program that operates the management device 30, enabling the operation of the discount authentication system 100. The storage device 30b also stores a parking management database 31 to enable the above operations. The parking management database 31 includes a parking information table 31a, a store information table 31b, a total purchase table 31c, a fee information table 31d, and the like.

[0048] The parking information table 31a is an entry and exit management database. The parking information table 31a records parking information such as parking ID, individual user number, entry time, and exit time. For example, the parking information table 31a lists the parking ID, entry time, exit time, etc., using the individual user number as a key. The parking ID among the parking information is pre-registered by the parking lot PA operator. When parking information is received from the parking device 10, a matching process is performed by the matching device 30c, which will be described later, and if it is a parking ID of an affiliated parking lot PA, the parking information is recorded in the parking information table 31a.

[0049] The store information table 31b stores store location information linked to the store ID transmitted from the store terminal 20. The store information table 31b lists information such as map information of the area around the store based on the store location information and linked store information corresponding to the parking ID, using the store ID as the key. The management device 30 transmits the map information of the area around the store based on the store location information and linked store information, along with the remaining amount for purchases up to the discount, to the store terminal 20. This makes it possible to provide users with information that promotes purchasing intent, corresponding to the store ID.

[0050] The combined purchase table 31c stores the purchase amount at each store ST, as well as the combined purchase amount, linked to the parking information. The combined purchase table 31c lists items such as the store ID, purchase amount, combined purchase amount, and remaining amount for purchases up to the discount, using the individual usage number from the parking information as a key. Purchase amounts linked to the same parking information are added together as needed and recorded as the combined purchase amount. Specifically, after the parking information received from the store ST is authenticated by the verification device 30c, the parking information and purchase amount are linked in the combined purchase table 31c, and the combined / discount calculation device 30d adds up the purchase amounts from multiple stores ST. This allows for centralized management of a user's purchase amounts at stores ST linked to their parking information.

[0051] The fee information table 31d stores fee information, discount tables, and settlement information linked to parking information. The fee information includes, for example, the regular parking fee for the parking lot (PA). The discount tables include discount conditions such as the discount amount and discount rate set for the parking lot (PA). The settlement information includes, for example, the parking fee at the time of settlement and the discounted parking amount. In other words, the fee information table 31d lists, for example, the regular parking fee, discount conditions, the parking fee at the time of settlement, and the discounted parking amount, using the individual usage number from the parking information as a key. The management device 30 links the parking information using the fee information table 31d and manages the above-mentioned information regarding parking fees as settlement information. The discounted parking amount calculated by the parking device 10 is registered in the fee information table 31d and linked to the above-mentioned purchase summary table 31c. This allows the discounted parking amount calculated by the parking device 10 to be fed back to the management device 30, making it easy to perform apportionment processing when billing the store for the discount fee based on the actual discounted amount.

[0052] The matching device 30c compares the parking information transmitted from the parking device 10 with the parking information transmitted from the store terminal 20. This allows the matching device 30c to compare the parking information acquired by the parking device 10 with the parking information acquired by the store terminal 20 and manage all information associated with the same parking information in one place. Furthermore, by comparing the parking information, it is possible to determine whether the parking is legitimate or not, thereby preventing fraudulent use of services without parking. The matching is determined, for example, by whether the individual user numbers in the parking information match. Alternatively, the matching may be determined by comparing the combination of the individual user number and the parking ID in the parking information.

[0053] The matching device 30c authenticates whether the store ID transmitted from the store terminal 20 has purchase registration authority for the parking lot PA associated with the parking information. This allows the discount service to be applied only to the store ST at the parking lot PA. Furthermore, since the management device 30, which acts as a higher-level server, manages the authority of the store STs, the number of parking lots PAs that a store ST is affiliated with and the number of store STs that a parking lot PA is affiliated with can be easily increased or decreased. Purchase registration authority corresponds to the right to use the discount service at affiliated parking lots granted to store STs registered with the discount authentication system 100.

[0054] The aggregation and discount calculation device 30d aggregates the purchase amounts associated with the same parking information. The aggregation and discount calculation device 30d also calculates the parking fee discount corresponding to the aggregated purchase amount associated with the same parking information. Using the discount table of the fee information table 31d stored in the storage device 30b, the aggregation and discount calculation device 30d calculates the remaining amount for purchases that meet the next discount condition from the current aggregated purchase amount if the current purchase amount does not meet the discount condition or if there is a next discount condition. The calculation result from the aggregation and discount calculation device 30d is transmitted as discount information to the store terminal 20 or parking device 10 as needed.

[0055] Referring to Figure 6, a series of operations related to the use and payment of parking spaces between the parking device 10, store terminal 20, management device 30, etc., will be explained. In the discount authentication system 100, information regarding the parking spaces PA and stores ST that are subject to the service is stored in advance in the parking management database 31 of the storage device 30b.

[0056] First, in the entry scene SC1, the parking system 10 of the parking lot PA uses the vehicle detection device 12e of the ticket issuing machine 12 to detect entry (step S11). If the ticket issuing machine 12 detects vehicle VE, it issues a parking ticket with the two-dimensional code DC printed as the authentication code AC (step S12). After step S12, the gate 11 of the parking system 10 raises the gate bar GBa to allow vehicle VE to enter (step S13). The main control device 14 of the parking system 10 transmits the parking information (entry information, specifically parking ID, individual user number, entry time, etc.) sent from the ticket issuing machine 12 to the management device 30 (step S14). The management device 30 records the parking information (entry information) in the parking information table 31a of the storage device 30b (step S15).

[0057] Next, we will explain scenario SC2, in which a discount service is received at a store ST. Users of the parking lot PA can receive an ancillary service or preferential treatment, such as a discount on parking fees, under predetermined conditions when they receive services such as product sales or food and beverage provision at a partner store (store ST) in the parking lot PA. Users who wish to receive a discount on parking fees hand their parking ticket to an employee of the store ST and request the discount. The employee of the store ST, in response to the request, transmits the predetermined information required by the discount authentication system 100 to the management device 30 using the store terminal 20. Specifically, the employee operates the store terminal 20 to read the authentication code AC of the parking ticket with the reader unit 20a (step S21), and transmits the authentication code corresponding to the parking information, the store ID, and the purchase amount, etc. (step S22). The management device 30 decodes the authentication code received from the store terminal 20 to obtain the parking information, and compares the parking information with the parking information recorded in the management device 30 (step S23). If the above verification is correct, the management device 30 links the parking information, store ID, and purchase amount and stores them in the purchase summation table 31c (step S24). If the verification is not possible, the management device 30 notifies the store terminal 20 that the discount service cannot be used. The management device 30 calculates the parking fee discount from the purchase amount or the purchase summation amount (step S25). If there are purchases at other stores ST, the management device 30 also takes these into account and calculates the parking fee discount from the purchase summation amount. In other words, steps S21 to S25 are repeated each time a user receives a service at a store ST that is affiliated with the parking PA. The management device 30 transmits the calculated parking fee discount and store-related information to the store terminal 20 as discount information corresponding to the parking information (step S26). The store terminal 20 receives the discount information from the management device 30 and displays it on the display unit 20c (step S27). Discount information includes pricing details such as discount rates based on the total purchase amount, and the remaining balance required for the next discount rate.

[0058] In exit scene SC3, the user returns to the parking lot PA and payment is made. In the parking system 10, the payment machine 13 reads the parking ticket and obtains parking information (exit information, specifically parking ID, individual user number, exit time, etc.) (step S31). The parking information (exit information) obtained by the payment machine 13 is transmitted to the main control unit 14. The main control unit 14 calculates the parking fee from the parking information. Specifically, the main control unit 14 requests discount information corresponding to the parking information from the management device 30 (step S32). The management device 30 verifies the parking information from the parking system 10 and extracts the corresponding discount information from the fee information table 31d (step S33). The management device 30 transmits the discount information to the parking system 10 (step S34). The main control unit 14 of the parking system 10 calculates the parking fee based on the discount information obtained from the management device 30 (step S35). The main control unit 14 transmits the calculated parking fee to the payment machine 13. The payment machine 13 displays the parking fee to the user and requests payment. The payment machine 13 waits for the user to make the payment using the payment device 13d (step S36). If the correct parking fee is paid within the specified time, the payment machine 13 completes the payment process. If the correct parking fee is not paid within the specified time, it records and reports the incident as an unauthorized exit. The main control device 14 transmits the discounted parking amount and the paid parking fee as payment information to the management device 30 (step S37). The management device 30 records the received payment information in the fee information table 31d (step S38). The gate 11 of the parking device 10 raises the gate bar GBb to allow the vehicle VE to exit (step S39).

[0059] In the discount authentication system 100 of the first embodiment described above, the management device 30 can manage the purchase amounts at multiple stores ST in a unified manner. This allows for the linking of parking lots PA and stores in an N-to-N relationship, i.e., in multiple combinations, and enables the provision of parking fee discounts based on the total purchase amount.

[0060] The discount authentication system 100 can flexibly manage multiple stores ST for a single parking lot PA. In other words, even if the number of stores ST affiliated with a parking lot PA increases or decreases, the management device 30 can manage them all at once. Store STs can select from multiple parking lots PAs as needed. Furthermore, the discount authentication system 100 can be applied even if the parking lot PA and the stores ST are far apart. Since the management device 30 records discount information linked to parking information, it can also be used for apportioning discount costs at stores STs and aggregating information such as shopping spree data.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment, which is a modification of the first embodiment, will be described below with reference to Figure 7. In the discount authentication system 100 of this embodiment, a display terminal 40 is provided as a separate device from the store terminal 20, allowing users to view discount information, etc.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the discount authentication system 100 comprises a parking device 10, a store terminal 20, a management device 30, and a display terminal 40. The display terminal 40 is installed in a suitable location, for example, in a commercial facility with a store ST. The display terminal 40 displays the purchase amount and discount information linked to the parking information. The display terminal 40 allows users to easily find out the purchase amount and parking discount information, thereby improving the effect of encouraging customers to shop around.

[0063] The display terminal 40 has a reading unit 40a, a communication unit 40b, and a display unit 40c. The reading unit 40a is a camera or barcode reader built into the display terminal 40, which reads the authentication code AC corresponding to the parking information. The communication unit 40b enables communication with the management device 30 via the communication network NT. The display unit 40c is a display screen such as the display of the display terminal 40, which displays the discount information received from the management device 30.

[0064] The display terminal 40 reads the authentication code AC or two-dimensional code DC of the parking ticket presented by the user using the reader unit 40a. The display terminal 40 transmits the authentication code AC corresponding to the read parking information to the management device 30. The display terminal 40 receives discount information based on the total purchase amount linked to the parking information from the management device 30 and displays it on the display unit 40c. The display unit 40c displays the linked store information, map information, and the remaining amount for purchases up to the discount.

[0065] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0066] For example, a parking lot (PA) is not limited to gate-type parking lots; it could also be a flap-type parking lot that uses a locking plate installed on the floor of the parking space to restrict the exit of vehicles that have not paid, or a flapless parking lot that detects vehicles upon entry into the parking space and manages entry and exit information. In this case, the parking ID in the parking information may correspond to an individual parking space, and the individual user number can be omitted.

[0067] The parking ticket issuing machine 12 may issue parking information via a digital medium. Examples of digital media include the user's mobile device. In this case, the parking ticket issuing machine 12 may, for example, display an authentication code corresponding to the parking information on a display unit (not shown) for the user to read with their mobile device, or transmit the authentication code to the user's mobile device using a communication device (not shown). The authentication code obtained by the mobile device can be displayed using application software or the like.

[0068] In the management device 30, the verification device 30c and the summation / discount calculation device 30d may be part of the control device 30a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10...Parking equipment, 11...Gate, 12...Parking ticket issuing machine, 13...Payment machine, 14...Main control device, 20...Store terminal, 20a...Reading unit, 20b...Communication unit, 20c...Display unit, 30...Management device, 31...Parking management database, 31a...Parking information table, 31b...Store information table, 31c...Purchase total table, 31d...Charging information table, 40...Display terminal, 100...Discount authentication system, AC...Authentication code, NT...Communication network, PA...Parking lot, ST...Store

Claims

1. Parking equipment and A store terminal that displays parking fee discount information, A management device that registers parking information, registers the purchase amount transmitted from the store terminal, totals the purchase amounts from multiple stores, and calculates a parking fee discount based on the total purchase amount linked to the parking information, Equipped with, The management device has a store information table that stores store location information linked to the store ID transmitted from the store terminal, and transmits map information of the area around the store, information of partner stores, and the remaining amount until the discount is applied to the store terminal based on the store location information, as a discount authentication system.

2. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the management device compares the parking information transmitted from the parking device with the parking information transmitted from the store terminal.

3. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the store terminal comprises a reading unit for reading an authentication code corresponding to the parking information, a communication unit for transmitting the authentication code, store ID, and purchase amount obtained by the reading unit to the management device and receiving the discount information, and a display unit for displaying the discount information.

4. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the management device, during the matching process, authenticates whether the store ID transmitted from the store terminal has the authority to register a purchase for the parking lot associated with the parking information.

5. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the management device has a purchase aggregation table for storing the purchase amount, and after authentication of the parking information, links the parking information and the purchase amount to the purchase aggregation table and aggregates the purchase amounts at the multiple stores.

6. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, further comprising a display terminal that displays the purchase amount and discount information linked to the parking information.

7. The discount authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the parking device receives the discount information linked to the parking information from the management device when settling the parking fee and applies it to the parking fee.

8. The parking device transmits the discounted parking amount to the management device after payment. The discount authentication system according to claim 7, wherein the management device has a purchase summation table for storing the purchase amount, and registers the discounted parking amount in association with the purchase summation table.

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