JP7562155B2 - Electronic payment system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technology for providing a certain type of service to a user, and in particular to a technology that enables a system that cannot handle electronic payments using a user's communication terminal to be modified into a system that can handle electronic payments using the user's communication terminal while minimizing additional burden.

Systems that provide certain types of services to users are already in widespread use. One example of this type of service is a service that rents rental items, which can be real estate or personal property, to users.

Specifically, an example of a rental item as real estate is rental space such as a seat or parking lot, and an example of a rental item as movable property is a means of transportation such as rental bicycles or rental cars.

More specifically, examples of rental real estate include accommodation facilities where users can stay on a short-term basis (e.g., rooms in a hotel, private homes that are temporarily rented to others, rooms in apartment buildings, etc.), or rooms in accommodation facilities where users can stay on a long-term basis (e.g., individual homes, apartment buildings, etc.), coin lockers, parking lots (e.g., parking lots with one or more parking spaces), individual parking spaces (e.g., each of multiple parking spaces in a parking lot), etc.

Examples of movable property that can be rented include land, water or air vehicles (e.g., rental cars, rental bicycles, etc.), rental furniture, rental clothing, rental electrical appliances (including audio guide devices, described below), rental accessories that can be detachably attached to electrical appliances (e.g., batteries or chargers), rental recording media (e.g., CDs) on which audiovisual content is recorded that can be played by the user, etc.

Here, we will take the parking lot business as an example and explain some conventional examples of systems that provide certain services to users, focusing in particular on payment methods.

Patent Document 1 discloses a parking management system that can handle electronic payments (also called "smartphone payments," such as credit card payments) but cannot handle cash payments or prepaid IC card payments (also called simply "card payments").

This system comprises a server installed outside the parking lot that can communicate with the user's mobile terminal, and an exit restriction device installed inside the parking lot that communicates with and is controlled by the server or the user's mobile terminal. Throughout this specification, the "exit restriction device" physically restricts a vehicle that has entered the parking lot from leaving the parking lot until the user has completed payment, and physically permits the vehicle to leave once the user has completed payment; it is also referred to as an exit permission device.

Patent document 2 discloses a parking management system that can only accept cash or card payments, i.e., non-electronic payments.

The system includes a payment machine (a device that allows users to make non-electronic payments) installed in the parking lot, an exit restriction device installed in the parking lot that is controlled by the payment machine, and a server installed outside the parking lot that is capable of communicating with the payment machine but not with the user's mobile device.

Patent document 3 discloses a parking lot management system that can handle both non-electronic and electronic payments. This system includes a ticket issuing machine installed in the parking lot that enables non-electronic payments, and a management server installed outside the parking lot that communicates with users' mobile terminals and enables users to make electronic payments. In this case, the management server is managed by the same company that manages the parking lot, and therefore, in this system, the ticket issuing machine and management server are under the management of the same company.

Patent No. 6401849 JP 2016-045916 A JP 2018-173965 A

Electronic payments are becoming more common as a method of paying for services. However, there are still users who prefer non-electronic payments.

However, after building a system that exclusively handles non-electronic payments, it is possible to at least partially modify the system's hardware configuration to accommodate electronic payments as well, in order to meet the demand for electronic payments. However, in this case, there is a risk that the burden of modifying the system will increase.

Against this background, the present invention has been made with the objective of providing technology that makes it possible to modify a system that is incapable of supporting electronic payments using a user's communication terminal into a system that is capable of supporting electronic payments using a user's communication terminal , while minimizing additional burden.

In order to solve the problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment agent system serving as a second system that acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user of a first system that provides a first service to a user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service, the electronic payment agent system comprising:
the first system includes a first parking management system that is independently capable of supporting non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of supporting electronic payments;
The first parking management system includes a payment machine that enables a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment, and a first management server;
The electronic payment agency system includes a second parking management system having a second management server;
the second management server enables electronic payment of the first fee when the second management server is accessed by the communication terminal of the user;
when the electronic payment is completed, the second control server transmits a payment completion signal representing the completion of the electronic payment to the first control server;
the first management server transmits to the settlement machine a permission signal for permitting the user to exit a location where the first system has provided the first service to the user;
An electronic payment agency system is provided in which, when the settlement machine receives the permission signal, it transmits a signal to an exit permission device to switch to a state permitting the user to exit the location.
According to a first aspect of the present invention , there is provided an electronic payment agent system serving as a second system that acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user of a first system that provides a first service to a user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service, the electronic payment agent system comprising:
the first system includes a payment system that is independently capable of accommodating non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of accommodating electronic payments;
The electronic payment agency system includes a second admin server;
the second management server enables electronic payment of the first fee when the second management server is accessed by the communication terminal of the user;
the electronic payment agency system enabling the communications terminal and/or the first system to receive a payment completion signal indicating when the electronic payment is completed;
The first system includes a checkout machine that enables a user to make a non-electronic payment, the non-electronic payment being a cash payment or a card payment;
when the electronic payment is completed, the electronic payment agency system transmits to the settlement machine a permission signal for permitting the user to leave a location where the first system has provided the first service to the user;
The settlement machine is provided with an electronic payment agency system that, when it receives the permission signal, transmits a signal to an exit permission device to switch to a state permitting the user to exit the location.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment agent system serving as a second system which acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user of a first system that provides a first service to a user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service, the electronic payment agent system comprising:
the first system includes a payment system that is independently capable of accommodating non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of accommodating electronic payments;
The electronic payment agency system includes a second admin server;
the first system exists as a plurality of first systems;
the electronic payment agency system enables the user to identify a first system in which the user is currently located among the plurality of first systems by using a positioning function of the user's communication terminal;
the electronic payment agency system enables electronic payment of the first fee when the second management server is accessed by the user's communication terminal;
The electronic payment agency system is provided which enables the communications terminal and/or the first system to receive a payment completion signal indicating when the electronic payment has been completed.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment agent system serving as a second system that acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user of a first system that provides a first service to a user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service, the electronic payment agent system comprising:
the first system being a payment system that is independently capable of handling non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of handling electronic payments;
The electronic payment agency system includes a second admin server;
the second management server, when the second management server is accessed by the communication terminal of the user, enables a payment server to make electronic payment for the first fee by using electronic payment information necessary for making electronic payment for the first fee, the electronic payment information having been transmitted by the communication terminal;
The electronic payment agency system is provided such that, when the electronic payment is completed by the payment server, the communication terminal and/or the first system can receive a payment completion signal indicating that the electronic payment has been completed.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment agent system that enables electronic payment for a first system that cannot handle electronic payments to be handled by a second system that can handle electronic payments, the system comprising:
a first system for providing a first service to a user, the first system including a payment system that is independently capable of handling non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of handling electronic payments;
a second system that acts on behalf of a user of the first system to electronically settle a first fee to be charged to the user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service,
The second system includes a second management server;
the second management server is accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, either via or without the first management server of the first system, to thereby transmit to a payment server electronic payment information necessary for making an electronic payment for the first fee, the information including the amount of the first fee, together with an electronic payment request;
An electronic payment agency system is provided in which the payment server responds to the electronic payment request and makes an electronic payment for the first fee.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment proxy system combination that enables electronic payment for a first system that cannot handle electronic payment to be proxy-acted by a second system that can handle electronic payment, comprising:
a first system for providing a first service to a user, the first system including a payment system that is independently capable of handling non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of handling electronic payments;
a second system that acts on behalf of a user of the first system to electronically settle a first fee to be charged to the user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service,
The second system includes a second management server;
the second management server being accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, thereby transmitting electronic payment information necessary for making an electronic payment for the first fee, the electronic payment information including the amount of the first fee, together with an electronic payment request to a payment server;
A combination electronic payment gateway system is provided, the payment server responding to the electronic payment request and effecting electronic payment for the first fee.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment compatible service providing system as a first system for providing a first service to a user, comprising:
the first system causes a second system capable of supporting electronic payment to electronically pay a first fee to be charged to the user as a consideration for the user's use of the first service in the first system, and for this purpose, the first system executes an electronic payment mode;
the second system includes a second management server;
When the first system executes the electronic payment mode, the second management server is accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, whereby the second management server performs electronic payment for the first fee;
The second management server transmits a payment completion signal, which indicates that the electronic payment has been completed, to the communication terminal of the user of the first service.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment agency service providing system serving as a second system which acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user as a consideration for the user's use of a first service in a first system, the second system comprising:
the second system includes a second management server;
the second management server is accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, whereby the second management server performs electronic payment for the first fee;
The second management server transmits a payment completion signal, which indicates that the electronic payment has been completed, to the communication terminal of the user of the first service.

<First aspect of the present invention>
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment compatible service providing system as a first system for providing a first service to a user, the system comprising:
The first system comprises:
a first fee calculation unit that calculates a first fee to be charged to the user as compensation for the user's use of the first service;
a first management server capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a user of the first service;
the first system allows a second system, which provides a second service to a user and is capable of supporting electronic payment, to electronically pay the first fee for the user of the first service, so that the first system executes an electronic payment mode;
The second system comprises:
a second fee calculation unit that calculates a second fee that is originally charged to the user as a compensation for the user's use of the second service;
A second management server that is originally capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a user of the second service,
In the electronic payment mode of the first system,
(a) the first fee calculation unit or the second fee calculation unit calculates the first fee for the first service;
(b) the second management server is accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, either via or without the first management server, whereby the second management server performs electronic payment for the first fee;
(c) An electronic payment-compatible service providing system is provided in which, after the electronic payment is completed, the second management server transmits a payment completion signal indicating that the electronic payment has been completed to the communication terminal of the user of the first service, either via the first management server or without going via the first management server.

<Second aspect of the present invention>
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic payment surrogate service providing system serving as a second system which acts as an agent for electronically paying a first fee charged to a user as a consideration for the user's use of a first service in a first system, the second system comprising:
the second system providing a second service to a user;
The second system comprises:
a second fee calculation unit that calculates a second fee that is originally charged to the user as a compensation for the user's use of the second service;
A second management server that is originally capable of communicating with a communication terminal of a user of the second service,
the second system acts on behalf of the first system to electronically pay the first fee for a user of the first service, so that the first system executes an electronic payment mode;
In the electronic payment mode of the first system,
(a) a first fee calculation unit or the second fee calculation unit of the first system calculates the first fee for the first service;
(b) the second management server is accessed by a communication terminal of a user of the first service, either via or without a first management server of the first system, whereby the second management server performs electronic payment for the first fee;
(c) An electronic payment agency service providing system is provided in which, after the electronic payment is completed, the second management server sends a payment completion signal indicating that the electronic payment has been completed to the communication terminal of the user of the first service, either via the first management server or without going through the first management server.

<Third Aspect of the Invention>
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system combination including the electronic payment compatible service providing system and the electronic payment agent service providing system.

<Other aspects of the present invention>
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing a certain type of service to a user, comprising:
a non-electronic payment execution device that enables a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment;
a management server capable of communicating with the non-electronic payment execution device;
The system does not support electronic payment by itself, but executes an electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system that provides users with the same type of service as the system and supports electronic payment;
The second system comprises:
A second management server capable of communicating with the user's communication terminal;
a payment server that enables a user to make an electronic payment and that is capable of communicating with the second management server;
The system provides an electronic payment-compatible service provision system in which, in the electronic payment mode, the user's communication terminal accesses the second management server, either via or without going through the management server, thereby making an electronic payment using the payment server, and after the electronic payment is completed, the second management server sends a payment completion signal indicating that the electronic payment has been completed to the non-electronic payment execution device, either via or without going through the management server.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing a certain type of service to a user, comprising:
a non-electronic payment device that allows a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment;
a management server capable of communicating with the non-electronic payment device;
The system does not support electronic payment by itself, but executes a pseudo electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system that provides users with the same type of service as the system and supports electronic payment;
The second system comprises:
A second management server capable of communicating with the user's communication terminal;
a payment server that enables a user to make an electronic payment and that is capable of communicating with the second management server;
The system provides a pseudo-electronic payment compatible service provision system in which, in the pseudo-electronic payment mode, a user's communication terminal accesses the second management server, either via or without going through the management server, thereby making an electronic payment using the payment server, and then the second management server communicates with the non-electronic payment device, either via or without going through the management server, thereby causing the non-electronic payment device to receive a payment completion signal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing a certain type of service to a user, comprising:
a non-electronic payment device that allows a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment;
a management server capable of communicating with the non-electronic payment device;
The system executes a non-electronic payment mode that does not support electronic payments by itself, and in the non-electronic payment mode, a user makes a non-electronic payment using the non-electronic payment device;
said system executing a pseudo electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system providing users with the same type of services as said system;
The second system comprises:
A second management server capable of communicating with the user's communication terminal;
a payment server that enables a user to make an electronic payment and that is capable of communicating with the second management server;
the second system independently executes an electronic payment mode corresponding to electronic payment on condition that the user is a member of the second system, in which the communication terminal of the user communicates with the second management server, thereby performing electronic payment using the payment server, and thereafter the second management server transmits a payment completion signal to the communication terminal;
The system provides a pseudo-electronic payment compatible service provision system in which, in the pseudo-electronic payment mode, a user's communications terminal, either posing as a member of the second system or actually becoming a member of the second system, accesses the second management server, with or without going through the management server, thereby making an electronic payment using the payment server, and then the second management server communicates with the non-electronic payment device, with or without going through the management server, thereby causing the non-electronic payment device to receive the payment completion signal.

The present invention provides the following aspects. Each aspect is divided into clauses, each clause is numbered, and the numbers of other clauses are cited as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features that the present invention may employ and their combinations, and should not be construed as limiting the technical features and combinations that the present invention may employ to the following aspects. In other words, it should be construed that there is no prohibition on appropriately extracting and employing technical features that are not described in the following aspects but are described in this specification as technical features of the present invention.

Furthermore, describing each paragraph in a form that refers to the number of other paragraphs does not necessarily mean that it is prohibited to separate and make independent the technical features described in each paragraph from the technical features described in other paragraphs, and it should be interpreted that it is possible to make independent the technical features described in each paragraph as appropriate depending on their nature.

(1) A system for providing a certain type of service to a user,
a cash register that allows a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment;
a management server capable of communicating with the settlement machine;
The system does not support electronic payment by itself, but executes a pseudo electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system that provides users with the same type of service as the system and supports electronic payment;
The second system comprises:
A second management server capable of communicating with the user's communication terminal;
a payment server that enables a user to make an electronic payment and that is capable of communicating with the second management server;
The system is a pseudo-electronic payment compatible service providing system in which, in the pseudo electronic payment mode, the user's communication terminal accesses the second management server, either via the management server or without going through the management server, while the user is posing as a member of the second system, thereby making electronic payments using the payment server.

(2) A system for providing a certain type of service to a user,
a cash register that allows a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment;
a management server capable of communicating with the settlement machine;
The system executes a non-electronic payment mode that does not support electronic payment by the system alone, and in the non-electronic payment mode, a user makes a non-electronic payment using the settlement machine;
said system executing a pseudo electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system providing users with the same type of services as said system;
The second system comprises:
A second management server capable of communicating with the user's communication terminal;
a payment server that enables a user to make an electronic payment and that is capable of communicating with the second management server;
the second system independently executes an electronic payment mode corresponding to electronic payment on condition that the user is a member of the second system, in which the communication terminal of the user communicates with the second management server, thereby performing electronic payment using the payment server, and thereafter the second management server transmits a payment completion signal to the communication terminal;
The system is a pseudo-electronic payment compatible service provision system in which, in the pseudo electronic payment mode, the user's communication terminal accesses the second management server, with the user masquerading as a member of the second system, with or without going through the management server, thereby making electronic payment using the payment server, and then the second management server communicates with the settlement machine, with or without going through the management server, whereby the settlement machine receives a payment completion signal.

(3) A pseudo-electronic payment-enabled service providing system as described in (1) or (2), wherein the service includes a service of lending a space to a user for parking a vehicle, including a bicycle, an automobile, or a motorcycle, and/or a service of lending a vehicle, including a bicycle, an automobile, or a motorcycle, to a user.

(4) The service includes a service of lending a space in a parking lot to a user for parking a vehicle, including a bicycle, an automobile, or a motorcycle,
The system further comprises:
a parking permission device that physically restricts a vehicle that has entered the parking lot from leaving the parking lot until a payment by a user is completed, and physically permits the vehicle to leave the parking lot when the payment by the user is completed, the parking permission device being controlled by the settlement machine;
The pseudo electronic payment compatible service providing system according to claim 3, wherein the settlement machine transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the withdrawal permission device when the settlement machine receives the payment completion signal.

(5) The service includes a service of lending to a user a parking space selected by the user from among a plurality of parking spaces, which are a plurality of spaces for the user to park a vehicle, including a bicycle, an automobile, or a motorcycle, in a parking lot;
The system further comprises:
A pseudo-electronic payment compatible service providing system as described in any of (1) to (4), comprising: a user's communication terminal, when the pseudo-electronic payment mode is selected by a user at the entry stage where a vehicle enters the selected vehicle space or at the exit stage where the vehicle leaves the vehicle space, obtains a combination of information for identifying the parking lot and information for identifying the selected vehicle space, assigns to the combination an impersonation member ID for accessing the second management server of the second system as a member of the second system, and includes an impersonation access means for accessing the second management server using the impersonation member ID either via or without going through the management server.

(6) Furthermore,
A pseudo-electronic payment compatible service providing system as described in any of (1) to (4), comprising: a user's communication terminal, when the pseudo-electronic payment mode is selected by the user, obtains the user's user ID or information that uniquely corresponds to the user, assigns to the user ID or information an impersonation member ID for accessing the second management server of the second system as a member of the second system, and uses the impersonation member ID to access the second management server with or without going through the management server.

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

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

In addition, this program can be, but is not limited to, a program that achieves the intended purpose by being executed by a computer on its own, or a program that achieves the intended purpose by being executed by a computer together with other programs. In the latter case, the program in this section can be, but is not limited to, a program that is mainly comprised of data.

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

(9) A program for causing a computer to function as a settlement machine described in any one of (1) to (6).

(10) A recording medium on which a program described in any one of (7) to (9) is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

Throughout this specification, the term "recording medium" may be interpreted to mean various types of recording medium, including, but not limited to, magnetic recording media such as floppy disks, optical recording media such as CDs and CD-ROMs, magneto-optical recording media such as MOs, and non-removable storage such as ROMs.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view conceptually illustrating a parking management system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that is not capable of supporting electronic payments, along with a second parking management system that is capable of supporting electronic payments. FIG. 2 is a flowchart conceptually showing the operations of the transmitter, the user's mobile terminal, and the management server in the second parking lot management system shown in FIG. 1, which are carried out in the entry stage. FIG. 2 is a flowchart conceptually showing the operations of the transmitter, the user's mobile terminal, and the management server in the second parking lot management system shown in FIG. 1, which are carried out in the leaving stage. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing three examples of communication procedures for enabling the parking lot management system shown in FIG. 1 to support electronic payments by partially utilizing the second parking lot management system shown in the same figure. Figure 5 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating the operation of the payment machine, the user's mobile terminal and the management server in the parking lot management system shown in Figure 1, and the management server and payment server in the second parking lot management system, which are carried out to execute a pseudo-electronic payment mode at the exit stage.

Some of the more specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<Overall structure>

In FIG. 1, a pseudo-electronic payment-enabled parking lot management system 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 10") according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown together with a second electronic payment-enabled parking lot management system 110 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 110"). System 10 is an example of a pseudo-electronic payment-enabled service provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 10 also implements a parking lot management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the parking lot management method is an example of a pseudo-electronic payment-enabled service provision method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The system 10 operates in a non-electronic payment mode that does not support electronic payments by itself. In the non-electronic payment mode, a user makes a non-electronic payment using the settlement machine 30 in the system 10. One example of a non-electronic payment is cash payment, and another example is prepaid IC card payment (also simply called "card payment").

Furthermore, the system 10 executes a pseudo-electronic payment mode in cooperation with a second system 110 that provides users with the same type of service as the system 10. In the pseudo-electronic payment mode, the user uses his/her own mobile terminal (an example of the communication terminal) 90 to make electronic payments using the management server 140 and payment server 160 in the second system 110. Electronic payments are also called "smartphone payments" and include, for example, credit card payments.

This system 10 is a postpaid system that allows a user to leave the parking lot 20 on the condition that the user pays a postpaid parking fee that corresponds to the length of time the user actually parks. However, instead of this, this system 10 can also adopt a prepaid system that allows a user to use the parking lot 20 on the condition that the user pays a prepaid parking fee that corresponds to the length of the parking time the user desires (e.g., planned parking time) prior to starting to use the parking lot 20.

<System 10 Configuration>

Referring to FIG. 1, the system 10 is a system for managing a parking lot 20. The parking lot 20 has multiple parking spaces 22. One vehicle is parked in each parking space 22. An exit permission device 24 is installed for each parking space 22.

As an additional remark regarding the definition of the term "vehicle," the term "vehicle" should be interpreted as including not only automobiles but also all kinds of moving objects, such as bicycles, motorcycles, etc.

An example of an exit permission device 24 has a vehicle presence sensor (e.g., a loop coil buried in the ground, a photosensor installed so as to be exposed on the support surface of the parking lot 20, etc.) that detects the presence of a vehicle in the corresponding vehicle compartment 22 (such as the entry of a vehicle into the corresponding vehicle compartment 22), and a mechanism having a baffle plate (flap, lifting device, car stopper, wheel stopper, etc.) as a movable member that switches between an exit prevention state that prevents the vehicle in the vehicle compartment 22 from leaving (exiting) the vehicle compartment 22 and an exit permission state that permits the vehicle to leave the parking lot.

When the vehicle presence sensor detects the presence of a vehicle, the mechanism transitions the baffle to an exit-prevention state, for example by raising or tilting it, and when the user pays the deferred parking fee, transitions to an exit-permitted state, for example by lowering or leveling the baffle.

In this embodiment, a fare adjustment machine 30 is installed in common to multiple vehicle compartments 22. The fare adjustment machine 30 communicates with the vehicle presence sensor in each vehicle compartment 22, and monitors the presence or absence of a vehicle in each vehicle compartment 22 based on a signal from the vehicle presence sensor. Furthermore, a fare adjustment machine 30 is installed in common to multiple exit permission devices 24. The fare adjustment machine 30 communicates with the mechanism unit in each vehicle compartment 22, and switches the mechanism unit between an exit permission state and an exit prevention state as appropriate. The fare adjustment machine 30 may be configured mainly from a sequencer or a computer.

In another example, an exit permission device 24 is installed in common to multiple vehicle compartments 22. The exit permission device 24 has, for example, a mechanism for opening and closing a gate at the entrance and exit of the parking lot 20.

It is not essential to install an exit permission device 24 in the parking lot 20 in order to implement the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to parking lots 20 that are postpaid but do not have an exit permission device 24.

The system 10 further includes a management server 40. The management server 40 is operated, for example, by a parking lot management company that manages the parking lot 20 on behalf of the owner of the parking lot 20.

In the non-electronic payment mode, the management server 40 communicates (e.g., wirelessly) only with the settlement machine 30, thereby realizing multiple functions, including the function of remotely monitoring the operating status of the parking lot 20 in real time.

In contrast, in the pseudo electronic payment mode, the management server 40 communicates (e.g., wirelessly) with each of the user's mobile terminal 90 and the management server 140 of the second system 110 (an example of the second management server), thereby enabling the user to legitimately pose as a member of the second system 110 and legitimately access the second system 110, thereby realizing multiple functions including a spoofing access function that enables electronic payment, although the system 10 alone cannot handle electronic payments.

<Configuration of mobile terminal 90>

The user's mobile terminal 90 is, for example, a device that is carried by the user and has wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, PDA, etc. The mobile terminal 90 is also an example of a user's communication terminal, and the communication terminal may be one that is not carried by the user, such as an in-vehicle communication terminal.

The mobile terminal 90 is mainly composed of a computer having a processor and a memory that stores multiple applications executed by the processor.

The mobile terminal 90 further has a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays information on a screen, a receiving unit that receives signals from an external communication device, and a transmitting unit that generates signals and transmits the signals to the external communication device.

The mobile terminal 90 further has an input unit for inputting data and commands from the user. The input unit has, for example, an operation unit that can be operated by the user to input desired information (e.g., commands, data, etc.) into the mobile terminal 90.

The operating unit may be, but is not limited to, a touch screen (means for allowing manual input of data) that displays a number of icons (e.g., virtual buttons) that can be operated by the user, a physical operating unit (means for allowing manual input of data, such as a keyboard, keypad, buttons, etc.) that can be operated by the user, and a microphone that detects voice (means for allowing voice input of data).

The input unit further includes an image sensor (including a digital camera) that captures an image.

The mobile terminal 90 further includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. As is well known, the GPS receiver receives multiple GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites and uses triangulation to measure the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the GPS receiver on the Earth based on those GPS signals.

<Configuration of the second system 110>

As shown in FIG. 1, the second system 110, like the system 10, is configured to manage a postpaid parking lot 120. The parking lot 120 also has a number of parking spaces 122.

In the parking lot 120, one transmitter 130 is installed in common to multiple vehicle compartments 122. In another example, not shown, a number of transmitters 130, the number of which is smaller than the number of vehicle compartments 122, are installed in association with each of multiple vehicle compartment groups. In yet another example, not shown, the same number of transmitters 130 as the number of vehicle compartments 122 are installed for each vehicle compartment 122.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, one parking lot 120 and all parking spaces 122 are associated with one transmitter 130. Therefore, if the transmitter 130 is identified by the user's mobile terminal 190, the location of the associated parking lot 120, i.e., the parking lot code (or parking lot ID) and location (place name, geographical location, etc.) of the parking lot 120 selected by the user, is known, but the location of the one parking space 122 selected by the user is unknown.

The mobile terminal 190 has a common configuration with the mobile terminal 90 described above. Therefore, a duplicated description of the mobile terminal 190 will be omitted.

In this second system 110, the user can only select the electronic payment mode and cannot select the non-electronic payment mode.

<Configuration of transmitter 130>

First, conceptually, the transmitter 130 is a non-contact or contact (proximity) communication device that emits an identification signal that can identify a unique transmitter code (or transmitter ID).

The user's mobile terminal 190 exclusively receives the identification signal from the transmitter 130 in one direction using a short-range wireless communication method. The distance at which the mobile terminal 190 can receive a signal from the transmitter 130, i.e., the reception radius (for example, 0 m to approximately 50 m), is variably set by software on the mobile terminal 190. The area surrounded by a circle having that reception radius is called the receivable area or reception zone.

The transmitter 130 is usually installed in a fixed manner in the corresponding parking lot 120 so that it cannot be moved, but it can also be installed movably so that it can be moved at any time. Also, it is sufficient for the transmitter 130 to have at least a transmission function, but it may also be configured to have a receiving function as well, if necessary.

Next, to explain how it works, the transmitter 130 actively transmits a unique identification signal locally without the need for an external trigger signal, and continuously as long as there is no power supply shortage.

The transmitter 130 is generally known as a beacon device, a radio beacon, or the like, that transmits a beacon signal as an identification signal. In one example, the transmitter 130 generates an identification signal representing a corresponding transmitter code by modulating an original signal, and transmits the generated identification signal locally as an IR signal, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) signal, an NFC (near field communication) signal, or the like.

Next, to explain the hardware configuration without referring to a diagram, this transmitter 130 is mainly composed of a computer having a processor and a memory that stores multiple applications executed by the processor.

<Configuration of management server 140>

The second system 110 further includes a management server 140. This management server 140 communicates with the user's mobile terminal 190 in both directions using a long-distance wireless communication method.

To explain the hardware configuration without referring to a diagram, the management server 140 is primarily configured as a computer having a processor and memory that stores multiple applications executed by the processor.

Specifically, this management server 140 has a receiving unit that receives signals from the mobile terminal 190, a transmitting unit that generates signals and transmits them to the mobile terminal 190, and a clock that measures the current time. This management server 140 does not receive signals directly from the transmitter 130, but in effect receives signals via the mobile terminal 190.

<Operation of the second system 110>

Next, the operation of the second system 110 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

＜Stock stage＞

First, referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the second system 110 in the entry stage where the vehicle enters one of the vehicle compartments 122 will be described. When the user starts the parking lot utilization program on the mobile terminal 190, the mobile terminal 190 first transmits a login request to the management server 140 together with a member ID indicating that the user is a member who is qualified to use the second system 110.

In response, in step S231, the management server 140 receives the login request along with the member ID, and then in step S232, it determines whether the current user is a legitimate member by referencing the member database in the memory of the management server 140.

If the current user is a legitimate member, the determination in step S232 is YES, and in step S233, a login completion signal indicating completion of login is returned to the current user's mobile terminal 190. On the other hand, if the current user is not a legitimate member, the determination in step S232 is NO, and the process returns to step S231, where input of a legitimate member ID is awaited.

Then, in step S211, the mobile terminal 190 receives the login completion signal, and at this timing executes step S212, thereby receiving a signal from the transmitter 130 installed in the parking lot 120 where the user is currently located.

Next, in step S213, the mobile terminal 190 extracts the transmitter code corresponding to the current transmitter 130 from the signal received from that transmitter 130. Then, in step S214, the mobile terminal 190 converts the extracted transmitter code into the corresponding parking lot code according to a predetermined relationship between the transmitter code and the parking lot code that is stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 190. This identifies the parking lot 120 where the current user has entered.

Then, in step S215, the mobile terminal 190 displays a "Enter" button on its screen to confirm the user's intention to enter the parking lot. When the user touches the "Enter" button, it is determined that the user intends to enter the parking lot, and in step S216, a "entry request" by the user to request entry, the parking lot code, and the member ID are associated with each other and transmitted to the management server 140. Then, in step S217, the mobile terminal 190 stores the current parking lot code in the memory of the mobile terminal 190 as an entry parking lot code for future reference.

In response, in step S234, management server 140 receives the entry request, parking lot code, and member ID in association with each other, and then in step S235 measures the current time using the clock. Then, in step S236, management server 140 treats the measured current time as the entry time, and then in step S237 associates the entry time with the member ID and stores it in the memory of management server 140. As a result, the member ID, parking lot 20 ID, and entry time are stored in the memory of management server 140 in association with each other.

＜Delivery stage＞

Next, referring to FIG. 3, the operation of the second system 110 in the exit stage where the vehicle leaves one of the vehicle compartments 122 will be described. First, in step S311, the user's mobile terminal 190 receives a signal from a transmitter 130 installed in the parking lot 120 where the user is currently located. Next, in step S312, the mobile terminal 190 extracts a transmitter code corresponding to the transmitter 130 from the signal received from that transmitter 130.

Then, in step S313, the mobile terminal 190 converts the extracted transmitter code into a corresponding parking lot code according to a predetermined relationship between the transmitter code and the parking lot code that is stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 190. This identifies the parking lot 120 where the user is currently located, i.e., the exit parking lot 120 from which the user wants to exit.

Next, in step S314, the mobile terminal 190 reads the already stored entrance parking lot code from the memory of the mobile terminal 190 and determines whether it matches the converted parking lot code, i.e., the exit parking lot code. If they match, the determination in step S314 becomes YES and the process proceeds to step S315, but if they do not match, the determination becomes NO and the process returns to step S311, waiting for the acquisition of the correct exit parking lot code.

Then, in step S315, the mobile terminal 190 displays an exit button on its screen to confirm the user's intention to exit. When the user touches the exit button, it is determined that the user intends to exit, and in step S316, it transmits an exit request, the exit parking lot code, and the member ID to the management server 140 in association with each other.

In response to this, in step S331, the management server 140 receives the exit request, the exit parking lot code, and the member ID in association with each other, and then in step S332, determines whether the same combination of the exit parking lot code and member ID as the received combination exists in the memory of the management server 140, thereby determining whether to authenticate the current user and the current parking lot 120 as legitimate.

If the authentication is successful, in step S333, management server 140 measures the current time using the clock. Then, in step S334, management server 140 treats the measured current time as the departure time, and then in step S335, reads from the memory the entry time stored in management server 140 in association with the current member ID, and calculates the parking time by subtracting the entry time from the departure time.

Then, in step S336, the management server 140 calculates a parking fee that corresponds to the calculated length of parking time according to a predetermined relationship between the length of parking time and the amount of the parking fee that is stored in the memory of the management server 140. The management server 140 then transmits the calculated amount of the parking fee to the user's mobile terminal 190.

In response, the mobile terminal 190 receives the amount of the parking fee in step S317, and then displays the amount of the parking fee on the screen in step S318.

Meanwhile, after executing step S336, in step S337, the management server 140 sends a payment request to make an electronic payment for the parking fee to the payment server 160 together with the information necessary for the electronic payment.

In response, the payment server 160 receives the payment request in step S351, and then performs electronic payment with the specified details in step S352. Next, in step S353, the payment server 160 transmits a payment completion signal to the management server 140, indicating that the electronic payment has been completed.

In response, the management server 140 receives the payment completion signal in step S338, and then transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the mobile terminal 190 in step S339.

In response, in step S319, the mobile terminal 190 receives the exit permission signal, which informs the user that the parking fee has been paid by electronic payment and therefore the user has obtained the authority to legitimately exit the current parking lot 120.

<System 10 operation>

＜Stock stage＞

To explain the operation of this system 10, at the entry stage when a vehicle enters one of the compartments 22, when the corresponding vehicle presence sensor detects the vehicle, a signal indicating this is sent to the settlement machine 30. The settlement machine 30 measures the time at that time as the entry time, and records which compartment 22 the vehicle entered at that entry time (in association with the compartment number). This allows a link between the entry time and the compartment 22 number (or compartment ID).

The settlement machine 30 further associates the entry time with the parking space 22 number (or parking space ID) and transmits them to the management server 40, which then associates and stores the data. This enables the management server 40 to monitor the operating status of the parking lot 20 in real time. The management server 40 is configured to centrally manage multiple parking lots 20 so that it can also monitor the operating status of other parking lots 20.

＜Delivery stage＞

<Non-electronic payment mode>

In contrast, in the exit stage where the vehicle leaves one of the compartments 22, the user first selects either the non-electronic payment mode or the pseudo-electronic payment mode (this mode appears to the user as an electronic payment mode realized by the system 10).

When the non-electronic payment mode is selected, the user inputs the number of his/her parking space 22 into the payment machine 30, which then measures that time as the exit time, calculates the elapsed time from the recorded entry time to the exit time as the parking time, and calculates the deferred parking fee corresponding to that length.

When the user pays the parking fee to the settlement machine 30 using cash or a prepaid card, the settlement machine 30 switches the exit permission device 24 corresponding to the current parking space 22 from an exit prevention state to an exit permission state. This allows the user to exit the vehicle from the current parking space 22. In this way, in the exit stage, the amount of the parking fee is determined using the parking space 22 number entered by the user into the settlement machine 30 as a key.

<Pseudo electronic payment mode>

In contrast, when the pseudo-electronic payment mode is selected, the user activates a pseudo-electronic payment program that is pre-installed on the mobile terminal 90.

The pseudo-electronic payment program will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5, but generally, in the pseudo-electronic payment mode, as shown in the top column of FIG. 4, the calculation of the deferred parking fee is performed by the management server 40 instead of the settlement machine 30 (first communication procedure). However, as shown in the middle column of FIG. 4, there is also the possibility that the fee calculation is instead performed by the management server 140 of the second system 110 instead of the settlement machine 30 (second communication procedure), or that the calculation is still performed by the settlement machine 30, as shown in the bottom column of FIG. 4 (third communication procedure).

Here, the three communication procedures shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. In each of the communication procedures, the combination of management server 40, management server 140, and settlement server 160 (the three elements or servers present within the area enclosed by the dashed line in the figure) exists between the mobile terminal 90 and the settlement machine 30 in order to function to enable system 10, which cannot handle electronic payments by itself, to handle electronic payments by partially utilizing second system 110, and in that sense, the combination is also referred to as an electronic payment realization means.

In this electronic payment realization means, management server 40 is also called the "real management server" in the sense that it is a management server that actually exists in system 10. In contrast, management server 140 is also called the "impersonation management server" in the sense that it actually exists not in system 10 but in second system 110, and is viewed by the user as if it were a management server that actually exists in system 10.

Next, to explain each of these communication procedures individually, in the first communication procedure, the mobile terminal 90 performs wireless communication (e.g., via a telephone line network) with the real management server 40, thereby causing the real management server 40 to calculate the parking fee (also called "fee calculation").

When the fee calculation is complete, the real management server 40 connects to the payment server 160 via the impersonation management server 140, thereby causing the payment server 160 to perform electronic payment. When the electronic payment is completed, the real management server 40 transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the withdrawal permission device 24 via the settlement machine 30, thereby permitting the user to withdraw.

In the second communication procedure, the mobile terminal 90 communicates wirelessly with the spoofing management server 140 (e.g., via a telephone line network), thereby causing the spoofing management server 140 to calculate the parking fee (also called "fee calculation").

When the fee calculation is complete, the masquerade management server 140 connects to the settlement server 160, thereby enabling the user to make an electronic payment. When the electronic payment is complete, the masquerade management server 140 notifies the real management server 40 of the completion of the electronic payment, and in response, the real management server 40 transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the withdrawal permission device 24 via the settlement machine 30, thereby allowing the user to withdraw.

In the third communication procedure, the mobile terminal 90 communicates wirelessly (e.g., using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication method) with the payment machine 30, and the mobile terminal 90 causes the payment machine 30 to calculate the parking time and the parking fee, and then transmits the calculated parking fee back to the mobile terminal 90.

Then, the mobile terminal 90 wirelessly communicates (e.g., via a telephone line network) with the spoofing management server 140, which in turn connects to the settlement server 160, thereby enabling the user to make an electronic payment. When the electronic payment is completed, the spoofing management server 140 notifies the real management server 40 of the completion of the electronic payment, and in response, the real management server 40 transmits a withdrawal permission signal to the withdrawal permission device 24 via the settlement machine 30, thereby allowing the user to withdraw.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the settlement machine 30, mobile terminal 90, and management server 40 of system 10 and the management server 140 and settlement server 160 of second system 110 when the pseudo electronic payment mode is executed in the delivery stage will be described.

Of the multiple steps shown in FIG. 5, the time series of steps executed on the mobile terminal 90 corresponds to the pseudo electronic payment program described above, the time series of steps executed on the management server 40 corresponds to the pseudo electronic payment program for the real management server, the time series of steps executed on the management server 140 corresponds to the pseudo electronic payment management program for the impersonation management server, and the time series of steps executed on the payment server 160 corresponds to the electronic payment program.

When a user starts the pseudo-electronic payment program on the mobile terminal 90, first, in step S511, a withdrawal button is displayed on the user's screen to confirm the user's intention to withdraw (within pseudo-electronic payment mode, not in non-electronic payment mode). Next, in step S512, it is determined whether the user has operated (e.g., touched) the withdrawal button. If the withdrawal button is operated, the determination is YES, and it is determined that the user intends to withdraw.

Next, in step S513, the mobile terminal 90 prompts the user to input parking lot identification information, for example, a parking lot code, for identifying the parking lot 20 in which the user is currently located, in order to identify the parking lot 20. In response, the user inputs the corresponding parking lot code into the mobile terminal 90 manually (for example, by the manual input or voice input) or semi-automatically or fully automatically (in a manner in which the input is assisted by the mobile terminal 90).

In a first example of the parking lot code input assistance method, the mobile terminal 90 uses the GPS function to measure the current location of the current parking lot 20, and in accordance with a predetermined relationship between the multiple parking lots 20 and the multiple map locations that is stored in the memory of the mobile terminal 90, presents to the user at least one parking lot 20 that corresponds to one of the multiple map locations that is located near the measured current location as a candidate for the current parking lot 20.

In this first example, when the user selects one of the parking lots 20 on the mobile terminal 90, the parking lot code corresponding to that parking lot 20 is entered into the mobile terminal 90.

In a second example of the parking lot code input assistance method, the mobile terminal 90 communicates wirelessly (e.g., using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication) with the payment machine 30, and the payment machine 30 sends back to the mobile terminal 90 a signal indicating the parking lot code corresponding to the parking lot 20 in which the payment machine 30 is installed. This allows the user to input the parking lot code of the parking lot 20 in which the user is currently located into the mobile terminal 90.

In a third example of a parking lot code input assistance method, the image sensor of the mobile terminal 90 reads an identification mark attached to each payment machine 30 or vehicle compartment 22, such as a computer-readable pattern (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), etc.), and converts the read result into a parking lot code corresponding to the current parking lot 20. This allows the user to input the parking lot code of the parking lot 20 in which they are currently located into the mobile terminal 90.

Next, in step S514, the mobile terminal 90 prompts the user to input vehicle compartment identification information, such as a vehicle compartment number, that identifies the vehicle compartment 22 in which the user's vehicle is currently parked, in order to identify the vehicle compartment 22 in the parking lot 20 in which the user is currently located. In response, the user inputs the corresponding vehicle compartment number into the mobile terminal 90 manually (e.g., by the manual input or voice input) or semi-automatically or fully automatically (in a manner in which the input is assisted by the mobile terminal 90).

In one example of a method for assisting in inputting a vehicle compartment number, an image sensor on the mobile terminal 90 reads an identification mark attached to each vehicle compartment 22, such as a computer-readable pattern (e.g., a barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark)), and converts the result of the reading into a vehicle compartment number corresponding to the current vehicle compartment 22. This allows the user to input into the mobile terminal 90 the vehicle compartment number of the vehicle compartment 22 in which the user's vehicle is currently parked.

The "identification mark" may be configured as a multi-purpose identification mark including both the identification mark for the vehicle compartment 22 and the identification mark for the parking lot 20. In this case, the image sensor of the mobile terminal 90 reads the multi-purpose identification mark attached to each vehicle compartment 22, and converts the reading result into a combination of the parking lot code corresponding to the current parking lot 20 and the vehicle compartment number corresponding to the current vehicle compartment 22.

According to this exemplary input assistance method, the user can input the parking lot code of the parking lot 20 in which the user is currently located and the vehicle space number of the vehicle space 22 in which the user's vehicle is currently parked into the mobile terminal 90 in one go.

Then, in step S515, the mobile terminal 90 assigns one spoof member ID to the current user (more precisely, the combination of the current parking lot code and the current parking space number) so that the current user can legitimately access the second system 110 to use the electronic payment means of the second system 110. The spoof member ID is set to be different for each user.

Now, a user who wishes to use the second system 110 for its intended purpose of parking a vehicle is required to register in advance as a member of the second system 110. However, a user of the system 10 is not required to be a member of the second system 110 in order to use the system 10.

In this embodiment, the data processing of the mobile terminal 90 allows the user to temporarily pose as a member of the second system 110, regardless of the will of the user of the system 10 and without the user's knowledge. This posing as a member automatically expires when the user finishes using the system 10 (when the parking fee is paid by pseudo electronic payment).

To perform the spoofing process, the memory of the mobile terminal 90 stores multiple virtual member IDs, i.e., IDs that are not assigned to any user of the second system 110, but that allow the mobile terminal 90 to access the second system 110 for the sole purpose of electronic payments. These same virtual member IDs are also stored in the memory of the second system 110, allowing the second system 110 to perform member authentication for users of system 10.

Each time the mobile terminal 90 receives a withdrawal request from a user in the pseudo electronic payment mode, it selects one of the virtual member IDs so that it does not overlap with any IDs already used on the same mobile terminal 90 or any other mobile terminal 90, and assigns it to the current user. This links the current parking lot code, current parking space number, and current spoofed member ID to each other. When each mobile terminal 90 selects a certain spoofed member ID, it transmits the result to the management server 40, and the management server 40 provides information to other mobile terminals 90 so as not to select the same spoofed member ID.

Then, in step S516, the mobile terminal 90 transmits to the management server 40 a request for the user to leave the parking lot (leaving the parking lot in pseudo-electronic payment mode, not in non-electronic payment mode) in association with the parking lot code and the parking space number.

In response, in step S531, the management server 40 receives the exit request, the parking lot code, and the parking space number in association with each other.

Next, in step S532, the management server 40 uses the clock to measure the current time. The management server 40 then treats the measured current time as the departure time, and then reads from the memory of the management server 40 the entry time associated with the current parking space number and stored therein, and calculates the parking time by subtracting the entry time from the departure time.

Then, in step S533, the management server 40 calculates a parking fee that corresponds to the calculated length of parking time according to a predetermined relationship between the length of parking time and the amount of parking fee that is stored in the memory of the management server 40. Next, in step S534, the management server 40 transmits the calculated amount of parking fee to the user's mobile terminal 90.

In response, in step S517, the mobile terminal 90 receives the amount of the parking fee and then displays the amount of the parking fee on the screen.

Then, in step S518, the mobile terminal 90 transmits the amount of the parking fee, a payment request for electronic payment of the parking fee, and the current impersonated member ID, together with information necessary for electronic payment, to the management server 140 of the second system 110. Alternatively, the payment request may be transmitted to the management server 140 by the management server 40, rather than the mobile terminal 90.

In response, in step S551, the management server 140 receives the parking fee amount, the payment request, the impersonated member ID, and information required for electronic payment.

Next, in step S552, the management server 140 refers to its own memory to determine whether or not a virtual member ID that matches the received impersonation member ID exists, and if so, permits the current user to access the second system 110 for the sole purpose of electronic payment. Member authentication is then performed.

Then, in step S553, the management server 140 sends a payment request to make an electronic payment for the parking fee to the payment server 160 together with the information necessary for the electronic payment.

In response, the payment server 160 receives the payment request in step S571, and then performs electronic payment with the specified details in step S572. Next, in step S573, the payment server 160 transmits a payment completion signal to the management server 40, indicating that the electronic payment has been completed.

In response, the management server 40 receives the payment completion signal in step S535, and then determines in step S536 that the parking fee payment has been completed by electronic payment. The management server 40 then transmits an exit permission signal to the payment machine 30 in step S537.

In response to this, the settlement machine 30 receives the exit permission signal in step S501, and then in step S502, transmits an exit permission signal to the exit permission device 24 to allow the user's vehicle to leave the current vehicle compartment 22. In response to the exit permission signal, the exit permission device 24 retracts (stores) the baffle plate from the operating position to the non-operating position, thereby allowing the vehicle to exit from the exit permission device 24.

In some of the embodiments described above, when the pseudo electronic payment mode is selected by the user, the mobile terminal 90 is designed to acquire a combination of information for identifying the current parking lot 20 (e.g., a parking lot code) and information for identifying the currently selected parking space 22 (e.g., a parking space number), assign a spoofed member ID to the combination for accessing the second management server 140 of the second system 110 as a member of the second system 110, and include a spoofed access means for accessing the second management server 140 using the spoofed member ID.

Alternatively, the mobile terminal 90 may be designed to acquire the user ID of the user or information uniquely corresponding to the user (described later) when the pseudo electronic payment mode is selected by the user, and assign to the user ID or unique corresponding information an impersonation member ID for accessing the second management server 140 of the second system 110 as a member of the second system 110, and include an impersonation access means for accessing the second management server 140 using the impersonation member ID with or without going through the management server 40.

Here, "information that uniquely corresponds to a user (uniquely corresponding information)" includes, for example, text (character and number string) information such as the telephone number, email address, IP address, and registration number of the user's vehicle (such as the number on the license plate) of the mobile terminal 90, and image information such as an image of the user or his/her vehicle. The "vehicle registration number" may be obtained by the user manually inputting a character and number string into the mobile terminal 90, or by the user capturing an image including the vehicle's license plate with the camera of the mobile terminal 90 and extracting the number from the captured image using image recognition processing by the mobile terminal 90 or another device.

The above-described embodiments are examples of the application of the present invention to a service using a postpaid parking lot 20, but the present invention may also be applied to a service using a prepaid parking lot.

The above-described embodiments are examples of the application of the present invention to a parking service in which a space for a user to park a vehicle is rented to the user in a parking lot 20 managed by an operator (parking lot management company), but the present invention can be applied to other types of services.

Specifically, the present invention may be applied to, for example, a service in which an individual lends a parking space owned by the individual to another person for parking the other person's vehicle (a so-called parking space sharing service), a service in which a business lends a vehicle to a user at a business premises (a so-called vehicle rental service), a service in which a business lends a vehicle to a user in an unmanned parking space (a so-called vehicle sharing service), or a service in which an individual lends his or her own vehicle to another person (a so-called vehicle sharing service).

Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a service of renting rental items, which may be real estate or personal property, to users.

In some of the embodiments described above, a user of system 10 is granted membership in second system 110 without the user's knowledge, but the present invention may also be implemented in a manner in which the user is granted membership in second system 110 with the user's consent or upon instruction from the user.

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

Claims (4)

An electronic payment agent system serving as a second system that electronically pays a first fee charged to a user of a first system that provides the user with a first service as a consideration for the user's use of the first service, the second system comprising:
the first system includes a first parking management system that is independently capable of supporting non-electronic payments but is not independently capable of supporting electronic payments;
The first parking management system includes a payment machine that enables a user to make a non-electronic payment, such as a cash payment or a card payment, and a first management server;
The electronic payment agency system includes a second parking management system having a second management server;
the second management server enables electronic payment of the first fee when the second management server is accessed by the communication terminal of the user;
when the electronic payment is completed, the second control server transmits a payment completion signal representing the completion of the electronic payment to the first control server;
the first management server transmits to the settlement machine a permission signal for permitting the user to exit a location where the first system has provided the first service to the user;
The electronic payment agency system, wherein when the settlement machine receives the permission signal, the settlement machine transmits a signal to an exit permission device to switch to a state permitting the user to exit the location. The electronic payment agency system according to claim 1, wherein the first system or the second system includes a first fee calculation unit that calculates the first fee. The electronic payment agency system of claim 1 or 2, which makes it possible to identify the first system among a plurality of first systems in which the user is currently located by using the positioning results obtained by a positioning function of the user's communication terminal and/or the results obtained by reading a code displayed at a location where the first system provides the first service to the user using the communication terminal. 4. An electronic payment agency system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which enables the communications terminal to transition to a fee calculation stage for calculating the amount of the first fee using the first management server of the first system or the second management server of the second system, and an electronic payment stage for providing electronic payment services to the user using the second management server.

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