JP2005085069A - Parking lot reservation system, composite machine and parking lot reservation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of a user when using a parking lot. <P>SOLUTION: In this parking lot reservation system, a server 200 acquires and stores a vacancy situation of each the parking lot whenever necessary. A composite machine 100 retrieves parking lot information according with conditions inputted by the user, and requests confirmation of the vacancy situation of the parking lot to the server 200. In response to a reply from the server 200, the composite machine 100 exhibits the information about the reservable parking lot according with the conditions inputted by the user to the user. In response to the input of the user, the composite machine 100 transmits reservation request of the parking lot to the server 200. The server 200 updates a database according to the reservation request from the composite machine 100, and transmits prescribed identification information to the composite machine 100 and a parking lot terminal 300. The composite machine 100 issues a parking ticket used in the parking lot by use of the identification information transmitted from the server 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a parking lot reservation system, a parking lot reservation method, and a multifunction machine, and more particularly, to a parking lot reservation system, a parking lot reservation method, and a multifunction machine used for parking lot reservation that improve user convenience.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers are frequently used in business in offices and the like. In recent years, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and the like are realized by one apparatus, as shown in FIG. Multifunction machines are widely used.

  The functions of such multifunction peripherals are expanding. For example, a multifunction peripheral and a predetermined server are connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and various functions can be achieved through cooperation. A system that performs functions efficiently has also been realized. For example, a technique has been realized in which when a document file is transmitted from a client terminal connected to a LAN to a server, the document file is transferred from the server to the multifunction peripheral and transmitted by facsimile (for example, Patent Document 1). That is, it can be said that the function is dramatically expanded by connecting the multifunction peripheral to the network and cooperating with other computers. As a result, it has become possible to use not only in offices but also in a wider range of fields.

  Conventionally, multifunction devices have been installed in commercial facilities such as convenience stores and public facilities such as libraries and can be used by the public. In such a usage mode, it is considered that a variety of services can be provided to many people by installing a multifunction device having various functions as described above.

  By the way, a parking lot called a “coin parking lot” is particularly useful in urban areas due to a lack of parking lots due to overcrowding of cities. However, these coin parking lots are often built on surplus land or the like, and as a result, there are many small-scale parking lots with few accommodations. Therefore, the vehicle is often full, and it is difficult for the user of the automobile to find an appropriate parking lot at the destination. In view of such problems, for example, services for providing parking lot information to mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones have been realized.

However, in order to receive such a service, user registration is often required. When a plurality of services are provided, it is necessary to register each service. In addition, since the display screen of a mobile phone or the like is generally small, it is difficult to understand even if the search result of the parking lot is displayed, which is inconvenient. In addition, such services only provide parking location and vacancy information, so if you visit the parking lot after checking the vacancy information, it may become full during that time. It was not right. That is, according to the conventional method, it is not possible to make a reservation for the coin parking lot.
JP-A-10-126539

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve convenience for users and the like by making reservations for parking lots using a multifunction machine installed in a convenience store or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a multifunction peripheral according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A multi-function machine that is connected to a communication network and is made available to the public.
Storage means for storing information on a plurality of parking lots;
Input receiving means for receiving input of parking conditions desired by the user;
A selection means for selecting a parking lot that matches the input parking conditions desired by the user;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information on whether or not the selected parking lot can be reserved via the communication network;
Based on the acquired information, presenting means for presenting the user with information on a reserved parking lot among the selected parking lots;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting reservation information for reserving the parking lot via the communication network in response to an input from the user;
A charge accepting means for accepting a parking charge of the reserved parking lot;
Ticketing means for issuing a parking ticket for the parking lot in response to the reception of the parking fee;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make a reservation for a parking lot and to pay a parking fee in advance by using a multifunction device installed so as to be usable by the public. In addition, since the status of the parking lot can be acquired in real time via the communication network, it is possible not only to use the parking lot immediately after the booking, but also to make a previous booking.

  The information regarding the reservable parking lot may include parking space identification information indicating a reservable parking space in the reservable parking lot.

  The storage means may further store a map image showing the locations of the plurality of parking lots and an image showing a parking space in the parking lot.

  The presenting means may read a map image indicating the location of the parking lot from the storage means based on the information related to the reservationable parking lot and present it to the user.

Based on the information on the reservable parking lot, an image showing the parking space in the parking lot is read from the storage means, and on the basis of the image and the parking space identification information, the reservable parking space in the parking lot is read. Further comprising an image creating means for creating a floor plan image that can be identified.
The presenting means may present the floor plan image to the user.

  You may further provide the printing means which prints the said map image and the said floor plan image on a predetermined | prescribed paper surface.

  The ticket issuing means may be configured to issue the predetermined paper surface and the parking ticket integrally.

The parking lot reservation system according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A parking lot reservation system comprising a publicly available multifunction device connected via a communication network,
The MFP is
Stores information about multiple parking lots,
In response to input from the user, a parking lot that matches the user's desired parking conditions is selected,
Information on whether or not the selected parking lot can be reserved is acquired via the communication network;
Based on the acquired information, the information about the reserved parking lot among the selected parking lots is presented to the user,
In response to the input from the user, the reservation information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted to the parking lot via the communication network,
Accept the parking fee of the reserved parking lot,
In response to receiving the parking fee, issue a parking ticket for the parking lot,
It is characterized by that.

The information regarding the plurality of parking lots includes image information indicating a location of the parking lot and a parking space in the parking lot,
Based on the image information, the multi-function peripheral creates a map showing the reserved parking lot location and a floor plan showing the reservable parking space in an identifiable manner, presents it to the user, and prints it on a predetermined sheet of paper. And may be output together with the issuance of the parking ticket.

The parking lot reservation method according to the third aspect of the present invention is:
A method of reserving a parking lot using a publicly available multifunction device,
For a given parking lot, at least acquiring and storing information indicating the availability of each parking space in each parking lot at any time; and
Receiving a desired parking condition input from the user who wishes to use the parking lot via the multifunction device;
In response to an input from the user, selecting a parking lot that matches the parking conditions desired by the user;
With respect to the parking lot of the selection result, based on the information indicating the accumulated vacancy status, obtaining information on whether or not the parking lot can be reserved; and
When reservation is possible, outputting the information about the parking lot from the multifunction device;
Prompting the user to input information for reserving the parking lot;
Charging the user with a parking fee using the multifunction device in response to the input;
In response to the charge, information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted to the parking lot via the communication network to reserve the parking lot, and the parking lot is parked using the multifunction device. Issuing a ticket; and
It is characterized by providing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, reservation and payment of a parking lot can be performed using the multifunctional machine installed in a convenience store etc., and a user's convenience can be improved.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a “parking lot reservation system” according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a parking lot reservation system 1 that reserves a coin parking lot using a multifunction machine installed in a convenience store will be described as an example. In this case, while providing a multifunction machine, the business entity that manages and operates the parking lot reservation system 1 (hereinafter referred to as “business entity R”), the business entity that operates the convenience store, and each coin parking lot It is assumed that the parking lot reservation system 1 is operated by making a contract in advance with a business entity that manages the parking lot.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a parking lot reservation system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multifunction device 100, a server 200, and a parking lot terminal 300 that are interconnected via a communication network 10.

  The communication network 10 is a communication network such as the Internet based on a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The multi-function device 100 has at least a printer function and a copy function, and is installed in a store of a predetermined convenience store. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a parking ticket for a parking lot can be issued by the printer function of the multifunction peripheral 100. In other words, it is possible to print on a normal copy sheet or the like and, for example, to print a parking ticket composed of a magnetic card or the like and to perform magnetic recording.

  The configuration of such a multifunction machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As illustrated, the multi-function device 100 includes a main body 101 and a peripheral device 102.

  The main body 101 provides the main functions of the multifunction peripheral 100. In this embodiment, the main body 101 provides at least a copy function and a printer function. The functional configuration of the main body 101 will be described later. In addition, the external configuration of the main body 101 includes an operation panel 121 including an operation button group, a display unit 122 configured on the operation panel 121, and the like, and receives input from a user and displays predetermined information. To do. The display unit 122 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and is configured to allow input by a user directly touching the screen.

  The peripheral device 102 is for realizing an auxiliary function when the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed so as to be available to the public. In the present embodiment, the peripheral device 102 includes a depositing unit 103 and a parking ticket issuing machine 104.

  The depositing unit 103 normally accepts coins as a copy fee. That is, the operation of the main body 101 is controlled in accordance with the receipt of money by the deposit unit 103 and the amount of money. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the depositing unit 103 receives a parking fee for a parking lot reserved by each process described later.

  The parking ticket issuing machine 104 issues a parking ticket to be used in a parking lot reserved by each process described later. In the present embodiment, for example, a magnetic card having a magnetic recording area is used as a parking ticket. Therefore, it is assumed that the parking ticket issuing machine 104 includes a reading device that performs magnetic recording. In addition, it has a printing function for performing predetermined printing on the ticket surface of the parking ticket. For example, printing is performed on the ticket surface of a parking ticket by a thermal transfer method or an ultraviolet irradiation method. Note that this printing function may be performed by the image forming unit 160 described later of the main body 101.

  The peripheral device 102 and the main body 101 are connected via a predetermined interface, and operate by communicating control information with each other. For example, when depositing, the depositing unit 103 controls the operation of the main body 101 according to the depositing operation and the amount of money, and when issuing a parking ticket, the main body 101 provides predetermined information to the parking ticket issuing machine 104 to issue a ticket. To control.

  Next, the internal configuration of the main body 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the main body 101 in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  As illustrated, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes a control unit 110, a user interface (I / F) 120, a network interface (I / F) 130, a paper feed / discharge unit 140, an image input unit 150, and image formation. Unit 160, program storage unit 170, and database unit 180.

  The control unit 110 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. In addition, a program stored in the program storage unit 170 is called, and various processes described later are performed according to the program. In addition, the control unit 110 includes a predetermined storage device (for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM)), and acquires the image data captured by the copy function or the communication network 10. Accumulate information.

  The user interface 120 controls the operation panel 121, the display unit 122, and the like, and performs input to the control unit 110 and output of predetermined information.

  The network interface 130 includes a predetermined NIC (Network Interface Card) and a communication device such as a router, and connects the multifunction peripheral 100 and the communication network 10.

  The paper supply / discharge unit 140 includes, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a sorter, a finisher, an internal paper feed mechanism, and the like, and is a document that is captured by the copy function, or a paper that is output by the copy function and the printer function. The paper is fed and discharged.

  The image input unit 150 is composed of an optical reader such as a scanner, and optically reads a document captured by the copy function and converts it into predetermined image data.

  The image forming unit 160 includes, for example, a laser printer engine, and prints a document output by a copy function and a printer function. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that it is possible to print a predetermined parking ticket in addition to normal copy paper. Further, it is assumed that a reading device for performing magnetic recording on the parking ticket is provided.

The program storage unit 170 is composed of, for example, a rewritable storage device such as a hard disk device, and stores various operation programs executed by the control unit 110. The program storage unit 170 stores “operating system (OS)” as well as the following programs, for example.
(1) “Communication program”: a program that controls the network interface 130 and communicates with the outside (particularly, a server 200 described later) via the communication network 10.
(2) “DB control program”: a program for performing input / output control and a predetermined search of the database unit 180.

  The database unit 180 is composed of a predetermined storage device that can be rewritten to a hard disk device, for example, and is a database group such as a usage information DB 181, a map information DB 182, and a parking lot information DB 183 as shown in FIG. 4.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the usage information DB 181. As shown in the figure, in the usage information DB 181, a record having “User No.” assigned to each user as a primary key is created, and each record includes “name”, “parking date”, “ Information indicating “total number of vehicles”, “vehicle type” and the like is recorded.

  “Name” is information indicating the name of the user. "Parking date" is information indicating the reserved parking date. “Total number” is information indicating the total number of vehicles parked by the reservation. “Vehicle type 1”, “Vehicle type 2”,... Classifies the number of vehicles parked by the reservation into vehicle types (normal vehicles, large vehicles, etc.).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the map information DB 182. As shown in the figure, a record having “parking lot code” as a primary key is created in the map information DB 182, and “address”, “map data”, “plan data”, etc. are recorded in each record.

  “Address” indicates the address of the parking lot location indicated by the parking lot code. “Map data 1”, “Map data 2”,... Are image data indicating the surrounding map of the parking lot indicated by the parking lot code, and the surrounding maps of different scales are recorded. “Sketch data” is image data indicating a sketch for indicating the parking lane of the parking lot.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the parking lot information DB 183. As shown in the figure, a record having “parking lot code” as a primary key is created in the parking lot information DB 183, and each record has “parking lot name”, “region code”, “lane number”, “lane”, respectively. No., “unit price”, “distance (m)”, “walking (minutes)”, “shape”, “road surface”, “location”, and the like are recorded.

  “Parking lot name” is information indicating the name of the parking lot. The “region code” is a coded display of the location of the parking lot. “Number of lanes” indicates the number of parking lanes (parking areas) of the parking lot. “Lane No.” indicates the number of each parking lane of the parking lot. For example, when the number of parking spaces is 3, the parking lane No. Becomes “1” to “3”. “Unit price” indicates a unit price for each lane, for example, a usage fee per hour. The amount of the unit price varies depending on each parking lot and parking space, and is determined by a plurality of factors such as a usage time zone and “distance”, “shape”, and “location” to be described later. “Distance (m)” represents the distance from the store where the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed to the parking lot. “Walk (minutes)” indicates the time required to move from the store where the multifunction peripheral 100 is installed to the parking lot on foot. The “shape” indicates the shape of the parking lot, for example, whether it is a flat type or a tower type. The “road surface” indicates the state of the ground in the parking area of the parking lot, such as gravel or asphalt. “Location” represents information on location conditions such as whether the parking lot is in a downtown area or facing a main street.

  The information recorded in each of the databases is automatically updated when the MFP 100 constantly communicates with the communication network 10 in addition to being input at the time of contract.

Returning to FIG. 1, another configuration of the parking lot reservation system 1 will be described.
The server 200 is constituted by an information processing apparatus such as a mainframe, a workstation, or a PC server (IA server), for example. The server 200 is operated by the business entity R, and based on a predetermined contract, the convenience store in which the multifunction peripheral 100 used for the parking lot reservation system 1 is installed, and the parking lot that provides the parking lot availability information. Assume that the car park operator registers various information in the server 200 in advance. The configuration of such a server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the server 200. As illustrated, the server 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication control unit 220, an input control unit 230, an output control unit 240, a program storage unit 250, and a database (DB) unit 260. .

  The control unit 210 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a predetermined storage device (RAM (Random Access Memory)) serving as a work area, and controls each unit of the server 200 and a program. Each process described later is executed based on a predetermined operation program stored in the storage unit 250.

  The communication control unit 220 includes, for example, a predetermined communication device such as a predetermined NIC or a router, and connects the server 200 and the communication network 10 to communicate with the multifunction device 100 and the parking lot terminal 300.

  For example, the input control unit 230 connects a predetermined input device 23 such as a keyboard or a pointing device, receives an instruction to the control unit 210 input from the input device 23, and transmits the instruction to the control unit 210.

  The output control unit 240 connects a predetermined output device 24 such as a display device or a printer, and outputs the processing result of the control unit 210 to the output device 24 as necessary.

The program storage unit 250 is configured from a predetermined storage device such as a hard disk device or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores various operation programs executed by the control unit 210. The program storage unit 250 stores “operating system (OS)” as well as the following programs, for example.
(1) “Communication program”: a program for controlling the communication control unit 220 to communicate with the MFP 100 and the parking lot terminal 300 via the communication network 10 (2) “DB control program”: input / output of the database unit 260 Program for performing control and predetermined search (3) “Parking lot information acquisition program”: A program that cooperates with the communication program to acquire and update the availability information of each parking lot from the parking lot terminal 300 as needed.

  For example, the database unit 260 includes a predetermined rewritable storage device such as a hard disk device. As shown in FIG. 9, the parking space availability information DB 261, the store information DB 262, the reservation information DB 263, the user information DB 264, etc. It is a database group. Examples of information recorded in each database will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the parking lot availability information DB 261. As shown in the drawing, in the parking lot availability information DB 261, a record having a “parking lot code” uniquely assigned to each parking lot as a primary key is created, and each record has a “parking lot name”, “ Information indicating “region code”, “lane number”, “lane number”, “vacant status”, and the like is recorded. “Availability” indicates whether or not each lane is parked, and is “full” when parked in the lane, and “empty” when not parked. This parking presence / absence is detected by a predetermined sensor, which will be described later, provided in each parking lot, and the server 200 is obtained from each parking lot terminal 300 via the communication network 10 as needed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the store information DB 262. As illustrated, in the store information DB 262, a record having “store name” as a main key is created, and information indicating “store code”, “store location”, and the like is recorded in each record. The “store code” indicates identification information uniquely assigned to each store of the convenience store. “Store location” is information indicating the address of each store. In addition, in the store information DB 262, records (not shown) other than these are created, and for example, a “multifunction machine code” (described later) indicating that a multifunction machine owned by each shop can be identified is recorded. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of information recorded in the reservation information DB 263. As shown in the figure, in the reservation information DB 263, a record having a “reservation code” uniquely assigned to each reservation as a primary key is created, and each record has a “store code”, “multifunction device code”, Information indicating “ticketing code”, “parking code”, “reservation date / time”, “number”, “reserved lane”, “unit price”, “charging”, “parking ticket type”, and the like is recorded.

  The “multifunction machine code” is identification information uniquely assigned to each multifunction machine 100 and indicates the multifunction machine 100 that has made the reservation. “Reservation date / time” is information indicating the reserved parking date / time. “Reserved lane” is information indicating a reserved lane. “Billing” is information indicating the total usage fee. “Parking ticket type” represents the type of parking ticket issued by the reservation, and the parking ticket has a different shape for each parking lot.

  The user information DB 264 is a database that records the information of the user who made the reservation in an identifiable manner, and the recorded content may be considered to be almost the same as that of the usage information DB 181 of the multifunction device 100 described above. . This user information DB 264 is used to statistically secure information on users who use the parking lot reservation system 1 for safety management, crime prevention, or the like.

  The parking lot terminal 300 is composed of, for example, an information processing terminal device such as a personal computer (PC), and is installed in each coin parking lot constituting the parking lot reservation system 1 and used for management of the parking lot. The The parking lot terminal 300 is connected to the communication network 10. That is, the parking lot terminal 300 has a configuration that can be connected to the communication network 10 by including a communication device such as a predetermined NIC or a router, for example, so that the MFP 100 and the server 200 can be connected via the communication network 10. Communicate with. In the coin parking lot in the present embodiment, for example, a parking ticket reading device, a gate opening / closing device, a car stop, various display devices, and the like are installed, and these can be operated unattended. Suppose there is. And the parking lot terminal 300 concerning this Embodiment is electrically connected with these each apparatus, Control of these apparatuses based on the information provided from the server 200, the information read from a parking ticket, etc. Shall be performed. In addition, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle is installed in each parking area in the parking lot, and the parking lot terminal 300 is electrically connected to these sensors, so It is assumed that it is always grasped. Further, it is assumed that a predetermined storage unit (such as a hard disk device) is provided and has a function of storing information provided from the server 200 and creating a database.

  Next, the operation of the parking lot reservation system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In each of the following embodiments, as described above, the server 200 sends information indicating the vacancy status of each parking lot (hereinafter, “vacancy status information”) via the communication network 10 to the parking lot terminal 300. From time to time.

  The “parking lot reservation process” for reserving a parking lot by using the multi-function device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This “parking lot reservation process” indicates that “reserve parking lot” is selected from the “service selection” screen displayed on the display unit 122 of the multi-function device 100 as shown in FIG. It starts when triggered. It is assumed that this “service selection” screen is displayed while the MFP 100 is on standby.

  First, the control unit 110 of the multifunction peripheral 100 controls the user interface 120 to display a “reservation information input” screen as shown in FIG. 14B on the display unit 122 (step S101).

The user operates the display unit 122 to input desired reservation conditions. Specifically, information (usage information) such as the date and time of parking start and delivery, the number of vehicles, and the vehicle type is input. When the user selects the “Next” button, the input on this screen is completed. When the input is completed, the control unit 110 accesses the usage information DB 181 of the database unit 180, and newly updates the record based on the input content. At this time, “user No.” for identifying the user is assigned to the input content.
Next, the control unit 110 controls the user interface 120 to newly display the “search condition input” screen as shown in FIG. 14C on the display unit 122. The user checks the check box according to the screen display, and inputs desired conditions such as the shape, road surface, and location of the parking lot. When the user selects the “next” button, the input on this screen is completed, and the control unit 110 controls the user interface 120 to display “search condition input 2 as shown in FIG. ”Screen is displayed. The user checks a check box according to the screen display, and inputs desired conditions such as a distance from the store regarding the parking place. When the user selects the “Next” button, all inputs are completed, and the control unit 110 displays the contents input on the “Reservation information input” screen, the “Search condition input” screen, and the “Search condition input 2” screen. Integrate and edit to create “search information”. Then, the control unit 110 accesses the parking lot information DB 183 of the database unit 180, and selects a parking lot that matches the search information (satisfies the search information) (step S102).

  When a search result is obtained in step S102, the control unit 110 controls the network interface 130, and is assigned to the usage information input by the user, the parking information of the search result in step S102, and the multifunction device 100. Information (hereinafter referred to as “use request information”) obtained by integrating the terminal code and the store code of the convenience store in which the MFP 100 is installed is transmitted to the server 200 via the communication network 10 (step S103). ).

  When the server 200 receives the usage request information from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S104), the server 200 accesses the parking lot availability information DB of the database unit 260, and searches the availability of each parking lot based on the received information. Then, information on the search result of the availability (hereinafter referred to as availability status search result information) is transmitted to the multi-function device 100 via the communication network 10 (step S105).

  When receiving the availability search result information from the server 200, the multifunction peripheral 100 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 15B on the display unit 122 (step S106). As illustrated, the display unit 122 displays a list of information on the selected parking lots based on the parking lot information searched in step S102 and the received availability information as a “search result” screen. Here, for example, information such as parking lot names, reservationable parking lanes, unit price, etc. are shown for each parking lot, and a “view detailed information” button and a “reset search condition” button are arranged. The As mentioned above, the unit price of charges is determined by multiple factors such as the usage time zone, the shape of the parking lot, and the location conditions, and also differs depending on each lane (whether it is the middle or the end). Therefore, the unit price corresponding to each lane is displayed on the screen.

  By selecting the “reset search condition” button, the user can perform a search under different conditions such as a search under more narrowed conditions or a search under loose conditions. On the other hand, the user can see the surrounding map and the floor plan of the parking lot by selecting the “view detailed information” button of the desired parking lot from the list. That is, by selecting the “view detailed information” button, the control unit 110 searches the map information DB 182 of the database unit 180 and acquires map information associated with the parking lot code of the parking lot. At that time, the user can select the scale of the displayed map by operating a button, and the control unit 110 acquires map information based on the selection result. Moreover, the control part 110 processes the floor plan of the acquired map information so that the lane which can be reserved in the said parking lot is specified. Specifically, first, the predetermined floor plan information corresponding to the parking lot is called from the map information DB 182 and processed so that the lanes that can be reserved are identifiable by reverse display or highlight display. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 122 to display a surrounding map of the parking lot and a sketch of the parking lot as “detailed information”.

  As shown in the figure, a “return” button and a “reserve” button are arranged on the “detailed information” screen. The user looks at the detailed information and selects the “return” button if he / she does not wish to reserve the parking lot. The control unit 110 receives the selection and displays the “search result” screen shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display unit 122 again. On the other hand, when the user wishes to reserve the parking lot, the “Reserve” button is selected (step S107: Yes).

  When the “Reserve” button is selected, control unit 110 calculates “scheduled parking time” based on the input parking date and time. Then, a fee is calculated based on the scheduled parking time, the vehicle type, the number of vehicles, and the unit price. The control unit 110 displays the calculated fee and a message prompting the depositing unit 103 to input the fee on the display unit 122. When the user inserts money equivalent to the fee into the depositing unit 103, the depositing unit 103 notifies the control unit 110 to that effect. Thereby, the control unit 110 determines that the fee has been paid (step S108: Yes), and transmits information requesting reservation of the parking lot (hereinafter referred to as “reservation information”) to the server 200 (step S109). ).

  If the “Reserve” button is canceled without being selected (step S107: No), or if the depositing unit 103 has not received a deposit (step S108: No), this processing ends.

  In the server 200, when the communication control unit 220 receives reservation information from the multi-function device 100, the control unit 210 accesses the database unit 260 and updates each database based on the received reservation information (step S110). More specifically, a reservation code unique to the reservation is assigned based on the received reservation information, a new record is created in the reservation information DB 263, and the received reservation information is stored in the created record. Further, identification information (ticketing code) of the parking ticket for the reservation is generated and recorded in the record.

  When the server 200 creates a new record in the reservation information DB 263 and records predetermined information, the server 200 sets “reservation establishment”, and uses the recorded information as “confirmed reservation information” in the multifunction machine 100 and the reserved parking lot. It transmits to the installed parking lot terminal 300 (step S111).

  In the multifunction device 100, when the confirmed reservation information is received from the server 200 (step S112), a parking ticket is issued based on the received confirmed reservation information (step S113). That is, the control unit 110 of the multifunction machine 100 displays the parking lot name and lane number of the reserved parking lot, the ticketing code, the reservation date and time, the image information indicating the surrounding map of the parking lot, and the like. Based on this, the parking ticket issuing machine 104 issues a parking ticket as shown in FIG. FIG. 16A shows an example of printing on the front side of a parking ticket to be issued, and FIG. 16B shows an example of printing on the back side. As shown in the figure, the parking lot name, lane number, ticketing code, reservation date and time, etc. of the parking lot are printed on the surface of the parking ticket. Such information is also recorded in, for example, a magnetic recording area. In addition, a map around the parking lot is printed on the back surface. In addition, the above-mentioned confirmed reservation information includes information on the shape of the parking ticket unique to each parking lot, such as parking ticket format, paper type, recording information, magnetic presence / absence, and presence / absence of cut, etc. A parking ticket is created.

  On the other hand, in the parking lot terminal 300, when the confirmed reservation information is received from the server 200 (step S114), for example, the reserved lane wheel stop is operated so as not to be parked, or “reserved The device is controlled such as to display "" (step S115), so that the lane cannot be used.

  This completes the “parking lot reservation process”. When the reservation person visits the parking lot and inserts the issued parking ticket into a predetermined parking ticket reading device or the like, the reservation information is read and notified to the parking lot terminal 300. When the parking lot terminal 300 compares the notified information with the confirmed reservation information transmitted from the server 200 and determines that the notified information is valid, for example, the gate opening / closing and wheel stop Device control such as release is performed to allow the reservation person to enter the vehicle.

  As described above, by using the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reserve and pay a coin parking lot at a convenience store or the like. In addition, since a map around the reserved parking lot, a floor plan showing the reserved lane, and the like can be displayed or printed on a parking ticket, convenience for the user can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the convenience store is described as an example of the installation location of the multifunction device 100. However, the installation location of the multifunction device 100 is not limited to this, and can be installed in any place that can be used by the public. For example, it may be installed in a station premises, a tourist information center, a highway service area, a rental car sales office, or the like.

  The multi-function device 100 of the above embodiment is a multi-function device having a printer function and a copy function, but may have other functions. For example, the multifunction device 100 may have a scanner function and a facsimile function. In this case, for example, a reservation person's car driver's license etc. are taken in as image data using a scanner function, are stored in server 200, and a driver's license is similarly read and verified in a coin parking lot. May be authenticated. Of course, the present invention can be realized not as a multifunction machine but as a machine dedicated to parking lot reservation.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the parking fee was collected by throwing money into the money_receiving | payment part 103, the collection method of a fee is not restricted to this. For example, a point-of-sale (POS) system of a convenience store may be connected to the multifunction peripheral 100, and the calculated parking fee may be paid at a cash register of the convenience store. Alternatively, the depositing unit 103 may be configured to be able to read and write a credit card or a member card issued by a convenience store so that payment can be made without cash.

  In the above embodiment, the map is printed on the parking ticket. However, a map of the parking lot and a sketch may be printed on normal copy paper or the like using the printer function of the multi-function peripheral 100 and output. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction device 100 acquires various information via the server 200. However, the multifunction device 100 and the parking lot terminal 300 may be directly connected. In this case, the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires and accumulates information indicating the vacant state of the parking lot from the parking lot terminal 300 as needed, and directly makes a reservation request to the parking lot terminal 300.

  Further, the information recorded in each DB (database) is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. For example, by increasing the number of items recorded in the parking lot information DB 183, it is possible to search for a parking lot under more detailed conditions that satisfy the user's request.

  In this embodiment, the parking lot is reserved after confirming the payment of the parking fee. For example, the parking lot is provisionally reserved when the fee is not paid, and the parking lot is charged in the store or the parking lot. It is also possible to make the user select whether to deposit after arriving at.

  Note that means for supplying a program for causing the MFP 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention to perform the processing described in the above embodiment is arbitrary. For example, you may supply via a communication line, a communication network, a communication system. As an example, the program is posted on a bulletin board (BBS) of a communication network, and the program is superimposed on a carrier wave and distributed via the network. Then, the above-described processing can be executed by starting this program and executing it in the same manner as other application programs under the control of the OS.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the parking lot reservation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the database which comprises the database part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on utilization information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on map information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on parking lot information DB. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a server. It is a figure for demonstrating the database which comprises the database part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on parking lot empty condition information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on shop information DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the information recorded on reservation information DB. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the "parking lot reservation process" concerning embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen displayed on the multifunction peripheral in the process illustrated in FIG. 13, where (a) illustrates a display example of a “service selection” screen, and (b) illustrates a display example of a “reservation information input” screen. (C) shows a display example of the “search condition input” screen. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen displayed on the MFP in the process illustrated in FIG. 13, where (a) illustrates a display example of a “search condition input 2” screen, and (b) illustrates a table of a “search result” screen. An example is shown, and (c) shows a display example of the “detailed information” screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the parking ticket which a multifunctional machine issues, (a) shows the example of printing of the surface of a parking ticket, (b) shows the example of printing of the back surface of a parking ticket. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a general multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Parking lot reservation system 10 Communication network 100 Multifunction machine 101 Main body 102 Peripheral device 103 Deposit part 104 Parking ticket issuing machine 110 Control part 120 User interface 121 Operation panel 122 Display part 130 Network interface 140 Feeding / discharging part 150 Image input part 160 Image Formation unit 170 Program storage unit 180 Database unit 181 Usage information DB
182 Map information DB
183 Parking lot information DB
200 Server 210 Control Unit 220 Communication Control Unit 230 Input Control Unit 240 Output Control Unit 250 Program Storage Unit 260 DB Unit 23 Input Device 24 Output Device 261 Parking Space Availability Information DB
262 store information DB
263 Reservation information DB
H.264 user information DB
300 Parking lot terminal

Claims (10)

A multi-function machine that is connected to a communication network and is made available to the public.
Storage means for storing information on a plurality of parking lots;
Input receiving means for receiving input of parking conditions desired by the user;
A selection means for selecting a parking lot that matches the input parking conditions desired by the user;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information on whether or not the selected parking lot can be reserved via the communication network;
Based on the acquired information, presenting means for presenting the user with information on a reserved parking lot among the selected parking lots;
Reservation information transmitting means for transmitting reservation information for reserving the parking lot via the communication network in response to an input from the user;
A charge accepting means for accepting a parking charge in the parking lot;
Ticketing means for issuing a parking ticket for the parking lot in response to the reception of the parking fee;
A multi-function machine comprising: The information regarding the reservable parking lot includes parking space identification information indicating a reservable parking space in the reservable parking lot,
The multifunction device according to claim 1. The storage means further stores a map image showing the locations of the plurality of parking lots and an image showing a parking space in the parking lot,
The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction device is a multifunction device. The presenting means reads out a map image indicating the location of the parking lot from the storage means based on the information on the reservationable parking lot, and presents it to the user.
The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction device is a multi-function device. Based on the information on the reservable parking lot, an image showing the parking space in the parking lot is read from the storage means, and on the basis of the image and the parking space identification information, the reservable parking space in the parking lot is read. Further comprising an image creating means for creating a floor plan image that can be identified.
The presenting means presents the floor plan image to the user.
The multifunction device according to claim 2, wherein the multifunction device is a multi-function device. A printing unit that prints the map image and the floor plan image on a predetermined paper surface;
The multifunction device according to claim 5. The ticket issuing means issues the predetermined paper and the parking ticket at the same time.
The multifunction device according to claim 6. A parking lot reservation system comprising a publicly available multifunction device connected via a communication network,
The MFP is
Stores information about multiple parking lots,
In response to input from the user, a parking lot that matches the user's desired parking conditions is selected,
Information on whether or not the selected parking lot can be reserved is acquired via the communication network;
Based on the acquired information, the information about the reserved parking lot among the selected parking lots is presented to the user,
In response to the input from the user, the reservation information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted to the parking lot via the communication network,
Accept the parking fee of the parking lot,
In response to receiving the parking fee, issue a parking ticket for the parking lot,
A parking lot reservation system characterized by that. The information regarding the plurality of parking lots includes image information indicating a location of the parking lot and a parking space in the parking lot,
Based on the image information, the multi-function peripheral creates a map showing the reserved parking lot location and a floor plan showing the reservable parking space in an identifiable manner, presents it to the user, and prints it on a predetermined sheet of paper. Issue a ticket together with the parking ticket,
The parking lot reservation system according to claim 8. A method of reserving a parking lot using a publicly available multifunction device,
For a given parking lot, at least acquiring and storing information indicating the availability of each parking space in each parking lot at any time; and
Receiving a desired parking condition input from the user who wishes to use the parking lot via the multifunction device;
In response to an input from the user, selecting a parking lot that matches the parking conditions desired by the user;
With respect to the selected parking lot, based on information indicating the accumulated vacancy status, obtaining information on whether or not the parking lot can be reserved; and
When reservation is possible, outputting the information about the parking lot from the multifunction device;
Prompting the user to input information for reserving the parking lot;
Charging the user with a parking fee using the multifunction device in response to the input;
In response to the charge, information for reserving the parking lot is transmitted to the parking lot via the communication network to reserve the parking lot, and the parking lot is parked using the multifunction device. Issuing a ticket; and
A parking lot reservation method comprising:

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