Patent Description:
At present, for easy management of shopping carts, shopping carts are generally not allowed to enter into parking lots in most shopping malls. Thus, after users pay all the shopping items, they need to manually bring the items to their vehicles, which greatly increases the shopping burden on them.

Although shopping carts are allowed to enter into parking lots in a few shopping malls, only a few shopping cart return areas are set therein. Therefore, after users bring the purchased products to their vehicles, shopping carts are often littered haphazardly for the sake of convenience, which leads to great management costs and safety hazards to these shopping malls.

Current systems for charging vehicle parking generally capture vehicle parking time through a camera installed at the entrance and exit of a parking lot, and set a toll station at the exit of the parking lot to collect the parking fee. During peak shopping hours, vehicles often line up at the exit of the parking lot due to being charged for vehicle parking. This greatly damages users' shopping experience.

Document <CIT> (D1) relates to a system for self-service shopping and trolley thereof. Particularly, D1 discloses that a shopping cart (mobile self-service terminal-MST) comprises an active RFID tag, a RFID reader and a MST LCD touch screen, and data sent via wireless connection from the MST to a server using wireless access point and data received via wireless access point from the server to the MST. From the time when a first product is loaded on MST, the customer sees the message with a proposal to pay displayed on the LCD screen. On the touch sensitive LCD screen, all product data are shown, including the total price of the products.

Document <CIT> (D2) relates to a method of determining a license plate of a vehicle tracked by a surveillance system. Particularly, D1 discloses that a surveillance camera acquires vehicle and is tracking vehicle as it parks. A server is configured to receive a detection event from the surveillance system each time a vehicle enters or leaves a detection zone. The detection event includes data representing at least a unique vehicle identifier V(id) (which could be randomly assigned by the surveillance system), a time of the detection V(t), a unique location identifier V(loc) corresponding to the particular detection zone where the vehicle was detected, and optionally an indicator representing "in" or "out" depending on whether the detection event corresponds to a vehicle entering or exiting a detection zone. The server can be configured to automatically compute the parking fee using one or more mathematical functions which capture the various factors which must be used to compute the fee due.

Document <CIT> (D3) relates to a method and system for preventing shopping cart theft. Particularly, D3 discloses that mobile devices such as shopping carts are restricted by being locked to a stationary secure arrangement located at a commercial area or restricted movement within predefined area. Each shopping cart includes a Tag (electronic of physical) which contains an identifying code of the shopping cart. For releasing the shopping cart, the user is required to update an identifying code of the shopping cart to a central communication device using his mobile phone or dedicated communication device associated to stationary secure arrangement. The update includes the identifying unique code of the shopping cart and the user's mobile phone number. The central communication devices records the association between the user mobile number and the unique identifying code of the shopping cart and transmits an instruction to release the shopping cart. When returning the shopping cart to the secure locking arrangement, the cart is automatically locked and a message is sent to the central communication device to update of locking status.

Document<CIT>, published on <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, discloses a system which provides a shopping trolley at each parking space of a parking area. The trolleys are released by payment of a parking fee at a parking meter installed at each parking space.

The present disclosure is aimed to solve at least one of the above problems.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may comprise: receiving identification information of a vehicle and identification information of a parking space to bind the vehicle with the parking space and generate respective binding information; receiving a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space; calculating a parking fee of the vehicle according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space; determining identification information of a shopping cart that corresponds to the vehicle according to the identification information of the vehicle, the binding information of the vehicle and the parking space, and a correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart; and sending the parking fee of the vehicle to the shopping cart that corresponds to the identification information of the shopping cart.

The method further comprises: sending an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space; and sending a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the vehicle exits the parking space. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise: recording an unlock time when the unlocking command is sent; and in response to a detection that the shopping cart stays at the parking space after a first pre-determined time period elapsed from the unlock time, sending the locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise: sending an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space; and sending a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the shopping cart is detected at the parking space and after a notification of successful payment of the parking fee of the vehicle is received.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise: determining whether the shopping cart is returned correctly; in response to a determination that the shopping cart is returned correctly, subtracting a first pre-determined fee from a calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle; and/or in response to a determination that the shopping cart is not returned correctly, adding a second pre-determined fee to the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle, and/or sending prompt information.

In an embodiment, determining whether the shopping cart is returned correctly may comprise: receiving the identification information of the shopping cart; and determining whether the identification information of the shopping cart matches with the identification information of the parking space.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise: recording a payment time when the parking fee of the vehicle is successfully paid; receiving a departure time when the vehicle exits a parking lot; comparing a difference between the departure time and the payment time with a second pre-determined time period; and if the difference between the departure time and the payment time is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined time period, calculating a parking fee of the vehicle for a duration between the departure time and the payment time.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computing device. The computing device may comprise: a first receiver configured to receive identification information of a vehicle and identification information of a parking space to bind the vehicle with the parking space; a second receiver configured to receive a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space; a first calculator configured to calculate a parking fee of the vehicle according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space; a first determiner configured to determine identification information of a shopping cart that corresponds to the vehicle according to the identification information of the vehicle, a binding relationship of the vehicle and the parking space, and a correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart; and a first sender configured to send the parking fee of the vehicle to the shopping cart that corresponds to the identification information of the shopping cart.

The computing device further comprises: a second sender configured to send an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space; and a third sender configured to send a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the vehicle exits the parking space. In an embodiment, the computing device may further comprise: a first recorder configured to record an unlock time when the unlocking command is sent; and a detector configured to, in response to a detection that the shopping cart stays at the parking space after a first pre-determined time period elapsed from the unlock time, send the locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart.

In an embodiment, the computing device may further comprise: a second sender configured to send an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space; and a third sender configured to send a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the shopping cart is detected at the parking space and after a notification of successful payment of the parking fee of the vehicle is received.

In an embodiment, the computing device may further comprise: a second determiner configured to determine whether the shopping cart is returned correctly; in response to a determination that the shopping cart is returned correctly, subtract a first pre-determined fee from a calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle; and/or in response to a determination that the shopping cart is not returned correctly, add a second pre-determined fee to the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle, and/or send prompt information.

In an embodiment, the computing device may further comprise: a second recorder configured to record a payment time when the parking fee of the vehicle is successfully paid; a third receiver configured to receive a departure time when the vehicle exits a parking lot; a comparator configured to compare the difference between the departure time and the payment time with a second pre-determined time period; and a second calculator configured to, if the difference between the departure time and the payment time is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined time period, calculate a parking fee of the vehicle for duration between the departure time and the payment time.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a shopping cart. The shopping cart may comprise: a cart body; an identifier configured to identify the shopping cart; a communicator configured to receive a parking fee of a vehicle; and an output device configured to output the parking fee for user's payment of the parking fee.

The shopping cart further comprises: a lock device counterpart configured to lock the shopping cart.

In an embodiment, the lock device counterpart comprises an electromagnetic lock attachment.

In an embodiment, the identifier comprises one of an electronic tag, a QR code or a bar code.

In an embodiment, the shopping cart may further comprise: a navigation system configured to navigate via a positioning beacon.

In an embodiment, the shopping cart may further comprise: an input device configured to input a user command.

In an embodiment, the output device is also configured to output at least one of the following: text information, voice information or optical information. In an embodiment, the output device is further configured to output information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly. According to a yet aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for charging vehicle parking. The system for charging vehicle parking may comprise: a plurality of shopping carts as stated above that correspond to a plurality of parking spaces in a one-to-one relationship; a computing device as stated above; and a plurality of image capturing apparatuses respectively distributed at the plurality of parking spaces, with each image capturing apparatus being configured to store identification information of its corresponding parking space, capture identification information of a vehicle at its corresponding parking space, record a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space, and send, to the computing device, the identification information of the parking space, and the identification information of the vehicle, the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space.

In an embodiment, the system for charging vehicle parking may further comprise: a plurality of lock devices respectively distributed at the plurality of parking spaces, with each lock device being configured to lock the shopping cart at its corresponding parking space.

In an embodiment, the lock device comprises an electromagnetic lock.

In an embodiment, each of the image capturing apparatuses is further configured to capture identification information of the shopping chart; or the system for charging vehicle parking further comprises a plurality of electronic tag readers or scanners disposed at the plurality of parking spaces, with each electronic tag reader or scanner being configured to read identification information of the shopping cart at its corresponding parking space.

In an embodiment, each of the parking spaces comprises a space configured to place the corresponding shopping cart.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium has computer instructions stored thereon, and when executed by a processor, the computer instructions enable the processor to perform the above-mentioned method.

For clearer explanation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to explain the present disclosure, and should not be understood as limitations to the present disclosure. In the drawings,.

Identical or similar reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a vehicle parking charging system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may comprise a plurality of parking spaces, such as parking spaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the parking spaces has unique identification information and is configured to be distinguishable from other parking spaces. The identification information according to the present disclosure may be a number, a picture, and the like.

According to the present disclosure, each of the parking spaces may comprise a space configured to place a corresponding shopping cart. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space for parking a vehicle <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>, and a space <NUM> corresponding to a parking space <NUM>. According to the present disclosure, parking spaces correspond to shopping carts in a one-to-one relationship. Thus, it may be ensured that vehicles parked at particular parking spaces correspond to shopping carts placed at the particular parking spaces in a one-to-one relationship, thereby further ensuring that parking fees paid later through the shopping carts are associated with respective vehicles.

It should be noted that although the space in <FIG> is shown as empty, a shopping cart when not used by a user may be placed in the space corresponding thereto so that after parking, the user may directly take the shopping cart at the parking space corresponding to his vehicle. By arranging a space at each parking space for placing a shopping cart, the user may conveniently take a shopping cart before shopping and may bring purchased products from the shopping cart to the vehicle at the parking space after shopping, which saves users' energy and improves shopping experience.

According to the present disclosure, the vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may comprise a plurality of image capturing apparatuses, for example, as shown in <FIG>, image capturing apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The image capturing apparatus according to the present disclosure may comprise a camera, a monitor, and any apparatus configured to capture an image.

The image capturing apparatus is arranged at each parking space. The image capturing apparatuses correspond to the parking spaces in a one-to-one relationship. In an embodiment, the image capturing apparatus may, for example, pre-store identification information of the corresponding parking space, so as to subsequently bind identification information of a captured vehicle with the identification information of the parking space. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the image capturing apparatus <NUM> corresponds to the parking space <NUM>, and stores the identification information of the parking space <NUM>; the image capturing apparatus <NUM> corresponds to the parking space <NUM>, and stores the identification information of the parking space <NUM>; the image capturing apparatus <NUM> corresponds to the parking space <NUM>, and stores the identification information of the parking space <NUM>, and the like. In addition, the image capturing apparatus may also capture identification information of the vehicle, record a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space, and send, to e.g., a computing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, when the image capturing apparatus <NUM> detects that a vehicle <NUM> completely enters the parking space, it may capture the identification information of the vehicle <NUM> and records the time when the vehicle <NUM> enters the corresponding parking space. At this time, the image capturing apparatus <NUM> may also send, to the computing device <NUM>, the identification information of the captured vehicle <NUM> and the identification information of the corresponding parking space, so that the computing device <NUM> binds the vehicle <NUM> with the corresponding parking space. When the image capturing apparatus <NUM> detects that the vehicle completely exits the parking space, it may record the time when the vehicle <NUM> exits the corresponding parking space, and send, to the computing device <NUM>, the previously-recorded time when the vehicle <NUM> enters the parking space and the now-recorded time when the vehicle <NUM> exits the parking space. In an embodiment, the image capturing apparatus <NUM> may send, to the computing device <NUM>, the time when the vehicle <NUM> enters the parking space upon detecting the vehicle <NUM> has fully entered the parking space.

The vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of shopping carts (not shown in <FIG>), which, when not used by a user, may be respectively placed at the spaces (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the parking spaces shown in <FIG>. The shopping carts correspond to the spaces in a one-to-one relationship. The shopping cart according to the present disclosure may be the one shown in <FIG>. The shopping cart according to the present disclosure will be explained later with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may comprise a computing device <NUM> configured to charge parking fees and manage shopping carts, etc. The computing device <NUM> may comprise a server, a computer, a mobile phone, a PDA and the like. The computing device <NUM> may be, for example, the computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the computing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> that will be described later.

The vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may further comprise a network <NUM> configured to transmit information between various apparatuses/devices of the vehicle parking charging system <NUM>. For instance, the network <NUM> may be configured to transmit information sent by the image capturing apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> to the computing device <NUM>, and transmit instructions and information of the computing device <NUM> to the shopping cart. The network may be a wired network (such as a LAN or Internet), a wireless network (such as WIFI or Bluetooth), or a combination thereof.

It should be noted that although <FIG> only shows a certain number of parking spaces, spaces configured to accommodate a shopping cart, image capturing apparatuses and beacons, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the vehicle parking charging system according to the present disclosure may comprise any number of parking spaces, spaces configured to accommodate a shopping cart, image capturing apparatuses, beacons.

<FIG> shows a structural schematic view of a shopping cart <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may comprise a cart body <NUM>. The cart body <NUM> may, for example, comprise wheels, a basket and the like, and may be any common cart body.

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may comprise an identifier <NUM> configured to identify the shopping cart so as to make it distinguishable from other shopping carts. The identifier <NUM> may comprise an electronic tag, a QR code or a barcode. Under such circumstances, according to the present disclosure, the vehicle parking charging system <NUM> may comprise a plurality of apparatuses corresponding to the identifiers of the shopping carts and configured to read the identification information of the shopping carts, and which may be respectively distributed at, for example, a plurality of parking spaces (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) as shown in <FIG>, and may comprise respective electronic tag readers (in the case where the identifier <NUM> is an electronic tag) or scanners (in the case where the identifier <NUM> is a barcode). In the case where the identifier <NUM> is a QR code, the image capturing apparatus (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) as shown in <FIG> may also be configured to capture the identification information of the shopping cart. As such, there is no need to arrange an additional apparatus configured to read the identification information of the shopping cart. In actual application, there is provided, at each parking space, an apparatus configured to read the identification information of the shopping cart, such as an electronic tag reader, a scanner, or an image capturing apparatus. When disposing the apparatus, it is required to ensure that the identification information of the shopping cart can be read. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the identifier <NUM>, such as an electronic tag, of the shopping cart, and an apparatus <NUM> that is configured to read identification information, such as an electronic tag reader, are located at the same height and face to face.

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may comprise a communicator <NUM> configured to receive the parking fee of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the communicator <NUM> may be configured to receive from e.g., a computing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG> the parking fee of a vehicle that corresponds to the shopping cart in which the communicator <NUM> is comprised. In another embodiment, the communicator <NUM> may be configured to receive any other information, such as command information or prompt information, from e.g., the computing device <NUM>, and may also be configured to send any information, such as a user command, to the computing device <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> may be, e.g., an integrated circuit assembly or wireless communication terminal supporting such communication protocols as Bluetooth and WIFI.

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may comprise an output device <NUM>, which is configured to output the parking fee of a vehicle so that a user may pay the parking fee of the vehicle. For instance, after receiving the parking fee of a corresponding vehicle from the computing device <NUM>, the shopping cart <NUM> may present the parking fee of the vehicle in a visible manner (such as, a QR code) to the user. Then, the user may pay the parking fee with e.g., such terminals as a cell phone by a way of e.g., code scanning using the cell phone. After successful payment, the mobile terminal of the user may, e.g., notify the computing device <NUM> of "successful payment". The shopping cart according to the present disclosure may be configured to pay the parking fee. Thus, users do not have to gather at the exit of a parking lot for payment, thereby solving the problem of vehicle lining up at the exit of the parking lot.

In an embodiment, the output device <NUM> may also be configured to output at least one of the following: text information, voice information or optical information. For instance, when the shopping cart <NUM> receives a notification that it has been unlocked, the output device <NUM> may output voice prompt information, such as a speech, to prompt the user that "the shopping cart is usable". In another example, when the user successfully pays the parking fee, the output device <NUM> may output voice prompt information, such as a speech, or optical prompt information, such as flashing, or text prompt information, such as a text, to prompt the user of "successful payment". In still another example, the output device <NUM> may also output navigation information so as to provide navigation to e.g., a parking lot for the user. In a further example, the output device <NUM> may output information of a vehicle corresponding to the shopping cart in which the output device is comprised. In an embodiment, the communicator <NUM> of the shopping cart may receive information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly, and the output device <NUM> may output information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly. According to the present disclosure, the output device <NUM> may output any information as required. The output device <NUM> of the shopping cart <NUM> may comprise a display screen, a touch screen, a speaker, a light, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may further comprise: an input device <NUM> configured to input a user command. In an embodiment, the input device <NUM> may comprise a button configured to allow a user to manually unlock the shopping cart when the shopping cart <NUM> is locked. The time period during which the button may be operated by a user may be pre-set. For instance, suppose a pre-set time period starting from the time when the shopping cart <NUM> receives an unlocking command is a time period during which the button may be operated by a user. During the time period, the user may manually operate the button to unlock the shopping cart. The user may not operate the button beyond the time period. Thus, it may prevent a shopping cart from being taken away by a user at other parking space in case it is not taken by its corresponding user in time, thereby avoiding miscalculation of the parking fee. In another embodiment, the input device <NUM> may comprise a touch screen, a keyboard, etc. The user may input query information through the touch screen or the keyboard so that the user may query vehicle information, parking lot information, shopping information, etc. It should be noted that the input device <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be any device configured to input information.

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may further comprise a lock device counterpart <NUM> configured to lock the shopping cart. The lock device counterpart <NUM> usually needs to match with a lock device in order to lock the shopping cart. According to the present disclosure, a lock device counterpart and a corresponding lock device are disposed at each parking space and configured to lock the shopping cart at the parking space.

The lock device counterpart <NUM> and the lock device may be integrated together, or arranged separately. In the case where the lock device counterpart <NUM> and the lock device are integrated in the shopping cart <NUM>, the lock device counterpart <NUM> and the lock device may be e.g., an electronic lock. In such a case, the wheels of the shopping cart <NUM> may be braked when the electronic lock is in a locked state, and the shopping cart <NUM> may slide when the electronic lock is in an unlocked state. In another example, the lock device counterpart <NUM> and the lock device may also be a railing configured at the parking space to surround the shopping cart. In a locked state, the railing is lowered to block the shopping cart; and in an unlocked state, the railing is lifted so that the user may take the shopping cart away. In the case where the lock device counterpart <NUM> and the lock device are separately arranged, the lock device counterpart may comprise an electromagnetic lock attachment, and the lock device may comprise an electromagnetic lock. <FIG> shows a schematic view of an environment where a lock device counterpart and a corresponding lock device are located according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the electromagnetic lock attachment <NUM> may be located on the shopping cart <NUM>, and the corresponding electromagnetic lock <NUM> may be located on a baffle <NUM> and correspond to the electromagnetic lock attachment <NUM> (for example, located at the same height). In practical use, the baffle <NUM> is, for example, arranged at a space configured to place the shopping cart <NUM> in the parking space. In a locked state, the electromagnetic lock <NUM> attaches the electromagnetic lock attachment <NUM> so that the shopping cart is locked. In an unlocked state, the electromagnetic lock <NUM> releases the electromagnetic lock attachment <NUM> so that the shopping cart is released and may be taken away by a user. It should be noted that the lock device of the present disclosure may be any lock device configured to lock the shopping cart. The lock device and corresponding lock device counterpart according to the present disclosure may be operated wirelessly (e.g., by receiving a lock or unlocking command from the computing device <NUM>) or manually (e.g., by pressing the button on the shopping cart by the user) so as to lock and unlock the shopping cart and prevent a shopping cart at a particular parking space from being taken away by a user at other parking space, which may cause the miscalculation of parking fees.

As shown in <FIG>, the shopping cart <NUM> may further comprise a navigation system <NUM> configured to navigate via a positioning beacon. The positioning beacon is e.g., a beacon that is well-known in the art and installed at various locations in a parking lot, such as beacons <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The navigation system <NUM> may provide a user with navigation to e.g., the parking lot by detecting the positioning beacon, and may be various known navigation systems.

<FIG> shows a functional block diagram of a computing device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may comprise a first receiver <NUM> configured to receive identification information of a vehicle and identification information of a parking space to bind the vehicle with the parking space and generate respective binding information. When the vehicle is driven into a parking lot and enters a particular parking space, an image capturing apparatus located at the particular parking space captures the identification information of the vehicle. Further, the image capturing apparatus will send the identification information of the vehicle and the identification information of the parking space corresponding to the image capturing apparatus to the computing device <NUM>, so that the computing device <NUM> binds the vehicle to the parking space. In an embodiment, the identification information of the parking space may be replaced by an identification number of the image capturing apparatus. The computing device <NUM> may obtain the identification number of the parking space on the basis of the identification number of the image capturing apparatus and a pre-stored correspondence between the image capturing apparatus and the parking space, thereby binding the vehicle with the parking space.

The computing device <NUM> may comprise a second receiver <NUM> configured to receive a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space. In an embodiment, when the vehicle enters the parking space, the image capturing apparatus will record the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and send the time to the second receiver <NUM>. When the vehicle exits the parking space, the image capturing apparatus will again record the time when the vehicle exits the parking space and send the time to the second receiver <NUM>. The second receiver <NUM> will receive the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space in real time so as to calculate a parking fee. It should be noted that while receiving the time when the vehicle exits the parking space, the second receiver <NUM> may also receive the identification information of the vehicle simultaneously so as to query a time when the vehicle enters the parking space by means of the identification information of the vehicle, thereby calculating the parking fee for the vehicle.

The computing device <NUM> may comprise a first calculator <NUM> configured to calculate the parking fee for the vehicle according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space. In an embodiment, the parking fee of the vehicle may only involve a time period between the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space. In another embodiment, the parking fee of the vehicle may involve a time period between the time when the vehicle enters the entrance of the parking lot and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space. According to the present disclosure, the time period to which the parking fee of the vehicle is related may be set as required.

The computing device <NUM> may comprise a first determiner <NUM> configured to determine identification information of a shopping cart that corresponds to the vehicle according to the identification information of the vehicle, the binding information of the vehicle and the parking space, and a correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart. In an embodiment, the computing device <NUM> pre-stores the correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart, so as to determine the identification information of the parking space bound with the vehicle on the basis of the received identification information of the vehicle and the pre-determined binding relationship of the vehicle and the parking space, and then determine the identification information of the shopping cart that corresponds to the parking space (namely, vehicle).

As shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may comprise a first sender <NUM> configured to send the parking fee of the vehicle to the shopping cart that corresponds to the identification information of the shopping cart as determined by the first determiner <NUM> (namely, the shopping cart that corresponds to the parking space where the vehicle is parked). According to the present disclosure, since vehicles correspond to parking spaces in a one-to-one relationship and parking spaces correspond to shopping carts in a one-to-one relationship, it may be ensured that the parking fee sent to the shopping cart used by the user is the parking fee of the vehicle driven by the user. Thus, the user may pay the parking fee next to the shopping cart he/she used, rather than at the exit of the parking lot, which avoids queues at the exit of the parking lot.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> may further comprise: a second sender <NUM> configured to send an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space. The computing device <NUM> may further comprise: a third sender <NUM> configured to send a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the vehicle exits the parking space. As stated above, the shopping cart according to the present disclosure is usually locked at a corresponding parking space when not in use. Therefore, by unlocking a corresponding shopping cart after the vehicle enters a particular parking space and locking the shopping cart after the vehicle exits the parking space, it may be ensured that the shopping cart at the particular parking space would not be taken away by a user of other parking space, thereby preventing miscalculation of the parking fee and facilitating efficient management of shopping carts. In an embodiment, before the third sender <NUM> sends the locking command, the computing device <NUM> may determine whether the shopping cart is returned correctly as stated below. The locking command is sent to lock the shopping cart only when the shopping cart is returned correctly. Otherwise, the locking command will not be sent. This will make users and attendants correctly return the shopping carts that have not been returned correctly to corresponding parking spaces for later use.

In an embodiment, the computing device <NUM> may further comprise: a first recorder <NUM> configured to record the unlock time when an unlocking command is sent; and a detector <NUM> configured to, in response to a detection that the shopping cart still stays at the parking space after a first pre-determined time period elapsed from the unlock time, send a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart. In an embodiment, whether the shopping cart stays at the shopping space may be determined by whether the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner, captures the identification information of the shopping cart. If the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner can detect the identifier of the shopping cart, it may be determined that the shopping cart stays at the parking space; or otherwise, it may be determined that the shopping cart does not stay at the parking space. The detector <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> may determine whether the shopping cart stays at the parking space based on the detection information about the identifier of the shopping cart sent by the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner. According to the present disclosure, if the shopping cart is still detected at the parking space where the unlocking command is sent after the first predetermined time period elapsed from the unlock time, it indicates that the user probably does not use a shopping cart. Then, the computing device <NUM> timely sends the locking command to lock the shopping cart so as to prevent a user of other parking space from using the shopping cart, which may result in miscalculation of the parking fee.

In an embodiment, the computing device <NUM> may further comprise: a second determiner <NUM> configured to determine whether the shopping cart is returned correctly, and in response to a determination that the shopping cart is returned correctly, subtract a first pre-determined fee from the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle; and/or in response to a determination that the shopping cart is not returned correctly, add a second pre-determined fee to the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle, and/or send prompt information. When the computing device <NUM> receives information that the vehicle exits the parking space (comprising the time when the vehicle exits the parking space), whether the shopping cart is returned correctly may be further determined by using the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner. According to the present disclosure, correct return of a shopping cart may comprise two meanings: one is that the shopping cart is located at the parking space, and the other is that the shopping cart matches with the parking space. Thus, only when the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner returns the identification information of the shopping cart and the returned identification information of the shopping cart matches with the pre-stored identification information of the parking space, the second determiner <NUM> may determine that the shopping cart is returned correctly. If the image capturing apparatus, or the electronic tag reader or scanner does not return the identification information of the shopping cart or the returned identification information of the shopping cart does not match with the pre-stored identification information of the parking space, the second determiner <NUM> may determine that the shopping cart is not returned correctly. For users who correctly return the shopping carts, some parking fee may be subtracted from the normally calculated parking fee (such as the parking fee calculated according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space) as a reward. For users who do not return the shopping carts correctly, some parking fee may be added to the normally calculated parking fee as a punishment. In this way, the user may be motivated to actively place the shopping cart to a designated location, thereby solving the problem of random locating of shopping carts. In an embodiment, when the shopping cart is not returned correctly, prompt information (voice prompt information or optical prompt information) may be sent to the shopping cart to prompt the user or attendant. In this way, the user or the parking lot attendant may accurately return the shopping cart that has not been returned correctly to its corresponding parking space after getting the prompt information, thereby further efficiently managing the shopping carts. In an embodiment, the second determiner <NUM> may be configured to generate information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly according to a determined result. The first sender <NUM> may be configured to send information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly to the corresponding shopping cart.

In an embodiment, there may also be provided, at the exit of the parking lot, an image capturing apparatus configured to capture identification information of a vehicle and the time when the vehicle exits the parking lot so as to charge the vehicle which does not pay by means of a shopping cart. According to the present disclosure, if the user pays the parking fee next to the shopping cart with a mobile apparatus such as a cell phone, the mobile apparatus will timely send a notification of successful payment to the computing device <NUM>. Thus, if the computing device <NUM> determines that the parking fee of the vehicle has been paid according to the notification of successful payment when the vehicle arrives at the exit of the parking lot, the vehicle may be allowed to leave. If the computing device <NUM> does not receive the notification of successful payment yet when the vehicle arrives at the exit of the parking lot, the computing device <NUM> may determine that the user of the vehicle does not pay the parking fee, and may calculate the parking fee according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking lot and the time when the vehicle exits the parking lot. In an embodiment, the second sender <NUM> may also be configured to send an unlocking command to a lock device at a parking space when the vehicle enters the parking space, so as to unlock the shopping cart. The third sender <NUM> may also be configured to send a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the shopping cart is detected at the parking space, after receiving the notification of successful payment of the parking fee of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the computing device <NUM> may further comprise: a second recorder <NUM> configured to record the payment time when the parking fee of the vehicle is successfully paid; a third receiver <NUM> configured to receive the departure time when the vehicle exits a parking lot; a comparator <NUM> configured to compare the difference between the departure time and the payment time with a second pre-determined time period; and a second calculator <NUM> configured to, if the difference between the departure time and the payment time is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined time period, calculate the parking fee of the vehicle for a duration between the departure time and the payment time; or otherwise, the parking fee shall not be calculated for the duration. The second pre-determined time period may be set according to a reasonable time period required for driving the vehicle from the parking space to the exit of the parking lot. According to the present disclosure, by charging a vehicle which spends longer time than the second pre-determined time period to leave the parking lot after a user's successful payment via a shopping cart, it is possible to prevent vehicles from malicious stay, which facilitates management of the parking lot.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented method <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method <NUM> may, for example, be implemented by the computing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and the computing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The method <NUM> is explained with reference to a particular vehicle and a particular parking space where the particular vehicle is parked.

As shown in <FIG>, at the step <NUM>, identification information of a vehicle and identification information of a parking space are received to bind the vehicle with the parking space and generate respective binding information.

At the step <NUM>, a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space are received.

At the step <NUM>, a parking fee of the vehicle is calculated according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space.

At the step <NUM>, identification information of a shopping cart that corresponds to the vehicle is determined according to the identification information of the vehicle, the binding information of the vehicle and the parking space, and a correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart.

At the step <NUM>, the parking fee of the vehicle is sent to the shopping cart that corresponds to the identification information of the shopping cart.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may further comprise a step <NUM>. At the step <NUM>, when the vehicle enters the parking space, an unlocking command is sent to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart that corresponds to the parking space. The method <NUM> may further comprise a step <NUM>. At the step <NUM>, when the vehicle exits the parking space, a locking command is sent to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart. In an embodiment, the step <NUM> may comprise the step of sending a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the shopping cart is detected at the parking space after receiving a notification of successful payment of the parking fee of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may further comprise a step <NUM>. At the step <NUM>, an unlock time when the unlocking command is sent is recorded. In addition, the method <NUM> may further comprise a step <NUM>. At the step <NUM>, in response to a detection that the shopping cart stays at the parking space after a first pre-determined time period elapsed from the unlock time, the locking command is sent to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may further comprise steps <NUM> and <NUM>. At the step <NUM>, it is determined whether the shopping cart is returned correctly. In an embodiment, the step <NUM> may further comprise generating information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly according to a determined result, and sending the information about whether the shopping cart is returned correctly to the corresponding shopping cart. At the step <NUM>, in response to a determination that the shopping cart is returned correctly, a first pre-determined fee is subtracted from the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle; and/or in response to the determination that the shopping cart is not returned correctly, a second pre-determined fee is added to the calculated parking fee to derive the parking fee of the vehicle, and/or prompt information is sent. In an embodiment, the step <NUM> of determining whether the shopping cart is returned correctly may comprise receiving identification information of a shopping cart; and determining whether the identification information of the shopping cart matches with identification information of the parking space. The shopping cart may be determined as being returned correctly only when it is determined based on a pre-stored correspondence between the shopping cart and the parking space that the identification information of the shopping cart matches with the identification information of the parking space.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> may further comprise a step <NUM> of recording a payment time when the parking fee of the vehicle is successfully paid; a step <NUM> of receiving a departure time when the vehicle exits a parking lot; a step <NUM> of comparing the difference between the departure time and the payment time with a second pre-determined time period; and a step of <NUM> of, if the difference between the departure time and the payment time is greater than or equal to the second pre-determined time period, calculating the parking fee of the vehicle for a duration between the departure time and the payment time.

<FIG> shows a structural schematic view of a computing device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to <FIG>, an exemplary system configured to implement various components of the described system and method may comprise a general-purpose computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may be configured to implement all or a part of any component among the components in <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> is only an example of a suitable computing device, and is not intended to provide any limitation to the use or functional scope of the currently disclosed subject matter.

Components of the computing device <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a system bus <NUM> that couples various system components comprising the memory to the processor <NUM>. The system bus <NUM> may be any of several types of bus structures comprising a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures comprise Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as Mezzanine bus.

The computing device <NUM> may comprise a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by the computing device <NUM> and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer-readable storage media and communication media. Computer-readable storage media comprises volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology configured to store information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer-readable storage media comprises, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be configured to store the desired information and which may accessed by the computing device <NUM>. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and comprises any information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media comprises wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above may also be comprised within the scope of computer-readable media.

The memory <NUM> may comprise computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computing device <NUM>, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM. RAM typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processor <NUM>. By way of example, and not limitation, data <NUM> that may be stored in the memory <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may comprise a BIOS, an operating system, application programs, and other program modules and program data.

The computing device <NUM> may also comprise other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media.

Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that may be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like.

The computer storage media as described above provide storage of computer-implementable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computing device <NUM>. When executed on the processor <NUM>, the computer-implementable instructions enable the processor <NUM> to implement the methods and functions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device <NUM> through input devices such as a keyboard, and/or pointing device, commonly referred to as mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices may comprise a microphone, a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processor <NUM> through a user I/O interface <NUM> that is coupled to the system bus <NUM>. A monitor or other type of display device may be connected to the system bus <NUM> via the user I/O interface <NUM>, such as a video interface. In addition to the monitor, the computing device <NUM> may also be connected to other peripheral output devices such as speakers and printers, through the user I/O interface <NUM>.

The computing device <NUM> may be connected to one or more remote computers through a network interface <NUM>. The remote computer may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of the elements described above relative to the computing device <NUM>.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium having computer instructions stored thereon. When executed on the processor, the computer instructions enable the processor to implement the methods and functions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer-readable medium may comprise any computer-readable medium as stated above.

The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product. When executed by the processor, instructions in the computer program product may realize the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the description of the present specification, the description referring to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "an example", "a specific example", or "some examples" and the like means a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In the present specification, a schematic expression of the above terms is not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in suitable manner. Furthermore, in case of no confliction, those skilled in the art may combine and unite various embodiments or examples, as well as features thereof, described in the specification.

Moreover, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and shall not be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly manifesting the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two or three, unless specifically defined otherwise.

Any process or method description in the flowcharts or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of codes that comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing a customized logical function or process. And the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure comprises additional implementations, in which the functions may be performed in an order not shown or discussed herein (comprising in a substantially simultaneous manner or in an opposite order according to the functions involved). It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

The logic and/or steps represented in the flowcharts or otherwise described herein, for example, may be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and may be embodied in any computer readable medium, for use in or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (e.g., a computer-based system, a system comprising a processor, or other system that may obtain and execute instructions from the instruction execution system, device or apparatus). As far as the present specification is concerned, a "computer-readable medium" may be any device that may contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use in or in conjunction with the instruction execution system, device or apparatus. More specific examples of the computer-readable medium may, e.g., comprise the following: electrical connections (electronic devices) having one or more wires, portable computer disk cartridges (magnetic devices), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) or flash memory, fiber optic devices, and Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program may be printed, because the program may be obtained in an electronic manner by, e.g., optically scanning and then editing, interpreting or, if necessary, processing the paper or other medium in other suitable manner, and then be stored in the computer memory.

It should be understood that various parts of the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-described embodiments, multiple steps or methods may be realized by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if realized by hardware, it may be implemented by any one or a combination of the following techniques well-known in the art: discrete logic circuits with logic gate circuits for implementing logic functions of data signals, application specific integrated circuits with suitable combinational logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc..

Those ordinarily skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the methods according to the above embodiments may be completed by hardware in relation to program instructions, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program comprises one or a combination of the steps for implementing the method embodiments.

In addition, various functional units in each embodiment of the present disclosure may be integrated into one processing module, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one module. The above integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. The integrated module, if implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

Claim 1:
A computer-implemented method (<NUM>), comprising:
receiving identification information of a vehicle and identification information of a parking space (<NUM>) to bind the vehicle with the parking space and generate respective binding information;
characterized in that the parking space comprises a shopping cart space configured to place a corresponding shopping cart, and the method further comprises:
receiving a time when the vehicle enters the parking space and a time when the vehicle exits the parking space (<NUM>);
calculating a parking fee of the vehicle according to the time when the vehicle enters the parking space and the time when the vehicle exits the parking space (<NUM>);
determining identification information of the shopping cart that is placed in the shopping cart space of the parking space and corresponds to the vehicle according to the identification information of the vehicle, the binding information of the vehicle and the parking space, and a correspondence between the parking space and the shopping cart (<NUM>); and
sending the parking fee of the vehicle to the shopping cart that corresponds to the identification information of the shopping cart (<NUM>) for user's payment of the parking fee;
wherein the method further comprises:
sending an unlocking command to a lock device at the parking space to unlock the shopping cart when the vehicle enters the parking space; and
sending a locking command to the lock device at the parking space to lock the shopping cart when the shopping cart is detected at the parking space and after a notification of successful payment of the parking fee of the vehicle is received.