GB2424744A

GB2424744A - A system for controlling metered parking

Info

Publication number: GB2424744A
Application number: GB0605297A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Prasana Vummudi
Original assignee: EWALLET SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: EWALLET SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2005-03-16
Filing date: 2006-03-16
Publication date: 2006-10-04
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-16
Also published as: GB2424744A8; GB0505324D0; GB2424744B; GB0605297D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage device system for the management of a storage system. The storage device system comprises a field station, the field station having: a tag reader; means for inputting a user identification item, and storing the user identification item in a memory of the field station; user input means for inputting user data from a user wherein the user data comprises a purchase request; means for deducting a credit amount from a credit value of a user; communication means for communicating with a monitor; and a monitor, the monitor comprising means for inputting an object identification item, and means for determining whether the object identification item input to the monitor corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the field station. The system facilitates a storage operation using virtual tickets.

Description

I

STORAGE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a storage system, and in particular a storage system wherein payment is made for use of the system. The storage system may comprise a vehicle storage system such as a car park. Alternatively the storage system may comprise a warehouse, a household articles storage system, or any other suitable storage system.

BACKGROUND

It is known to use smart cards for electronic payment for goods and services. Smart cards have the advantage that they may reduce the need for the carrying of cash. A number of advantages may thereby arise, such as a reduction in the risk of assault on a person carrying a smart card instead of cash.

Conventional parking systems of the pay and display' type typically require a user to feed coins into a field station in order to purchase a printed ticket which is then displayed in a window of the user's vehicle.

Alternatively, gated entry parking systems may issue a ticket automatically upon entering a car park, the ticket having a magnetic stripe that identifies the time of entry. The user is required to insert the ticket into a field station prior to departing from the car park. The field station calculates the appropriate tariff depending upon the time elapsed between the issuing of the ticket and subsequent reception of the ticket by the field station. The * : :: 25 field station then requests the user to insert currency of the corresponding amount. * *

* In order to reduce the need to carry currency, some systems in gated car parks allow * : payment using a credit card. However, this has the disadvantage that the system must be able to communicate with a validating server in order to validate the credit card transaction. For street-based field stations the required communication means can be difficult to install. Furthermore, the communication means can be unreliable, becoming * inoperable at certain times, thus placing a user having valid payment means in a difficult situation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to the present invention there is provided a storage system comprising:

a field station, the field station having:

a tag reader; means for inputting a user identification item, and storing the user identification

item in a memory of the field station;

user input means for inputting user data from a user wherein the user data comprises a purchase request; means for deducting a credit amount from a credit value of a user; communication means for communicating with a monitor; and a monitor, the monitor comprising means for inputting an object identification item, and means for determining whether the object identification item input to the monitor corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the field station.

The invention has the advantage that a user may conveniently pay for storage of an object without the requirement for the issuance of a hardcopy of a ticket. In the case of vehicle storage, there is therefore no requirement to attach a paper ticket to an object to be stored, such as a vehicle, to provide proof of purchase. This saves the user from having to return to the vehicle after visiting the field station in order to place a ticket in the vehicle. This saves the user time and effort, and reduces the cost of administering the storage system. Furthermore, the elimination of the requirement for tickets has an environmental benefit.

Preferably the means for inputting the user identification item comprises reading the : . . 25 user identification item from the tag. * *

* Preferably, the field station is adapted to store a first time at which a tag is read by a * : field station, and a second time at which the tag is read by a field station, the system being adapted to calculate a tariff based on said first and second times, and to deduct a corresponding credit amount from a credit value of a user. * * 0s**

* Preferably the system is provided with means for storing a first time at which a storage device is presented to a field station in a memory of the system.

Preferably the system is adapted to store a first time at which a tag is presented to a

field station in a memory of the tag.

Storing the time at which the tag is first presented to the field station in a memory of the tag has the advantage that, in the event that a plurality of field stations are present in an object storage area, and the fields stations are not provided with means for communicating with each other, a user may present his tag to any field station when he returns to the storage area. He is therefore not required to return to the same field station that he first presented his tag to.

Alternatively, in the event that the field stations are provided with means for intercommunication, the first time at which the tag was presented to a field station does not need to be stored on the tag. This is because the field stations may share with each other a list of user identification items, and corresponding first times at which tags corresponding to these user identification items were presented to a field station. In the event that a user returns to the storage area, he may present his tag a second time to any field station, at which time the field station may calculate a tariff based on said first and second times at which the tag was presented to a field station. The user may be required to enter the user identification item when the tag is presented a second time.

Preferably the system is adapted to store a list of user identification items stored in the memory of the field station in a memory of the monitor.

Preferably the monitor is adapted to communicate with the system to determine whether an object identification item input to the monitor corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the system when an object identification item is input to the :.. 25 monitor. * * a..

Preferably the monitor is adapted to issue an alert if the object identification item input to a' the monitor does not correspond to a user identification item stored in the memory of the system.

* * Preferably, the monitor is portable by an attendant. Alternatively the monitor may be

a. integral to the field station.

Preferably the means for inputting the object identification item to the monitor comprises at least one selected from amongst a keypad, a touch screen and an electronic sensor.

This has the advantage of increasing the efficiency and accuracy of inputting object identification items into the monitor.

The electronic sensor may comprise at least one selected from amongst a camera, a bar code reader, an REID reader, or any other suitable sensor.

Thus, an object stored in the storage area may be fitted with object identification means such as an REID device, readable by the monitor, such that the monitor can identify the object. The tag may comprise the object identification means. Thus, a user may leave their tag with an object when the object is placed in the storage area. The tag may be placed inside the object, or attached to an external surface of the object.

Preferably the monitor further comprises display means, the display means being adapted to display a result of said determination whether an object identification item corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the system.

A monitor may be provided at a location remote from a field station.

The monitor may be provided with means for automatically inputting object identification items.

Thus, the monitor may be adapted to automatically read object identification items from the object identification means. For example, in the case where the object identification means comprises an RFID device, the monitor may be adapted to read REID devices : * : : :* 25 associated with objects at periodic intervals of time. Alternatively the monitor may be * adapted to read RFID devices associated with objects at random or pseudo random intervals of time, or when prompted to do so by an event. The event may comprise a request by an attendant.

Preferably the system is adapted to calculate an expiry time of a virtual ticket, wherein :: the virtual ticket corresponds to a user identification item, and wherein the expiry time is * calculated based on the purchase request and a time at which the purchase request is made.

Preferably the monitor is adapted to issue an alert if the object identification item of an object corresponds to a user identification item corresponding to a virtual ticket having an expiry time prior to the current time.

Preferably the monitor further comprises means for issuing a notice to a user.

Preferably the field station is adapted to request a user information item from a user for storage on the tag and to store the user information item in a memory of the tag.

Preferably the field station is further adapted to display the user information item of the tag on the display means of the field station when the tag is subsequently presented to a

field station.

Preferably the user information item comprises a location of the object, to aid a user in finding the object.

Preferably the user information item is entered by reference to a graphical display

provided by the field station.

Preferably the graphical display comprises a graphical representation of the storage area, the user being requested to indicate a location of the object that has been stored by reference to said graphical representation of the storage area.

: Preferably the graphical display comprises a touch screen.

Preferably the system comprises a plurality of field stations located in a storage area.

Preferably a field station is located at an entry to a storage area.

This feature has the advantage that a user is confronted with the field station as they * enter the storage area. Thus a user is reminded of the need to make payment for use of * ** the storage area.

Preferably access prevention means is provided at the entrance to the storage area, the access prevention means being adapted to prevent access to the storage area by a user until the user has presented a tag to the field station.

This feature has the advantage that a user is not able to enter the storage area unless they have a tag.

Preferably the field station further comprises means for informing a user of a location of an available storage space.

This feature has the advantage that a user may then proceed directly to the available storage space without having to search the storage area for an available storage space.

Preferably the field station is adapted to store in a memory the location of the available storage space.

This feature has the advantage that a user may obtain a reminder of the location of the storage space at a later time.

Preferably the field station further comprises means for requesting a user to select a storage space from a plurality of available storage spaces.

This feature has the advantage that a user may choose a location to store the object.

The choice of location may depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the object to be stored, and ease of access by the user to the location.

Preferably the field station is adapted to store in a memory the location of the storage * : : :* 25 space selected by the user. * .

* This feature has the advantage that a user may obtain a reminder of the location of the * * storage space at a later time.

* 30 Preferably the field station is adapted to store the location of the storage space in a memory of the tag.

Preferably the field station is adapted to store the location of the storage space in a memory of the system. This feature has the advantage that it is not necessary to store the location of the storage space in a memory of the tag. The time taken to store the location of the storage space in the memory of the tag is therefore saved and processing of the transaction is therefore accomplished more quickly.

The object to be stored may comprise a vehicle. The storage area may comprise a parking area.

The user identification item may comprise a vehicle registration number. The user identification item may further comprise data comprising a description of a vehicle to be parked.

The storage area may comprise a warehouse. The object to be stored may comprise household goods.

Preferably the system comprises at least one tag.

The tag may comprise a bar code. The tag comprises a smart card. Alternatively or in addition the tag may comprise an RFID tag.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tag adapted for use with the storage system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a first embodiment of the invention, the smart card system comprises one or more * : :** 25 field stations located in a parking area. The field stations comprise a small computer, a * smart card reader and a cash payment module.

A user of the parking system parks a vehicle and proceeds to a field station of the parking system where he presents his smart card to a card reader of the field station.

* 30 The field station verifies that the smart card is a valid smart card having a user ::: * identification item, and stores the user identification item in a memory of the field station.

* * In a variation of this embodiment the field station may store data in a memory of a remote server. The user identification item is the registration number of the vehicle. If a user has registered a plurality of vehicles, the user is asked to select from a menu which vehicle registration corresponds to the vehicle he wishes to park in the parking area.

The field station also reads the user information item from the smart card, and provides the user with an option to view the user information item, which is information entered by the user and stored on the smart card when last invited to do so. For example the user information item may include details of the location of the vehicle in order to help the user remember where he has parked his vehicle. The user has an opportunity to enter or amend the user information item at this stage. The user information is entered by a

keypad of the field station.

In a variation of this embodiment, when purchasing a ticket the user is given the option to select a location of the vehicle from a list of locations of the parking lot, such as Green Zone' or Blue Zone' in order to simplify and expedite input of the user information item. In a further variation of the embodiment, the user is prompted to identify the location of their vehicle on a map of the parking area.

In a further variation, especially where a plurality of field stations are present, the field station automatically writes an identity of the location of the field station in the user information item so that the user may obtain a reminder of the location of the field station, which may be close to their vehicle, at a later date, from a different field station or another smart card reader.

The user is then prompted to make a purchase request, whereby the user selects the amount of time he wishes to purchase, being the period for which he will be charged for parking his vehicle. If the smart card has enough credit remaining on the card, the purchase request will be approved and a corresponding tariff deducted from the credit valueofthesmartcard. * *

* The user then has a further opportunity to enter or amend the user information item, before withdrawing his card from the field station.

* 30 When the user returns to the parking area at a later time, the user may obtain a ::: reminder of the location of his vehicle by presenting his smart card to a field station and selecting the option to view the user data, before withdrawing his card. In a variation of this embodiment the reminder is in the form of a map of the parking area with the location of the vehicle highlighted.

In a variation of this embodiment, the user may also obtain a refund for unused time if a user has returned before expiry of the time period purchased. According to this variation, ticket data is stored on the smart card when the user makes their initial purchase, the ticket data including the expiry time of the time period purchased. In a further variation of this embodiment the ticket data includes the tariff of the amount purchased, and the time of the purchase. When the user returns to the field station and presents their card to the field station before collecting their vehicle, the ticket data is read by the field station and a refund made if appropriate.

Parking area attendants patrolling the parking area are equipped with portable monitors that communicate with the field stations using a wireless technology. In a variation Of this embodiment the connection is a wired connection.

The monitors download a list of the vehicle registration numbers (user identification items) and the corresponding expiry times of the time periods purchased by users from the field station. The attendants move around the parking area from vehicle to vehicle, and check the vehicle registration numbers against the user identification items stored in the monitor. According to this embodiment the attendant enters the registration number of each vehicle in turn using a keypad. In a variation of this embodiment, the keypad is provided by a touchscreen.

In a further variation of this embodiment, a camera module is used to electronically read the registration number of a vehicle. The attendant module then displays the expiry time of the vehicle, allowing the attendant to verify whether the parking period purchased for :: : 25 that vehicle has expired. If the time period has expired the attendant may issue a notice to the vehicle owner for attachment to the vehicle. In further variations of this embodiment, other electronic sensors instead of a camera module may be employed to read the registration number of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be fitted with an REID tag, and the monitor equipped with an RFID reader.

In a still further variation of this embodiment, a list of registration numbers registered * * with the system is provided. The parking area attendant compares the registration number of a parked vehicle with this list to determine whether or not a vehicle's time period has expired.

In a further variation of the embodiment, the credit value of a smart card may be topped up by a variety of methods. The field station may receive cash payment and credit or debit cards, and transfer an amount of credit to the smart card. In a further variation, top-up of the smart card may be arranged by sending a short message from a mobile telephone, by making a phone call, or using an online service. The credit transfer arranged by this method can be communicated to a field station so that when the user next presents their smart card to a field station, the new credit balance can be assigned

to the smart card by the field station.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a user presents his smart card for reading by the field station after parking his vehicle, thus registering his vehicle with the field station.

The field station stores the registration number of the vehicle in a memory of the field station.

When a user returns to collect his vehicle, the user presents his smart card again for reading by the field station, and a tariff corresponding to the amount of time the user has parked his vehicle is deducted from the credit value of the card.

Parking attendants patrolling the parking area are able to download a list of vehicle registration numbers corresponding to smart cards that have been registered with the field station by a user. The attendants enter the vehicle registration numbers of vehicles in the parking area as they patrol the area, and if a registration number is not registered at the field station an alert is provided by the monitor. The parking attendant is thus able to identify vehicles that have not registered for payment and issue a notice to the vehicle owner. 41 S I..

In a third embodiment, an automated monitoring system is provided whereby each vehicle to be parked in the parking area is equipped with a tag capable of communicating with a monitor via an electronic sensor of the monitor. According to this $ 30 embodiment the tag is an RFID tag and the monitor is equipped with an RFID reader, a. * although alternative means for communication between a tag and the monitor may be *: contemplated. A plurality of monitors are located around the parking area, each able to communicate with the field station. In a variation of this embodiment a single monitor is

provided which is integral to the field station.

The monitors determine the identity of a vehicle in the parking lot by reading a vehicle identification item stored on the REID tag and determine whether or not the vehicle has been registered with the field station by the user of the vehicle, If a user identification item of the field station corresponds to the vehicle identification item, the vehicle is registered. If there is no corresponding user identification item the system issues an alert. The alert may comprise communicating the identity of the vehicle to the operator of the parking area.

Parking attendants may patrol the parking area to issue appropriate penalties to owners of vehicles that have not been registered with the monitoring system.

In a variation of this embodiment, the monitors read the vehicle identification item stored on the RFID tag and automatically register the vehicle with the field station. A charge is then automatically deducted from a credit value of the user stored when the vehicle is removed from the parking area. The credit value may be stored on the RFID tag, in a server, or both.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the field station is located at an entrance to a * parking area. A user stops at the field station as he enters the parking area in his *** 20 vehicle, and presents his smart card to the field station. S... * . *15*

: The user is then prompted to make a purchase request, whereby the user selects the * amount of time he wishes to purchase, being the period for which he will be charged for parking his vehicle. If the smart card has enough credit remaining on the card, the purchase request will be approved and a corresponding tariff deducted from the credit S.,.

*: value of the smart card.

In a variation of this embodiment, the field station then informs the user of the location of a vacant parking space, and stores a reference to this location as a user input data on the smart card. The user may then proceed to the parking space indicated as vacant by the machine.

In a further variation of this embodiment, the field station prompts the user to manually select a desired vacant parking space from a list of vacant parking spaces. The field station then stores a reference to the selected location as a user input data on the smart card. The user then proceeds to the parking space indicated as vacant by the machine.

In a further variation of this embodiment, the user selects a vacant storage space from a list of vacant parking spaces by reference to a map of a location of one or more vacant storage spaces on a graphical display.

When the user returns to the parking area at a later time, he may obtain a reminder of the location of his vehicle by presenting his card to a field station. The reminder of the location of the vehicle may comprise a graphical display of the location of the vehicle.

In a still further variation of this embodiment of the invention, the field station stores a list of the vehicle registration numbers registered as parked, and the corresponding tariff deducted from each smart card. This data is periodically transmitted to a central server, and the credit value associated with each card is updated. In the event of a lost or damaged smart card, the credit value remaining on the card according to the server may be credited to a new smart card, to replace the lost or damaged card.

In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the field station is also located at an entrance to a parking area, and a user stops his vehicle at a first field station as he enters the parking * * * area. The user presents his smart card to the field station and is then informed by the field station of the location of a vacant parking space. The field station stores a u.s.. reference to this location as a user input data on the smart card. The field station also * :* stores a code indicating the time at which the smart card was presented to the first field station. The user may then proceed to the parking space indicated as vacant by the machine. * S 55*5

*: *, When the user returns to the parking area at a later time, he may obtain a reminder of the location of his vehicle by presenting his card to a field station.

In a variation of this embodiment, the field station prompts the user to manually select a desired vacant parking space from a list of vacant parking spaces, instead of automatically informing the user of the location of a vacant parking space. The field station then stores a reference to the selected location as a user input data on the smart card. The user then proceeds to the parking space indicated as vacant by the machine.

When the user is ready to leave the parking area, he presents his smart card to a second field station located at an exit of the parking area. The second field station deducts an amount of credit from the smart card determined by reference to the time at which the smart card was presented to the first field station. The second field station then raises a vehicle barrier so as to permit the vehicle to leave the parking area.

If a smart card has insufficient credit to meet the amount of the charge to be deducted from the card, the card may be rejected by the second field station.

In a further variation of this embodiment, if a card has insufficient credit to meet the amount of the charge to be deducted from the card, the user is permitted to exit.

However, the charge is deducted from the card such that the card has a negative credit status.

In a still further variation of this embodiment, a user is unable to exit a parking area when a card is presented to the field station having a negative credit status.

In a sixth embodiment of the invention, the user presents his smart card to a field station after parking his vehicle, and the field station deducts a predetermined amount of credit.

The field station records the amount of credit deducted, together with the registration * * number of the user's vehicle. When the user returns to the field station, he presents his :: 20 smart card to the field station a second time. The field station calculates the tariff for the 01 period for which the user has parked, and refunds to the smart card any difference * : between the amount previously deducted, and the tariff.

In the sixth embodiment of the invention the amount of credit deducted is determined by * * 25 the operator of the field station. In alternative embodiments the amount of credit I...

deducted is determined by the user.

Clearly, parking systems as described have a number of advantages including a security advantage. A smart card is associated with a specified vehicle or it may be associated with a group of vehicles, and its use is limited to those vehicles unless a user requests a change to the specified vehicles at a secure location. Thus, a stolen smart card may not be used with a vehicle for which the card is not registered. A smart card reported as stolen may also be disabled by a field station if use of the card is subsequently attempted.

In a seventh embodiment of the invention a smart card system is used to manage the storage of objects in a warehouse environment. A user of the storage system is provided with a smart card, and objects to be stored in the warehouse are fitted with RFID tags. Monitors having RFID readers arelocated in the warehouse environment.

The monitors read the RFID tags to determine whether or not a particular tag (and therefore its corresponding object) are still located in the warehouse. The system is further adapted to determine a location of the tag based on the location of the monitor or monitors that are able to read the tag at that time.

A user entering the warehouse with an object may present his or her smart card to a field station, pay for a certain period of storage, and then proceed to store the object in the storage area.

In a variation of this embodiment, instead of a smart card an RFID tag is presented to the field station, and the RFID tag is attached to the object to be stored in the warehouse. The RFID tag may alternatively be placed inside an object to be stored, such as a cardboard box. Monitors read the RFID tag to determine the identity of the object and whether or not the RFID tag has been registered with a field station. In : * ** embodiments of the invention, in the event a tag has not been registered with a field S..' * *, 20 station the monitors automatically register the tag with a field station. S...

* In a further variation of this embodiment a charge is made to the smart card according to a time period for which the monitors determine that the smart card is located in the warehouse environment or a portion thereof. The warehouse environment may include * 25 an external area not located within the warehouse. S. * * S * * **

One or more field stations located at an entrance and exit to the warehouse environment are adapted to determine a time at which the object and its associated tag enters the warehouse environment, and a time at which the object leaves the warehouse environment. An amount is then deducted from a credit value associated with the tag.

The credit value may be an amount stored on the tag, such as an RFID tag or smart card. In a still further variation of this embodiment the credit value is an amount stored on a server. The credit value may correspond to an account of a freight company of a manufacturing company. The field stations may be located at a container or package shipping location such as a port, a road haulage company or an airport.

A tag with a bar code may be provided instead of an RFID tag or smart card. Similarly, a label with a bar code or other code may be provided, for attachment to the object, instead of or in addition to an RFID tag or smart card. The bar code may have a user identification item encoded therein.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising' and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described : * ** herein unless incompatible therewith. S... I.. * . ISS. S. ** * . . S.. * * Se.. * S * S S * .*

Claims

1. A storage system comprising:

a field station, the field station having:

item in a memory of the field station;

2. The system of claim I wherein the means for inputting the user identification item comprises reading the user identification item from the tag. * .* * S * 010S

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the field station is adapted to determine 0S S a first time at which a storage device is read by a field station, and a second time at * :* which the storage device is read by a field station, the system being further adapted to calculate a tariff based on said first and second times, and to deduct a corresponding credit amount from the credit value of the tag. * 25 S...

*: .:

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the system is provided with means for storing a first time at which a tag is presented to a field station in a memory of the system.

5. The system of any one of claims I to 3 wherein the system is adapted to store a first time at which a tag is presented to a field station in a memory of the tag.

6. The system of any preceding claim wherein the system is further adapted to store a list of user identification items stored in the memory of the system in a memory of the monitor.

7. The system of any one of claims I to 6 wherein the monitor is adapted to communicate with the system to determine whether an object identification item input to the monitor corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the field station when an object identification item is input to the monitor.

8. The system of any preceding claim wherein the monitor is adapted to issue an alert if the object identification item input to the monitor does not correspond to a user identification item stored in the memory of the system.

9. The system of any preceding claim wherein the monitor is portable.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the monitor is integral to the field station.

11. The system of any preceding claim wherein the means for inputting the object identification item to the monitor comprises at least one selected from amongst a keypad, a touch screen, and an electronic sensor.

: * **

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the electronic sensor comprises at least one selected from amongst a camera, a bar code reader, an RFID reader, or any other *.S.

suitable sensor. ** S. * S S

S S

13. The system of claim 7 or any one of claims 8 to 12 depending on claim 7 wherein the monitor further comprises display means, the display means being adapted to * : . 25 display a result of said determination whether an object identification item corresponds *. to a user identification item stored in the memory of the system.

14. The system of any preceding claim wherein a monitor is provided at a location

remote from the field station.

15. The system of any preceding claim wherein the system is provided with means for automatically inputting object identification items to a monitor.

16. The system of any preceding claim wherein the system is adapted to calculate an expiry time of a virtual ticket, wherein the virtual ticket corresponds to a user identification item, and wherein the expiry time is calculated based on the purchase request and a time at which the purchase request is made.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the system is adapted to issue an alert if the object identification item of an object corresponds to a user identification item corresponding to a virtual ticket having an expiry time prior to the current time.

18. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system further comprises means for issuing a notice to a user.

19. The system of any of one of the preceding claims wherein the field station is adapted to request a user information item from a user for storage on the tag and to store the user information item in a memory of the tag.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the field station is further adapted to display the user information item of the tag on display means of the field station when the tag is

subsequently presented to a field station.

: **

21. The system of claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the user information item comprises * ,,. 20 a location of the object, to aid a user in finding the object. *S*.

*

22. The system of any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the user information item is entered by reference to a graphical display provided by the field station.

*:::.* 25

23. The system of claim 22 wherein the graphical display comprises a graphical *:*. representation of the storage area, the user being requested to indicate a location of the object that has been stored by reference to said graphical representation of the storage area.

24. The system of claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the graphical display comprises a touch screen.

25. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system comprises a plurality of field stations located in a storage area.

26. The system of any one of the preceding claims wherein a field station is located at an entry to a storage area.

27. The system of claim 26 wherein access prevention means is provided at the entrance to the storage area, the access prevention means being adapted to prevent access to the storage area by a user until the user has presented a tag to the field station.

28. The system of any preceding claim wherein the field station further comprises means for informing a user of a location of an available vacant storage space.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the field station is adapted to store in a memory the location of the available storage space.

30. The system of any preceding claim wherein the field station further comprises means for requesting a user to select a storage space from a plurality of available storage spaces.

: *.,

31. The system of claim 30 wherein the field station is adapted to store in a memory the location of the storage space selected by the user. a...

32. The system of claim 29 or 31 wherein the field station is adapted to store the location of the storage space in a memory of the tag. *S.

33. The system of any one of claims 29, 31 or 32 wherein the field station is adapted * to store the location of the storage space in a memory of the system.

34. The system of any preceding claim wherein the object to be stored comprises a vehicle.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the storage area comprises a parking area.

36. The system of claim 34 or claim 35 wherein the user identification item comprises a vehicle registration number.

37. The system of any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the user identification item further comprises data comprising a description of a vehicle to be parked.

38. The system of any one of claims 1 to 33 wherein the storage area comprises a warehouse.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the object to be stored comprises household goods.

40. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 39 further comprising at least one tag.

41. The system of any preceding claim wherein the tag comprises a bar code.

42. The system of any preceding claim wherein the tag comprises a smart card.

43. The system of any preceding claim wherein the tag comprises an RFID tag.

: **.

44. A tag for use with a system as claimed in any one of claims I to 43. * * S...

45. A storage system adapted for storage of objects in a warehouse environment, comprising: a tag reader; means for inputting a user identification item, and storing the user identification

item in a memory of the field station;

*: * user input means for inputting user data from a user wherein the user data comprises a purchase request; means for deducting a credit amount from a credit value of a user; communication means for communicating with a monitor; and a monitor, the monitor comprising means for inputting an object identification item, and means for determining whether the object identification item input to the monitor corresponds to a user identification item stored in the memory of the field station.

46. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.