CA2511461C - Urban parking system - Google Patents
Urban parking system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2511461C CA2511461C CA002511461A CA2511461A CA2511461C CA 2511461 C CA2511461 C CA 2511461C CA 002511461 A CA002511461 A CA 002511461A CA 2511461 A CA2511461 A CA 2511461A CA 2511461 C CA2511461 C CA 2511461C
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Abstract
A wireless network covering a large local geographic area is used to link a large number of payment terminals provided in the same area. Each payment terminal is located near a plurality of parking spaces, either at the curbside or in municipal lots. Parking data is gathered from motorists at the payment terminals, the perking data including vehicle identification data or parking space identification data. The parking data is sent from the payment terminals to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals. A plurality of portable terminals are provided for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the local geographic area. The wireless network is used to transmit the parking data substantially upon receipt from the payment terminals to the portable terminals in the local geographic area.
Description
HUIa-lJCrCVJU'd 1 f :1J rrOfri: t3tKt51~11V
~if PEG 5IDT7~
g.~.eld of thrl Yavsrstian $ The prarrnt inve~ation r*Iatea to .n urban pa.tkinq ayat.rn.
Morr xpenifiea.Lly, the presenC i,nvent.ian xbl$te9 to an urban parking system in ahieh a tiirel*ya nat~rork ~.a utilized to C8IlIIGIIn:ICi~~ vl~l~Gh parkiAq otatua intarmaeien rrom a p~ayenant t4fmj:nal to portable checking te~nals.
saeJtqzvurvd of flea W vastion In Ctta present urban pwrk~.rlg systsena in uaa in North Rmer~,ca, parking i~ paid !or on moat urban stseete and ~y Gity loCa by inaarti:xg co3.ne into a parking fistar eaaiqned to each .park3nQ apace. A parfcinp warden or el~aekar pariodi,ca7,ly Cheeks seen ~rki,ng .AaCar and each c4rreapo4din9 parking spate to deterroinv ii' a citation should b~ written up.
par she motorist. thv convwnienao at being able to pay at the cctrb and than by on one's way is o! great importance.
xt xe kno,.m is the art from vs 1,812,905 to x.aee,rt at ax.
2D and Q9 4, 876, 540 to 9exthan at al. to provide pozwtable teL'il~in~~.~
which receive Vehicle parking statue data pairs ii.e- vetiiala TD
number and expiration time) from eurbeide paymone eerninalr, and to provide s loy energy conaumpbion dste ccmwunicaci.oh ayat*m among t#sa payment terminals. 9ueh an elactfoaic urban parki=1~
syote~w is ebla to ceesply l~it?1 the baeit requis'amentr !or an rttl,oienC ~yatam, namaiy, the motorist; ~y pay at a Gt~rhe~.de payment tarmi,nal and may than tis Eras to go vithoWt.returning Co their V~ahicle to plac6 a proof of payment inrtrument, grad the bortabla torminala may be provisos with aufficienxly accurat*
data tc drtexmine with reaaoner~~,e accuracy vhbtrer a vehicle's parking i~a Paid tbr.
Also dine~.os*d io th* prior art era retvr*ncea Hp-A-93/20539 to Janason, Nhi,ch ciiacloaaa an urben parking which ,~t~,xxaa a visaleaa tletsldrk, and FR 2, 600, 140 to Zaller it al uhiah discloaee a parking system incorporating a plurality at payment te~lhala. Also known in the art 13 GB 2,291.290A Yhirh, a1t11cnigh no$ direstlar s*lat*d to a parking eyst.~xa, doer d~,sc~.oaa a hbnd held vehicle idantl.Yier.
wo 9m3~3~8
~if PEG 5IDT7~
g.~.eld of thrl Yavsrstian $ The prarrnt inve~ation r*Iatea to .n urban pa.tkinq ayat.rn.
Morr xpenifiea.Lly, the presenC i,nvent.ian xbl$te9 to an urban parking system in ahieh a tiirel*ya nat~rork ~.a utilized to C8IlIIGIIn:ICi~~ vl~l~Gh parkiAq otatua intarmaeien rrom a p~ayenant t4fmj:nal to portable checking te~nals.
saeJtqzvurvd of flea W vastion In Ctta present urban pwrk~.rlg systsena in uaa in North Rmer~,ca, parking i~ paid !or on moat urban stseete and ~y Gity loCa by inaarti:xg co3.ne into a parking fistar eaaiqned to each .park3nQ apace. A parfcinp warden or el~aekar pariodi,ca7,ly Cheeks seen ~rki,ng .AaCar and each c4rreapo4din9 parking spate to deterroinv ii' a citation should b~ written up.
par she motorist. thv convwnienao at being able to pay at the cctrb and than by on one's way is o! great importance.
xt xe kno,.m is the art from vs 1,812,905 to x.aee,rt at ax.
2D and Q9 4, 876, 540 to 9exthan at al. to provide pozwtable teL'il~in~~.~
which receive Vehicle parking statue data pairs ii.e- vetiiala TD
number and expiration time) from eurbeide paymone eerninalr, and to provide s loy energy conaumpbion dste ccmwunicaci.oh ayat*m among t#sa payment terminals. 9ueh an elactfoaic urban parki=1~
syote~w is ebla to ceesply l~it?1 the baeit requis'amentr !or an rttl,oienC ~yatam, namaiy, the motorist; ~y pay at a Gt~rhe~.de payment tarmi,nal and may than tis Eras to go vithoWt.returning Co their V~ahicle to plac6 a proof of payment inrtrument, grad the bortabla torminala may be provisos with aufficienxly accurat*
data tc drtexmine with reaaoner~~,e accuracy vhbtrer a vehicle's parking i~a Paid tbr.
Also dine~.os*d io th* prior art era retvr*ncea Hp-A-93/20539 to Janason, Nhi,ch ciiacloaaa an urben parking which ,~t~,xxaa a visaleaa tletsldrk, and FR 2, 600, 140 to Zaller it al uhiah discloaee a parking system incorporating a plurality at payment te~lhala. Also known in the art 13 GB 2,291.290A Yhirh, a1t11cnigh no$ direstlar s*lat*d to a parking eyst.~xa, doer d~,sc~.oaa a hbnd held vehicle idantl.Yier.
wo 9m3~3~8
- 2 -However, in larger urban areas, Applicants have determined that a large number of payment terminals are required fox motorists' convenience, especially when harsh climate conditions of cold, heat and precipitation are 5 common. Motorists may, for convenience, wish to pay for parking indoors or at a payment terminal not immediately associated with the parking space occupied. Since payment may take place far away from the parking space, it is no longer sufficient far a parking warden to acquire local 10 information from neighboring curbside payment terminals=
For these reasons, it is desirable to make large areas, such as entire business districts, into individual parking zones and permit payment of parking from any terminal in the zone, or even from outside the zone. To accommodate 15 such marketing, a large number of payment terminals needs to provide data to a large number of portable terminals and at longer distances.
Under such circumstances, the amount of vehicle data received from the payment terminals and transferred to 20 portable checking terminals requires special consideration for efficient handling. It has been determined that the known handling of parking data, i.e. either transmission from the payment terminal periodically to an individual portable terminal or transmission from the payment 25 terminal upon request to the requesting portable terminal, cannot efficiently handle the required large amount of data transfer when a large number of payment terminals are used and when parking zones encompass a number of payment terminals. In addition, data transferred locally from a 30 payment terminal to portable terminals periodically and upon request is neither complete nor up to date when motorists are allowed to park anywhere within a zone including many payment terminals.
35 Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside
For these reasons, it is desirable to make large areas, such as entire business districts, into individual parking zones and permit payment of parking from any terminal in the zone, or even from outside the zone. To accommodate 15 such marketing, a large number of payment terminals needs to provide data to a large number of portable terminals and at longer distances.
Under such circumstances, the amount of vehicle data received from the payment terminals and transferred to 20 portable checking terminals requires special consideration for efficient handling. It has been determined that the known handling of parking data, i.e. either transmission from the payment terminal periodically to an individual portable terminal or transmission from the payment 25 terminal upon request to the requesting portable terminal, cannot efficiently handle the required large amount of data transfer when a large number of payment terminals are used and when parking zones encompass a number of payment terminals. In addition, data transferred locally from a 30 payment terminal to portable terminals periodically and upon request is neither complete nor up to date when motorists are allowed to park anywhere within a zone including many payment terminals.
35 Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside
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WO 97/37328 r~: a n:~ mw~w payment terminals and portable electronic wireless terminals in which data relating to parking payment is efficiently handled.
It is a further object of the present invention to make use of a public wireless network in such an urban parking system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside payment terminals and portable electronic wireless terminals in which, in response payment made at one of the payment terminals, data is automatically transmitted concerning the payment made to all portable terminals by wireless means.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside payment terminals, a central control system connected to a wireless transmitter and portable electronic wireless terminals, which cooperate in unison to handle data relating to parking payment efficiently.
According to the invention, there is provided an urban parking system comprising: a wireless network covering a large local geographic area; a large number of payment terminals provided in the geographic area each located near a plurality of parking spaces, each payment terminal comprising data collection means for gathering parking data from a motorist, the parking data including at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data; communication means for transferring the parking data from the data collection means to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals; a plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the geographic area, the portable terminals including wireless communication means, a memory for storing the parking data, and a user interface means;
and broadcast means associated with the wireless network for transmitting the parking data substantially upon a a.. ~. ~.. ~_ .. _
.., .
as -.~
WO 97/37328 r~: a n:~ mw~w payment terminals and portable electronic wireless terminals in which data relating to parking payment is efficiently handled.
It is a further object of the present invention to make use of a public wireless network in such an urban parking system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside payment terminals and portable electronic wireless terminals in which, in response payment made at one of the payment terminals, data is automatically transmitted concerning the payment made to all portable terminals by wireless means.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an urban parking system of the type having curbside payment terminals, a central control system connected to a wireless transmitter and portable electronic wireless terminals, which cooperate in unison to handle data relating to parking payment efficiently.
According to the invention, there is provided an urban parking system comprising: a wireless network covering a large local geographic area; a large number of payment terminals provided in the geographic area each located near a plurality of parking spaces, each payment terminal comprising data collection means for gathering parking data from a motorist, the parking data including at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data; communication means for transferring the parking data from the data collection means to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals; a plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the geographic area, the portable terminals including wireless communication means, a memory for storing the parking data, and a user interface means;
and broadcast means associated with the wireless network for transmitting the parking data substantially upon a a.. ~. ~.. ~_ .. _
- 4 -receipt from the communication means to the portable terminals in the geographic area.
The invention also provides a method of communicating vehicle parking data in an urban parking system, the
The invention also provides a method of communicating vehicle parking data in an urban parking system, the
5 method comprising the steps of: providing a wireless network covering a large local geographic area; providing a large number of payment terminals provided in the local geographic area each located near a plurality of parking spaces: gathering parking data from motorists at the 10 payment terminals, the parking data including at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data; transferring the parking data from the payment terminals to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals; providing a 15 plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the local geographic area; and using the wireless network to transmit the parking data substantially upon receipt from the payment terminals to the portable terminals in the local 20 geographic area.
Briaf Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understoad by way of the following description of a preferred embodiment of the 25 invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the urban parking system according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a basic flow chart illustrating the steps 30 carried out during a parking payment in the system according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the parking payment terminal according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the parking payment 35 terminal according to the preferred embodiment: and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the portable terminal according to the preferred embodiment.
W~ 97/37328 Yl. l ll:Ay I/V Vow Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment As shown in Fig. 1, the urban parking system 10 according to the preferred embodiment has a large number of payment terminals 12 schematically illustrated as being numbered from 1 through N. The payment terminals 12 include wireless communication means for communicating bidirectionally with a public wireless transmitter 14 of a public wireless network. The wireless network in the preferred embodiment is a packet data wireless network, and in particular in North America this may be an ARDIS
network.
The parking system ZO has a central control computer 16, which in the preferred embodiment is a network of computers, for recording parking data in a database 17.
The parking data is broadcast from transmitter 14 to a number of mobile terminals 18 used by parking wardens.
The terminals 18 are illustrated as being numbered from 1 through N_ In the preferred embodiment, a payment terminal 12 sends parking data for each vehicle parked to all mobile terminals by sending a packet to a group address shared by the mobile terminals 18 as well as the central computer 16_ In this way, the payment terminal 12 controls the flow of data to the mobile terminals 18 and the central computer has no control over directing data transmission_ For security purposes, the parking data is encrypted before transmission_ The central computer 16 also processes other transactions, such as credit card and bank card purchases handled via a bank link or gateway 20. The public can inquire about parking status and citation status by a public access computer equipped with Internet capability and/or with DTMF responsive automated voice communications. The mobile terminals 18 have docking stations 28 for recharging batteries and for providing a continued wired link between the parking data being received by computer 16 and the mobile terminals 18.
Briaf Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understoad by way of the following description of a preferred embodiment of the 25 invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the urban parking system according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a basic flow chart illustrating the steps 30 carried out during a parking payment in the system according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the parking payment terminal according to the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the parking payment 35 terminal according to the preferred embodiment: and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the portable terminal according to the preferred embodiment.
W~ 97/37328 Yl. l ll:Ay I/V Vow Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment As shown in Fig. 1, the urban parking system 10 according to the preferred embodiment has a large number of payment terminals 12 schematically illustrated as being numbered from 1 through N. The payment terminals 12 include wireless communication means for communicating bidirectionally with a public wireless transmitter 14 of a public wireless network. The wireless network in the preferred embodiment is a packet data wireless network, and in particular in North America this may be an ARDIS
network.
The parking system ZO has a central control computer 16, which in the preferred embodiment is a network of computers, for recording parking data in a database 17.
The parking data is broadcast from transmitter 14 to a number of mobile terminals 18 used by parking wardens.
The terminals 18 are illustrated as being numbered from 1 through N_ In the preferred embodiment, a payment terminal 12 sends parking data for each vehicle parked to all mobile terminals by sending a packet to a group address shared by the mobile terminals 18 as well as the central computer 16_ In this way, the payment terminal 12 controls the flow of data to the mobile terminals 18 and the central computer has no control over directing data transmission_ For security purposes, the parking data is encrypted before transmission_ The central computer 16 also processes other transactions, such as credit card and bank card purchases handled via a bank link or gateway 20. The public can inquire about parking status and citation status by a public access computer equipped with Internet capability and/or with DTMF responsive automated voice communications. The mobile terminals 18 have docking stations 28 for recharging batteries and for providing a continued wired link between the parking data being received by computer 16 and the mobile terminals 18.
- 6 -As illustrated in Fig. 2, the method according to the preferred embodiment can be described as follows. For each payment for parking, a motorist goes to a payment terminal and enters vehicle identification data and either 5 (a) a desired parking duration, (b) a desired parking end time, or (c) a desired amount of money to be paid. The vehicle identification data may be stored on a motorist's smart card or on a magnetic stripe card accepted by the terminal, in which case entering of the data each time a 10 motorist parks is not required. The payment terminal accepts the data and the funds either by use of a coin or bill acceptor or by electronic payment. Electronic payment may be in the form of a credit or debit transaction, or electronic funds recorded on the smart 15 card or the mag stripe card. In the case of a credit or debit transaction, the payment terminal may communicate with a financial institution transaction processing host to confirm the availability and transfer of funds. Such additional communication is shown in the steps of Fig. 2.
20 The payment terminal then sends a data packet including the parking data with a group address so that the central computer and all portable terminals receive the parking data- This is shown in Fig. 2 as two separate transmissions because, in the preferred embodiment, the 25 payment terminal first transmits the parking data to the public wireless transmitter, which in turn relays the packet data to the central computer by land network fox recording the vehicle status data in the central database and to all mobile terminals over the air waves. At this 30 point, all mobiles and the central database have received the parking data created by the parking time purchase carried out at the parking payment terminal. If a mobile terminal does not acknowledge receipt of a packet, the packet is resent automatically by the public wireless 35 transmitter. In the preferred embodiment, resent packets are sent by individual addressing instead of a group address.
WO 97/37328 rc: l~c:wy iivvwo _ 7 _ With reference to Fig. 3, details of the payment terminal 12 according to the preferred embodiment will now be described. Terminal 12 has a vandalism resistant composite shell housing 40 including an upper access panel 30, a touch screen 31, a coin acceptor slot 32, a smart card acceptor/dispenser slot 33, a coin return/printer output slot 34, and a lower service door 35. Internally, there is provided a coin container 37, an electrical entry 38, and wireless communications electronics 41. The base is equipped with an anchor 39 for securing the terminal 12 to the sidewalk. The access door 35 is key locked, and the escrow box 43 requires a separate key. For additional security, an identity smart card for identifying the service personnel must be inserted into the reader 33' before opening the door 35 otherwise a wireless alarm message is sent. The service personnel will also be required to enter a personal security password. The system may also require authorization from the central computer 16 before access to the escrow coin box is permitted.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the payment terminal 12 has the following basic operating components. A computer controller 42 communicates by data connection to the touch video screen 31, a smart card dispenser 33, a smart card reader 33', a printer 34, a wireless modem 41, and a coin acceptor 37. The coins collected by the acceptor 37 are delivered into a coin escrow unit 43.
As can be appreciated, in the case that a payment terminal works only with smart cards already programmed with license plate data and loaded with funds, a much w smaller payment terminal may be provided which could be mounted to a building wall, a Lamp post or to a former parking meter post. Such a compact terminal would contain the wireless modem 41, the smart card reader 33' and a much simpler display screen and key pad entry device.
Such a terminal could be battery powered and powered up only during use. The only input required from the WO 97137328 PCTICA97100206 .
motorist would be parking time. Of course, if a motorist needed to load more funds onto a card, the full featured payment terminal 12 as illustrated would be used.
As illustrated in Fig. 5, each portable terminal 18 according to the preferred embodiment has an LCD touch sensitive keypad/display 51, a wireless data modem 52, a smart card reader 53, a citation or ticket printer 54, and a magnetic stripe card reader 55. As can be appreciated, the terminal 18 is small, portable and hand
20 The payment terminal then sends a data packet including the parking data with a group address so that the central computer and all portable terminals receive the parking data- This is shown in Fig. 2 as two separate transmissions because, in the preferred embodiment, the 25 payment terminal first transmits the parking data to the public wireless transmitter, which in turn relays the packet data to the central computer by land network fox recording the vehicle status data in the central database and to all mobile terminals over the air waves. At this 30 point, all mobiles and the central database have received the parking data created by the parking time purchase carried out at the parking payment terminal. If a mobile terminal does not acknowledge receipt of a packet, the packet is resent automatically by the public wireless 35 transmitter. In the preferred embodiment, resent packets are sent by individual addressing instead of a group address.
WO 97/37328 rc: l~c:wy iivvwo _ 7 _ With reference to Fig. 3, details of the payment terminal 12 according to the preferred embodiment will now be described. Terminal 12 has a vandalism resistant composite shell housing 40 including an upper access panel 30, a touch screen 31, a coin acceptor slot 32, a smart card acceptor/dispenser slot 33, a coin return/printer output slot 34, and a lower service door 35. Internally, there is provided a coin container 37, an electrical entry 38, and wireless communications electronics 41. The base is equipped with an anchor 39 for securing the terminal 12 to the sidewalk. The access door 35 is key locked, and the escrow box 43 requires a separate key. For additional security, an identity smart card for identifying the service personnel must be inserted into the reader 33' before opening the door 35 otherwise a wireless alarm message is sent. The service personnel will also be required to enter a personal security password. The system may also require authorization from the central computer 16 before access to the escrow coin box is permitted.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the payment terminal 12 has the following basic operating components. A computer controller 42 communicates by data connection to the touch video screen 31, a smart card dispenser 33, a smart card reader 33', a printer 34, a wireless modem 41, and a coin acceptor 37. The coins collected by the acceptor 37 are delivered into a coin escrow unit 43.
As can be appreciated, in the case that a payment terminal works only with smart cards already programmed with license plate data and loaded with funds, a much w smaller payment terminal may be provided which could be mounted to a building wall, a Lamp post or to a former parking meter post. Such a compact terminal would contain the wireless modem 41, the smart card reader 33' and a much simpler display screen and key pad entry device.
Such a terminal could be battery powered and powered up only during use. The only input required from the WO 97137328 PCTICA97100206 .
motorist would be parking time. Of course, if a motorist needed to load more funds onto a card, the full featured payment terminal 12 as illustrated would be used.
As illustrated in Fig. 5, each portable terminal 18 according to the preferred embodiment has an LCD touch sensitive keypad/display 51, a wireless data modem 52, a smart card reader 53, a citation or ticket printer 54, and a magnetic stripe card reader 55. As can be appreciated, the terminal 18 is small, portable and hand
7.0 held. External input/output devices axe also provided, namely an audio headset 59 for receiving voice commands/data and relaying audio signals to the parking warden. A CCD video camera (not shown) may be connected at 56 for taking images of license plates, which can be analyzed to obtain license plate number data by OCR
methods in the computer inside the terminal 18. A bar code reader (not shown) may be connected at 57 for reading bar code stickers placed on the inside of windshields_ A
replaceable, rechargeable battery 58 provides the terminal 18 with sufficient power for operation during a normal inspection run.
For security purposes, the user interface of terminal 18 will only operate in the preferred embodiment when the parking warden inserts a personal identification smart card into the reader 53 and then enters a personal identification code using the key pad 51. If the smart card is removed from the reader during normal use of the terminal 18, the terminal is locked out.
The operation of receiving parking data packets via modem 52 from the public wireless network broadcasts takes place continuously in the background without interruption.
Tn the preferred embodiment, the portable terminals 18 have a computer memory able to store data on all parked vehicles in a jurisdiction or geographical area. The parking warden enter a license plate number, using one of the keypad 51, the microphone on the headset 59 or the camera connected to 56, and the portable terminal return
methods in the computer inside the terminal 18. A bar code reader (not shown) may be connected at 57 for reading bar code stickers placed on the inside of windshields_ A
replaceable, rechargeable battery 58 provides the terminal 18 with sufficient power for operation during a normal inspection run.
For security purposes, the user interface of terminal 18 will only operate in the preferred embodiment when the parking warden inserts a personal identification smart card into the reader 53 and then enters a personal identification code using the key pad 51. If the smart card is removed from the reader during normal use of the terminal 18, the terminal is locked out.
The operation of receiving parking data packets via modem 52 from the public wireless network broadcasts takes place continuously in the background without interruption.
Tn the preferred embodiment, the portable terminals 18 have a computer memory able to store data on all parked vehicles in a jurisdiction or geographical area. The parking warden enter a license plate number, using one of the keypad 51, the microphone on the headset 59 or the camera connected to 56, and the portable terminal return
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- 9 -the information available on the vehicle. If no match is found for the vehicle, the closest matches in the database are returned. For each vehicle, the data retrieved and displayed on the LCD screen 51 is that contained in the 5 database, namely the vehicle plate number, the time when parking was purchased, the duration, and the payment terminal used. The warden examines the data and decides whether a citation should be issued. In the case that a citation is issued, the portable terminal is used to
10 prepare the citation by filling in extra data, as would normally be done with a manually prepared citation, such as vehicle location, vehicle color, make, model, and the exact nature of the parking violation. The latter is important since even vehicles having parking paid for may 15 be found in special parking zones where there is a shorter parking limit, or a restriction to commercial vehicles only.
The portable terminal 18 also provides the parking warden with the ability to cancel or correct citations.
20 If a motorist wishes to settle a citation on the spot, the portable terminal is equipped with both a smart card reader 53 and a swipe card reader 55 which may be used to accept funds from the motorist, the financial transaction being preferably immediately processed by wireless 25 communication with the banking institutions via the central computer 16. Whether a parking warden issues a citation, cancels a citation and/or settles a citation, the citation data can be stored for communication from the terminal 18 to the central computer 16 for audit and 30 accounting purposes. If a parking warden issues a citation, and within a short grace period of five minutes or less, the motorist goes to a payment terminal 12 to pay for parking, the citation is automatically canceled, according to the preferred embodiment. This is the case 35 since it is considered plausible that a motorist may be en route to a payment terminal when the parking warden checks the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the citation is canceled, although a small surcharge of an extra amount, for example 25 cents, may be applied, especially if the time elapsed is close to the maximum grace period limit.
The central computer may also keep a record of such automatically canceled citations and report any vehicle that regularly receives such citations, since this would be a sign of likely abuse by a motorist keeping watch on the vehicle while not having paid for parking.
As can be appreciated, the motorist could be requested to enter parking space identification data instead of vehicle identification data, and spaces could be checked instead of vehicles. In the preferred embodiment, vehicles are checked instead of curbside parking spaces, and vehicles may park anywhere within a curbside parking zone without needing to fit into a predetermined parking space_ The payment terminals in the preferred embodiment dispense and sell the parking smart cards. Storage of vehicle identification data in the cards is optional. The telecommunications system connecting the central computer to the payment terminals may be used to transmit video advertising data for display on the screens of the payment terminals when the terminals are not in use . A schedule for presenting advertising video may be provided for displaying ads at specific times of day or at a specific frequency. The schedules and video data can be updated as desired from the central computer. The payment terminals may print advertising on the receipts given to motorists, or the reverse side of the receipts may contain printed advertising. The central computer may send to the payment terminals parking tariff tables to change parking rates as desired, or to accommodate special events.
Although the invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the above description is intended merely to illustrate the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
The portable terminal 18 also provides the parking warden with the ability to cancel or correct citations.
20 If a motorist wishes to settle a citation on the spot, the portable terminal is equipped with both a smart card reader 53 and a swipe card reader 55 which may be used to accept funds from the motorist, the financial transaction being preferably immediately processed by wireless 25 communication with the banking institutions via the central computer 16. Whether a parking warden issues a citation, cancels a citation and/or settles a citation, the citation data can be stored for communication from the terminal 18 to the central computer 16 for audit and 30 accounting purposes. If a parking warden issues a citation, and within a short grace period of five minutes or less, the motorist goes to a payment terminal 12 to pay for parking, the citation is automatically canceled, according to the preferred embodiment. This is the case 35 since it is considered plausible that a motorist may be en route to a payment terminal when the parking warden checks the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the citation is canceled, although a small surcharge of an extra amount, for example 25 cents, may be applied, especially if the time elapsed is close to the maximum grace period limit.
The central computer may also keep a record of such automatically canceled citations and report any vehicle that regularly receives such citations, since this would be a sign of likely abuse by a motorist keeping watch on the vehicle while not having paid for parking.
As can be appreciated, the motorist could be requested to enter parking space identification data instead of vehicle identification data, and spaces could be checked instead of vehicles. In the preferred embodiment, vehicles are checked instead of curbside parking spaces, and vehicles may park anywhere within a curbside parking zone without needing to fit into a predetermined parking space_ The payment terminals in the preferred embodiment dispense and sell the parking smart cards. Storage of vehicle identification data in the cards is optional. The telecommunications system connecting the central computer to the payment terminals may be used to transmit video advertising data for display on the screens of the payment terminals when the terminals are not in use . A schedule for presenting advertising video may be provided for displaying ads at specific times of day or at a specific frequency. The schedules and video data can be updated as desired from the central computer. The payment terminals may print advertising on the receipts given to motorists, or the reverse side of the receipts may contain printed advertising. The central computer may send to the payment terminals parking tariff tables to change parking rates as desired, or to accommodate special events.
Although the invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the above description is intended merely to illustrate the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. An urban parking system comprising:
a wireless network covering a large local geographic area;
a large number of payment terminals provided in said area each located near a plurality of parking spaces, each said payment terminal comprising data collection means for gathering parking data from a motorist, said parking data including at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data, and payment data, and first wireless communication means for transferring said parking data from said data collection means to said wireless network substantially upon receipt in response to payment being made at said payment terminals;
a plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting said parking spaces of said area, said portable terminals including second wireless communication means, a memory for storing said parking data, and a user interface means; and means associated with said wireless network for transmitting said parking data to said plurality of portable terminals in said area;
wherein said parking data is available to be received by said plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting said parking spaces of said area substantially upon receipt from said payment terminals.
a wireless network covering a large local geographic area;
a large number of payment terminals provided in said area each located near a plurality of parking spaces, each said payment terminal comprising data collection means for gathering parking data from a motorist, said parking data including at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data, and payment data, and first wireless communication means for transferring said parking data from said data collection means to said wireless network substantially upon receipt in response to payment being made at said payment terminals;
a plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting said parking spaces of said area, said portable terminals including second wireless communication means, a memory for storing said parking data, and a user interface means; and means associated with said wireless network for transmitting said parking data to said plurality of portable terminals in said area;
wherein said parking data is available to be received by said plurality of portable terminals for use by parking wardens inspecting said parking spaces of said area substantially upon receipt from said payment terminals.
2. The urban parking system as defined in claim 1, wherein said parking payment terminal comprises:
means comprising at least one of:
a coin acceptor; and a card reader for resolving payment of parking;
means for obtaining payment data representing one of:
desired parking duration;
desired parking end time; and payment amount; and means for entering parking data comprising at least one of:
vehicle identification data; and parking space identification data;
wherein said first wireless communications means comprises a public wireless network modem for transmitting said parking data and said payment data to central control system.
means comprising at least one of:
a coin acceptor; and a card reader for resolving payment of parking;
means for obtaining payment data representing one of:
desired parking duration;
desired parking end time; and payment amount; and means for entering parking data comprising at least one of:
vehicle identification data; and parking space identification data;
wherein said first wireless communications means comprises a public wireless network modem for transmitting said parking data and said payment data to central control system.
3. The urban parking system as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said payment terminal comprises a printer and a corresponding output slot.
4. The urban parking system as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said payment terminal comprises a service access door and means for sending a wireless alarm message upon unauthorized opening of said door.
5. The urban parking system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said parking data comprises vehicle identification data.
6. The urban parking system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said parking data comprises parking space identification data.
7. The urban parking system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said parking spaces are urban curbside parking spaces.
8. The urban parking system as defined in claim 7, wherein said parking terminals are located curbside.
9. An urban parking system comprising:
a central computer;
means distributed within an urban area for allowing a motorist to enter parking data comprising at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data, and payment data representing one of desired parking duration, desired parking end time and payment amount; and a public wireless network interconnecting said means for entering parking data with said central computer for transmitting said parking data to said central computer;
a plurality of portable electronic wireless terminals used by parking wardens;
wherein said parking data is available for receipt using said public wireless network by said portable wireless terminals substantially as satin as said parking data is entered, and said motorist may enter said parking data within said urban area.
a central computer;
means distributed within an urban area for allowing a motorist to enter parking data comprising at least one of vehicle identification data and parking space identification data, and payment data representing one of desired parking duration, desired parking end time and payment amount; and a public wireless network interconnecting said means for entering parking data with said central computer for transmitting said parking data to said central computer;
a plurality of portable electronic wireless terminals used by parking wardens;
wherein said parking data is available for receipt using said public wireless network by said portable wireless terminals substantially as satin as said parking data is entered, and said motorist may enter said parking data within said urban area.
10. The urban parking system as defined in claim 9, wherein said parking spaces are curbside parking spaces and said means for entering parking data further comprises parking space identification for said curbside parking spaces, said motorist entering said parking space identification.
11. The urban parking system as defined in claim 9 or 10, wherein said means for entering parking data comprises components mounted to former parking meter posts.
12. The urban parking system as defined in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein said means for entering parking data comprises a plurality of payment terminals each having at least one of a coin acceptor and a card reader for resolving payment of parking.
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13. The urban packing system as defined in claim 12, wherein said payment terminals comprise a printer and a corresponding output slot.
14. The urban parking system as defined in claim 13, wherein said payment terminal comprises a service access door and means for sending a wireless alarm message upon unauthorized opening of said door.
15. The urban parking system as defined in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said parking data comprises vehicle identification data.
16. The urban parking system as defined in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said parking data comprises parking space identification data.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1453196P | 1996-04-02 | 1996-04-02 | |
| US60/014,531 | 1996-04-02 | ||
| CA002248347A CA2248347C (en) | 1996-04-02 | 1997-04-01 | Urban parking system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002248347A Division CA2248347C (en) | 1996-04-02 | 1997-04-01 | Urban parking system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2511461A1 CA2511461A1 (en) | 1997-10-09 |
| CA2511461C true CA2511461C (en) | 2007-02-27 |
Family
ID=35006169
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002511461A Expired - Fee Related CA2511461C (en) | 1996-04-02 | 1997-04-01 | Urban parking system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2511461C (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9406056B2 (en) | 2011-03-03 | 2016-08-02 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Parking meter with contactless payment |
| US9494922B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2016-11-15 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Single space wireless parking with improved antenna placements |
| US11762479B2 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2023-09-19 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | SPI keyboard module for a parking meter and a parking meter having an SPI keyboard module |
| US11922756B2 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2024-03-05 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Parking meter having touchscreen display |
| US11972654B2 (en) | 2015-08-11 | 2024-04-30 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Lightweight vandal resistant parking meter |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2007356750A1 (en) * | 2007-07-18 | 2009-01-22 | The City Of Calgary | System and method for managing parking rights |
| CA2894350C (en) | 2015-06-16 | 2023-03-28 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Coin chute with anti-fishing assembly |
| USD813059S1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2018-03-20 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Parking meter |
-
1997
- 1997-04-01 CA CA002511461A patent/CA2511461C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9494922B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2016-11-15 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Single space wireless parking with improved antenna placements |
| US10141629B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2018-11-27 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Single space wireless parking with improved antenna placements |
| US9406056B2 (en) | 2011-03-03 | 2016-08-02 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Parking meter with contactless payment |
| US9443236B2 (en) | 2011-03-03 | 2016-09-13 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Single space parking meter and removable single space parking meter mechanism |
| US10192388B2 (en) | 2011-03-03 | 2019-01-29 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Single space parking meter and removable single space parking meter mechanism |
| US11972654B2 (en) | 2015-08-11 | 2024-04-30 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Lightweight vandal resistant parking meter |
| US11762479B2 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2023-09-19 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | SPI keyboard module for a parking meter and a parking meter having an SPI keyboard module |
| US11922756B2 (en) | 2019-01-30 | 2024-03-05 | J.J. Mackay Canada Limited | Parking meter having touchscreen display |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2511461A1 (en) | 1997-10-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
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