GB2437197A

GB2437197A - Monitoring car parking

Info

Publication number: GB2437197A
Application number: GB0712782A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Menachem Mendel Sudak; Elliot David Morris
Original assignee: Ranger Services Ltd
Current assignee: Ranger Services Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-02
Filing date: 2007-07-02
Publication date: 2007-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-02
Also published as: GB0922210D0; GB2458227B; GB2458227A; GB2437197B; GB2465092A; GB0905164D0; GB0712782D0

Abstract

A car park may have a camera C1 at the entrance which takes an image of the vehicle, preferably including the number plate. The user then chooses the image of the vehicle at a pay station M, from a display showing vehicles which have recently entered the car park. The user may also enter an identification card at the pay station. A second camera C2 records the vehicle when it leaves. In an alternative arrangement there are identification card scanners at the entrance and exit and no cameras.

Description

CAR PARKING APPARATUS

The invention relates to a site monitoring system, for example a car parking and charging system. More specifically, although not exclusively, the invention relates to dedicated car parks where the user is obliged to pay a car parking fee.

There are various ways of charging the user of a car park for using the facility such as those which include entry and exit barriers, wherein a user is required to withdraw a ticket prior to being granted access to the car park and is prevented from exiting until the ticket has been marked to indicate that the requisite fee has been paid. Other systems exist in which, on parking, the user selects a period he or she expects to leave the car for and pays a fee appropriate to that period. * ** * * * * **

In built up areas, particularly city centres, car parking spaces are at a premium and car parking charges reflect this fact. As a result, it is common for shops to provide free parking to their customers.

However, it has been observed that this privilege is often abused for example by vehicle users who do not intend to make any purchases in the shop or shops associated with the parking facility. In order to address this issue, it is often a requirement that a purchase is made in the shop for the vehicle user to benefit from this privilege.

Two known methods of enforcing this requirement involve specifying a time limit during which customers are allowed to make use of the free parking.

The first and simplest method involves informing customers of the time limit, for example using a sign affixed within the parking facility adjacent the exit. The parking facility is then policed by observing the time of arrival and time of departure, for example using a parking attendant.

It is clearly preferable to eliminate the need for an operator to be based at the car park, for example by rendering the facility fully automatic.

In this respect the second method includes a system employing entry and exit barriers which issue and read tickets as mentioned above. The system includes a facility whereby store cashiers are able to mark the ticket such that a predetermined period of free parking is provided. * *. *. S * **

* However, such an arrangement requires the user to remember to request this action.

Also, the value of the purchase is generally not taken into consideration, thus resulting in a user making a token purchase of minimal value in order to benefit from the use of the car park.

Accordingly, there is a need for an automated system for monitoring the duration of and applicable charges for parking, particularly where car parks are associated with a shop or shops.

One example of a known automated system for charging fees for parking a vehicle, as described in our co-pending application GB 0513403.6, includes the following features: * ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras located at all entry points arranged to sense and record the registration particulars from number plates of all vehicles entering the site and to record the entry time; * Apparatus including alphanumeric keys or keypads for the user to identify the registration particulars attributed to the user's vehicle just parked; * payment receiving means coupled to a processing arrangement arranged to calculate a fee due and to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card for payment, and optionally to issue a receipt; and * ANPR camera(s) located at the or each exit point from the car park facility arranged to determine and record the departure time of the vehicle. * . * *.* 0***

The above system is arranged to record, in a database, the entry and departure times, the vehicle registration number and any fee paid thereby permitting identification of a vehicle in respect of which a user of the car park who has not paid any or all of the ** appropriate car parking charge. * **. *

Drawbacks of the above system include, but are not limited to, the fact that it can be very time consuming to enter registration particulars via an alphanumeric keypad. This can be important at sites and/or times where many users of the car park arrive at once, e.g. early morning rush hour Some systems now require that the user input only the first or last 3 characters of the number plate, but this is of no help where, as often happens, the user of the vehicle does not know their number plate registration.

Other efforts to overcome this drawback involve the use of a touch screen which displays the particulars of all of the number plates taken from the ANPR camera which have arrived, e.g. within the last 15 minutes, from which the user selects theirs. Again, while faster than typing in a series of characters, this is no help where the user does not know their number plate registration.

Another drawback is that ANPR cameras are not infallible and can confuse characters such as the number 6 and the letter G. It is from a consideration of known systems and their limitations and the realisation that the use of shop loyalty cards is becoming increasingly popular, which have led to the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide an improved monitoring system, for example by facilitating the association of an individual with his or her vehicle and/or the association of an identification card, for example a loyalty card, with that individual ** and/or his or her vehicle. * * . * I.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for monitoring the parking a vehicle at a site such as a car park, the apparatus comprising: a) entry recording means adjacent an entry point of the site arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle entering the site; b) display means arranged to display images received from the entry recording means; C) data input means for a user to identify and select the image of his or her vehicle; and d) payment receiving means. Preferably, the payment receiving means is arranged to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card and optionally to issue a receipt.

Where the car park comprises multiple entry points, the apparatus preferably comprises entry recording means at each entry point of the site.

The entry recording means may comprise one or more cameras.

The apparatus may further comprise exit recording means which preferably includes at least one camera located at an exit point of the site and is arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle exiting the site.

Where the car park comprises multiple exit points, the apparatus preferably comprises :. exit recording means at each exit point of the site, the exit recording means preferably *..I comprising one or more cameras. * ** * S S * **

The data input means may be arranged to receive details of an identification card. For example, the data input means may comprise a keypad and/or scanning means arranged to scan an identification card. Preferably, the entry recording means and/or the exit recording means is operably connected to the data input means and is arranged to associate the time of entry andfor the time of exit with an identification card.

The apparatus may further comprise purchase association means arranged to associate a purchase with the identification card.

Optionally, the data input means is arranged to override and/or alter the requirement for payment on receipt of the details of the identification card.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for monitoring the parking of a vehicle at a site such as a car park, the apparatus comprising: a) entry recording means arranged to record a time of entry into the site; b) means to associate the time of entry with an identification card; C) purchase association means arranged to associate purchase details with the identification card; d) exit recording means arranged to record a time of exit from the site and associate the time of exit with the identification card; e) automatic fee calculation means arranged to automatically calculate a fee based on one or more of the recorded entry time, exit time and purchase details. * ** * S * * S.

The apparatus may further comprise payment receiving means arranged to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card and optionally to issue a receipt for payment of the fee.

The entry recording means and/or exit recording means may comprise at least one camera at an entry point and/or exit point of the site arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle entering and/or exiting the site and/or the registration particulars from number plates thereof.

The entry recording means and/or exit recording means may also comprise data input means The data input means may be arranged to receive details of the identification card, for example by including scanning means for scanning the identification card The entry recording means may further comprise display means arranged to display images received from the at least one camera. The data entry means associated with the entry recording means may be arranged to allow a user to select their vehicle.

Additionally or alternatively, the entry recording means and/or exit recording means may include barrier means, wherein the barrier means is preferably arranged to grant access into, or allow departure from, the site upon entry of the details of the identification card into the data input means. Preferably, the time access is granted is recorded as the time of entry.

The automatic fee calculation means may include further data input means for I...

receiving details of the identification card, for example a keypad and/or scanning means for scanning the identification card. I..

* The identification card may be arranged to record the time of entry and/or purchase *:. details and/or time of exit.

Additionally or alternatively, the automatic fee calculation means may be operably connected to the entry recording means and/or purchase association means and/or exit recording means. The automatic fee calculation means may be arranged to receive and record the time of entry and/or purchase details and/or the time of exit.

The purchase association means preferably comprises scanning means arranged to scan an identification card. The purchase association means may be located remote from the data input means and/or the display means. The purchase association means may be adjacent to or incorporated within a purchasing management system, for example a cash register. The purchase management system may incorporate the payment receiving means.

The apparatus may further comprise central processing means for maintaining a database of one or more of the following: identification card holder information, vehicle registration numbers, entry times and exit times. The central processing means may be operably connected to or incorporate the entry recording means and/or purchase association means and/or exit recording means andlor automatic fee calculation means and/or payment receiving means.

The card holder information may comprise the card holder's vehicle registration. I...

Optionally, the central processing means may be arranged to identify the user's vehicle automatically, for example by scanning the identification card.

S

** , The identification card may be a loyalty card for a store or stores associated with the * S. * *. site.

The identification card may comprise a magnetic strip, barcode or integrated circuit thereon or therein. Preferably, the scanning means is a magnetic strip and/or barcode and/or integrated circuit reader.

Preferably, the at least one camera is an ANPR camera arranged additionally to sense, record and transmit the number plate of each vehicle entering the site and the display means is further arranged to display the number plate.

Preferably, the display means is arranged to display, for payment purposes, images of only those vehicles not already selected by another user.

Preferably, the display means is arranged to display a group of more than one image of the vehicle selected by the user, and the data input means is arranged to permit the user to toggle between groups of images.

Preferably the images of a vehicle to be displayed for selection are miniature' or so-called thumbnail' images The display means is conveniently arranged to display multiple such miniature' or thumbnail' images of a plurality of vehicles which have been detected as having entered the car park facility within a predetermined time frame The images preferably represent the whole or at least the majority of the vehicle.

Preferably further images of the or each vehicle which can be displayed include a full-screen frontal or rear image of the vehicle, clearly indicating the vehicle number plate. *.S. * *

The payment receiving means may be so constructed and arranged to cater for * ** payment collection once the relevant vehicle has been driven off-site, e.g. by *:.: subsequent Internet or telephone payment means. S..

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Alternatively or additionally, the payment receiving means can be constructed and arranged to cater for payment made in advance or in arrears to an account, the apparatus being arranged to take appropriate payment from said account, without the user even having to enter data or images.

Preferably the data input means and the display means are integrated in a touch-screen display.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a apparatus arranged to be retro-fitted within an existing fee-charging vehicle parking facility such as to a so-called upay and display" machine, such apparatus being arranged to record an image of each vehicle entering the associated car parking facility and permit the user of a vehicle to identify an image of their vehicle and/or scan an identification card and/or make a payment.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of obtaining payment from a user for vehicle parking charges and optionally a penalty or excess charge, which involves the user using a apparatus as described above.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method * S*.

of identifying a user for reducing or eliminating vehicle parking charges which involves a user using an apparatus as described above.

S S..

S

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an * ..

automated method of identifying a user for reducing or eliminating vehicle parking charges, the method comprising receiving details of a loyalty card and automatically determining whether or not to provide discounted or free parking.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling conditional free parking comprising: a) recording a time of entry into a site; b) associating the time of entry with an identification card; C) either before or after step (b) associating a purchase with the identification card; d) recording a time of exit from the site; e) associating the time of exit with the identification card; f) optionally calculating a duration; and g) automatically calculating a fee, wherein the fee calculated is dependent on the purchase and/or the duration associated with the identification card.

Preferably, the identification card is a loyalty card for a store or group of stores. More preferably, the car park is associated with the store or stores.

The time of entry may be recorded, for example by scanning the card, on entry into the car park. Additionally or alternatively, the time of entry may be recorded by a user identifying pre-recorded details of his or her vehicle. * I * *** IS.. * *

The purchase is preferably associated, for example by scanning the card, after or * I. during payment for the purchase. * S..

S

*. The time of exit is preferably recorded, for example by scanning the card, prior to * S. iS exiting the car park, for example at a barrier The fee calculation may be dependent on one or more purchases associated with the identification card which was made prior to the time of entry into the site.

In order that the invention may be illustrated, more easily appreciated and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art, preferred embodiments will now be described, purely by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of a car parking facility incorporating a first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a diagram of a car parking facility incorporating a second embodiment of the present invention Referring to Figure 1, for simplicity, a single entry point and a single exit point within an unmanned car park are shown. A vehicle driven by a user enters a point A via a barrier-free entrance at which there is a first ANPR camera Cl for capturing at least one image of every vehicle entering, optionally but preferably including the number plate. The corresponding image data is communicated by any suitable means available, for example via a landline or wireless connection, which may make use of an Internet connection, to a central station CS at a remote location. The central station :.. CS maintains a database of vehicle registration numbers, entry times and departure * **. * S

times in respect of the car park. * S. * S * * ..

The user parks the vehicle in one of the available car park spaces CP and walks to a pay station M. The pay station M typically includes a touch screen display and input system, a card reader capable of swiping and reading the magnetic strip on an identification card and a payment system arranged to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card and issue receipts. The pay station M is also connected to the central station CS, for example via a landline or wireless connection, which may make use of an Internet connection, and maintains a database of identification card details.

The driver, or user, identifies the vehicle from a screen showing thumbnail images of vehicles that have arrived but not yet selected by another user. Where there is a large site, for example a multi-storey car park or a plurality of car parks, there may be many such vehicles and it would not be practical to display them all in thumbnail. Therefore there may optionally be a requirement for the user to select the area they have parked in, whereupon the system will display thumbnail images in respect of that area. This could be achieved, for example, by including entry recording means at several locations, such as at the top of each ramp leading into each level of a multi-storey car park In such a case, the vehicle user would select the level on which the vehicle is parked and the display means would display the images taken from the entry recording means associated with that level.

In the case of a multi-storey car park, for example, the system of the present invention may comprise a plurality of pay stations M, one for each particular locality, e.g. one input device per level.

:... The screen then displays a full screen image of the selected vehicle, which the user * * can either confirm or return to the previous screen if the vehicle was selected in error. * **

The touch screen display may display all vehicles that have entered the car park within a predetermined period of time, but have not already been identified by this selection step. Once, the user has selected their vehicle, they are subsequently presented with periods of time on the display, for example, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 1 day, and requested to select one, whereupon the user is asked either to provide payment for the period of time selected or to swipe his or her identification card. Depending on the system configuration, the user may be asked to pay a reduced fee or the use of the identification card may override the requirement for payment altogether. The data input device may then print out a receipt stamped with the entry time and optionally the vehicle image identified by the user and/or its registration number.

An optional feature provides a card reader which is capable of identifying the user's vehicle automatically when the identification card is scanned by cross referencing the database with the vehicle registration details read by the ANPR camera.

Instead of making immediate payment on-site, the apparatus may function to allow for payment to be made retrospectively, e.g. within say about 48 hours, by telephone or Internet, after which the apparatus may be programmed to dictate that a surcharge is payable. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may allow for pre-defined users to have an account which they top up as and when they park, or subsequently do so off-site. In such a case, the identification card may conveniently be used to identify the user.

:.. The apparatus may be, if required, constructed and arranged to operate whereby * *** * * vehicle images displayed are, optionally, only available for display for a predetermined **::* period of time, for example, 10-15 minutes from entry of the vehicle into the car park, whereafter the user may no longer be entitled to pay at standard rates, so that an *:*. excess or other penalty charge becomes automatically due. Alternatively, in the event that the driver is not a pre-arranged account holder and neglects to identify their vehicle image and pay within say 10-15 minutes of arrival, the apparatus will log the default and automatically start to calculate the fee due.

The user then leaves the car park and in due course returns to the vehicle and exits the car park, optionally keeping the receipt, via a barrier-free exit B having another ANPR camera C2.

Upon exit of the vehicle from the car park, the registration number is recorded by the ANPR camera mounted at that exit and the information is sent to the central station.

The entry and departure times are then compared with the fee paid and/or account holder status, If there is a shortfall, at the discretion of the car park management, the user is notified by post and given a period to pay the unpaid standard fee, with or without an excess or other penalty charge.

Whilst payment for vehicle parking charges may be made by the user whilst the vehicle is parked on-site, subsequent charges such as excess or other penalties may be collected from the user off-site after the vehicle has left the site. As a means to pay charges, the user may pay by e.g. permit holder parking, same day payment or pre-payment facilities. All such methods of collecting payment are embodied within the said alternative aspect outlined above.

Whilst any suitable identification card may be used, the first embodiment is particularly * S * 1 -* useful for car parking facilities associated with a store or stores, wherein it is envisaged ** that the identification card is a loyalty card for the store or stores associated with the car park. S. S * SS * S.

*j. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention, wherein like references represent like components and consequently these will not be described herein.

The second embodiment includes one card scanner CR1 associated with an entrance barrier EBI at the entry point A of the car park, a card scanner I payment station CR2 associated with an exit barrier EB2 at the exit point B of the car park and a further card scanner CR3 within a store S and a central station CS also within the store S. In use, the user is required to insert his or her loyalty card into the card scanner CR1, wherein the details of the card are verified and the time of entry is transmitted to the central station CS where it is recorded, On successful recognition of the card details, the barrier EB1 is raised and the vehicle enters the site and is parked in one of the available parking spaces CP. The entrance card scanner CR1 is also arranged to supply parking tickets for payment in the usual way for users not carrying a loyalty card.

When an in-store purchase is made, a cashier scans the loyalty card using the card scanner CR3 and the purchase details are associated with the loyalty card and transmitted to the central station CS, where it is recorded.

The user then leaves the store S and drives his or her vehicle to the exit point B a... * *

adjacent the exit barrier EB2. The user then inserts his or her identification card into *... the card scanner I payment station CR2, at which point the central station CS automatically calculates the duration from the time of entry to the time of exit, followed *. by the fee payable and returns the loyalty card to the user. **. *

If the calculated fee is zero, the barrier EB2 is automatically raised and the user may drive away If there is a fee to be paid, the card scanner / payment station CR2 displays the required payment. Payment may be made in the form of notes, coins, tokens or debiticredit card. The user may also request a receipt. When the requisite payment has been received, the barrier EB2 is automatically raised and the user may drive away.

Whilst the second embodiment of the invention specifies the use of a loyalty card, it should be appreciated that any suitable identification card may be used.

Several modifications and/or additions to the arrangement described above are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the card scanner / payment station CR2 in the second embodiment may be replaced with an exit card scanner and remote payment station, wherein the user is required to pre-pay the requisite fee immediately prior to returning to their vehicle on departing the site.

Moreover, whilst the card reader is arranged to read the magnetic strip of an :.. identification card, it may additionally or alternatively be arranged to read a barcode *1* * * ** and/or integrated circuit on an identification card. * .a 1 * I **

in addition, although the first embodiment includes a card reader located adjacent the *. : touch screen display and input system, the, or a further card reader may be located in * S. a remote location. For example, where the car park belongs to a store, e.g. a supermarket, the card reader may be located within the store, for example next to, or integrated with, a cash register or store payment processing system.

The identification card reader may be used in conjunction with other known parking systems such as those described above which comprise keypad data input means and/or systems which include touch screens which display the particulars of the number plates taken from the ANPR camera.

Any number of combinations of the features disclosed herein, together with any other features which are known in the art, are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

The term purchase as used herein refers to the purchase of goods or services associated with, for example, a store or stores which are associated with the car park.

Specifically, the term purchase does not include payment of the requisite parking fee. a. * . * *.* *a.* * . ***. * .* * * * * .. * ** * * . * a *1 a..

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for monitoring the parking a vehicle at a site such as a car park, the apparatus comprising: a) entry recording means adjacent an entry point of the site arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle entering the site; b) display means arranged to display images received from the entry recording means; c) data input means for a user to identify and select the image of his or her vehicle; and d) payment receiving means Preferably, the payment receiving means is arranged to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card and optionally to issue a receipt. I. *

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising entry recording means at each entry point of the site.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the entry recording means comprises one or more cameras.

4. Apparatus claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising exit recording means.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the exit recording means comprises at least one camera located at an exit point of the site and arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle exiting the site.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the apparatus comprises exit recording means at each exit point of the site.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the exit recording means preferably comprising one or more cameras.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the data input means is arranged to receive details of an identification card :. 9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the data input means comprises a keypad and/or scanning means arranged to scan an identification card. * S. * . S

* : 10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the entry recording means and/or the exit recording means is operably connected to the data input means and is arranged to associate the time of entry and/or the time of exit with an 5.

identification card.

11. Apparatus claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 10, further comprising purchase association means arranged to associate a purchase with the identification card.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the data input means is arranged to override and/or alter the requirement for payment on receipt of the details of the identification card.

13. Apparatus for monitoring the parking of a vehicle at a site such as a car park, the apparatus comprising: a) entry recording means arranged to record a time of entry into the site, b) means to associate the time of entry with an identification card; c) purchase association means arranged to associate purchase details with the identification card; d) exit recording means arranged to record a time of exit from the site and associate the time of exit with the identification card; e) automatic fee calculation means arranged to automatically calculate a fee based on one or more of the recorded entry time, exit time and purchase details, 14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, further comprising payment receiving means arranged to accept notes, coins, tokens or debit/credit card and optionally to issue a receipt for payment of the fee.

15. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the entry recording :: means and/or exit recording means comprises at least one camera at an entry S..

point and/or exit point of the site arranged to sense, record and transmit an image of each vehicle entering and/or exiting the site and/or the registration particulars from number plates thereof.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the entry recording means and/or exit recording means further comprises data input means.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the data input means is arranged to receive details of the identification card.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the data input means includes scanning means for scanning the identification card.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, wherein the entry recording means further comprises display means arranged to display images received from the at least one camera.

20. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the data input means is associated with the entry recording means and arranged to allow a user to select their vehicle.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 20, wherein the entry recording means and/or exit recording means includes barrier means. *... * * ****

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the barrier means is preferably arranged to grant access into, or allow departure from, the site upon entry of the *:*. details of the identification card into the data input means. ***

23 Apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the time access is granted is recorded as the time of entry.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 23, wherein the automatic fee calculation means includes further data input means for receiving details of the identification card.

25. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, wherein a keypad and/or scanning means for scanning the identification card.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 25, wherein the identification card may be arranged to record the time of entry and/or purchase details and/or time of exit.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 26, wherein the automatic fee calculation means is operably connected to the entry recording means and/or purchase association means and/or exit recording means.

28. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the automatic fee calculation means is arranged to receive and record the time of entry and/or purchase details and/or the time of exit. * ** * * *

29. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 28, wherein the purchase association means comprises scanning means arranged to scan an identification card. S..

S

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the purchase association means is located remote from the data input means and/or the display means.

31. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the purchase association means is adjacent to or incorporated within a purchasing management system.

32. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the purchase management system comprises a cash register.

33. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 31 or Claim 32, wherein the purchase management system incorporates the payment receiving means.

34. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 33, further comprising central processing means for maintaining a database of one or more of the following: identification card holder information, vehicle registration numbers, entry times and exit times.

35. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 34, wherein the central processing means is operably connected to or incorporates the entry recording means and/or purchase association means and/or exit recording means an/or automatic fee calculation means and/or payment receiving means. S. * * * *..

36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the card holder *5** *:*::* information comprises the card holder's vehicle registration. *.*

*. : Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 37, wherein the central * * processing means is arranged to identify the user's vehicle automatically. S..

38. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 37, wherein the identification card is a loyalty card for a store or stores associated with the site.

39. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 38, wherein the identification card comprises a magnetic strip, barcode or integrated circuit thereon or therein.

40. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 39 when dependent on Claim 18, wherein the scanning means is a magnetic strip and/or barcode and/or integrated circuit reader.

41. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 40 when dependent on Claim 15, wherein the at least one camera is an ANPR camera arranged additionally to sense, record and transmit the number plate of each vehicle entering the site and the display means is further arranged to display the number plate.

42. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 41 when dependent on Claim 20, wherein the display means is arranged to display, for payment purposes, images of only those vehicles not already selected by another user.

43. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 42, wherein the display means is arranged to display a group of more than one image of the vehicle selected by the user, and S...

the data input means is arranged to permit the user to toggle between groups of * images. * *. *

44. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 42 or Claim 43, wherein the images of a vehicle to *..

be displayed for selection are miniature' or so-called thumbnail' images.

45. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 44, wherein the display means is arranged to display multiple such miniature' or thumbnail' images of a plurality of vehicles which have been detected as having entered the car park facility within a predetermined time frame.

46. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 42 to 44, wherein the images represent the whole or at least the majority of the vehicle.

47. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 46, wherein further images of the or each vehicle which can be displayed include a fufl-screen frontal or rear image of the vehicle, clearly indicating the vehicle number plate.

48. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 47, wherein the payment receiving means is so constructed and arranged to cater for payment collection once the relevant vehicle has been driven off-site.

49. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 48, wherein the payment receiving means can be constructed and arranged to cater for payment made in advance or in arrears to an account, the apparatus being arranged to take *:*::* appropriate payment from said account, without the user even having to enter data or images. * * S

* * 50. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 13 to 49, wherein the data input *SS

S

means and the display means are integrated in a touch-screen display.

51. Apparatus arranged to be retro-fitted within an existing fee-charging vehicle parking facility such as to a so-called "pay and display" machine, such apparatus being arranged to record an image of each vehicle entering the associated car parking facility and permit the user of a vehicle to identify an image of their vehicle and/or scan an identification card and/or make a payment.

52. A method of obtaining payment from a user for vehicle parking charges and optionally a penalty or excess charge, which involves the user using a apparatus as described above.

53. A method of identifying a user for reducing or eliminating vehicle parking charges which involves a user using an apparatus as described above.

54. An automated method of identifying a user for reducing or eliminating vehicle parking charges, the method comprising receiving details of a loyalty card and automatically determining whether or not to provide discounted or free parking.

A method of controlling conditional free parking comprising: a) recording a time of entry into a site; b) associating the time of entry with an identification card; * c) either before or after step (b) associating a purchase with the identification card; d) recording a time of exit from the site; e) associating the time of exit with the identification card; * f) optionally calculating a duration; and S..

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g) automatically calculating a fee, wherein the fee calculated is dependent on the purchase and/or the duration associated with the identification card.

56. A method as claimed in Claim 55, including checking whether the identification card is a loyalty card for a store or group of stores.

57 A method as claimed in Claim 55 or Claim 56, including recording the time of entry by scanning the card on entry into the car park, or by a user identifying pre-recorded details of his or her vehicle.

58. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 55 to 57, including recording the time of exit by scanning the card, prior to exiting the car park at a barrier 59. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 55 to 58, including making the fee calculation dependent on one or more purchases associated the identification card which were made prior to the time of entry into the site.

60. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

61. A method substantially as hereinbefore described. * S * S.. *... * S * ** * . S * SS

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