NZ516006A - Automated parking system using wireless tranceiver communication between vehicles and parking metering system - Google Patents

Abstract

A parking metering system for a parking facility comprises firstly of at least one fixed transceiver (34) for wireless communication with vehicle transceivers (100) located inside the vehicles using the parking facility (41). Each vehicle transceivers (100) has a unique identification code (ID), a data processor, memory and display. A network server (31) is provided with a database, where the server has a two-way communication link with each fixed transceiver. The network server is in charge of tracking the elapsed time that a vehicle is parked in the facility. The parking metering system then utilises a calculating means to determine the parking fee based on a fee schedule and the elapsed time for periodically debiting an account in the database associated with each ID.

Description

Inte?isc*ual Property Office of NZ PATENTS FORM NO. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 516006 Dated: 18 January 2002 James & Wells Ref: 19129/24 Parking Metering System I, David Geoffrey Lamason t/a Detech International of PO Box 5552, Hamilton, New Zealand, a New Zealand company, hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 Technical Field The present invention relates generally to parking meters and systems and more specifically to electronic parking meters and parking systems incorporating wireless communications.

Background Art The ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads and limited space for parking, particularly in urban areas, has led to problems for both car park users and car park providers. Typically, prior art systems for monitoring the use of commercial parking facilities require the operator of a vehicle, upon entering a parking facility, to take a time encoded ticket from either an automated parking ticket dispenser or from an attendant at the entrance. A drawback of this system is that drivers may lose their parking tickets. One or more attendants are needed at the exit location to collect the parking fee, increasing operating costs. Fee calculations are most often based on the time that a vehicle remains within the facility and there is no automated means for detecting abandoned vehicles.

In other systems, whether parking meters are operated using coins, credit cards or pre-paid cards, each meter remains vulnerable to vandalism and robbery. Further problems arise in changing the parking tariff at each meter from time to time, as each one must be visited and adjusted. It is often expensive and cumbersome for local body officials to keep track of offenders who park their vehicles without paying for the parking space. Another parking problem is the difficulty of keeping accurate records and monitoring parking costs incurred.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

As used herein, the word "comprises" means "includes, but is not limited to" and its derivatives have a corresponding meaning.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a parking metering system for a parking facility, the system including: at least one fixed transceiver having means for wireless communication with vehicle transceivers locatable in vehicles utilising the parking facility; a plurality of vehicle transceivers, each transceiver having a unique identification code ("ED") and being carried in a vehicle requiring access to the parking facility, each vehicle transceiver including a data processor, a memory, and a display; a network server having a database, and a two-way communication link with each fixed transceiver, the network server including means for tracking an elapsed time that the vehicle is parked; means for calculating a parking fee based on a fee rate schedule and the elapsed time and for periodically debiting an account in the database associated with each identification code to reflect the fee, and a data communications link for connecting the network server to at least one other remote computer.

The parking facility includes any parking space, parking building, parking lot or part thereof, either private or public, with or without a gate for controlling the entrance of vehicles. The fee rate schedule may comprise a single rate applicable to all users, or alternatively the schedule may include rates that vary according to time or user ID etc.

The data communications link preferably connects the network server to the internet, in this manner the invention makes parking related data (e.g. present and historic parking facility identification, elapsed time, payment records) and other data (e.g. present vehicle security alarm status) records available wherever internet access is available. The data 10 communications link preferably allows for real-time monitoring of the vehicle transceivers. Furthermore the data communications link allows for data to be sent to the network server, for controlling operation of the system (e.g. to update the fee rate schedule) or for requesting data, a status update or an action etc. The data communications link may include telephone lines, wireless links or hard wired connections.

Preferably the system includes a gate controlled by the network server for stopping vehicles from entering the parking facility when they are flagged on the database (e.g. for having an outstanding account or insufficient number of parking credits available) or otherwise not authorized to enter (e.g. because they are not fitted with a vehicle transceiver or because the 2 0 parking facility is full.

Preferably the apparatus includes one fixed transceiver positioned at an entrance to the parking facility and a plurality of short-range fixed transceivers are spaced throughout the parking facility such that there is substantially no overlap between the effective transmission 4 range of adjacent fixed transceivers, the cumulative transmission range covering each available parking space in the parking facility. The fixed transceiver positioned at an entrance to the parking facility may include means for detecting when the vehicle is entering the parking facility.

The fixed transceiver includes means for signaling the vehicle transceiver when the system determines that the vehicle is parked for indicating the start of the elapsed parking time measurement. Preferably, the network server includes polling means for polling vehicles in the parking facility, via the fixed transceivers, to determine for each vehicle transceiver 10 whether it is remaining in the particular area covered by any one fixed transceiver, and after a length of time during which it remains in the particular area determining that the vehicle is parked for the purpose of starting the elapsed parking time measurement.

The system also includes means to determine the end of the elapsed parking time when the 15 vehicle is exiting the parking facility. This time is also determined from the results of polling vehicles in the parking facility, via the fixed transceivers, when a previously parked vehicle leaves the area covered by the fixed transceiver or moves into another area covered by another fixed transceiver the elapsed time measurement is stopped. 2 0 The vehicle transceiver includes a unit that is releasably attachable to a holder positioned adjacent a windscreen of a vehicle and has red and green light for visually indicating its operating condition (timer stopped and running, respectively) in a manner that is clearly visible from both inside and outside the vehicle. The transceiver includes a microprocessor, a display, control buttons including a manual start/stop button, a "smart" card port, a radio 2 5 transceiver, an infrared receiver, as well as associated circuitry with power supply drawn from the vehicle's battery. The vehicle transceiver includes means for storing and displaying a running total of the fee charged, and the elapsed time. The parking fee is determined by the network server, which holds a fee schedule, and debits a user account according to the elapsed time measured.

The data base may include the following data: parking facility identity, parking facility availability of a certain region, vehicle identification, user identification, billing information, time related information of use of a parking facility, and law enforcement information.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interface for communication with the network server connects to an internet server billing system for billing a user for use of the parking facility. Preferably, an internet accessible account of the user is charged for use of the parking facility.

The system includes an enforcement interface unit for monitoring authorized use of the parking facility.

There is also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for determining the limits of the elapsed time using a parking metering system as described 2 0 above, including the steps: periodically polling a vehicle transceiver to transmit its ED; receiving a signal of the ID at an identified fixed transceiver; registering against the ID and identified fixed transceiver, a real time at which the signal is received; 6 calculating a start of the elapsed time after the ID has been registered against the identified fixed transceiver for a predetermined period, and calculating an end of the elapsed time when the ID is no longer registered against the identified fixed transceiver or is registered against another fixed transceiver.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for parking metering, including: providing a parking metering system substantially as described above; communicating information relating to the vehicle and the system to an internet accessible server and providing the user access to the information. For example, the system may be used to advise the vehicle operator on the alarm status (i.e. a car alarm sent by the internet), to report which parking facilities are being used and which are vacant or provide a reminder of the position where it was parked. In alternative embodiments, a location message may be sent to the vehicle transceiver, by way of the fixed transceiver, displaying the location message to the vehicle operator which advises a particular portion of the parking facility in which to park the vehicle.

The present invention further provides a method for parking metering in a parking facility employing a system as described above and comprising the steps of: prior to the vehicle accessing the parking facility storing in the vehicle transceiver or in the database a parking credits signal representative of a monetary quantity available for paying any parking fees; repeatedly transmitting radio signals toward vehicles accessing the parking facility from a fixed transceiver, the radio signals including information indicating a current date and time, and a fee rate schedule; receiving the transmitted radio signal at a vehicle receiver carried by a vehicle transceiver in at least one of a plurality of vehicles accessing the parking facility; processing at the vehicle transceiver the received signals to identify the message transmitted from the fixed transceiver; storing at the vehicle transceiver at least one of the received or processed signals in a memory in the vehicle; tracking at the network server the elapsed time that the vehicle is within the parking facility, the elapsed time being determined in relation to the current date and time; calculating from the fee rate schedule and the elapsed time a usage fee; 10 periodically debiting the parking credits to reflect the calculated usage fee.

This invention provides a parking metering system which has a number of advantages over the previously known systems. The system allows parking to be automated with virtually no operator or user intervention, for very simple operation. It reduces the administration 15 required for operating parking meters and parking buildings, and provides better communications and access to the information held by the parking provider and owners of vehicles.

Brief Description of Drawings 2 0 Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic of a parking metering system of the present invention; Figure 2 is an oblique pictorial view of vehicle unit of the present invention; 8 Figure 3 is circuit schematic of a vehicle transceiver of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of some parking spaces metered using theparking metering system of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention Referring to Fig. 1, a parking metering system constructed and operating in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used in a public parking building 41 and includes a local control computer or network server 31a data communications link 32,40 in the form of an internet connection 32 (or optional radio frequency link 40) to an internet 10 server 30. The network server 31 monitors and manages vehicle access to the parking building 41 which is provided with a plurality of fixed radio transceivers 33, 34 for radio frequency communication with vehicle transceivers 100 carried in vehicles utilising the parking building. All the communication links, represented by the lines joining the components of the system in Fig. 1, are bi-directional.

The network server 31 controls the operation of the fixed transceivers 33, 34 for radio frequency communication with the vehicle transceivers 100 using time division multiplexing. The network server 31 and the fixed transceivers 33, 34 are connected by a local area network, e.g. an Ethernet TM or RS485. The network server 31 includes a database (not 2 0 shown) for holding any information pertinent to monitoring and/or billing for the parking building, such as parking building identity, parking time limits, schedule of parking rates, and user account details such as user identification, vehicle identification, time related information for use of a parking facility etc. The network server 31 provides a link 32,40 for communications via the internet connection 32 to and from the vehicle transceivers 100, it 9 updates in real time user account data held on the internet server 30 and provides for other data to also be received via the internet connection 32 or directly input.

The advantages of this system are apparent when considering the types of communications 5 facilitated by the network server 31. For example, a user with access to the internet can determine where and how long his vehicle has been parked, as well as pay parking fees. Information such as the identity of stolen vehicles or previous parking fines may also be periodically pulled down off the internet server 30.

Referring to Fig. 4, the output of the fixed transceivers 33, 34 is controlled such that within each broadcast cell the broadcast signal strength from the transceiver 33, 34 is maintained above a predetermined threshold figure with variations in atmospheric conditions etc. Throughout the car park 41 the fixed transceivers 33, 34 are placed such that all parking spaces 51a, 51b, 51c etc lie within substantially non-overlapping broadcast cells 50a, 50b etc.

Upon power up, intermittently or as desired, the network server 31 performs a power range control procedure to regulate the broadcast radio frequency power level for the fixed transceivers 33, 34 (as well as the vehicle transceivers 100). In this procedure each fixed transceivers 33,34 sequentially transmits a test signal, the received signal strength at adjacent fixed transceivers 33,34 is determined and compared with required values stored in memory. 2 0 Preferably the test signal is broadcast at a high power level that is reduced in a stepwise manner until the fixed transceiver 33, 34 is transmitting at the lowest level necessary to produce the required received signal strengths. In this manner, at any position within the parking facility a signal received by a vehicle transceiver 100 above the threshold level allows the system to identify the cell and therefore the approximate location of the vehicle.

At the entrance of the parking building a vehicle sensor 36 is provided. It is preferably an optical device providing a beam which is broken to detect a vehicle and comprising an emitter and detector (not shown). A gate 37 controlled by the network server 31 controls the 5 access to the parking facility.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the vehicle transceiver 100 includes a hand-held unit 10 that is releasably attachable to a holder 20 positioned adjacent a windscreen of a vehicle (not shown) so as to be clearly visible from outside the vehicle. At the base of the 10 unit 10 a two-part connector 17 electrically connects the unit 10 and holder 20, providing a power and communication link between the two. The unit 10 can be removed from the holder 20 for manual operation, which cannot readily be performed when it is mounted adjacent to the windscreen.

A red LED 11 and a green LED 12 are positioned on the unit 10 for visually indicating its condition (timer stopped and running, respectively). A liquid crystal display 14 and scrolling buttons 15 are positioned at the front of the unit 10, along with a manual start/stop button 13 and menu button 27. A port 16 slidably receives and holds a "smart" card (not shown). The unit 10 also houses a microprocessor 18 that is programmed to carry out various functions as 2 0 discussed below, as well as associated circuitry and components including a real-time clock 19 and an EEPROM 21 which records a unique identification number for each transceiver 100.

The holder 20 is an intelligent device that includes a microprocessor 22 controlling a radio 2 5 transceiver 12 for two way radio communication with the network server 31. The holder 20 11 houses a power supply 25 to the unit 10, which is preferably drawn from the vehicle's battery 24. An alarm indicator 57 receives an alarm-indicating signal from the vehicle's alarm when a security alarm installed on the vehicle is actuated.

The system can direct the user to an available space in the parking facility and provide an indication to the user if certain spaces are unavailable (e.g. reserved parking).

The parking metering system includes a hand-held parking enforcement wand 35 for monitoring authorized use of the parking facility. The parking enforcement wand 35 includes 10 a short-range infrared (IR) communication link for communicating with the vehicle transceivers 100 and may optionally include a receiver (not shown) to receive information from the fixed transceivers 33, 34. The wand 35 includes an infringement report generator producing a parking infringement notice which may be served on site to vehicle transceivers 100 via the IR link and via the wand interface 38 to update the network server 31 and internet 15 server 30. Infringements (e.g. for exceeding paid time or parking in a reserved space) can also be identified by the system and fines issued to the user's account or notification may be sent to a tow truck operator identifying the vehicle and the area or cell 50 in which it is parked. 2 0 The data communications link 32, 40 provides the user with a number of options for communicating with the network server 31 including, for example, a computer terminal connected to a modem or computer network or a mobile telephone that is internet capable e.g.. WAP, SMS 53. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the network server 31 is connected by the internet to a billing computer 52 for billing a user for 12 use of the parking facility. The billing computer 52 may include any type of system or software for generating debit notes and communicating debits to a bill collection service, bank account, credit card 54 etc. The billing computer 52 is also connected to the wand interface 38.

Through the internet, the vehicle owner can log on to a web site held on the internet server 30 (e.g. using a personal computer 56) to determine the status of his account, pay for parking etc. The web site may give the user options such as sending an electronic notification (e.g. by email, cellular telephone or SMS) in the event of a parking infringement notice being issued, parking time being exceeded, or vehicle security alarm activation etc. For each user account the internet server 30 also maintains a log parking times, against the place and date, or other stats like how many times and how long have you parked at a certain car park.

In a like manner an agent can use a computer 55 to set up and administer accounts held on the internet server 30 for users of the system who have purchased vehicle transceivers 100. the system can direct the user to an available space in the parking facility and provide an indication to the user if certain spaces are unavailable (e.g. reserved parking).

The parking metering system includes a hand-held parking enforcement wand 35 for monitoring authorized use of the parking facility. The parking enforcement wand 35 includes a short-range infrared (IR) communication link for communicating with the vehicle transceivers 100 and may optionally include a receiver (not shown) to receive information from the fixed transceivers 33, 34. The wand 35 includes an infringement report generator producing a parking infringement notice which may be served on site to vehicle transceivers 100 via the IR link and via the wand interface 38 to update the network server 31 and internet server 30. Infringements (e.g. for exceeding paid time or parking in a reserved space) can be identified by the system and fines issued to the user's account or notification may be sent to a tow truck operator identifying the vehicle and the area or cell 50 in which it is parked.

The operation of the parking metering system will now be described with particular reference to Fig. 1. When the vehicle sensor 36 indicates a vehicle approaching the entrance to the parking building the entry transceiver 33 transmits a message to the vehicle transceiver 100 identifying features of the car park (e.g. car park name, hourly rate, car park spaces available). 10 On receipt of this signal the vehicle transceiver 100 transmits its identification (ID) number to the entry fixed transceiver 33. The entry fixed transceiver receives this ID number and checks on the network server 31 against the status of the ID (e.g. to see whether the car owner has any outstanding parking account or fines etc) and unless the ID number is flagged on the system the vehicle is allowed to enter the car park. After completing this cycle the entry 15 transceiver 33 powers down and waits for the beam to reconnected and then broken again before reinitiating the cycle. In this manner the bandwidth and power consumption are greatly reduced.

The system includes diagnostics to check for correct operation and, for example, the beam of 2 0 the vehicle detector 36 may be pulsed at a regular rate and if a failure of the beam is detected the fixed transceiver 33 can transmit data at set intervals and await a response from the vehicle transceivers. The vehicle detector 36 is necessary as it is used to determine whether the radio communications provided by the vehicle transceiver 100 is working or not and whether to allow the car into the parking building since the system depends upon working 2 5 radio communications to monitor the parking time. 14 As the vehicle proceeds into the parking building it comes within the range of a first car park fixed transceiver 34. Each fixed transceiver 34 intermittently broadcasts a request for any vehicle transceivers 100 to return their ID numbers. All the vehicle transceivers 100 within 5 range then alternately transmit back their ID, allowing the network server 31 to compare the received IDs against a previously recorded register. Any new IDs are identified and added to the register, recorded against each fixed transceiver's address. In this manner the network server 31 is able to identify the vehicles which enter and leave the cell each fixed transceiver monitors.

When one fixed transceiver 34 receives the same ID for more than a set time the network server 31 determines that the car is parked and so starts recording the parking time against the transceiver's ID. The fixed transceiver 34 sends a start signal to the vehicle transceiver 100 which starts an elapsed time display and turns the red LED 11 off and the green LED 12 on.

The network server 31 determines the number of spaces available within the range of each fixed transceiver 34 by subtracting from the total number of spaces within range, the number of vehicles detected. This information on space availability may be transmitted to the unit 10 for display on the display 14.

When the device is in use and mounted in the vehicle, the LEDs 11,12 are positioned so as to be clearly visible from outside the vehicle to enable a parking attendant to check the device from time to time to ensure that the vehicle is legitimately parked and that the relevant parking tariff has been paid. At the end of the approved parking period, for example, the 2 5 green LED 12 may be turned OFF and the red LED switched on by appropriate signals transmitted from the transceivers 34 at the termination of the approved parking period.

When the vehicle leaves the park, the elapsed parking time remains running until the vehicle moves within the range of another fixed transceiver 34. The network server 31 recognizes 5 that the vehicle has left its original parking spot and sends a stop signal to the vehicle transceiver 100 and records an elapsed time on the database against the transceiver ID.

User account details on the internet server 30 are updated in real time with information on the active transceiver IDs and parking time information. Preferably the billing authority 52 is 10 company or division solely set up to handle the transactions involved in managing billing for users' accounts. The account information is sent out via email or post and the users may make payment at any time in any manner, including by the internet. The user may also readily monitor account information and their parking activity against the history logged in the vehicle transceiver 100.

In an alternative to the periodic billing system the user has the option of using a smart card to pay for parking. Upon payment, a credit may be loaded onto the smart card. When entering the car park building the available credit held on the smart card is transmitted by the vehicle transceiver 100 to the entry fixed transceiver 33. The credit recorded on this smart card is 2 0 deducted in accordance with the time measured by the network server 31 and the applicable parking rate. A record of this time and associated fee is also held on the internet server 30.

The system can also include the use of the hand-held enforcement wand 35 with an IR transceiver by parking wardens. In this case, when tickets are issued, the information relating 2 5 to the ticket, i.e., ticket number, license number, date, time and amount of overtime parking, 16 can be inserted into the storage of the vehicle transceiver 100 and is then transmitted by the system to the internet server 30 to be recorded against the user's account. Furthermore, the interface unit can be loaded with the license numbers of stolen cars. The information received from the vehicle fixed transceiver 100 can be used to alert parking wardens and 5 replaces the inefficient and time consuming process of having to walk or drive down every area looking for overtime parking conditions. In addition, the system may also be used to monitor when vehicles have been abandoned in the facility and, for example, may automatically send a request to a tow truck operator describing the vehicle and its position. A signal may also be transmitted to the infringing vehicle displaying a message which confirms 10 for the tow truck operator that he has located the required vehicle.

When using the vehicle transceiver 100 as an electronic parking meter for metering parking in areas not provided with the fixed transceivers 33, 34 the user is responsible for ensuring that there is credit on the smart card and for starting the device manually by means of the 15 switch 13. In these areas a parking warden would patrol to ensure that all the electronic parking meters have been started and is able to issue an infringement notice via the IR link as described above. 2 0 When a user has a transceiver 100 fitted to his vehicle and his details are recorded on the database, he is also given access to personalized account information accessible through any computer or internet device connected to the internet. As well as monitoring parking costs, the user may log on to the system to locate the vehicle. In the database is a record of each fixed transceiver 34 and its physical location and due to the fixed transceivers 34 having a 2 5 short range, the system can provide accurate location information to a user who may have misplaced her vehicle in a large car park. 17 The internet server 30 may be programmed to send a signal to the user via his mobile or land telephone to alert the user that, for example, the paid parking period is drawing to a close. This enables the user to return to the vehicle or, in some cases, to apply for an extension of 5 the approved parking time.

The parking metering system can be programmed to respond to a vehicle security alarm system when it is triggered. The system can be programmed to generate signals that are transmitted to the parking service provider, or to the user via the internet to his internet enabled mobile telephone or other internet device, to indicate that an unauthorized entry has been made.

In a second preferred embodiment of the parking metering system (not shown) fixed transceivers 34 may be provided along the kerb for monitoring roadside parking in a manner 15 similar to that described above.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 18

Claims (22)

WHAT WE CLAIMS IS:

1. A parking metering system for a parking facility, the system including: 5 at least one fixed transceiver having means for wireless communication with vehicle transceivers locatable in vehicles utilising the parking facility; a plurality of vehicle transceivers, each transceiver having a unique identification code (ID) and being carried in a vehicle requiring access to the parking facility, each vehicle transceiver including a data processor, a memory, and a display; 10 a network server having a database, and a two-way communication link with each fixed transceiver, the network server including means for tracking an elapsed time that the vehicle is parked; means for calculating a parking fee based on a fee rate schedule and the elapsed time and for periodically debiting an account in the database associated with each identification 15 code to reflect the fee, and a data communications link for connecting the network server to at least one other remote computer.

2 0 2. The parking metering system of claim 1 wherein the data communications link connects the network server to the internet.

3. The parking metering system of claim 1 or claim 2 including a gate controlled by the 19 network server for stopping vehicles from entering the parking facility when they are flagged on the database or otherwise not authorized to enter. 5

4. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein one fixed entrance transceiver is positioned at an entrance to the parking facility and a plurality of short-range fixed transceivers are spaced throughout the parking facility such that there is substantially no overlap between the effective transmission range of adjacent fixed transceivers, the cumulative transmission range covering each available parking space in the 10 parking facility.

5. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims further including means positioned at an entrance to the parking facility for detecting when the vehicle is entering the 15 parking facility.

6. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims including means for signaling the vehicle transceiver when the system determines that the vehicle is parked for 2 0 indicating the start of the elapsed parking time measurement.

7. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the network server includes polling means for polling vehicles in the parking facility, via the fixed 20 Intellectual Property Office of nz 16 MAY 2003 51 60 0 6 received transceivers, to determine for each vehicle transceiver whether it is remaining in the particular area covered by any one fixed transceiver, and after a length of time during which it remains in the particular area determining that the vehicle is parked for the purpose of starting the elapsed parking time measurement. 5

8. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the system also includes means to determine the end of the elapsed parking time when the vehicle is exiting the parking facility.

9. The parking metering system of claim 8 wherein the end of the elapsed time is determined from the results of polling vehicles in the parking facility, via the fixed transceivers, when a previously parked vehicle leaves the area covered by the fixed transceiver or moves into 15 another area covered by another fixed transceiver the elapsed time measurement is stopped.

10. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle transceiver includes a unit that is releasably attachable to a holder positioned adjacent a 2 0 windscreen of a vehicle.

11. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle transceiver includes a microprocessor, a display, control buttons including a manual start/stop button, a 21 "smart" card port, a radio transceiver, an infrared receiver, as well as associated circuitry with power supply drawn from the vehicle's battery. 5

12. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle transceiver includes means for storing and displaying a running total of the fee charged, and the elapsed time. 10

13. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the parking fee is determined by the network server, which holds a fee schedule, and debits a user account according to the elapsed time measured. 15

14. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the data base includes the following data: parking facility identity, parking facility availability of a certain region, vehicle identification, user identification, billing information, time related information of use of a parking facility, and law enforcement information. 20

15. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the data communications link includes telephone lines or wireless links. 22

16. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein an internet accessible account of the user is charged for use of the parking facility. 5

17. The parking metering system of any one of the preceding claims wherein system includes an enforcement interface unit for monitoring authorized use of the parking facility.

18. A method for determining the limits of the elapsed time using a parking metering system 10 as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, including the steps: periodically polling a vehicle transceiver to transmit its ED; receiving a signal of the ID at an identified fixed transceiver; registering against the ID and identified fixed transceiver, a real time at which the signal is received; 15 calculating a start of the elapsed time after the ID has been registered against the identified fixed transceiver for a predetermined period, and calculating an end of the elapsed time when the ID is no longer registered against the identified fixed transceiver or is registered against another fixed transceiver. 20

19. A method for parking metering, including: providing a parking metering system substantially as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; communicating information relating to the vehicle and the system to an internet accessible server and providing the user access to the information. 23

20. A method for parking metering using a parking metering system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising the steps of: 5 prior to the vehicle accessing the parking facility storing in the vehicle transceiver or in the database a parking credits signal representative of a monetary quantity available for paying any parking fees; repeatedly transmitting radio signals toward vehicles accessing the parking facility from a fixed transceiver, the radio signals including information indicating a current date and 10 time, and a fee rate schedule; receiving the transmitted radio signal at a vehicle receiver carried by a vehicle transceiver in at least one of a plurality of vehicles accessing the parking facility; processing at the vehicle transceiver the received signals to identify the message transmitted from the fixed transceiver; 15 storing at the vehicle transceiver at least one of the received or processed signals in a memory in the vehicle; tracking at the network server the elapsed time that the vehicle is within the parking facility, the elapsed time being determined in relation to the current date and time; calculating from the fee rate schedule and the elapsed time a usage fee; 2 0 periodically debiting the parking credits to reflect the calculated usage fee.

21. A parking metering system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 24

22. A method of operating a parking metering system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10 DAVID GEOFFREY LAMASON T/A DETECH INTERNATIONAL by their authorised agents JAMES & WELLS per: int&a A£' C^jrr* $ 5 Apft ececved 25