WO2000059201A9

WO2000059201A9 - Electronic parking meter system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2000059201A9
Application number: PCT/US2000/008172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avish Jacob Weiner; Zeev Shpiro
Original assignee: A R Weiner Corporate Ltd; Friedman Mark M; Avish Jacob Weiner; Zeev Shpiro
Priority date: 1999-03-31
Filing date: 2000-03-28
Publication date: 2001-11-15
Also published as: AU4036500A; WO2000059201A1; IL145555A0

Abstract

A parking meter system is provided and includes (a) a communication system (10) including (i) a communication network (14) covering a geographical region; and (ii) a plurality of mobile communication devices (16) being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with the communication network; (b) a plurality of parking locations (20) in the geographical region identifiable by individual markings (22); and (c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit (24) bi-directionally communicating with the plurality of mobile communication devices through the communication network. Upon spotting an unoccupied parking location, a user communicates a marking associated therewith via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

Description

ELECTRONIC PARKING METER SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic parking meter system and method and, more particularly, to a parking-space reserving and monitoring system which utilizes an existing communication network such as, for example, a mobile cellular communication network or a pager network, and a dedicated processing system, which communicates with a user through the communication network, to provide pertinent information regarding availability of free parking- spaces and parking fees, so as to enable the user to be guided to a free parking-space and pay for the parking services through the use of a communication device, such as, a cellular telephone or a pager. The system and method further provides for man operated electronic supervision effected via communication by a supervisor through the communication network or a parallel network with the processing system.

Cities worldwide often utilize parking meters to receive payment for the use of parking spaces. A variety of coin operated parking meters are known in the art.

Such parking meters utilize either mechanical or electronic means for receiving money and monitoring the time vended by the parking meter.

Typical coin operated parking meters receive one or more coins to begin a timing interval during which a vehicle may remain parked in an appropriate space associated with, and adjacent to, the parking meter. The timing interval, or the amount of time vended by the meter to the user, is typically determined by the time of day and by the number and value of the coins which are inserted into the parking meter.

Since such mechanical and electronic parking meters are coin operated they are limited by an inefficient supervisor dependent collection and monitoring means which invariably leads to great losses in revenues. In addition, since such systems require a coin payment to operate, they are troublesome and tedious to operate for the user.

To solve the problems associated with coin operated parking meters, electronic parking meter systems which provide parking space time through the use of electronic payment methods have been devised.

One example to such a parking meter system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,890 to Trehn. The system disclosed by Trehn, and other similar systems described in the art, employ dedicated electronic communication devices placed within, or connected to, the automobile of a user for effecting an automatic electronic payment. Such payment method is monitorable by an supervisor, such that a parking space is reserved by the user for a determined time period.

Since the system disclosed by Trehn and other similar systems described in the art negate the use of cash money, auditing, maintenance, and operation of such systems can be effected in simple and efficient manner. For example, such system can include portable electronic meter- reader unit, in which a portable computer or a similar device electronically interfaces through hard- wire or wireless modes with an electronic parking meter to gather data indicating, for example, the amount of money which has been received in a certain time period, the number of violation incidents, and the like. Several examples to such interfacing devices have been described in the art. Examples to such a portable electronic meter reader are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,614,892 and 5,740,050.

Although these parking meter systems present major improvements over the coin operated parking meters, limitations are inherent to their dedicated design.

Since such systems necessitate the use of a dedicated user operated electronic communication device, such a device must be provided to, or purchased by, the user, which greatly complicates both the establishment, cost-effectiveness and the operation of such a system.

In addition, the systems described above cannot provide the user, when away from the car, with information pertaining to the parking status, such as time remaining, which is applicable in parking zones where parking is limited to a predetermined time period, a reminder of time elapsed and/or the ability to extend the vended parking time. Additional information pertaining to a specific parking space in which a user wishes to park such as specific parking rates and the like are also not available.

Finally, in the prior art electronic meter systems such as those described hereinabove, the user employed devices are not provided with communication means which can allow the networking of such devices to a central processing unit. As such, these systems lack further feature utilizable by both the supervisor and user, which can only be provided through such networking. For example, providing a user or a supervisor with real-time regiospecific information pertaining to parking space availability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,098 describes a parking management communication system which includes a central control unit having a data base, a central interface unit and at least one user interface unit. The central interface unit is in communication with the at least one user interface unit via wired or wireless communication link. Although the system described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,098 overcomes some of the limitations inherent to the prior art systems described hereinabove, it cannot provide a user or a supervisor with real-time regiospecific information pertaining to parking space availability.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, an electronic parking-space meter system and method devoid of the above limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a parking meter system comprising (a) a communication system including (i) a communication network covering a geographical region; and (ii) a plurality of mobile communication devices being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with the communication network; (b) a plurality of parking locations in the geographical region identifiable by individual markings; and (c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with the plurality of mobile communication devices through the communication network; wherein, wherein a user being in communication via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, can receive, on demand, information pertaining to parking space availability in the geographical region and further wherein a user communicates a marking associated with an unoccupied parking location, via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the parking meter system further comprising (d) at least one stationary communication device being for use by a plurality of users devoid of a mobile communication device, the at least one stationary communication device bi-directionally communicating either directly or via the communication network with the central electronic data processing and storage unit; wherein, upon spotting an unoccupied parking location and parking, a user devoid of a mobile communication device communicates a marking associated therewith via one of the at least one stationary communication device to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a parking metering method comprising the steps of (a) associating a plurality of parking locations in a geographical region with individual markings; (b) providing a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with a plurality of mobile communication devices through a communication network of a communication system, such that a user being in communication via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, can receive, on demand, information pertaining to parking space availability in said geographical region. Furthermore, the system of the present invention enables a user to communicate a marking associated with an unoccupied parking location, via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the communication system is selected from the group consisting of a cellular communication system, a cordless voice communication system, a pager communication system and a satellite communication system.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the individual markings includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the markings are printed on the ground adjacent to, and in context with, the plurality of parking locations.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the markings are printed on signs positioned adjacent to, and in context with, the plurality of parking locations.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments upon the reservation of the unoccupied parking location the central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of tariff information and parking time upper limit information.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments following the reservation of the unoccupied parking location the central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of location of the user's vehicle and time remaining to expiration of the reservation.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments before, at or following expiration of the reservation the central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for extending the reservation.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments before, at or following expiration of the reservation the central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for terminating the reservation.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the communication system is a cellular communication system, whereas each of the plurality of mobile communication devices is a mobile cellular communication device and the communication network is a cellular communication network having a plurality of regiospecific communication cells.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the individual markings include a sequence of alphanumeric characters and are further identifiable in context of one or several of the regiospecific communication cells, so as to permit usage of identical sequences of alphanumeric characters in a plurality of the regiospecific communication cells. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the communication between each of the plurality of mobile communication devices and the communication network is effected via a narrow band channel sufficient for transmission of alphanumeric data. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the communication between each of the plurality of mobile communication devices and the communication network is effected via a wide band channel sufficient for transmission of voice data.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the parking metering method further comprising the step of monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the step of monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved is effected by a mobile enforcement communication device being at the disposal of a supervisor, the mobile enforcement communication device including a transceiver for communicating with the central electronic data processing and storage unit through the communication network or a parallel communication network. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the enforcement communication device further includes a printer for printing a parking ticket, the method further comprising the step of printing the parking ticket and attaching the parking ticket to a vehicle if the occupied parking location has not been reserved.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a parking meter system comprising (a) a communication system including (i) a communication network covering a geographical region; and (ii) a plurality of mobile communication devices being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with the communication network; (b) at least one parking gate controlling access to a plurality of parking locations of a parking lot in the geographical region, each of the at least one parking gate being identifiable by an individual marking; and (c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with the plurality of mobile communication devices through the communication network and further communicating with the at least one parking gate; wherein, upon entrance into the parking lot, a user communicates a marking associated with an electronic gate thereof via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect opening of the electronic gate.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments upon entrance into the parking lot the user is levied with a charge.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments upon entrance into the parking lot the user's credit is evaluated.

In a parking meter system including a communication system which includes a communication network covering a geographical region, and a plurality of mobile communication devices being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with the communication network, a plurality of parking locations in the geographical region identifiable by individual markings, and a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with the plurality of mobile communication devices through the communication network for effecting a reservation of an unoccupied parking location and electronically charging therefor, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile enforcement communication device being at the disposal of a supervisor comprising a transceiver for communicating with the central electronic data processing and storage unit through the communication network or a parallel communication network and serving for monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved and whether an unreserved parking location has been occupied.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a parking meter system and method which utilizes an existing communication network such as, for example, a mobile cellular communication network or a pager network, and a dedicated processing system, which communicates with a user through the communication network, to provide pertinent information regarding availability of free parking-spaces and parking fees, so as to enable the user to be guided to a free parking-space and pay for the parking services through the use of a communication device, such as, a cellular telephone or a pager. The system and method further provides for man operated electronic supervision effected via communication by a supervisor through the communication network with the processing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing depicting the components of the parking meter system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a parking system and method which can be used to reserve and monitor parking locations electronically.

Specifically, the present invention employs an existing communication network such as, for example, a mobile cellular communication network or a pager communication network including user operable mobile communication devices, and a dedicated processing and data storage system, so as to allow reservation and monitoring of parking spaces through the use of the mobile communication device.

The phrases "parking location", "parking space" and "parking spot" are interchangeably used throughout this document and refer to a region along a road or within a parking lot or structure, which lends itself to temporal occupancy by at least one vehicle.

The principles and operation of parking location reservation and monitoring method and system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a parking meter system according to the present invention, which is referred to hereinbelow as system 10. System 10 includes a communication system 12. Communication system 12 includes a communication network 14 which covers a geographical region. Communication system 12 further includes a plurality of mobile communication devices 16 which are at the disposal of a plurality of users. Each of mobile communication devices 16 is capable of bi-directional communication with communication network 14.

System 10 further includes a plurality of parking locations 20 which are dispersed in the geographical region covered by communication system 12. Each of parking locations 20 is identifiable by an individual identifying marking 22. Parking locations 20 can be located, for example, in a parking lot, a parking structure, or on the street.

System 10 further includes a central electronic data processing and storage unit 24. Unit 24 bi-directionally communicates with mobile communication devices 16 through communication network 14.

Data processing and storage unit 24 includes a memory device 27 which serves for storing information. Memory device 27 can be of any type, including, but not limited to, magnetic memory, optical memory, optical-magnetic memory, or any other type of a read-write memory devices, e.g., RAM, ROM, CD-ROM and DVD. Data processing and storage unit 24 further includes a processing device 29, such as a single or a plurality of microprocessors for processing information received and/or contained within. Data processing and storage unit 24 further includes a user interface and the like and the appropriate software required for its operation. It will be appreciated that an ordinarily artisan would know how to assemble and render operative data processing and storage unit 24.

System 10 of the present invention enables a user being in communication via mobile communication device 16 to receive, on demand, information pertaining to parking space availability in a geographical region from data processing and storage unit 24. Parking space availability information can be provided by data processing and storage unit 24 in accordance with the user's geographical location which is determined by system 10 as further described hereinunder. Upon spotting an unoccupied parking location 20, (spotted independent from, or according to the parking space availability information) a user communicates a marking 22 associated therewith via a mobile communication device 16 being at the user's disposal and through communication network 14 to central electronic data processing and storage unit 24, so as to effect a reservation of unoccupied parking location 20 and be levied with a charge therefor. As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the phrase "mobile communication device" refers to any type of portable device which includes a radio transceiver for effecting bidirectional communication with a communication network.

As further detailed hereinunder, communication system 12 employed with parking meter system 10 according to the present invention can be of any type employing mobile communication devices and a compatible communication network, including, but not limited to. a cellular communication system, e.g., a cellular telephone communication system and a mobile cellular communicator system having, in addition to telephone properties, capabilities similar to those of a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cordless voice communication system, e.g., a cordless telephone system, a pager (beeper) communication system and a satellite communication system, such as a satellite telephone communication system. It will be appreciated that except for the pager communication system which employs narrow band radio communication, all of the other communication systems mentioned employ wide band radio communication for transmission of high volumes of information, such as voice, in real-time. The latter systems typically also employ narrow band radio communication and therefore include a voice channel and a control channel. As further detailed hereinunder any one or both of the channels can be used to implement the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the individual markings 22 associated with the plurality of parking places 20 includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters. Thus, markings 22 can be, for example, visibly presented in positional context with the regiospecific objects, printed over signs or on the ground, etc. In this case, each marking 22 preferably includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters, such as letters (e.g., A to Z), digits (0 to 9) and symbols commonly employed in communication systems, such as, but not limited to, a star sign (*) and/or a pound sign (#). Printed operational instructions of system 10 can be provided as well in context of one or several adjacent parking locations 20.

According to this embodiment of the present invention when a user spots an unoccupied parking place and wishes to reserve it, the user uses mobile communication device 16 to communicate with unit 24 via network 14 and by inputting the alphanumeric sequence via a keyboard 30 of cellular communication device 16, the user activates unit 24 to make such reservation and to effect electronic charging therefor by unit 24. Central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention provides the user with information pertinent to the use of parking meter system 10. Thus, according to one embodiment, upon the reservation of an unoccupied parking location 20, central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 communicates to the user data pertaining to tariff information and to parking time upper limit information. According to an alternative or additional embodiment, following the reservation of an unoccupied parking location 20 central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 communicates to the user data pertaining to the user's vehicle position (in case the user forgot where he parked his vehicle) and the time remaining to expiration of the reservation. According to yet an alternative or additional embodiment, at or following expiration of the reservation central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 is communicable for extending the reservation. According to still an alternative or additional embodiment, before, at or following expiration of the reservation central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 is communicable for terminating the reservation.

According to a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention communication system 12 is a cellular communication system. Thus, each of the plurality of mobile communication devices 16 is a mobile cellular communication device, such as a mobile cellular telephone, and the communication network is a cellular communication network having a plurality of regiospecific communication cells. The cellular communication network uses a network of relatively low powered radio transmitters and receivers that covers the geographical region in which service is provided. This network is made up of a plurality of regiospecific communication cells, each with a combined receiver and transmitter, which are collectively called a transceiver, and an antenna located at the center of the cell, typically installed over a mast. Further detail relating to cellular communication networks can be found in a plurality of text books, an example of which is "Cellular Telephones and Pagers, An overview" Stephen W. Gibson, 1997, Butterworth-Heinemann, USA, and in, For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,812,950; 5,758,293; 5,490,285; 5,822,324; 5,131,020; 5,133,081; 5,481,546; 5,642,303; 5,850,610 and 5,841,971, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. As will be appreciated by one ordinarily skilled in the art, the area coverage of a cellular communication network is limited only by the number of regiospecific communication cells employed thereby. In other words, the area coverage of a cellular communication network is not limited by transmission intensity. In sharp distinction, the area coverage of a cordless communication system, which is a single cell system is limited by transmission intensity to confined areas and is therefore presently less advantageous.

The cellular structure of a cellular communication network provides a unique advantage. It is understood that the number of parking locations 20 attended by system 10 of the present invention can be exceedingly high. In this case, the number of alphanumeric characters employed in each marking 22 can be reduced because each marking can include also the inherent data of regiospecific communication cell(s) pertaining to a regiospecific location or zone. The user is of course unaware of this extra coded data. Thus, identical alphanumeric character sequences can be employed to identify different parking locations provided that such locations are positioned within different communication cells of cellular communication network 14. The regiospecific communication cells according to this aspect of the present invention act similar to area codes in conventional telephone systems. This feature of the present invention is unique to cellular applications and is not at all applicable to cordless applications.

It will be appreciated that a cellular network includes cells employing identical communication frequencies. Such cells are positioned such that any of the mobile cellular communication devices positioned at any given location will be able to form radio communication with only one cell of the cells employing the identical communication frequencies. Therefore, markings can be safely repeated in cells which employ identical communication frequencies.

According to an additional or alternative embodiment of the present invention, mobile cellular communication device 16 includes a global positioning system (GPS) terminal 23, which, as indicated by 25, communicates with the satellites of a GPS system 27.

In this case, the parking locations are marked also by their global position as determined by the GPS. Thus, according to this embodiment of the present invention communicating a marking to central unit 24 is effected by positioning mobile cellular communication device 16 (and therefore terminal 23) in proximity to an unoccupied parking location and forwarding the global position of that parking location via mobile cellular communication device 16 to unit 24. Combined cellular - GPS devices are well known in the art. A dedicated software program can be readily developed and employed with device 16 and terminal 23 to translate a global position to a code identifiable by unit 24. Such a program can be designed to issue such a code whenever device 16 and GPS terminal 23 are within a predetermined defined range from any parking location thus marked. In case, more than a single marking is located within said range, the range can be used to define a regiospecific region in which different markings should be employed. It will be, however, appreciated, that identical markings can be employed in neighboring regions so determined.

It will be appreciated that the transceivers of network 14 which are positioned within individual regiospecific communication cells thereof can be used to triangulate a mobile cellular communication device 16 because when device 16 transmits a signal, it is typically received by more than a single cell. For example, two transceivers can triangulate a mobile cellular communication device 16 if intensity and/or direction of transmission therefrom is provided. Such intensity and direction determination is applicable for modern mobile cellular telephones. Additional transceivers can be used for more accurate triangulation.

In addition, triangulation can be employed to define regiospecific regions in which different markings should be employed, whereas regions adjacent such regions can employ identical codes associated with different parking locations. Present day cellular communication systems employ two basic channels, a control channel and a voice channel. The control channel serves several functions, including, but not limited to, transmittance and reception of alphanumeric data, such as a dialed number, and periodic localization functions periodically educating the cellular network of the position of any specific mobile cellular communication device. The voice channel typically serves to transmit and receive data of large volume such as, but not limited to, analog or digital voice or image signals. However, using dual tone multifrequency (DTMF), the voice channel can also be used to transmit and receive alphanumeric data. In addition, when actuated, the voice channel can also be employed to transmit data which otherwise would have been transmitted via the control channel.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, activating unit 24 to respond to a marking 22 communicated thereto is effected by the control channel of a mobile cellular communication device, e.g., by dialing. This feature of the present invention is advantageous because the control channel is a narrow band channel and the use thereof is therefore simpler and cost-effective. However, according to an alternative or additional embodiment of the present invention activating unit 24 to respond to a marking 22 communicated thereto is effected by the voice channel of a mobile cellular communication device, using, for example, dual tone multifrequency (DTMF). In both cases, the code can be entered using keyboard 30 or alternatively, it can be uttered. In the latter case, a voice recognition algorithm is employed either in device 16 or in unit 24 and serves to translate the uttered code into a corresponding alphanumeric code. Should the voice recognition algorithm be employed with device 16, than the translated alphanumeric code can be communicated to unit 24 via the control channel. Otherwise, the voice channel should be employed. It will be appreciated in this context that (i) voice recognition algorithms capable of deciphering uttered phrases according to a predetermined vocabulary are known in the art and further that (ii) mobile cellular telephones including an internal or add-on voice recognition function are well know in the art. Thus, system 10 preferably takes advantage over the availability and abundance of cellular telephone and pager communication systems. In Israel, for example, which is populated by about 6 million people, there are close to 2.5 million cellular telephone holders distributed among three cellular telephone service providers using analog and digital systems, including GSM and CDMA systems, each of which has set up a cell communication network substantially covering the entire state.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, communication system 12 is a pager communication system. A pager communication system employs a plurality of user operated pager devices capable according to the present invention to communicate with unit 24 via a pager communication network which includes a plurality of transmitter-receiver (transceivers) devices and amplifiers placed on masts throughout the geographical area in which paging service is provided. Unlike Cellular communication networks which are further described hereinabove, pager communication networks do not contain a plurality of communication cells. Instead, an entire geographical area in which service is provided is considered as a single transmission/reception area. This area, is provided with a plurality of transceiver and amplifiers located at various positions therewithin, such that transmission and reception of signals to and from a pager communication device is possible substantially at any given location within the service area.

Pager communication systems typically use narrow band radio frequency for reception and transmission of a radio signals. Because pager communication systems employ a limited number of radio frequencies, each pager communication device is provided with an identifying code such that data intended for a specific pager communication device is only received by such a device, eventhough when such a message is transmitted all of the pager communication devices of a given service provider can receive the signal. Further detail relating to pager communication systems can be found in a plurality of text books, an example of which is "Cellular Telephones and Pagers, An overview" by Stephen W. Gibson, 1997, Butterworth-Heinemann, USA., which is incorporated herein by reference. It is common that several cellular and other communication systems provide parallel services in the same geographical region. Accordingly, unit 24, is preferably designed to cooperate with more than a single communication system, assuring that regardless of the system employed, an exact same code is used to identify a specific object in the geographical region. Each such communication system combined with database unit 24 according to the present invention is realized herein as system 10.

Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a parking metering method. The method according to this aspect of the present invention is effected by implementing the following method steps, in which, in a first step, a plurality of parking locations in a geographical region are associated with individual markings. In addition, a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with a plurality of mobile communication devices through a communication network of a communication system is provided, such that upon spotting an unoccupied parking location, a user communicates a marking associated therewith via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through the communication network to the central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor. Upon termination of the reservation by the user system 10 of the present invention calculates a fare according to the time period for which parking location 20 was reserved and the tariff, and charges the user with this amount electronically. The use of electronic payment means by the system of the present invention, frees the operator or supervisor thereof from physical collection of money or the sale of dedicated parking cards, and as such maximizes the earnings and the cost effectiveness of the parking system. Preferably, such an electronic charge is added to a monthly bill associated with the normal use of mobile communication device 16. This is applicable, for example, in cases where users are non- residents. Resident users, on the other hand, can be billed on a timely basis by, for example, a monthly billing statement. In addition, residents and continual users can enjoy reduces parking rates, based upon time and/or frequency of use. These parameters can be calculated for each individual user by central electronic data processing and storage unit 24. To this end, central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 of system 10 can also be used to generate parking statistics which can be used to maximize the efficiency of the system. Such statistics can be especially useful for civil engineers and other city planners when planning and designing new city parking locations and structures and further when planing and implementing new parking policies.

Additionally, the billing process afforded by the parking system of the present invention presents several major advantages both to the user and to the operator over prior art systems.

Billing on a time of use basis saves the user money as compared, for example, to parking meters in which an up front payment is necessary. If a user decides to terminate the reservation prior to the expiration of the reserved time period, payment is only calculated for the actual time used and not for the time period reserved. Furthermore, the user is not burdened with the actual payment, and as such, does not have to carry coins or cards or employ dedicated devices. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention the operator, on the other hand, is free of supplying mobile communication devices to the users, as advantage of existing communication systems is taken, and is further free of installing electronic hardware along road sides and other parking locations.

It will be appreciated that these features of the present invention can only be provided by parking systems in which a mobile user operated device is networked to a central processing unit. By employing a networked parking system using an existing communication network and mobile communication devices information relating to a parking location, such as the location of the user's vehicle, or a reservation time expire warning, can be easily provided to the user even when away from the car, and in addition convenient electronic payment methods can be effected. These feature cannot be provided by any of the prior art parking meter devices and systems, and as such renders the system of the present invention far superior over the prior art. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, parking meter system 10 further includes an electronic gate 50. Electronic gate 50 is typically installed in the entrance to a parking lot. Electronic gate 50 communicates, as indicated by 52 or 54 with communication network 14 or with central electronic data processing and storage unit 24, via radio or cord communication, respectively. Electronic gate 50 is marked by a unifying marking 22. When a user wishes to park his/her vehicle in the parking lot, the user, using device 16, communicates code 22 associated with gate 50, via network 14 to central unit 24. In response, and after executing the reservation as further detailed hereinabove, central unit 24 commands gate 50 to open and allow the user to park his/her vehicle in the parking lot. Gate 50 closes thereafter. A similar sequence of events can be undertaken when the user wishes to leave the parking lot. At this point, if charges are according to parking time effectively exploited, as opposed to a flat parking fee, re- communicating central unit 24 via device 16 at time of exiting the parking lot, to thereby communicate time of exit thereto, so as to enable levied of charge according to a pending tariff. When the charging operation has been successfully completed, central unit 24, re-commands gate 50 to open, so as to let the user exit the parking lot.

According to a preferred embodiments of the present invention a function of monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been appropriately reserved using system 10 is provided.

To this end, system 10 according to the present invention further includes a mobile enforcement communication device 40. Device 40 is at the disposal of, and is operated by, a parking supervisor. Mobile enforcement communication device 40 includes a transceiver 42 for effecting bi-directional communicating with central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 through communication network 14 or a parallel communication network. Enforcement communication device 40 preferably further includes a printer 44 which serves for printing a parking ticket in real time upon vehicles which are in violation of the parking rules, e.g., parking a vehicle in an unreserved parking location 20. Combined processor-printer systems which include bi-directional radio communication means are well known in the art and require no further description herein.

Preferably, mobile enforcement communication device 40 is a mobile cellular communication device, although other types of mobile enforcement communication devices can also be used, including, but not limited to, dedicated mobile cordless devices, depending on the communication system employed.

Supervision is provided according to preferred embodiments of the present invention by the supervisor at the parking site, by, for example, keying-in the marking of an occupied parking location to verify if the user thereof has reserved this parking location. Preferably, the supervisor is reported of unreserved parking locations and monitors their unlawful occupancy. The marking information keyed in is communicated, as indicated by 39, to central electronic data processing and storage unit 24 and in turn the supervisor is informed of the status of the vehicle parked in a specific parking location and acts accordingly. If parking violation is identified, device 40 issues a parking ticket. The information to be printed on the ticket, including, but not limited to, date, time, location, fine option, trial option and date, etc., can be provided by unit 24, leaving only the vehicle's license plate number to be entered by the supervisor him or herself.

As so far described, system 10 according to the present invention fails to provide a general parking metering solution which is applicable also to users devoid of a mobile communication device, e.g., (i) users which do not have or did not rent a mobile communication device; (ii) users who do not carry their mobile communication device; (iii) users carrying their mobile communication device but their mobile communication device battery is exhausted; (iv) users carrying their mobile communication device but which momentarily cannot establish active communication with the communication network; etc. A presently less advantageous solution would be to use another metering method in parallel to system 10.

However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention parking meter system 10 further includes at least one stationary communication device 60. Device 60 is intended for use by a plurality of users devoid of a mobile communication device. Stationary communication device 60 bi-directionally communicating either directly, as indicated at 62 or indirectly, as indicated at 64, via communication network 14 with central electronic data processing and storage unit 24. Upon spotting an unoccupied parking location and parking, a user devoid of a mobile communication device communicates a marking associated therewith via stationary communication device 60 to central electronic data processing and storage unit 24, so as to effect a reservation of the unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

In most aspects stationary communication devices 60 operates in a fashion similar to mobile communication device 16.

Stationary communication devices 60 are spread, in example, street corners. Each of stationary communication devices 60 includes a keyboard 65, preferably similar to telephone keyboard 30, using which a user can activate device 60 to communicate the marking associated with a parking spot in which the user shortly before parked his/her car. Device 60 further includes a display 66 and/or a speaker through which information pertaining to the parking location, such as, but not limited to, tariff information and parking time upper limit information is communicable to the user. Device 60 may also serves to terminate a parking reservation. In addition, charges can be effected by device 60 using a charge card, such as a credit, debit card or a smart wallet card, in addition to coins and bills.

System 10 according to the present invention provides an important advantage for enforcement. A supervisor can be informed at any given time of unreserved parking locations. The supervisor then has to check only these locations for occupancy. In addition, following a period of operation, system 10 can be used to provide statistics relating to parking space occupancy at different regions at different times. Such information can be used to direct a supervisor to parking locations which have not been reserved for a time period longer than the expected for that region at that time of day, as there is high probability that such locations are unlawfully occupied, prohibiting others from reserving same.

Thus, the present invention provides a parking meter system and method which utilizes an existing communication network such as, for example, a mobile cellular communication network or a pager network, and a dedicated processing system, which communicates with a user through the communication network, to provide pertinent information regarding availability of free parking-spaces and parking fees, so as to enable the user to be guided to a free parking-space and pay for the parking services through the use of a communication device, such as, a cellular telephone or a pager. The system and method further provides for man operated electronic supervision effected via communication by a supervisor through the communication network with the processing system.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented to effect a variety of vending applications. In this case, a system as herein described is made to communicate, either by radio communication via the communication network, or by cord communication, with a vending machine. As used herein the term "vending machine" includes machinery offering for sale one or a plurality of merchandise. In the first case, each such vending machine is associated with a unifying code. In the second case, each of the products offered for sale by the vending machine is identified by a unifying code. Thus, when a user faces a vending machine according to this aspect of the present invention, the user communicates a code to the central unit via the mobile communication device. The central unit, in response, commands the vending machine to vend to the user a product of the user's choice. While doing so, the central unit charges the user's account as detailed hereinabove.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A parking meter system comprising:

(a) a communication system including:

(i) a communication network covering a geographical region; and

(ii) a plurality of mobile communication devices being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with said communication network;

(b) a plurality of parking locations in said geographical region identifiable by individual markings; and

(c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi- directionally communicating with said plurality of mobile communication devices through said communication network; wherein a user being in communication via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, can receive, on demand, information pertaining to parking space availability in said geographical region.

2. The parking meter system of claim 1, wherein said user communicates a marking associated with an unoccupied parking location, via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of said unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

3. The parking meter system of claim 1, wherein said communication system is selected from the group consisting of a cellular communication system, a cordless voice communication system, a pager communication system and a satellite communication system.

4. The parking meter system of claim 1 , wherein each of said individual markings includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters.

5. The parking meter system of claim 4, wherein said markings are printed on the ground adjacent to, and in context with, said plurality of parking locations.

6. The parking meter system of claim 4, wherein said markings are printed on signs positioned adjacent to, and in context with, said plurality of parking locations.

7. The parking meter system of claim 2, wherein upon said reservation of said unoccupied parking location said central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of tariff information and parking time upper limit information.

8. The parking meter system of claim 2, wherein following said reservation of said unoccupied parking location said central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of location of the user's vehicle and time remaining to expiration of said reservation.

9. The parking meter system of claim 2, wherein before, at or following expiration of said reservation said central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for extending said reservation.

10. The parking meter system of claim 2, wherein before, at or following expiration of said reservation said central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for terminating said reservation.

11. The parking meter system of claim 1, wherein said communication system is a cellular communication system, whereas each of said plurality of mobile communication devices is a mobile cellular communication device and said communication network is a cellular communication network having a plurality of regiospecific communication cells.

12. The parking meter system of claim 11, wherein said individual markings include a sequence of alphanumeric characters and are further identifiable in context of one or several of said regiospecific communication cells, so as to permit usage of identical sequences of alphanumeric characters in a plurality of said regiospecific communication cells.

13. The parking meter system of claim 1, wherein said communication between each of said plurality of mobile communication devices and said communication network is effected via a narrow band channel sufficient for transmission of alphanumeric data.

14. The parking meter system of claim 1, wherein said communication between each of said plurality of mobile communication devices and said communication network is effected via a wide band channel sufficient for transmission of voice data.

15. The parking meter system of claim 2, further comprising at least one mobile enforcement communication device being at the disposal of a supervisor, said at least one mobile enforcement communication device including a transceiver for communicating with said central electronic data processing and storage unit and serving for monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved and whether an unreserved parking location has been occupied.

16. The parking meter system of claim 15, wherein said enforcement communication device further includes a printer for printing a parking ticket.

17. The parking meter system of claim 2, further comprising: (d) at least one stationary communication device being for use by a plurality of users devoid of a mobile communication device, said at least one stationary communication device bi-directionally communicating either directly or via said communication network with said central electronic data processing and storage unit; wherein, upon spotting an unoccupied parking location and parking, a user devoid of a mobile communication device communicates a marking associated therewith via one of said at least one stationary communication device to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of said unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

18. A parking metering method comprising the steps of:

(a) associating a plurality of parking locations in a geographical region with individual markings;

(b) providing a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with a plurality of mobile communication devices through a communication network of a communication system, such that a user being in communication via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, can receive, on demand, information pertaining to parking space availability in said geographical region.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of communicating a marking associated with a parking location via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect a reservation of said unoccupied parking location and be levied with a charge therefor.

20. The parking metering method of claim 18, wherein said communication system is selected from the group consisting of a cellular communication system, a cordless voice communication system, a pager communication system and a satellite communication system.

21. The parking metering method of claim 18, wherein each of said individual markings includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters.

22. The parking metering method of claim 21, wherein said markings are printed on the ground adjacent to, and in context with, said plurality of parking locations.

23. The parking metering method of claim 21, wherein said markings are printed on signs positioned adjacent to, and in context with, said plurality of parking locations.

24. The parking metering method of claim 19, wherein upon said reservation of said unoccupied parking location said central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of tariff information and parking time upper limit information.

25. The parking metering method of claim 19, wherein following said reservation of said unoccupied parking location said central electronic data processing and storage unit communicates to the user data pertaining to information selected from the group consisting of location of the user's vehicle and time remaining to expiration of said reservation.

26. The parking metering method of claim 19, wherein before, at or following expiration of said reservation said central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for extending said reservation.

27. The parking metering method of claim 19, wherein before, at or following expiration of said reservation said central electronic data processing and storage unit is communicable for terminating said reservation.

28. The parking metering method of claim 18, wherein said communication system is a cellular communication system, whereas each of said plurality of mobile communication devices is a mobile cellular communication device and said communication network is a cellular communication network having a plurality of regiospecific communication cells.

29. The parking metering method of claim 28, wherein said individual markings include a sequence of alphanumeric characters and are further identifiable in context of one or several of said regiospecific communication cells, so as to permit usage of identical sequences of alphanumeric characters in a plurality of said regiospecific communication cells.

30. The parking metering method of claim 18, wherein said communication between each of said plurality of mobile communication devices and said communication network is effected via a narrow band channel sufficient for transmission of alphanumeric data.

31. The parking metering method of claim 18, wherein said communication between each of said plurality of mobile communication devices and said communication network is effected via a wide band channel sufficient for transmission of voice data.

32. The parking metering method of claim 19, further comprising the step of monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved.

33. The parking metering method of claim 19, wherein said step of monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved is effected by a mobile enforcement communication device being at the disposal of a supervisor, said mobile enforcement communication device including a transceiver for communicating with said central electronic data processing and storage unit.

34. The parking metering method of claim 33, wherein said enforcement communication device further includes a printer for printing a parking ticket, the method further comprising the step of printing said parking ticket and attaching said parking ticket to a vehicle if said occupied parking location has not been reserved.

35. In a parking meter system including a communication system which includes a communication network covering a geographical region, and a plurality of mobile communication devices being at the disposal of a plurality of users and communicating with said communication network, a plurality of parking locations in said geographical region identifiable by individual markings, and a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi-directionally communicating with said plurality of mobile communication devices through said communication network for effecting a reservation of an unoccupied parking location and electronically charging therefor, a mobile enforcement communication device being at the disposal of a supervisor comprising a transceiver for communicating with said central electronic data processing and storage unit and serving for monitoring whether an occupied parking location has been reserved and whether an unreserved parking location has been occupied.

36. The enforcement communication device of claim 35, further comprising a printer for printing a parking ticket.

37. A parking meter system comprising:

(a) a communication system including:

(i) a communication network covering a geographical region; and

(b) at least one parking gate controlling access to a plurality of parking locations of a parking lot in said geographical region, each of said at least one parking gate being identifiable by an individual marking; and (c) a central electronic data processing and storage unit bi- directionally communicating with said plurality of mobile communication devices through said communication network and further communicating with said at least one parking gate; wherein, upon entrance into said parking lot, a user communicates a marking associated with an electronic gate thereof via a mobile communication device being at the user's disposal and through said communication network to said central electronic data processing and storage unit, so as to effect opening of said electronic gate.

38. The parking meter system of claim 37, wherein upon entrance into said parking lot the user is levied with a charge.

39. The parking meter system of claim 37, wherein upon entrance into said parking lot the user's credit is evaluated.