Abstract: A parking meter system comprising a low-current drain electronic parking meter and a mobile transceiver. The parking meter includes a housing including a slot for the introduction of at least one coin in the interior of the housing. Within that interior are coin detectors for providing electrical signals indicative of the presence of an inserted coin and its denomination, a slug detector, and a coin jam detector. Also within the housing is a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of a vehicle in an adjacent parking space and an infra red transceiver for communicating with the mobile transceiver. A microprocessor and an associated liquid crystal display are also provided with the meter's housing. The microprocessor responds to electrical signals provided by the various detectors to produce data which is displayable on the display and transmittable by the IR transceiver to the mobile transceiver. A touch button system is provided as an alternative to the introduction of coins into the meter.

Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique means for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photocells. The meter also includes a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter. The components of the meter are operated in three conditions or states including an off condition, an inactive condition, and an active condition, to provide further conservation of power so that the meter is entirely battery operated.