Abstract: A method includes configuring a transmitter to provide at least three output levels used to form an output signal. The method further includes adjusting a duration of at least one of the output levels to control an average value of the output signal independently of an amplitude of a first harmonic of the output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling and monitoring vehicle parking meter systems, including programmable single space parking meters each having a hardened shell, a vehicle detection sensor for detecting presence of a vehicle, multiple low power microprocessors associated with each parking meter capable of waking up to perform a specialized task, an application processor connected to each of the microprocessors for monitoring and controlling changes in logic for setting the operational parameters and awakening the microprocessors, wherein the microprocessors, the application processor and the vehicle detection sensor are located within the hardened shell, a centralized operational controller accessible to parking personnel capable of monitoring and controlling the parking meters from a remote location, a pass-through radio frequency communication device capable of passing messages from the controller to and from each of the parking meters by way of the internet, and a power supply powering the application processor, mi

Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

Abstract: A single bay parking meter device is provided which accepts payment by means of a credit or debit card, an electronic purse, or coins. The device has a power supply unit, a solar power charging arrangement and power management, such that it does not need power supply cables to be installed for each meter. The parking meter device also transmits financial data to a financial institution in a wireless manner, also to avoid the need for cabling. The parking meter device is receivable in the base of a conventional single bay parking meter, such that the new parking meter device may be retrofitted to existing coin operated installed single bay parking meters, using a new cover that is also engageable with the conventional housing base.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a permit-based parking environment governed by a parking program. The permit-based parking environment includes a number of parking permits each including a unique RFID tag and tag number. One or more RFID readers are used to scan the vehicles parked in the parking environment to determine if a RFID tag is associated with the parked vehicle. The results of the scan along with information related to the parked vehicle are provided to a permit management system to determine if the vehicle is parked within the scope of privileges pre-defined for that vehicle, pursuant to the parking program governing the parking environment. The permit management system stores, manages, and monitors data related to the permits controlled under the parking program.

Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic parking meter and a method of configuring an electronic parking meter. In addition to a meter housing and an electronic metering mechanism within the housing, the parking meter includes a memory positioned within the housing separate from the electronic metering mechanism for storing configuration information associated with a pre-selected group of one or more electronic meters. When the electronic metering mechanism is replaced, the replacement metering mechanism that is inserted into the housing need only be coupled to the separate memory in order to have the configuration information of the specific meter downloaded into it. The configuration information includes parking meter location information and/or parking restriction information.

Abstract: There is disclosed a computer-based parking system for improving the apprehension of parking violators. Such parking system comprises one or more electronic-based parking meters or devices having a means for recognizing and storing electronically information pertaining to the identity of the parker and may include one or more parking space monitors electronically connected to said electronic-based parking machines for detecting occupancy of and movement from a parking space.

Abstract: An expired parking meter indicator with electronic components which detect the presence of a vehicle in the parking place. When a vehicle pulls into a parking place a signal is received by the parking meter which after a grace period emits a signal if no payment has been made. Furthermore, if a payment has been made and the vehicle remains in the parking place longer than the time received for the payment, a signal will also be generated. A parking control officer will be capable of receiving the signal and, thus, very efficiently citing parking violations.

Abstract: A portable timing device designed for use in conjunction with metered machinery, the device contained within a compact case with a clip on the back side, allowing the device to be fastened to an article of clothing or the like. The case further includes a means to store and dispense a plurality of coins for use in the meter, and an external actuation means by which the appropriate time interval is programmed. An electrical circuit is enclosed within the case, the circuit powered by a rechargeable battery which is connected to a solar energy collection device for recharging it. The circuit programs and times the selected time interval, and emits an audible warning signal when ten minutes, five minutes and no time remains in the time interval.

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 power conserving electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of payment element.

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 circuitry and components 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 photo-cells. 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.

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.

Abstract: A parking data transfer system has first and second communications devices. The first communications devices each include a timing device, a first display for displaying a parking time and first transmitter for transmitting a notification when the time measured by the timing device has reached the parking time. The second communications devices each include a notifying device for notifying receipt of the notification transmitted by the first transmitter. The first communications device modifies the parking time on receipt of an updating signal transmitted by the second communications device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computerized parking meter system which comprises a host computer and a plurality of parking meters. Each parking meter is provided with a supersonic metal sensor to register parking time, to calculate parking fees and to automatically detect whether a specified parking space is available for a car whereby overtime parking can be accurately recorded. The parking meters are connected to the host computer over power lines.

Abstract: A parking meter reset device includes an infra-red radiation transmitter element slidably positioned within a transmitter module and an infra-red radiation detector element positioned within a cavity in a detector module. The modules are within a housing adapted for mounting on a parking meter pole so that the detector element is directed downwardly from 5.degree. to 10.degree. below horizontal and the transmitter element is directed downwardly at an angle about 5.degree. less than the downward angle of the detector element. This minimizes detection of stray radiation such as from sunlight. An edge of a first window, positioned in front of the transmitter module, abuts an edge of a second window, in front of the detector module. A portion of the radiation transmitted into the first window is refracted through the abutting edges into the second window. If either window is blocked, refracted radiation causes the parking meter to function like a non-resetting meter.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and having an electronic parking meter and an auditor. The electronic parking meter comprises a power source which may be a solar type power source, as well as, having terminals for connection to an external source of power. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information for the meter. The auditor may be connected to the microprocessor in the electronic meter by means of a direct cable link or by infrared transmission. The electronic parking meter system may have a sonar range finder connected to the microprocessor in the meter which detects the presence or absence of a vehicle in an associated parking space with the parking meter.