Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing vehicle parking information using a navigation satellite. The system includes: a monitoring unit for photographing an image of a vehicle parking space and transmitting the image to a parking space checking unit; the parking space checking unit for checking a vacant parking space based on the transmitted vehicle parking space image and transmitting vacant parking space acquisition information to a location information computing unit; and the location information computing unit for creating and transmitting location information of the vacant parking space, which is vehicle parking information, to a navigation satellite based on own location information acquired based on navigation information transmitted from an external navigation satellite and the transmitted vacant parking space acquisition information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that charges a user for executing a predetermined image process holds charging information in a storage device, charges a user for executing the predetermined image process based on charging information held in the storage device. When the charging information held in the storage device is updated, the image processing apparatus determines whether to permit the update of the charging information based on an operated state of the image processing apparatus by the user, and according to the result of determination, the image processing apparatus is controlled so that the charging information is updated if the update of the charging information is permitted, and is controlled so that the charging information is not updated if the update of the charging information is not permitted.

Abstract: The present invention is an instant Internet browser based VoIP system with a VoIP client in the form of temporary VoIP applets that can start in a Web browser and can establish an instant peer-to-peer connection with another web-based or hardware embedded/installed VoIP client using session initiation protocol (SIP) and real-time transport protocol (RTP) audio streaming. The applet is a small file that is easily loaded onto a user's browser and uses application program interfaces (APIs) that require no additional libraries. The applet is written in JAVA, although other programming languages may also be used to write the applet.

Abstract: A customer-based electronic device (such as a cell phone or an embedded RFID chip in a vehicle's electronics) is combined with a facility-dispensed ticket to control vehicle entrance and exit to a controlled property. In one embodiment, a cell phone is used to provide a unique RFID number utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) or similar technology for establishing entry and exit times, parking space control and automatic billing technology for each vehicle. In such an embodiment, a backup paper ticket is dispensed to each vehicle upon entry to the controlled property. The paper ticket contains a broadcast electronic signal (for example, an RFID signal) which is matched to the unique cell phone RFID number of the cell phone. The electronic system then controls all aspects of the vehicle's movement while on the property. This movement, in one embodiment, includes access to parking areas, access to special parking spots, such as reserved spaces, premium VIP, and handicapped areas.

Abstract: In an on-street parking meter system supporting multiple payment tools and signal transmission method thereof, parking meters spaced along streets are divided into multiple groups, each of which includes a main parking meter and multiple secondary parking meters, all of which are equipped with an all-in-one contactless card reader unit compatible with prepaid card, Visa Wave card and MasterCard PayPass card, and a remotely controllable pay-by-phone unit allowing a user to pay by phone. In each group, the main parking meter is provided with both long-range and short-range wireless communication units for bidirectional communication with a back-end parking charge management system and the secondary parking meters, respectively; while the secondary parking meters each are provided with only a short-ranged wireless communication unit for bidirectional communication with the main parking meter.

Abstract: A communication device is provided, which includes a controller configured to select a first bandwidth, calculates a first communication time for transmitting data using the first bandwidth, to sum one or more periods of a first charging unit time for the first bandwidth to calculate a second communication time that is equal to or longer than the first communication time and closest to the first communication time, to calculate a data amount of a terminal data section to be transmitted within a last period of the first charging unit time, and to select a second bandwidth for transmitting the terminal data section at a lowest communication fee within a second charging unit time for the second bandwidth, the controller controlling a communication unit to transmit data other than the terminal data section using the first bandwidth and transmit the terminal data section using the second bandwidth.

Abstract: The system described is an integrated parking management system which makes use of patented vehicle detectors to collect and transmit data, essentially in near real time, as to all events happening as to single or multiple parking spaces (e.g. current and historic use, length of time of occupancy of current occupant) to a central clearing device for which patent application has been made which serves as a logic core and repository, making use of proprietary software, analyzing, displaying and distributing the data so developed as to a parking plant and all of its components to allow all parties (including prospective users) who are concerned with the various aspects of a parking plant and its components (e.g.

Abstract: A system is provided for acquiring and storing field information, comprising field devices operable to gather field information and receive updated file information. The field devices may be placed in cradles, which facilitate the transfer of the field and file information. A network is provided for receiving the field information from the field devices and transferring the field information to field devices located in the cradles. The system also provides a server operable to receive the field information from the network, store the field information in data tables assigned to at least one client, and transmit updated field information to the network.

Abstract: A method for processing a transaction for a parking session between a parking supplier and a payment provider on behalf of a user, wherein the user facilitates the transaction through a mobile computing device connected to a remote server, including, on the mobile computing device of the user, the steps of: storing a user identifier, first receiving a parking identifier, then sending the user identifier and the parking identifier to the server. The method also includes, on the server, the steps of: receiving the user identifier and the parking identifier, retrieving parking information based on the parking identifier; retrieving user information based on the user identifier, and processing a transaction between the payment provider and parking supplier, wherein the transaction amount is based on the duration of the parking session, wherein the parking session has a start time and an end time.

Abstract: An information processing device including a communication interface that exchanges data with a first device and a second device; and a processor that performs authentication of the first device; receives content data from the first device via the communication interface; and controls the communication interface to send the content data in real time to the second device based on an access control setting, which indicates a restriction on sending the content data.

Abstract: A programmable parking meter and integrated paging transmitter is provided to warn the parking patron with a pre-violation notice that the parking time is about to expire. The programmable parking meter and integrated paging transmitter includes a rechargeable battery, a flat display that provides programming options and status of parking information to the parking patron, coin slots for use as a conventional coin operated parking meter, an automated teller machine (ATM) style keyboard to activate and program the paging apparatus, and a paging transmitter to interface with existing digital relays and infrastructure for personal communications devices. The invention also includes a method for notifying a remote parking patron that a programmable parking meter and integrated paging transmitter is scheduled to expire.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a location-aware payment system including: a smart device, the smart device including: a location sensing mechanism for detecting its location; an identification mechanism for identifying the smart device; and a wireless communication mechanism; a display device having at least one of an indicator light, a printed receipt, and a digital read out; and a server, the server including: a wireless communication mechanism communicating with the smart device and display device; and a software program loaded into the server that receives and sends out communications, calculates amounts due between a payor and a payee, issues authorization codes, and performs banking transactions between a payor and a payee.

Abstract: Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide charging for long duration sessions. A charging data system of the communication network receives interim accounting request messages from a network element that is serving a session. The charging data system identifies interim timestamps for the interim accounting request messages, and stores the interim timestamps. After a time period during the long duration session, the charging data system generates a partial CDR. The charging data system then inserts duration information for the long duration session in the partial CDR based on the stored interim timestamps, and transmits the partial CDR to a correlation system. The correlation system may then calculate a total duration for the session based on the duration information in the partial CDR. Even if a start/stop timestamp is not available, the correlation system may estimate the total duration of the session based on the interim timestamps.

Abstract: A practical economic and technical model for building commercial-grade electronic file delivery services that provide the same scale, predictability, and differentiated service levels as physical courier services traditionally used to move electronic data on physical media. Systems and methods for providing such services using a charge-back scheme based on congestion pricing are described.

Abstract: A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing vehicle length or information about a vehicle which is associated with the vehicles length to a parking meter or other fee collection device. The parking fee collection device communicates with an associated database containing a parking fee charged for vehicle based upon vehicle length. A vehicle operator enters into the parking fee collection device a vehicle length or information about the vehicle which is associated with vehicle length for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle length. The database may also contain information about unpaid parking tickets associated with vehicles, a list of stolen vehicles and/or outstanding warrants for vehicle owners. An appropriate notice is provided when a match is found.

Abstract: As will be discussed in greater detail herein, a short-term housing rental management system and method provides tools for housing property managers, owners, renters, and others to better facilitate processes involved with offering and renting housing on a short-term basis. The system adds a more dynamic nature to pricing to be adaptive to changing conditions regarding such factors as timing and demand for particular short-term rental properties. Among other things, the system uses yield management to establish proper margins in rental pricing to increase returns from a rental event while seeking to increase occupancies. The system allows for short-term housing inventory to be offered simultaneously under more than one approach. For instance, the system could offer the short-term housing opportunity for a no commission approach, a merchant approach, and an agent approach.

Abstract: A wireless parking meter with an improved antenna location is described. The antenna may be located within a covering protruding from the top of the parking meter, allowing radio frequency (RF) signals to be transmitted through a portion of the parking meter with high permittivity to the RF signals. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna may be located within the parking meter housing above a lower parking meter mechanism housing so that RF signals can be transmitted through the dome covering of the parking meter, which may have a high permittivity to the RF signals.

Abstract: A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes determining the length of a vehicle and assessing a parking fee based upon that vehicle length. The disclosed method may also include marking at least a portion of the selected parking area in increments of length or marking the length of a vehicle on that vehicle. Embodiments of the method are also disclosed that include calculating the parking fee so that a longer vehicle is charged more than a shorter vehicle for parking in the selected parking area. Other embodiments of the disclosed method include calculating the parking fee based on different length ranges that include at least a first length range and a second length range. The first length range has lengths that are shorter than lengths in the second length range. The parking fee is based on which length range the length of the vehicle falls within.

Abstract: Commitments against various resources can be dynamically adjusted for customers in a shared-resource environment. A customer can provision a data volume with a committed rate of Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS) and pay only for that commitment (plus any overage), for example, as well as the amount of storage requested. The customer can subsequently adjust the committed rate of IOPS by submitting an appropriate request, or the rate can be adjusted automatically based on any of a number of criteria. Data volumes for the customer can be migrated, split, or combined in order to provide the adjusted rate. The interaction of the customer with the data volume does not need to change, independent of adjustments in rate or changes in the data volume, other than the rate at which requests are processed.

Abstract: A parking system uses a three-dimensional magnetic field sensor as part of a vehicle detector to monitor plural parking spaces. The detector is calibrated to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in each of the monitored spaces. The status of each space is communicated to a central controller. A pay station communicates with a central controller when a parking interval has been purchased. The controller may warn customers when the interval is about to expire and law enforcement when it has expired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCS s”) or electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) that are configured to provide parking meter functionality. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to improve the basic process of connecting an electric vehicle to the power grid with an EVCS/EVSE for charging purposes by also providing a means of parking access control for vehicles parked near the EVCS/EVSE in spaces managed by the EVCS/EVSE. The parking meter system enables installers and/or operators of EVCSs/EVSE to reduce equipment costs by eliminating the need to have separate parking meters in addition to EVCS/EVSE. This can potentially lead to an increase in the number of EVCSs/EVSE that are installed and in the speed with which these EVCSs/EVSE are installed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a parking lot where different parking spaces have associated logical attributes that determine pricing for using that space. Typical attributes are “Last Space”, “One of Last Spaces” or “Safe Space”. Other non-premium spaces can simply have an attribute of “Ordinary” or the like. As ordinary spaces are used up, motorists may become motivated to pay higher fees to park in the last remaining spaces or premium spaces. Also, safe spaces that provide additional protection for a vehicle may go at a premium price. The present invention works at both gated and ungated lots. With an ungated lot, a ticket can be printed displaying the fact that the vehicle has paid a premium (or ordinary) rate. With a gated lot, some of the spaces can be further gated as premium or discount spaces that go at a corresponding higher or lower price.

Abstract: A PDA device is used to record the ID of a vehicle boot RFID tag and to transmit to the tag and to a host entity violation data such as summons number, license number, time and date stamp, issuing person ID, location of the vehicle, scofflaw data and so on. This data may be entered into the PDA electronically via a communication network such as the internet or LAN system or manually via a keyboard. The host entity has a data base which is uploaded with this information and has correlation of RFID tag numbers to an unlock combination number for each boot. When the boot is attached to a vehicle this PDA data is transmitted to the host entity whose contact telephone number is attached to the vehicle being booted. The driver contacts the entity to pay the fine and receive in return the unlock combination. The driver thus can release and remove the boot within minutes of returning to the vehicle and can return the boot at his leisure.

Abstract: A charging system includes a rating engine, a session control module, and a charging unit determination module. The session control module receives a request for service units, associated with a charging session, from a client or service element, and obtains one or more input parameters from the request for service units. The charging unit determination module obtains account data associated with the request for service units, determines at least one charging session related parameter based on the one or more input parameters and/or the account data, and pass the at least one charging session related parameter to the rating engine. The rating engine grants service units based on the at least one charging session related parameter, and forwards an indication of the granted service units to the session control module for return to the client or service element.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for metering vehicular traffic. Specifically, the system uses a computer to prevent delays as vehicles transition from a greater number of toll lanes to a lesser number of travel lanes. Toll collection devices are used to send a ready signal to a computer to indicate a vehicle is ready to leave a start point. The computer receives ready signals from the toll collection devices and uses a pre-programmed departure schedule to queue the vehicles. After the vehicles are queued, the computer uses time delay variables to ensure efficient traffic flow between the toll lanes of the plaza and the travel lanes of the bridge or tunnel. An indicator signal responsive to a departure signal sent by the computer is employed to direct vehicles from a start point towards a travel lane.

Abstract: A navigation device is arranged to communicate information to a server. In at least one embodiment, the navigation device is arranged to determine a period of time for which a vehicle carrying the navigation device is parked, and to communicate information to the server associated with the period of time.

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: A method of operating a filtration system that filters flue gas, which includes particulate matter and a gaseous pollutant. The filtration system may include a fabric filter, which is cleaned with periodic pulse cleanings, a discharge electrode upstream of the fabric filter, which imparts an electric charge to at least some of the particulate matter before the particulate matter collects on the fabric filter, a sorbent, which is injected into the flue gas upstream of the fabric filter and absorbs at least some of the gaseous pollutant, and a fan, which draws the flue gas through the fabric filter. The filtration system may have a pulse cleaning interval setting that may be manipulated by an operator of the filtration system. The pulse cleaning interval setting may be the time between the pulse cleanings.

Abstract: A provider of remote information technology infrastructure monitoring services obtains, from a customer, via a remote managed infrastructure services web site, a choice of at least one remote managed information technology infrastructure monitoring service for an information technology infrastructure of the customer, and corresponding data necessary to provide the at least one service. Based on the choice and the necessary data, the provider determines at least two different options for providing the at least one monitoring service, including at least price and service coverage. The provider obtains from the customer, via the remote managed infrastructure services web site, a selection of one of the at least two options.

Abstract: A parking policy management system helps identify and enforce parking violations in real-time. By monitoring sensors distributed in a parking area, the system will determine whether one or more parking policies have been violated. The types of parking policies the system can monitor include duration, time of day, unauthorized vehicle, special permit parking, and paid parking. When a violation of a policy is detected, a notification may be delivered to enforcement personnel through the Internet, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, in-vehicle dashboards, and other means.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for an information system configured to manage parking facility resources. The system can create and apply models and profiles regarding customers, parking space usage, access patterns, events, traffic, and other factors related to the parking facility. Parking facility operators may use the models to seek optimized revenues or profits. Increased revenue for parking facility operators may be supported by allocating resources to longer staying and better paying customers. New opportunities such as reselling, auctions, or options may further improve revenue generation for parking facilities. Customers may interface with the information system for availability queries, interactive reservation, and various other functions that may improve convenience, security, privacy, and service quality for the customers as well as for neighboring businesses and venues. Improved efficiency in parking facility resource consumption may reduce street traffic congestion.

Abstract: System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for data storage. A hierarchical storage management architecture is presented to facilitate data management. The disclosed system provides methods for evaluating the state of stored data relative to enterprise needs by using weighted parameters that may be user defined. Also disclosed are systems and methods evaluating costing and risk management associated with stored data.

Abstract: A remotely actuatable vehicle security system for a parking garage. In some embodiments, the vehicle security system includes a structure forming an enclosure between a ceiling and a floor of the parking garage and an electronic actuation system. The structure has a closeable opening through which a vehicle enters and leaves the enclosure. The electronic actuation system is configured to actuate a drive mechanism to close the opening or to expose the opening upon receipt of a remotely generated signal.

Abstract: A parking control system and method provides a total parking control system and method which are capable of automatically managing and controlling a whole process from a time when a vehicle enters a parking lot to a time when it goes out of there by using a server incorporating therein a program for a very high speed image recognition technique and parking management. The apparatus provides a parking location search unit which manages a parking location of an individual vehicle by recognizing vehicle numbers by photographing vehicles entering a parking space and going out of there as well as parked vehicles, and provides related information upon search. The apparatus further provides a parking guiding unit guiding a driver of a vehicle entering the parking lot to an empty place for parking.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a location-aware payment system including: a smart device, the smart device including: a location sensing mechanism for detecting its location; an identification mechanism for identifying the smart device; and a wireless communication mechanism; a display device having at least one of an indicator light, a printed receipt, and a digital read out; and a server, the server including: a wireless communication mechanism communicating with the smart device and display device; and a software program loaded into the server that receives and sends out communications, calculates amounts due between a payor and a payee, issues authorization codes, and performs banking transactions between a payor and a payee.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting on-street parking revenue. The method utilizes a device which establishes a link with a server. Once the device is validated and the location of the vehicle is established, a message is transmitted to the device with the parking rates for that location. The time that the vehicle is parked at the location is tracked. The parking charges are collected electronically by charging the user's account based upon the parking rates and the time that the vehicle was parked at that location.

Abstract: A system and method for managing vehicle usage. One system includes a monitoring device, a position identifying module, a communication module and a dedicated server. The monitoring device includes a display, an activation unit, an application and an identification module. The dedicated server is connected to the monitoring device via the communication module via a communication link The monitoring device and dedicated server are arranged to carry out the method that comprises the stages: (i) enabling a user to activate a monitoring device; (ii) receiving activation notice, user data and location from the monitoring device; (iii) validating user data; (iv) sending an electronic image to the monitoring device; and (v) displaying the electronic image on the monitoring device. The electronic image is sent upon validation of user data and in relation to the location received from the monitoring device, and authenticates vehicle usage conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are systems and methods for determining factor-based prices for products and services. In one embodiment, a method for factor-based pricing of goods and services can be provided. The method can include receiving a plurality of factors associated with a pricing decision, applying at least one rule to the plurality of factors to determine a proposed price, outputting the proposed price to at least one client device.

Abstract: The system described is an integrated parking management system which makes use of patented vehicle detectors to collect and transmit data, essentially in near real time, as to all events happening as to single or multiple parking spaces (e.g. current and historic use, length of time of occupancy of current occupant) to a central clearing device for which patent application has been made which serves as a logic core and repository, making use of proprietary software, analyzing, displaying and distributing the data so developed as to a parking plant and all of its components to allow all parties (including prospective users) who are concerned with the various aspects of a parking plant and its components (e.g.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, an intermediate networking device provides a service intermediary or intermediate connection between a network and one or more communications devices; implements a service policy set for assisting control of the intermediate networking device use of a service on the network, in which the service policy set includes one or more service policies, each policy being associated with either the intermediate networking device or a communications device; and monitors use of the service based on the service policy set; and in which the implementation of the service policy set is verified.

Abstract: A computerized method and associated computerized apparatus and product by process for determining a default risk for a given real rental property, comprising: providing computerized property data for a plurality of real rental properties comprising at least a rental price and a square footage for each said real rental property in the plurality of real rental properties; and via a user interface and computerized processing and computerized storage: calculating a rent per square foot for each of said plurality of real rental properties, including the given real rental property; calculating a property gauge score for each real rental property in the plurality of real rental properties including for said given real rental property; and determining the default risk for the given real rental property by comparing the property gauge score for the given real rental property to the property gauge scores for the remaining real rental properties in the plurality of real rental properties.

Abstract: A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing a vehicle registration card containing a vehicle make and model and a parking fee collection device. The parking fee collection device has an associated database containing a parking fee charged for each vehicle make and model. The vehicle make and model is entered into the parking fee collection device for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle make and model.

Abstract: In a criterion module, variable billing information for content stored in a storage module in the communications network is formed in accordance with specified criteria. These criteria can be, for example, the age of the content, the distance of the subscriber terminal from the relevant location of location-related content, or the number of subscriber terminals to which the content is transmitted. This variable billing information is then transmitted via a communications module to a billing system. A substantial advantage of the method and the system relates to the fact that the charges for content transmitted via communications networks to subscribers can be billed according to variable criteria in a flexible way.

Abstract: A process for creating an edited video media, utilising a computer software system, which comprises the steps of, (a) obtaining some raw video footage, and uploading the footage into the computer software system, if necessary converting the raw video into digital form; (b) cataloguing the raw video footage in a database on the computer; (c) having an operator edit the raw video footage, following a predetermined and standard procedure to create a plurality of video clips; (d) having an operator edit the video clips, following a predetermined and standard procedure to create a plurality of selected shorter segments showing the highlights from at least some of the clips from step (c), and combined as another clip; (e) having an operator add a musical sound track, to the clips of steps (c) and (d); and (f) assembling the clips into a movie, adding standard titles before each clip, and a possibly a standard menu that indexes each clip.

Abstract: A central monitoring station is linked to a plurality of remote terminals, such as payment terminals at a plurality of parking facilities. The central monitoring station and each remote terminal includes a two-way communication system in the form of a video camera and display, and audio speaker and microphone. The station and remote terminals are preferably linked through an Ethernet or Internet connection, although a hard-wired connection is also contemplated. The two-way communication system can be used by a customer at the remote terminal to achieve direct human interaction with an attendant at the remote central station to address problems occurring at the terminal. The communication system can also allow the attendant to manipulate the processor of each remote terminal to collect data, troubleshoot or override the function of the terminal.

Abstract: A system for electronic toll collection from a vehicle including an electronic tag for capturing information including a number of passengers in the vehicle and an electronic tag identification, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the captured information; and a wireless receiver for receiving the captured information. The system further includes a toll computer for determining a toll fee for the vehicle based on the received number of passengers and a time of day. The wireless transmitter may be an IR or RF transmitter. The toll computer determines the toll fee for the vehicle based on the received number of passengers, and one or more of the time of day, the day and the traffic information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area to provide more accurate cost and fee estimates associated with a delivery vehicle visit (e.g., a package pickup/delivery) to a location within the geographic area. For example, a geographic area may be defined and information collected that is associated with the geographic area. After defining the geographic area and collecting relevant information, an estimated cost associated with a delivery vehicle visit to a location within the geographic area can be determined, based, for example, at least in part on the information gathered.

Abstract: A wireless network covering a large local geographic area is used to link a large number of payment terminals provided in the same area. Each payment terminal is located near a plurality of parking spaces, either at the curbside or in municipal lots. Parking data is gathered from motorists at the payment terminals, the parking data including vehicle identification data or parking space identification data. The parking data is sent from the payment terminals to the wireless network in response to payment made at the payment terminals. A plurality of portable terminals are provided for use by parking wardens inspecting the parking spaces of the local geographic area. The wireless network is used to transmit the parking data substantially upon receipt from the payment terminals to the portable terminals in the local geographic area.