Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a pair of sensors in each space which combine to provide highly reliable information regarding whether spaces in the facility are occupied or not. The information is gathered by a series of aisle controllers, which communicate with a central computer. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization. Information regarding the occupancy status of each space may also be used as a check on receipts of parking fees and to identify abandoned vehicles.

Abstract: A parking system includes a wireless communications device capable of accessing a server over the Internet and a software application for receiving parking data transmitted over the Internet to the wireless communications device. The wireless communications device can render the parking data as a substantially real-time representation indicating an occupancy condition of an available parking lot. The occupancy condition changes according to presence and absence of vacant parking spaces within the available parking lot.

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: The invention relates to a method for the payment of a service, such as parking rights for an automotive vehicle, issued by a terminal such as a Pay & Display machine.

Abstract: A taxi meter system mounted on a taxicab for accurately computing a fare for a taxicab trip as function of time and distance is disclosed. The system provides discrimination means that eliminate the contribution to the fare that may otherwise be created by illegal means that degrade the performance of the taxi meter system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage service method to be adopted in a storage apparatus managing storage devices, that a server accesses to store information, a storage service program thereof and a storage apparatus thereof. First, access volume information indicating the volume of accesses to a storage apparatus of the server is obtained, and then, a storage service fee to be charged to the server is calculated based on the obtained access volume information. Thus, a rental fee can be charged in accordance with actually used storage capacity.

Abstract: A Smart Parking Meter System makes it possible to track whether or not a vehicle occupies parking meter stalls and whether or not the time has expired. The system uses a wireless communication protocol which may be of the type known under the trade mark “Bluetooth” and provides the portability of embedded systems and the convenience of personal digital assistants with the powers of the C and Java programming languages. There are two main components to the Smart Parking Meter System, the handheld device, or the PDA, and the actual parking meters. Each device has the Smart Parking Meter System application installed in it, as well as the wireless modules, such as Bluetooth to use as a communication medium. The parking meters also have a motion sensor to detect any movement within it view range. The handheld device is able to extract all the parking states for each parking meter within a block or street depending on user configuration of system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking fee payment system for the payment per unit time of the parking tariffs which are due for a vehicle in a particular area, the system comprising input means for inputting tariff data, verification means to enable verification by a parking attendant, means for exchanging data concerning a credit balance on a balance card, and means for debiting said credit balance in accordance with a specified tariff, wherein said system has been divided into a meter device, which can be mounted in the vehicle, and a charging device, which is portable.

Abstract: A method of making cash payments in a vehicle parking system in which a mobile telephone (1) is used to commence and terminate parking of a vehicle, and where a telephone user sends at least one code to receiving computer (2) belonging to the parking system via said mobile telephone upon commencement and termination of a parking period.

Abstract: A parking machine and a method of operating the parking machine are described. The parking machine includes a controller, a display controlled by the controller and a presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the parking machine. The method of operating the parking machine comprises detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the parking machine, placing the parking machine into an operating mode when the presence is detected, and returning the parking machine into the sleep mode once the person is no longer detected in the vicinity of the parking machine. When placed in the operating mode, the display shows the unexpired real parking time for parking spaces associated with the parking machine and/or shows instructions for a user to purchase parking time.

Abstract: A distributed bandwidth metering system (200) uses trusted elements throughout the system to collect and process usage data. The trusted elements in the distributed bandwidth metering system include subscriber units (210), at least one network controller (230), and at least one billing center (250). When subscriber unit (210) requests and obtains bandwidth from the system, subscriber unit (210) monitors its own usage and sends usage data to a network controller (230) in a predetermined manner. Network controller (230) assembles the data for a particular session and sends the data to a billing center. The billing center generates the billing and invoicing data using the session data.

Abstract: A document is processed by a web server at a web site to determine from a customer whether the customer wishes to facsimile the document to a recipient for free or for a fee. If the customer indicates the customer's desire to facsimile the document for free, a message, preferably an advertisement, is added by the web server to the facsimile document before the document is facsimiled to the recipient. Preferably the advertisement is disposed by the web server in the vertical blank spaces at the opposite sides of the document. Before the document is sent, the web server determines from the customer through the Internet system whether the customer is a first time user at the web site and, if so, the web server obtains background information through the Internet system concerning the customer.

Abstract: A toll charging system responsive to a traveling length and the method for operating the same are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of control path units, a user mobile communication unit, at least one mobile communication unit, and at least one financial unit. The method comprises the step of identifying a vehicle by a vehicle identification devices in outlet and control path unit. Then a signal emitting device transfers vehicle and location information to a mobile communication base unit. Then, the mobile communication device transfers a message of user's financial account and vehicle information to a mobile communication base unit. The signal emitting device transfers information to the mobile communication base unit. The mobile communication device again transfers a message of user's financial account and vehicle information. Then, a central processing unit calculates a toll responsive to received information; and paying the toll to a financial unit.

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: An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. These receipts and passes may be printed for each specific user, and may feature a machine-readable bar code. The disclosed machine also includes a bar code reader, allowing users to return printed receipts or passes at the machine, and to receive credit for any unused portion. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. Power consumption is held to a minimum by providing a “sleep” mode.

Abstract: A server transmits parking lot occupancy information over the Internet. The parking lot occupancy information is capable of being reproduced by a remote display device as a real-time representation of the parking lot indicating vacant parking spaces. When presented with the real-time representation of the parking lot, a commuter readily can locate an available parking space or decide to search for parking elsewhere.

Abstract: A system and method for charging for vehicle parking is provided. The parking system includes a plurality of mobile parking units, each of the mobile parking units having an unique identification for installation in a vehicle and a parking control center for communicating with each of the mobile parking units. Each of the mobile parking units checks its location whenever the vehicle is not moving and if the location coincides with a known parking area, a charge for parking is activated until the vehicle resumes traveling.

Abstract: A proximity service unit for providing at least one predetermined service for use with multiple types of wireless devices. The proximity service unit includes a multiple channel wireless transceiver, a proximity unit validation assembly, and a legacy activation unit. The multiple channel wireless transceiver receives at least two signal types, such as infrared region signals, 900 MHz region signals, 1.8 GHz region signals, and 2.4 GHz region signals. The multiple channel wireless transceiver receives a request authorization code from each of a plurality of respective wireless devices such that the plurality of wireless devices communicate simultaneously with the multiple channel wireless transceiver without air time. The proximity unit validation assembly communicates with the multiple channel wireless transceiver and receives and validates the plurality of request authorization codes received by the multiple channel wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An eating and drinking charge management system comprises a time measuring unit (4) measuring a seat occupied time for which a customer eats and drinks, and a unit (2) setting a charge for eating and drinking in accordance with the seat occupied time.

Abstract: The present invention is a movable body management system which can appropriately calculate a movable body fee according to availability etc. and flexibly and effectively allow movable bodies to be used. Each of vehicles such as cars and bicycles has a GPS capability to detect a current position of its own at a specified time interval. The system transmits information indicating the detected current position to an operating company for managing current positions of respective vehicles. When each of vehicles such as bicycles is rented out to a member and is used, the system stars measuring a traveling distance and a traveling time. When the use of the vehicle ends, the system transmits the measured traveling distance and traveling time to a server apparatus in the operating company. The operating company's server apparatus calculates the fee for settlement according to the transmitted traveling distance and traveling time.

Abstract: A ratings engine system that uses decision networks to select and execute Price Plans to rate an Event. A plan selection rule set is used to select a Price Plan for the Event and an Algorithm rule set is used to select an Algorithm to rate the Event. The Price Plans and rule sets are stored in a database. Conditions are also evaluated as the rule sets are traversed and include a program that determines if an Event qualifies for the Condition. Conditions can have a range or domain of applicability. The changing of the decision network changes the business rules for the Event without changing the Algorithms or Conditions.

Abstract: A system and method providing prioritized service on a computer network such as the Internet is disclosed. A user requests a service upgrade from their Internet Service Provider (ISP). In response to the service upgrade request, the ISP marks request packets sent by the user as priority packets and also records the upgraded service in a billing database. When the user no longer needs upgraded service, he requests that normal service resume. During normal service, packets are marked as normal priority packets and the customer is billed at a normal, or flat, rate. Routers and other packet handling devices provide preferential handling of the packets marked as priority packets. When a router's queue is full, the router drops normal priority packets before dropping any higher priority packets. In addition, a queue manager can organize the router's queue so that high priority packets are processed before their normal priority counterparts.

Abstract: A vehicle control system method and apparatus including a mobile application service provider communicating over a wireless communication network, a mobile station communicating with the mobile application service provider over the wireless communications network, and a vehicle controller communicating with the mobile station via an automotive communications network, and where the mobile application service provider accesses process variables on a computer network and transfers the process variables to the mobile station to be used by the vehicle controller for vehicle control.

Abstract: A method for allowing a user to access a plurality of service providers through a service brokerage via the Internet. The service brokerage establishes accounts with the service providers and the user. Once a user logs in to the service brokerage, the user is presented with a set of private service provider chat rooms that are on on-line. The set can be chosen based upon a predetermined criterion. Once the user selects a chat room of a chosen provider, the service provider must allow the user access to that service provider's chat room. A user profile may be provided to the service provider to aid in the admission process. Once a user is inside a chat room, the chat room is closed and the user and service provider can privately interact in the occupied chat room via the Internet. The service provider can have access to, and modify, a user information file of the user during the session, and the user can have access to the file once the session is over.

Abstract: A so-called “smart card” system is provided with controls which ensure that a request for change in status of a vehicle is not inconsistent with the presence or lack thereof of an appropriate card in the vehicle. As an example, prior to stopping ignition upon the request for stopping ignition, a sensor will look for the presence of a valid card within the vehicle cab. If no valid card is identified, then a warning signal is sent to the operator that no card is within the cab. This will prevent the operator from stopping the vehicle in the event that any appropriate cards have left the vehicle. The operator will thus be saved the inconvenience of having to walk to a location to get another card. In another example, should the request be for locking of the vehicle driver door, the presence of a valid card within the vehicle would be made known to the operator. In this way, the operator will be less likely to lock the card within the vehicle.

Abstract: Route guiding information is displayed on the basis of set information and positional data when set information and positional data are set by a keyboard or are transmitted from a sensor BOX 12.

Abstract: A handheld locator device is prompted to determine and store a first, Home location, and to determine a Return location, and to visually display the relative positions of the Home and Return locations. An input device, for example having one or more push button keys, is pressed by the operator and causes a GPS determined the Home and Return locations. Intermediate locations are also determined, automatically and at predetermined intervals. A curve showing the relative positions of the Home and Return locations is displayed, along with a constantly updated arrow corresponding to the most recent intermediate location. An elevation arrow showing the relative elevations between the Home and Return is also displayed.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system and method in the present invention comprises a navigation apparatus transmitting a current position of a vehicle and a target destination of the vehicle, and a base station receiving the current position and the target destination, searching a route information from the current position to the target destination, and transmitting the route information to the navigation apparatus. The base station includes an information storage section storing added information with regard to road features, a route searching section searching the added route information from the information storage section, a transmitting section transmitting the route information to the navigation apparatus and then transmitting the added information to the navigation apparatus. The navigation apparatus displays the route information and the added route information each of which is transmitted from the base station.

Abstract: Method and system for providing a compact, portable electronic devices capable of storing data related to time specific events such as music broadcasts, television broadcasts and advertisements, and which are capable of recalling the stored time specific events to provide users with information corresponding to the stored time specific events such as the name of the music broadcast, artist and album information for the broadcast music, name of the television program broadcast, or the product or service information corresponding to the advertisements is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus of the invention comprises an operation inputting element for designating one of a plurality of functions; a function executing element for executing the function designated by the operating inputting element; a measuring element for measuring the time during which each of the functions has been executed by the function executing element; and a chargeable amount computing element for computing a chargeable amount based on the execution time measured by the measuring element regarding each of the functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording actual time used by a service which makes requests for data. The apparatus includes a first timer for recording time during which the service is in operation and a second timer rendered operable when the service requests data. The second timer is operable to disable the first timer to suspend the recording of the time when the second timer acquires a value exceeding a pre-defined value, representing the time during which the service is waiting for data in response to a request for data and the second timer re-enables the first timer when the data is received.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for dynamically pricing charter air charter services. The invention receives information regarding a traveler's itinerary, develops a demand forecast, matches the demand and dynamically adjusts pricing based upon the received information. The invention also provides a series of methodologies that minimize flight costs through efficient excess capacity allocation, demand modeling, forecasting and matching techniques.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock on the coin vault of a parking device is controlled by the electronic components of the parking meter. Combining the electro-mechanical lock with a standard mechanical lock provides additional security in that two devices must be employed to open the meter. This provides greater security for coin collection without the need to provide separate circuitry to control the lock. Additionally, the electro-mechanical lock can be triggered by a smart card which also triggers an audit of the meters activity, providing an audit trail for coin collection.

Abstract: A method for detecting information on occupied parking space in a traffic network, in particular a town, uses a parking space detection control center. Parking space information relating to a stationary phase of a vehicle and the vehicle location is transmitted to the control center from a navigation system at the vehicle. Information relating to empty parking space is generated by the control center and information relating to empty parking space is transmitted from the control center to a navigation system at the vehicle end.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the automated retailing of refreshments and other basic consumer products to a vehicle occupant as the vehicle passes through a toll station having an automated payment capability. Examples of such toll stations include electronic toll collection (ETC) tollbooths and parking facilities. In each case, product charge is added to, or bundled with, the toll charge and payment is automatically rendered, typically via an electronic debit from a pre-paid account, or an electronic charge to a consumer credit account.

Abstract: A hybrid of grid-based and graph-based search computations, together with provision of a sparse search technique effectively limited to high-probability candidate nodes provides accommodation of path constraints in an optimization search problem in substantially real-time with limited computational resources and memory. A grid of best cost (BC) values are computed from a grid of map cost (MC) values and used to evaluate nodes included in the search. Minimum segment/vector length, maximum turn angle, and maximum path length along a search path are used to limit the number of search vectors generated in the sparse search.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis system having a time counter and a data processing unit (DPU) having a time standard. The test results produced by the analysis system along with the associated time values of the time counter are transferred to the DPU and processed therein. The associated time values of the time counter are then compared with the time values of the time standard to determine the absolute time values of the associated time values.

Abstract: Real-time, per call charge information is provided to a subscriber for calls in progress using a communications system having a service interface supporting the charge display feature. A repository of billing rate information is accessible to the communications system, which selects the appropriate billing rate based on call attributes such as time of day, geographic location, etc. The charge information may be periodically computed within a switch or data processing system within the communications system and transmitted to a remote display device for display. Alternatively, raw billing rate information may be transmitted to an intelligent device at the subscribers location, which periodically computes the charge information and updates the display.

Abstract: An information distribution system provides information requested from a user for the user through an information communication medium. The information distribution system comprises a billing processor which is individually from a data processor realized by an application program, the billing processor being realized by middle ware (an operating system). The information comprises a content, billing attribute data including a billing method and a settlement method, and correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the content and the billing attribute data. When a request is made from the user, the information distribution system retrieves the content which meets the request and transfers a request to the billing processor to perform the billing process. The billing processor uses the billing attribute data corresponding to the content to perform a predetermined billing process.

Abstract: A dual processor electronic parking meter (EPM) accepts a plurality of ISO compliant smart cards and authorizes payment of purchased time. The EPM of the invention is equipped with a card reader module (CRM) which accepts/validates transactions effected on smart cards, and also accepts a interface card for connection to a data terminal for revenue collection, meter configuration and meter firmware maintenance. The EPM includes a multi-lingual, intelligent, mixed-mode graphics and icon based display with greater visibility. When the EPM is idle, various sections of the meter are in a sleep mode for prolonging the life of the batteries. The EPM wakes up whenever a card is in the CRM, a coin is inserted, or a key for selecting the parking time and the type of operation is actuated. The EPM is easy to use by both the parking time purchaser and the money collector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording actual time used by a service which makes requests for data. The apparatus includes a first timer for recording time during which the service is in operation and a second timer rendered operable when the service requests data. The second timer is operable to disable the first timer to suspend the recording of the time when the second timer acquires a value exceeding a pre-defined value, representing the time during which the service is waiting for data in response to a request for data and the second timer re-enables the first timer when the data is received.

Abstract: A video camera mounted on a parking enforcement patrol vehicle and connected to a computer near the operator. The system is driven along a patrol route where parked vehicles are governed by a posted time limit. The system enforces the local parking regulation by automatically determining whether or not each parked car has been parked longer than the posted time limit. Violations are detected by applying a License Plate Recognition algorithm to the images. Each license plate number is time-tagged, geo-referenced and entered into a local database. When the patrol vehicle re-traces the patrol route after the posted parking time limit has expired, the database is searched to flag vehicles that were observed at the same location during the previous circuit and therefore in violation of the parking regulations. When the system detects a parking violation, it prints a parking citation that the operator affixes to the offending parked vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated parking meter system automates the issuance of parking citations. Each parking meter will be equipped with a sonar range finder, mercury type switch and a two way radio that communicates via N-PCS to a host computer back at the control center. When a meter runs out of money it checks to see if a vehicle is present in the parking space. If it is, the meter notifies the host computer that there is a car illegally parked in the space. The host computer correlates the information to identify the exact location of the violator. The host computer then sends this information via wireless network to the parking meter attendants' personal communicator. The parking attendant proceeds to the violator and issues the citation. Included within this technology is the capability to remotely change the rate structure of any or all electronic parking meters. A meter diagnostic feature alerts repair personnel to specific malfunctioning meters.

Abstract: A service information receiving device receives pay service information and year/month/day-of-month data, both multiplexed with FM broadcast radiowaves and transmitted from an FM broadcasting station. The device compares the use end date data, stored in an information storage medium which is detachable from the device, with the year/month/day-of-month data received by the device, and the device permits the display of the pay service information during the period in which these two sets of data disagree with each other, and after they have coincided with each other, inhibits the display of the pay service information.

Abstract: An electronically controlled postage meter with easier user setting of the date. Postage values are input via a keyboard connected to a control device. The control device automatically counts upwardly for incrementing a date. The upward incrementation can be prevented with a function key. The control device compares the entered date with the date stored in the calendar module and changes the date to be printed, depending on the comparison. The control device then outputs a print command for printing a postage imprint with a new, changed or current date. The method includes automatic counting upward for incrementing the date. Actuating the function key to selectively prevent at least the automatic incrementation of the date. It is also possible to reset the setting of the current date by either actuating the function key again or by actuating an additional function key.

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.