Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: A parking system is provided. The parking system includes a computerized parking management system and at least one single-space parking meter configured to communicate parking data between the single-space parking meter and the parking management system via a wireless network. The system includes a mobile citation unit configured to communicate parking enforcement data between the mobile citation unit and the parking management system via the wireless network. The parking management system processes and stores parking data received from the single-space parking meters and processes and stores enforcement data from the mobile citation unit.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic meter mechanism includes an inner housing, an electronic display screen and a wireless communication subsystem configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system. The electronic meter mechanism includes a first processor configured to control the electronic display screen, and a second processor configured to control communication of data by the wireless communication subsystem.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a single space meter that includes an existing meter mechanism located within an outer meter housing is provided. The method includes providing a new meter mechanism that includes wireless communications hardware configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and a credit card mag-strip reader. The method includes removing a preexisting meter from an outer meter housing and inserting the upgraded mechanism into a preexisting internal space of the outer housing.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into a parking meter assembly is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure located on the inner housing, a user input device located on the inner housing, and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism includes a front shelf and a front solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the front shelf. The mechanism may also include wireless communications hardware supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system.

Abstract: An electronic single space parking meter associated with a parking space is provided. The meter includes a support pole and an electronic meter mechanism coupled to and supported from the support pole. The electronic meter mechanism includes a processor. The meter includes a vehicle sensor communicably coupled to the processor of the electronic meter mechanism. The vehicle sensor is configured to detect a vehicle located within the parking space. The vehicle sensor is coupled to and supported by the support pole at a position above the ground and below the electronic meter mechanism.