Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: A coin fraud detection sensing system is provided that includes a coin chute and one or more sensing devices coupled to the coin chute. The one or more sensing devices are operative to detect a coin or other object in the coin chute and transmit a signal to a processor that determines the travel speed of the coin through the coin chute, the travel direction of the coin through the coin chute or the sequence of signals received from the sensing devices. Based upon the travel speed, direction and/or sequence, the processor is programmed to detect whether the coin is being fraudulently controlled by a withdrawal device, such as a string.

Abstract: A low-power smart card reader that plugs into the circuit board of a base-model electronic meter is provided. The smart card reader includes positive contacts for reading the card chip and a circuit board to step-up the voltage, pass through the commands, and provide a CPU clock. The smart card reader circuit board includes sockets for its own plug-in microprocessor and multiple SAM modules. A development system couplable to a computer system for developing security schemes such that vending machines can accept smart cards is provided. The development system further includes a reader and at least one socket operable to receive a security access module. The reader is operative to read smart cards. At least one socket is in communication with a processor operative to determine which of the sockets includes the security access module adapted to communicate with the security scheme of the card read by the reader.

Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.

Abstract: An auditing system for vending machines, preferably parking meters, that facilitates external exchange of digital information. The instant auditing system provides for electronic interrogation of the parking meter circuitry from portable, hand-held apparatus. The auditor is capable of processing and storing data derived from parking meters. In one form of the invention, communication is derived through the meter debit card payment slot. In an alternative embodiment data is optically exchanged and communicated between the auditor and the parking meter through infrared light. The auditor of the present invention can be interfaced with a personal computer through a standard RS232 serial port and appropriate interfacing software.

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

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

Abstract: An electronic parking meter, having a flip-dot display arranged within a viewing area of an electronic parking meter housing, and selectively connected to a magnetic pulse generating circuit by a magnetic field, where the magnetic pulse generating circuit is driven by a microprocessor in the electronic parking meter, produces a highly visible light-reflecting display, such that an operating message in the viewing area is readily discernable to a viewer or law enforcement official.

Abstract: An electronic parking meter system for receiving at least one type of coin or other payment device and including circuits for controlling changeable parameters, such as temperature drift, low voltage levels, aging etc. The electronic parking meter has a power source which may be a solar type power source with a low voltage control circuit. The meter also has a microprocessor with a memory connected to the power supply. The microprocessor has a power-up mode, a standby mode and an operational mode. An electronic display is connected to the microprocessor and displays pertinent information. A coin received in the meter causes a signal to be generated upon receipt of the coin by a sensor. The meter also has a coin detector and a microprocessor controlled circuit for adjusting a setpoint of the coin detector.

Abstract: A coin discriminator system for use in an electronic parking meter. A deposited coin is inserted in the electronic parking meter and a chute guides the deposited coin past an inductor. The deposited coin causes a momentary change in the value of inductance of the inductor. A phase lock loop electronic circuit has an input connected to the inductor and the phase lock loop electronic circuit. The correction signal compensates for the change in the value of inductance of the inductor and has a wave shape unique to the deposited coin. A microprocessor receives the correction signal waveform for comparison to a plurality of predetermined wave shapes of a plurality of known coins to thereby identify the deposited coin. The plurality of predetermined wave shapes are stored in a memory connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A card system for an electronic parking meter. At least one card is provided and has an electrically erasable programmable memory containing data therein. At least one coin slot in the electronic parking meter is provided and the card has at least a portion thereof dimensioned to fit into the coin slot. A card switch in the coin slot is activated only by the card and provides a card switch signal. A microprocessor in the electronic parking meter receives the card switch signal and in response thereto supplies power for the card and exchanges data with the card. An interface circuit connects the microprocessor to the card. The portion of the card has electrical contacts for engagement with electrical contacts of a power supply and with the interface circuit.

Abstract: An advertising system for use with an electronic parking meter. A microprocessor is connected to a memory for storing a predetermined message and a liquid crystal display displays the message and is connected to the microprocessor. The electronic parking meter also displays time remaining on the meter during a first time period, and displays the message during a second time period. The microprocessor also causes the message to scroll across the display.

Abstract: A solar power system for an electronic parking meter. At least one solar cell array is connected to the anode of a first diode and at least one current regulating diode has its anode connected to a cathode of the first diode. At least one storage capacitor is connected between a cathode of the current regulating capacitor and ground. At least one second diode has its anode connected to the storage capacitor and has its cathode connected to an input of a voltage regulator. An output of the voltage regulator provides a supply voltage for the electronic parking meter. The input of the voltage regulator is also connected to the cathode of the first diode. A monitor circuit monitors a voltage level at the input of the voltage regulator. A microprocessor is connected to the monitor and when the voltage level decreases below a first threshold, the microprocessor shuts down the electronic parking meter in an orderly manner.

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.

Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.