Abstract: Interconnected methods of card-based fare collection at computer-based service access validation terminals are disclosed. The first method is characterized by periodically propagating to the validation terminals card transaction data originated at other validation terminals. This method is most pertinent to the public transit fare systems utilizing open-loop payment cards and vehicle-installed terminals. The second method is characterized by actualizing the validation terminals' data by way of data broadcasting or multicasting. This method makes the first method practical and improves performance of open-loop and closed-loop card systems implementing offline validations.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for managing charging station usage. After receiving a request for charging capacity in electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces, e.g., located in commercial parking lots, if it can be fulfilled the request is accepted. Each accepted request is matched with available EV charging spaces. A scheduling unit schedules charging for each request to a matched EV charging space when a charging price is predetermined. Otherwise, if a charging price is not previously determined, a pricing unit sets a permit price and schedules charging for the match.

Abstract: This publication describes a method and a system for registering use of studded decks (6) and for collecting due toll for use of studded decks on a vehicle (19) having at least one studded deck (6). This is done when a vehicle (19) passes over a detection device (1) on a road surface (18) of a road, the detection device (1) being associated with one or more sensors (2) that is able to detect impulses created by the decks (6) on the vehicle (19) that passes over the detection device (1). The impulses are registered and compared with a pre-determined value that enables a processing device (3) to determine whether one or more of the decks (6) are provided with studs or not. The system is configured in such way that the processed signal provides basis for collecting toll or at least bringing this fact to the attention of the driver and that toll is due.

Abstract: The methods describe the use of Handset Apps in garages currently using paper tickets or ID tokens in ways that minimize disruption to the existing infrastructure. The techniques include automatic recognition of garage/gate ID, automatic identification of paper ticket ID without optical scanning, and direct payment in manually operated garages, including those using valet parking.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes interacting with a gate access device that is capable of preventing access to a location, where the gate access device subsequently sends an authorization request message to an issuer for approval, the authorization request message including a request to charge a predetermined amount of money to pay for access to a location, and entering the location if the gate access device receives an authorization response message indicating that the charge is authorized.

Abstract: A surveillance system for monitoring a plurality of vehicle license plates comprising a portable license plate reader including a camera for automatically imaging a license plate and extracting a character string from the image for each of a plurality of moving vehicles that pass through a field of view of the camera without detection by the moving vehicles. A mobile surveillance unit positioned in proximity to the license plate reader for receiving the extracted character string from the reader, comparing each extracted character string with a list of target plate numbers, and generating an audible alarm and a visual display when a match is found. An operations center for communicating with the mobile surveillance unit to receive each extracted character string from the mobile surveillance unit and to update the list of target plate numbers stored at the mobile surveillance unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for remotely providing a rental vehicle from a rental company to a renter. The rental company may remotely send a smartkey functionality to the mobile device used by the renter. The functionality may be implemented through an application running on the mobile device. At the time of renting a specific vehicle, data related to the rented vehicle may be remotely sent from a server used by the rental company to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the transfer and/or aggregation of data and, in particular, integrating data used in managing a professional services practice. The invention preferably transfers and/or aggregates data relating to the identity of clients and matters for whom professional services are being rendered with data relating to the work which data may be maintained in inconsistent, proprietary formats, comprising one or more of the following types of information: accounting; budgeting; docketing; time and billing; work product; word processing; records; project management; and/or other information relating to the professional services. The system of the present invention preferably comprises data storage and data processing means adapted to use the data in substantially portable and/or application-independent format, and/or and transfer or aggregate data between common, and/or proprietary data formats.

Abstract: A method of automated vehicle parking control includes detection and identification of a vehicle on a given portion of the road, and matching the traffic data thus obtained with the rules and regulations for that portion. To detect and identify a vehicle crossing the pre-set boundaries of a road portion, vehicle detection nodes probing the surrounding area using radio-frequency signals are mounted. Vehicles are with tags, allowing their identification. When a vehicle equipped with a tag enters the monitored area, the tag generates a response containing the codeword with identification data of the vehicle. The detection nodes decode the response, recording the timing of each response and calculating the average time period vehicles require to pass the given portion of the road. If a vehicle stays within the limits of the portion longer than the calculated average time period, the vehicle is considered to be parked.

Abstract: A method for determining a fare for a transport service is provided. One or more processors determine that the transport service is in progress for a first user. A request to share the fare for the transport service in progress with a second user is received over a network from a first computing device of the first user. A confirmation that indicates that the second user is to share the fare is received over the network from a second computing device of the second user. A first amount of the fare for the first user and a second amount of the fare for the second user is determined.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for dynamic pricing of a parking space are disclosed. For example, the method determines a fraction high fraction low (FHFL) based on one or more co-variates for a future time interval, determines a rate change for the parking space based on the FHFL, applies the rate change to a pre-calculated rate for the parking space for the future time interval to determine an updated rate and publishes the updated rate.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of payment for parking of a vehicle including determining the location of the vehicle with a wireless communication device. Determining the location includes using a satellite radio navigation system such as GPS with the facility for user provided corrections and avoiding the use of zone IDs. The method also includes automatically extending an initiated parking session with subsequent prepaid time durations until certain predetermined conditions are met. The method includes automatically determining the end of an initiated parking session based on detecting movement of the vehicle away from a parking spot provided the Handset containing the parking payment App has sensed a Bluetooth tag in the vehicle or paired with the built-in Bluetooth system of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a web and mobile network; implemented system is provided for enabling payment for parking, using a mobile device, and also for enabling the management and/or enforcement of parking. The system provides an integrated platform, including at least one server component that is operable to interoperate with two or more mobile devices associated with users registered to the server component, for enabling the registered users to pay for parking by operation of their mobile device. The server component is configured to enable registered users to pay for parking from a wide variety of mobile devices, for example, based on text messaging communications between a mobile device and the server component, or by operation of a mobile application loaded on a mobile device that is a smart phone for example. The web implemented system is linked through a wireless network to one or more parking meters or tower components.

Abstract: Methods for automatic parking of cars in a controlled parking occupancy-status area with unmarked parking spaces, and automatic cellular parking systems (ACPS) enabling such methods. The methods are performed without use of a dedicated in-car device and comprise monitoring of vehicles and parking space occupancy by parking sensors, association of a particular identified parking car with a precise unmarked parking space address and automatic start and termination of a parking session. In some embodiments, the identity of the parking car and associated parking space address are provided by the parking sensors without driver involvement. In some embodiments, the identity of the parking car is provided by the drives using cellular communications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) is utilized to determine whether a user has paid for parking. The mobile device collects sensor data that describes actions of a mobile device or actions of an automobile or of a driver of the automobile. The sensor data includes one or more of location data, acceleration data, rotational data, or audio data. Either the mobile device or a centralized server performs an analysis of the sensor data to determine data indicative of a pay status of the parking spot. The pay status indicates whether the user has likely paid for parking. The mobile device or the centralized server is configured to generate a message based on the data indicative of the pay status of the parking spot.

Abstract: A fare collecting apparatus is provided. The fare collecting apparatus according to one implementation of this invention comprises, a declined card list storage unit configured to store a list of declined cards, including card information relating to each declined card, an authorization determination unit configured to search in the list of declined cards to determine whether card information included in the received card payment request is included in the list of declined cards, in response to receipt of a card payment request from a user, and an authorization-only transaction request unit configured to transmit an authorization-only transaction request message including a provisional authorization amount, to a payment gateway, if the card information included in the received card payment request is not included in the list of declined cards.

Abstract: A method for automatic access to a pre-reserved place may operate on a hotel reservation system, which can communicate with a user smart phone application. The method includes receiving a request from the user smart phone application to effect entry into the pre-reserved place. The request includes user data relating to the user and location data relating to the place. The location data relating to the place is obtainable by the user using the smart phone to scan a code on or in the vicinity of the place and decode the code to identify the location data relating to the place. The user data and the location data are compared with a list of pre-reserved places to identify a matching pre-reserved place. If a matching pre-reserved place is identified, a signal is automatically sent to cause the pre-reserved place to be opened to allow access by the user.

Abstract: An RFID tag for use in a vehicle for use in an electronic toll collecting system. The tag is capable of transmitting data to a tag interrogator indicating the occupancy status of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the tag has a user input and a visual and audible tag status indicator. The user input is used to change the occupancy status of the tag, wherein the occupancy status is a portion of a message sent by radio frequency to the interrogator when the vehicle passes through a toll area.

Abstract: A central monitoring station is linked to a plurality of remote terminals, such as payment terminals at a plurality of parking facilities. A two-way communication system enables communication between a customer who is remote from the central monitoring station and an attendant at the central monitoring station. The communication system may also allow the attendant to manipulate each remote terminal to collect data or troubleshoot or override the function of the terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for unified parking management based on optical data processing from installed cameras. The invention can be used in both on-street and off-street parking situations. The system allows for economical dynamic pricing based on demand, profiles and loyalty, and how much a motorist is willing to pay at any given time for a parking space similar to frequent flier programs and seats on a flight. Prices can be constantly changing based on demand, which in turn can be based on time of day, convenience, services available and loyalty.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for providing information about parking fees in a metered car park. The method includes on-board detection as to whether a motor vehicle is in a metered car park, on-board detection as to whether the motor vehicle is parked, in case the motor vehicle is in a metered car park, and establishing a wireless link to a car park fee center associated with the car park and receiving information about the parking fees via a wireless link, in case the motor vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A relocatable and remotely actuatable vehicle security system. In some embodiments, the vehicle security system includes a relocatable structure forming an enclosure over a parking surface and an electronic actuation system. The relocatable 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: An automatic identification apparatus includes a control module configured as an integrated component of a vehicle and an electrical power interface receptive to a power signal from the vehicle. The electrical power interface provides electrical power to the control module. The automatic identification apparatus also includes an antenna electrically connected to the control module. The antenna transmits a radio wave indicative of a unique identification. The antenna is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle and is located to communicate the radio wave external of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus further includes a memory interface assembly configured as an integrated component of the vehicle. The memory interface assembly is receptive to a memory device encoded with the unique identification. The memory interface assembly communicates the unique identification to the control module when the memory device is received in the memory interface assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically managing parking payment and enforcement. In general, real-time data regarding vehicles located in a parking zone can be acquired. The number of vehicles in the parking zone can be determined from the acquired real-time data. From such data, the number of vehicles in the parking zone that are paid can be calculated. Then, an operation can be implemented to compare the number of the vehicles in the parking zone with the number of vehicles in the parking zone that are paid with respect to the current time to determine unpaid violations if the number of vehicles in the parking zone exceeds the number of vehicles that are paid.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining a presence of a fee area and fees associated therewith. A fee area module can determine if a vehicle is approaching a fee area. The fee area module can determine the fee required to enter or use the fee area and automatically pay the required fee. Alerts can be provided that include information associated with the fee area and alternate routes available. The fee area module can determine if discounts apply to the vehicle based on a status and number of vehicle occupants and a status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for relaying vehicle location and lane position on a multiple lane roadway to a central office for tolling purposes. The system has an on board unit comprising a GPS receiver, and a cellular telephone comprising a camera and a computer. The on board unit tracks vehicle location. The cellular telephone is mounted in the vehicle such that its camera can photograph the roadway. The on board unit transmits vehicle position information to the cellular phone and the cellular phone transmits position information relative to fixed geo-data and lane information to the central office.

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 for providing a driver, having a driver communication device, access to a vehicle using an electronic key, the system comprising a fleet control center, comprising an asset application and a database, configured to, allow creation of a reservation for the vehicle for the driver and store the reservation in the database, create a keyless asset tag to allow the driver to access the vehicle, communicate the keyless asset tag to the driver computing device, and a vehicle computing device, proximate to the vehicle, and configured to, obtain the keyless asset tag from the driver computing device, determine if the keyless asset tag is valid for the vehicle, and cause a vehicle door to be unlocked to provide the lessee access to the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for detecting potential misuse of a primary account number (PAN) associated with a first handheld media in a transit system having one or more access points. Embodiments may creating a user account and include enrolling the first handheld media for use as a fare media for a transit product, where the PAN is stored in the user account. Embodiments may further include receiving, a plurality of fare transaction records. Each fare transaction record may include the PAN associated with the first handheld media and a transaction identifier. Embodiments may additionally include determining a potential misuse of a handheld media associated with the PAN based, at least in part, on the relationship between a plurality of the transaction identifiers. In response, an action may be taken related to using the first handheld media as a fare media for the transit product.

Abstract: A navigation device and a method of determining parking information are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at a server, journey information from a plurality of navigation devices, the journey information indicating one or more journeys made by each navigation device and determining, by the server from the journey information, parking information indicating a geographical location of one or more parking areas.

Abstract: Billing tolls accumulated during a rental period comprises a third party entity, a toll authority, and a toll rental entity coupled to the third party entity and to the toll authority, wherein the third party entity sends a request for service to the toll rental entity, wherein the toll rental entity sends the request for service during the rental period to the toll authority, wherein the toll authority stores the request, wherein the toll authority sends toll data to the toll rental entity based on the request, wherein the toll rental entity sends toll rental data to the third party entity based on the toll data, and wherein the third party entity generates a bill based on the toll rental data.

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: Techniques are provided herein that enable local fare processing for access control points (entry gates, turnstiles, etc.) in a transit or similar system that can detect fraudulent activity far more quickly than fare processing systems using traditional blacklists or whitelists—and even detecting fraudulent activity at a first occurrence. Embodiments take advantage of the relatively high communication speed and memory capacity of modern transit systems to generate a list of all applicable cards with usage data such as the time of last use, value, or other “one directional data,” provide it to each access control point in the system. The access control point, upon reading fare media, can then compare the data on the fare media to data on the list to determine whether fraud may be taking place. The access control point may then determine whether to allow access, flag the fare media, and/or take another action.

Abstract: A device determines trip information related to a route travelled by a passenger. In order to provide a solution for automatically verifying trip information and for enhancing passenger comfort when using public transportation, the device includes a receiver that can be carried by the passenger and receives a signal generated by a ground-based local transmitter, and a processor for determining at least one bit of trip information by signal evaluation in which at least one signal characteristic of a received signal is evaluated.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection (ETC) system and an on board unit (OBU) thereof are provided. The ETC system includes a toll collection module and an identification module. The toll collection module provides a pre-pay service and a post-pay service such that the OBU on a vehicle can make a toll payment in response to one of the pre-pay service and the post-pay service. The identification module captures an image of the vehicle and provides an identification service to the OBU to obtain an identification information of the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicles operation is often regulated by vehicle operation policies, such as operator and vehicle licensing, safe operation rules, and emissions testing, as well as advisory policies (e.g., safety tips) and infrastructure policies (e.g., traffic congestion reduction). However, enforcement of vehicle operation policies may be infrequent, costly, inaccurate, and/or ineffective for particular types of problems. Presented herein are techniques for enforcing vehicle operation policies using vehicle telemetrics detected by a vehicle telemetry sensor and reported to telemetric monitoring components during operation of the vehicles. For example, in-car emissions sensors may regularly report emissions data to roadside monitors, enabling continuous monitoring, early detection of emissions problems, and accurate measurements during road travel.

Abstract: A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.

Abstract: A method for calculating a fare for a transport service is provided. One or more processors receive a plurality of location data points from a computing device associated with a vehicle providing the transport service. The plurality of location data points correspond to a route of travel during performance of the transport service. A determination is made, based on a set of location data points of the plurality of location data points, that the vehicle has potentially driven along a roadway in which a toll is to be assessed as part of the fare. The roadway in which the toll is to be assessed is identified. The amount for the toll is determined for the identified roadway.

Abstract: A system for managing a toll-based roadway includes one or more receiving units positioned above or proximate the roadway and a sensing unit positioned within a vehicle traveling on the roadway. The sensing unit is configured to sense occupancy data based on the number of passengers within the vehicle. The occupancy data is communicated to the one or more receiving units.

Abstract: At least one image, such as a QR code, taken by a camera of a mobile computing device is received. The at least one image includes an identifier of a location dependent good or service associate with the image. The location dependant service may be a service for using a parking space or charging an electric vehicle. The identifier is automatically extracted from the image, and a user is identified to pay for the good or service. The user may self identify himself by providing payment details, such as an account number, username, or login details, or the user may be automatically identified from his phone number, IP address, MAC address or any other unique user identifier. Thereafter, an account associated with the user, such as a debit or credit card account, is billed for the location dependent good or service associated with the extracted identifier.

Abstract: Tracking speeding violations and the use of at least one destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images are received from a first camera, two or more second images are received from a second camera having a different field of view, and two or more third images are received from a third camera having a field of view overlapping with the field of the view of the second camera. Next, a speed of the first vehicle at a first time is determined. It is determined that the first vehicle exceeded a first predetermined speed limit at the first time. A unique identifier of the first vehicle and the speed of the first vehicle at the first time are then indicated. Next, it is determined that the second vehicle is stopped in the at least one destination location at a second time and that the second vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a third time that is after the second time.

Abstract: Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, three or more first images are received from a first camera having a first field of view. It is then determined that the first vehicle is stopped within the at least one destination location at a first time and that the first vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a second time that is after the first time. Next, a unique identifier of a vehicle is received from a third-party parking payment system. The unique identifier is associated with the first vehicle. Finally, the first time, the second time and the unique identifier of the first vehicle are indicated.

Abstract: A control and management system for defined areas, employs a card reader, vehicle sensing loop detectors and electric eyes, entrance door sensors and operators, truck securement devices, cameras, a control system with memory, and a wireless connection or internet/intranet connection, is provided to produce event log documentation. The event information is readily accessible by management or supervisory personnel, to see all of the recorded information concerning a specified event. Thus, an event can be readily reconstructed after the fact, using all available sensors and other information relevant to a manager or supervisor. An alert can be issued whenever an abnormal or unauthorized event occurs during operations. A QR code reader can be provided which communicates with the system to enable a person carrying the cell phone to scan QR codes at specified locations or on specified items or vehicles.

Abstract: A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity.

Abstract: Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, five or more first images are received from a first camera. A first static characteristic, a second static characteristic, a first dynamic characteristic, and a second dynamic characteristic of the first vehicle are determined based the five or more first images. The second static characteristic is determined to be approximately equal to the first static characteristic. The second dynamic characteristic is determined to be approximately equal to the first dynamic characteristic. In response, it is determined that the first vehicle is traversing a portion of a roadway. Then, it is determined that the first vehicle is stopped within the at least one destination location at a first time. It is then determined that the first vehicle left the at least one destination location at a second time that is after the first time. Finally, the first time and the second time are indicated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes interacting with a gate access device that is capable of preventing access to a location, where the gate access device subsequently sends an authorization request message to an issuer for approval, the authorization request message including a request to charge a predetermined amount of money to pay for access to a location, and entering the location if the gate access device receives an authorization response message indicating that the charge is authorized.

Abstract: Tracking and counting wheeled transportation apparatuses is disclosed. Initially, three or more first images are received from a first camera having a first field of view, where the three or more first images show multiple wheeled transportation apparatuses traversing a portion of a roadway. Next, first and second static characteristics and first and second dynamic characteristics of a first of the multiple wheeled transportation apparatuses are determined. It is then determined that the second static characteristic is approximately equal to the first static characteristic and that the second dynamic characteristic is approximately equal to the first dynamic characteristic. Next, it is determined that the first wheeled transportation apparatus is traversing the portion of the roadway based on the comparisons. A count of the number of wheeled transportation apparatuses traversing the portion of the roadway is then incremented. Finally, the count is indicated.

Abstract: The Toll App uses the user's smart phone to determine when the user crosses a toll zone. The app then automatically makes the correct payment for using the toll zone. The Toll App uses the phone's storage media to store toll zones defined on a web site by the toll operator. The Toll App uses the user's payment vehicle such as a credit card to make the payment. The Toll App web site provides a user interface for the toll operator to create and store toll zones on a database and those toll zones are sent to the storage media on the user's phone.

Abstract: A method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising combining tree search and Aloha methods to establish communications between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices without collision. A system comprising an interrogator, and a plurality of wireless identification devices configured to communicate with the interrogator In a wireless fashion, the respective wireless identification devices having a unique identification number, the interrogator being configured to employ tree search and Aloha techniques to determine the unique identification numbers of the different wireless identification devices so as to be able to establish communications between the interrogator identification and individual devices without ones of the multiple wireless collision by multiple wireless identification devices attempting to respond to the interrogator at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for real-time auditing and management of parking facility operations. In particular, the invention allows for real-time auditing and management of transactions relating to parking credentials, such as parking tickets. The systems and methods eliminate the costly overhead of manual auditing, and also provide enhanced capabilities to further reduce both unintentional and intentional loses of revenue. The systems and method allow for “real-time” data analysis and offer the potential to catch discrepancies virtually instantly, and can provide alerts immediately for any identified discrepancies. The present invention is also directed, in part, to systems, methods, and components for monitoring a parking facility. The method and system include the use of parking tickets that are configured to receive multiple two-dimensional bar codes.