BRPI0801923A2 - integrated parking management system and electronic parking meter - Google Patents

Abstract

INTEGRATED PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC PARKING METER. The present invention relates to an integrated parking management system that makes use of patented vehicle detectors to collect and transmit essentially near real-time data for all events occurring with single or multiple parking spaces (e.g. , current and historical usage, current occupant occupancy time duration) for a central clearing device for which the patent application was made that serves as a logical core and depot, making use of proprietary software, analyzing, displaying and distributing the data developed in this way concerning the parking lot and all its components to enable all parties (including potential users) who are concerned about the various aspects of a parking lot and its components (eg determining parking availability, maintenance and meter repair, revenue collection and enforcement of parking regulations not only access and make passive use of information in near real time, identify what happens in the parking lot and its components that is of particular interest to you, and maximize the efficient use of site-specific resources and your own resources. its interface with the site and its components, but also access and actively use such information for any purpose and in any way using any means of access they may desire. While others have claimed certain individual functions described, for example vehicle detection, no one has identified or patented.

Description

Report of the Invention Patent for "INTEGRATED PARKING AND MEDIDORELETRONIC PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM".

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the management of vehicle parking systems and in particular to such systems using remote management techniques to improve management efficiency and to provide parking system solutions that could otherwise be managed by (1) perception. , collecting, recording and displaying data relating to all aspects of the parking system environment; (2) analyzing the data collected to create results that can be employed and responding to the needs of the public and parking system management; (3) communication with the various components of the parking system; and (4) the receipt of the return to perform the requested operations for the parking system.

Background ArtParking Systems Despite many of the components and their respective functions,

such as electronic parking meters, collector nodes, nodes, cellular access loop modems, network portals, the Internet, wireless communication, computer processing unit (CPU) associated with vehicle parking systems are not known. exist

25 an almost real-time interactive system monitors existing parking meters for all facets of their existence and operation (including maintenance and length of stay) and transmits, analyzes, displays and makes available to all users. the information obtained and produced.

Parking Management

Managing an entity's available parking is a challenge for those working with that entity's administration. THE

PI0801923-1parking is a resource that has both a diverse user group and a high level of economic and environmental impact. The available parking supply is often much smaller than demanded, but is also continually changing. This results in scarcity that needs to be distributed fairly. Price fluctuations to match changes in demand are also impossible to institute due to lack of prior knowledge of such changes.

Price is not the only way people have tried to manage parking. They also sought to rationalize parking through the use of parking time limits. However, the scattered nature of parking spaces makes parking monitoring by traditional methods inefficient.

There are currently tools that assist in the management of parking resources. The development of parking meters greatly improves cash collection capacity and monitors the use of parking spaces. However, these meters also create an additional managerial problem as these devices require regular preventive maintenance as well as occasional repair. Such actions must be performed by qualified personnel. This creates an additional burden for the governing body to monitor not only vacancies but also scattered equipment, parts and personnel and to determine when a particular parking lot is out of order.

All this monitoring and management is the challenge of parking ministers. It usually takes all or most of the manager's time simply to keep the operation running and very little time spent on balancing the use and availability of parking spaces for the general public. In this respect, the present application addresses the failure of parking management to perform the function to which it has been assigned.

Parking Spaces as a Good

Due to a limited supply of parking spaces and a high degree of parking demand, parking spaces were designed for fair distribution purposes. In addition to the division of goods, time sharing or rationing occurs in cities where time limits are imposed on the use of the good. This means the need to establish and enforce the rules and commitment of human resources to the management of the good and its use. This represents a new good for the community.

The introduction of the parking meter allowed for the timely sharing of timed parking spaces automatically and the greater efficiency of human resources committed to parking management. It is also possible to collect parking fees without the need for the continued presence of a fee collector. While this new asset has improved the efficiency of managing a recursolimit, it has significant requirements and side effects. These include the need to repair meters, to enforce parking regulations, and to collect fees. To maximize parking efficiency from all points of view, one should also analyze public use of space (including available space identification, average occupancy time), identify meters that need repairs, collection boxes that need to be cleaned, meters

out of service and parking spaces occupied in breach of regulations. Ideally, all of this information should be available to parking management and to anyone who uses parking for any purpose (eg, customer or maintenance personnel) in near real time. To date, no system has been developed that does this. While technology (a timer and currency discriminator) allows the dispersed goods system to operate in a way that is understandable to all its users and also allows more efficient management of a limited resource, it also requires out-of-service meters to be repaired. and what money is collected. Additional personnel requirements to address these needs often require a layer of management personnel to support your operations. Miscellaneous User Groups

Users of information that can be developed with respect to parking spaces and the particular information they use are extremely diverse. Include the public - people who want to make use of the vacancy and who need to know about availability, location, proximity and terms of what is actually a short-term rental including allowable length of stay and fees; the commercial community that wants to know the patterns of utilization from the point of view of maximizing turnover of the prospective customer base; opersonal regulatory imposition - the persons charged with enforcing the regulations adopted for the vacancy; maintenance personnel - with the task of ensuring the operability of physical goods; Collecting Personnel - Responsible for collecting parking revenue on a schedule that ensures that no revenue is lost in the collection compartments because they are full to full capacity; management - charged with the greatest responsibility above and beyond, maximizing revenue consistent with solving the underlying public problems to better allocate a limited resource to the best interest of the group.

Not only are the demands of these various groups better off if they have up-to-date parking information, but there are other uses that they and others can make of such information that are not directly related to parking, for example, better information about parking. Collection cycles can enable more efficient money management by the municipal treasury, knowledge of meters that are out of service can result in a more efficient supply of inventory management. Invention SummaryRemote Goods Management

Parking spaces are not a standard feature. The same are numerous and geographically dispersed. This fact makes them difficult to manage. The difficulties presented by the nature of such goods require the use of emerging technologies to reduce inefficiencies and provide the proper distribution of assets to shareholders.

One field of management science - Asset Management - is devoted to solving such problems. This refers to the use of smart devices that can perform four basic functions:

1. Perception, collection and display of environmental data relevant to the management of a good;

2. Analysis of the collected data and creation of results that can be put into practice in response to user needs;

3. Communication with other necessary elements of the system;

and

4. Receipt of return and completion of the requested operations.

Applying this concept to the parking asset and then engaging available technologies to enable the highest degree of management efficiency provides a solution to problems that otherwise could not be managed.

In order to provide the necessary parking space asset management, a number of supporting assets are required to achieve the intelligence and communications that Remote Asset Management requires. These components are therefore also additional assets to be remotely managed and need to be built and / or integrated into the same concepts as Remote Asset Management. This includes the personnel used for the specific application and maintenance tasks.

A patented vehicle detection system, that is, U.S. Patent. No. 7,014,355, issued March 21, 2006, entitled: ElectronicParking Meter System and owned by the same assignee of this invention, together with a proprietary system for which the patent application, ie US patent application No. 11 / 179.799, entitled: Smart Me-ter Patent System, published as US-2007-0016539-A1 on January 18, 2007 and owned by the same entity as the assignee of this patent application identifies all information regarding a parking space. including when a vehicle enters or leaves a vacancy, how long the vehicle has remained in that vacancy, whether the parking meter associated with the space is in good operating condition, whether the charge requested for occupancy of the vacancy has been paid, whether the vehicle complies with any other regulations regarding the vacancy, if a violation has occurred or is about to occur, and the status of use of the collection mechanism. This information is collected, stored Nothing is then transmitted to a central command and control interface that, using proprietary software, pastes, analyzes and transmits reports to a monitor in quasereal time, allowing the end user to access and make data. use of the data or any part thereof in any manner, including wireless communication devices, laptops, mobile phones, electronic devices, or other means that best suits your needs. Briefly, this system not only monitors and reports parking situation but allows you to control its use and access displayed information and use it in response to your initial presentation, or for other uses including transmission to third parties. Parties involved in the parking, from any point of view, will be able to monitor the situation of all parking spaces in near-■ ■ real-time to make use of the parking space and information developed on an interactive basis according to their own needs. own needs, requirements or desires.

These uses include deletion of data for fine, identification of vacancies, storage of detailed occupant transaction data including arrival, departure, occupancy time and payment that will enable transaction data to be used. collected to determine the incidence of violation occurrence (including type of violation, time of occurrence, status of violation (citable or expired) and duration of violation)), archiving of maintenance events and transmission of maintenance events to management, enabling the creation of work orders to respond to maintenance events and requirements, the distribution of electronic work orders automatically, and the maintenance of staff surveys and supervisory groups, and development with real-time updates. the field for maintenance work performed, real-time upgrades of off-site equipment and service, distribution of electronic enforcement orders (automatic in addition to as a result of search by the regulatory enforcement officer), use of collected transaction data to eliminate data recording for fines, real-time updates of the field of cited violations, use of plaque recognition systems and real-time updates of cited violations, real-time combination of violation records, citation and maintenance for awarding parking fines, use of GPS for workforce tracking improve development and improve use of its services, use of work order / quote updates to locate and employ staff, use of telemetry assets to locate and employ staff, staff performance measurements on number resolved orders and response times for repair orders, electronic updates to allow scheduling, wireless, detector settings and logic, electronic settings and logic, and meter and logic settings for hours and days of operation, rate per hour, rate structure and rate adjustments in progress in real time and from time to time, acceptable ways payment, public space availability including trip planning (available places near destination), parking available near current location, parking location information including policy and time limits and payment options, use of historical data to enable management to develop targeting models for application, collection and maintenance, as well as the use of historical data to model the effects of policy change and rate changes, detailed summaries of individual spaces for occupancy, duration, violations and recipes and detailed information on car parking events. specifics for which a citation was made and use of GPS properly in relation to all of the above.

The objects, features and advantages of the invention set forth above are readily apparent from a consideration of the following description of the best embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings representing the best embodiment of the invention. , in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of a parking system incorporating battery powered client radios installed on the parking meters and providing data communication between the parking meters and the various associated peripheral components as the parking system;

Figure 2 is a diagram of an integrated communications module housed in a parking meter enclosure for each of the parking meters of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 illustrates a set of collecting nodes in an urban configuration according to the parking system illustrated in Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a diagram of the Command and Control Interface (CCI) illustrating its interconnection of communication with the main components of a typical vehicle parking system; in another alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates how an event or request used is processed using the Central Command and Control Logic Center (CCCLC) and its connection to various remote goods and DBS via a communications interface;

Figure 6 illustrates how two remote goods communicate directly as opposed to directing communication through the ICC;

Figure 7 illustrates data transmission from the Space Monitoring and Measurement Systems back to the eControl Command Interface;

Figure 8 illustrates the basic process used by the Command and Control Interface to process incoming requests and status updates;

Figure 9 illustrates communication between various aspects of the parking system to produce a citation for a parking violation detected by the parking system; Figure 10 illustrates the communication between various components of

parking system to provide a work order after detection of a malfunction in the parking system;

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the basic format of a god information interface of geographic information system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention consists in the integration of all or some of the components in the embodiment of the invention described herein and in the management methodologies by any user described herein which are permitted by such integrated parking management system. In one embodiment of the invention, the system implementation

The parking system uses battery powered customer radios (radios installed by the parking system management) installed on the parking meters that then communicate with the Nodes (also referred to as Collectors). The nodes form a network that provides the central communications structure for data that is communicated from the Parking Meter Clients Radios.

The parking system illustrated in Figure 1 illustrates the parachutes (1-1) embedded with battery powered customer radios. Data to and from parking meters (1-1) is communicated by a wireless link (1-3) to a collector node (1-2). The collector node (1-2) communicates wirelessly (1-3a) with other collector nodes (1-4) to move data to and from an access circuit (1-5). The access circuit (1-5) is connected to the Internet by a cellular modem, direct connection or other means and moves the data to a storage device and network gateway (1-6). The storage device and network portal (1-6) then create reports for use by a parking manager (1-8), communicate to the parking regulation enforcement (1-7), communicate with the (1-9) about the availability of parking spaces by cell phone, PDA, or narua device (1-11) or with maintenance staff (1-10) through, for example, Internet (1-12) and links to Communication.

One component of the parking system illustrated in Fig. 1 is the wireless client node located on the parking meter illustrated in Fig. 2. Parking meter (2-1) is a device that displays time, collects money in various ways and indicates the condition. of violation in several parking spaces (not shown) in the parking system. Modern parking meters are electronic and record and store data regarding transaction registration and availability of instructions regarding new operating hours and parking fees and terms. An Integrated Communications Module (ICM) (2-8) includes a Measured Data Bus (MDB) (2-3), a CPU and Memory (CPU & M) (2-2), Transceiver (2-1) ), Antenna (2-7) and Power supply (2-4) located in communication with a Vehicle Presence Detector (VPD) (2-6) and Parking Meter (2-5). ICM (2-8) is located in a common accommodation with Parking Meter (2-5) and VPD (2-6).

MDB (2-3) enables communications between the main system components and allows communications between the remaining systems illustrated in Figure 2 if either component fails. CPU & M (2-2) communicates internally with transceiver (2-1) and MDB (2-3) and by extension with VPS (2-6) and Parking Meter (2-5) as shown. Figure 2. Transceiver (2-1) is in communication with CPU & M (2-2) and Antenna (2-7) which, in turn, is in communication with Collector Nodes (1-2) (figure 1). ICM (2-8) receives data from and sends data to Parking Meter (2-5), VPS (2-6) and a Collector (1-2) or a plurality of collectors (1-2) (Figure 1).

Figure 3 illustrates a Set of Gathering Nodes in a typical urban configuration. Collectors (1-2) provide the main structure of the system communications. Collector Nodes (1-2) are in communication with other Collector Nodes (1-2) as illustrated in Figure 3. One Access Circuit (1-5) or multiple Access Circuits, and Parking Meters (1-1) or plurality of Parking Meters (1-1). Other Parking Meters (1-1) may in turn be in communication with a plurality of Gathering Nodes (1-2).

Gathering Nodes (1-2) are typically located on lampposts, traffic lights, or other structures located approximately 3-10 meters above street level for ease of communication.

The Access Circuits as used herein connect the Telemetry system to the outside world and in the present invention the Access Circuit is a Computer, a Transceiver and a means of communicating with the Internet or a program that provides monitoring and control of the parking. .Components

Another embodiment of the invention includes a centralized core coupling system (see Figure 4) that acts as a command center and interface for all parking event notifications, user information requests and connection and validation of all transmissions. communication between individual components that make use of data collected from vehicle detectors and transmitted to such a system. Referring to Figure 4, the Space Monitoring and Measurement System (SPMMS) (4-1) is connected via any available communication network to the Command and Control Interface (CCI) (4-2). When events occur that represent a change in the location of the space being monitored, or the equipment in place to do so, a communication session is opened with ICC (4-2). During this communication session any data related to the change in status is transmitted to the ICC (4-2). This data includes the type of change, the space or assistance it involves, the time and time of the change, particular details of the change of situation (type of violation, failure, etc.). In addition, during this communications session any additional data. stored in the form of transactions are sent to CCI (4-2) for use in data history analysis. This data includes individual events required by the data analysis engine to generate statistics for the historical report. In the event of a breach state or maintenance alert, the ICC (4-2) sends a message to the appropriate Regulatory Application Personnel (4-3) or Maintenance Personnel (4-5).

Upon arrival in the vacancy in question, the worker can communicate directly with (SMMS) (4-1) using optical wired or wireless communications. This communication will identify the vacancy in question directly to the work order or breach alert that the employee should resolve. Once identified, the electronic work order or quote may be filled with appropriate information and may be time-stamped as to the employee's response to the alert. Parking Team Supervisors (4-7) can also access CCI 4-2 through the darede portal. Through this portal the supervisor can manually assign open work orders and alerts, check the current or last known location of available staff, generate reports on open work orders or alerts, and review historical performance reports. Parking Policy (4-8) can access the darede portal to obtain historical reports on parking utilization or to model policy changes. CCI (4-2) generates reports from data collected by SMMS (4-1) and analyzed by the Data Analysis Engine (not shown) within CCI (4-2). Policy changes can then be developed by the policy makers or parking management team at the CCI (4-2) instruction to issue programming updates for SMMS (4-1). These are transmitted to the vacancies and all elements related to the Accounting Personnel of the Control Entities (4-9) access the CCI (through the web portal) to obtain reports on the revenue collected from the meters. Procurement Personnel (4-10) use the web portal to access specialized reports by combining violations, citations, and maintenance records stored in the ICC (4-2) to determine the validity of citations issued to Osmotoristas. Traffic Control Personnel (4-11) use network gateway access to determine connections between availability of traffic and traffic congestion and Emergency Services (4-12) to access the same portal to assist with vehicle removal. of prohibited parking areas from a centralized dispatch center. The parking public (4-13) may use the network portal or a connected intermediary service to obtain information regarding available parking spaces or to pay for such parking spaces. Alternatively the Payment Collection Department (4-14) receives data exported directly from the CCI (4-2) to process credit, debit or smart card payments. Citation Collection Agencies (4-15) access the web portal and / or receive data exported directly from the ICC for processing overdue citations. Towing Contractors (4-16) receive ICC alerts (4-2) regarding vehicles that must be towed and their present location as regulatory enforcement officers submit electronic citation information and from Emergency Services (4-12).

Figure 5 illustrates how an event or user request is processed. The request is generated by the perception of a change in the parking situation or by a user making a specific request. Event Source Good / User (5-1) sends a message to CCI (4-2). The request is interpreted by the Communications Interface (5-2) and processed by the CCCLC (5-3). The CCCLC (5-3) is programmed to perform the predefined actions for each request sent. In doing so, CCCLC (5-3) may search for one or more of the Remote Goods (5-4, 5-5, 5-6) in addition to one or more of the Databases (DB-1, DB-2, DB- 3) for additional information. CCCLC programming (5-3) may also send instructions to one or more Remote Goods (5-4, 5-5, 5-6) as a result of the request. All requests made by the CCCLC (5-3) for additional actions or data are passed through Cl (5-2) for interpretation of the request or in a protocol comprised by the intended good or database. Once all necessary information is compiled it is sent to Cl (5-2) to return a resulting confirmation or report to the source good or user via the Wind Source Good / User (5-1).

Figure 6 illustrates how two remote goods communicate directly as opposed to directing communication through the ICC (4-2). Cl (6-1) interprets transmission communications via the proper connection and protocol (6-2) to the receiving device (6-3). This message is received and interpreted by the receiving device's Communication Interface ( 6-4) and passed to your Short Term Store and Logic Center (LCSTS) (6-5). The receiving device acknowledges receipt of the message to the originating device, and both devices record the fact of transmission in the temporary store. These details are eventually sent back to CCI (4-2) for permanent storage in centralized communications files.

US Patent Application No. 11 / 179,779, filed July 13, 2005 and still pending, describes a vehicle detection system that identifies information regarding individual parking spaces including when a vehicle enters or leaves a how long the vehicle has been in the vacancy, if the parking meter associated with the vacancy is in good operating condition, if the rate requested for the occupancy of the vacancy, if the vehicle complies with any other regulations of the vacancy, if a violation has occurred or is about to occur and the state of use of the collection mechanism.

The present invention collects, stores and transmits the data above to a central command and control interface (CCCI) in Figure 7, which uses proprietary software, pastes, analyzes and transmits reports to a monitor in near real time, allowing thus, the end user of the data accesses and uses the data or any part thereof in any mode of communication including wireless communication devices, laptop, mobile phones and other modes of expression that best suits the end user's needs or wants. .

Figure 7 illustrates data transmission from davaga SMMS (7-2) back to ICC (7-1). Monitoring and Measurement Systems transmit data to Collector Nodes (7-3) dispersed across the area in which the meters are distributed. Collector Nodes (7-3) form an interlaced network to transmit data to one or more centralized access loop devices (7-4). These access circuit devices (7-4) are connected to the Internet (7-8) and are capable of transmitting data across the Internet to a specific address. A driver / firewall device (7-5) receives data distributed to this address and prevents unwanted access to the ICC (7-1). Since each SMMS (7-2) is identified with its own address, messages can be sent along the reverse course of the ICC (7-1) as well. Command and Control Interface

The Command and Control Interface (CCI) (7-1) is a computerized data flow system. Functionally, it consists of a core (7-6) and a communications interface layer (7-7). Logic Core

CCI Logic Core (7-6) is a safety programmable set to be applied to events and parking requests as CCI 7-1 receives notification of them. Rules are both predefined and user-defined in nature. The rules will dictate how the event or request will be handled. The first step of regression will be to analyze the sequence of data being received into applicable data elements for submission to the appropriate databases or management systems. The rules will define each of the marker data sequences over which the received data sequence should be parsed. The rules will also dictate which system should receive the parsed elements and whether returned data is expected. Each data sequence will then be passed to the specific database or management system and will confirm receipt of the entire data sequence. Communications with each element will be archived in a separate database for historical tracking purposes and internal diagnostic reports. If rules dictate that a defined support system response is expected, CCI (7-1) will wait for the returned data sequence and store it locally. Since each data sequence parsed is processed, any returned data sequences are compiled and passed to the communications interface layer 30 for distribution to the requesting user or remote electronic parking lot.

Communications Interface Layer (CIL) (7-7) is a multifaceted envelope that can be connected to multiple physical connections and using multiple protocols. Interface layer 7-7 includes a presentation engine that generates interactive documents for display on network browsers when applicable. It also allows simple exchange of data streams to remote devices via mobile, satellite or other long range wireless connections. The communications interface layer (7-7) uses routing tables to track the means and protocols to be used when communicating with each device.

The primary operation of the system is to transport data from one location to another where it may be acted upon by the receiving device or user. Data is transmitted using a predefined packet structure. This structure includes information identifying the source point of the message, a packet number, status data for the device, and payload data. The source ID is used to identify the ICC (7-1) which device sent the message. The packet number is used to recompile data packets if multiple packets are required to carry all necessary data in the proper order. This is necessary in case communications latencies cause packets to be received out of order. Device status data consists of several key pieces of information used by the ICC (7-1) to monitor the operational status of the reporting device. The payload portion of the packet is detailed data being sent to CCI (7-1) for processing.

To transfer data, the CCI communications interface (7-1) receives the data to be transmitted and the device address to which it must be distributed. Based on defined routing tables, communication device and protocols are determined and useful load data formatted for distribution. The distribution of information may be addressed to an individual device or group of devices. Once received, packets are rearranged as needed and interpreted by the logic of the receiving devices. The data package payload will tell the receiving device what action to take and which parameters to apply. User Interface

In order for human users to interact with the system, CCI (7-1) includes capabilities for producing interactive web page documents that can be accessed by users via any Internet connection. The invention includes several different types of interfaces.

Figure 8 illustrates the basic process by which the ICC (7-1) processes arrival requests and status updates. The event is received by Receive Event / Request (8-1) to start the process. CIL in Event / Request Analysis (8-2) analyzes the data sequence to highlight the various data items included in the sequences. The ICC 7-1 then enters a processing circuit 8-3 until each of the various data items has been processed. Each data item is formatted and sent to the database management system (8-5) defined in the Logic Core programming and the acknowledgment is then received from the database or system. If Logic Core programming indicates that data must be received from the database or management system (8-7), the CCI interface waits for the returned data (8-7). Once all data items have been processed, logical core programming dictates a device by which any returned data must be compiled (8-8) and the resulting compilation of data is passed to the Communications Interface Layer for distribution to all relevant goods. and users (8-9).

Figure 9 illustrates the processing of a violation event. The event is reported by SMMS (4-1) and passes through telemetry (9-1) back to ICC (7-1). Logical Core (7-6) processes the received data and creates a Citation Detail (9-2). This data is then transmitted through a wireless communications network (9-3) to a regulatory enforcement officer's laptop computer (9-4) where a quote (9-5) is written once the officer arrives. the vacancy in question.

Figure 10 illustrates the processing of a good wave malfunction (10-1). The malfunction is reported by SMMS (4-1) and passed through telemetry (10-2) back to the Command and Control Interface. The Logic Core processes the received data and creates an Electronic Service Order (10-3). It is then transmitted over a wireless communications network (10-4) to a maintenance employee's laptop computer. The employee then performs the repair and completes the Electronic Service Order (10-5). Upon completion of the Service Order, the employee lists any parts used and places a time stamp on the repair made. This information can then be transmitted back to CCI.

Geographic Parking Information System

Figures 11 to 15 illustrate the basic format of a user interface of geographic information system. The interface has many views and filtering levels. Figure 11 illustrates a focused view of the regulatory enforcement situation. Selection controls (11-1) allow the user to filter the view according to specific situations. In this case, the view is filtered to show only available vacancies. These are indicated by icons (11 -2) on the map.

Figure 12 illustrates the same figure as figure 11, however, in figure 12 a user clicked on one of the icons. When this happens a balloon or window (12-1) opens to provide additional details regarding the space represented by the icon.

Figure 13 is similar to Figures 11 and 12, but the filter has been expanded to show both empty vacancies and those with an expired meter violation.

Detailed balloon 13-1 provides information about both the wave and the violation occurring therein. Figure 14 is a view of GIS showing user-defined vacancy groupings. In this case, the user-defined groups based on the policy of applying regulations in effect on vacancies. Selected policies are indicated by the colored line (14-1) or some other visual medium.

These groupings can then be used to run reports, make policy changes, or otherwise manage vacancies. Figure 15 illustrates a geographic selection of meters. Users can define different types of geographies. Such types can be political (district council) or functional (regulatory enforcement zones). As with the groupings in Figure 14, these selections (15-1) can be used to generate reports, change policy, or manage vacancies within that geography.

Types are started with a user selecting one or more spaces using a mouse or selecting vacancies from a Parking Public list (4-27). Once selected, the user can initiate predefined actions using menus accessed through a menu bar above the interface screen or through contextual menus available through a defined combination of mouse clicks. A parameter series can then be registered by the user to define specific parts of the request. The entire request is then passed to the CCI (4-2) logical center where predefined rules dictate which data elements should be collected, how they should be pasted, and to which devices communications should be passed.

Similarly, icons on map images can be used to display current situation information. This information is updated by the user's manual request to update the display or to automatically update the monitor. In either case, ICC (4-2) retrieves information regarding the current location and status of remote personal property from a database containing current information and display image updates to reflect any changes. Textual

Frequently, the information required by users (peripheral components 4-21-30) is statistical in nature. To address these requests, the invention will include textual reports that will be available to others. Reports are triggered by logging screens specifying date ranges, selection of vacancies by type, or individually from statistical types and information to include, for example, how many meters in a parking lot are inoperative at a particular time and subsections of data. to be compared with others. The report will take the form of written reports, tables or graphs that are contextually appropriate for the statistics requested by users.

In addition to textual reports, graphs provide visual representations of statistics that provide a quick and accurate understanding of trends, comparisons, and discoveries of interrelated statistics.

Like textual reports, graphical reports will be presented as directed by the user registration screen that controls the date ranges, group or individual spaces to include, and the statistics to be represented. Users also select the graph type to use from a list of available graph types. When applicable, users can compare statistics by overlapping one statistic with another. The graph selection interface provides the user with the option of specifying whether results are presented on separate axes. This is useful when comparing statistics with different units of measurement, such as comparing dollar revenue against percent-measured achievement levels. Signage Electronics / Monitors

The system includes electronic monitors for remote units such as vacancy monitoring and measurement equipment. Such monitors (for example, the monitors illustrated in figures 11-15) include traffic signals and LCD monitors connected to the actual metering equipment for communicating current rates and policies to the public of the parking lot. The electronic nature allows such signage to be current to reflect changes in rates, hours of operation, and so on without the need to develop a workforce to replace or modify signals. Without such signage, rapid and regular changes cannot be made to such policies.

Support Databases and Management Systems

In order to make detailed and flexible reporting across all required formats, a number of interconnected systems and databases are required. CCI 20 coordinates the records of these individual data sources to create the individual presentations on any one or more peripheral components 21-30 illustrated in Figure 4. Data Analysis Engine

The data analysis engine is used to process basic data received from meters and user records.

For the processing of meter data, a system such as the Intelligent Meter System as described in US Patent Application No. 11 / 179,779, filed July 13, 2005 and pending is incorporated by reference to the Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description as found in that patent application. This system should be expanded to allow maximum flexibility in system management. The results of this processing are then stored in an associated data base in the ICC (4-2). For later retrieval and compilation without aggregate statistics for user requested reports.

The system of the invention also allows modeling of policy changes affecting the operation of the parking system as formulated by Parking Personnel Supervisors (4-21) and Parking Policy Creators (4-22). By storing historical data, the system can generate theoretical revenue reports and usage impact if policy changes have been or have been adopted. The user can simply specify which statistics to manually change and which statistics to calculate and The system can use historical data to estimate the results. These results are based on actual data for the target geography and allow a user to create a variety of considerations such as the consideration that compliance levels will be reduced by a percentage if rates are high. Current Situation Database

The current database situation is a database containing records for each asset or human resource being monitored.

The records for the spaces being monitored by SMM (4-1) contain information regarding the space utilization state, violation state and maintenance status. The table is updated with each new telemetry report of the system changes in various situations. The details of the records contain any space-related exception cases, your electronic parking meter, your vehicle detect or communications device.

Human resource records, for example, by Parking Personnel Supervisors (4-21) or Parking Policy Makers, are also updated as new data is received by system communication techniques such as telemetry. These records include information. regarding equipment in use by that employee (including vehicles and tools), the employee's location and any work order designated or associated as required by the Maintenance Personnel 30.

Parking Inventory Management System

A major component of managing any asset operation is inventory tracking. Each element of the operation is identified with a unique serial number. This serial number is used to index a database table that contains all information regarding the asset. This information includes part numbers, model numbers, and manufacturer numbers.

Additional database tables are listed to track historical events for the asset. Such events include maintenance issues and events, upgrades, location changes, and connected assets. This data is useful for the operation of Maintenance Personnel (4-30). Supplemental tables can be used to display current and historical data for any asset in the system to schedule maintenance, replacements, or upgrades.

When problems arise that may require replacement parts, tables storing information regarding associated replacement parts and available replacement stock can be used to ensure that maintenance personnel (Maintenance Personnel (4-31)) have all parts necessary for replacement. perform the necessary repairs. Additional tables store source information for parts and time to facilitate the efficient ordering of parts from their manufacturers.

Most systems also contain tools to additionally create efficiencies in inventory management by recording the attributes of manufacturers' requested parts and calculating the most efficient order quantities and shipping costs.

As mentioned earlier, the maintenance history for each decade is well tracked. This information is important in the analysis of breakage trends by facilitating the preventive maintenance of Maintenance Personnel (4-30) as well as improving the public's experiences of parking (4-27). Often people who have been cited for parking violation violate the fines due to the alleged malfunctioning of the parking meter. History information can be referred to to determine if such a failure has occurred. If so, the fine may be withdrawn. This data is required for the operation of Regulatory Enforcement Personnel 31.

If the malfunction occurs within a defined geographic region during specific times, maintenance managers may be able to identify vandalism issues and seek help from them to correct the problem. Policy Management

The policy management database is used to track various meter rates, days and times of operation and to allow special features. This database also tracks the history application of these policies for individual vacancies.

The database is referred to for processing data received from SMM (4-10). Analysis of this baseline data shall apply the correct gauge rate and regulatory enforcement parameters by the Regulatory Enforcement Personnel (4-31) to the data in order to correctly calculate the statistics and update the current vacancy status at the base. of current situation data for display on maps (figures 11 through 15) and reports. Work Order Data Base

When remote goods reporting or maintenance issues are identified by any of the system users, a work order is created by CCI Logic Core (7-6) (4-2). This work order is assigned a unique identification number that is used as an index in the work order database. This database in CCI (4-2) stores information regarding the problem to which the service was assigned and when the work order was distributed to the person assigned to do the service. The database also tracks field personnel records of when the work was completed, what parts were needed to perform the repair, and what additional work was done while on site. This information may then be referred to by management to create response time reports, update part inventories, and evaluate personnel.

This database described above is used to store information received by the SMMS system (4-2). Each time a violation is identified by the vacancy monitoring and measurement system, it is recorded in the database. The identified violation is given a unique identification number that is used as an index to the database. The database tracks the type, duration, and status of each violation. The violation is also confirmed with the information stored in the data analysis engine to connect the quote to a particular occupant. If a violation is cited, the information regarding the response time to this violation is also tracked.

This database is then available in conjunction with the maintenance history database to allow for complete resolution of quote claims. This data may provide an overall picture of the complainant's permanence when combined with data analysis engine information and the occupant identified with the violation.

Finally, the infringement database can be searched by citation collection agencies - internally or through third parties - to determine the timeliness of overdue infringement payments, further delay collection efforts by contacting violators and identifying violators guilty of violations. scofflaw. Such violators will then be subject to fines, towing or other penalties.

The citation database stores information in the JRC (4-2) considering each citation issued, the type of citation issued, along with the date and time it was issued, the vehicle characteristics (more like color, license plate number, license and issuing authority, vehicle identification number) and place of service.

An example of how to generate a quote for a parking space violation is illustrated in Figure 10 as described here.

Collection Database

The collection database at the Citation Collection Agency (4-25) is used to store information about money collected during metered money collection. The database is indexed by a unique identifier. Collection records track the date and time of collection, the personnel responsible for collection, and the amount collected. Additional tables connect the individual meters collected during the collection. This allows confirmation of the date and time each meter was last collected. This serves to audit the amount collected from the meters and assists in estimating the degree to which the collection box for each meter has been full since the last time it was emptied. Financial Accounting Management System

Financial accounting management systems in the Control Entity Accounting Personnel (4-23) are used to track incoming and outgoing cash. As such, any parking management system as described in the preferred embodiment of this invention must integrate with the systems used by a city to track its finances. This allows a city to directly feed a vast amount of financial information from the parking management system into reports, audit mechanisms, and budgets.

A primary feature of the preferred embodiment of the invention is the equipment used to monitor the basic good managed by parking systems according to the departments of the present invention. The combination of a detection technology to monitor occupant arrival and departure and a measurement interface for vacant users allows full control of this asset and reporting on its use. Such technology is described in US patent application No. 11 / 179,779, and the detailed description and Brief Description of the Drawings are incorporated by reference.

Detection technology monitors the vacancy and, when an arrival is detected, communicates this fetus to the electronic parking meter. This starts the time of utilization of the vacancy by the user. The electronic meter accepts the payment and determines the length of time to be granted to the user based on the payment amount. The meter tracks the limits of parking time and, in conjunction with the signal that initiates the parking time for the user, determines the amount of time an occupant should be able to purchase. The meter also provides an external indication of time remaining for the user.

For each event occurring in the vacancy, a record of the event is held. Each record containing the event type, event date and time, and any detailed event characteristics such as amount of payment or type of meter malfunction. This operation is described in the aforementioned patent application.

This SMMS (4-1) is wirelessly or otherwise connected to CCI (4-2) as illustrated in figure 4. This allows the SMMS to report high priority events and archived events back to CCI 20 The SMMS also receives programming updates or operating parameters from the ICC (4-2). This allows remote updates on meter rates, hours of operation and other usage details. Electronic (unillustrated) monitors allow users to be informed of current rates and hours without requiring employees to be used for the purpose of updating such signage. Street signs can also be updated similarly.

With the addition of these signage to the system, new concepts can be applied to parking management. Prior to the implementation of such a system, these concepts were only theoretical. Parking management has impacted the environmental and economic landscape of cities. In times of high demand, drivers will cross an area in search of convenient parking. The invention implements a pricing structure for parking that is based on demand for a location. The user can programmatically adjust rates to achieve particular occupancy marks. A city's policy managers can define areas of common rate structures that are monitored for occupancy levels. Target occupancy levels can then be determined by policy makers. The system then automatically increases parking rates when occupancy levels rise above this target level or lower rates if occupancy falls below the target occupancy level. The user can also determine the means by which high salt rates and how quickly this is done. This can be done by specifying an algorithm and time and price ranges change with the changes to be implemented. The system is capable of defining multiple algorithms within a given entity so that the system can be tuned to the specific needs of each geography. This also allows the use of different algorithms by each entity in case they choose to implement a different rate determination method than other cities.

Additionally, parking spaces without metered parking may be equipped with detection devices to apply parking spaces which are restricted or prohibited according to the time of day, day of the week.

Regulatory Enforcement Laptops

Regulatory laptops are any type of portable electronic device known to regulatory enforcement personnel of a parking system (not shown) that can be connected to the ICC (4-2) through any combination of communications technology and or wireless known to those skilled in the art. These devices can receive a combination of CCI (4-2) information, barcodes, character recognition technologies, and User records.

Portable devices and associated communication techniques provide a standardized way for regulatory enforcement officers to write quotes. Officers use information provided by the ICC (4-2) to identify the type of violation for violations being observed. The parking meter scan itself identifies the location of the violation and the internal clock stamps the time. The license plate can be scanned and the Vehicle Identification Number scanned for inclusion in the citation record.

The handheld device is connected to a printing device (not illustrated, but part of standard handheld devices) that creates a written quote for placement on the violator's vehicle. The completed citation information is then fed back to the ICC (4-2) to register the breach database in addition to updating the current situation database to indicate that a breach has been addressed. The functions described above and operations are performed by Regulatory Enforcement Personnel (4-31) and Traffic Control Personnel (4-29).

The completed citation also allows the ICC (4-2) to identify the location of the regulatory enforcement officer and to provide information regarding additional violations in the vicinity of that officer. The device also allows the regulatory enforcement officer to report any problems with the meter requiring maintenance personnel involvement. The officer completes an electronic work order that is communicated back to the ICC for the appointment of a work team. These functions and operations are performed by Regulatory Enforcement Personnel 31.

Complementary technology to that described above for performing the various functions described in this section is described in the Brief Description of the Disclosures and in the Detailed Description of U.S. Patent No. 11 / 179,779 mentioned above.

Maintenance Laptops

Maintenance handheld computers are any type of portable electronic device that can be connected to the CCI 20 through any combination of wired or wireless communications technology known to those skilled in the art. These devices can receive a combination of CCI 20 information, barcodes, optical character recognition technologies, and user registries.

The Peripheral Maintenance Personnel component illustrated in Figure 1 receives electronic work orders from the ICC. Service orders direct personnel to troubled meters along with information about what is wrong with the meter, what parts are needed, and how long the meter has been out of service.

Once work is completed, maintenance personnel record completed work to repair the meter, any inventory changes due to replacement of parts or equipment in addition to any additional service performed beyond the reported problem. All this information is time-stamped and communicated back to the ICC which updates all appropriate databases. In systems that segregate maintenance collection activities, the device provides an interface through which a maintenance worker can alert the collection that a meter needs collections to operate properly. An electronic service order can be created and communicated back to the ICC for assignment to collection personnel. Personal Collection Computers

Collecting personal computers are any type of portable electronic device that can be connected to the ICC (4-2) through any combination of wired or wireless communications technology. These devices can receive a combination of CCI (4-2) information, barcodes, optical character recognition technologies, and user records.

Collection workers use the devices to scan the meters as they collect money stored in the meter safe. This provides a time stamp for each collection performed on a particular meter. This information is communicated back to the CCI (4-2) where it is stored.

The device also allows collection personnel to report any type of meter problems that require the involvement of maintenance personnel. The officer completes an electronic work order that is communicated back to the ICC for assignment of a work team. These functions and operations are performed by the Control Entity Accounting Staff 23.Internal UsersMaintenance

Maintenance personnel can access the ICC to receive electronic work orders. These work orders can be customized according to the way work teams are equipped with tools and inventory as well as location. This development method reduces or eliminates the need for a regular maintenance route. Rather than expending efforts to locate and identify specific failures, employees can be directed to those specific failures, greatly increasing efficiency.

Employees can also use electronic work orders to track repairs and provide updates for system operation in near real time. Work order details also track inventory usage and movement.

The above operations and functions are performed by Maintenance Personnel 30 as described above under the subtitles Maintenance History and Service Order Database.

Regulatory enforcement officers access the ICC (4-2) to receive information on location and types of violations. This can allow officers to follow directly into areas where a high incidence of violations is occurring. That means officers can effectively apply a much larger number of meters with less effort.

The ICC (4-2) then passes the information to the handheld device used for issuing a ticket to assist in writing citations. Information regarding the details of the violation, such as type of violation and its related Law are added to the citation record. The officer then adds the relevant vehicle information cited by scanning the plates and Vehicle Identification Numbers. Information regarding the location of the violation can then be recorded in the register by scanning the meter slot number. Alternatively, the required information can be manually entered using a laptop computer. This process applies not only to parking meter violations, but also to any vacancy equipped with occupancy detection devices.

Once the citation registration is completed, the details are transmitted back to CCI 20 and stored in the citation database. The details are also then used to produce a written quotation. Printers attached wired or wirelessly to portable devices produce easily readable quotes in seconds. This written quote is left in the quoted vehicle. The ICC can then use the tracking location to direct the officer to nearby violations.

Collection staff at the Citation Collection Agency (4-25) are alerted by CCI (4-2) through laptops over how many meters require collection. This allows collections to be performed more efficiently. In addition, the collection staff will scan each meter as it is collected and the collect event receives a time stamp. These time stamps are recorded on a collection data basis for use in audit reports.

The supervisors in the Parking Team Supervisor (4-21) component search the ICC (4-2) for information regarding parking system status and related personnel. The ICC (4-20) provides maps and reports for supervisors to see in real time which vacancies need staff attention and the location of each available staff to perform the required work.

The report provides supervisors with up-to-date information regarding operability in the above, utilization and levels of compliance. The information is presented in a manner that is readily understandable. The location of various assets is displayed using color-coded icons. These icons are placed on a CCI-generated map at locations representing the geographic coordinates of each asset.

Data collection regarding when parking events were handled by staff in relation to the notification being sent also provides performance data for supervisors. Such reports can be used to identify problem areas such as difficult cover, inaccessible places and lack of workforce. With such performance reports, individual employees can also be analyzed for their relative performance and compensated for efficient work habits.

Accounting personnel can access CCI (4-20) for up-to-date information regarding revenue received from parking operations. Often, tracking is necessary to ensure security of funds deposited by the parking lot public. Audits of the money collected by the X meters are the amount deposited to guarantee the end-to-end security of these funds.

Accounting can also search the ICC (4-2) for information regarding outstanding citation payments and the elapsed time of any unpaid city payments. The system's interoperability with the city's financial accounting system enables information to be incorporated quickly and accurately into financial reporting. The ICC (4-2) formats the data for export directly to accounting systems. As information is readily transferred from the parking management system to the financial accounting management systems, cities can use the accessories of the financial accounting management systems to easily budget future parking receipts. .

Finally, accounting personnel can also make use of the modeling capabilities of the preferred embodiment of the invention to understand the financial impacts of proposed policy changes such as fee or hourly charges.

Because parts and equipment are closely monitored and estimated distribution time, inventory can be reduced to a more efficient level. Purchasing managers can order replacement parts, track returns and receive new inventory through a one-stop interface provided by CCI (4-2). This interface is kept up to date almost in real time as staff supplies parts. and equipment for new installations and repairs.

Purchasing agents may update timely information, new order points, and other pertinent information by reviewing purchase history. A survey sent to ICC (4-2) generates a report on how many parts were requested from which seller and how often.

These operations and functions may most likely be performed by Maintenance Personnel (4-30). Policymakers

Policy makers in the Parking Policy Makers (4-22) component for a city can search the ICC (4-2) for reports regarding historically experienced usage and revenue patterns in different geographic regions and / or under different policies. parking. These reports can be used to identify unrequited goals within parking management. If a goal of parking managers is to achieve specific O-leveling or compliance levels, areas of concern can be identified and action can be taken to change rates, hours of operation, and any other factors to best match these management objectives.

Once areas of concern are identified, the ICC (4-2) can access data analysis engine modeling capability to determine the effects of changing parking policies. Such testing can be performed to determine the efficiency of proposed changes without trial and error implementations of policy modifications. This saves the public from confusion and dissatisfaction with the parking system.

Judges handling fine claims, Judges on the Awarding Personnel may search the ICC (4-2) for information about the violation in question and the violator. Data in the citation database, violation database, and data analysis engine are combined and presented as a unified report by the ICC (4-2) illustrating all details of the violation including violation time and observed violations type, time of arrival and departure of the occupant and the amount paid by the occupant. By accessing the maintenance database, CCI (4-2) may also provide information regarding the operation of the meter on site if applicable. This allows the adjudicator to quickly determine the validity of the citation. The adjudicator may also then search the ICC (4-2) for information regarding the violator. The history of citations received by the occupant and the rate at which citations are paid, deleted or left pending can be reported. This enables the adjudicator to identify elements that regularly abuse the parking lot of what is truly being wronged. Emergency Services

Parking is generally prohibited in front of equipment required for emergency services such as fire hydrants. The vacancy monitoring equipment located at such locations by the SMMS (4-33) quickly identifies violations and allows the citation and / or towing of vehicles violating the rules of such vacancies. This reduces or eliminates the burden on the public that emergency service workers are harmed in their efforts to respond to an emergency call.

Similarly, there are cases where emergency services need to evacuate streets from parked vehicles. In such cases, up-to-date information regarding the number of vehicles to be removed may help the use of tow trucks and personnel to perform the task effectively. Managers can search CCI 20 for this information.

The above functions and operations are performed by the Emergency Services component (4-33). Traffic Control

Traffic flow studies have indicated that much of the traffic congestion observed in areas where street parking exists is largely due to high occupancy levels. Traffic control managers can search CCI (4-2) to determine if areas of high congestion also show very high levels of parking occupancy. If there is a correlation, action should be taken to reduce the demand for parking in these areas. This is often accomplished by the increased price of street parking in this area. With lower demand levels, fewer drivers will "cross the quarter" looking for a spot. Those wishing to pay the highest price for parking will also be able to find local vacancies more easily.

These functions and operations are performed by Traffic Control Personnel (4-29) .Public UsersParking Public

Car parkers can access CCI (4-2) in various ways as described below. The parking lot public uses an interface to find and / or pay to park in a parking space. Car Navigation Systems

There are multiple services that direct drivers to requested trade locations. Navigation systems often offer suggestions for restaurants, shopping areas, and other resources. Many of these services provide directions to these locations through the use of a geographic information system. Since CCI (4-2) contains geographic coordinates for parking spaces, the location of available parking spaces can be provided to users near the user's current location or a specific destination. Such systems reduce or eliminate the additional environmental impact that the search for parking spaces creates. Such a bus would typically consume larger amounts of fuel and generate much higher levels of exhaustion than the situation in which drivers are directed to open spaces. It also gives drivers an accurate view of the availability of places. Drivers who may normally be discouraged from visiting traders at a particular location due to perceived lack of parking will be able to find nearby openings more easily. With greater customer access to the site, merchants in this area will have greater sales opportunities. This increase creates a cost-effective increase for the entire community. Cell PhoneThere are technologies today that allow users to pay for parking through the phone. This solves the payment problem without having to carry cash. However, such systems create tension for regulatory enforcement efforts. CCI (4-2) provides such systems with a means by which time may be required on electronic parking meters.

A user dials a phone number and provides the davaga parking number for which they want to buy time. The user also provides the length of time they wish to purchase and a payment source such as a credit card. The ICC (4-2) then issues a command to the specified meter to display the appropriate length of time so that regulatory enforcement officers can check the meters in the traditional way. This is the role of Regulation Enforcement Personnel (4-31).

Parking users can also access CCI (4-2) through a public-facing network page to plan trips. The user submits one or more destinations and an approximate arrival time. Using a combination of current and historical usage data, logic core (7-6) determines a parking location near destinations that is most likely to be available. CCI (4-2) then allows the user to determine the time and cost limits of parking at the suggested locations. With this information, the driver can drive directly to the location and does not spend time searching the area for available parking spaces. This saves driver time, reduces traffic congestion and saves fuel.

Users can also reserve vacancies. The backup user avaga directly or through a third party. The reservation is passed to CCI (4-2) which then sends a signal to the electronic meter in the reserved parking space. The meter then displays an indicator that the parking space is reserved or otherwise unavailable for parking. When the driver arrives, the parking space identifies himself by dialing a number on a cell phone and entering a reservation code or by connecting an electronic identification device to the parking space. measured. Such identification devices may be a magnetic stripe card, Smart Card or RFID card. This process would unlock the meter and allow the driver to buy time on the meter.

The Internet may also allow the driver to purchase the parking meter similarly to how a cell phone may be used. The driver can provide the job number and the amount of time to be bought through a web site. The ICC (4-2) accepts this request and issues a command to the associated parking meter to display the appropriate amount of time. These operations are represented by the Public Parking component (4-27).

Traders access CCI (4-2) through a web page interface similar to the one that drivers use. Through this interface, merchants help direct customers to available positions with customer service. As an additional service, merchants pay all or part of the customer's parking cost through the darede website as well. The customer informs the merchant in which parking space he has parked after entering the store and the merchant can buy the time on behalf of the driver. CCI (4-2) then instructs the meter located in that vacancy to add the amount of time specified on the monitor. These functions are provided in the Parking Audience component (4-27). Third Party UsersRed Car Hire

Many cities use vehicle towing or "sealing" to seize vehicles belonging to individuals who consistently violate parking regulations and then refuse to pay the fees in which they occur. Additionally, cities frequently tow-cam vehicles for which fees have not been paid. This process requires the identification of such vehicles by regulatory enforcement personnel, coordination with the contracted trailer and the steering authority's direction to the appropriate location.

The report of each written citation is communicated to the ICC (4-2) almost in real time. Logical core (7-6) can then analyze the citation details and compare them with the citation database and determine if a particular vehicle is a candidate for towing or sealing. If appropriate, appropriate personnel are notified of the vehicle and its location. The vehicle can then be towed without further intervention on behalf of the parking enforcement officer.

These functions are performed in conjunction with Logic Core (4-22) and Regulatory Enforcement Personnel (4-30). Alternative Payment Clearing Houses

Many alternative currency payment types have been introduced for parking payment. These payment options are often difficult or impossible to implement as the payment information made must be collected from individual vacancies. The central communications structure for the ICC (4-2) eliminates the difficulty of collecting such information. Alternative Payment Clearing Chambers (4-24) access the CCI (4-2) and request information regarding payments made. The CCI (4-2) then searches the meters for this information, compiles it, and passes it to the palliation clarifiers in the Alternative Pay clearing houses (4-24) and in the format required by these systems. Quote Collection Agencies

In order to collect overdue citations, many parking authorities employ third parties to find violators and collect overdue fines. Such agencies access CCI (4-2) to track updated information on the details of the violation, payment status, and date. In addition, CCI (4-2) formats the data for export to the agency's own systems. These functions are also performed in Alternative Payment Clearing Chambers (4-24). Methodologies The integrated parking management solution described by this invention allows parking managers to solve problems related to fair distribution of parking to the public. generally. The integration of these multiple systems in near real time solves the disadvantages of previous methods and technologies. Near Real Time Updates

The basic purpose of the invention is to use near real time communication of parking events to a Central Command and Control Logic Center (5-2) which then analyzes them and displays the same as end users such as Remote Goods 1. , 2, and 3e DB1, DB2, and DB3 make use of them as they please. This Central Command & Control Center (5-2) stores the information you need, but also alerts you for action when needed. Temporal distribution of information is essential in realizing the benefits of efficient management of remote and personal assets. Due to the reverse nature of devices and systems, the Central Command and Control Logic Center (5-2) should be able to communicate using multiple methodologies and protocols.

Whenever remote assets are integrated into a network, wireless technologies have the benefits of limited amounts of infrastructure to be installed to enable communications. This, however, means that devices must be self-energizing. Energy consumption can be managed. Part of management is the selective timing of communications. When situation change events occur, any or all Remote Goods 1, 2, and 3 initiates communication with the Central Command and Control Logic Center (5-2) by passing the changeover beyond any additional stored information. This ensures complete transmission of data from Remote Goods 1, 2 and 3 with the minimum number of transmissions required to keep the asset status fully up to date.

The electronic record keeping by the person completes the information circuit for ICC history reference and review (4-2). It also updates inventory levels so that non-supporting agencies such as purchasing can ensure the availability of the necessary personnel and parts. Need Based Response Current parking operations are route based

to visit each vacancy so that problems can be identified and resolved. This method is inefficient and results in loss of revenue and manageability for the parking system.

By integrating these systems, personnel and equipment can be sent to where they are needed. Since no effort is required to find vacancies that require maintenance or regulatory enforcement, each worker can keep or fill more vacancies at a time. Additionally, the required action can be performed for each problem observed in less time. This means that malfunctioning goods will be out of service for less time. Because of this, they can return to operation and availability for faster use. Automated Route Generation

In situations where the use of personnel and equipment cannot be performed efficiently, geographically located groups of meters may be identified for attention. Employees may then be sent to the location of this group of meters. Teachers.

An example of such use is that of meter collections. When geographically co-located meters have collected coins almost reaching the capacity of their collection boxes they can be grouped together and an order issued for their collection. The average cash volume utilization of each group can then be classified. The rating determines the urgency with which each group meter should be collected. Employees can then be sent to these most urgent collection groups.

Logic Core Updates and User ConfigurationThe invention uses a combination of predefined and custom instructions logged by authorized users to determine how the logic core reacts to receiving event notifications and user polls.

CCI (4-2) provides a Communications Interface Layer (7-1) that allows users to define which events should automatically trigger notification of field personnel or distribution to supervisors for manual assignment to a team. of specific employees.

Predefined instructions are used to maintain retrieval and calculation processes to respond to user surveys. These instructions also process basic data sequences to store event history records, create specialized records for maintenance, regulatory enforcement, and collection. beyond the calculation of standard statistics. The combination of predefined routines and godarith configuration allows the logic core to efficiently produce standard results while providing users with flexibility in operational flow.

Therefore, it is desirable that the present invention be not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but include any modification and variation that is apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be determined by any and all equivalence of the various terms and conditions as recited in the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1. Integrated parking management system (IPMS) comprising: a logical central command and control center (CCLC) to collect, store and analyze data received from remote locations in the parking system to create actionable outputs for controlling components in. remote parking system (RPSC) in the parking system (PS); said (CCLC) further communicating with said (RPSC) and receiving a feedback from said (RPSC) for performing the requested operations from said (RPSC); a computerized data flow system forming a command and control interface (CCI) and including a logic core having a programmable set of rules to apply to said components (RPSC) and a communications interface layer (CIL) including (1) a presentation engine for document generation interactive devices for display and (2) devices to allow exchange of data to said sequences (RPSC) and (3) table routing for the tracking of both devices and protocols to be used when the add (CCI) is communicating with the said communication interface (RPSC), said communication interface receives data to be transmitted and an address of the parking system component to which the data is to be transmitted; and at least part of said transmission data (RPSC) through said CCI to said CCLC representing the situation of the parking system and receiving instructions from said CCLC through said CCI to control the operation of said parking system. The IMPS according to claim 1, further comprising the parking wave monitoring and measurement system (SMMS) for providing information by specifying the situation of parking spaces within the (IPMS) and transmitting said information to said (CCI). and communication means for providing two-way transmission between said (CC) and said (SMMS). IPMS according to claim 1, wherein said (RPSC) comprises at least one of public parking, regulatory enforcement services, maintenance services, traffic control services, emergency services, administrative services and security services. trailer. IPMS according to claim 1, wherein 5. Integrated parking management system (IPMS) comprising: several parking meters each having data transmission capability, a plurality of collecting nodes forming groups of collecting nodes for receiving data from selected groupings of said parking meters and each of said collecting node groups receiving said data, an access circuit receiving said data transmitted from said collecting node groups and transmitting data to said collecting nodes, means for transmitting data from said circuits. of access; a storage device and a network portal for receiving data from said access circuit and creating reports relating to parking meter status; means for transmitting said reports to IPMS end users. IPMS according to claim 5, wherein said end users comprise at least one of a parking enforcement entity, a parking manager, public parking system users and a maintenance entity. -dog. 7. Electronic parking meter displaying time, receiving money in various forms and indicating conditions of violations in a parking space having an associated vehicle presence detector (VPD) in one (IPSM), comprising: an integrated communications module (ICM) for receiving data from said parking meter and sending data to said parking meter and said VPD; said (ICM) including a CPU & memory (CPU & M) component for and the parking meter recording and storing the information regarding the associated parking space situation and transmitting the data to said (ICM) and receiving said instructions (ICM) regarding changes in parking meter operation. An electronic parking meter according to claim 7, wherein said ICM includes a meter data bus (MDB), CPU & memory component (CPU & M), transceiver, antenna and power supply, said (ICM) communicating with said (VPD) and said parking meter, said MDB allowing communication between said (VPD) and parking meter, and communication between said component (CPU & M) and said transceiver. -in component failure.