| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080201212 | SMART SIGN MOBILE TRANSIT FARE PAYMENT - A system and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device utilizes a smart sign including near field communication (NFC) devices that communicate with a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device. Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location. The NFC devices may be included on the same smart sign located at one transit location or on different smart signs located at different transit locations. Alternatively, one NFC device may be included on a smart sign at a departure location and another NFC device may be activated when or after the user enters the transit system to provide proof of fare purchase. The mobile device is positioned proximate the NFC devices to activate the NFC devices and access fare and/or schedule information or purchase a fare. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080208680 | DriveOn Pay(TM) as WiMAX-compatible Menu-Driven Dashtop Mobile Payment Platform - DriveOn Pay™ is a location-based Privacy-friendly dashtop mobile payment platform (DMPP), based on mobile WiMAX IEEE 802-16e-2005. It is an all-in-one solution geared to integrate all other dashtop gadgets in view of the growing necessity of the real-time bridge syncing cyberworld and real world, which is central to mobile broadband technology. The VIN-based Menu-Driven Fail-safe 5-mile-range DMPP envisions a BS and a Touchscreen On-Vehicle CPE named VIMO™, powered by the vehicle battery. It works as an Unmanned Booth-free Toll-Collection Maximizer at any vehicle speed; Transportation Hub Security Enforcer for non-linear surveillance of passengers plus non-passengers, both indoors and outdoors; ‘JIT e-Commerce on the Go’ (JITeCGO) Creator; Ticket-free Biometrics-free Remote Check-In & Admission Optimizer for ballparks, expos, parking garages, and transportation hubs. After all, it is to provide an optimal solution to metropolitan traffic surges, wherever they may happen, utilizing the Disposable Ephemeral Digital ID (DEDID) and the vehicle-to-vehicle mobile P2P. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208681 | PAYMENT USING A MOBILE DEVICE - A mobile device is provided with payment data to enable the mobile device to complete a purchase transaction at a collection terminal. The mobile device requests and receives a payment data value over a wireless network to configure the mobile device as an electronic wallet such that a subsequent purchase transaction may be completed using the payment data value stored on the mobile device. A transit fare may be paid using the mobile device in communication with a back end server that collects transit information and calculates the transit fare. The mobile device may also access payment data, transit fare products and account information from the back end server via a wireless network. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080228562 | Fully Automated Vehicle Dispatching, Monitoring and Billing - A system for controlling vehicles ( | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080235082 | Integrated Automatic System For Managing the Access of Vehicles to Controlled Parking Areas - An integrated automatic system for monitoring and managing the access, transit and parking of vehicles in predetermined controlled traffic areas, in particular in parking areas equipped with a plurality of individual parking spaces comprises: an electronic vehicle identification device; an electronic vehicle detection device; at least one local data processing unit; at least one central data processing unit. The data transmitted by the electronic vehicle identification device are associated with the data relative to the electronic vehicle detection device and the result of this association is transmitted to one of the local data processing units. Furthermore, the data processed by the local units are transmitted to the central processing unit which generates a signal relative to the payment of a predetermined fee for the access and/or transit and/or parking of a vehicle inside the controlled area. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080270226 | ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION AND RENTAL VEHICLES - A method of calculating a usage fee for the use of electronic toll collection in a rental vehicle includes collecting customer information concerning customer's renting of one or more rental vehicles, collecting toll use information concerning the use of electronic toll collection at a tollgate, calculating a usage fee based upon the customer information and the toll use information, and displaying the usage fee. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080270227 | System for Checking the Payment of Vehicle Parking Charges - A system for checking the payment of vehicle parking charges comprises, on the one hand, a vehicle-portable parking meter device ( | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080319837 | Pay Parking System and Method - A parking meter system where a vehicle detector is coupled with a microcontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle in the associated parking space has a plurality of monitoring units communicating with a single unit for accepting payment by coin, credit card or both. In this way the cost of installing and main-taining the system is reduced. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090012851 | WIRELESS TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM - An assembly of devices for charging and cashless automatic payment of costs, e.g. toll, bridge toll, entrance and the like, charged on the basis of geographical locations and/or geographical areas and for the information on the events on the basis of the above-mentioned charging consists of a control centre ( | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090018901 | INFORMATION OUTPUT NETWORK SYSTEM - An information output network system includes: a route information storage unit that stores plural departure-and-arrival points in public transportation, and information on traveling routes in public transportation regarding the respective plural departure-and-arrival points; an input reception unit, provided in one of the departure-and-arrival points stored in the route information storage unit, that receives an input to specify at least one of the departure-and-arrival points stored in the route information storage unit; a search unit that searches for information on a traveling route from the departure-and-arrival point where the input reception unit is provided to the departure-and-arrival point received by the input reception unit, from the information stored in the route information storage unit; and a search result output unit that outputs the result of search by a search unit. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090018902 | COMMUTER CREDITS SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed are systems and methods for implementing a Commuter Credit Program that allows commuters and non-commuters to generate credits that may be redeemed as cash on tollway system or for other benefits. Exemplary systems and methods identify participants or a proxy account ID at various locations on the transportation system or at other prescribed locations to qualify the participant and issue commuter credit. Similarly, exemplary systems and methods positively identify participants at various locations in the transportation system such that the credits can be used in lieu of paying cash on the tollway or at other prescribed locations to receive alternative benefits. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090024458 | Position-based Charging - A method of position-based charging comprises the steps of identifying journey details, including a plurality of position data each representing a location of a position-sensing device during a journey. A cost is determined for the journey and the cost and an identification of the position-sensing device are forwarded from the position-sensing device to a payment processing service. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090043647 | Metthod to activate electronic payment means in mobile terminal and activity server thereof - The present invention relates to an electronic payment means activating method and an activating server thereof. In the electronic payment means activating method, a usage approval of the inactive electronic payment means is requested by using first identification information of the inactive electronic payment means and personal user information of the user terminal, the first identification information is authenticated to determine usage approval of the active electronic payment means, a class of a user is detected by using the personal user information, a first parameter value corresponding to the detected class of the user and a usage approval message are provided to the user terminal, the first parameter value is established in the user terminal, the electronic payment means is activated, and a fare according to the first parameter value is paid by the electronic payment means. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090083133 | Method and system for electronic payment of missed tolls - A method and system for the electronic payment of unpaid or missed tolls utilizing a web-based system that records information relating to the unpaid or missed tolls and provides access to drivers or customers to a website whereby drivers/customers can electronically arrange for non-cash payment of unpaid or missed tolls. The method and system also allows for the ability to audit various types of information relating to such payments, to remove or delete information relating to violations when payment has been made and to generate various reports for accounting, financial, enforcement and other operational purposes. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090089156 | DETERMINING A TOLL AMOUNT - A system, method, and computer readable medium for determining a toll amount comprises determining a capture rate of transports at a toll location and determining the toll amount based on the capture rate. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090138344 | TIME MONITORING SYSTEM - A system, a method, and a service that monitors the time a space is occupied. The time period for occupation of the space may be prepaid or the fees may accumulate while the space is occupied. The system detects when an occupant enters the space and starts a timer. The system further provides a user interface whereby a user may prepay for an allotted period of time or may accumulate time in the space and then be billed later. Identifying information about the occupant may be acquired by an imaging device. The imaging device may further poll the space to determine if and when the occupant departs from the space. Identifying information may also be acquired through a user interface in which a user may enter identifying information, such as a credit card, a license number, a VIN, a driver's license, etc. The fact that the space has been occupied, the identifying information, and any prepaid amounts are transmitted via a communication device to a control station. The control station may monitor events in the space such that when an occupant departs the space, the timer is reset. Alternatively, the control station may issue fees for use of the space, may issue penalties or even call for removal of the occupant from the space if occupation of the space exceeds the amount of time purchased or poses an abuse of the privilege of using the space. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138345 | TIME MONITORING SYSTEM - A system, a method, and a service that monitors the time a space is occupied. The time period for occupation of the space may be prepaid or the fees may accumulate while the space is occupied. The system detects when an occupant enters the space and starts a timer. The system further provides a user interface whereby a user may prepay for an allotted period of time or may accumulate time in the space and then be billed later. Identifying information about the occupant may be acquired by an imaging device. The imaging device may further poll the space to determine if and when the occupant departs from the space. Identifying information may also be acquired through a user interface in which a user may enter identifying information, such as a credit card, a license number, a VIN, a driver's license, etc. The fact that the space has been occupied, the identifying information, and any prepaid amounts are transmitted via a communication device to a control station. The control station may monitor events in the space such that when an occupant departs the space, the timer is reset. Alternatively, the control station may issue fees for use of the space, may issue penalties or even call for removal of the occupant from the space if occupation of the space exceeds the amount of time purchased or poses an abuse of the privilege of using the space. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090144136 | GEOGRAPHIC AREA MULTIPLE SERVICE CARD SYSTEM - The invention provides consumers with the services of multiple cards or accounts while allowing consumers to carry a single card, transponder, code and/or other access device. Because the card may access combined services such as financial transaction services and transportation services, the system may facilitate charging the financial account for the transportation services. The system may allow the consumer to use loyalty points or geographic based loyalty points to pay for the transportation services. The system may also limit the use of certain loyalty points based upon the geographic area for certain transportation services in certain geographic areas. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090171772 | RNSS-based lane-level vehicle tolling method and system - An RNSS-based lane-level vehicle tolling method and system for a roadway having at least one managed traffic lane and at least one unmanaged traffic lane, and on-vehicle equipment for use therein, overcome lane identification limitations of RNSS-based tolling and achieves lane-level tolling through explicit lane identification. In some embodiments, a vehicle transmits a lane presence indication (LPI) to indicate to off-vehicle toll processing whether the vehicle is currently in a managed or unmanaged traffic lane. In other embodiments, on-vehicle toll processing uses lane identification information locally to determine whether the vehicle is currently in a managed or unmanaged traffic lane. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090210299 | Method and Apparatus for Simplifying the Handling of Complex Payment Transactions - A predetermined amount, which may, in general, be zero, less than, the same as, or greater than a (yet-to-be-determined) final transaction amount, is charged upon first presentation of a payment device to a merchant. A final transaction amount is calculated, preferably at a central server, subsequent to the first presentation. A variable adjustment value is calculated, preferably at the central server, by comparing the predetermined amount already charged with the final transaction amount. A new predetermined amount charged, upon a subsequent presentation of the payment device, is modified by the variable adjustment value. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090222331 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR BILLING BASED ON A DURATION OF A SERVICE PERIOD - A system, method, and computer readable medium for billing based on a duration of a service period, comprises sending fleet data from a third party entity to a toll authority via a toll rental entity, matching toll data with the fleet data by the toll authority, if the toll data matches the fleet data: charging an account by the toll authority and sending the matched data to the toll rental entity, determining, by the toll rental entity, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling or an opt-out for duration based tolling, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling, charging the third party entity for the duration based tolling, and if the sent matched data is related to an opt-out for duration based tolling, applying at least one of: a fee for the duration based tolling, a toll usage amount, a service fee for the duration based tolling, and a service fee for the toll usage. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090228349 | MOORING SYSTEM - A mooring system ( | 09-10-2009 |
| 20090240575 | BICYCLE RENTAL SYSTEM AND STATION - A bicycle rental system and automated station that may be integrated with an automobile parking payment and management system. Users may pay for parking and/or rent and pickup bicycles at the station. The station has a meter, bicycle docks, and power plant. Transaction formalities for parking payment and rental may be handled at the meter. The bicycle docks each are adapted to secure a bicycle. The power plant uses a solar panel to collect power and stores it in energy storage device. Low-power operation may be achieved by placing some electronics in a low-power mode. Each bicycle dock may have a trigger mechanism that when activated powers on associated electronics. The bicycle docks may be divided among a number of bicycle modules. The bicycle modules provide flexibility and modularity so that the number of bicycle docks at a station may be changed. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090248500 | Apparatus and method for supporting and shielding a wireless device - A receptacle for supporting a transponder on a support structure includes a housing having a first housing portion securable to the transponder and a second housing portion securable to the support structure. The first housing portion is pivotally secured to the second housing portion. The first housing portion and second housing portion include a shield for attenuating the transmission of electromagnetic signals. The first housing portion has a first position wherein the first housing portion and second housing portion form a chamber for enclosing the transponder and restricting the transmission of electromagnetic signals from the chamber. The first housing portion has a second position wherein the first housing portion and the transponder are displaced from the second housing portion thereby opening the chamber and exposing the transponder to permit the transmission of electromagnetic signals to and from the transponder. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090259528 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENSURING DATA PRIVACY IN OFFBOARD TOLL COLLECTION - A method for determining toll routes, using a filter unit and a vehicle onboard unit onboard unit in communication with one another, the filter unit having map material so that toll routes are determinable on the basis of a position data, includes transmitting, by the onboard unit, the position data to the filter unit so that the position data is checkable for toll relevance without revealing an identity of the onboard unit. The transmitted position data is checked for toll relevance. Toll collection data is transmitted to the onboard unit for charge calculation and billing. The toll routes are stored by the onboard unit. The toll routes are transmitted to a toll collection point for the charge calculation. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090292596 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR TOLL SERVICE ACTIVATION AND BILLING - A system, method, and computer readable medium for toll service activation and billing, comprises receiving fleet information at a toll authority via a toll rental entity, receiving a service request at the toll rental entity, sending toll usage data related to the service request to a third party entity, receiving a payment at the toll rental entity based on the service request, and sending a payment to the toll authority based on the toll usage data. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292597 | Parking payment and enforcement mechanism - This application describes a means of paying for metered parking using the cell phone. It uses information from telecommunications systems to identify the region of the origin of the caller and the caller's parking location. Further input is used during the call to narrow the region to the specific city and the parking rate to be charged. This method saves the user from entering different phone numbers for different town and fewer digits than the alternative of numbering individual meters. Furthermore, it saves the towns from numbering all their meters as proposed by existing methods. It also describes improved methods for enforcements. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090313095 | Collective Transportation System and Process - The object of the invention is a process and a global system for the transportation of people using shared individual vehicles, where multiple vehicles ( | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090313096 | AUTOMATIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM WITHOUT REQUIRING VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION UNIT - An automatic toll collection system has: a camera for taking a picture of a vehicle which enters a traffic lane of a toll gate; a reading unit for reading vehicle type information and number plate information from a recording medium provided from the vehicle in the traffic lane; a matching unit for checking a matching of information regarding a number plate from the picture and the number plate information; and a calculation unit for calculating a toll based on the vehicle type information when a result of the checking is matched. When the result of the checking is not matched, a request to prompting an input of vehicle type information is issued to a clerk in the toll gate. By these construction, a automatic toll collection system which enables a prevention of misjudge of vehicle type by simple equipment. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100017275 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR TRANSIT APPLICATION - An apparatus configured for transit application and methods for utilizing the apparatus for transit application is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a mobile communication device comprising a processor, a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, wherein the computer readable medium comprises code for receiving a first transit location, code for displaying options to select a second transit location, code for receiving a selection for a second transit location, and code for sending an authorization request message to an issuer associated with the mobile communication device. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100030628 | Monitoring Vehicle Use - A method of monitoring car parking obtains entry data containing at least one entry record, and exit data containing at least one exit record, wherein each entry/exit record contains a vehicle registration number and an entry/exit time. Entry and exit records that have the same vehicle registration number are matched to produce at least one parking record, wherein each parking record contains a vehicle registration number and an indication of a time stayed. Payment data containing at least one payment record is obtained, wherein each payment record contains a vehicle registration number and an indication of a period of time corresponding to a fee paid. For each parking record, either a payment record is identified that has the same vehicle registration number. It is determined whether the indication of time stayed exceeds the period of time in the identified payment record, or if there is no matching payment record identified. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030629 | Parking Payment System Using A Cell Phone Or Other Mobile Device - A device for wireless telecommunications is provided that includes a display, a processor, and a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI having a parking aspect displayable on the display such that responsive to a user of the device selecting the parking aspect, the processor is programmed to enable identifying a parking space, and further enabled to receive information regarding parking in the parking space, responsive to the user selecting to pay a fee to park in the parking space, promoting arranging for payment of a parking fee. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100036716 | ELECTRONIC TOLL SETTLEMENT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - The present invention relates to an electronic toll settlement device of a vehicle, more particularly, to a technology which settles an insufficient amount from a mobile communications server and delivers to a toll settlement server through a mobile communications terminal when the balance of a high-pass terminal is worth less than a toll. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100042482 | Multiple client field device data acquisition and storage - A system is provided for acquiring and storing field information, comprising field devices operable to gather field information and receive updated file information. The field devices may be placed in cradles, which facilitate the transfer of the field and file information. A network is provided for receiving the field information from the field devices and transferring the field information to field devices located in the cradles. The system also provides a server operable to receive the field information from the network, store the field information in data tables assigned to at least one client, and transmit updated field information to the network. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100070349 | ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - A road toll system comprises a vehicle-mounted unit comprising a satellite navigation receiver implementing a position tracking function, a memory device storing toll payment information and means for determining the routes taken by the vehicle based on the position tracking information. A disabling system is provided for disabling the vehicle operation based on the toll payment information. This system uses a satellite navigation receiver to enable infrastructure-free road tolling to be implemented. The system includes a function disabling the vehicle if the road toll fees have not been paid. This saves effort in tracking down users that do not pay their tolls. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100100428 | Parking Locator - An apparatus and method for identifying a user's parking location in a parking facility, wherein the apparatus and method may have minimal financial impact on the users of the parking facility and the parking facility itself. The method may generally include positioning a ticket dispensing apparatus proximate a parking location of a user, and dispensing a parking location ticket from the ticket-dispensing apparatus to the user, wherein the parking location ticket contains a first side with parking location information and a second side with sponsor messages and/or advertisement information. The apparatus may generally include a ticket dispenser positioned in a parking zone of a parking facility, and removable parking location identifying tickets positioned in the ticket dispenser, wherein the parking location identifying tickets have a first side that has parking location information printed thereon and a second side that has sponsor messages and/or advertising information printed thereon. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100106567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION BASED ON VEHICLE LOAD - A system for electronic toll collection from a vehicle including an electronic tag for capturing information including a number of passengers in the vehicle and an electronic tag identification, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the captured information; and a wireless receiver for receiving the captured information. The system further includes a toll computer for determining a toll fee for the vehicle based on the received number of passengers and a time of day. The wireless transmitter may be an IR or RF transmitter. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100114675 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR BILLING TOLLS - 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. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100145776 | IN-VEHICLE APPARATUS AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - The in-vehicle apparatus card information stored in a storage section is set to an inactive state and is prevented from being read from the storage section when an ignition switch changes from “on” to “off” or when a user performs an operation signifying a change from an active state to the inactive state. Accordingly, the in-vehicle apparatus card information is disabled by an explicit user operation or a normal operation performed when the user gets out of a vehicle. It is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the in-vehicle apparatus card information when the user does not get in the vehicle. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100153191 | VARIABLE TOLL FEE SELECTION FROM GEOGRAPHIC INDICIA - Methods, including service methods, systems, articles, programmable devices and articles of manufacture are provided for selecting and applying variable thoroughfare travel fees. Each of a plurality of differentiated impacts associated with a toll thoroughfare are determined, each of the impacts different from another. Each of the impacts are correlated with geographic impact regions, each impact region is proximate to the toll thoroughfare and geographically distinct from another. Travel fees are assigned to each impact region, each assigned impact region travel fee different from another. Use of the toll thoroughfare by a traveler is determined, a relation of the traveler to one of the impact regions identified and a toll is charged as a function of the determined toll thoroughfare use and the travel fee of the associated impact region. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100153192 | TRAVEL FEE RATE SETTING BASED UPON TRAVEL MODE AND CONVENIENCE - Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for charging a travel fee as a function of an ease of access to a travel option. A plurality of travel options is provided and ranked as a function of different environmental-friendliness values. Each of a plurality of different rates are set for each of the travel options, the rates set progressively lower as a function of a ranking of the travel option environmental-friendliness values. In response to a traveler selecting and using one of the travel options, an ease of access of the traveler to the selected travel option is determined and a travel fee charged as a function of the rate set for the selected travel option and the determined ease of access of the traveler to the selected travel option. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100153193 | VARIABLE-RATE TRANSPORT FEES BASED ON HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS - A system and method are responsive to actual or anticipated weather changes that are likely to have an adverse effect on roadway driving conditions in a given vehicle use area. Based on the anticipated severity of the weather condition, transport-related road and/or parking tolls and fees are increased in order to discourage unnecessary vehicle travel. Using a communication system such as a transponder network, changes in the tolls and fees can be transmitted to toll collection agencies, public parking facilities and other governmental and private enterprises responsible for the collection of vehicle transport fees. Rate change information and details of weather changes can also be transmitted to vehicles likely to be affected by the adverse condition and the consequent change in these fees. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100161391 | VARIABLE RATE TRANSPORT FEES BASED ON VEHICLE EXHAUST EMISSIONS - This invention provides a system and method of detecting and responding to individual vehicle exhaust emissions such that a vehicle producing exhaust emissions containing pollutants in excess of required standards is assessed a higher toll or other fees than non-offending vehicles. Upon correction of the problem when emissions are determined to be within acceptable ranges, the fees are re-adjusted. Vehicle fees can be assessed on a sliding scale regardless of “acceptable thresholds” whereupon a higher levels of pollution emitted by the vehicle require payment of a higher fee than that paid by a vehicle with a lower level. Sensors may be installed within individual vehicles, or may be externally mounted to detect emissions. The use of a computer program and program code may be used for collecting and quantifying the level of pollution in the emissions and for assessing a suitable fee based on the level. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100161392 | VARIABLE RATE TRAVEL FEE BASED UPON VEHICLE OCCUPANCY - Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for charging travel fees or awarding benefits as a function of vehicle occupancy. Variable travel fee schedules include a plurality of different rate values, each rate value associated with ride-sharing service points of a vehicle infrastructure and vehicle occupancy counts. Occupants within a vehicle traveling via a vehicle infrastructure are counted, the counting generating discrete occupant counts correlated with the ride-sharing service points. Subsets of variable travel fee schedule rate values are selected as a function of association with discrete occupant counts and correlated ride-sharing service points. Owners, occupants or other parties associated with the vehicle are accordingly charged a travel fee or awarded a benefit as a function of the rate value subset and an amount of the vehicle traveling. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100161393 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITHIN A PARKING AREA - A method for delivering energy to an electric vehicle includes permitting access to a parking area that includes an energy delivery point, delivering energy to the electric vehicle from the energy delivery point, and determining a transaction cost. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100191584 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PARKING RIGHTS - The invention relates to a method for managing parking rights. It comprises receiving, from each of a plurality of users, a request for issuing a parking right, each containing a unique identifier associated with a parking area and a license plate number identifying a unique vehicle; storing, in a centralised database, each request; issuing a parking right for each of the plurality of users, including a parking right expiry time; collecting a license plate number of a vehicle for which a parking right status is to be verified and a unique identifier associated with a parking area where the vehicle is located; querying the database, by comparing the license plate number, with the license plate numbers stored in the database; and determining if a parking right has been issued that corresponds to the license plate number of the vehicle. A system for managing parking rights is also disclosed. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191585 | METERED RECHARGING SYSTEM - A parking management system generates a first record reflecting the time a parking interval begins. A persistent memory | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198664 | VARIABLE ROAD TOLL PREDICATED ON INSTANTANEOUS POINT-TO-POINT TRAFFIC VOLUME CALCULATION - A method, a system and a computer program product are directed towards determination of a variable toll for a particular target vehicle using a particular point-to-point travel segment of a particular toll road. The variable toll is calculated predicated upon a deviation of an instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume for the particular target vehicle exiting the toll road in comparison with an arbitrarily determined baseline point-to-point traffic volume. The instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume includes vehicles traveling at least a portion of the same point-to-point travel segment as the target vehicle during an effective time interval when the target vehicle traveled the point-to-point travel segment. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198665 | ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - A road toll system comprises a vehicle-mounted unit having a satellite navigation receiver. A first data processing means determines a route taken | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100211440 | Managing Vehicle Usage - A system and method for managing vehicle usage. One system includes a monitoring device, a position identifying module, a communication module and a dedicated server. The monitoring device includes a display, an activation unit, an application and an identification module. The dedicated server is connected to the monitoring device via the communication module via a communication link The monitoring device and dedicated server are arranged to carry out the method that comprises the stages: (i) enabling a user to activate a monitoring device; (ii) receiving activation notice, user data and location from the monitoring device; (iii) validating user data; (iv) sending an electronic image to the monitoring device; and (v) displaying the electronic image on the monitoring device. The electronic image is sent upon validation of user data and in relation to the location received from the monitoring device, and authenticates vehicle usage conditions. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100228607 | ELECTRIC TOLL MANAGEMENT - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228608 | ELECTRIC TOLL MANAGEMENT - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100250345 | AUDIO/VIDEO AUTOMATED PAYMENT FACILITY - A central monitoring station is linked to a plurality of remote terminals, such as payment terminals at a plurality of parking facilities. The central monitoring station and each remote terminal includes a two-way communication system in the form of a video camera and display, and audio speaker and microphone. The station and remote terminals are preferably linked through an Ethernet or Internet connection, although a hard-wired connection is also contemplated. The two-way communication system can be used by a customer at the remote terminal to achieve direct human interaction with an attendant at the remote central station to address problems occurring at the terminal. The communication system can also allow the attendant to manipulate the processor of each remote terminal to collect data, troubleshoot or override the function of the terminal. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100274641 | MULTIPLE RF READ ZONE SYSTEM - A multizone RF read/write system for conducting transactions with vehicles traveling at high speeds. A first RF read zone is created, preferably by use of a first gantry that extends over at least one lane and contains at least one RF source that creates a large powerful RF read zone for reading or reading and writing to a transponder on a passing vehicle. Additional RF read zones arranged in tandem with the first RF read zone are created by at least one additional RF source that is located on an additional gantry extending over at least one lane, or located on the first gantry. Accordingly, multiple RF read zones are created to conduct transactions with passing vehicles. In one aspect, the multiple RF read zones can be used to ensure that tolling transactions with a single vehicle are more likely to be completed and have a higher degree of accuracy. In another aspect, the multiple RF read zones each employ a different RF technology so that multiple types of RF toll tags can be read and written. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100280884 | Automated carpool matching - Automated carpool matching. For example, a method includes: collecting data from a first mobile communication device of a first user and from a second mobile communication device of a second user; determining a first travel pattern associated with the first user and a second travel pattern associated with the second user; determining a match between the first and second travel patterns; and generating a carpool proposal directed at the first and second users. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100287037 | Payment of Highway Tolls via a Mobile Telecommunications Network - Disclosed are method and apparatus for processing of highway toll payments by a mobile telecommunications service provider. A mobile telecommunications device communicates with a mobile telecommunications service provider. The mobile telecommunications service provider receives a request to calculate a route to a destination. The mobile telecommunications service provider determines the location of the mobile telecommunications device from a global navigation satellite system or from a mobile telecommunications network and calculates a route. The mobile telecommunications service provider then identifies toll booths along the calculated route. The mobile telecommunications service provider pre-pays the tolls. The mobile telecommunications service provider sends turn-by-turn instructions to the mobile telecommunications device and tracks the location of the mobile telecommunications device and records the date and time at which the mobile telecommunications device passes through a toll booth. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100287038 | ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - A road toll system comprising a vehicle-mounted unit having a satellite navigation receiver ( | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100312617 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR TOPPING UP PREPAID PAYMENT CARDS FOR OFFLINE USE - A card holder carries out an initial top-up of a balance of a pre-paid payment card. The prepaid payment card is configured for use in an infrastructure in accordance with a payment specification requiring different behavior for normal transactions in the infrastructure versus that required for topping-up of the balance. Contemporaneously with the initial top-up, the card holder registers risk mitigation information in association with the pre-paid payment card. Subsequent to the initial top-up, an indicator is written to the pre-paid payment card during a transaction with the pre-paid payment card outside the infrastructure. The indicator identifies the pre-paid payment card as having the risk mitigation information associated therewith. During subsequent presentation of the pre-paid payment card to the infrastructure, the pre-paid payment card is treated as a token backed up by the risk mitigation information, based on presence of the indicator on the pre-paid payment card. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100312618 | Transaction System for Use in Authorising Cashless Transactions - A transaction system, including: an entry system for reading first identification data from a first device and second identification data from a second device; and a database system for accessing payment account data of a transaction account on the basis of the first and second identification data, and requesting authorisation data for a payment transaction using the payment account data. The entry system performs an authorisation process in response to the authorisation data being received. The database system stores an authorisation record with an authorisation time in response to the authorisation data being received. A payment system can be used to read the second identification data from the second device and generate payment data representing a payment amount. The database system then determines authorisation for a payment transaction on the basis of the second identification data and the authorisation record, and in response submits the payment data and the payment account data to a payment processing system for performing the payment transaction. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20110010228 | ROAD-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A first roadside apparatus for giving entry gate pass information indicating that a vehicle passing a communicative area has entered a toll road is provided at an entrance ramp of the toll road. A second roadside apparatus for acquiring the given entry gate pass information is provided at an exit ramp of the toll road. The second roadside apparatus having a function as an administration device judges whether or not the entry gate pass information is acquired from the passing vehicle. If the entry gate pass information is not acquired, the second roadside apparatus provides the vehicle with reverse-way driving warning information for warning the vehicle that the vehicle is traveling in the reverse direction. Thus, if there is a vehicle which is fully expected to travel in the reverse direction on a one-way road such as a toll road, a road-vehicle communication system for warning or giving caution to the vehicle traveling in the reverse way and vehicles traveling along the correct lanes. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110015971 | Computer controlled system and method for ensuring all vehicles entering and/or in an area are GPS location registered - A computer system and method wherein each vehicle in a jurisdiction, as a result of a regular or temporary registration process when the vehicle enters a jurisdiction temporarily at a border point, has a GPS receiver and transmitter installed and transmitting to a storage which stores for each vehicle identification code the location data and time An alarm detection system detects either loss of signal or tampering. A monitoring system also detects moving vehicles in an area, and positions reported by the monitoring means are compared with information being recorded on the computer system, and if these do not correlate, an unregistered vehicle alarm is generated. The system may be limited to vehicles entering at a border point, or new vehicles with GPS receivers and wireless transmitters installed at the time of manufacture. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015972 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING METERED VEHICLE PARKING - Parking management system for automobile vehicles that uses two devices, a PJP and an MFL, which develop functions relating to traditional parking, or the controlled parking located in public thoroughfares. The PJP is a transmitter/receiver frontally equipped with three lights (green, yellow, red), which indicate the state of authorization of parking, and three lights (white, green, blue), which determine parking areas. At the rear part it will have an alphanumeric keyboard, a digital display and six keys (three for areas of controlled parking and three for the status of the payment for parking), and will be equipped with a card reader. The MFL will be a transmitter/receiver of waves, with a signal transponder, a computer, a printer, a coin box, a slot and a display for its possible manual use, and offers an auxiliary transmitter/receiver to send or receive telephonic messages relating to the service. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110035261 | CHARGING VEHICLES IN A PARKING AREA - Methods and systems for charging vehicles in a parking area are described. In one embodiment, a charge request may be received for a vehicle located in a parking area. The vehicle may have a power connection with a power source. An electric charge is provided through the power connection from the power source to the vehicle based on receiving the charge request. Payment is recorded for providing the electric charge based upon departure of the vehicle from the parking area. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110047009 | Method and System for Electronic Toll Payment - A system and method for making electronic payments for tolls, parking and related transactions. A customer downloads an application onto their personal electronic device and registers the customer's vehicle and financial account information with a provider. The application detects upcoming toll facilities and notifies the customer. The customer can accept the payment of the toll through the application whereupon the provider makes a payment from the customer's designated account to the toll facility. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110093314 | Method and apparatus for parking lot metering - A method and apparatus for parking lot metering. The present invention allows multi-space meters to separately manage and control premium parking spaces, such as those for charging electric vehicles or those which supply electric power for engine block heaters in both pay-by-space and pay-an-display systems. Such premium spaces can be managed together over large areas (e.g., a city or region), or may be managed over smaller areas (e.g., the domain of an individual kiosk), or individually per parking space. Management includes pricing, time limits, hours, seasons of operation, and restrictions by vehicle type, and alternative pricing and restrictions for non-premium hours. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093315 | APPARATUS FOR THE PERSONALIZATION AND REGISTRATION OF VEHICLE DEVICES - Apparatus for personalization and registration of vehicle devices of different types in a road toll system, comprising: for each type of vehicle device, a respective personalization module that is configured to write personalization data into a vehicle device of this type and generate the associated registration data, which contains the personalization data, an interface module common to all personalization modules that is configured to receive their registration data and, following a release request, send it to a registration database of the road toll system, and a testing unit that reads out the personalization data of a personalized but not yet registered vehicle device, checks the registration data generated by the responsible personalization module for agreement of the personalization data contained therein with the read-out personalization data, and if it agrees, sends a release request with respect to this registration data to the interface module. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110125558 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING TOLL INFORMATION IN A ROAD-TOLL SYSTEM - A method for generating toll information for vehicle devices in a road-toll system with a toll center and geographically distributed radio beacons. The method includes providing a set of location data of toll-requiring geo-objects from the respective local environment of a beacon in this beacon, recording a sequence of position data of a vehicle device in this vehicle device, if the aforementioned vehicle device is in the transmitting/receiving range of a beacon: receiving the location-data set from this beacon in the vehicle device, comparing the position-data sequence with the received location-data set in the vehicle device in order to generate toll information therefrom, and if the above-mentioned vehicle device is in the transmitting/receiving range of a beacon: transmitting the toll information from the vehicle device via the beacon to the toll center. The invention further relates to a vehicle device, a beacon and a monitoring device for such a road-toll system. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110131083 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PARKING LOT MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for associating a parking lot parking entry event and a parking lot electric vehicle charging event allow a single payment to be calculated for parking and electric vehicle charging. An admittance identification associated with a parking lot entry event is read using an electric vehicle charging control device of a parking lot. A parking lot charging event is stored with the admittance identification on a storage device of the parking lot using the electric vehicle charging control device. The parking lot entry event and the parking lot charging event associated with the admittance identification are read from the storage device using a payment device of the parking lot. A single payment for parking and electric vehicle charging for the admittance identification is then calculated from the parking lot entry event and the parking lot charging event using the payment device. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110161140 | ONBOARD UNIT FOR A ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - An onboard unit for a road toll system including: at least one transceiver for transmitting toll-relevant data to transceiver stations for forwarding to a central processing unit of the road toll system; at least one camera, which is directed towards a passenger compartment of a vehicle carrying the onboard unit and can create at least one image recording of at least one section of the passenger compartment; and an evaluation unit connected down-line of the camera that detects and counts the passengers of the vehicle in the image recording. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110161141 | BICYCLE RENTAL SYSTEM AND STATION - A bicycle rental system and automated station that may be integrated with an automobile parking payment and management system. Users may pay for parking and/or rent and pickup bicycles at the station. The station has a meter, bicycle docks, and power plant. Transaction formalities for parking payment and rental may be handled at the meter. The bicycle docks each are adapted to secure a bicycle. The power plant uses a solar panel to collect power and stores it in energy storage device. Low-power operation may be achieved by placing some electronics in a low-power mode. Each bicycle dock may have a trigger mechanism that when activated powers on associated electronics. The bicycle docks may be divided among a number of bicycle modules. The bicycle modules provide flexibility and modularity so that the number of bicycle docks at a station may be changed. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166914 | RELOADABLE PREPAID CARD DISTRIBUTION, RELOAD, AND REGISTRATION IN TRANSIT - Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed providing for the concurrent distribution of reloadable prepaid cards and enablement of the reloadable prepaid cards for use at access control points of a transit system. Embodiments enabling of the reloadable prepaid cards for use at access control points of the transit system can include obtaining user information, payment, and communicating card information to a card issuer for activation of the first reloadable prepaid card. A transit user account for managing transactional information of the user of the transit system is also created, reloadable prepaid card is enabled for use as fare media at access control points of the transit system. Thus, once distributed, the prepaid reloadable cards may be used as fare media in the transit system as payment for transit fare, as well as for purchases at locations outside the transit system. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110202393 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAR POOLING USING SMART CARDS, GPS, GPRS, ACTIVE POSTER AND NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION DEVICES - A method, integrated system and in-vehicle Active Poster for processing mobile touch transactions including carpooling transactions. The integration includes a near field contactless or swipe smart card or other portable identification device which may be standalone, affixed to, or part of a mobile or hand held portable wireless communication device, a touch sensitive Active Poster also with swipe or near field contactless communication capability and also incorporating or in communication with GPS or other vehicle location services capability for the vehicle, a car pool management or other service provider's system and application and a host computer with networking capability. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110208568 | VEHICLE TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A financial system and method for facilitating the payment of tolls, parking and related transactions. A customer registers a vehicle and registers one or more single financial accounts with the system. The financial system updates the list of active vehicles and submits a vehicle status list to participating toll systems. The customer uses a particular toll system and the toll system detects the license plate. The toll system submits request for payment from the financial network after the toll occurs. The financial network charges the customer financial account and settles payment of the toll with the toll system. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110238464 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING PARKING SPACE INFORMATION - A system and method for recording data associated with a parking space. The data may be received a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone. The data may be received from a computer readable medium associated with the parking space, such as a bar code. The data may also be received from a wireless signal associated with the parking space, such as a Bluetooth wireless signal. The data may contain such information as the location of the parking space within the parking area. Other information may be included in the data, such as parking rate information for the parking space. A feature may included wherein the data may be transmitted to a server wherein the data may be stored in a storage device. The system and method may also allow payment for the parking space using the personal electronic device and the server. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110246263 | METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS - A method for detecting vehicles with trailers in a road toll system, which comprises at least one radio beacon for radio communication with radio OBUs, wherein vehicles and trailers are respectively provided with their own OBUs carried by them, and a vehicle and a trailer are detected as belonging to one another when an evaluation of the radio communications with their OBU indicates that these are moving at a limited and constant distance from one another. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110276370 | Mobile parking enforcement method - A real-time wireless parking enforcement system is provided that includes a remote parking enforcement system having a plurality of parking sensors disposed to gather parking occupancy data and at least one source of parking payment data, where the parking occupancy data and parking payment data is communicated to a central server in real-time, and a plurality of wireless mobile platforms are operated by a plurality of parking enforcement officers (PEO's). The wireless mobile platforms send and receive real-time and continuous parking occupancy data and parking payment data to and from the central server, where bidirectional communication exists between the central server and the wireless mobile platforms. When the PEO enters response information to a potential violation to the wireless mobile platform, the bidirectional communication updates the status of the potential violation to all the wireless platforms in real-time, where the information is used to reduce enforcement redundancies by the PEO's. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110282717 | METHOD FOR COLLECTING TOLLS FOR LOCATION USAGES - A method for collecting tolls for location usages of an on-board unit, which has a unit identifier in a road toll system and a mobile telecommunications identifier in a mobile telecommunications network. The method includes storing the unit identifier and the mobile telecommunications identifier of the on-board unit in a control centre of the road toll system, sending the position-fix data from the on-board unit, under the mobile telecommunications identifier as sole identification, to a toll calculation server, calculating location-anonymised toll data in the toll calculation server, and sending said toll data under the mobile telecommunications identifier to a control centre of the mobile telecommunications network, charging a user account assigned to the mobile telecommunications identifier in the control centre of the mobile telecommunications network, sending a confirmation to the control centre of the road toll system under the mobile telecommunications identifier, and retrieving the unit identifier associated with the mobile telecommunications identifier and providing the confirmation in the control centre of the road toll system. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110288909 | Electronic Toll Management and Vehicle Identification - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing image data for a first vehicle and obtaining license plate data from the accessed image data for the first vehicle. A set of records is accessed. Each record includes license plate data for a vehicle. The license plate data for the first vehicle is compared with the license plate data for vehicles in the set of records. Based on the results of the comparison of the license plate data, a set of vehicles is identified from the vehicles having records in the set of records. Vehicle fingerprint data is accessed for the first vehicle. The vehicle fingerprint data for the first vehicle is based on the image data for the first vehicle. Vehicle fingerprint data for a vehicle in the set of vehicles is accessed. Using a processing device, the vehicle fingerprint data for the first vehicle is compared with the vehicle fingerprint data for the vehicle in the set of vehicles. The vehicle in the set of vehicles is identified as the first vehicle based on results of the comparison of vehicle fingerprint data. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110307305 | MULTI-PROTOCOL ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM - A system and method for dynamically selecting a communication protocol in an electronic toll collection system. A reader includes two or more multiprotocol transceivers operating under the control of a processor, each transceiver having a dedicated antenna. The system uses a fixed frame duration. A first communications protocol is used in a first portion of the fixed frame duration. If a response signal is not detected within the first portion, then the system ceases using the first communication protocol and instead uses the second communications protocol for the remainder of the fixed frame duration. The fixed frame duration is shorter than the sum of the durations normally used by the first and second communications protocol to conduct electronic toll transaction communications. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110313821 | Anti Fare Evasion System - A system for monitoring passengers on a vehicle includes one or more detectors for detecting passenger data including one or more passenger identification properties. A computer system receives data from the detectors and uniquely identifies each passenger based on the one or more passenger identification properties. A device receives fare data indicative of whether a passenger has paid the correct fare, and uses the fare data, passenger identity and passenger data from the computer system to indicate which passengers have paid the correct fare. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313822 | Method of Assessing Parking Fees Based Upon Vehicle Length - A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing vehicle length or information about a vehicle which is associated with the vehicles length to a parking meter or other fee collection device. The parking fee collection device communicates with an associated database containing a parking fee charged for vehicle based upon vehicle length. A vehicle operator enters into the parking fee collection device a vehicle length or information about the vehicle which is associated with vehicle length for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle length. The database may also contain information about unpaid parking tickets associated with vehicles, a list of stolen vehicles and/or outstanding warrants for vehicle owners. An appropriate notice is provided when a match is found. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313823 | MAP INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - An apparatus includes a map information storage section ( | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110320243 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR FACILITATING RESERVATION FOR A PARKING SPACE WITH A NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION-ENABLED DEVICE - Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer readable media for facilitating reservation for a parking space with a near field communications (NFC)-enabled device are provided. A system can include an NFC-enabled parking meter associated with a parking space and a controller in communication with the NFC-enabled parking meter for measuring time and processing payment. A system can include an NFC-enabled device that upon interfacing with the NFC-enabled parking meter communicates with the controller to create a reservation of a parking space. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120022922 | Method of Assessing A Parking Fee Based Upon Vehicle Fuel Efficiency - A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing a vehicle registration card containing a vehicle make and model and a parking fee collection device. The parking fee collection device has an associated database containing a parking fee charged for each vehicle make and model based upon the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The vehicle make and model is entered into the parking fee collection device for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120047001 | Valet Parking Management System - A method of maintaining a valet parking database in a distributed computing system that includes a plurality of work stations each connected via a packet switched network to a computing device that accesses the valet parking database including information associated with vehicles that are valet parked, comprises assigning a uniquely associated tracking code to a vehicle to be valet parked. A record in the valet parking database associated with the tracking code is created, and a parking timer associated with the tracking code is automatically activated to indicate the elapsed time since the vehicle to be valet parked has been assigned the tracking code but is not yet parked. A warning message is automatically issued if the parking timer exceeds a first value indicating that the vehicle to be valet parked has not yet been parked. The record is updated to indicate that the vehicle has been parked and the parking timer is deactivated when the vehicle to be valet parked has been parked. When a retrieve vehicle request associated with the tracking code is received the record from the valet parking database associated with the tracking code is retrieved, and a key timer associated with the retrieved record is activated to indicate the elapsed time since the record has been automatically retrieved in response to the retrieve vehicle request. A missing key warning message is automatically generated if the key timer exceeds a second value indicating that the vehicle key has not yet been retrieved. The record is updated and the key timer is deactivated when the key associated with the vehicle to be valet parked has been located. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120059689 | MULTI-LANE FREE FLOW ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AND ON BOARD UNIT THEREOF - 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. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120078686 | PARKING STATUS SYSTEM - A parking status system merges images of a street, a lot, or a garage with representations of parked vehicles and the status of each parking space shown in a street image. A user retrieves the merged image with the vehicles parking in select spaces through a wireless communications network from the parking management computer system. The user then verifies payment status of multiple parking spaces simultaneously as the user patrols a beat on foot or in a vehicle. The present invention operates upon existing web browsers. The present invention allows a user to select any view within 360 degrees of the user's position in different sizes and while in motion. The present invention refreshes the status of parking meters and subscriber vehicles at a regular interval. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120095812 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Residential Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for providing recurring residential parking reservations is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking spaces by a resident is reserved on a recurring basis throughout a subscription period. A parking reservation, including recurring times and dates, is requested. The request is granted provided the parking space is available over any other reservations stored in the server. Use of the reserved parking space is managed throughout the subscription period. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. A motorist's identity is verified through the nearest smart parking device. The use of the reserved parking space is denied if not by the resident and parking non-availability is indicated during each recurring time and date. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120109721 | IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO EFFICIENT TRANSPORT - A system for handling transport information comprising hardware to receive information, hardware to transmit information and optionally hardware to store information. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109722 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR PERFORMING MASS TRANSIT MERCHANT TRANSACTIONS - Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for enabling access to mass transit systems using a financial transaction instrument including reading an identifier including financial payment information from the financial transaction instrument and determining whether the identifier is stored in a database. Access to a holder of the financial transaction instrument is provided based on the determining. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120130775 | METHOD OF PROCESSING A TRANSACTION FOR A PARKING SESSION - A method for processing a transaction for a parking session between a parking supplier and a payment provider on behalf of a user, wherein the user facilitates the transaction through a mobile computing device connected to a remote server, including, on the mobile computing device of the user, the steps of: storing a user identifier, first receiving a parking identifier, then sending the user identifier and the parking identifier to the server. The method also includes, on the server, the steps of: receiving the user identifier and the parking identifier, retrieving parking information based on the parking identifier; retrieving user information based on the user identifier, and processing a transaction between the payment provider and parking supplier, wherein the transaction amount is based on the duration of the parking session, wherein the parking session has a start time and an end time. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130776 | TOLL FEE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, TRAFFIC INFORMATION RECEIVING-ROUTING SYSTEM USING THE TOLL FEE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND TRAFFIC INFORMATION RECEIVING METHOD OF THE SAME - A system for receiving traffic information from a toll gate server to provide route guidance to a driver of a vehicle and a method thereof are provided. The traffic information receiving-routing system includes a toll fee information communication system and ah path guide terminal. The toll fee information communication system is configured to communicate with a toll gate server to pay a toll fee when a vehicle approaches to a toll gate, and request traffic information to the toll gate server according to a traffic information request signal to receive the traffic information from the toll gate server. The path guide terminal is configured to generate and transmit the toll fee request signal to the toll fee information communication system when the toll fee information communication system pays a toll fee, receive the traffic information from the toll fee information communication system to guide a path or convey a traffic situation. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND PAYING FOR VEHICAL PARKING SPACES, PROVIDING ADVERTISING, AND COLLECTION OF DATA - A parking location indictor, payment and advertisement system has a server. A wireless device is in communication with the server, the wireless device having at least one processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a virtual parking meter on the wireless device; send signals from the wireless device to the server to transfer a designated monetary value for a selected parking time interval; and initiate a countdown from the selected parking time interval upon transfer of the designated monetary value. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120158466 | PARKING METER SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED TICKET GENERATION FOR A VIOLATION - The present invention relates to parking meters, and in particular, to an automated parking meter that recognizes a parker by reading an identification card, such as a car registration, insurance card, license, etc., and is configured to visually display the current status of the vehicle and is configured so that in the event that the meter expires or payment is not made, a ticket can be generated and delivered to the parker. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158467 | SMART SIGN MOBILE TRANSIT FARE PAYMENT - A system and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device utilizes a smart sign including near field communication (NFC) devices that communicate with a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device. Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location. The NFC devices may be included on the same smart sign located at one transit location or on different smart signs located at different transit locations. Alternatively, one NFC device may be included on a smart sign at a departure location and another NFC device may be activated when or after the user enters the transit system to provide proof of fare purchase. The mobile device is positioned proximate the NFC devices to activate the NFC devices and access fare and/or schedule information or purchase a fare. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120166256 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ON-BOARD UNIT AND A TEST DEVICE, A METHOD FOR WIRELESS TOLL COLLECTION - A method comprises: disposing an on-board unit at a preset relative position with respect to a road-side unit; transmitting a signal by the road-side unit; receiving the signal by the on-board unit and detecting a strength of the received signal; calculating, by the on-board unit, a calculated strength of the received signal according to the detected strength of the received signal; storing the calculated strength of the received signal in a memory accessible by the on-board unit; using the stored calculated strength of the received signal to determine if payment of a toll should be made. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120185302 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A PREPAID TAXI SERVICE - The present invention relates to a method for operating a prepaid taxi service. The method for operating a prepaid taxi is performed by a prepaid taxi management server connected to a reserving user personal computer (PC), an Internet payment system, and a taxi driving system over an Internet-based network. The method includes (a) receiving an origin and a destination searched for and selected by a reserving passenger who desires to use a prepaid taxi, (b) searching for and providing an optimal route by searching for routes between the origin and the destination, and calculating a travel distance along the optimal route, (c) calculating a taxi fare based on the calculated travel distance, and (d) receiving payment of the taxi fare calculated at (c) in conjunction with the Internet payment system. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120191511 | VEHICLE RENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for vehicle rental management generates and displays a park identification (ID) number configurable to change periodically. The method further receives a first message containing a vehicle ID number of a vehicle from a mobile phone, sends a unlock code for unlocking the vehicle to the mobile phone. The method receives a second message containing the vehicle ID number and a park ID number from the mobile phone, and sends a lock signal to the second communication module to lock the vehicle. The method receives a feedback signal for confirming that the vehicle is locked, and times between the send the unlock code step and the receive the feedback signal step. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120203599 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SAFE TAXI SERVICE - A management server authenticates taxi drivers, searches for taxis near a taxi user, calls a taxi, searches for and tracks a taxi upon an emergency call from a taxi user, and updates assessment information about the services provided by taxi drivers. A taxi driver may undergo authentication on the taxi driver himself and his taxi before driving the taxi by putting his mobile terminal on a terminal holder mounted in the taxi upon a ride in the taxi. Before taking a ride in a taxi, a taxi user may receive driver information about taxis from the management server using a mobile terminal, and select a taxi after checking the received driver information. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203600 | PROVIDING CITY SERVICES USING MOBILE DEVICES AND A SENSOR NETWORK - Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. A mobile device can be configured to receive information from parking sensor nodes in the vicinity of the mobile device. In a parking application, the mobile device located in a moving vehicle can be configured to locate available parking based upon the information received from the parking sensor nodes. After an available parking space is obtained, the mobile device can be configured to initiate a purchase of parking and receive information related to parking enforcement. The mobile device can be configured to receive other types of information from local sensor nodes, such as transportation related sensor nodes and merchant provided sensor nodes. Based upon the information received from the local sensor nodes, a transportation application executing on the mobile device can be utilized to formulate a transportation solution involving one or more transportation modes. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120209666 | HOTLINE SYSTEM FOR THE PURCHASE OF A PARKING SPACE, INCLUDING A PARKING TICKET MACHINE FOR PUBLIC ROADS AND A HOTLINE DEVICE - A hotline system for the purchase of parking spaces comprises a parking space payment device, which device includes a screen, display means for displaying data on the screen, and a computer-based hotline device connected to the payment device via a data transfer connection, comprising a receiver for receiving operational data received from the payment device and a transmitter for transmitting to the payment device control signals for controlling the payment device. The hotline device and the payment device each include a radioelectric transmitter-receiver, whereby the hotline device and the payment device are connected via a radioelectric connection, in the absence of a wired data transfer connection between the hotline device and the payment device, and in that the hotline device includes simulation means for simulating, based on the operational data received, the behavior of the payment device. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209667 | System and Method For Generating Permit Reports - A computer-implemented method for generating parking permits reports for a parking permit system. The method includes aggregating parking permit data for each zone within the parking permit system into a logical grouping in a database. Then processing data according to report generation instructions. The data is then parsed to obtain a requested report and the report is distributed to a specified party. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120215594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GPS LANE AND TOLL DETERMINATION AND ASSET POSITION MATCHING - A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls using a global position satellite (GPS) signal receiver, a communications link, and compact toll lane information provided by a service center. Toll lane information is organized by travel monitoring point. Data for each point includes a latitude and longitude coordinate and either lane shape information or a coordinate offset from a similar lane. A driver interface module is used in conjunction with the OBU to allow selection of occupancy and to display toll information to the driver to allow for use in HOT lanes and to support congestion pricing models with zero or minimal infrastructure cost. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215595 | System and Method For Automatically Issuing Permits - A parking permit system that allows a permit applicant to electronically apply for a permit. Once the applicant submits application data, the system will automatically verify the applicant data by comparing the applicant data against a system database. Once verified, the system will automatically, qualify parking rights associated with the permit application by applying the parking rights to a set of rules governing a parking zone. Once the application data is verified and the parking rights are qualified, the system will issue the parking permit. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215596 | System And Method For Permit Enforcement - A permit enforcement system is a computer-implemented system that enforces parking rights within a parking zone. The system may include a processor(s) that allows the system to first capture parked vehicle images within the parking zone during a specified time period. The images are then transmitted to a computing system with a time and date stamp and geographic location. The images are processed to obtain vehicle identifiers. The processor then queries a permit database to compile a list of vehicles permitted to park in the parking zone during the specified time period. This list is compared the vehicle identifiers and the vehicles identifiers which were not authorized to park within the parking zone during the specified time period are identified. These vehicle are then associated with owner information using an outside entity database and vehicle owners are notified of the violations. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120221381 | ADVANCED DECISION LOGIC FOR TRANSIT ACCEPTANCE - Techniques are disclosed for determining whether to grant a user access at an access control point of a transit system based on information about a user associated with a fare media from one or more information sources. These techniques can include receiving an authorization response after attempting to authorize payment from a fare media, and accessing at least one information source. This can include accessing historical information regarding prior transactions in the transit system made with the fare media. A determination can then be made whether to grant a user access at the access control point of the transit system. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120232964 | ROAD TOLL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention relates to a road toll system using a vehicle-mounted satellite navigation receiver, from which routes taken and road prices incurred are determined. A billing system bills a user in dependence on the road prices incurred. A portable activation device transmits information concerning the owner of the portable activation device to the vehicle-mounted unit, and the vehicle-mounted unit provides information to the billing system to enable identification of the owner of the portable activation device. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120232965 | INTERACTIVE VALET PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - One example embodiment includes a system which allows a user to obtain valet services. The system includes an incoming interaction pre-processor. The incoming interaction pre-processor is configured to receive an incoming interaction and determine the type of interaction. The system also includes a processing system, where the processing system provides the interactions to the proper provider. The system further includes a provider management module, where the provider management module is configured to allow each provider to modify desired parameters. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120245981 | PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various arrangements for offering vehicle parking are presented. Utilization data and interest data regarding a parking space of a parking facility may be tracked and stored. An amount of time the parking space of the parking facility has been used based on the utilization data stored about the parking space. An amount of interest in the parking space may be determined based on the interest data. In accordance with a set of defined rules, a price for the parking space may be determined based at least on the amount of time and the interest. The parking space may be offered to a customer at the determined price. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120265583 | METHOD FOR FEE CHARGING POSITION USAGES OF VEHICLES - Method for charging position usages of vehicles in a road toll system including acquiring an identifier of a vehicle device, a transaction value and an identifier of a payment card as a payment transaction, authorization a payment transaction system and transmitting associated authorization data with the vehicle device identifier to a toll server, generating a substitute identifier assigned to the card identifier and transmitting the substitute identifier with the authorization data to the toll server, associating the substitute identifier and the vehicle device identifier based on the respective received authorization data, calculating toll values based on position usages of vehicles, based on the card identifier assigned to substitute identifier, the transmitted toll values and the transaction value. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265584 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - 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. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265585 | LOCATION BASED SYSTEMS FOR ENTRY AND EXIT - A system and methods using applications for entry and exit from registered locations, where a registered location has an associated geo-fence of any size or shape. A registered location may be mobile or stationary. An internet-connected device running an app transmits the current geographic location of the device, and a remote processing center executes a default action when finding correspondence between the geo-fence of a registered location and the current geographic information of an end user's device, and in one embodiment, the default action may be to enter and pay for parking at a registered location. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120271683 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - 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. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120278137 | DETERMINING COMPANION AND JOINT CARDS IN TRANSIT - 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. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120278138 | VARIABLE ROAD TOLL PREDICATED ON INSTANTANEOUS POINT-TO-POINT TRAFFIC VOLUME CALCULATION - A method, a system and a computer program product are directed towards determination of a variable toll for a particular target vehicle using a particular point-to-point travel segment of a particular toll road. The variable toll is calculated predicated upon a deviation of an instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume for the particular target vehicle exiting the toll road in comparison with an arbitrarily determined baseline point-to-point traffic volume. The instantaneous point-to-point traffic volume includes vehicles traveling at least a portion of the same point-to-point travel segment as the target vehicle during an effective time interval when the target vehicle traveled the point-to-point travel segment. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120296708 | System and Method For Managing Payment Based Parking with Near Field Communication - A system for parking payment including a parking device with a near field communications unit and a server, where the server receives a message from a mobile device, the message including parking information received by the mobile device from the near field communications unit and identifying information for the mobile device, locates an account in a client database based on the identifying information for the mobile device, and charges the account the cost of parking for a period of time. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296709 | Multiple Client Field Device Data Acquisition and Storage - A system is provided for acquiring and storing field information, comprising field devices operable to gather field information and receive updated file information. The field devices may be placed in cradles, which facilitate the transfer of the field and file information. A network is provided for receiving the field information from the field devices and transferring the field information to field devices located in the cradles. The system also provides a server operable to receive the field information from the network, store the field information in data tables assigned to at least one client, and transmit updated field information to the network. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296710 | PROCESSING TRANSACTIONS OF DIFFERENT PAYMENT DEVICES OF THE SAME ISSUER ACCOUNT - Each portable payment device associated with a single account within a payment processing system is distinguished using track data. The track data from the portable payment device is read at each of a plurality of merchant point of sale terminals (POS). Rather than relying on the PAN alone, a merchant may utilizes the track data, or a proxy thereof, as the unique identifier for the portable payment device. The merchant may then process transactions involving the portable payment device based on the unique identifier. For example, in the transit environment the transit fare for each rider with different portable payment devices but the same account can be calculated using the unique identifier, such as the full track data read from both tracks of the corresponding portable payment devices | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120310712 | PARKING MANAGEMENT - A parking management approach includes associating a payment source with a vehicle identifier. The approach also includes receiving a message indicating initiation of a parking event at a parking location, and updating a parking database to indicate that a vehicle having the vehicle identifier is parked at the parking location. The message includes an identification of at least one of the payment source and the vehicle identifier. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120323642 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SERVICE TO ARRANGE TRANSPORT AMONGST PARTIES THROUGH USE OF MOBILE DEVICES - A system and method are described for enabling transportation to be arranged for individuals carrying handsets or mobile devices. In some embodiments, a customer can transmit a request for transport from a given customer geographic location. A service may handle the request by selecting a driver for the customer. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323643 | PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Profiles may be used to define various entities involved in management of parking facilities. Profiles may be defined for: parking facilities, users of parking facilities, owners of parking facilities, locations of tenants of buildings, management companies of buildings, etc. Links may be established between the various profiles to define relationships. Based on the links between profiles, parking rights and management of the parking facilities may be controlled. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130006722 | Universal vehicle management system - A universal vehicle management apparatus that can be installed on any means of conveyance, including means of conveyance where installation would result in significant exposure to environmental hazards, and including a rating system that can handle complex fare calculations from a plurality of sensors. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130006723 | TOLLED ROADWAY AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A ROADWAY TOLLING SYSTEM - A method for operating a roadway tolling system includes recording an entry time onto a ticket when a vehicle enters a tolled roadway at an entry point of an entrance location. The method also includes dispensing the ticket to an occupant of the vehicle at the entry point and collecting the ticket from the occupant when the vehicle exits the tolled roadway at an exit point of a tolling location. The method further includes recording an exit time for the vehicle at the exit point, calculating a toll for the vehicle, and calculating an average speed for the vehicle. The method further includes comparing the average speed to a speed limit, and issuing a fine to the occupant of the vehicle if the average speed of the vehicle is greater than the speed limit. A tolled roadway is also provided. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130006724 | TOLLING USING MOBILE DEVICE - In one aspect, a tolling system is operable to perform operations, which may include: receiving, over a network and from a mobile device application operating on a mobile processing device, an identifier and road usage data collected by the mobile device application; identifying a profile based on the identifier; accessing a toll pricing model applicable to an entity associated with the identified profile; and determining a tolling charge incurred by the entity based on the road usage data collected by the mobile device application, the identified profile, and the accessed toll pricing model. In another aspect, a mobile device application is operable to perform operations that may include: collecting road usage data; communicating, over a network to a tolling system, the collected road usage data and an identifier; and receiving, from the tolling system, tolling charge data computed based on the communicated road usage data. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130006725 | TOLLING INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGY - In one aspect, a tolling system is operable to perform operations, which include: identifying tolling data sources in a network; constructing a toll pricing model based on the identified tolling data sources; integrating tolling data from two or more of the identified tolling data sources, the tolling data including data describing characteristics of road usage by an entity; and determining a tolling charge incurred by the entity in accordance with the toll pricing model based on the integrated tolling data. In some example implementations, the integrated tolling data may be collected by at least two different tolling data sources that collect different types of tolling data. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130006726 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING TOLL FEES IN A ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - Method for determining toll fees for vehicles in a road toll system including vehicle-onboard units and positionally distributed beacons capable of communicating with the onboard units via radio signals. The method includes: providing a toll fee level and a validity time frame; retrieving an identifier of the onboard unit, the toll fee level and the validity time frame from the onboard unit as a data record; resetting the toll fee level, if the validity time frame has expired; increasing the toll fee level and storing the updated data record in the onboard unit and the beacon; transmitting a request for deletion of stored data records for this identifier to other beacons; transmitting the data record from the beacon to the central station, if no deletion request for the data record arrives within the validity time frame; and deleting the data record in the beacon. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130013381 | DISPATCH SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING A USER TO CALL A HIRE VEHICLE - A dispatch system includes a plurality of vehicle-end devices, a client-end device, and a dispatch server. The vehicle-end devices are disposed at respective hire vehicles. The client-end device is operable to send out passenger information. The dispatch server receives the passenger information, and stores a map database. The dispatch server is operable to find a matching one of the hire vehicles, to transmit to the client-end device information of the matching one of the hire vehicles so as to allow the client-end device to display with an indicator that indicates the current position of the matching one of the hire vehicles, and to dispatch the matching one of the hire vehicles to the user. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130018705 | VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE RELATED TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A location enabled mobile wireless device and central system cooperate to provide traffic control such as vehicle inspection site services and toll station services. Traffic control information such as vehicle inspection site information and toll station information is independently processed by a third party provider and sent to the central system. The mobile wireless device monitors its location and sends location and vehicle related information to the central system. The central system compares data from the third party provider and the mobile wireless device. The mobile wireless device or the central system take an action based on the comparison, such as toll payment or vehicle inspection site operations. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130024249 | PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIMIZATION - A system and method for real time dispatching of vehicles taking into account multiple point to point transport requests and conditions including desired ride conditions, traffic, and infrastructure. Analysis of these factors is using suitable algorithms in order to determine optimal routes. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130030880 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND USING A DIGITAL PASS - A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030881 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030882 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Identifying and/or Billing an Individual in a Vehicle - Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for identifying a driver versus a passenger within a smart vehicle. This involves a determination of the relative positions of the wireless communication devices within the smart vehicle using near-field communication (NFC) or GPS, AGPS, etc. The wireless communication device detected closest to the driver seat is assumed to be the device owned by the driver. Once identified, the driver can be billed for tolls and other road services, based on the location of the smart vehicle. For instance, as the smart vehicle approaches a toll, a notification can be sent to all of the wireless communication devices. A response from a particular wireless communication device will result in the corresponding user's account being billed for the toll. Further, the smart vehicle can communicate with near-field transceivers placed, for instance, alongside a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. A driver of the vehicle can be billed, fined, or ticketed based upon a determination of an absence of passengers in the smart vehicle. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030883 | Public transit system fare processor for multi-balance funding - An implementation of a system and method for processing transfer rides associated with at least one public transit network is provided. The system and method preprocess transactions to consolidate or eliminate unnecessary transactions with a financial institution clearing and settlement network. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130046587 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PARKING RIGHTS - The invention relates to a method for managing parking rights. It comprises receiving, from each of a plurality of users, a request for issuing a parking right, each containing a unique identifier associated with a parking area and a license plate number identifying a unique vehicle; storing, in a centralised database, each request; issuing a parking right for each of the plurality of users, including a parking right expiry time; collecting a license plate number of a vehicle for which a parking right status is to be verified and a unique identifier associated with a parking area where the vehicle is located; querying the database, by comparing the license plate number with the license plate numbers stored in the database; and determining if a parking right has been issued that corresponds to the license plate number of the vehicle. A system for managing parking rights is also disclosed. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130046588 | TRUSTED INTERNAL INTERFACE - An interface and device architecture for a payment device. An interface between a payment application installed in a payment device and one or more value-add applications (such as loyalty programs, transit applications, etc.) that are also installed in the payment device. The API or interface design permits communications and data transfer between the payment application and one or more value-add applications. This reduces (and in some cases may prevent) the need for back-end server processing of data that may be relevant to both a payment transaction and to a function of the value-add application. Similarly, the same or another API or interface may enable communications and data transfer between a value-add application and the payment application. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130054311 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR RIDE SHARING BASED ON MILEAGES - To reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, there needs to be better systems and methods of coordinating travel among people. The presently disclosed system not only allows for ride sharing to take place, the driver can also be rewarded with financial incentives while the passenger not only is able to get to the desired destination, he or she can also save money by not having to maintain a vehicle, not to mention numerous other benefits to the environment and society. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130066689 | TRANSIT ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT WITH MOBILE DEVICE MESSAGING - Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for enabling the management of a transit user account of a transit system with a mobile device. Embodiments of a transit system utilizing such transit user accounts are also disclosed. Embodiments for enabling a mobile device to manage a transit user account can include receiving an identification code of a fare media and receiving contact information of the mobile device. The transit user account, which can be used in transactions of the transit system associated with the fare media, can be created using user information and a passcode. Additionally, the mobile device can be authenticated by sending at least one message to the mobile device and receiving at least one message from the mobile device. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066690 | CAR PARK CONTROL SYSTEM USING A THIRD-PARTY SYSTEM - A parking lot control system using a third-party system, having at least one transmitting device emitting an entry ticket including first and second sets of reading data, the first set of data being read by the third-party system which emits an exit password upon fulfillment of parking lot exit conditions. The control system also includes: a processing unit which communicates with the third-party system in order to receive the exit password therefrom, and at least one exit validation device which receives the exit password from the processing unit and reads the first and/or second set of data on the entry ticket in order to allow the release of vehicles having a ticket corresponding to the exit password generated by the third-party system. If no exit password is received, the validation device can operate redundantly in order to allow the release of vehicles meeting the exit conditions. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130073347 | VEHICULAR CITATION MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and a system capable of capturing, storing and managing information relating to vehicle citations and/or vehicle violations that occur across one or more jurisdictions, locally, nationally and even internationally. The method and system also being capable of providing timely notification of the citations and/or violations, regardless of the jurisdiction, and regardless whether the owner of the vehicle is at home to receive a citation in the mail. The method and system still further capable of maintaining a complete and comprehensive list of all citations pending and paid, and an efficient and effective means to pay any fines associated with one or more citations in a single transaction. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130073348 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - 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. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130073349 | Method for the Computer Aided Management of Vehicles - An owned vehicle for use is registered at a management unit of a computer system as a rental vehicle. A first interface of the computer system that is accessible through registration, captures persons, approved by the vehicle owner, for a temporary use of the vehicle; a price model, specified by the owner, for the temporary use of the vehicle; and an operating area, defined by the owner. The operating area encompasses one or more demarcated areas, in which the vehicle may be parked by an approved person after the end of the temporary use. When an approved person is operating the vehicle, a data acquisition unit of the computer system receives telematically vehicle trip related data. An accounting unit determines, as a function of the vehicle trip related data and the price model for a predefined time for the respective approved person, an amount to be billed. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130073350 | PARKING SPACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a system and method for allowing owners of private parking spots to rent their parking spots for occasional vehicles in real time, wherein the system is able to distinguish between occasional vehicles parked in the parking spot and vehicles belonging to the owner of the parking lot. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130080216 | RFID VEHICLE TAG WITH MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE DATA FIELDS - 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. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130090991 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TOLL PAYMENT VIA SMART PHONE - An approach is provided for providing a toll payment apparatus, system, and method via smart device. A determination is made, on a user device, regarding proximity of the user device to a toll collection location, and payment of a toll is provided using the user device when the user device is within a predetermined distance of the toll collection location. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130096993 | METHOD OF TOLLING VEHICLES IN AN OPEN-ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - A method of tolling vehicles in an open-road toll system with vehicle-based on-board units and roadside radio beacons. The method includes transmitting transaction information and a factor from the on-board unit; updating the factor as a function of the transmitted transaction information and calculating a debit amount as a function of the updated factor; transmitting a debit request with the calculated debit amount and the updated factor to the on-board unit; and debiting the received debit amount to a toll credit account in the on-board unit and writing a new transaction information concerning this new debit transaction and the received updated factor into the on-board unit. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096994 | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY PARKING MOTOR VEHICLES - The invention relates to a device for automatically parking motor vehicles, comprising a conveyor device, which acts between at least one station for rendering and/or removing a motor vehicle and a plurality of parking spaces, the parking spaces being arranged in a matrix-like manner, being occupied by conveyor pallets that can be moved in the transverse and longitudinal direction and that are used for parking, and having at least one free space without a conveyor pallet for moving the conveyor pallets, and the conveyor device being constructed of conveyor modules that can be lined up in a modular manner in the longitudinal and transverse direction and that comprise a longitudinal conveyor unit, a transverse conveyor unit, and optionally a lifting drive. Said device is characterized in that at least one conveyor pallet has an energy supply device, in particular an electrical power supply device, and in that an energy store, in particular a battery, of a motor vehicle that can be driven by an electric motor can be charged by the energy supply device. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130103460 | ENHANCEMENTS TO METERLESS REMOTE PARKING MONITORING SYSTEMS - A remote meterless parking monitoring system including a plurality of individual parking spaces, a plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units for monitoring the status of the individual parking spaces; at least one Gateway device responsive to the plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units; a Command and Control Server for employing numerous security provisions at least including encryption of data, Virtual Privacy Networks, firewalls and authenticated connections and responsive to data from said Cellular gateway via the internet; and the Command and Control Server uses the status of each space and the ID from the motorist's RFID tag to cross reference data according to a Policy database and identifying the motorist through a Motorist Database including information about the motorist's mailing address, vehicle payment account balance or other information. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130117077 | PARKING AVAILABILITY DETECTION WITH HUMAN SENSING - Providing means for people to input their observations can reduce the need for sensor deployments because humans have excellent sensing abilities. One thing people tend to observe carefully is parking availability. Parking meters and pay stations can request people to enter their observations of parking availability and other environmental factors. The observations, being numerical in nature, can be processed to determine reasonable parking fees, likelihood of violators in an area, and the statistical, observed, or estimated dispersion of available parking with a geographic region. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130117078 | VIRTUAL ATTENDANT SYSTEM AND PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - 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. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130117079 | METHOD OF PROCESSING A TRANSACTION FOR A PARKING SESSION - A method, using a mobile device, of initiating the processing of a transaction for a parking session between a parking system and a payment provider on behalf of a user, the method comprising storing a user identifier in memory on the mobile device, receiving a parking identifier and transmitting the user identifier and the parking identifier to a network server. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130124270 | METHOD, DEVICE AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PAYMENT OF PARKING FEES - System and method for parking management including an in car device located in the vehicle. The in car device may include a transceiver a processing unit, an input device and a display. The in car device may receive instructions to initiate and terminate parking sessions and upon receiving such instruction to automatically communicate with an at least one parking management unit for exchanging information related to management of the parking session. Parking management units may include single space parking meters, multi space parking meters, parking occupancy meters, parking back end systems, parking back end servers and gates of parking garages. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124271 | AUDIO/VIDEO AUTOMATED PAYMENT FACILITY - 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. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130132166 | SMART TOLL NETWORK FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS - A smart toll network system for “network-based” analysis via communication of relevant vehicle identifications among to stations (i.e., by forming a smart toll network) coupled with a probabilistic-based search is disclosed. Comparing vehicle identification data (such as license plate recognition and vehicle signatures) between toll stations improves the performance relative to point-based vehicle identification analysis. Of the vehicles unidentified by license plate recognition, vehicle signatures are used to link each of them to the corresponding vehicle at the opposite end of the tolling system. If license plate recognition fails on a vehicle at an exit station, vehicle signatures can be used to find the location where that vehicle entered the tolling system. If license plate recognition was successful at the entrance station, that same license plate number can be assigned to that vehicle at the exit station, on the basis of the vehicle signature matching, without requiring human intervention. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132167 | Cloud Based Parking Management System and Method - A system and method for many administrators to financially manage the parking of vehicles at parking locations where attendants record toll transactions with portable wireless devices, through a common, cloud-based central computer server. Each local transaction recording device, such as a hand-held PDA, stores the data for multiple toll transactions until confirming that a global communications connection meets a threshold level of quality, before transmitting the data batch-wise to the central server. In this way, data from hundreds if not thousands of toll transactions can be temporarily stored until reliably transmitted to the central server. The remote server is preferably under the control of a single service company that contracts with multiple parking management companies and operators to record transaction information and provide reports associated with an effectively unlimited number of parking lot locations and portals. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130138484 | METHOD FOR COMBINING A TAXI SERVICE WITH A LOTTERY GAME - A method for combining a taxi service with an event when a customer takes a taxi is disclosed. The customer has a portable communication apparatus. The taxi has a car communication apparatus. The method includes sending a message of the customer having taken a taxi to an identification apparatus. Next, a determination step is performed to determine whether the customer wants to participate in the event. When the customer wants to participate in this event, a communication connection with the identification apparatus is built. Finally, a confirmation message of participating in the event is sent to the portable communication apparatus from the identification apparatus. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130144687 | METHOD AND ON-BOARD UNIT FOR SIGNALING TOLL TRANSACTIONS IN A ROAD TOLL SYSTEM - A method and an on-board unit for signaling toll transactions in a road toll system with geographically distributed radio beacons, carrying out toll transactions with passing on-board units of vehicles. In the on-board unit, it is verified in the course of a toll transaction between an on-board unit and a radio beacon whether a toll transaction dates back longer than a given time span, and if so, an acoustic signal is emitted by the on-board unit, and if not, no acoustic signal is emitted by the on-board unit. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144688 | AUTOMATIC MULTIPROCESSING CAR STORING AND RETRIEVING SYSTEM FOR MULTILEVEL CAR PARK - In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an automatic processing unit for car storing and retrieving system for the multilevel park system. Specifically, the automatic processing car storing and retrieving system includes an integrated central car handling unit and microcontroller unit, wherein said integrated central car handling unit comprises at least one collection-delivery rack to carry the car; at least one up-down platform to move the car vertically; and at least one wheeled platforms to move the car in a circular movement. Further, the collection-delivery rack of integrated central car handling unit can move simultaneously in circular and vertical direction. Further, a method for storing and retrieving the car by using the integrated central car handling unit is also provided. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130151318 | TRANSIT BILLING NETWORK - A transit billing network is described. All commuter accounts are initially blacklisted at all entry transit readers within a transit operator system. A commuter is provided with a transit pass, linked to a mobile device. Individual commuter accounts are unblacklisted when a commuter transmits an SMS with an account number printed on the transit pass, a phone number is extracted from the SMS and the commuter increases a stored value of the commuter account. A list of unblacklisted accounts is pushed to all entry transit readers to allow access to select commuters. The stored value can then be used to pay for a fare amount using the transit pass. When the stored value has dropped below a minimum value, a communication process provides for warning messages to be transmitted using the phone number, and optionally automatically retrieve funds by transmitting Multiple Premium Messages. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130159070 | MOBILE PAYMENT PROCESSING SYSTEM - The mobile payment processing system is an electronic ordering, payment, and inventory management system relating to parking stall purchases and other types of activities and transactions, such as event/ticket purchases. The system can be cell-phone or smart phone based and web based and may be operated from a central hosting system. Individual users and merchants would monitor their respective transactions and associated accounts. Operators of parking facilities and municipalities would be able to review their respective revenue utilizing protected access to a web-based site. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130173357 | METHODS OF OFFLINE FARE COLLECTION FOR OPEN-LOOP AND HYBRID CARD SYSTEMS - 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. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130179238 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS CONTROLLED PARKING - Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for an access controlled parking system. The invention includes a parking access system with a public parking location having controlled access; a garage door opener transmitter adapted to generate at least one unique signal; a receiver operable to receive the unique signal from the garage door opener transmitter; a processor coupled to the receiver and operable to grant or deny access to the public parking location based on the unique signal and to communicate receipt of the unique signal from the garage door opener transmitter to a central system; and a database system within the central system operable to associate the unique signal with an account for payment for use of the parking location. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130185123 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED TRANSPORTATION USE TRACKING AND BILLING - A user registers with an automated transportation use and billing system. The user's geographical location/position is monitored and periodically compared with the geographical location/position of one or more public transportation systems. When a determination is made that the user's geographical location/position is the same as the geographical location/position of a public transportation system, an assumption is made that the user is making use of the public transportation system and once the user's geographical location/position data differs from the public transportation system's geographical location/position data, it is further assumed that the user is no longer making use of the public transportation system. Data indicating the users assumed use of the public transportation system, calculated as described above, is then recorded and credited to the user's account. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130185124 | Mobile Card Processing Using Multiple Wireless Devices - A taxi fare system for a vehicle includes a meter, a wireless access point carried on the vehicle, a first mobile computing device a wireless, a second mobile computing device, a display and a credit card reader. The meter is configured to receive data from the vehicle indicating distance travelled, to measure waiting time, and to calculate an amount of a passenger fare based at least on the distance travelled and the waiting time. The first mobile computing device is positioned in a driver section of the vehicle and receives data from the meter. The second mobile computing device is positioned in a passenger section of the vehicle and receive card information from the card reader. The first and second mobile computing devices are configured to wirelessly connect to the wireless access point. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130191189 | NON-ENFORCEMENT AUTONOMOUS PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS - Methods and systems based on Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) determine that a vehicle occupies a parking spot. A road-side system checks in the vehicle having an on-board DSRC system into a parking system. The system provides the on-board DSRC system with a parking rate and the on-board DSRC system provides the road-side system with payment data. A final parking fee is determined and is charged after the vehicle has left the parking spot. Parking rates are determined dynamically based on existing and/or expected conditions. A planning system provides a vehicle with a parking spot at a scheduled time. Navigation data is provided to the vehicle to reach the scheduled parking spot. Traffic and environmental policies are enforced by applying the methods and systems. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130191190 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOTIVATING AND OPTIMIZING USAGE OF HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE/HIGH OCCUPANCY TOLL LANE BY DISPLAYING TIME BASED COST METRICS - A method and system for motivating and optimizing usage of a toll lane by displaying a time based cost metric on an electronic display. The real time electronic display can be configured on the toll lane for displaying information with respect to the toll lane to, for example, a driver on a highway. An average speed of vehicles in the toll lane and/or a non-toll lane of the highway over at least one span can be measured and the average speed can be displayed on the electronic display. A toll rate with respect to the usage of the toll lane can be determined and displayed. A time saving value and a cost per unit time with respect to the usage of the toll lane over the span can be calculated and displayed on the electronic display. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130191191 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PARKING PASSES WHILE LIMITING THE PARKING PASS DEPENDING ON PARKING PASSES PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO A USER - A method for managing parking passes via a system for managing parking passes, including at least one device for dispensing a parking pass, and a server for centralizing the parking passes, the centralization server being connected to the or each dispensing device via a data link, the method including the following steps: inputting ( | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130204676 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY CATEGORIZING SERVICE PROVIDERS - A method and system for selectively allowing service providers (e.g., taxi drivers) to engage in premium arrangements with customers is presented. The method entails assigning an initial number of points to each of the service providers; adjusting, by using a computing device, the number of points assigned to the providers based on provider behavior, wherein the provider behavior take into account frequency of acceptance of customer requests for service, types of services accepted, and accurate execution of requested service; categorizing providers with points above a predefined threshold as premium providers who are allowed to engage in premium arrangements with customers; and transmitting the premium status of premium providers to the customers. With the method and system, only providers that demonstrated good behavior that is consistent with fair and efficient access to the services is allowed to engage in premium arrangements. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130218647 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BOOKING TRANSPORT - Systems and methods for booking transport are described including a method including the steps of: receiving job information including pick-up location information and destination location information from a user; calculating the cost of the job based on the location information; and notifying the user of the calculated cost. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130231985 | RELOADING OF MONEY-STORING CARDS IN SINGLE SPACE PARKING METERS - Improved single space parking meters capable of accepting payment from a card that stores a monetary amount are described. The single space parking meter includes functionality for reloading a monetary amount to a parking card. The single space parking meter may read account information from the payment card using the card reader and receive an indication of the monetary value to load or reload onto the parking card. The parking meter may communicate with a remote system to authorize a transaction using the payment card's account information for the monetary value. An indication of whether the transaction of the payment card was successful or not is received at the parking meter and the parking meter attempts to load or reload the monetary value to the parking card when the transaction was successful. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130238405 | SWITCHABLE RFID TAG - An RFID tag and a method of its use are disclosed. One such RFID tag includes first, second, and third RFID inlays included on a tag housing, the first, second, and third RFID inlays each corresponding to a different rate identifier. The tag also includes a panel engaged with the housing and movable among first, second and third positions. The panel includes RFID shorting structures each positioned to electrically contact one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays such that, in any of the first, second, and third positions, only one of the first, second, and third RFID inlays remains active. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238406 | PARKING METER AND A DEVICE THEREFOR - 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. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130246132 | SMART TRANPORTATION SERVICES & PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for paying for transportation and/or transportation support services and providing member services associated with the transportation is provided. The method includes relating a member-user to a given transportation service entity by Smartphone (iPhone, Android, or similar), Cellular phone, Special Debit Card/Smart Card, registered LPR, RFID, etc. The method further includes automatically debiting an established “Transportation Replenishing Member Payment Account” with funds to pay a transportation support service entity, and invoking one or more member services, in addition to crediting the TRMPA upon redemption of an authorized/authenticated parking credit or special offer. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253996 | PASSENGER WAITING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a passenger waiting system and a method thereof. The passenger waiting system comprises a transportation service demander device, a transportation service supplier device and a server. The transportation service demander device is used to provide a user to input the transportation demand to send a transportation demand message to the server. The transportation service supplier device is used to provide a service provider to input the transportation providing service to send a transportation supplying message to the server. The sever is used to compare the transportation demand message and the transportation supplying message to execute a supply-demand pairing task, and used to send the transportation demand message and the transportation supplying message to the transportation service supplier device and the transportation service demander device respectively for making the transportation service demander device can communicate with the transportation service supplier device. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253997 | TOLL FEE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A toll fee tracking system comprising a toll authority adapted to collect data associated with at least one toll fee tracking device and a toll rental entity adapted to communicate with the toll authority and a third part entity. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130262194 | ELECTRONIC TOLL MANAGEMENT FOR FLEET VEHICLES - Toll transaction payment processing includes accessing image data for a vehicle, the image data corresponding to at least one image of the vehicle engaging in a transaction with a toll facility. The image data is processed to determine one or more vehicle identifiers for the vehicle. A fleet vehicle company associated with the vehicle is electronically identified based on the one or more vehicle identifiers. Billing information for the transaction between the vehicle and the toll facility is electronically communicated to the fleet vehicle company. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130275188 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR BILLING BASED ON A DURATION OF A SERVICE PERIOD - A system, method, and computer readable medium for billing based on a duration of a service period, comprises sending fleet data from a third party entity to a toll authority via a toll rental entity, matching toll data with the fleet data by the toll authority, if the toll data matches the fleet data: charging an account by the toll authority and sending the matched data to the toll rental entity, determining, by the toll rental entity, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling or an opt-out for duration based tolling, if the sent matched data is related to an opt-in for duration based tolling, charging the third party entity for the duration based tolling, and if the sent matched data is related to an opt-out for duration based tolling, applying at least one of: a fee for the duration based tolling, a toll usage amount, a service fee for the duration based tolling, and a service fee for the toll usage. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130282448 | Methods and Systems for Electronic Payment for Parking using Autonomous Position Sensing - A method/system of wireless payment of parking fees for a vehicle, applicable to both open street and closed garage parking, wherein the user and checker experiences are enhanced relative to the prior art by a number of means, including: autonomous sensing of the user's/vehicle's location and allowing the user to correct the indicated location if required; enabling a handset to automatically sense the ID of the vehicle in which it is located; enabling rapid and facile enforcement by providing the Checker with information about the location, parking session status and other attributes of parked vehicles and displaying the information on a portable terminal in a manner facilitating rapid validation; and further facilitating the identification of vehicles with expired sessions by a method/system of RF interrogation involving RF tags located in/on the vehicles and the checking terminal querying the RF tags. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130290076 | PARKING METER COMPRISING MEANS FOR TRANSMITTING A USER'S PERSONAL MESSAGE, AND URBAN PARKING ZONE COMPRISING SAID PARKING METERS - This on-street parking meter ( | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130297387 | Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and facilitating communications and/or transactions relating to transportation infrastructure utilization - A method for monitoring, managing, and facilitating communications and/or transactions relating to transportation infrastructure utilization includes: receiving signals including, associated with, or in association with identifier information provided or obtained by, identifying, and/or pertaining to one or more of a vehicle, a personal computing or communications device, a programmable or reprogrammable device, object, or article of media, and a person, the signals including or providing, or facilitating or initiating a process of providing access to transportation infrastructure utilization information; and processing the signals and/or information to identify, responsive to, or determined by or in relation to or in consideration of, the transportation infrastructure utilization information and in association with the identifier information, a circumstance that satisfies criteria for facilitating, controlling, or initiating one or more communications and/or transactions pertaining to, involving, or in relation to one or more transportation infrastructures. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130311247 | System for Supplying Power to an Electric Vehicle on a Parking Space - A system is proposed for supplying power to an electric vehicle on a parking space, which system has, for each parking space or for a group of parking spaces, a charging station which is assigned to the parking space or the group of parking spaces and which comprises means for supplying power to the electric car, for detecting the consumed power, for identifying or detecting the vehicle for the purpose of billing for the consumed power, and a device for paying for the consumed power. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130325563 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAXIMIZING PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAXI DRIVERS - Systems and methods are provided for maximizing profits and opportunities for taxi drivers. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a taximeter installed in taxis, a GPS included in the taximeter; a hand-waving movement detector included in the taximeter, a computing server; a smart device included in the taximeter, wherein the smart device communicate with the computing server to send and extract taxi demand information to and from the computing server; a wireless emitter included in the smart device; and a camera included in the hand-waving movement detector. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325564 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOWING CAR OWNERS TO MAXIMIZE UTILITY OF PARKING SPACE - Systems and methods are provided for allowing car owners to maximize utility of parking space. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a RFID reader placed from one side of the parking space; a camera installed in the parking space, wherein the camera is used to capture license plate information of parking cars; a first RFID tag placed from another side of the parking space; a second RFID tag placed in a car. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325565 | METHOD FOR LOCATING A PARKING SPACE THAT IS SUITABLE FOR PARKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE, AND A VEHICLE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM THAT IS SUITABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE - A process and a vehicle assistance system for determining parkable free parking area close to motor vehicles is proposed, with the use of a central computing center, in which the geographic coordinates of parking area are determined, and of a plurality of user terminals, which are arranged in a decentralized manner in vehicles and which communicate with the computing center and which are each functionally connected with at least one location determination module. A parking location signal of the corresponding vehicle is transmitted by means of a corresponding user terminal to the computing center when the vehicle has been parked, after which the parking location signal is compared in the computing center with the coordinates of the parking area, which are contained there, in order to make a distinction in the parking area between parkable free parking area and nonparked, occupied parking area, so that the free parking area or the occupied parking area is contained. Inquiries about free parking area are transmitted to the computing center automatically or as needed by means of a corresponding user terminal, and the inquiries comprise the current position of the vehicle. Furthermore, information on parkable free parking area close to the motor vehicle, which information depends on the current position of the vehicle, is transmitted from the computing center to the user terminal making the inquiry. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325566 | Public transit system fare processor for multi-balance funding - An implementation of a system and method for processing transfer rides associated with at least one public transit network is provided. The system and method preprocess transactions to consolidate or eliminate unnecessary transactions with a financial institution clearing and settlement network. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130339107 | METERLESS REMOTE PARKING MONITORING SYSTEM - A meterless remote parking monitoring system, incorporating a plurality of vehicle detector and Radio Frequency Identification Reader (RFID) units deployed in individual parking spaces; a plurality of Cellular Gateway Radios, each Cellular Gateway Radio being connected to one of said plurality of vehicle detector and Radio Frequency Identification Units; a Command and Control Server; the plurality of Cellular Gateway Radios being connected to said Command and Control Server via the internet | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130346165 | Electronic Toll Management and Vehicle Identification - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing image data for a first vehicle and obtaining first vehicle identifier data from the accessed image data for the first vehicle. A set of records is accessed. Each record includes first vehicle identifier data for a vehicle. The first vehicle identifier data for the first vehicle is compared with the first vehicle identifier data for vehicles in the set of records. Based on the results of the comparison of the first vehicle identifier data, a set of vehicles is identified from the vehicles having records in the set of records. Second vehicle identifier data is accessed for the first vehicle and is compared to second vehicle identifier data for the set of vehicles in order to identify the first vehicle. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130346166 | CHARGING SERVICE SYSTEM, SERVER APPARATUS, AND CHARGING SERVICE METHOD | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140006112 | VEHICLE PARKING VALIDATION SYSTEM AND METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140012636 | System and Method for Interfacing Military Records with Pass Control - An improved system and method for interfacing military records with pass control is described herein. In one embodiment, a method of associating military records for pass control can comprise creating one or more driver profiles in a military installation memory on a military installation server. Each of the driver profile can comprise identification information and a driving record. The driving record can comprise a driver permission status. Additionally, the method can also comprise the step of sharing with a pass control application server at least a portion of the driver identification information related to each driver profile wherein the driver permission status comprises a revocation. Further the method can comprise the step of storing in the memory the military base driving revocation associated with the driver. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012637 | TRAFFIC DELAY DETECTION BY MINING TICKET VALIDATION TRANSACTIONS - A method, system and processor-readable medium for detecting traffic delays A transfer time sample can be analyzed from ticketing data (e.g., ticket validation timestamps) that includes data indicative of a plurality of stops. An optimal set of stop pairs can be selected from among the plurality of stops based on a plurality of factors including a coverage, a volume and a distance between at least two stops among the plurality of stops. A structural outlier associated with the transfer time sample can be then detected in order to detect traffic delays determined from the optimal set of stop pairs selected from among the plurality of stops. Note that such a structural outlier can comprise an outlier in a spatio-temporal series collected from the transfer time sample. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012638 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADVERTISING TO DRIVERS - The present invention relates to an advertising method for reaching drivers who utilize the Toll Road System. By utilizing toll info on a driver as the toll is paid, advertisers can target the driver based on their location and can offer toll reimbursement in return for visiting or utilizing an advertiser's product or service. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140019216 | PAYMENT DEVICE WITH TAG INTERFACE FOR TRANSPORTATION FARE PROCESSING, TRANSPORTATION FARE PROCESSING METHOD OF PAYMENT DEVICE WITH TAG INTERFACE, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Provided is a transportation fare processing method of a payment device with a tag interface, the method including executing an application on an operating system of the payment device, obtaining payment information from a payment means of a user using a communication interface supported by the payment device, processing a transaction performed by the payment means based on the payment information, in response to an execution of the application, and transmitting the processed transaction to a server. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140025444 | Universal Toll Tag Device and Systems and Methods to Automate Toll Payments - A system and method for processing toll-based payment transactions via a mobile device is described. The mobile device may include a processor configuring the mobile device to: receive a GPS location of the mobile device; receive location information associated with at least one tolling location; determine whether the mobile device is within a predetermined distance of the at least one tolling location based on the GPS location of the mobile device; record a tolling event when the mobile device is within the predetermined distance of the at least one tolling location; and communicate the tolling event to a server for processing a toll-based transaction. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140032282 | MODEL-BASED DYNAMIC PRICING FOR MANAGED LANES - Methods and systems for dynamically determining a toll rate with respect to a high-occupancy toll road. A dynamic pricing controller can be configured to include one or more proactive components in association with one or more reactive component to determine the toll rate based on the real-time measurement and future prediction for the high-occupancy toll road. The controller is able to rapidly respond to real-time changes in the high-occupancy toll road and maintain a steady, free-flowing traffic with maximal throughput on the high-occupancy toll lanes. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140039987 | System for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - An apparatus for tracking the use of at least one destination location, the apparatus including multiple cameras and one or more processors configured to identify a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determine characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determine usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140046737 | S/M for Providing, Reloading, and Redeeming Stored Value Cards used in Transit Applications - The invention is directed to systems and methods of conducting transactions associated with a transit card. A method of conducting transactions may be conducted between a processor and a transit processor. Steps may include receiving a redemption request and determining if it is a pre-authorization request or a redemption; if the redemption request is a pre-authorization request, determining if the account is authorized for a particular transit type. If the account is authorized, communicating approval to the transit processor. If the account is not authorized communicating denial. If the redemption request is a redemption: determining if account value is sufficient to pay the redemption amount; if not, denying and if so approving the transaction and deducting the amount, and determining if the account value is below a pre-determined threshold for a particular transit types, and if so, updating the status of the account at a data store. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140058805 | REMOTELY AUTHORIZING A PURCHASE FROM A HEAD UNIT OF A VEHICLE - Example systems and methods for authorizing a financial charge from the head unit of a vehicle are shown, in m example, vehicle position information is received from the head unit at a cloud server. The cloud server can also receive purchase information from the head unit of the vehicle. The cloud server can then verify that the purchase is appropriate given a location of the vehicle, based on the purchase information and the vehicle position information, and pass the purchase information to a credit or debit card processor when the purchase has been verified. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140067488 | MOBILE FOR-HIRE-VEHICLE HAILING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for engaging a for-hire vehicle (FHV) are provided. A mobile computing device receives information from a remote server indicating FHV activity in a geographical region of interest. A user interface of the mobile computing device displays a map having one or more icons thereon indicating locations of one or more FHVs. A user provides an input indicating a desire to hail one of the one or more FHVs, and receives an acceptance of hail. Once within range of the FHV, the device links with a computing device disposed within the hailed FHV over a local area network, providing information related an FHV trip to the remote server, receiving a calculated fare, and displaying the calculated fare to the user. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067489 | FOR-HIRE-VEHICLE PARAMETER UPDATE AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for updating and managing for-hire vehicle (FHV) fare calculation algorithms and parameters are provided. Fare calculation and parameter information associated with a plurality of jurisdictions regulated by one or more regulatory entities is stored in a database. An authorized user may use a web-based software program to input updated fare calculation and parameter information for a jurisdiction. The updated fare calculation and parameter information is stored, and trip fares are calculated based at least partially on the updated fare calculation and where appropriate parameter information as well as trip distance and/or time information provided by a mobile computing device when the fare is related to an FHV trip taken within the jurisdiction. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067490 | FOR-HIRE VEHICLE FARE AND PARAMETER CALCULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for calculating fares for-hire vehicle (FHV) trips are provided. Trip data, such as time, distance, location, or other trip-related data, is received over a network from a computing device disposed within a remotely-located FHV. The trip data is used to calculate a trip fare, which is provided to the computing device over a wide area network. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067491 | TRANSPORTATION CONTROL AND REGULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FOR-HIRE VEHICLES - Systems and methods for monitoring and regulating for-hire vehicles (FHV) are provided. A server receives information relating to authorized vehicles (often based on medallions assigned by the local government transportation agency), algorithms and parameters for FHV fare calculation, as well as information about authorized drivers and authorized dispatchers, from one or in some cases several regulatory entities. The server receives time and/or distance data associated with an FHV trip from a device (usually a mobile device like a smart phone for example) traveling with the FHV and uses such information to calculate a fare for the trip. The server is configured to receive requests for transportation services from mobile devices, and to dispatch FHVs, either directly (by automatically sending a dispatch signal to the selected FHV) or through a third-party (such as a traditional dispatch service). The collected real-time information may be used to optimize the utilization of FHV resources. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067492 | SYSTEM FOR PARKING PAYMENT USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to a mobile device payment system for parking payment kiosks (“PPKs”). Among the example embodiments disclosed herein are parking payment kiosks that use mobile devices for payment. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to improve the basic parking process by reducing the amount of time that the driver has to interact with the kiosk. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can also be used to minimize the labor required by parking enforcement. Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise an access control and payment system that uses a customer's internet-connected mobile device and a display apparatus on the PPK. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067493 | SYSTEM FOR COMBINING PAYMENT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AND PARKING - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to a system to use electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) and electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”). Certain embodiments relate to methods, apparatus, and systems to combine the payment of both vehicle parking and the charging of electric vehicles into a single transaction. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140074566 | Remote Sensing of Vehicle Occupancy - One or more sensors are interfaced to a controller which in turn interfaces to a transponder in order to provide occupancy status of a vehicle. The one or more sensors determine the occupancy status of one or more of the seats in the vehicle, and report this to the controller. The controller determines an overall occupancy for the vehicle, and provides this information to the transponder. The transponder then communicates this information to a traffic monitoring or toll collection infrastructure, such as to a toll tag reading tower using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wireless communication. The collected information may then be used to reduce or eliminate manual occupancy verification by police, and to enable incentive-based toll policy. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074567 | Electronic Toll Management - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140081718 | METHOD, RADIO BEACON AND ONBOARD UNIT FOR GENERATING PARKING FEE TRANSACTIONS - A method for generating a parking fee transaction for a vehicle that comprises an onboard unit having an identifier, and a radio beacon and an onboard unit for carrying out the method, are provided. The method includes: wirelessly polling the identifier by a roadside radio beacon as a current identifier, generating a parking fee transaction for the identifier if the current identifier is identical to a stored old identifier, storing the current identifier as the old identifier, waiting a predetermined time period, and repeating these steps. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140095272 | Systems and Methods for Generation of Incentive Offers for On-Road Users - Systems and methods for generating incentive offers for road use are provider. Incentive offers may be generated by a service provider server. The incentive offers may be generated b identifying, by the computer having at least one processor, at least one use-condition associated with a transit point based at least in part on historical transit data. The generating the incentive offers may include generating one or more offers for a plurality of toll collections passes configured to enable the at least one use-condition associated with the transit point. Further, the method may provide for facilitating a distribution for the one or more incentive offers to a use group. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140108107 | System and Method for Direct Transfer of Electronic Parking Meter Data - A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140122190 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND SELECTION OF A RESOURCE AMONG AVAILABLE RESOURCES - Detecting whether a resource is available and facilitating the selection of a resource from a set of resources, some of which may be available or unavailable at any given time can be a challenge. One such resource is a suitable place to park a vehicle including automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle. Finding parking can be a significant challenge in population dense environments. Certain embodiments of the present invention are configured to assist users with quickly and efficiently finding a parking slot near his or her location or destination. The system may be configured to generate parking slot suggestions based on one or more of a wide range of individual or group preference criteria. Advantageously, facilitating quick and efficient parking reduces traffic congestion and pollution. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140129301 | MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ENABLED MICROBUSINESSES - A vehicle rental administrative system comprising a computer system configured to manage vehicle rental transactions between vehicle owners and potential Temporary Users. The system allows an owner to develop a customer profile with information related to a rentable vehicle. The customer profile may include, but not limited to, the model year of the vehicle, engine specifications, and the rental rate. The potential Temporary User may request a certain vehicle to rent, and the system may provide a list of one or more vehicles matching the request. Once the Temporary User selects a vehicle, the system may notify customer that his vehicle has been selected. The customer may either approve or deny permission to rent vehicle. If the customer approves, a rental agreement is signed and the system sends a code to both vehicle and Temporary User's mobile device for a predetermined rental period to allow keyless drive-away of the vehicle. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129302 | PROVIDING A CONFIRMATION INTERFACE FOR ON-DEMAND SERVICES THROUGH USE OF PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICES - A method for providing transport services is provided. A transport request for a transport service is received from a user. The transport request specifies at least one of a pickup or drop-off location. A confirmation panel is generated to display information corresponding to the at least one of the pickup location or drop-off location. On the confirmation panel, a map relevant to the at least one of the pickup location or drop-off location is displayed. Fare information relevant to the transport request is also displayed on the confirmation panel. A prompt is provided for the user to confirm the transport request. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140149189 | PRE-PAID TAXI SERVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR - A method of operating a prepaid taxi service comprising: purchasing a prepaid card, wherein the prepaid card has a removable section; calling a designated number associated with the prepaid card for taxi service, wherein the call is prioritized; verifying a unique identification number on the prepaid card; providing transportation for a party making the call; and providing the removable section to a taxi driver as payment. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149190 | BILLING A RENTED THIRD PARTY TRANSPORT INCLUDING AN ON-BOARD UNIT - A system, method, and computer readable medium for toll service activation using an on-board unit in a third party transport comprises, a third party entity, a toll rental entity, and an on-board unit communicably coupled to the third party entity and to the toll rental entity, wherein the on-board unit, receives a position signal, initiates a toll service request, converts the position signal to a toll usage, and stores the position signal, the toll service request and the toll usage. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140156359 | CUSTOMER INTERACTION MANAGER ON A RESTAURANT COMPUTER - An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140172518 | PARKING METER COMMUNICATIONS FOR REMOTE PAYMENT WITH UPDATED DISPLAY - A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172519 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. Based on a first vehicle image showing a first vehicle at a first location and on the first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at the first time. Next, based on a second vehicle image showing the first vehicle at a second location and on the second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at the second time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the first time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the second time. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172520 | INDICATOR FOR AUTOMATED PARKING SYSTEMS - Indicating payment for use of a destination location is disclosed. First, it is determined that a vehicle has approached the destination location. In response, it is determined that that the destination location is associated with automated parking services. In response, a first activation signal is forwarded to an indicator. Next, it is determined that the vehicle is within the destination location at a first time. In response, it is determined that an account associated with the vehicle is configured to make payment for parking of the vehicle within the destination location. Then, payment for the parking of the vehicle within the destination location is activated. Finally, in response, a second activation signal that differs from the first activation signal is forwarded to the indicator. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172521 | Traffic Control System, Congestion Control Method, Information Processing Apparatus, and Control Method and Storage Medium Therefor - A traffic control system ( | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140180773 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND VALIDATING INCENTIVES BASED ON MULTI-PERSON VEHICLE OCCUPANCY - System and methods for determining a number of vehicle occupants based at least in part on sensor data gathered by one or more in-vehicle sensors are disclosed. The number of vehicle occupants may be determined, at least in part, by an in-vehicle system associated with the vehicle. Vehicle occupancy information indicative of the number of vehicle occupants may be transmitted to facilitate identification of one or more incentives based at least in part on the vehicle occupancy information. The incentive(s) may include a reduction in a fee associated with operation of the vehicle such as a discounted toll amount, an elimination of a fee, an incentive payment, a discount associated with a product or service offering, and so forth. A tolling system ma be provided for receiving the vehicle occupancy information and determining a toll amount based at least in part on the received information. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180774 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING PARKING TRANSACTIONS - Certain embodiments herein are directed to managing parking-related transactions. Such transactions may include, but are not limited to, extending an amount of time purchased for parking a vehicle in a parking space and transferring an amount of parking time between parking spaces. An authentication code may be generated in association with an initial purchase of parking time and subsequently used to facilitate parking time extensions or transfers. A parking transaction server may receive and validate requests for parking transactions, as well as send a response to a parking transaction terminal associated with a request for a parking transaction. Certain embodiments herein also relate to the parking transaction server receiving indications that vehicles have entered or exited a parking space, and based on such indications, may manage an amount of parking time remaining to optimize the amount or parking time available for parking a vehicle in a parking space. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180775 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING USAGE OF A TRANSPORTATION FACILITY BY A USER - A method and device for determining usage of a transportation facility by a user carrying a user equipment. The transportation facility includes a vehicle having a vehicle base station associated with the vehicle, the vehicle base station providing a vehicle cell in the vehicle. The method includes detecting a first handover of the user equipment from a first cell provided by a first base station to the vehicle cell and obtaining first event data associated to the vehicle at the first handover. A second handover of the user equipment from the vehicle cell to a second cell provided by a second base station is detected and second event data associated to the vehicle at the second handover is obtained. The method further includes determining that the user has used the transportation facility if the first event data and the second event data meet at least one pre-determined criterion. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180776 | Public transit system fare processor for multi-balance funding - An implementation of a system and method for processing transfer rides associated with at least one public transit network is provided. The system and method preprocess transactions to consolidate or eliminate unnecessary transactions with a financial institution clearing and settlement network. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140188579 | Electronic Toll and Weigh Station Bypass Systems - Transportation services may provide nationwide tolling interoperability. Multi-agency electronic tolling transponders each compatible with multiple tolling agencies are provided to clients. The multi-agency transponders are linked to respective accounts associated with the clients. Transponder tolling data for respective clients is obtained from the multiple tolling agencies. Payments may be sent to each agency corresponding to the clients' respective transponder tolling data and the clients may be billed based upon the transponder tolling data. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188580 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. Based on a first vehicle image showing a first vehicle, a first unique identifier of the first vehicle is determined. Next, based on a first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at a second time. Next, based on a second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140195313 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. A first unique identifier of a first vehicle is received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle. A first location of the first vehicle is determined based on a first vehicle image taken at a second time. A second location of the first vehicle is determined based on a second vehicle image taken at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200970 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using a Smart Sensor Network - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. A unique identifier of a first vehicle based on a sensor located within the first vehicle is received. Next, based on a first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at a second time. Next, based on a second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140207538 | METHOD OF MANAGING TRANSPORTATION FARE, SERVER PERFORMING THE SAME AND SYSTEM PERFORMING THE SAME - Provided is a transit management server, system and method for managing transit fares for a transportation system. The method includes selecting, in a transit management server, at least one fare module according to a transit fare policy, the at least one fare module corresponding to a prescribed category of fare and configured to determine a fare based on the prescribed category, setting, in the transit management server, at least one parameter in the selected fare module, and transmitting, from the transit management server to at least one terminal communicatively coupled to the transit management server, the set parameter to update a corresponding fare module in the at least one terminal according to the transit fare policy. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207539 | METHOD FOR CHARGING LOCATION USAGES - Methods are described for charging fees in a road toll system. An on-board unit identification is input into a toll terminal to generate a transaction identification. The transaction identification is transmitted to a transaction server, and from the server to a transaction terminal. A payment card identification is input into the transaction terminal, and is transmitted with the transaction identification to the server. A substitute identification, generated in the transaction server and associated with the card identification, and the transaction identification are transmitted from the transaction server to the toll terminal. The on-board unit identification and substitute identification, associated by the transaction identification, are transmitted from the toll terminal to a toll server. The substitute identification is used in a communication between the toll server and the transaction server for charging a fee for a location usage determined in the road toll system under the respective on-board unit identification. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207540 | PARKING LOCATOR SYSTEM PROVIDING VARIABLY PRICED PARKING FEES - 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. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207541 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - Tracking vehicles is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first static characteristic and a first dynamic characteristic of a first vehicle are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second static characteristic and a second dynamic characteristic of the first vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. The first characteristics and the second characteristics are compared to determine that the second characteristics are approximately equal to the first characteristics of the first vehicle. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle is present in the second field of view of the second camera. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140214499 | PARKING METER SYSTEM - A parking meter includes a housing, processor, memory, network interface, graphical user interface, first camera disposed in the housing and facing outward from the first side of the housing, microphone, speaker, second camera disposed in the housing and facing outward from the housing towards a parking space, a status light, and a payment acceptor. The meter is configured to sense a vehicle's presence in the parking space, capture an identification of the vehicle, transmit the identification to a remote networked computer system, determine that a parking violation has occurred, transmit the notice to the remote computer system, accept payment of fines, transmit notice of fine payment to the remote computer system, transmit a time of the vehicle's exit from the first parking space to the remote computer system via the network interface, and reset the parking time period to zero upon the vehicle's exit from the parking space. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214500 | PARKING LOT MONITORING SYSTEM - A parking lot management system and method may include capturing image data and time of entry of a vehicle entering the parking lot and transmitting the image data and time data to a remote networked computer system. A vehicle identification is determined from the image data. Time and image data of the vehicle exiting the parking lot is determined and transmitting the remote networked computer system. A parking violation is determined due to a parking time period expiring without the vehicle exiting the lot prior the parking period expiring. A violation notice is communicated to the person associated with the vehicle identified to be in violation. A parking kiosk adjacent the parking lot can be provided. The kiosk is coupled to the remote networked computer system and is configured to set parking time, calculate payment and receive payment. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140236684 | PARKING FACILITY MONITORING SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPONENTS AND REAL-TIME AUDITING OF PARKING OPERATIONS - 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. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236685 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - 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. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236686 | METHOD OF USING VIRTUAL GANTRIES TO OPTIMIZE THE CHARGING PERFORMANCE OF IN-VEHICLE PARKING SYSTEMS - A method is provided for charging a user for parking a vehicle in a chargeable parking facility. Signals are received from at least one signal source at a receiver disposed within the vehicle. Using the received signals, an approximate path of travel of the vehicle is identified and it is determined whether the vehicle's approximate path of travel crosses a geofence associated with at least one boundary region of the chargeable parking facility. If the vehicle's approximate path of travel crosses the geofence, it is determined, with a degree of certainty, whether a park point approximating a location where the vehicle has come to rest lies inside the chargeable parking facility. If the park point is determined to lie inside the chargeable parking facility, the park point is associated with a charge, and the charge is assessed to the user. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140244365 | TOLL APP SYSTEM - 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. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244366 | Tracking and Counting Wheeled Transportation Apparatuses - 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. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140249896 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using a Camera - 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. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140257942 | Tracking the Use of at Least One Destination Location - 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. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257943 | Tracking Speeding Violations and Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - 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. Finally, a unique identifier of the second vehicle, the second time, and the third time are indicated. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140278837 | Method and system for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle based on operational data - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278838 | DETERMINING AN AMOUNT FOR A TOLL BASED ON LOCATION DATA POINTS PROVIDED BY A COMPUTING DEVICE - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278839 | Location Based Payment System - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278840 | TELEMETRY-BASED VEHICLE POLICY ENFORCEMENT - 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. Additional telemetric exchange may promote the persuasion of advisory vehicle operation policies, such as safety tips, and the transmission of travel information of interest to other vehicles and individuals, such as road hazards, traffic congestion, and available parking spots. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278841 | REMOTE SENSING OF VEHICLE OCCUPANCY - 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. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140289023 | LOCAL FARE PROCESSING - 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. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140289024 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR BILLING TOLLS - 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. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140289025 | PARKING METER AND A DEVICE THEREFOR - 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. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140289026 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TRIP INFORMATION - 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. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140310073 | WIRELESS PARKING REGISTER/PAYMENT AND VIOLATION NOTIFICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - 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. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310074 | APPARATUS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE-FREE ROADWAY TOLLING - 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. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310075 | Automatic Payment of Fees Based on Vehicle Location and User Detection - 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. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140344026 | Unified parking management system and method based on optical data processing - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140344027 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT PARKING FEES IN METERED CAR PARKS - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140344028 | AUDIO/VIDEO AUTOMATED PAYMENT FACILITY - 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. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140351027 | RFID VEHICLE TAG WITH MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE DATA FIELDS - 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. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140358648 | FARE COLLECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD USING AUTHORIZATION-ONLY TRANSACTIONS - 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. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140365283 | Parking Payment Detection - 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. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140372185 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED CELLULAR PARKING WITH OCCUPANCY CONTROL - 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. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140379441 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED MOBILE PARKING PAYMENTS - 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. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379442 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT FOR ON-STREET PARKING - 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. The method also includes targeted parking enforcement where parked vehicles are identified wirelessly by short range radio beacons emitted by tags placed in/on the vehicles and their session status checked with information downloaded from a parking application server. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150012340 | METHOD OF AUTOMATED VEHICLE PARKING CONTROL - 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. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012341 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPLITTING A FEE FOR AN ON-DEMAND SERVICE - 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. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150019304 | Vehicle Rental Method and System - 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. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150025945 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF USE OF STUDDED TIRES - This publication describes a method and a system for registering use of studded decks ( | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025946 | ON-LINE AUTHORIZATION IN ACCESS ENVIRONMENT - 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. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025947 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT FOR PARKING IN GATED GARAGES - 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. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150032516 | MANAGING ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATION USAGE - 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. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150058099 | Devices For Automatically Paying a Toll/Fee - A device for automatically paying a fee. The device including: a transponder for emitting an identifying signal responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; a storage device for storing fee payment system information to be emitted in the identifying signal; a display for displaying fee payment information; and a processor for controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both operation of the transponder and for operation of at least one additional function of the device. The device can be one of a cellular phone, pad computer, GPS device, laptop computer and computer. Furthermore, at least one of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in one of the devices and the other of the transponder, storage device, display and processor can be provided in another device. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150058100 | Methods For Automatically Paying a Toll/Fee - A method for automatically paying a fee and for performing at least one additional function with a device. The method including: emitting an identifying signal from a transponder responsive to a signal from a fee payment system; storing fee payment system information in a storage device to be emitted in the identifying signal; displaying fee payment information on a display; and electronically controlling the transponder, storage device and display. Where at least one of the storage device, display or processor is used for both the operation of the transponder and for operation of the at least one additional function of the device. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150058101 | MANAGING PERSONAL PARKING SPACE - The disclosure is related to renting a parking space to others. In order to renting a parking space to others, a service server monitors a target parking space through associated monitoring devices. Based on the monitoring information, the service server detects a vehicle for renting the target parking space. The service server performs a parking space renting operation in connection with user equipment user equipment associated with a parking space owner and a parking space requester. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150066604 | FARE PAYMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREOF - Provided are a fare payment method and apparatus thereof, for paying fares by authorizing card transaction by allowing a plurality of terminals to share card transaction history information. The fare payment method includes receiving information on a connection to one selected as a main terminal among a plurality of terminals connected to one another through a network, and outputting a signal in response to a transaction request from a card user to the card user based on information on a card transaction history received from the main terminal when a communication between the main terminal and a center computer in charge of a card transaction authorization process is interrupted. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066605 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOLL PAYMENT SERVICE - A method for providing a toll payment service, the method includes establishing, by a renter, a toll payment account with a vehicle operator via a third-party entity, providing, to the renter, a toll payment service option, and determining whether the renter has accepted the toll payment service option. Responsive to a determination that the renter has accepted the toll payment service option, adding toll-usage credit to the toll payment account of the renter for an amount based upon anticipated needs of the renter prior to toll usage. The toll-usage credit from the toll payment account is utilized for paying one or more toll authorities for toll usage. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066606 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORDERING A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE - Systems and methods for ordering a transportation vehicle are disclosed. A method includes receiving an order request from a kiosk at a kiosk location. The order request is transmitted to a computing device of a transportation vehicle. A response from the computing device is received indicating acceptance of the order request. A vehicle location of the transportation vehicle is identified and transmitted to the kiosk. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066607 | CITY PARKING SERVICES WITH AREA BASED LOYALTY PROGRAMS - Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. Methods and apparatus for providing parking rewards programs are described. The methods and apparatus can include maintaining accounts for participants in the rewards program, tracking purchases of parking and other participant activities and determining parking awards based upon the activities. The parking rewards programs can be used to incentivize behaviors that balance the use of the parking space commodity according to the needs of different stakeholders, such as the city, residents, merchants and visitors. For example, parking awards and the criteria used for earning awards can be used to encourage particular behaviors while a parking space is being utilized, such as shopping, the use of public transportation or efficient trip planning. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066608 | ENHANCEMENTS TO METERLESS REMOTE PARKING MONITORING SYSTEMS - A remote meterless parking monitoring system including a plurality of individual parking spaces, a plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units for monitoring the status of the individual parking spaces; at least one Gateway device responsive to the plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units; a Command and Control Server for employing numerous security provisions at least including encryption of data, Virtual Privacy Networks, firewalls and authenticated connections and responsive to data from said Cellular gateway via the internet; and the Command and Control Server uses the status of each space and the ID from the motorist's RFID tag to cross reference data according to a Policy database and identifying the motorist through a Motorist Database including information about the motorist's mailing address, vehicle payment account balance or other information. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073880 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR METERED PARKING AT A BILLING SERVER - A parking request text message is transmitted from a user mobile phone to a billing server and is forwarded to a parking server. The parking server makes a charge API call to the billing server, including a custom text, an amount to be billed and a msisdn of the mobile phone. The billing server charges an account at a carrier server corresponding to the msisdn, receives a charge confirmation from the carrier server, transmits a billing result to the parking server, and sends a confirmation text message to the user mobile phone with the custom text. The parking server updates a parking data structure to indicate that parking has been allotted based on a parking identification in the parking request text message. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073881 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR METERED PARKING AT A PARKING SERVER - A parking request text message is transmitted from a user mobile phone to a billing server and is forwarded to a parking server. The parking server makes a charge API call to the billing server, including a custom text, an amount to be billed and a msisdn of the mobile phone. The billing server charges an account at a carrier server corresponding to the msisdn, receives a charge confirmation from the carrier server, transmits a billing result to the parking server, and sends a confirmation text message to the user mobile phone with the custom text. The parking server updates a parking data structure to indicate that parking has been allotted based on a parking identification in the parking request text message. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073882 | OPEN PAYMENT FARE METHOD AND SYSTEM - An open fare payment method for a fare payment terminal device which performs a fare transaction process, includes: receiving fare transaction information from a fare media, determining a network state between a device and a central system, and receiving an authorization result of the fare transaction information from the central system according to the network state such that the device authorizes the fare transaction information or authorizes the fare transaction information by itself independently based on authorization reference information in the fare payment terminal device. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073883 | TRANSIT ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING DEVICE AUTHENTICATION - A system, apparatus, and method for enabling effective use of a contactless payment device in a transit system. The invention may be implemented in a manner that separates the authentication process from the pre-authorization process, thereby permitting a transit system patron to access and begin use of the transit system prior to authorization of the transaction by the issuer of the device. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150081403 | Multi-protocol Electronic Tolling System for Nation-wide Use - A system is disclosed for assessing roadway toll charges across a plurality of tolling agencies, for example a nation-wide system that allows use of a multi-protocol RFID tag that is recognized in a plurality of states having different tag protocols in their electronic tolling systems. In an embodiment, each tolling agency sets aside numbers associated with the national system. Where a tag is read that is not identified as part of the national system, the local agency processes the tag transaction. There a tag is read that is identified as part of the national system, regardless of which tolling agency reads it, the transaction information is sent to a national customer service center for processing. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150088617 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TOLL SERVICE AND FLEXIBLE TOLL DEVICE - A system, mobile device, backend server, and RFID toll module work in cooperation to automatically pay vehicular tolls to a toll agency that operates toll stations along a roadways traveled by the user of the mobile device. Upon approaching a toll station the mobile device enables the RFID toll module. The toll reader at the toll station transmits a toll reader signal that is received by the RFID toll module, which responds by transmitting a unique identifier. The unique identifier is associated with the mobile device at a toll account maintained by a toll service backend server. Upon completion of a toll transaction, the RFID toll module indicates the transaction to the mobile device, which forwards toll transaction information to the toll service backend server for payment from the toll account to the toll agency. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088618 | ROAD TOLLING - A precision usage-based transportation infrastructure charging service includes a dynamic road and infrastructure usage engine that can fairly assess road usage based on any combination of mileage, time of day, vehicle mass, location, road class, defined zones and other relevant parameters. This flexible service leverages detailed vehicle driving information to generate road usage summaries, detailed validation data, and invoices or bills where appropriate. This service applies not only to movement along road networks, but also includes time-based and complex rules that support usage-based charging within parking lots, and usage-based charging based on per-person transportation efficiency and environmental impact. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150095122 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PRO RATA SHARES OF A MONETARY COST DURING A RIDE SHARING SITUATION - There is provided systems and method for determining pro rata shares of a monetary cost during a ride sharing situation. Two or more users may alert a service that they wish to travel between two or more locations. The users may be informed of each other and a pro rate cost to use a transportation provider may be provided to them. The service may alert the transportation provider and arrange transportation between the two or more locations. Costs for each of the users may be determined, such that the use of the transportation provider, including fixed costs such as tolls, is afforded to each user. Once each of the users arrives at their destination location, an actual pro rate portion of the cost may be determined for the user. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150095123 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENTRY AND EXIT TO PARKING GARAGES AND PARKING FACILITIES - As part of the process for controlling entry and exit in parking garages and parking facilities, the entrance or exit, in front of which a vehicle stands, is determined on the basis of a location determination of the vehicle, where the location information shall be transmitted by means of the mobile device via a wireless or mobile phone standard to a server, which is capable of controlling the parking barriers of entrances and exits after locating the vehicle, where in the case that the owner of the mobile device is already registered on the server, the user ID is also sent to the server and in the case that the owner of the mobile device is not registered on the server, the registration is done by means of the mobile device via the connection to the server and a user ID is assigned after registration, where the entrance or exit, in front of which the vehicle stands, is determined on basis of the data of location determination in the server, where a ticket in electronic form linked with the user ID is sent to the mobile device of the user in the case of an entrance or stored in the server and the parking barrier or access control device assigned to the determined entrance is actuated in order to allow the entrance, where it is determined for the case of an exit, whether the parking fee has been paid and in case of paid parking fee the parking barrier or access control device assigned to the determined exit is actuated in order to allow the exit. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150100393 | TOLL CHARGING DEVICE - A toll charging device includes a body having a toll unit and the toll unit is connected with a detection unit which generates a corresponding detection signal when detecting the value of a coin/bill. A control unit is connected with a counting unit and the detection unit. The control unit receives the detection signal and sets a pre-set period of time to the counting unit. At least one power output port is connected with the control unit and outputs electric power according to the time counted by the counting unit. The at least one power output port is stopped when the pre-set period of time is ended. The toll charging device charges electric/electronic devices according to the coin/bill inserted into the toll unit. The toll charging device outputs direct current and alternating current. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150100394 | METHOD FOR CHECKING TOLL TRANSACTIONS AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method for checking toll transactions, produced from position notifications of a mobile phone connected via a mobile network to a transaction server, with the aid of a network of distributed toll beacons, which can communicate via short-range radio with on-board units of passing vehicles and are connected to the transaction server. To this end, a interoperable multi-functional OBU is created that is formed from a GNSS- and NFC-enabled mobile phone on the one hand and an NFC- and DSRC-enabled OBU on the other hand, which exchange data concerning a session identifier (SID) via their common NFC interface, which session identifier forms a link between the infrastructureless and the infrastructure-bound billing functions of the multi-functional OBU. The disclosed subject matter also relates to a toll beacon and a transaction server for same. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150100395 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE SERVICE USING CODE-PATTERN - A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150106171 | DYNAMIC PRICING BASED ON SLIDING MODE CONTROL AND ESTIMATION FOR HIGH OCCUPANCY TOLL LANES - Methods and systems for dynamic pricing based on sliding mode control with respect to a HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lane. The controller consists of a feed-forward path and a feedback path. In the feed-forward path, a sliding mode controller in association with a sliding mode control module can be configured to achieve desired performance objectives under time-varying system parameters in real-time. An estimated VOT (Value of Time) distribution can be derived in association with the controller to reduce the difference between an actual and target traffic flow density on the HOT lane. The estimation of the VOT distribution can be updated by the controller at each time interval when the difference in densities is larger than a certain threshold. A low pass filter can also be employed to substantially improve prediction and the calculation of tolls to reduce fluctuations in traffic. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150106172 | SINGLE SPACE ELECTRONIC PARKING METER WITH METER HOUSING MOUNTED VEHICLE SENSOR - An upper parking meter outer housing component that includes a parking meter cap is provided. The parking meter cap includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining an interior cavity, and a lower edge portion defining an opening into the interior cavity. The lower edge portion is configured to be coupled to a lower housing component of single space meter such that a meter mechanism may be enclosed within the interior cavity of the upper meter dome. The meter cap includes a vehicle sensor coupled to the inner surface of the upper meter dome. The meter cap includes a solar panel coupled to the inner surface of the upper meter dome and configured to supply power to the vehicle sensor. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150120402 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING AFTER-HOURS VEHICLE PICK UP - In an example of a method for enabling after-hours vehicle pick up, a server recognizes that a service payment request is outstanding for a serviced vehicle. In response to the recognizing, the server transmits an ignition block command to the serviced vehicle. The ignition block command triggers a powertrain control module of the serviced vehicle to enter a disengaged state that electrically prohibits the powertrain control module from providing tractive power to a vehicle drive wheel. At the server, a notification of a payment acceptance is received from an infotainment unit of the serviced vehicle or a mobile communications device associated with the serviced vehicle. In response to receiving the notification, the server transmits an ignition enabling command triggering the powertrain control module to enter an engaged state that electrically enables the powertrain control module to provide tractive power to the vehicle drive wheel. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120403 | CAR PARKING SYSTEM - A car parking system comprises an exit control apparatus, and a host system that maintains records of a plurality of active optically readable codes (ORCs) that can be presented to the exit control apparatus of the car park for egress from the car park, wherein at least some of the active ORCs are associated with respective ones of a plurality of subscribers. The exit control apparatus is in data communication with the host system and comprises an optical code reader. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150134427 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A ROAD USAGE CHARGE - A method and apparatus for determining a distance traveled by a vehicle for the purpose of assessing and settling a road usage charge allows a mobile device to determine distance traveled with a vehicle while paired with a PAN transceiver of the vehicle by using GPS location information. The mobile device can also capture odometer images that are reported to a system that processes the images to obtain the odometer values and find the difference between the odometer values. Once the actual distance traveled by the vehicle is determined by the system, a road usage charge can be determined. Fuel excise taxes paid by the vehicle operator for fuel used by the vehicle can be subtracted from the road usage charge to determine a road usage settlement amount that can be paid from, or refunded to a financial account associated with the vehicle. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134428 | CONNECTED TOLL PASS - Examples are disclosed that facilitate provisioning of a toll system communication device used in an electronic toll collection system, such as EZ Pass. The toll system communication device (e.g., an EZ Pass tag) can have user credentials provided to it that are associated with a user payment account. As a user travels a toll road, the toll system communication device is interrogated at a toll booth location. In response to the interrogation, the toll system communication device provides information identifying the toll system communication device and associated user credentials. The user credentials may be obtained from or authenticated with a mobile device within close proximity to the vehicle equipped with the toll system communication device. Using the user credentials and the identifying information, a user payment account may be provisioned to pay tolls accrued by the vehicle using the toll road. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150142533 | METHOD FOR LOCATION-BASED VEHICLE PARKING MANAGEMENT AND PARKING-FEE PAYMENT ENFORCEMENT - A method for location-based vehicles parking management and parking-fee payment enforcement is disclosed. The method utilizes mobile devices capable of identifying the current location of the devices and other descriptions of how the devices are placed using various sensor data, and transmitting this information via wireless communication to a parking management application, that supports numerous municipalities and allows a user-friendly access and management via one of more user-friendly portals. The method further includes parking enforcement based on a current location and how an enforcement device is placed and one or more verification methods. Other preferred embodiments of the parking enforcement method are disclosed such as a motorbike based system, an augmented reality based system and an aerial system. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142534 | VEHICLE PARKING - A system and method of seeking payment for parking a vehicle in an area includes: detecting ( | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150149263 | Automated Parking Payment - A code for a parking location for a vehicle is identified. The code may be encoded in a scannable image. A processor analyzes the code for metadata for the parking location. The metadata is sent from a mobile device to a parking server along with data indicative of a beginning of a parking duration and/or data indicative of an ending of the parking duration. A parking payment may be calculated based on the parking duration by the mobile device or the parking server. An account for the vehicle may be automatically charged according to the parking payment. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150149264 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING PARKING METER ALERT NOTIFICATIONS - A method for providing parking meter alert notifications includes: storing a plurality of parking rate data entries, each entry including data related to a parking meter including at least a point of sale identifier associated with the related parking meter and a timing rate; receiving transaction data for a payment transaction associated with a specific parking meter, wherein the transaction data includes at least a specific consumer identifier, a transaction amount, a specific point of sale identifier associated with the specific parking meter, and a transaction time; identifying a specific parking rate data entry where the included point of sale identifier corresponds to the specific point of sale identifier; identifying an expiration time based on the transaction time, the transaction amount, and the timing rate included in the identified specific parking rate data entry; and transmitting an alert notification to a consumer based on the specific consumer identifier. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150149265 | CONTROLLED PARKING OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - Systems and methods for controlled parking of autonomous vehicles are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes sending a request from a vehicle to park within a parking area controlled by a parking control system using a bi-directional trust system employing a digital authentication certificate, receiving at the vehicle a parking space assignment from the parking control system indicating an assigned parking space within the parking area using the bi-directional trust system, and autonomously controlling the vehicle to drive the vehicle to the assigned parking space within the parking area. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150294286 | Method for the capturing and payment of parking transactions - In a method for capturing and paying parking transactions in parking facilities, a user, when entering the parking facility, reads out with a mobile terminal an entry identifier from an entry control device allocated to the parking facility entry, the mobile terminal stores the entry identifier in a memory or transmits the entry identifier together with an identifier of the mobile terminal to a background system, the user, when exiting the parking facility, reads out with the mobile terminal an exit identifier from an exit control device allocated to the parking facility exit, the mobile terminal transmits the entry and exit identifiers or transmits the exit identifier together with the identifier of the mobile terminal to the background system, the background system calculates the parking duration and fee exclusively based on data of the entry identifier and the exit identifier, and the parking fee is charged to the user. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294298 | TRANSPORTATION BOARDING SYSTEM USING GEOTAGGING AND MOBILE DEVICES - Methods and systems for bus boarding use geotags that are generated when a mobile device of a bus passenger passes in proximity to embark gates and disembark gates installed in buses of a bus system. The mobile device may be registered with a customer information database of the bus system and may provide a bus passenger identifier to identify the bus passenger at a time and a location when embark geotags and disembark geotags for a bus trip are generated. The embark and disembark geotags may be used to charge the bus passenger for the bus trip. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294431 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CITY SERVICES - Methods and apparatus for improving resource utilization in an urban environment are described. In a particular embodiment, an outdoor sensor network is provided. The outdoor sensor network can include sensors for monitoring parking spots, traffic, ground moisture, waste receptacle levels, lighting levels, sound levels and pollution. The outdoor sensor network can be linked to a plurality of outdoor kiosks. Each kiosk can be configured to receive sensor data from a portion of the sensors in the outdoor sensor network and communicate the information to a city message bus. The city message bus can be configured using a data distribution service, such as openDDS. The kiosks can be configured to provide many different services which utilize information gathered from the sensors. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150302540 | EMBEDDABLE COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE MODULE - One aspect of the invention pertains to an embeddable software communications module. The module provides an application programming interface (API) that allows the module to receive API inputs from a software application. In various implementations, the module is arranged to progressively receive, transmit and/or store messages. In some embodiments, the module allows rendering of a received message in a real time mode or time-shifted modes and allow a user to easily transition between the two modes. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150310510 | TAXIMETER, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TAXI - A taximeter, system and method for a taxi are disclosed. In one aspect, the taximeter includes a processing system including a memory having stored therein a plurality of computer applications, wherein the processing system is configured to execute a meter application during a passenger trip to determine a fare due, and execute a payment application to facilitate electronic payment of the fare due. In particular embodiments, the taximeter establishes a wireless data communication session with a mobile device of the passenger to facilitate payment of the fare due via the mobile device. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150317614 | Methods and Systems for Payment with a Transponder - A payment system is provided comprising a transponder, an associated account with account settings, and transponder reading equipment/systems for electronic toll collection and electronic entry into contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. Methods are provided to facilitate use of a transponder, an account, and related transponder reading equipment to simultaneously pay a toll and facilitate purchase of a lottery ticket. An account may be debited for a toll and a contest, game, or lottery entry, and credited if one is won. The payment method and system may be used to purchase goods, such as gasoline, and to simultaneously electronically enter contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. The purchase of goods/services with a vehicle-mounted transponder may also employ use of rounding amounts to facilitate the electronic purchase of game or lottery tickets or entry to other contests, games, or sweepstakes, wherein the rounding amounts may aggregate to comprise an award that may be won. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317840 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT FOR ON-STREET PARKING - 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. The method also includes targeted parking enforcement where parked vehicles are identified wirelessly by short range radio beacons emitted by tags placed in/on the vehicles and their session status checked with information downloaded from a parking application server. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317842 | Methods, Systems, and Account Settings for Payment with a Transponder - A payment system is provided comprising a transponder, an associated account with account settings, and transponder reading equipment/systems for electronic toll collection and electronic entry into contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. Methods are provided to facilitate use of a transponder, an account, and related transponder reading equipment to simultaneously pay a toll and facilitate purchase of a lottery ticket. An account may be debited for a toll and a contest, game, or lottery entry, and credited if one is won. The payment method and system may be used to purchase goods, such as gasoline, and to simultaneously electronically enter contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. The purchase of goods/services with a vehicle-mounted transponder may also employ use of rounding amounts to facilitate the electronic purchase of game or lottery tickets or entry to other contests, games, or sweepstakes, wherein the rounding amounts may aggregate to comprise an award that may be won. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317843 | Payment of Highway Tolls via a Mobile Telecommunications Network - Disclosed are method and apparatus for processing of highway toll payments by a mobile telecommunications service provider. A mobile telecommunications device communicates with a mobile telecommunications service provider. The mobile telecommunications service provider receives a request to calculate a route to a destination. The mobile telecommunications service provider determines the location of the mobile telecommunications device from a global navigation satellite system or from a mobile telecommunications network and calculates a route. The mobile telecommunications service provider then identifies toll booths along the calculated route. The mobile telecommunications service provider pre-pays the tolls. The mobile telecommunications service provider sends turn-by-turn instructions to the mobile telecommunications device and tracks the location of the mobile telecommunications device and records the date and time at which the mobile telecommunications device passes through a toll booth. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150325057 | Mobile Card Processing Using Multiple Wireless Devices - A payment transaction between a passenger and a driver may be processed using a mobile device of the passenger and a mobile device of the driver. For example, the mobile device of the passenger and the mobile device of the driver may be associated for processing the payment transaction. Fare data for a ride that is offered by the driver may be received from the mobile device that is associated with the driver and payment data for the passenger may be received from the mobile device that is associated with the passenger. A payment processing server may cause the payment transaction to be processed. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325058 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO A STATION FOR AUTOMATED RENTAL OF VEHICLES SITUATED WITHIN A STRUCTURE ACCESS TO WHICH IS CONTROLLED - A method is provided for controlling access to an automated vehicle rental station including at least one rental vehicle parking location, the station being situated within a structure access to which is controlled by a passage control device disposed at at least one entrance/exit of the structure, the passage control device being movable between an open position permitting passage and a closed position prohibiting passage, the method including a permission phase, including the following steps: —acquisition of an identifier of the user by an acquisition device disposed at an entrance/exit of the structure, —transmission of the identifier to a remote server through a communication network, —verification of at least one condition relating to the user to grant or deny passage, and —command of the passage control device, disposed at the entrance/exit of the structure, as a verification of the at least one condition. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325059 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A CONTROL AREA - The invention relates to a method for determining the position and shape of a control area on a road on which a vehicle is travelling, and to which a usage charge applies. According to the invention, a segment of the road is divided into segment sections and the perimeter of geographical coordinates of the control area associated with each segment section is calculated. At at least two different moments, a GNSS receiver calculates the position of the vehicle, said calculated positions being inside the control area; a control area being provided that is defined by a perimeter of geographical coordinates, fulfilling the requirements in terms of charging availability being above a pre-determined threshold value and the probability of a charging error being below a threshold value. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325128 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - A method substantially as shown and described the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein. A device substantially as shown and described the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330799 | DETERMINING A TRAVEL ROUTE - An approach for determining a route is provided. A rule is retrieved, which indicates a number of recommended routes passing through a constrained area is not permitted to exceed a threshold. After a receipt of N requests from N respective users for N routes, N recommended routes passing through the constrained area are determined and presented to the N users. After determining the N recommended routes and based on a receipt of a request from an (N+1)-th user for an (N+1)-th route, the (N+1)-th route, which passes through the constrained area, is determined. Based on the retrieved rule and the (N+1)-th route passing through the constrained area, N+1 is determined to not exceed the second number. Responsive to determining N+1 does not exceed the threshold, the (N+1)-th route is designated as an (N+1)-th recommended route. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332236 | System and Method for Direct Transfer of Electronic Parking Meter Data - A single space electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into an outer parking meter housing is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism also includes a wireless communication subsystem supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system and an electronic meter control system controlling the electronic display and the wireless communications subsystem. The mechanism includes a memory device receiving port externally accessible through the inner housing and a read-write removable memory device physically accessible from outside of the inner housing and configured to be coupled to the memory device receiving port. The removable memory device including operation mode information that is read by the electronic meter control system to select an operation mode of the meter mechanism. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332354 | FLEXIBLE FARE BUS FRAMEWORK TO REDUCE BUS BUNCHING - Disclosed herein are technologies for implementing a Flexible Fare Bus framework to reduce bus bunching Particularly, the Flexible Fare Bus framework focuses on fixing a demand of passengers from passenger's side by dynamically adjusting a pre-determined headway-threshold throughout a pre-defined bus route. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332425 | USER-CONFIGURABLE INDICATION DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ON-DEMAND SERVICE - A system and method for configuring an indication device is described. An on-demand service system arranges a transport service for a user to be provided by a driver. The system determines whether the user has specified an output configuration for an indication device in an account of the user. In response to determining that the user has specified an output configuration for the indication device, the system identifies data corresponding to the output configuration and transmits the data to a driver device of the driver to enable the driver device to control the indication device of the driver based on the data. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332516 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PAIRING OF FOR-HIRE VEHICLE METERS AND MEDALLIONS - Systems and methods for pairing for-hire vehicles with their associated medallion are disclosed. Some for-hire vehicles, such as taxis operate with a for-hire vehicle meter (taximeter). In some embodiments, the meter contains an identifier of a medallion that is associated with the meter. The meter may then determine if it is connected or properly associated with the medallion. If the meter is connected or properly associated with the medallion, it will then access the identification information of the medallion and determine if identification information matches its contained medallion identifier. If the identification information does not match, the meter may shut down and thereafter be non-engageable. The relationship between the medallion and the meter is advantageously used to enforce restrictions on the operation of the for-hire vehicle including, for example, time and location of pick-up restrictions. In other embodiments, meters and medallions communicate their identification and locations to a central server. The central server then compares the locations to determine the distance between the meter and the medallion. If the distance does not satisfy a predetermined range (indicating the meter and the medallion are close together), the central server may generate an alert or it may command the meter to shut down. The central sever may also advantageously be used to enforce restrictions on the operation of the for-hire vehicle. Meters and/or medallions not attached to their assigned medallion and/or meter may also be tracked via the central server. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332517 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT FOR PARKING IN GATED GARAGES - 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. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150348332 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TAXI CAB FARE COLLECTION - An apparatus allowing someone to safely accept cash and to give change in cash when providing transportation services to the public. The apparatus may include a computer processor, a device for receiving cash and for determining how much cash has been received, and a device for providing a signal to indicate that sufficient cash has been received to pay for transportation services. The computer processor may receive data from the device for receiving cash and for determining how much cash has been received, and the computer processor may cause the device for providing a signal to provide a signal if sufficient cash has been received to pay for transportation services. The apparatus may further include a housing; and the computer processor, the device for receiving cash, and the device for providing a signal may be fixed to the housing. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348333 | Multi-Mode Communication Parking Meter System and Method - A parking meter is provided in the present disclosure. The parking meter comprises a short-range communication component, a long-range communication component, and a processor. The short-range communication component is configured to receive parking payment information from one or more other parking meters. The long-range communication component is configured to transmit the parking payment information. The processor is configured to participate in a procedure whereby the long-range communication component is configured to operate in at least one of an on mode, a low-power mode, or an off mode. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348334 | TRAVEL DATA OF TRANSPORT SYSTEM USERS - A method of generating travel data by a mobile device of a user of a transport system includes the mobile device receiving data transmitted from one or more beacons of the transport system; and generating travel data in dependence on the data received from the one or more beacons. The travel data is representative of the user's use of the transport system. The travel data may be used to reduce the burden on a user and to improve the services provided to a user. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150356498 | WIRELESSLY MANAGING PARKING - Managing parking is carried out by associating an electronic tag with a vehicle, each tag configured to either receive, transmit, or both receive and transmit information at a low frequency using magnetic induction. A base station located in each parking space is likewise configured to either receive, transmit, or both receive and transmit information at a low frequency using magnetic induction. Either the tag or the base station will communicate identification information of both the tag and the base station to one or more servers, where parking can be managed. Communication with the server can be carried out in part using a publicly available radio frequency over a wide area network, such as one of the SigFox, LoRaWAN, or WEIGHTLESS protocols. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356558 | CUSTOMER AUTHENTICATION BASED ON ACTION THE USER HAS DONE WITHIN A TRANSIT SYSTEM - A method for authenticating a user of a transit system includes creating a user account associated with a user of a transit system and receiving a display identifier associated with a payment account of the user. The display identifier is visible on a payment media associated with the payment account. A first ridership challenge answer is requested and received. A second ridership challenge answer is requested based on the received first ridership challenge answer. The second ridership challenge answer is received. The ridership challenge answers are related to interactions of the user within the transit system. A transaction identifier is identified as being associated with the payment account based on the ridership challenge answers. The display identifier is linked with the transaction identifier. The display identifier and the transaction identifier are at least partially distinct from one another. Both the identifiers are associated with the user account. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356791 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING CARD INFORMATION - A method processes card information. The method includes transmitting, to a terminal, a hot list including one or both of a black list and a white list, which include information on whether cards are available or not, to a terminal, receiving, from the terminal, information on a smart card having a list region in or from which a flag is set or removed based on the hot list, from the terminal, and deleting, from the hot list, the information on the smart card having the list region in or from which the flag is set or removed. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150371352 | RECOVERY OF TIME DUE TO AN UNPLANNED EVENT ON A RESERVED ROUTE - Providing reserved routes for a plurality of vehicles, in which the at least a location is monitored and communicated from each of a plurality of vehicles having GPS devices and traveling to destinations on reserved routes with guaranteed arrival times. For a traffic event along one of the reserved routes; determining if any of the plurality of vehicles are affected or will be affected by the traffic event and calculating alternate routes for those vehicles The alternate routes are sent to the GPS devices in the affected or possibly affected vehicles and once the vehicle has reached the destination, comparing an actual arrival time of the vehicle at the destination to the guaranteed arrival time, and if the actual arrival time is later than the guaranteed arrival time, crediting a user of the vehicle for at least a portion of an amount paid for reserving the reserved route. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371452 | DYNAMIC ROAD PRICING METHOD, SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A dynamic road pricing method includes the following operations. A data table of traffic flow and toll rate associated with multiple time segments is stored in a database on a storage device. A mathematical model of the traffic flow and the toll rate is built and the mathematical model of the traffic flow and the toll rate includes a value of at least one parameter related to a road segment and a time segment. A raw toll rate is calculated according to the values of the parameters and a rated traffic flow. A difference of the raw toll rate and a first announced toll rate of a previous time segment is calculated, and a second announced toll rate of the time segment is determined according to the raw toll rate and the difference. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150379657 | Emergency ride (Transportation) - This claim is to provide alternate transportation for it's members who sustain a need for emergency transportation, or alternate transportation due to the members vehicle not being operable or simply wanting alternate transportation. These services would be available to a member who has purchased a membership for the current year. Each year a member would be required to purchase a new membership, or the old one would lapse. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379781 | Tracking the Use of at Least One Destination Location - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, four 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. A first characteristic of an occupant of the first vehicle based on a first image is determined to correspond to a second characteristic of the occupant of the first vehicle based on a second image. It is then determined that the occupant of the first vehicle traveled between the first vehicle and a payment station. Payment information specifying a period of time that was received by a third-party parking payment system is received. The period of time is then associated with the first vehicle. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379782 | METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING TOLL COLLECTION INFORMATION BASED ON A NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS IN A VEHICLE - A method of communicating information regarding a number of occupants in a vehicle for an electronic toll collection system having an antenna at a toll lane entrance, the vehicle and a transponder in the vehicle, includes detecting occupancy in the vehicle by at least one sensor in the vehicle, computing a number of one or more occupants based on the detected occupancy by the at least one sensor, setting one of a plurality of toll configurations based on the number of one or more occupants, transmitting the one of the plurality of toll configurations and account information associated with the transponder to the antenna, receiving the one of the plurality of toll configurations and the account information from the transponder, and charging a predetermined toll amount on an account corresponding to the received account information based on the one of the plurality of toll configurations from the transponder. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160005239 | Location-Aware Selection of Public Transportation - A mobile device such as a mobile phone, smart phone, personal music player, handheld game device and the like that is configured to be location-aware through GPS (Global Positioning System), cell tower positioning, or other means of determining location, is provided with a public transportation selector functionality that interfaces with one or more on-line public transportation schedule services. The public transportation selector passes the location of a user of the mobile device, the user's destination, and the targeted arrival time to the schedule services which responsively return information including, for example, station/stop location information, route identifier, departure and arrival times, and fare costs. The public transportation selector aggregates schedule information provided by the services for presentation to the user through a user interface on the mobile device. The user can then select the desired public transportation option and be provided with directions to the appropriate station or stop. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160012648 | TOLL PAYMENT COLLECTION WITH COMMUNICATION DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160019726 | FARE COLLECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ABILITY - A fare collection machine is provided. The fare collection machine includes: a controller; a database operatively connected to the controller configured to receive and provide data from the controller; a display screen operatively connected to the controller; a user input device operably connected to the controller; a payment input device operably connected to the controller; a data input device operatively connected to the controller, the data input device configured to input to the controller data collected on the same vehicle the fare collection machine is located; and a wireless communication device configured to commutate with a remote communication device. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160019727 | Transit Authority Fare Administration and Management System - A remote transit authority fare collection system includes at least one server configured to receive fare collection information and at least one database configured to store the fare collection information received by the at least one server. The at least one server is further configured to aggregate the fare collection information, and the at least one server is further configured to analyze the fare collection information, wherein the fare collection information received by the at least one server is received over a network from a remote unit. The invention further includes a remote transit authority fare collection process. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160042347 | METHOD, SERVER, AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING A TRANSPORTATION FARE - A method, a server, and a system includes a central server configured to compare an authorization result of a fare payment means upon boarding a transportation means with an authorization result of the fare payment means upon leaving the transportation means, determine whether to update at least one of a boarding terminal and a departure terminal based on the comparison result, and transmit update information to at least one of the boarding terminal and the departure terminal based on the determination result. The boarding terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon boarding if a network connection between the central server and the boarding terminal is unstable, and the departure terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon leaving if a network connection between the central server and the departure terminal is unstable. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042357 | BIOMETRIC PAYMENT IN TRANSIT SYSTEMS - A method for conducting biometric transactions includes receiving an indication that a user's media is within a detection range of a transaction device. The indication includes an identifier of the media. A list is populated with identifiers of media that are within the detection range. The list includes the identifier of the user's media along with a subset of an overall population of identifiers of media that are each associated with a particular user and biometric identifier. A biometric identifier is received from the transaction device upon being received by the transaction device in an interaction with the user. The biometric identifier is compared to biometric identifiers of only users associated with identifiers on the list of media to identify the user and an account associated with the user. A transaction using the account associated with the identified user authorized and an authorization message is communicated to the transaction device. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042485 | INTERACTIVE IMAGE-BASED COMMUNICATION USING IMAGE CODING - Embodiments of a system and method for interactive barcode communication are described. In one embodiment, a mobile device presents a barcode to an information or transaction receptacle associated with the point of entry device. One embodiment provides for a method of transmitting data from an unconnected point of access device using an interactive barcode communication system on a mobile device, where the method comprises accessing a set of data on a point of access device, wherein the point of access device is unconnected from a data network with access to a central system database; dividing the set of data into multiple sections; incorporating the multiple sections into scan images for display during per-user transactions at the point of access device; and displaying the point of access data along with per-user transaction data during an interactive barcode communication transaction. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042575 | AUTOMATED FACILITY ACCESS AND PAYMENT PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An automated parking facility access and payment processing system is provided. The system includes a parking facility server located proximate to a parking facility, a central authentication and payment processing server for authenticating and processing payment for a user of parking facilities, a gate controller positioned proximate to a barrier gate at the parking facility, and at least one of an identification module connected to a vehicle, and a user computer device including or accessing an automated parking and payment processing application. The gate controller is configured to receive, via Bluetooth communication with the at least one of an identification module and a user computer device, identification information about a user seeking entry into the parking facility, and to relay the identification information to the parking facility server. The central authentication and payment processing server is configured to receive the identification information from the parking facility server and verify that the user is a valid account holder within the system. The parking facility server is configured to receive verification from the central authentication and payment processing server and to signal the gate controller to open the barrier gate and allow the user's vehicle to enter the parking facility. The gate controller is further configured to detect entry of the vehicle into the parking facility and to provide notification to the central authentication and payment processing server, via the parking facility server, for payment processing. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042643 | Method for Displaying Parking Spaces - The invention relates to a method for displaying free and preferably also occupied parking space regions on a display device, wherein at least one camera supplies image indications of parking space regions. The geographic coordinates of a car park area located in the visual range of the camera are stored in a recognition unit. On the basis of the image indications, the recognition unit assigns each of the parking space regions inside the car park area a respective occupation status that indicates whether a respective parking space region is free or occupied. The recognition unit calculates the dimensions of a free parking space region at least in the longitudinal direction thereof (“size value”) from the supplied image indications. The recognition unit provides the respective occupation status of at least the free parking space regions along with the associated geographical coordinates to a transmission unit, and the transmission unit transmits the respective occupation status of at least the free parking space regions along with the associated geographic coordinates and the associated calculated size values to the display device. The invention further relates to a system comprising at least a camera, a recognition unit, a transmission unit and a display device, as well as to a data carrier having a computer program that can be executed on a recognition unit according to the invention. Finally the invention further relates to a recognition unit that can be used in accordance with the invention. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160049014 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GEOFENCING OF VEHICLE IMPOUND YARDS - A method and system for geofencing of vehicle impound yards. One or more geofences around impound yards are selected. The one or more geofences are associated with one or more vehicles. When a vehicle enters the geofenced area, a user (e.g., an individual, car dealer, finance company, etc.) is immediately notified to prevent excessive impound financial charges. If a vehicle is left in a geofence area, a cumulative time duration and a cumulative finance charge are accurately recorded to reduce or prevent financial fraud. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160049015 | Electronic Toll Management - Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160055466 | GPS-BASED TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automatic toll collection system includes a mobile app that receives a plurality of toll gantry information from a database, reads GPS location data received front the mobile device hosting the app, and creates a plurality of trip segments using the GPS location data and time stamp. The system then determines whether the mobile device is travelling on a road where toll ought to be collected by comparing the trip segments with the toll gantry information. If the vehicle is passing through a gantry or toll road, the system will then calculate toll charges based on the trip segments and gantry information, generate a toll charge transaction, and notify the mobile user of the toll charge. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160063616 | TECHNIQUES FOR COMPLETING PRE-ARRANGED TRANSACTIONS - Techniques for completing pre-arranged transactions which improve customer service. An example method includes receiving a signal from a beacon by a mobile communication device, sending a first message containing an identifier by the mobile communication device, and receiving a second message containing information for completing the transaction by the mobile communication device. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160071082 | AUTOMATED SPLITTING OF COSTS INCURRED DURING A SHARED VEHICLE TRAVEL - There are provided systems and methods for automated splitting of costs incurred during a shared vehicle travel. A plurality of users may utilize a vehicle to travel a route, such as a ride sharing program between the plurality of users. The vehicle may incur various costs during travel of the route, such as fuel/electric consumption, tolls, maintenance fees, or other costs. Each of the plurality of users may be checked in to the vehicle, such as by submitting log in credentials to a device associated with the vehicle or connecting their user device to the vehicle's device. Once inside the vehicle, parameters for the user may be determined, including weight of the user and the user's luggage and a start and endpoint of the user's use of the vehicle. The user may then be billed their pro rata share of the total costs for use of the vehicle. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071172 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION-AWARE PARKING EXPIRATION REMINDER AND REMOTE PARKING METER REFILL - Methods and systems that provide parking meter expiration reminders based on location and distance of the driver from the vehicle are provided. The location, parking start time, and purchased parking duration of a vehicle are recorded using a smart device application to scan information printed on the parking meter card. The driver's location is tracked while he is away from the parking lot, and reminders are sent to the driver's smart device, based on the remaining parking duration and locate of the driver, that provide sufficient time for the driver to return to the vehicle from his current location before the parking meter card expires. Additionally, the driver can use a mobile payment option to extend the amount of purchased parking, thereby allowing the driver more time to return to the vehicle before the parking meter card expires. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071227 | Transaction Systems and Methods for Travelers Using Mass-Transit Vehicles and Facilities - A mobile communication device transaction systems and methods for travelers using mass-transit vehicles and facilities are disclosed. Exemplary servers are for connection to a mobile communication device that includes a travel transaction application identifying at least one traveler, payment information, and trip information. The servers receive the traveler, payment information, and trip information and define at least one traveler product purchase offer, based on the traveler and the trip information. The servers further cause the traveler product purchase offer to be sent to the mobile communication device travel transaction application for display on the mobile communication device. The servers also cause a payment transaction to be made using the identified payment information after the servers receive a purchase order from the mobile communication device for the traveler product purchase offer. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160078299 | Imaging a Parking Display Ticket - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, one or more first images of a parking display ticket within a vehicle that is occupying a destination location are received from a first camera of an unmanned air vehicle that is configured to be autonomously operated. Parking information for the vehicle occupying the destination location is determined based on at least one of the one or more first images of the parking display ticket. A unique identifier of the vehicle occupying the destination location is also determined. The parking information for and the unique identifier of the vehicle occupying the destination location is then indicated. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078688 | System and Method to Facilitate On-Demand Parking - System and methods are provided to facilitate on demand parking services. The system includes user interfaces for a customer and agent for coordinating the exchange of a vehicle for storage. The system also includes methods for selecting a desired agent and/or desired parking location from a plurality of available agents and/or parking locations. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078689 | Systems and Methods for Valet Parking - A system for coordinating valet services comprises a server including a server controller, a server database in communication with the controller, and server memory in communication with the controller, the server memory storing server program instructions that are executable by the controller. The system also includes a customer mobile device and a valet mobile device associated with a customer application and a valet application, respectively. The customer application is associated with a vehicle identifier, and the valet application is associated with a valet identifier. In response to receipt of the valet identifier and the vehicle identifier by the server from the customer application, the server controller prompts the valet application to request a ticket number. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160098864 | Method and System of Communication of a Public Module Interface of a Data Exchange System Using NFC Technology - A system communication module for a public interface for data exchange using a NFC technology, containing the NFC technology, a Bluetooth, a GPS, a Wi-Fi, a S-Beam, the system communication module including a database with a data register, a data concentrator that perform bi-directional data verification, a radio controller to read data from a tag, a visual identification system to identify a vehicle without a tag, a billing system, and a marker tag located on the vehicle and fitted with a microprocessor. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160104325 | CARPARK ACCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PARKING LOT USING THE SAME - A parking lot can include an entrance, an exit, a plurality of parking spaces, and a carpark access management system including an entrance management module, a central control module, a management module, and an exit management module. The entrance management module can be configured to recognize a parking information of a car about to enter the parking lot. The central control module can be configured to control the entrance management module to permit or prevent the car to enter the parking lot. The management module can be configured to pay the parking fee automatically when the car leaves the parking lot, and deliver and transfer payment information to the central control module. The central control module can be configured to control the management module to permit the car to leave the parking lot in event that a driver of the car has finished payment. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104326 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND TOLL COLLECTION METHOD - Method of paying a toll of a vehicle using an electronic device includes sending user information of the vehicle to a server, and requesting the server to allocate an identification code for paying the toll. When the identification code is received from the server, the identification code is encrypted using a preset encryption algorithm. Encrypted identification code is sent to the server, when a payment notice is received. The toll is deducted according to a preset toll collection rule from an account corresponding to a decrypted identification code, which is obtained by decrypting the encrypted identification code by the server. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160110698 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PARKING VALIDATION - A method for automated parking validation includes: storing, in a memory of a computing device, a parking fee amount; receiving, by a receiving device, payment details associated with a transaction account; identifying, by a processing device, transaction data for an eligible payment transaction, wherein the transaction data includes at least a transaction time and/or date and a merchant identifier; discounting, by the processing device, the parking fee amount by a discount amount if the transaction time and/or date is within a predetermined period of time and the merchant identifier is one of a plurality of predefined merchant identifiers; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, an authorization request for a payment transaction, wherein the authorization request includes at least the received payment details and the discounted parking fee. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110836 | Arranging on-demand services based on one or more predefined rules - A transport request for a transport service for a user can be received from a user device. Based, at least in part, on information from the transport request, a computing system can determine that the transport request is subject to one or more rules stored in a rules database accessible by the computing system. In response to determining that the transport request is subject to one or more rules, the computing system can determine whether the transport request is valid based, at least in part, on the one or more rules and information from the transport request. In response to determining that the transport request is valid, the transport request can be processed to select a driver to provide the transport service for the user. In addition, the cost for the transport service can be paid by an entity other than the user. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110924 | AUTOMATED PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - There is provided a parking management system comprising a vehicle parking management device adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a vehicle identifier for detecting a parking position of the vehicle, determining the location of the vehicle, and generating and transmitting via a wireless data network a parking notification comprising the vehicle location and the vehicle identifier when the vehicle is in a parking position; and a server adapted to be connected to the vehicle parking management device via the wireless data network for receiving the parking notification, determining a parking zone of the vehicle based on the vehicle location, determining a parking tariff based on the parking zone, and for paying the parking tariff or issuing a fine in association with the vehicle if the parking tariff is determined not to be paid. There is further provided a vehicle equipped with such a vehicle parking management device. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110925 | VEHICLE PARKING MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Vehicle parking management device comprising an information storage unit adapted to store vehicle identification information allowing to identify the vehicle; a vehicle tracking unit adapted to determine and transmit a location of the vehicle; a vehicle status detection unit adapted to determine a status of the vehicle allowing for determining if the vehicle is in a parking position; a communication unit adapted to be connected to a remote parking management server via a data network; and a vehicle parking management unit adapted to be connected to the information storage unit, to the vehicle tracking unit, to the vehicle status detection unit and to the communication unit for determining if the vehicle is in a parking position and for generating and transmitting to the remote parking management server a parking notification comprising the vehicle identification information and the vehicle location if the vehicle is determined to be in a parking position. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110926 | AUTOMATED VEHICLE PARKING PAYMENT SYSTEM - There is provided an automated parking payment system adapted to receive a parking notification comprising vehicle identification information and vehicle location, to determine a parking zone of the vehicle based on the vehicle location, to determine a parking tariff based on the parking zone, and to pay the parking tariff in association with the vehicle. The parking notification is generated automatically without human interaction using a vehicle parking management device connected to the vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110927 | AUTOMATED VEHICLE PARKING PAYMENT MONITORING SYSTEM - There is provided an automated parking payment control system adapted to receive a parking notification comprising vehicle identification information and vehicle location, to determine a parking zone of the vehicle based on the vehicle location, to determine a parking tariff based on the parking zone, to determine whether the parking tariff is paid and to issue a fine in association with the vehicle if the parking tariff is determined to be unpaid. The parking notification is generated automatically without human interaction using a vehicle parking management device connected to the vehicle. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110928 | VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATED PARKING MANAGEMENT DEVICE - There is provided a vehicle having a vehicle identifier comprising a vehicle parking management device for detecting a parking position of the vehicle, determining the location of the vehicle, and generating and transmitting to a server via a wireless data network a parking notification comprising the vehicle location and the vehicle identifier when the vehicle is in a parking position for purpose of paying a parking tariff or controlling the payment of the parking tariff by the traffic authorities. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160117867 | PUBLIC TRANSPORT ELECTRONIC SYSTEM - The present invention discloses an electronic system for public traffic, which is integrated with at least one wireless communication system. When or after a passenger gets on and pays by a mobile phone, information about the owner of the mobile phone is detected so as to check or freeze a fund or an overdraft limit of a full fare in an account corresponding to the mobile phone of the passenger. When the fund or overdraft limit is lower than the full fare or a certain numerical value, there will be a prompt of “Insert coins” or “Please recharge”. After the passenger gets off, by detecting or communicating with the wireless communication system of the mobile phone of the passenger by an electronic vehicle device, it is automatically judged that the passenger has got off; or by judging a distance relationship or position relationship between the electronic vehicle device and the mobile phone of the passenger, it is automatically judged that the passenger has got off, and the fare to be paid by the passenger is deducted at the same time or later. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160125662 | RIDE-SHARE FARE CALCULATION DEVICE AND METHOD - When plural users, including users with different disembarkation points, are using, by ride-sharing, a vehicle of a passenger transportation service that determines a fare according to at least one of usage distance or usage time, a payment amount of a passenger disembarking at a disembarkation point at which a user disembarks is calculated, based on a number of disembarking passengers at the disembarkation point, a number of passengers before disembarkation at the disembarkation point, a balance of the fare to the disembarkation point minus a paid or collected payment amount, and a compensation rate for a subsequently disembarking user. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125663 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PAYING FARE OF MOBILE VEHICLE - A method is provided of paying a fare of a mobile vehicle by using a first terminal and a second terminal. The method may include receiving, by the second terminal, fare data of the mobile vehicle, obtained from a meter based on fare calculation data that includes at least one of moving distance data and moving time data of the mobile vehicle, and transmitting the received fare data to the first terminal. The method may also include transmitting, by the first terminal, the fare data to the second terminal, and receiving, by the second terminal, card information of a passenger from a card reader, transmitting the card information to a card server connected to the second terminal through a predetermined communication network, and receiving a payment authorization of a fare of the mobile vehicle from the card server. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125664 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MOBILE VEHICLE - A system is provided for managing a mobile vehicle. The system may include: a first terminal that is located in the mobile vehicle and communicates with an external server by being connected to a communication network, and a second terminal that is located in the mobile vehicle and connected to the communication network through the first terminal. At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal is connected to at least one of a meter, a card reader, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, which are located in the mobile vehicle, through a connecting device. The first and second terminals may receive power from a power supply device. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125665 | BILLING A RENTED THIRD PARTY TRANSPORT INCLUDING AN ON-BOARD UNIT - A system, method, and computer readable medium for toll service activation using an on-board unit in a third party transport comprises, a third party entity, a toll rental entity, and an on-board unit communicably coupled to the third party entity and to the toll rental entity, wherein the on-board unit, receives a position signal, initiates a toll service request, converts the position signal to a toll usage, and stores the position signal, the toll service request and the toll usage. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160133060 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING AND OUTPUTTING TOLL TICKETS - The invention relates to a method for producing and outputting toll tickets ( | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133061 | Anomaly Detection For Road User Charging Systems - A computer readable medium embodies a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a processing apparatus to perform operations including determining information corresponding to a number of differences in distances between ending points of journeys taken by a vehicle and starting points of consecutive journeys taken by the vehicle, and transmitting one or more representations of the information. Another computer readable medium tangibly includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving one or more scores corresponding to a vehicle, and determining a ranked list containing at least a portion of the scores, and outputting the ranked list. Another computer readable medium includes instructions for, for each of a number of vehicles, receiving information corresponding to a vehicle, using one or more metrics, calculating one or more values from the received information, and communicating one or more representations of the one or more value to one or more entities. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133085 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Retrofitting a Parking Meter for Wireless Payment Via Portable Smart Devices, and Wireless Payment Systems and Methods - A parking meter accessory for retrofitting a parking meter for wireless communication comprises at least one support for attachment to an external surface of at least a portion of the parking meter and at least one processing device configured for wireless communication, where the at least one support is configured to support the at least one processing device. A retrofitted wireless parking meter including the accessory, a processing center for the wireless payment of parking tickets, a processing center to process remote payment for parking in a parking space, initiated by the smart device, a portable smart device for wireless payment for parking, and a method of retrofitting a conventional parking meter are also disclosed. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133134 | PARKING SPOT ALLOCATION - Methods and systems for allocating a parking spot to a user are described. When a user enters a parking structure, the user's device is detected by a beacon. The beacon identifies the user, and passes the user's identification and location to a service provider. In some embodiments, the service provider assigns a parking spot to the user based on a user profile associated with the user identification and location. In other embodiments, the service provider transmits the user identification and/or profile information to a merchant. The merchant can then submit parking spot offers for different parking spots at different prices with different incentives. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160140774 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS PAYMENT FOR PARKING - A method and a system are provided for wireless payment of parking fees or other charges for a vehicle. The method includes determining the location of the vehicle with a wireless communication device having a parking software application (App). The location is determined using a global positioning system. The method further includes transmitting the street parking location, a vehicle identification or user identification, and a payment to a parking authority server for initiating a street parking session with the wireless communication device, and allowing a user to change the street parking location with the wireless communication device. The method of this disclosure allows a user to change the street parking location, in particular, the user can select one or more street parking locations and initiate one or more street parking sessions with the wireless communication device. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140775 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE TICKETING - An apparatus ( | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160148438 | TAPPOINT UNIQUE IDENTIFIER SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A parking management system including a parking management unit having a memory, a processor and a GPS, including an application in the memory that performs the steps of retrieving an identifier from a NFC chip embedded into a sticker on a vehicle, determining the location of the NFC chip via the GPS unit, determining the amount of time the vehicle will park at the location, and initiating a timer showing the amount of time left for the vehicle to park at the location. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160155072 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF OBJECTS AND PEOPLE THROUGH COLLABORATION NETWORKS OF PEOPLE CONNECTED VIA TRUST RELATIONSHIPS | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160155276 | Method and Apparatus of Dynamically Assigning Parking Lot | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160163119 | PARKING STATUS SYSTEM - A parking status system overlays upon images of a street, a lot, or a garage with representations of parked vehicles the status of any parking space shown in the image. A user retrieves the merged image with the vehicles parking in select spaces through a wireless communications network from the parking management computer system. The user then verifies payment status of multiple parking spaces simultaneously as the user patrols a beat on foot or in a vehicle. The present invention operates upon existing web browsers. The present invention allows a user to select any view within 360 degrees of the user's position in different sizes and while in motion. The present invention refreshes the status of parking spaces and subscriber vehicles at a regular interval. The invention transforms parking space, payment, and subscriber data into parking space status shown in real time to a user. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163120 | MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR FARE COLLECTION SYSTEMS - A fare device having modular architecture includes a display module that controls inputs and outputs of a display of the device, a fare media reader module that sends and receives data from a fare media and processes fare transactions conducted using the fare media as payment, and an external communications module that communicates external data with one or more remote devices. A controller controls operation of the modules. A carrier board includes one or more mountings with which to communicatively couple each respective module with the at least one controller and a common communications interface coupled between the one or more mountings and the at least one controller such that each of the modules is communicatively coupled with the at least one controller. The interface includes a single communications protocol and each module has a translation element that translates a native communications protocol of a corresponding module to protocol. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163121 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE RETRIEVAL - Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, mediums, and systems for remotely summoning a vehicle, such as from a valet service, using a mobile device. Exemplary embodiments may be implemented as a “software as a service” application on a patron's electronic device for valet parking companies that allow restaurant patrons and the like to remotely summon their vehicle and pay/tip in the application's interface. A predictive algorithm displays a timer to show patrons their place in queue. The algorithm may consider the time required to retrieve the vehicle and the number of patrons ahead of the requesting patron in a queue. If there is a line the patron can pay a fee (e.g., $10) to jump the line. The predictive algorithm may then re-calculate the amount of time required to retrieve the vehicle. Exemplary embodiments may reduce patron frustration, reduce valet related expenses, and increase valet related revenue, while monitoring employee whereabouts. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A PARKING PROCESS OF A VEHICLE IN A PARKING ZONE WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHARGES, AND FOR MANAGING A COUNTING PROCESS FOR PAYING PARKING CHARGES - A system is disclosed for managing a parking process of a vehicle in a parking zone which is subject to charges. The system includes a controller; a first device for identifying the user and/or the vehicle; a second device for identifying the entry process; a device for implementing the identification and embodied to detect the identification of the entry process for triggering and/or carrying out a counting process; and a communication device to transmit and generate an exit permission signal, in response to the transfer of the identification signals from a user to the control device. The controller is embodied to trigger the counting process and/or carry it out as soon as the parking zone is exited. A method is also disclosed. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160171574 | Method And System For Ride Shares Involving Hierarchical Driver Referrals | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171637 | ONBOARD VEHICLE SHARING SERVICE | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171785 | DYNAMICALLY MANAGING PARKING SPACE UTILIZATION | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171786 | FARE REFUND SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR SAME | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171787 | MOBILE DEVICE AND NAVIGATION DEVICE TOLL PAYING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160180603 | RFID VEHICLE TAG WITH MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE DATA FIELDS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180711 | Method and Apparatus for Parking Lot Metering | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160189139 | PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FEE PAYMENT SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A system includes one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon a program, which, when executed, causes the one or more processors to perform a method of a distributed server of a transportation system. A method includes monitoring whether a failure has occurred on a communication network between the distributed server and a central server, searching for another distributed server capable of communicating with the central server, based on a result of the monitoring, and communicating with the central server using the other distributed server. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189324 | PARKING GUIDANCE AND PARKING SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH WIRELESS BEACONS - There are provided systems and methods for parking guidance and parking services provided through wireless beacons. A location may include a nearby or attached parking structure having wireless beacons established throughout the parking structure, such as near an entrance and individual parking spaces of the parking structure. The beacons may provide communication services with a device for the user. When the user arrives at the parking structure, the user may be informed of available parking spaces, payments for parking services based on a loyal customer status, or other parking feature for the parking structure. The wireless beacons may monitor the parking structure and the individual parking spaces to determine a best space for the user. Moreover, once the user leaves the vehicle, the user may provide additional payment for parking time and utilize courier and locker services for purchased items through the wireless beacons. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189435 | Optimized Parking System - Parking spaces are optimized by orchestrating the movement of one or more autonomous vehicles or shared vehicles. A computing device monitors locations of multiple vehicles. The computing device receives a request for a parking space from a user at or in route to a geographic location. The computing device selects one of the monitors vehicles based on the geographic location of the parking request. The computing device generates an instruction to make available a parking space of the selected one of the vehicles. In the case of autonomous vehicles, the vehicle drives away from the parking space. In the case of shared vehicles, a rental appointment is modified to make the parking space available. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189436 | MODIFYING USE OF PARKING LOTS ASSOCIATED WITH A VENUE BASED ON OCCUPATION OF SPACES IN DIFFERENT PARKING LOTS - A venue is associated with various parking lots, with different parking lots associated with different prices. A venue management system associated with the venue maintains information identifying a number of spaces in different parking lots that have previously been purchased. Additionally, the venue management system receives information identifying a number of currently occupied spaces in different parking lots. From the number of previously purchased spaces and the number of currently occupied spaces in different parking lots, the venue management system determines numbers of available spaces in various parking lots. Based on the numbers of available spaces, the venue management system may communicate notifications to users via client devices identifying parking lots with available spaces. The notification messages may be communicated to a user based in part on a location associated with the user so the user receives a notification message before the user reaches certain parking lots. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160196629 | Method and System for Dynamic Estimation and Predictive Route Generation | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196695 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A PARKING PROCESS OF A VEHICLE IN A PARKING ZONE WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHARGES, AND FOR MANAGING A COUNTING PROCESS FOR PAYING PARKING CHARGES | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160203464 | TOLL PAYMENT COLLECTION WITH COMMUNICATION DEVICE | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160203649 | Method and System for Providing Autonomous Car Errands | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160203650 | VALET SERVICE APPARATUS AND METHOD | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160203651 | VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE RELATED TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160253681 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERPRETABLE USER BEHAVIOR PROFILING IN OFF-STREET PARKING | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253748 | Method, System and Product for a Parking Auction | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253847 | Emissions Reduction in Vehicle Parking | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253848 | SERVER DEVICE, COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160379329 | PROVIDING GUIDANCE FOR LOCATING STREET PARKING - A facility for providing guidance for locating street parking is described. The facility receives an indication of a geographic location with respect to which provide parking guidance, and determines an effective time for which to provide guidance. The facility then provides parking guidance relating to the indicated location at the effective time for a use. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160379421 | FOR-HIRE VEHICLE FARE AND PARAMETER CALCULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for calculating fares for for-hire vehicle (FHV) trips are provided. Trip data, such as time, distance, location, or other trip-related data, is received over a network from a computing device disposed within a remotely-located FHV. The trip data is used to calculate a trip fare, which is provided to the computing device over a wide area network. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170236235 | SYSTEM FOR ARRANGING TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180025550 | PARKING METER SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025551 | VEHICLE TOLL USAGE TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 01-25-2018 |
