A PORTABLE PARKING FEE PAYMENT DEVICE AND A PORTABLE VERIFICATION DEVICE THEREFOR

Background and Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a portable parking fee payment device and a portable verification device for such a parking fee payment device.

Electronic tolls have been used by a number of countries so that toll charges can be imposed on the owners/drivers of the vehicles automatically without the vehicle stopping or even slowing down. In an example of an electronic toll apparatus, radio frequency identification (RFID) is used to identify the vehicle. This requires the vehicle to have a transponder attached to the front windscreen of the vehicle and the transponder has an identification code to uniquely identify the vehicle. As the vehicle drives pass a toll gantry, an antenna at the gantry communicates with the transponder to identify the vehicle and passes the information to a central computing system that debits the vehicle owner's account automatically.

An example of the electronic toll collection system is the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) scheme implemented in Singapore. In such a scheme, each vehicle is installed with an In-vehicle Unit (IU) having a unique identification code, a transponder, a slot for receiving a stored-value card, a reader for reading the value in the stored-value card and a display for displaying the value. When a stored-value card is inserted into the slot, this initiates a self-checking process

to ensure that the ILJ is working and the stored-value card can be read. Different LED indicators are used to indicate whether the IU is working normally or there is a malfunction (for example, if the stored value card cannot be read). Along the roads that are subjected to the road pricing, there is an ERP gantry with an antenna that communicates with the IU unit and as the vehicle drives through the gantry, the value in the stored-value card is deducted according to a predetermined toll charge and the remaining value of the stored-value card is displayed on the display. The ERP gantry also has vehicle detectors and enforcement cameras to capture photographs of the vehicle if the vehicle passes the gantry without a successful deduction being made (for example, the driver failed to insert a stored-value card into the IU). More information about the ERP can be found at: http://www.lta.gov.sq/motorinq matters/index motoring erp.htm.

The ERP technology has proved reliable and provided convenience to the road users and the technology has been adapted for use on parking in Singapore called the Electronic Parking System (EPS). Such a system typically has separate barriers at the entrance and exit of the car park. When a car approaches a barrier at entry, an antenna positioned by the barrier side communicates with the IU unit similar to the technology used in the ERP above. If the antenna successfully obtains the identification code of the IU unit, the barrier lifts to allow the vehicle through. The identification code is then passed to a processing system to record the time of entry of the vehicle. At the exit barrier, the driver of the vehicle needs to ensure that the stored value card is properly inserted into the IU and similarly, an antenna at the exit barrier obtains

the identification code and passes it to the processing system. The processing system looks for the time of entry of the vehicle in its database and then calculates the parking fee based on the entry and the exit information. A transmitter then communicates with the IU of the vehicle to deduct the parking fee from the stored-value card.

However, the EPS is only suitable for car parks within a confined area, for example, an enclosed car park of a shopping mall. Also, it is costly to set up the EPS system. Parking on the side of public roads, and in open parking lots requires a different solution, as it may be impractical and costly to set up an EPS at every parking spot. For example, Singapore uses pre-purchased paper parking coupons of predetermined values wherein tabs are punched out to reflect the parking date/time and left on the car dashboard to show payment for parking. This has several disadvantages, among them difficulty in verifying by traffic wardens that the coupons are correctly punched out for the time and date, ease of illegal use (since the tabs may be folded instead of being punched out), litter from improper disposal of the paper coupons, and not least, inconvenience to the user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable parking fee payment device and a portable verification device therefor which alleviates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art and/or to provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a portable parking fee payment device for mounting to a vehicle comprising a timer, a user-selectable mechanism configured to control the timer; and means for charging a parking fee corresponding to an elapsed time.

With the portable parking fee payment device mounted to a vehicle, the user/driver of the vehicle can conveniently start and stop the timer when his/her vehicle is parked at a parking space, and the parking fee is then automatically charged depending on the elapsed time, thus, obviating a need for parking coupons, autopay tickets or worrying about having no change for the parking meter.

Charging of the parking fee may be by various ways depending on which is more convenient. Advantageously, the charging means is configured to deduct the parking fee from a stored value card. Since stored value cards are gaining popularity, are reliable, and are currently used in many vehicles this provides a convenient way of charging the parking fee.

The stored value card may be incorporated in the portable parking fee payment device, or alternatively, the stored value card may be located in a device external to the parking fee payment device, such as in an existing IU in the case of the Singapore ERP system.

Preferably, the charging means is configured to deduct the parking fee from the stored value card on a periodic basis to a predefined parking rate when the timer is started and until the timer stops. Alternatively, the charging means may be configured to deduct the total parking fee from the stored value card when the timer is stopped.

As an alternative to the stored value card, the charging means may be configured to charge the parking fee to an account associated with the vehicle.

The parking fee payment device may comprise a memory for storing a predefined parking rate, wherein the total parking fee is derived based on the predefined parking rate and the elapsed time. The predefined parking rate may be re-programmable. This adds to the flexibility of the parking fee payment device so that the parking rate can be updated when the rate is adjusted by the authorities.

Instead of storing just one predefined parking rate, the memory may store a plurality of predefined parking rates that is selectable by a user. In this case, the total parking fee may then be derived based on the user selected parking rate and the elapsed time. Advantageously, each one of the plurality of parking rates is re-programmable so that the rates may be updated when necessary. In either case, the authorities may also establish a minimum fee to be imposed regardless of the duration of stay.

The parking fee payment device may further comprise a display for displaying timing information from the timer so that the user can see the time lapse, the fee incurred so far, or status information. The display may also be configured to display the parking fee to be charged.

The parking fee payment device may further comprise means for transmitting the status of the parking fee payment device wirelessly to a verification device. Accordingly, the invention further provides a portable verification device for verifying status of a parking fee payment device mounted to a vehicle, the portable verification device comprising wireless communication means; and means for determining the status of the parking fee payment device.

Preferably, the status of the parking fee payment device includes at least one of identification of the parking fee payment device, infraction information, selected parking rate, duration, date, time and value of stored value card.

The portable verification device may further comprise a memory for storing status of the parking fee payment device. The portable verification device may be further configured to upload the stored status information to a central database.

As an enforcement option, the portable verification device may further comprise means for activating the parking fee payment device from a non-operating condition to an operating condition. In yet a further enforcement option, the portable verification device may further comprise means for deducting a

predetermined amount from a stored value card associated with the parking fee payment device.

In this way, a parking warden may use the verification device to check the status of the parking fee payment device: i.e. whether the payment device is in a normal operating condition, not activated, or in an alarm condition. In the latter two cases, the warden may issue a fine. The verification device may comprise means that could then be used to activate the parking fee payment device properly, and even to immediately deduct the fine from an associated stored value card, if the balance permits.

The invention further provides an in-vehicle unit (IU) incorporating the parking fee payment device described above, and also a vehicle comprising the IU unit and/or the parking fee payment device described above

The invention is also related to a combination of the parking fee payment device or the IU unit described earlier and the portable verification device described earlier.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a portable parking fee payment device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a portable verification device for the parking fee payment device of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Figure 1 is a portable parking fee payment device 100 for mounting to a vehicle and adapted for use in combination with an in-vehicle unit (IU) of the vehicle, such as the one implemented in the ERP system in Singapore. The parking fee payment device 100 comprises a user-selectable mechanism in the form of three start buttons 101a, 101b, 101c with corresponding LED's 103a, 103b, 103c and a stop button 102, a timer 104, a display controller 106, a speaker 112, a display screen 114, a RF I/O port 118 to signal status of the parking fee parking device 100, means for charging the parking fee in the form of a central processing unit 108 and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 116 to communicate with a stored value card of the IU. Also, the parking fee payment device 100 includes a housing 120 to house all these components within so that the parking fee payment device 100 is portable and easy to install. The device 100 is powered by direct connection to the vehicle's battery via a power connector 124.

When the parking fee payment device 100 is first switched on, it performs a self-initiation which includes communicating with the IU to obtain its unique identification (ID). The received ID is then stored in the memory 122.

The three start buttons 101a, 101b, 101c are used to select different parking rates and depressing any one of the start buttons 101 a, 101b, 101 c activates the timer 104 via the central processing unit 108. To elaborate, depressing and holding one of the start buttons 101a, 101b, 101 c for 2.5 seconds or more starts the timer 104 and similarly when a user wants to stop the timer 104, the user depresses the stop button 102 for a similar period. The time delay of 2.5 seconds is preferred to avoid false starts through accidental touching of the start/stop button. Of course, the time delay may be varied. Also, when a start button 101a, 101b, 101c is depressed and the timer 104 is activated, this lights up the corresponding LED 103a, 103b, 103c. The corresponding LED 103a, 103b, 103c is extinguished when the stop button 102 is pressed. This gives a visual indication of the parking fee payment device being active and which rate is being applied.

The central processing unit 108 is also communicatively coupled to the display controller 106, the speaker 112, the RF I/O port 118, and the radio frequency (RF) transceiver 116. Upon activation of the timer 104, this starts an internal clock to begin timing (i.e. seconds, minutes and then hours). The raw timing information is channelled to the display controller 106 via the central processing unit 108 and the display controller 106 processes the timing information for display on the display screen 114. At the same time, the central processing unit 108 signals the speaker 112 to emit a short beep confirming the activation of the timer 104.

Upon receiving the start signal, the central processing unit 108 also communicates wirelessly with the stored value card of the IU via the RF transceiver 116 to read and display the balance of the stored value card on the IU, and also instructs the RF I/O port 118 to signal normal operation.

In the event the central processing unit 108 fails to locate the stored value card (for example, the user/driver of the vehicle did not insert the stored value card properly), the speaker 112 emits a continuous beeping sound and the display notifies the driver of the error. If the error is rectified, then the beeping sound stops and the display shows the balance on card.

The central processing unit 108 also has a programmable memory 122 for storing the three predefined charging rates and in this embodiment, the rates are $0.90, $1.80 and $3.60 an hour of elapsed time. To elaborate, it is common that different parking rates apply depending on whether the car park is located in a business district, city centre or on the outskirts of the city, and also whether it is off-peak or peak hour. Thus, having different parking rates allow the user/driver to select the stipulated parking fee at the parking space. The central processing unit 108 then bases the parking fee to be deducted on the elapsed time and the selected parking rate as explained in more detail below.

When the timer 104 is running, the central processing unit 108 periodically debits an appropriate amount from the stored value card every 10 seconds via communication to the IU. Based on the parking rates provided above, if S$1.80

per hour is selected, then $0,005 will be deducted every 10 seconds. Of course, the deduction may be processed at other suitable intervals.

When the timer 104 is running, depressing the stop button 102 for 2.5 seconds or more stops the timer 104 and this is relayed to the display controller 106 which clears the display counter 114. A stop signal is also sent to the speaker 112 which emits a short beep to aurally acknowledge this. Further, the LED 103a, 103b, 103c on the start button that is activated is turned off.

The stop button 102 also transmits the stop signal to the central processing unit 108, and this stops the debiting of the stored value card. The central processing unit 108 also sends the amount of parking fee deducted to the display controller 106 so that the amount is displayed on the display screen momentarily for 5 seconds. This informs the driver of the amount charged.

The pre-defined charging rates are re-programmed via the RF I/O port 118 and this adds to the flexibility of the parking fee payment device 100. Another function of the RF I/O port 118 is to allow wireless interrogation of the status of the parking fee payment device 100 by a verification device 200 used by a parking warden, for example, to check that the parking fee payment device 100 is active as will be elaborated in more detail below.

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the verification device 200 and comprises a plurality of user selectable buttons namely "query" button 201 , "start" button 202, "store" button 203 and "fine" button 205. These buttons are

communicatively coupled to an analyser 208 with an internal memory 222. The analyser 208 is a processing unit of the verification device 200 and controls a speaker 212, RF transceiver 216, RF I/O port 218, clock 204, display controller 206 which in turn controls a display screen. The verification device 200 also includes a battery and charger unit 224.

The query button 201 is used by the user/traffic warden to initiate the analyser 208 to send an interrogation signal to the parking fee payment device 100 to respond with its status. The start button 202 prompts the analyser 208 to transmit a remote activation signal to activate the parking fee payment device 100 and the store button 203 initiates the analyser 208 to obtain the parking fee payment device's status information and store it in memory 222. If the user/traffic warden presses the fine button, this allows the verification device 200 to deduct a predefined fine from the stored value card of the IU. The predefined fine and the status information received from the parking fee payment device 100 are stored in the memory 222.

The speaker 212 and the display screen 214 are used by the verification device 200 to provide aural and visual information to the user/traffic warden. A more detailed operation of the verification device 200 in relation to the parking fee payment device 100 will now be described.

When the query button 201 of the verification device 200 is pressed as indicated by an LED 201a, a query signal is received by the analyzer 208, which sends an interrogation signal to the RF I/O port 218 for outward transmission to

the parking fee payment device 100 as a status query. Since the parking fee payment device 100 is already transmitting continuously its status information, including the ID captured during self-initiation, via the RF I/O port 118, the verification device 200 would receive the status information. In the case of normal operation of the parking fee payment device 100 (i.e. the timer 104 is timing and there is sufficient funds in the stored value card), the analyzer 208 signals the display controller 206 to display on display screen 214 an "ok" status.

In case the timer 104 is not activated, but otherwise the parking fee payment device 100 is in normal condition (as would be the case if the driver simply forgot to activate the parking fee payment device 100 but the stored value card is inserted into the IU) the display screen 214 shows a "Not Activated" message. The traffic warden then activates the timer 104 of the parking fee payment device by pressing the start button 202 on the verification device 200 which sends the activation signal via the analyzer and the RF I/O port 218 and 118. The activation signal starts the parking fee payment device 100 remotely as it would when depressing one of the start buttons 101a, 101 b, 101c.

If a fine is appropriate (or in addition to starting the parking fee payment device 100), depressing the fine button 205 imposes the fine by the analyser 208 sending a signal via the RF I/O port 218 to the parking fee payment device 100 to carry out the deduction from the stored value card i.e. the central processing unit 108 of the parking fee payment device 100 deducts the infraction amount from the stored value card as explained earlier.

If there is insufficient balance in the stored value card or the stored value card is not inserted, either of this is considered an "alarm condition" In such a case, the analyzer 208 stores the pertinent data in the memory 222 - i.e. the time of offence based on the clock 204, the device ID (in this case, this is also the lU's identification), the rate selected on the parking fee payment device 100, duration of stay, and the balance on the stored value card. The content of the memory 222 is uploaded to a central database via the RF I/O port 218. The memory may be a memory card that is removable for download to the central database and based on this information, parking summons may be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.

As would be appreciated, the remote verification device 200 is a portable hand held unit with several functions. The verification device 200 reads the status of the parking fee payment device 100 including the unique ID number of the device, whether the device 100 is off, in normal or in alarm condition. It also obtains the balance on the stored value card, the duration of the parking stay, the parking rate being used, and the time and date. In addition, in case of an infraction, the verification device 200 stores the details of the infraction for a large number of vehicles in the memory and in this case, information for up to six hundred vehicles.

Further, the verification device 200 also instigates direct actions on the parking fee payment device 100, including starting the parking fee payment device 100 if it is stopped, but otherwise in normal condition (i.e. with stored value card

properly inserted), or even apply the parking fine directly if the stored card has sufficient value.

To begin using the parking fee payment device 100, it is mounted or installed directly next to the IU of a vehicle, or within the operating distance of the RF transceiver 116. For a car or lorry, the IU (and thus the parking fee payment device 100) is usually mounted at the front windscreen of the vehicle, whereas for a motorcycle, the IU is usually somewhere between the handles. Similar to the IU, a wire connection is made between the power connector 124 of the parking fee payment device 100 and the vehicle's battery to power the parking fee payment device 100.

When first switched on, the parking fee payment device performs the self- initiation which includes obtaining the unique identification from the IU and stores this in the memory 122.

When the vehicle arrives at a parking space and after properly parking the vehicle, the driver inserts a stored value card in the IU of the vehicle and selects one of the start buttons 101a, 101b, 101 c based on the parking rate for that parking space and presses it for 2.5 seconds or more to activate the timer 104.

Once the driver hears the beep and/or upon checking the indicator of the LED

110, the driver is assured that the parking fee payment device 100 is operating and he/she can proceed to lock and leave the car at the parking space. Upon activation of the timer 104, the card balance is briefly displayed and then the

timing information is displayed on the display screen 114, and the central processing unit 108 begins deducting the correct amount from the stored value card for each elapsed ten seconds.

When the driver returns to the vehicle and wants to leave the parking space, the driver stops the timer 104 by depressing the stop button 102 for 2.5 seconds or more. This stops the deduction and displays the total amount of the parking fee on the display screen 114 as explained earlier.

In the event there is not sufficient balance on the card during the parking duration, several actions occur. At the point where the balance on the card reaches zero (or insufficient for the next deduction), the parking fee payment device 100 enters the alarm condition and the display screen 114 flashes zero balance to indicate that there is insufficient fund in the stored value card. Also the RF 1.0 port 116 sends a signal indicating alarm status that can be read by the verification device 200. The authorities can then visually and electronically verify that the vehicle is parked illegally, and if required, issue a fine.

When the driver returns, he is also informed of the problem, and depressing the stop button 102 for 2.5 seconds or more stops the timer 104. The unpaid balance is stored by the central processing unit 108 and the parking fee payment device 100 is disabled from further use when it is still in the alarm condition. The parking fee payment device 100 is reset to its normal condition when a stored value card with sufficient balance is inserted into the IU and when this happens, the pending amount (i.e. unpaid balance) is charged. In this

way, this ensures that even if the infraction is not caught by a traffic warden, the balance parking fee due is still deducted. Of course, if the verification device 200 is used by the traffic warden to impose a fine, then this information is communicated to the parking fee payment device 100 which may be reset to its normal operating condition by the verification device 200.

To ensure that the driver complies with the parking regulation by activating the parking fee payment device 100, visual inspection may be made by traffic wardens to ensure that the display screen 114 shows the timing information and the LED is lit. To make the task easier, the traffic warden may also use the remote hand-held verification device 200.

In use, the traffic warden places the remote verification device 200 near to the parking fee payment device 100 from the outside of the vehicle for a short time and depresses the query button 201 to interrogate the central processing unit 108 of the parking fee payment device 100 as explained earlier. Since the central processing unit 108 is constantly transmitting the parking fee payment device's status information i.e. ID details, whether the device is off, in normal or in alarm condition, duration and rates), this information is captured by the remote verification device 200 via the RF I/O ports 118 and 218 upon depressing the query button 201. This facilitates the task of checking whether the vehicle is complying with the parking regulations and makes the enforcement task easier. In this way, the traffic warden can drive continuously past a row of parked vehicles and capture information from each vehicle without stopping. As the traffic warden passes each car, the verification device 200

simply reads the signal being transmitted from the RF I/O port 218 - normal, off, or alarm, without having to stop and individually query each vehicle. The captured information is then analysed by the analyser 208 and any infraction is then dealt with accordingly by the traffic warden, for example, if an alarm or off condition is received, the traffic warden may stop and investigate for more information.

As it would be appreciated, the parking fee payment device 100 is particularly useful for public parking spaces to replace metered parking, autopay tickets or parking coupons. This greatly simplifies the parking process. Also, the parking fee payment device 100 is easily retrofitted to vehicles to complement the ubiquitous IU and no modification is required. With reduced costs of implementation, the parking fee payment device 100 may also be used to replace the EPS.

The ability to implement an electronic parking fee payment device and electronic verification device greatly simplifies and ensures compliance of parked vehicle to authorities' requirements. Also, this provides the city authorities with a more modern, efficient and secure means of parking revenue.

The described embodiment should not be construed as limitative. For example, the concept may be extended to other electronic payment schemes, not just the ERP system implemented in Singapore. For example, in a country where transponders are used (i.e. without stored value cards), the parking fee payment device 100, when activated (i.e. by depressing the start button), may

be adapted to retrieve the unique identification code in a transponder to transmit this wirelessly to a central computing system via GPS satellites. The central computing system then performs a verification of the identification code and if the driver has a valid account, then the parking fee payment device is notified of this and the timer 104 is activated. When the timer 104 is stopped, instead of deducting a stored value card, the parking charge is relayed to the central computing system where the driver's account is debited with the appropriate amount for payment.

In the described embodiment, the RF I/O port 118 continuously emits the status information of the parking fee payment device 100. However, it is envisaged that the status information may be emitted only upon interrogation/request by the verification device 200 (eg. when the query button is depressed).

As discussed earlier, one advantage of the parking fee payment device 100 is that it can be easily retrofitted to a vehicle and to make the procedure easier, it is envisaged that the parking fee payment device 100 may be battery operated.

In the described embodiment, the parking fee payment device 100 is a separate unit from the IU of the vehicle but the parking fee payment device 100 may be integrated within the housing of the IU, especially for new vehicles that have not been equipped with the IU. Also, it is envisaged that the parking fee payment device 100 may be a stand-alone device (independent of the IU or the transponder) in that the housing 120 of the parking fee payment device 100 is configured to include a slot for a stored value card and the central processing

unit 108 may then be adapted to read and write to the stored value card directly. In this case, the parking fee payment device may be programmed with its own unique ID.

The parking fee payment device 100 in the described embodiment is provided with a plurality of user-selectable parking rates stored in the memory 122 but the parking fee payment device 100 may simply be programmed with just one rate. Also, instead of a plurality of buttons for different parking rates, alternatively, the front panel may have one button to select different parking rates. For example, pressing this button scrolls through a list shown on display 114. When the correct rate is displayed, the user stops the scrolling and presses the start button to activate the timer 104. This has the advantage of allowing a larger variety of rates to be available without necessitating additional buttons.

There can also be a minimum charge in addition to the time charge. If this is the case, an additional button may be provided and when depressed, immediately deducts the minimum charge amount from the stored value card before the applying the time charges as described previously. The additional button may also be provided with an LED to facilitate visual inspection by a traffic warden that the minimum charge has been paid. Otherwise, the traffic warden may impose the fine or carry out the immediate deduction as described earlier. Of course, information of the payment of the minimum charge or non-payment may be transmitted by the central processing unit 108 of the parking fee payment device 100 to the verification device 200 in response to the interrogation signal.

The minimum fee may be programmed in the device memory 122 and the central processing unit 108 calculates for the first 10 seconds and imposes a charge of $0.30 and thereafter S$0.005 every 10 seconds.

As for enforcement, if visual checks are used, the traffic warden will have to ensure that the correct parking rate is selected via the LEDs 103a, 103b, 103c and if the remote verification device is used, the information transmitted to the verification device also includes the charging rate selected and with this, the traffic warden is able to check whether the vehicle complies with the parking regulations.

The plurality of user-selectable parking rates may each be re-programmable via the RF I/O port 118. Reprogramming may be implemented via authorized centres, via the ERP system sending updated data as the vehicle passes, or via the verification device 200.

In the described embodiment, the user selectable mechanism is in the form of several buttons to start and stop the timer 104 but other suitable ways of controlling the timer 104 is envisaged, for example, one button may function as a start/stop button or tactile sensors or other electronic input devices may be used. Also, the user selectable mechanism may communicate with the timer 104 directly instead of via the central processing unit 108.

Of course, the verification device 200 is not only suitable for use with the payment fee payment device 100 described herein but may be configured to interrogate/determine the status of other parking fee payment devices.

In the described embodiment, the charges are applied continuously/periodically. However, the charges may also be applied at the end of the parking duration i.e. when the stop button 102 is pressed. In this case, the central processing unit 108 may calculate the amount owed every 10 seconds and check this against the balance available on the stored value card. At the end of parking stay, the total amount may be calculated and charged to the stored value card. If at any time the balance owed is greater than the amount in the stored value card, the stored value card is debited the maximum amount available, and the parking fee payment unit 100 enters alarm condition as described previously.

The stored value card may be a cash card or other cards that contains money's worth. Also, the stored value card may be issued and controlled by certain authorities since the stored value card normally has a unique ID for self- identification.

Having now fully described the invention, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications can be made hereto without departing from the scope as claimed.