Automated fee collection and parking ticket dispensing machine

• US 6,505,774 B1
• Filed: 12/09/1999
• Issued: 01/14/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Miti Manufacturing Company
• Original Assignee: Miti Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Fulcher, Robert A., Beavers, Allan E., Bailinson, David H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, UYEN CHAU N
• Application Number:
  US09/458,577
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• Field of Search: 235/381, 235/384, 235/449, 235/462.01, 235/379, 705/24, 705/13, 705/40, 705/418
• US Class Current: 235/381
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0284 Time or distance, e.g. usage of parking meters or taximeters
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/02 taking into account a variable factor such as distance or time, e.g. for passenger transport, parking systems or car rental systems G07B15/06 takes precedence; taximeters G07B13/00; parking meters per se G07F17/24; car rental systems per se G07B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/24 for parking meters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/242 provided with token dispensing devices

Abstract

An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. These receipts and passes may be printed for each specific user, and may feature a machine-readable bar code. The disclosed machine also includes a bar code reader, allowing users to return printed receipts or passes at the machine, and to receive credit for any unused portion. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. Power consumption is held to a minimum by providing a “sleep” mode. The user interface includes a video output screen with “touch screen” capability to receive user input, audio output means, and a proximity sensor to activate the machine when a user approaches. Additionally, security means are provided to deter potential thieves or vandals.

Claims

1. An isolated, stand alone, automated fee collection and ticket and/or decal dispensing device adapted for operating in a plurality of operational modes, comprising:

a durable protective enclosure having locking means for securing an access door;

a computer positioned within said protective enclosure having a first rewriteable digital storage device and operatively interconnected to monitor and control at least one of a plurality of internal environmental operating conditions associated with said isolated, stand alone, automated fee collection device;

computer programming stored in said digital storage device, wherein said programming provides at least two operational modes;

a visual display;

a fee collection means for collecting a payment from a user and providing change as necessary;

an out put de vice;

an interactive input device for selecting said operation mode or providing instructions related thereto; and

means for supplying power to said ticket and/or decal dispensing device.

2. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said input device comprises a touch receptive keypad for receiving input from a user.

3. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said visual display is a color liquid crystal display, and wherein said input device comprises a touch screen associated with said color liquid crystal display.

4. The fee collection device claimed in claim 3, wherein said liquid crystal display is backlit to provide visual clarity in outdoor settings.

5. The fee collection device claimed in claim 3, further comprising a fan, wherein said fan directs a flow of air across a back portion of said touch screen display to remove any moisture associated therein.

6. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said output device comprises one or more printers.

7. The fee collection device claimed in claim 5, wherein said printer is a thermal transfer printer.

8. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said output device comprises at least one of a ticket dispenser, decal dispenser or sticker dispenser.

9. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said operational modes comprise at least one of a pay on foot, pay by space or pay and display operating mode.

10. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said fee collection means comprises a smart card reader.

11. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said fee collection means comprises at least one of a coin acceptor, a bill acceptor and a credit card reader.

12. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communications link to a second computer, wherein said first computer can communicate with a second computer to monitor the operational functions of said first computer.

13. The fee collection device claimed in claim 12, wherein said communications link comprises a modem and a telephone line.

14. The fee collection device claimed in claim 12, wherein said communications link comprises a network connection.

15. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said first computer is a personal computer.

16. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, wherein said rewriteable digital storage device comprises a hard disk drive.

17. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second rewriteable digital storage device.

18. The fee collection device claimed in claim 17, wherein said second rewriteable digital storage device comprises a floppy disk drive.

19. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, further comprising a microphone to provide interactive instructions to a user of said fee collection device.

20. The fee collection device claimed in claim 1, further comprising a heating element and a cooling fan to provide environmental temperature control.

21. The fee collection device in claim 1, further comprising a protective metallic door which is stored substantially within said protective enclosure when said fee collection device is in use, and which extends over a front display panel of said fee collection device during periods of non-use to provide a protective covering.

22. An isolated, stand alone automated fee collection machine adapted to operate in a multitude of environmental conditions, comprising:

a protective enclosure;

an access door interconnected to said protective enclosure;

a locking means for selectively securing said access door to said protective enclosure;

a computer housed in an interior of said enclosure;

a first rewriteable digital storage device operatively connected to said computer,

wherein said first rewriteable digital storage device contains at least one operating program;

at least one of a plurality of environmental monitoring devices operatively interconnected to said computer, wherein the internal environmental conditions of said fee collection machine may be monitored and controlled;

a first printer operatively connected to said computer for printing an acknowledgment of payment;

a color liquid crystal display having a touch sensitive screen for receiving input from a user;

a device for accepting payment of a fee; and

at least one dispensing chute for dispensing at least one of coins, paper legal tender, receipts, tickets or decals and in operative communication with a dispensing tray.

23. The automated fee collection machine claimed in claim 22, wherein said at least one operating program can be modified by exchanging at least a first file associated with said at least one operating program.

24. The automated fee collection machine of claim 22, wherein said machine is functional while parameters of said machine are being modified.

25. The automated fee collection device of claim 22, wherein said dispensing tray is interconnected to a lower portion of said protective enclosure, wherein said collection machine may be operated while said access door is in an open position.

26. The automated fee collection device of claim 22, further comprising at least one of a second printer and a first preprinted item dispenser operatively connected to said computer, wherein said collection machine prints at least one of a selected variety of receipts, tickets or decals.

27. The amended fee collection machine of claim 22, further comprising a communications link to an offsite location.

28. An isolated, self contained, interactive method of automating a collection of user fees, comprising:

providing a protective enclosure designed for inclement weather and enclosing a programmable device having a plurality of selective operating modes comprising a plurality of files and operatively interconnected to a means for accepting payment of a fee, said operating modes including at least one of pay on foot, pay by space, pay and display and park pass operating modes;

monitoring at least one of a plurality of internal environmental conditions of said protective enclosure with at least one of a plurality of environmental control devices which are operatively interconnected to said programmable device;

selecting at least a one of said operating modes for access by a user, wherein said plurality of operating modes are resident in said device;

calculating an amount due from a user;

accepting payment of the amount due; and

issuing an acknowledgment of payment.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of loading an additional operating mode of said device from a computer file.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of loading a new file, different from said plurality of files comprising said plurality of provided operating modes, wherein said new file modifies at least one of said plurality of operating modes.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of modifying at least one of said plurality of files comprising said plurality of provided operating modes to modify at least one of said plurality of operating modes.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein said receipt contains a machine-readable code, and further comprising the steps of:

issuing a printed receipt during a first time period;

reading said printed receipt during a second time period; and

issuing a second receipt to the user, different from said first receipt.

33. The method of claim 28, further comprising allowing the user to select a natural language to use to interact with the device in completing a transaction, wherein said natural language is chosen from a prompt displaying a plurality of available languages.

34. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of providing a predetermined advertisement or visual prompt on a visual display screen.

35. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of transmitting data through a communications link to a secondary location, wherein information related to the operation of said collection of user fees may be transmitted.

36. A method of fee collection in an isolated, self contained automated parking meter, comprising the steps of:

providing a device comprising;

a durable protective enclosure adapted for use in inclement weather;

an access door for providing entry to said durable protective enclosure;

a computer positioned within said protective enclosure having a first rewriteable digital storage device and operatively interconnected to at least one environmental control device to monitor and control the internal environmental conditions of said automated parking meter;

computer programming stored in said digital storage device;

a visual display of a possible transaction;

a fee collection means for collecting a payment from a user;

an output device for providing an acknowledgment of a payment or transaction;

an input device for selecting a predetermined function;

means for supplying power to said device; and

a speaker;

greeting a user;

requesting the user to choose a desired transaction;

determining a fee due;

determining whether proper payment has been entered by the user; and

issuing an acknowledgment after a sufficient payment has been provided by a user.

37. The method of automatic fee collection of claim 36, further comprising allowing the user to select an additional transaction.

38. The method of automatic fee collection of claim 36, further comprising requesting the user to choose an interactive language based on a desired natural language.

39. The method of automatic fee collection of claim 36, wherein said step of greeting a user is activated by a radar controlled sensor which can determine if a patron is approaching said automated parking meter.

40. The method of automated fee collection of claim 36, further comprising the step of automatically communicating with a system monitoring station at a different location if a predetermined event occurs within said automated parking meter.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the step of automatically communicating with a system monitoring station comprises transmitting data via at least one of a phone line, a radio link, a coaxial cable or a fiber optic transmission line.