Electronic parking meter having audio-video communications with a central station

摘要

A terminal of a parking meter system includes two-way audio and visual communications with a central administration station for assisting customers using the terminal. The terminal has coin and bill acceptors in communication with a computer for managing the terminal operation. A video display in the terminal can alternately display payment information or a camera view of a central station operator when communication is initiated. Two-way communication between the terminal and central station provides immediate trouble-shooting and resolution of customer complaints such as lost bills or coins and failure to credit payment. Monitoring of the terminal by a central station operator provides prompting for service for coin and bill collection and/or impounding illegally parked vehicles, among other attendant functions, so that an attendant is only present as needed.