Monitoring method and system for a parking lot

Abstract

A method for electronically monitoring parking lots and an electronic monitoring system for carrying out such method are disclosed. The method and system employs the use of a central control unit and a plurality of parking meters connected to the central control unit. The central control unit generates the time of day which is sent to and electronically stored in each parking meter. Depending on the number of coins inserted in a meter, an amount of time corresponding to the coins is calculated based on a given tariff. This time is added to the time of day to determine a time of departure. This time is indicated on indicating means provided at each meter. The actual time of day and the paid-for parking time are repeatedly compared until they are equal. At that time, the indicating means is cleared. A microprocessor, a variable storage element and a fixed storage element are provided at each meter to effect the necessary calculations and storage required. Additional features are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.