Electronic parking meter mechanism with wireless communication antenna

Abstract

An electronic single-space parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic single-space parking meter mechanism includes an inner housing having a front side and a rear side. The meter mechanism includes wireless communications hardware including an antenna. The meter mechanism includes a payment reader supported by the inner housing and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. At least a portion of the antenna is located above at least a portion of the electronic display screen.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . An electronic parking meter mechanism for insertion into a preexisting outer meter housing, the electronic parking meter mechanism comprising:
 an inner housing including a front side and a rear side;   wireless communications hardware, comprising an antenna, supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly receive and transmit data comprising vehicle sensor data;   
       a solar panel supported by the inner housing; and
 an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing and having a portion located above a portion of the solar panel; 
 wherein at least a portion of the antenna is placed at a location offset in the horizontal direction towards the rear side of the electronic parking meter mechanism above the electronic display screen.