Audio/video automated payment facility

Abstract

A central monitoring station is linked to a plurality of remote terminals, such as payment terminals at a plurality of parking facilities. A two-way communication system enables communication between a customer who is remote from the central monitoring station and an attendant at the central monitoring station. The communication system may also allow the attendant to manipulate each remote terminal to collect data or troubleshoot or override the function of the terminal.

1 . An automated payment system for a parking facility, comprising:
 an exit gate operable to control egress from the parking facility, and   a payment terminal positioned at a remote location from the exit gate in the parking facility, the payment terminal including (i) a ticket reader that receives a parking ticket, (ii) a microprocessor programmed to determine a required payment amount based on the parking ticket, and (iii) a payment acceptor that receives the required payment amount, and   a two-way video and audio communication system positioned at the remote location, wherein the communication system enables two-way video and audio interaction between a customer at the remote location and a live attendant at a monitoring facility remote from the remote location when activated.