Control system for wireless communication parking meter

Abstract

An electronic parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic meter mechanism includes an inner housing, an electronic display screen and a wireless communication subsystem configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system. The electronic meter mechanism includes a first processor configured to control the electronic display screen, and a second processor configured to control communication of data by the wireless communication subsystem.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A parking management system, comprising:
 a control system in a housing mounted near one or more parking spaces and communicably coupled to two vehicle detection sensors, each respective vehicle detection sensor being associated with a parking space;   wherein the respective vehicle detection sensors are configured to detect more than one aspect of the vehicle condition within the respective space;   wherein the control system is further communicably coupled to two digital imaging cameras, each of which is associated with one of the respective vehicle detection sensors,   wherein the digital imaging cameras are further configured to capture image data of a vehicle located in the respective parking spot, the image data including a license plate, and   wherein the control system is configured to communicate with a remote server system or an associated parking meter system; and   a solar panel to charge a rechargeable battery to supply power to the control system.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the control system is further configured to alter the system power state from a low power state to a higher power state based on a change in the vehicle condition detected by a vehicle detection sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the control system if further coupled with a parking meter system that accepts payment. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the control system is further coupled to an electronic display screen configured to provide information to a motorist. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the control system is further coupled to an electronic indicator to indicate a parking violation condition. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the vehicle detection sensors detect aspects of the vehicle condition in the respective parking space, including entry, exit, presence, and absence. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the vehicle detection sensors can generate a signal indicative of the type of vehicle or a vehicle characteristic.