US6340935B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computerized parking facility management system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2000-06-30
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Granted: 2002-01-22
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Expires: 2020-06-30
Abstract
Abstract The computerized parking facility management system manages parking operations. The contour of each vehicle that enters the parking facility is captured and quantified as part of its identification. The comparison with subsequent contour measurements at designated locations allows the parking location of the vehicle to be determined. An alternate embodiment implements the Global Positioning System to determine parking location. Variable message displays provide ongoing information to motorists of available parking spaces. The system identifies the specific vehicle parked in any parking space. The system provides computer searching to locate vehicles within the parking facility. A vehicle theft deterrence component automatically notifies the vehicle owner, the police, parking facility operators and other appropriate persons. This invention also integrates with parking revenue operations. All system functions and the viewing of vehicle identities and activities are accomplished through a single control interface. The control interface translates the dynamics of the parking environment into a computer environment and can transfer parking information through the Internet, email, and facsimile as well as stored it for subsequent review.
Inventors
- 👤 Brett O. Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:02
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07B; G07B15/00; G07B15/02; G07B15/04; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/01; G08G1/017; G08G1/0175; G08G1/14; G08G1/141; G08G1/142; G08G1/145; G08G1/146; G08G1/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A computerized system for the operation and management of a parking facility including any and all spaces used to park vehicles, said system comprising: first vehicle characterization means for capturing inherent attributes of each vehicle upon or after its entry into the parking facility; means for tracking each vehicle within the parking facility; and computer means communicating with said vehicle characterization means and said tracking means, said computer means operative for processing and displaying data pertaining to the location and identification of each vehicle within the parking facility.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A computerized system for the operation and management of a parking facility including any and all spaces used to park vehicles, said system comprising: first vehicle characterization means for capturing inherent attributes of each vehicle upon or after its entry into the parking facility; means for tracking each vehicle within the parking facility; and computer means communicating with said vehicle characterization means and said tracking means, said computer means operative for processing and displaying data pertaining to the location and identification of each vehicle within the parking facility.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a camera manes for photographing each vehicle and its license plate upon or after entry into the parking facility, said camera means communicating with said computer means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the presence and absence of vehicle contour related information indicates the date and time of a vehicle's arrival into the departure from the parking space and parking facility.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said tracking means includes at least one subsequent vehicle characterization means for capturing contour features of each vehicle to determine each vehicle's location within the parking facility, said subsequent vehicle characterization means communicating with said computer means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said computer means contain a database of contour related information for comparing vehicle characterizations of said first or subsequent vehicle characterization means, whereby the location of a vehicle is determined.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said computer means contain a database of known contour related information for different vehicle makes and models for comparing with vehicle characterizations of said first or subsequent vehicle characterization means, whereby the make and model of each vehicle is determined.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of display means disposed within the parking facility for indicating the availability of parking spaces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said computer means includes means for displaying data pertaining to each vehicle's identification and activities within the parking facility.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 8 , wherein said means for displaying includes a representation of a section of the parking facility showing number and location of parking spaces, and parking status of each of the parking spaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said computer means includes control means for assessing said data and configuring the appearance of said means for displaying.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 10 , wherein said control means includes means for searching the parking facility to locate a vehicle based on a selected criteria.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system according to claim 10 , wherein said control means includes means for identifying a vehicle based upon manual invocation, time expiration, vehicle activities and unauthorized vehicle removal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system according to claim 1 , further including theft prevention means for restricting the unauthorized removal of a vehicle from the parking facility, said theft prevention means includes a means for registering a vehicle for theft protection.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system according to claim 13 , wherein said theft prevention means includes cameras, alarms and barriers activated by said computer means upon an attempted theft of a vehicle from the parking facility.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system according to claim 13 , where said theft prevention means further includes means for automatically notifying appropriate persons of the attempted theft.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said vehicle characterization means and said tracking means includes GPS technology.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system according to claim 16 , wherein a graphical representation of the section of the parking facility showing availability of spaces is displayed on the monitor of a GPS-equipped vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein said vehicle characterization means and said tracking means includes technology to capture vehicle contour features.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the presence and absence of vehicle contour related information indicates the occupancy status of parking spaces.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computerized system for determining and indicating the availability of parking spaces within a parking facility including any and all spaces used to park vehicles, said system comprising: vehicle characterization means for distinguishing between vehicle and non-vehicle objects that are in predetermined spaces of the parking facility; means for displaying available parking spaces within a section of the parking facility; and computer means communicating with said vehicle characterization means and said display means, said computer means operative for processing real-time information pertaining to the presence and absence of the vehicles in the spaces of the parking facility.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computerized system for determining and indicating the availability of parking spaces within a parking facility including any and all spaces used to park vehicles, said system comprising: vehicle characterization means for distinguishing between vehicle and non-vehicle objects that are in predetermined spaces of the parking facility; means for displaying available parking spaces within a section of the parking facility; and computer means communicating with said vehicle characterization means and said display means, said computer means operative for processing real-time information pertaining to the presence and absence of the vehicles in the spaces of the parking facility.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 20 , wherein said computer means includes means for displaying a representation of a section of the parking facility showing availability of spaces within the section of the parking facility.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system according to claim 20 , wherein the presence and absence of information from each vehicle characterization means indicates the occupancy status of the parking spaces.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for managing parking spaces comprising: a) characterizing a vehicle a first time to capture inherent vehicle attributes; b) characterizing the vehicle a subsequent time, at a different location from said first characterization; and c) comparing said first and subsequent vehicle characterizations to determine each vehicle's identification and activities within the parking spaces and within the managed areas associated with said parking spaces.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for managing parking spaces comprising: a) characterizing a vehicle a first time to capture inherent vehicle attributes; b) characterizing the vehicle a subsequent time, at a different location from said first characterization; and c) comparing said first and subsequent vehicle characterizations to determine each vehicle's identification and activities within the parking spaces and within the managed areas associated with said parking spaces.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising integrating with parking revenue operations.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-01-21 | 2005-07-23 | 2006-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | 2010-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-21 | 2013-07-23 | 2014-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |