NZ529898A - A method of paying parking fees for a parked vehicle using a mobile device such as a cellular phone - Google Patents

Abstract

A distributed paring system comprises: a local proximity reader to read user identification information from a windscreen mounted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card, and a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile transmitter device with the mobile commerce platform including a server to receive the user identification information, the parking location information for identifying the location of a parked vehicle and payment related information for payment of the parking fee. The server receives the transmitted information, associates the parking location information and the payment related information with the user identification information, records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

Description

1 Title Mobile Commerce Platform Field of Invention 3 This invention concerns a mobile commerce platform with integration into a range of static parking systems and boat mooring operations.

Background of the Invention Not having enough loose change available to feed a parking meter or ticket 10 machine is a common frustration. Often liters is only enough change to provide for a limited parking time, but not enough to cover Che time required. Other parking related problems include broken meters or ticket machines. This is not only problematic for the general public but parking management authorities such as local councils also incur significant costs in providing, servicing and emptying the meters IS and ticket machines.

Currently, street parking has a range of paiking payment options available, typically limited to coin based meters and ticket machines that cover multiple bays. In some instances bank notes and credit cards are accepted in die street mounted 20 ticket machines.

Some car parks have a manned exit and/or entry booth. This is an expensive mode of operation but is still preferred in certain situations. Alternatively, ticket machines can be used which, cater for a full range of payment including coins, notes 25 and credit cards. These machines are both costly to purchase and maintain, they are also prone to failure due to their complexity. When these machines fail, parking attendants are required to assist people next to these machines. At peak periods, this is inefficient and leads to customer dissatisfaction.

Other alternatives are the use of smazt cards or ticket machines that are <lGSM Enabled". The deployment, maintenance and infrastructure costs of these alternatives are significant. To use smart cards, meters and ticket machines need modification, as well the distribution of thousands of smart cards. "GSM Enabled" ticket machines initiate the production of a parking ticket by receiving a mobile 35 phone call. 2 Although eliminating the need for cash, credit card or smart card, thifl option is extremely expensive and does not dispense with the cost of providing expensive ticket machines and modifying them to accept GSM calls. This alternative has been 5 trialled in Melbourne, Australia which involves the driver having to; 1. Check the meter to see if they're eligible 2. Press any key on the key pad to wake up the meter 3. Key in the bay number on the meter 10 4. Key in the required time on the meter . Dial the displayed number on the meter screen with a mobile phone 6. Receive confirmation of the purchase on the meter screen and from the voice on their mobile phone.

IS The management of car parking ia a global problem as traffic volumes increase and parking bays become a costly resource to manage. For the parking operators, cash collection is a persistent problem, and is costly. Furthermore, there is minimal flexibility in this mode of operation for the tariff of parking bays. Another problem lies in the topping up of ticket machines. Currently, it requires people to re-20 visit the machines before the parking time expires. This is often inconvenient and is unlikely to be done.

Although typical patting payment fees are of low value, the volumes of audi transactions are huge. In Australia there are over 450,000 paid parking bays 25 (excluding private car paiks).

Summary of the Invention The invention is a method for paying a parking fee using a mobile transmitter device of a registered user, comprising the steps of: transmitting user identification information to a server for identifying the identity of the user; transmitting parking location information to the server for identifying the location of a parked vehicle; transmitting payment related information to the saver for payment of the 35 parking fee; t 3 wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking location information and the payment related information with, the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user. Alternatively where "Off Street" 5 parking is involved, the ingress of a registered user is permitted through authentication by windscreen mounted smartcard (RFID) or "License Plate Recognition" through static cameras, Upon egress of the parking area, the iParic user will be logged as departed and their parking credit decremented accordingly.

Some of the benefits enjoyed by users of the present invention include convenience and security because there is no need to carry loose change or to open a handbag or wallet when standing next to a ticket machine or parking meter. Advantageously, payment can be effected from inside the vehicle.

In a second aspect, the invention is a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile transmitter device of a registered user comprising: a server to receive parking location information for identifying the location of a parked vehicle, payment related infonnation for payment of the parking fee and user identification infonnation for identifying the identity of the user from the 20 mobile transmitter device; wherein the server receives the transmitted infonnation; associates the parking location information and the payment related information with the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking foe to the account of the user. 23 In a third aspect, the invention is a distributed parking system comprising: street signage to indicate parking location information for transmission to a server; and a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile 30 transmitter device of a registered user, the mobile commerce platform including: a server to receive the parking location information* payment related infonnation for payment of the parking fee and user identification infonnation for identifying the identity of the user, from the mobile transmitter device; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the 35 parking location information and the payment related information with the user 4 identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

The mobile transmitter device may be a mobile phone or a Radio Frequency 5 Identification (RFID) card. The mobile transmitter device may be a wireless communicator device, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) including a mobile telephone, camera, bar code reader, RFID reader and GPRS facilities. In the case of a mobile telephone or PDA, verification of purchase can be made by the transmission of a "Readable" barcode which can be scanned by a local barcode reader to authenticate 10 the transaction.

In a fourth aspect, the invention is a distributed parking system comprising: a local proximity reader to read user identification information from a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card of a registered user; and a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees, the mobile commerce platform including: a server to receive the user identification information, the parking location information for identifying the location of a parked vehicle, and payment related information for payment of the parking fee; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking location information and the payment related information with the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

The user may transmit the parking location information and payment amount to the server using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or data messages, for example, Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messages.

The user identification information may be entered by the user. The user identification 30 information may be Caller Line Identity (CLI) or alphanumeric characters of a barcode. The user identification information may also include the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) of the user's mobile phone or wireless communicator device. An advantage of using the CLI and IME together is that the risk of misuse is reduced because the transmission must originate from the user's mobile phone or 35 wireless communicator device. r~—— Intellectual Property Office of im.Z. 1 0 MAY 2005 The packing location information, payment related infonnation, and/or user identification infonnation may be transmitted at the same time. They may be transmitted in a single transmission. They may also be encrypted to provide data security during transmission, The parking location information may be entered by the user. The pairing location information may be a zone area code. The zone area code may be obtained from street signage or displayed near a parking bay. The zone area code may correspond to a specific parking station. The parking location information may be 10 Global Positioning System (GPS) location information or the cell location of the mobile phone or wireless communicator device at the time the vehicle is parked.

The payment related infonnation may be entered by the user. The payment related information may be a monetary amount to be deducted from the account of 15 the user. The payment related information may be an amount of parking time corresponding to a monetary amount The parking fee may be invoiced on the mobile phone account or standard telephone account of the user. A premium rate phone call fee may be added to the 20 parking fee, alternatively a premium rate SMS fee may be charged. Accounts of users may be consolidated into one account to allow the total amount to be paid by their employer, The parking fee for a specific parking area may be selectively adjusted based 25 on pre-determined conditions, for example, discounted fees for local residents, pensioners or people with disabilities; higher fees for peak periods.

A barcode may be provided on the vehicle to be scanned by a parking inspector for determining whether a vehicle is validly parked. The server may 30 transmit the remaining parking time to a mobile receiver device such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a mobile phone to allow a parking inspector to determine whether a vehicle is validly parked. The parking inspector may print an infringement ticket if the vehicle is nut validly parked. The details of the infringement ticket may be sent to the server at the same time it is printed. Hie platform also supports an 35 infringement issuing application enabling parking officers to issue tickets for violations and record incidents on a central database. 6 The parking inspector may send a message to the server to be received by a registered user about the condition of their vehicle, for example, if it is damaged or the headlights have been left on, A reminder may be sent from the server to the mobile phone of the user prior to the expiration of the parking time. An additional parking foe may be remotely payable by transmitting a message to the server. The message may be a reply to the reminder.

( The server may send broadcast messages to selected registered users to inform them of certain events, for example, road works or special parking offers.

A user may request a listing of vacant parking in a specific parking area before they arrive at the parking area via their wireless communicator device.

A web site may be provided to allow users to view their account and parking activity via the Internet A loyalty rewards scheme may be provided to reward users for shopping with certain merchants. A merchant may offer a redeemable vouchor to a user. The voucher may be redeemed via the Internet or IVR and the parking fee charged to the merchant.

Some of the benefits enjoyed by parking administrators of the present invention include minimal costs and ease of deployment, reduction of costs for maintaining and repairing parking meters and improved revenue streams from parking bays. Advantageously, if users choose pro-payment as a payment option, cash is collected op front which leads to increased revenue though accrued interest on funds for the parking administrators. Full reporting is also available on who is parking where and when for planning purposes. Comprehensive data is available on parking demographics previously not available to local councils which also facilitate accurate planning for future parking needs, Utilisation of parking resources is improved due to alerts sent to users to top up their parking. This typically leads to over-paymant, for example, when the user leaves the parking bay before their paid time expires. Therefore increased revenues are enjoyed by parking administrators.

The invention allows the payment of parking fees which, do not require (he use of tickets or the handling of cash at the time the vehicle is parked. The present invention seeks to reduce the operating costs for local councils and private car park 5 operators for their parking operations.

Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the invention -will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a system diagram of the mobile commerce platform.

Figure 2 is a connectivity diagram of the mobile commerce platform.

Figure 3 is a process flow diagram of the user registration process.

Detailed Description of Hie Drawings Referring to Figure 1, the mobile commerce platform 1 comprises an iPark management server 10 that is integrated with software and hardware modules that collectively form the entire m-commerce platform 1. These modules include a credit management system 11 (for a pre-paid payment option) and a customer database 20 which stores user details including vehicle registration and mobile telephone number 20 along with a range of other relevant information. Other modules include a billing system 12 (for a post-paid payment option), a management portal 13, a messaging application suite 14, a customer portal 15, an IVR system 30 (parking registration/pre-payment re-charge) and a mobile communications interface 33 (SMS/GPRS).

Referring to Figure 2, the management server 10 interfaces with end users 20, paiking inspectors 21, local councils and private parking operators 22. Available interfaces include the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system 30, a human operator at a call centre 31, an Internet web site 32 or via a mobile phone 36 using 30 Short Message Service (SMS) or Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). The management server 10 is also connected to banks 23, financial institutions and clearing houses via a real-time credit card gateway 35 for facilitating credit card transactions via the Internet. This allows instant credit to be received in the accounts of end users 20 when credit card details axe entered during user registration or when 35 accounts are bang topped up. Hie credit card gateway 35 is secure and compliant with the AS 2805 standard of the Standards Association of Australia. The gateway 8 also facilitates daily banking transfers from the iPark basking reserves to the relevant parking entity 22, for example, local councils or private parking operators.

The main users of the m-commerce platform I are end users 20 and parking 6 inspectors 21. End users 20 communicate with the management server 10 by using any type of mobile telephone 36 (AMPS, GSM, CDMA, D-AMPS, NMT) which can transmit DTMF tones from the handset 36 to the IVR 30. Existing phones such as the Nokia 5110/6110/3210/8210 or Ericsson T10, T28 are adequate. End users 20 can also interact with the management server 10 by sending and receiving SMS 10 messages on their handset 36, accessing the web site 32 or calling the call centre 31. Parking inspectors 21 communicate with the management server 10 by using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 34 that is enabled for digital wireless communication. Other ways for parking inspectors 21 to interact with the management server 10 include the web site 32 interface, the IVR 30 or calling the 15 call centre 31, Referring to Figure 3, before an end user 20 can commence using the paridng services provided by the m-commerce platform 1, they are required to register 50 as a "User" via the customer portal 15, the call centre 31, mail or over the counter at 20 local council, offices, Pre-registration is necessary to ensure that billing can take place. Using the web site 32, end users 20 enter their mobile telephone number and personal details 51 onto a web-based form. If not already done, end usees 20 must enable the "Own Number Sending" feature on their handset 36 to allow Caller Line Identity (CLI) information 21 to be transmitted to the server 10 when they make a 26 call to the mobile commerce platform 1, This enables the server 10 to associate incoming cells with customer records held in die customer database 20. End users 20 are also required to cater details of their vehiole(s) 53 on the form including details on the colour, make and registration of the vehicle. If the end user 20 has multiple vehicles 54, details of the other vehicles applicable to the given CLI are also entered 30 55. "Whenever a mobile phone is used which is associated with multiple registered vehicles, the end user 20 will be asked to select the required vehicle.

The completed web-based form is submitted to and processed by the server 10. During processing, relevant credit checks are undertaken 56 on the new 35 customer. Once the end user 20 has been accepted as a "Trusted Party" they are able to charge 57 their credit account with a credit card or direct debit. The funds are 9 transferred 58 from the hank, financial institution or clearing house to tie account of the end user 20. The level of credit can be monitored in a number of ways, including dialling the IVR 30, access via the web site 32 or an SMS alert 33 when the level falls below a predetermined amount Upon successful registration, an iPark ID is 5 generated 59, which is a barcode number assigned to the end user 20. A windscreen sticker is sent to the end user 20 printed with the same barcode to be affixed 60 onto their vehicle. At the end of the registration process, the receipt details are played 61 to the end user 20 or displayed 61 on a web page on the web site 32. The crcation of the new customer is completed and the iParkID, user, vehicle and account details are 10 stored 62 in the customer database 20.

Interactive Voice Response (TVR1 system The IVR 30 is an end user interface which enables interaction with the ta-15 commerce platform 1 in an intuitive manner. The IVR 30 is used for parking registration and re-charging of an end user's 20 account When an end user 20 recharges their account either through the wdb site 32 or IVR 30, the receipt details are played to the end user 20 or displayed on a web page on the web site 32, The IVR 30 is connected through standard ISDN services and is accessible from both 20 fixed lines and wireless devices. In addition to providing facilities to the end user 20, parking inspectors 21 can also use the IVR 30 as a back-up system if the PDA 34 is not operating property.

The facilities provided to the end user 20 using the IVR 30 include parking 25 registration, purchasing a "re-charge" for their account using a credit card, entering "loyally" bonus value to their account, account infonnation services such as querying an account balance, help and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), parking status information such as parking time expiry, access to "Parking News" in the locality. Also, "Outbound" notifications can be provided which advise of low credit 30 levels with the ability to top up on line and a "Fax Bade" option for the collection of an itemised account of the months parking to date. For end users 20 that do not use or have access to the Intranet, reports are mailed out monthly.

The facilities provided to the parking inspector 21 include stand-by use if 85 their PDA 34 fails or a barcode affixed to the vehicle cannot be read to give parking status information. The inspector 21 calls the IVR 30, which then directs him or her to manually eater the iPaiklD (barcode) or other vehicle identification infonnation, for example, vehicle registration plates to check on the vehicle's parking status.

Short Message Service (SMS*) The SMS interface provides a silent communications link to the end user 20. The m-commerce platform 1 uses SMSC links to all mobile operators/earners to provide controlled messaging with reliable "Reply Path" services. The main uses of the SMS facility 33 include alerting end users 20 of impending expiry of parking 10 time, end users 20 '"Replying" to 'Top Up" 65 paiking fees. Other optional services can be provided subh as notification of low level credit with the ability to re-charge the account by replying using a credit card or approval for direct debit Broadcast services using SMS 33 are available such as broadcast notification of road works or paiking limitations in a locality, broadcast of special offers on parking in a locality, 15 broadcast of special offers from local retailers and "Special Alerts" from paiking inspectors 21 when they notice lights are left on the vehicle or when a vehicle has been broken into.

The "top up" service 65 is available in the following scenario. Once a specific 20 ArealD has been paid for, five minutes before the parldng expires, a reminder SMS 33 is sent to the end user's 20 mobile phone 36. By replying to this SMS 33 with the digit amount in cents, for example $1.50 is altered as '150', the rn-commerce platform 1 responds by returning a confirmation SMS to the end user 20 stating that the paiking has been topped up to the value of the specified amount This service 25 gives further parking value to the "Virtual Meter" such that if a parking inspector 21 scans the windscreen barcode sticker they are advised of the extended coverage. Where a parking time is exceeded either at initial registration or top up time; the system advises of the maximum time permitted in the selected parking bay.

Internet Web Site The internet web site 32 provides the primary control interface to the m-commerce platform 1 for parking administrators 22, end users 20, corporate account holders and system managers which maintain the platform 1. Internet access is given 35 to end users 20 and parking administrators 22 to a secure web site 32. To access the web site 32 the following URL is entered: www.i-park.com.an 11 Parking administrators 22 include local councils and private parking operators and are responsible for all day to day management of parking zones in their particular area. They are provided with total control and the ability to view activity of all iPark operations. The key interfaces available through their secure 5 portal 32 are: View • All client registration details • All paiking zone IDs and attributes • Optionally "Map Info" images with zones in relevant areas • All parking status by zones • All parking inspector 21 profiles • All parking inspector 21 status Logged On /Off • Locality information Modify/Delete • Parking zone attributes • Optionally Map Info attributes « Paiking inspector 21 details • Client registration details • Locality information Create • SMS Group messages to paiking inspectors 21 • SMS Group messages to parking clients (Roadworks/Special parking offears) • New parking inspector 21 profile • New paiking zone • New customer (Registration) • Locality information for parking users The parking administrator 22 has visibility of parking in specific areas by a secure link via the Internet to a secure web site application 32. They are then able to interrogate information and statistics on either a "real-time" or historical basis. Reports can be generated across a range of data including Zone, Vehicle and 35 Frequency. Also, the reporting suite for iPark can deliver "Real-time" and historic reporting. 12 As described earlier, the customer portal 15 provided by the Internet web site 32 allows end users 20 to create new aeconnts. Bad users 20 can also access their account by entering a "Usemama" and "Password" at a login page. The following 5 are features available through the customer portal 15; • Initial registration process • View of standard iPark FAQ and contact information • Reporting on monthly parking activity • Re-charge facility to enable credit input from Credit Card / Direct debit or 10 loyalty card • Modify/Deletion of existing registration information • Account status • Locality information as posted by parking authority (with links to other paiking authority infonnation pages) The customer portal 15 also allows a registered user to list their parking history and for printing itemised billing to reclaim parking expenses. This structured account of parking activity for each month can also be automatically e-mailed to the end user 20 for reimbursement from the company where parking is related to work. 20 Alternatively, if the end user 20 does not have access to the Internet, a call to the IVR 30 requesting delivery of a monthly parking report to a facsimile machine can be made.

Similarly, corporate account holders are provided with itemised billing on a 25 monthly basis. This enables accurate auditing of parking activity and costs. The corporate account holder typically has vehicle fleet responsibilities and therefore a modified page is provided at the Internet web site with additional features to the end user 20 web page. Corporate accounts are either Pre-paid or Post-paid. The following functions are available to them on their web page: • Initial registration process « View of standard iPark FAQ and contact information • Suite of reporting facilities (By vehicle/ area etc) • Re-charge facility by Credit Card I Direct Debit • Modify I Deletion of existing registration details 35 • Account status 13 • Locality information as posted by paiking authority (with links to other parking authority information, pages) • Group SMS broadcast facilities to fleet The management portal 13 grants system managers all privileges to view and modify all infonnation. They can also create new parking entities! and can oversee and control financial transactions.

Also available on the Internet web site 32 is a 'Parking' page, "Parking Zones' 10 page, Inspector" page and 'Search' page. The 'Parking' page allows searching of different kinds of parking that exist Current/active or expired parking can be listed based on an AxealD. The 'Parking Zones' page lists the councils that currently have registered with the system and have individual ArealDs. By clicking on the council links, ArealDs are listed that belong to each council and their details. The 15 'Inspector' page lists all the registered inspectors 21 with the system. Inspectors 21 can be added by the 'Add Inspector1 feature and listed or modified by clicking the 'Profile' button by authorised parking authority persons. An end user 20 can also see if a particular inspector 21 is logged in or out The 'Search' page allows searching based on specific criteria, for example, 'By inspector' or 'By parking zone'.

Call Centre Operators In addition to ihe IVR 30 and the Internet web site 32, call centre operators 31 can service the needs of the end users 20, paiking inspectors 21, local councils 25 and private parking operators 22. The call centre operators 31 fulfil the following roles: • Initial registration of users • Modification of existing users • Re-charge of "users credit • General customer care enquiries Call centre operators 31 can also register users by manually catering the required data into the customer database 20 following a similar process to registration via the web site 32- Parking inspectors 14 Parting inspectors 21 are equipped with a handheld unit or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 32 for monitoring the status of parked vehicles. The unit 32 is fully self-contained and combines a barcode scanner, palm computer and digital 5 communications facilities and a digital camera which enable wireless communication through GSM or 3G. Client software is installed on the devices 32 for direct communication with the iPaik management server 10. Communications to the PDAs 32 for iPark operations are by way of oanier supplied GPRS mobile date services, GPRS provides "real time" communications between the PDA 32 and 10 management server 10. In situations where GPRS is not available or not commercially viable, the system can be supported on other communication layers including SMS, USSD, CPDP andMPT1327.

The PDA 32 can only be accessed by an authorised parking inspector 21. 15 Thar personal login activates the PDA 32 and communicates securely with the iPark management server 10 to update their availability. Once logged in, the parking inspector 21 has a "Logged On" status.

The PDA 32 is used to undertake the following tasks: • LogOn/Off • Scan iPaik windscreen stickers to view status similar to a barcode scanner • Read Broadcast SMS messages • Reply to SMS messages • Search by zone and expired vehicles In a typical scenario, when a parking inspector 21 notices an iPark windscreen sticker on a vehicle in a marked iPark zone, the PDA 34 scanner scans the barcode on the sticker. A GPRS communication with the iPark management server 10 returns details of the vehicle, when it was parked and when the parking is 30 due to expire and displays it on the screen of the PDA. If the paiking is expired, the PDA 34 flashes an alert and a "Print Ticket" option is available. Alternatively where the iPark user has registered to park on an wAd Hoc" basis, the paiking officer will not be able to scan a bar code. The onboard camera allows the officer to scan the license plate, which will in turn translate the image to a "Readable" plate data stream 35 which will be transmitted to the central server for validation. This allows the inspector 21 to print an infringement ticket on their belt mounted thermal printer detailing the vehicle and zone including infringement details. The infringement action is also communicated in real-time and recorded on an iPark database 24 for iuture reference. All activities of a parking inspector 21 can be viewed both historically and in "real time" by local council officials.

Payment Potions The billing system 12 is responsible for administration of payment options, billing and general accounting. For a registered user 20 to perform an iPark 10 payment, the phone number of the IVR 30 is dialled and instructions to perform their payment are played bade. End users 20 choose a pre-paid payment option whereby parking activity is paid for according to use by decrementing "Pre-Paid" credit or either a post-paid payment option whereby paiking event data is collected and billed at a later date. Reverse billing (carrier dependent) and corporate accounts (post-paid) 15 are also provided. Reverse billing is only available in countries where the mobile/network operators offer "reverse billing" which allow end users 20 to pay for parking through their standard telephone account The prepaid payment option requires a registered end User 20 to vise credit 20 card or cash. All paiking activities and payment decrement the initial credit value. There are several options for payment of the "pre-paid" account, although It is envisaged thai credit cards will prove the most popular. The other options include: • Credit card through IVR 30 and web site 32 • Direct debit through IVR 30 and web site 32 25 • Premium rate (Fixed fee) where available ■ Premium rate SMS where available • Cash/Credit card top up through main ticket machines • ATM cashpoints could also be used to provide top up facilities, depending upon bank cooperation Top-up of existing pre-paid accounts can be undertaken in any of the following ways: • Cash purchase of "Scratchy" pre-pay card ($10/S20/$50)„ these will be sold through local authority offices or channel partners. Once purchased, the end user 36 20 enters the unique pin number into the IVR 30 or on the web site 32, 16 alternatively it can be sent via SMS to the iPaifc management server 10 which will top up the value.

• Web site 32 'Top Up" 65 access using credit card.

*■ IVR 30 'Top Up" 65 access using credit card.

• Through strategic "E-Services" partners (eg. ATM, BPay and E-Pay) • purchasing a special top up voucher at designated outlets • using a specially modified ticket machine where the end user's magnetic swipe card is inserted whilst cash is entered for charging. The value is not credited to the card but added to their account iPark parking services are also available for corporate users where a fleet of vehicles frequent a parking area. A pre-authorised account is established on iPark, and the corporate customer is invoiced monthly. Furthermore, the customer has access to view and report on parking activities in iPaik zones via the web site 32. 15 Alternatively "Pre-paid" accounts can be established for the corporate accounts using multiple vehicles/mobile numbers to one "Pre-paid" value.

The iPark parking services can compliment "Smart Card" pre-payment services. The smart cards depend on the provision of smart card reader machines. 20 Purchasers receive an iPaik window sticker with a unique iPark barcode. Each recharge ticket purchased has a unique serial number which can be entered into the iPark system. Also, where a paiking operator has locations whece sophisticated ticket machines are used, the end user 20 puis cash into the machine and enters their mobila/iPaik account number in to do a cash top up.

Infringement Services Management Parking payment is just one facet of the overall requirement for a managed solution, and therefore the system not only offers a fully managed payment service, it also offers infringement services management When the parking inspector 21 30 identifies a vehicle that has infringed local parking by-laws they can produce a parking ticket on the spot using their PDA 34 and printer. Payment of the infringement can be made through a range of options: • Internet • IVR • "Over the counter" ■ Mail response 17 Special Tariffs Local residents can be charged at preferential rates far paiking in their locality using the m-commerce platform 1. This allows residents tp enjoy the benefits of discounted parking rates when applicable, Also any parking price structure for senior citizens, pensioners and people with disability parking permits can be flexibly adjusted and catered for. The system also allows a paiking authority 22 to configure individual zones and change tariffs according to different times of the day through the Internet by setting hourly rates and maximum time limits.

To address the problem of people being deterred from visiting the establishments of retailers because of council parking fees and paiking inMngements, a loyalty rewards scheme is offered. This scheme awards loyal customers with 'Top Up" vouchers enabling them to add credit to their accounts. Retailers offer low denomination vouchers as a reward to customers for doing business with them. These vouchers are entered via the web site 32 or IVR 30 in the same way as normal re-charge vouchers. As the vouchers are activated thai "Value" is assessed and charged to the issuing retailer. Subject to Privacy laws, the details of recipients that have activated the vouchers may be forwarded to the issuer for marketing information. The loyalty schemes also enable Che input and draw down of "Parking value" which can be extended to other areas in the transport sector such as ticketing.

In a typical scenario, a motorist 20 parks their car into an iPaik nominated paiking bay. Street-side or parking meter signage indicate the "Zone ID" to be transmitted by the motorist 20 via their mobile phone. Parking operators 22 designate parking zones IDs for the m-commerce platform 1 using a four digit numeric code. These zones typically cover thirty vehicle bays. The motorist 20 then calls the iPark IVR 30, which has already been pre-programmed into the phone book of the mobile phone at the time the motorist registered with the system. Firstly, the IVR 30 checks whether the CLI is known and creditworthy. If the CLI is unknown, the system asks the motorist 20 to enter their unique account number/mobile number in case they are using someone else's mobile phone. If the account is not creditworthy the system prompts the motorist 20 to top "dp their account and ask for their credit card details to be confirmed. Secondly, the system waits for the motorist 20 to enter the numeric zone number followed by die nominated fee for payment of 18 parking. Once the information is entered, the system confirms that the vehicle is validly parked and advises what time parking expires. The amount entered is then debited from the credit account. The payment is logged within the system and stored in the iPark database 24 fox future reference by local parking inspectors 21. Parking 5 inspectors 21 can also query this database at anytime to identify defaulters, and searching can be done according zone, expired paikers or vehicle details.

After this process is completed, the paiking space is designated as paid until the indicated expiry time. Five minutes prior to expiry of the parking, an SMS 33 to 10 die motorist 20 informs them that their parking is about to expire and offers the possibility of topping-up the paiking time. Topping up is initiated by "Replying" to the SMS with a monetary amount Once the reply SMS 33 is received, the paiking credit is updated.

In an off-street paiking scenario where barrier access is required, iPark end users 20 are provided with Radio Frequency ID cards (RFID) which can be read by a local proximity reader. The local proximity reader communicates with the iPark management server 10 by GPRS. The RFID cards are located on the back of an iPark windscreen sticker or embedded within a standard credit card form factor. 20 Access and departure from the paid parking area is monitored and the iPark user ID is read fit»m the RFID card and transmitted to the server 10. Debiting of the account occurs in a similar way to on-street parking.

Where a parking facility already operates with "punch bole" paper tickets that 25 require payment through a standard ticket machine, the system removes the need of having to go to the machine to pay for the ticket By calling the IVR 30, the end user 20 enters the unique aerial number clearly visible on the ticket and pays the required amount The ticket is then validated audi that the boom gate will automatically open when the ticket is inserted, iPaik information services can be accessed whilst enroute to a destination. Due to the system being able to track whether paiking spaces are occupied, end users 20 can. query the iPark management server 10 and request a listing of zones/locations with available parking bays. Additional services including 'Vacant" 35 iPark zones are sent to end users 20 requesting parking in busy areas. 19 A hybrid solution can be introduced while the complete m-commerce platform 1 is being phased in. The hybrid solution requires certain existing ticket machines to be equipped with a vandal proof GSM telephone that provides a basic DTMF keypad and speaker. This permits the end user 20 to transact with the 5 management server 10 using their mobilefiPaik account number in the absence of CLI information.

Although GPRS has been described, other data and network protocols such as WAP, 3G or Bluetooth can be used to communicate between the management server 10 10 and the end user 20. Infra-Red and Bluetooth are fuiliher "Wireless Enablers" which can be used with the present invention. Although mobile phones have been described, end users 20 can also uae any wireless communication device to interact with the mobile commerce platform 1, for example, a PDA phone or GSM enabled notebook.

Although paiking has been described, it is envisaged that park and ride facilities can be integrated with the m-commerce platform 1 to provide a single access point so that both parking and transportation are covered by a single transaction. Other services that are within the scope of the present invention include 20 car pooling payments and payment of taxi fares.

Although a management server 10 has been described, it is possible that an array of servers configured in a. "fault tolerant" manner to deliver "high availability" services can be used. Such a configuration optimises the database operations and 25 ensures that transactions are processed with minimal delay. hi a further embodiment of the invention, vehicle based "telematics" solutions can be incorporated with the m-commerce platform 1 in addition with a range of wireless technologies, for example, GPS, Bluetooth and RFID whereby any 30 vehicle parked can be tracked in a specific location for the time it is parked. That is, the end user 20 does not have to manually transmit the zone area code since the location of the vdbide is automatically known from the GPS location of the phone or the vehicle itself. Hie GPS location information is transmitted in a similar way that CLI infonnation is transmitted to 1he server 10. Invoicing for parking can be 35 levied at month end, or be deducted from a pre-paid account. This embodiment can be coupled with "E-card" based systems that will also bill for segment uae of road services which involve a toll.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (25)

21 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method for paying a parking fee using a mobile transmitter device of a registered user, comprising the steps of: 5 transmitting user identification information to a server for identifying the identity of the user; transmitting parking location information to the server for identifying the location of a parked vehicle; 10 transmitting payment related information to the server for payment of the parking fee; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking location information and the payment related information with the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee 15 to the account of the user.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein "Off Street" parking is involved, and the ingress of the registered user into the parking facility and their subsequent egress is monitored through use of cameras, and upon egress the user's account is charged.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the cameras identify the registered user by use of a windscreen mounted radio frequency identification (RFID) card.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the registered user is able to effect payment from within the vehicle.

5. A mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile transmitter device of a registered user comprising: a server to receive parking location information for identifying the location of a 30 parked vehicle, payment related information for payment of the parking fee and user identification information for identifying the identity of the user from the mobile transmitter device; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking location information and the payment related information with the user identification inteilr.-ctual Pfc-p^riy Office of tslZ. 1 k JUL 2005 c i c r> J I La. 22 information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

6. A mobile commerce platform according to claim 5, wherein "Off Street" parking 5 is involved, and the server also monitors ingress of the registered user into the parking facility and their subsequent egress through use of cameras, and upon egress the users account is charged.

7. A mobile commerce platform according to claim 6, wherein the cameras identify 10 the registered user by use of a windscreen mounted radio frequency identification (RFID) card.

8. A mobile commerce platform according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the registered user is able to effect payment from within the vehicle. 15

9. A distributed parking system comprising: street signage to indicate parking location information for transmission to a server; and a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile 20 transmitter device of a registered user, the mobile commerce platform including: a server to receive the parking location information, payment related information for payment of the parking fee and user identification information for identifying the identity of the user, from the mobile transmitter device; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking 25 location information and the payment related information with the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

10. A distributed parking system according to claim 9, wherein the mobile 30 transmitter device is a mobile phone and verification of purchase is made by the transmission of a "Readable" barcode which can be scanned by a local barcode reader to authenticate the transaction.

11. A distributed parking system comprising: 1 4 JUL 2015 23 a local proximity reader to read user identification information from a windscreen mounted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card: and a mobile commerce platform for payment of parking fees using a mobile 5 transmitter device with the mobile commerce platform including: a server to receive the user identification information, the parking location information for identifying the location of a parked vehicle, and payment related information for payment of the parking fee; wherein the server receives the transmitted information; associates the parking 10 location information and the payment related information with the user identification information; records the associated transmitted information and charges the parking fee to the account of the user.

12. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein 15 the user transmits the parking location information and payment amount to the server using an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or data messages.

13. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the user identification information is entered by the user, and comprises one of Caller Line 20 Identity (CLI), alphanumeric characters of a barcode or the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) of the users mobile transmitter device.

14. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the parking location information, payment related information and user identification 25 information are transmitted at the same time in a single transmission that can be encrypted to provide data security during transmission.

15. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the parking location information is obtained from street signage displayed near a parking 30 bay, Global Positioning System (GPS) location information or the cell location of the mobile phone or wireless communicator device at the time the vehicle is parked.

16. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the payment related information is entered by the users mobile transmitter device and is rty OifiCQ Qt w,Z. 24 either a monetary amount or an amount of parking time corresponding to a monetary amount to be deducted from the account of the user.

17. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the 5 parking fee is invoiced on the mobile phone account or standard telephone account of the user.

18. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the parking fee for a specific parking area is selectively adjusted based on pre-determined 10 conditions.

19. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein a barcode is provided on the vehicle to be scanned by a parking inspector for determining whether a vehicle is validly parked, and the server transmits the remaining parking time 15 to a mobile receiver device to allow a parking inspector to determine whether a vehicle is validly parked.

20. A distributed parking system according to claim 19, wherein the parking inspector prints an infringement ticket if the vehicle is not validly parked, and the details 20 of the infringement ticket are sent to the server at the same time it is printed.

21. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein a reminder is sent from the server to the mobile transmitter device of the user prior to the expiration of the parking time. 25

22. A distributed parking system according to claim 21, wherein an additional parking fee is remotely payable by transmitting a message to the server in reply to the reminder. 30

23. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 22, wherein the server sends broadcast messages to selected registered users mobile transmitter device to inform them of events. 25

24. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein a user requests a listing of vacant parking in a specific parking area before they arrive at the parking area via their wireless communicator device. 5

25. A distributed parking system according to any one of claims 9 to 24, wherein a web site is provided to allow users to view their account and parking activity via the Internet. 10 IPARK AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED By their Attorneys JAMES & WELLS 15 U-y'' ssi.Z. 1 h JUL 2025