Importance

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Abstract

An electronic timing meter device that can receive an infrared ('IR') communication signal from a remote control device operated, for example, by a vehicle owner. This IR remote device transmits information about the user and contains an identification code that is specific to that user. The identification code and possibly other user information is received by the timing meter device and stored in the computer memory of the timing meter device. Upon receipt of the code and other information from the user, the electronic timing meter device starts the counter to record the length of time the user is parked. The length of time the user is parked is determined by the receipt of another signal from the user to stop the meter's counting, upon the passage of a predetermined maximum amount of time, upon receipt of a signal received from a new user's device once the old user leaves the parking location or in response to a signal from the motion or proximity detector that the user's vehicle has left the parking location monitored by the timing meter device. The recorded information is then used to deduct money from each user's account, thus avoiding the need to deposit and collect physical change, as in mechanical parking meters.

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First Claim