Patent ID: 6111522
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A multiple purse, battery powered, stand alone electronic parking meter, comprising:input/output means for interacting with a user and generating an interrupt signal in response to a user action defining a parking meter event;a first memory means for storing a plurality of graphic messages and icons;a mixed-mode display for displaying said graphic messages and/or said icons;a low power microcontroller for controlling the transfer of information between said first memory means and said mixed-mode display, and for generating a wake-up sequence on receipt of said interrupt signal;second memory means for storing an operating system and customer data; andprocessing means for switching from a sleep mode into an operation mode in response to said wake-up sequence, determining the source of said interrupt signal, and accordingly controlling said mixed-mode display, said first and second memory means, under supervision of said operating system wherein placing the processing means into sleep mode when the parking meter is idle allows the life of the battery to be prolonged.