METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF LICENSE PLATE AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION

Methods, apparatus, and a system for protecting privacy of license plate and/or other information are described. In some embodiments a controllable LCD filter is placed over a surface, such as the surface of a license plate, and used to selectively block the information which is visible through the controllable filter when the filter is not in an opaque state. In various embodiments the system includes a list of license plates whose owners have requested privacy and the system prevents the reporting or dissemination of information, including location information, reported to the system about the license plate. Users can register their license plate number, request privacy with collected plate information then being treated in accordance with the license plate owners wish. While license plate information can be protected other types of information can also be and sometimes are protected using the described techniques and/or apparatus.

FIELD

The present application relates to method and apparatus for maintaining the privacy of information such as license plate and/or other information.

BACKGROUND

In modern society cameras are widespread. With the ever decreasing cost of cameras and the ease with which images can be communicated over the Internet or other networks, the use of cameras is likely to continue to increase.

While cameras can be useful for security and other applications, the ever increasing use of cameras creates privacy concerns. Cameras are being positioned not only to capture images on private premises, e.g., for security or other reasons, but also facing out into public thoroughfares in an attempt to capture images of cars and people passing by, e.g., in a public road. In addition vehicle mounted cameras are being used to capture images of neighborhoods, cars and other objects which are visible from public roads and/or in privately owned parking lots or garages where vehicles with cameras may travel and capture images as they travel.

Captured images, whether they are captured by stationary or moving cameras, are often tagged with time and geolocation information. Captured images can be, and often are, communicated in digital form either wirelessly or via wired communications link to one or more central image storage and/or processing facilities.

Images are often automatically processed to extract useful information which can be sold and/or correlated with other information. For example, licenses plates can be detected and the license plate numbers in images can be automatically extracted. In the case of a stationary camera facing a public road, this allows for the detection of vehicles passing along the road based on images of license plate numbers. The time and date a vehicle passes a particular point in the road can be stored and correlated with other information. Similarly license plate numbers can be captured by cameras at parking garages and/or by vehicle mounted cameras driven through shopping mall parking lots or other parking sites.

The collection of license plate number, date and location information using cameras provides useful information which can be used for a variety of purposes. Some examples include government purposes such as law enforcement purposes, but other purposes can include private business purposes, e.g., the collection of location information which can be used for tracking individuals and/or marketing to individuals.

While license plates are an example of one type of information that can be collected from camera images, other examples of information which can be visually captured include vehicle identification numbers (VINs), inspection sticker information and/or parking permit information. While such examples generally relate to vehicles, other devices may have plates, displays, labels meters, or permits mounted on them that display information which can be visually captured, e.g., by a camera. In many cases the displayed information is displayed so that an intended party or inspector can view, collect, or check the displayed information, but from a privacy perspective it would be desirable if the information was not easily visible at all times to other parties. In some cases, such as when a motor vehicle is on a public road, there may be legal requirements that particular information, e.g., license plate number information, be visible but such a legal requirement may not be applicable when the motor vehicle is on private property such as on the property of a private parking garage or the private property of the vehicle owner.

In view of the above, it should be appreciated that it would be desirable if methods and/or apparatus which could be developed that could be used to restrict access to visual information such as license plate numbers, permit information, identifier plates, etc. when such information does not have to be displayed or visible for legal or other reasons while still allowing the information to be displayed when the display of such information is legally required or desirable.

SUMMARY

While the display of information has privacy implications, the methods and apparatus of the invention are directed to the technical problem of how to limit the display of information and/or control when information is displayed or hidden from view. The methods and apparatus can be used to control the visibility of vehicle license plate information but is also applicable to controlling public access to a wide variety of other types of information that might be publicly visible absent use of the methods and/or apparatus of the invention to limit the visibility of particular information.

In various exemplary embodiments, one or more controllable light filters are placed over surfaces which display information which is to be selectively blocked from view. In some embodiments the controllable light filter is implemented as an LCD panel which is transparent or semi-transparent during a first mode of operation and opaque during a second mode of operation. The transition between the modes of operation can be controlled electronically, e.g., by controlling a voltage supplied to the LCD panel that is used to control whether it is opaque or transparent/semi-transparent.

In various embodiment the controllable filter, e.g., light filter, is placed over a surface used to display information. The surface may be, and sometimes is, the surface of: i) a vehicle license plate; ii) a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate; iii) inspection sticker; iv) registration card or sticker, v) a usage meter (e.g., water or electric meter), vi) a permit, vii) building or construction related information form or viii) display device such as an LCD screen.

The controllable light filter is controlled in various embodiments automatically, based on user input and/or one or more sensed conditions. Multiple controllable filters can be, and sometimes are, placed at different locations on a vehicle or device with each of the filters potentially being controlled separately depending on what the filter covers. For example, a filter over a private parking lot sticker may be controlled to be visible when on the private property of a parking garage to which the sticker relates while a filter over the vehicle license plate number and/or an inspection sticker may be controlled to be opaque while on the private property of the parking garage.

In various embodiments sensor output(s), such as a GPS sensor output and/or a location sensor output, are provided to a filter control circuit or processor used to control filter operation.

In one exemplary embodiment a filter placed over the license plate of a vehicle is operated in a first transparent state when the GPS/location sensor indicates the vehicle is on a public road and operated in a second transparent state when the vehicle location is determined to be a location corresponding to private property. Vehicle movement can be, and sometimes is, also detected by a motion sensor and/or a car control system, and, in some such embodiments, vehicle motion information is taken into consideration when determining whether the filter over the vehicle license plate is to be operated in a transparent mode of operation or an opaque mode of operation. In some embodiments when the processor or control system detects or receives a signal indicating that the vehicle is moving, the filter over the license plate is operated in a transparent state whether or not the vehicle is on private property.

User input can be used to override default filter settings, e.g., with the user being able to specify that the license plate filter should be operated in the transparent or opaque state for particular locations whether or not the location corresponds to private property. For example, a user can configure the system to maintain the license plate filter in a transparent state while at his/her place of work even though the location may correspond to private property.

The processor in accordance with the invention can, and in some embodiments does, automatically control the license plate filter to operate in a transparent state when the device is at locations where license plates are legally required to be visible, e.g., when the vehicle is on a public road, but to be in an opaque state at other times, e.g., when on the owner's private property or some other piece of private property.

By automatically obscuring license plate and/or other information when legally allowed to do so, the risk of having one's license plate observed by moving vehicles driving along a road or parking lot is reduced. Similarly when a filter is used to obscure an inspection sticker or other identification information when legally allowed to do so the risk of images being taken of such information and used to invade one's privacy is reduced.

Over time law enforcement and/or the government may come to appreciate the importance of privacy of license plates and other information. It is hoped that individuals will, in time, be legally allowed to block the view of their license plates from individuals or cameras operated by entities other than law enforcement.

In the expectation that law enforcement may need to view license plates and/or other information blocked by one or more filters implemented in accordance with the invention, in some, but not necessarily all embodiments, law enforcement is provided the ability to wirelessly override the filter when operating in the mode in which viewing of information is blocked and to control the filter to switch to the transparent mode of operation.

An exemplary privacy protection method, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises: operating a first filter placed over a first surface displaying information to operate during a first period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating the first filter to operate during a second period of time in opaque filter mode of operation. An exemplary privacy protection system, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises: a first filter positioned over a first surface displaying information; and a processor configured to control the first filter to: i) operate during a first period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and ii) operate during a second period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

An exemplary method for storing and using information associated with a vehicle license plate number, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises: storing in a storage device a list of license plate numbers and, for each license plate number corresponding information, said license plate numbers including a first license plate number, information corresponding to the first license plate number stored in said storage device including one or more of: i) billing information corresponding to the license plate holder; ii) address information corresponding to the license plate holder, and/or iii) privacy preference information indicating whether the license plate holder of the first license plate seeks to limit the distribution of information corresponding to the first license plate; monitoring for messages communicating a license plate number; and in response to receiving a first message communicating a license plate number, determining if the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number.

Numerous additional features, benefits and embodiments are discussed in the detailed description which follows. Various features discussed in the summary are included in some embodiments but all the discussed features need not be included in each embodiment incorporating one or more of the discussed features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a drawing of an exemplary system100including controllable filters (e.g., included as part of vehicles or at fixed sites, e.g., homes) used to restrict access to viewing, cameras for capturing images, control devices used for controlling the controllable filters, and a privacy and/or billing server coupled together. Exemplary communications system100includes a plurality of vehicles (vehicle1102, . . . , vehicle N104), each including one or more controllable filters, e.g. license plate viewing filters, tag or decal viewing filters, window viewing filters, etc., a police vehicle108including the capability to override controllable filters of vehicles102,104, a plurality of parking garages (parking garage1110, . . . , parking garage M112) each including one of more cameras (150, . . . ,152), respectively, used to collect images including license plate images and report captured images, information extracted from captured images, e.g., license plate numbers, and related information, e.g. time tag information, e.g., to a privacy and billing server120. Exemplary system100further includes a roadside camera114used to collect images including license plate image of vehicles, a security camera116, e.g., an entrance camera, used to collect images including license plate images, a vehicle118, e.g., a surveillance vehicle or map generation vehicle, including a set of cameras154, which captures images of both public and private property.

Exemplary system100further includes a building106including a first controllable filter156(typically set to opaque filter mode) covering the face of meter158, and a second controllable filter160(typically set to opaque filter mode) covering a permit162, e.g. a building or construction permit, or other information, e.g. an interior map of the building, fire safety information, evacuation information, etc., a mobile wireless device109, e.g., of a meter reader or inspector or official or emergency personnel, said device109including the capability to set a controllable filter to a transparent filter mode of operation and allow the person to view the covered information.

The parking garage1110includes network interface164coupled to camera(s)110. Parking garage M112includes network interface166coupled to camera(s)152. Roadside camera114is coupled to network interface168. Security camera116is coupled to network interface170. The various network interfaces (164,166,168,170) are coupled to network interface174of privacy and/or billing server120via communications links (176,178,180,182), respectively. Building106includes filter control circuitry184coupled to filters (156,160) via communications links (186,188), respectively. Building106further includes wireless interface190, which is coupled to the filter control circuitry184, via communications link192. Mobile wireless device109may, and sometimes does, communicates with wireless interface190to control the filters (156,160) within building106.

FIG. 2, comprising the combination ofFIG. 2A,FIG. 2B,FIG. 2CandFIG. 2D, is a flowchart200of an exemplary method of operating a device, e.g., a vehicle including one or more controllable filters, to determine and control filter operation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the device is a set of components, e.g., a set of components mounted on a vehicle, e.g., the set of components includes a controllable filter, a wireless interface including a wireless receiver and optionally a wireless transmitter, an antenna, a processor, and memory coupled together.

Operation starts in step202in which the device is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step202to step204. In some embodiments, e.g., embodiments including a plurality of controllable filters, operation also proceeds from step202to one or more of all of: step252, via connecting node A250, step304via connecting node B300, and step354via connecting node C350.

In step204the device operates a first filter placed over a first surface displaying information to operate during a first period of time in transparent mode of operation. In some embodiments, the first surface is the surface of a license plate, and step204includes step206, in which the device operates the first filter to be transparent to allow viewing of the license plate number. Operation proceeds from step204to step208.

In step208the device receives one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information, or iv) vehicle location information. Step208includes one or more of steps210,212,214,216and220. During different iterations of step208different ones of steps210,212,214,216, and220may be performed. In step210the device receives user input including user input controlling the first filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode. In step212the device receives user input including user input controlling the first filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode. In step214the device receives control information being communicated in a wireless signal. In step216the device receives mode of operation information indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked. In some embodiments, step216includes step218in which the device receives one or more signals indicating that the vehicle is parked. In step220the device receives location information, e.g., from a GPS receiver included in the vehicle or from a navigation system included in the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step208to step222.

In step222the device determines, e.g., using a processor or control circuit, based on the received one or more signals, whether the first filter is to operate in the transparent mode of operation or the opaque mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the first filter is to operate being a determined mode of operation. Step222may, and sometimes does, include step224, in which the device operates a processor on the vehicle to control the mode of filter operation based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. Each iteration of step222includes one of steps228and230. In step228the device determines that the first filter is to operate in transparent filter mode of operation. In step230the device determines that the first filter is to operate in opaque filter mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step222to step232.

In step232it is determined if the current filter mode of operation is different from the determined filter mode of operation. If the current filter mode of operation is different than the determined filter mode of operation, then operation proceeds from step232to step234; otherwise, operation proceeds from step232to step236.

In step234, the device controls the first filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step234to step236.

In step236, if the determined mode of operation is transparent filter mode, then operation proceeds from step236to the input of step204. However, in step236, if the determined mode of operation is opaque filter mode, then operation proceeds from step236to the input of step238. In step238the device operates the first filter to operate during a second period of time in opaque filter mode of operation. In some embodiments, the first surface is the surface of a license plate, and step238includes step240, in which the device operates the first filter to be opaque to obstruct viewing of the license plate number. Operation proceeds from step238to the input of step208.

Returning to step254, in step254the device operates a second filter placed over a second surface displaying information to operate during a third period of time in transparent mode of operation. In some embodiments, the second surface is the surface of a plate with a number (VIN plate), sticker (inspection sticker, parking sticker, access sticker, etc.), tag, card (registration card), surface of the vehicle including marking and/or images (company name, business ID, etc.), and step254includes step256, in which the device operates the second filter to be transparent to allow viewing of one of: VIN number, business name, business ID number, container number, inspection sticker information including, e.g. a QR code, a registration card, a (security, parking, event, facility, or site) access sticker tag or card. Operation proceeds from step254to step258.

In step258the device receives one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information, or iv) vehicle location information. Step258includes one or more of steps260,262,264,266and270. During different iterations of step258different ones of steps260,262,264,266, and270may be performed. In step260the device receives user input including user input controlling the second filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode. In step262the device receives user input including user input controlling the second filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode. In step264the device receives control information being communicated in a wireless signal. In step266the device receives mode of operation information indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked. In some embodiments, step266includes step268in which the device receives one or more signals indicating that the vehicle is parked. In step260the device receives location information, e.g., from a GPS receiver included in the vehicle or from a navigation system included in the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step258to step272.

In step272the device determines, e.g., using a processor or control circuit, based on the received one or more signals, whether the second filter is to operate in the transparent mode of operation or the opaque mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the second filter is to operate being a determined mode of operation. Step272may, and sometimes does, include step274, in which the device operates processing on the vehicle to control the mode of second filter operation based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. Each iteration of step272includes one of steps278and280. In step228the device determines that the second filter is to operate in transparent filter mode of operation. In step280the device determines that the second filter is to operate in opaque filter mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step272to step282.

In step282it is determined if the current filter mode of operation for the second filter is different from the determined filter mode of operation for the second filter. If the current filter mode of operation is different than the determined filter mode of operation, then operation proceeds from step282to step284; otherwise, operation proceeds from step282to step286.

In step284, the device controls the second filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step284to step286.

In step286, if the determined mode of operation is transparent filter mode, then operation proceeds from step286to the input of step254. However, in step286, if the determined mode of operation is opaque filter mode, then operation proceeds from step286to the input of step288. In step288the device operates the second filter to operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation. In some embodiments, the second surface is the surface of a plate with a number (VIN plate), sticker (inspection sticker, parking sticker, access sticker, etc.), tag, card (registration card), surface of the vehicle including marking and/or images (company name, business ID, etc.), and step288includes step290, in which the device operates the second filter to be opaque to prevent viewing of one of: VIN number, business name, business ID number, container number, inspection sticker information including, e.g. a QR code, a registration card, a (security, parking, event, facility, or site) access sticker tag or card. Operation proceeds from step288to the input of step258.

Returning to step304, in step304the device operates a third filter positioned in a first window area to operate during a fifth period of time in transparent mode of operation. In some embodiments, step304includes step306in which the device operates the third filter to be transparent to allow viewing into the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step304to step308.

In step308the device receives one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information, or iv) vehicle location information. Step308includes one or more of steps310,312,314,316and320. During different iterations of step308different ones of steps310,312,314,316, and320may be performed. In step310the device receives user input including user input controlling the third filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode. In step312the device receives user input including user input controlling the third filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode. In step314the device receives control information being communicated in a wireless signal. In step316the device receives mode of operation information indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked. In some embodiments, step316includes step318in which the device receives one or more signals indicating that the vehicle is parked. In step320the device receives location information, e.g., from a GPS receiver included in the vehicle or from a navigation system included in the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step308to step322.

In step322the device determines, e.g., using a processor or control circuit, based on the received one or more signals, whether the third filter is to operate in the transparent mode of operation or the opaque mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the third filter is to operate being a determined mode of operation. Step322may, and sometimes does, include step324, in which the device operates processing on the vehicle to control the mode of filter operation of the third filter based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. Each iteration of step322includes one of steps328and330. In step328the device determines that the third filter is to operate in transparent filter mode of operation. In step330the device determines that the third filter is to operate in opaque filter mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step322to step332.

In step332it is determined if the current filter mode of operation for the third filter is different from the determined filter mode of operation for the third filter. If the current filter mode of operation is different than the determined filter mode of operation, then operation proceeds from step332to step334; otherwise, operation proceeds from step332to step336.

In step334, the device controls the third filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step334to step336.

In step336, if the determined mode of operation is transparent filter mode, then operation proceeds from step336to the input of step304. However, in step336, if the determined mode of operation is opaque filter mode, then operation proceeds from step336to the input of step338. In step338the device operates the third filter to operate during a sixth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation. In some embodiments, step338includes step340, in which the device operates the third filter to be opaque to obstruct viewing into the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step338to the input of step308.

Returning to step354, in step354the device operates a fourth filter positioned in a second window area to operate during a seventh period of time in transparent mode of operation. In some embodiments, step354includes step356in which the device operates the fourth filter to be transparent to allow viewing into the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step354to step358.

In step358the device receives one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information, or iv) vehicle location information. Step358includes one or more of steps360,362,364,366and370. During different iterations of step358different ones of steps360,362,364,366, and370may be performed. In step360the device receives user input including user input controlling the fourth filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode. In step362the device receives user input including user input controlling the fourth filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode. In step364the device receives control information being communicated in a wireless signal. In step366the device receives mode of operation information indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked. In some embodiments, step366includes step368in which the device receives one or more signals indicating that the vehicle is parked. In step370the device receives location information, e.g., from a GPS receiver included in the vehicle or from a navigation system included in the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step358to step372.

In step372the device determines, e.g., using a processor or control circuit, based on the received one or more signals, whether the fourth filter is to operate in the transparent mode of operation or the opaque mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the fourth filter is to operate being a determined mode of operation. Step372may, and sometimes does, include step374, in which the device operates processing on the vehicle to control the mode of filter operation of the fourth filter based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. Each iteration of step372includes one of steps378and380. In step388the device determines that the fourth filter is to operate in transparent filter mode of operation. In step380the device determines that the fourth filter is to operate in opaque filter mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step372to step382.

In step382it is determined if the current filter mode of operation for the fourth filter is different from the determined filter mode of operation for the fourth filter. If the current filter mode of operation is different than the determined filter mode of operation, then operation proceeds from step382to step384; otherwise, operation proceeds from step382to step386.

In step384, the device controls the fourth filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined mode of operation. Operation proceeds from step384to step386.

In step386, if the determined mode of operation is transparent filter mode, then operation proceeds from step386to the input of step354. However, in step386, if the determined mode of operation is opaque filter mode, then operation proceeds from step386to the input of step388. In step388the device operates the fourth filter to operate during an eight period of time in opaque filter mode of operation. In some embodiments, step388includes step380, in which the device operates the fourth filter to be opaque to obstruct viewing into the vehicle. Operation proceeds from step388to the input of step358.

FIG. 3is a drawing of an exemplary vehicle400including a plurality of controllable filters (front license plate viewing controllable filter402, rear license plate viewing controllable filter404, front windshield decal/tag/VIN viewing controllable filter406, rear decal/tag/marking viewing controllable filter408, front window filter410, side window filter412, rear window filter414) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Front license plate viewing controllable filter402covers the front license plate403. Rear license plate viewing controllable filter404covers the rear license plate405. Front windshield decal/tag/VIN viewing controllable filter406covers front windshield's decal, tag, or VIN plate407. Rear decal/tag/marking viewing controllable filter408covers the decal, tag, or marking409on the rear of the vehicle. Front window filter410, included on top of or as part of the windshield411can, and sometimes does, restrict viewing into the vehicle. Side window filter412, included on top of or as part of the side window413can, and sometimes does, restrict viewing into the vehicle. Rear window filter414, included on top of or as part of the back window415can, and sometimes does, restrict viewing into the vehicle.

Exemplary vehicle400further includes a speed sensor416coupled to speed control circuit418for monitoring vehicle speed, filter control circuitry420coupled to each of the controllable filters (402,404,406,408,410,412,414), a user input device422, e.g., a touch screen display, switches, a keypad, etc., for receiving user input (e.g., with regard to desired filter settings) from the vehicle operator, a wireless interface424including a wireless receiver425and wireless transmitter427, e.g. supporting cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, and/or other communications protocols, e.g., for receiving control signals with regard to filter control, a processor426, e.g., a CPU, memory428including rules, procedures and operations to be followed, regarding determining filter mode of operation for each filter and changing filter mode of operation, and a navigation system430including a GPS receiver429and an inertial measurement unit (IMU)431, e.g. IMU on a chip, including gyroscopes433and accelerometers435. The various elements418,420,422,424,426,428, and430are coupled together via a bus432over which the various elements may interchange data and information. The wireless interface424is coupled to one or more antennas434, . . . ,426, via which the vehicle's CPU426may communicate with other devices, e.g., control devices which can control the controllable filters, via wireless signals. The GPS receiver429is coupled to a GPS antenna437for receiving GPS signals from satellites, used to determine time, GPS position, and velocity information. In some embodiments, one or more of all of the controllable filters (402,404,406,408,410,412,414) includes its own antenna (442,444,446,448,450,452,454) for receiving wireless control signals.

FIG. 4is a drawing500illustrating a police vehicle502including the capability to override controllable filters, a plurality of vehicles (vehicle1504, vehicle N506), each vehicle including one or more controllable filters. Vehicle1504includes rear license plate filter510which covers rear license plate511. Vehicle N506506includes front license plate filter520which covers front license plate521, front window filter522which covers front window decal523, and rear license plate filer524which covers rear license plate525. Vehicle1504includes antennas513,515. Vehicle2506includes antennas526,528,530,532.

Police vehicle502generates and transmits a wireless filter control signal503or a wireless control signal505, said wireless control signal (503,505) including a command message directed to a vehicle504including a controllable filter510, said control command message overriding the current setting of the controllable filter508and causing the controllable filter510to operate in transparent filter mode. In this example the controllable filter510is a filter which can block out viewing of the rear license plate511when in opaque mode of operation.

In a first approach exemplary signal503, which includes a control message to command controllable filter510to transparent mode is sent from police vehicle502, via antenna507, to a base station508which receives the signal503via antenna509and then resends the command control message503, via antenna509, as downlink signal503′ to vehicle504, and signal503′ is received via antenna515of vehicle504.

In a second approach exemplary signal505, which includes a control message to command controllable filter510to transparent mode is sent directly from police vehicle502to vehicle504, e.g., via a short range communications protocol, e.g. Bluetooth. In some embodiments, an antenna513is included as part of controllable filter510for receiving the command control signal505.

FIG. 5is a drawing600illustrating a mobile wireless device626sending a wireless filter control signal628to control a home site controllable filter (one of controllable filters608,606,604,610,612) to operate in transparent filter mode. Drawing600illustrates an exemplary building602, e.g., a house, apartment building, school, retail site building, factory, warehouse, etc., which includes a plurality of controllable filters (electric meter viewing controllable filter608covering electric meter display609, water meter viewing controllable filter606covering water meter display607, gas meter viewing controllable filter604covering gas meter display605, permit viewing controllable filter610covering permit611, and map/instruction viewing controllable filter612covering map/instructions613. Each of the controllable filters (608,606,604,610,612are coupled to filter control circuitry614. Building602further includes a processor616, e.g., a CPU, memory618, and wireless interface620including a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter. The various elements614,616,618,620,622are coupled together via bus624over which the elements may exchange data and information. Wireless interface620is coupled to antenna621via which the wireless interface620may receive and transmit wireless signals, e.g., from and to mobile wireless control device626, e.g., a control device belonging to a meter reader, inspector, government official, or emergency responder. In some embodiments, one or more of all of the controllable filters (608,606,604,610,612) includes its own antenna (658,656,654,650,652) for receiving and/or transmitting wireless control signals, e.g., from to a control device, e.g., mobile wireless control device626including antenna627.

FIG. 6is a drawing700illustrating a plurality of parking garages (702,704,706), including cameras and license plate readers, coupled to a privacy and/or billing server708, which processes received information corresponding to captured license plates and uses and/or distributes the information in accordance with stored privacy settings in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary parking garage1702includes camera1712, license plate reader1714, processor1716, e.g., a CPU, and network interface1718coupled together via bus720over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Exemplary parking garage2704includes camera2712′, license plate reader2714′, processor2716′, e.g., a CPU, and network interface2718′ coupled together via bus720′ over which the various elements may interchange data and information. Exemplary parking garage M706includes camera M712″, license plate reader M714″, processor M716″, e.g., a CPU, and network interface M718″ coupled together via bus720″ over which the various elements may interchange data and information. The parking garages (702,704,706) are coupled, via their interfaces (718,718′,718″), respectively, and bus710to privacy and/or billing server708.

Privacy and/or billing server708includes a network interface722, a processor724, e.g., a CPU, and memory726coupled together via a bus729over which the various elements (722,724,726) may interchange data and information. Memory726includes routines728and data/information730. Data/information730includes received messages reporting detected license plates, location information, and time tag information, generated messages734distributing detected license plate information, location information and time tag information in accordance with privacy settings. Data information730further includes a list of license plates736, customer information738, and privacy setting information740. Exemplary list of license plates736includes license plate number1742, license plate number2744, . . . , license plate number N746. Exemplary customer information738includes customer information747, e.g., a name, an address, an E-mail, a user profile, etc., corresponding to license plate number1, customer information748corresponding to license plate number2, and customer information750corresponding to license plate number M. Exemplary privacy settings information740includes a privacy setting corresponding to license plate number1752, e.g. none (e.g., signifying free to distribute), a privacy setting corresponding to license plate number2754, e.g. billing only, and a privacy setting corresponding to license plate number N756, e.g. marketing permitted to associated businesses.

In addition to providing a method and apparatus for reducing the risk that license plate information will be captured, various features are directed to a system for providing an entity, e.g., individual or company, the ability to set restrictions on the use of the license plate number information and/or information associated with an entity's vehicle license plate number.

In various embodiments, billing of the license plate holder for parking related services is implemented by the billing server without the parking garage operator being provided access to the license plate holder information stored in the license plate billing and privacy server.

The methods and apparatus address the technical problem of how to provide parking and/or billing services based on license plate number information without having to share billing information and/or other personal details with a parking garage. In addition, the methods and apparatus, at least in some embodiments, allow a license plate holder to express privacy intentions and/or set restrictions on use of license plate number and/or related information without having to know the identity of the parties capturing license plate information or the fact that license plate information was captured.

In various embodiments license plate holder, e.g., user's of motor vehicles can register their license plate number with a registration service, e.g., a license plate privacy system which in some embodiments is implemented as an Internet connected server. The license plate privacy system may be, and in some embodiments is, part of a parking garage billing system. The license plate holder can also provide billing information, e.g., credit card or payment service information which can and sometimes is associated in the license plate information data base. License plate holder name, address, and telephone information may be, and sometimes is, also associated with the license plate number in the registration system. The billing information can be, and in some embodiments is, kept confidential and not shared with a parking garage operator. However, the parking garage operator may report detection of a license plate number along with entry and/or vehicle exit times to the billing/privacy system. The system, implemented as a server in some embodiments, bills the holder of the license plate of the parking service provided, e.g., based on the date, entrance and/or exit times reported by the parking garage using the billing and/or privacy service. In various embodiments, while the license plate holder is billed by the billing/parking service the parking garage is not provided with the customer's, e.g., license plate holder billing information and may not, depending on the privacy setting associated with the license plate number be provided with information identity and/or home address of the license plate holder. The license plate based billing/privacy system can allow a user to register for one or more services to be charged based on license plate number detection knowing that the license plate holders billing and personal information will not be shared, in the case where information sharing is restricted by the license plate holder, with the company or entity reporting license plate detection and seeking payment for services rendered. In addition to license plate number and entry/exit time information (or simply license plate image capture time information in some cases) an image of the vehicle on which the reported license plate is mounted, is also sent to the billing system as evidence of that the vehicle with the indicated license plate number was in fact at the facility on the date/time reported to the billing system. Such images when sent and stored by the billing/privacy system can be used to confirm reported license plate detection when provided to the system since in at least some embodiments geolocation and time stamp information is embedded into the digital images sent with billing messages or as proof of detection of a license plate number as evidence of parking facility use.

The billing and privacy system can be used to provide billing services to multiple garages which are independently owned but also to car wash operators and/or other vehicle service providers. Accordingly, the methods and apparatus can be used to allow independent service operators to bill for services based on detected license plate numbers without the independent service operators having to have access to the customer's billing information or even be aware of the name or home address of the customer.

Thus in at least some embodiments parking garages contact the system when they detect, e.g., using a camera, a license plate of a vehicle and provide time of detection and whether the detection is associated with a parking lot entry or exit event as maybe determined by whether the license plate number was captured by a camera at an entrance or exit to the parking garage.

The system uses the license plate number and entry/exit information for billing purposes. E.g., the time of entry of a parking garage located at a particular geographic location is stored, the time of exit from the parking garage is also stored and an amount to be billed for use of the garage is determined based on the entry and exits times and/or whether the entity associated with the detected license plate number has purchased a monthly, weekly or daily parking permit or license for the garage being used.

While the billing and privacy system can be used to support secure and private billing for services based on license plate number information the system can also be used for license plate holders who do not want to use it for billing services to register information indicating a desire that their license plate number not be used for tracking, marketing and/or information sale or information distribution purposes. Accordingly with regard to one or more users the system operates simply as a privacy system to store and communicate to individuals detecting the user's license plate number the license plate holder's desire that their privacy be respected and that their license plate number not be used for one or more purposes, e.g., marketing information and/or location tracking purposes.

In some embodiment's a name, home or business address, and optionally billing information is associated with license plate number stored in a database, e.g., list or set of license plate records, in the system. Multiple license plate holders can store their license plate numbers and corresponding privacy preferences.

In various embodiments information about the vehicle location is stored and communicated to one or more entities. The entities may be parking garage owners but in some cases entities that do not operate a parking garage but who are willing to pay for information that can be used for law enforcement purposes, location determination purposes, e.g., vehicle tracking and location determination, and/or for marketing purposes. For example, businesses in an area may be willing to pay for information about individuals who routinely visit a particular area, e.g., where a parking garage is located so that they can target promotions, advertisements towards the individuals or vehicle user's who frequent an area.

In accordance with the invention, the system allows a user, e.g., license plate holder, to set restrictions on what his/her license plate number information can be used for. In some cases, the user indicates that the license plate number information can be used for parking garage services, e.g., billing, charging and/or determining of a right to use a parking garage or spot but not for other purposes. License plate number and associated information for individuals who do not set a privacy setting is, in some embodiments, automatically set to a default unrestricted setting. In the case where a privacy setting is unrestricted, license plate number and/or related information is allowed to be shared, sold and/or provided to other businesses and/or entities, e.g., for marking and/or tracking purposes. Law enforcement is allowed access to the parking and license plate information as required by any law or legal court order.

While the license plate number registration system is well suited for parking garages it can be used by any of a wide range of service providers and/or entities that capture and user license plate number information including parking garage operators but also user's with cameras set up to capture license plate numbers as vehicles pass by a camera system, e.g., located on private property along a side of a road for instance. An individual or business entity and enter license plate number information into the database and indicate that the license plate number be treated as a private number with one or use restrictions. In this way a license plate user can store in the privacy system license plate information restriction information and/or permissions. The register can, in effect, be used as a “do not share” information indicator to one or more entities which capture license plate numbers and can contact the system to determine license plate holder preferences or information restrictions set by the license plate holder.

Thus, in various embodiments a list or register is used to associate with a registered license plate number whether or not the license plate holder wants to restrict dissemination of information associated with the license plate number. User's registering their number with the license plate registration service may and in some embodiments do, pay a fee to the registration service. Alternatively, parking garages and/or other entities which capture license plate numbers may, and sometimes do, pay a fee to be allowed to determine if a license plate holder has set a do not share information restriction.

Parking garages and/or other systems which capture images and thus license plate numbers can check with the registration, e.g., privacy system, to determine if an entity, e.g., license plate holder, has indicated their desire to maintain privacy and avoid dissemination of information based on the capture of an image including a registered license plate number and/or detection of the license plate number.

License plate information may be used for a variety of acceptable purposes, e.g., identifying a vehicle for law enforcement purposes or for controlling access to a parking garage. An entity, e.g., individual or company with which a license plate is associated, may, and sometimes does, consent to the use of his license plate number information for particular purposes such as for controlling access to a parking garage. The consent may be explicit in a parking agreement or implicit by a user providing the license plate number information in addition to his/her contact information when renting a parking space, e.g., on a monthly basis or some other basis.

The license plate registration/privacy system may be viewed as something similar to a “do not call list” where individuals can register their license and express an indication that the license plate number not be used for targeting advertisements and or other marketing campaigns that may involve license plate holder information and/or attempts to contact the license plate holder or to track the license plate holder.

FIG. 7is a flowchart800of an exemplary method of storing and using information associated with a vehicle license plate number in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary method of flowchart800is performed, e.g., by a server, e.g. privacy and/or billing server708of system700ofFIG. 6.

Operation starts in step802in which the server is powered on and initialized. Operation proceeds from start step to step804. In step804, the server stores in a storage device803(e.g., memory or disc storage) a list of license plate numbers, and for each license plate number, corresponding information, said license plate numbers including a first license plate number, information corresponding to the first license plate number stored in the storage device including one or more or all of: i) billing information corresponding to the license plate holder, ii) address information corresponding to the license plate holder, and/or iii) privacy preference information indicating whether the license plate holder of the first license plate seeks to limit the distribution of information corresponding to the first license plate (e.g., whether information associated with the license plate can be provided to other entities and/or the license plate holder does not want anyone who detects the license plate to use it for marketing and/or location tracking purposes). In some embodiments, storage device803is memory706of server708of system700. In some other embodiments, storage device803is a separate storage device, e.g., an external memory, coupled to server708of system700. Operation proceeds from step804to step805.

In step805the server monitors for messages communicating a license plate number (e.g., in a communicated captured image or in the form of a number which was determined from a captured image and communicated in number form), e.g., repetitively, on an ongoing basis. Step805may, and sometimes does, include step806. In step806the server receives a message, e.g., a first message, communicating a license plate number. Operation proceeds from step806to step808.

In step808the server determines if the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number. Operation proceeds from step808to step810.

In step810, if the server determined that the storage device does not include information corresponding to the detected communicated license plate number, then operation proceeds from step810to the input of step805, for additional monitoring. However, in step810if the server determined that the storage device does include information corresponding to the detected communicated license plate number, then operation proceeds from step810to step812.

In step812the server performs one or more of: i) responding to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting information (e.g., whether or not the license plate number corresponds to a number for which a user has set a privacy restriction such as prohibiting use of license plate number detection information for marketing and/or targeted advertising purposes or location tracking) or ii) performing a billing operation for services provided by the sender of the first message with providing the sender billing information (and in some cases without providing license plate holder identification information to the sender of the first message). In some embodiments, responding to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting includes sending a response message to the sender of the first message indicating that the sender should not use the information associated with the license plate number communicated in the first message (e.g., for marketing or license plate holder tracking). Operation proceeds from step812to the input of step805, for additional monitoring.

In some embodiments, the sender of the first message is a parking garage operator. In some embodiments, the sender of the first message is a car service provider (e.g., car wash operator or car repair service provider such as a mechanic).

FIRST NUMBERED LIST OF EXEMPLARY METHOD EMBODIMENTS

Method Embodiment 1. A privacy protection method, the method comprising: operating (204) a first filter placed over a first surface displaying information to operate during a first period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating (238) the first filter to operate during a second period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 1A. The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein the first filter is a filter positioned over a license plate that includes a license plate number; wherein operating (204) the first filter to operate in the first mode of operation includes operating (206) the first filter to be transparent to allow viewing of said license plate number; and wherein operating (238) the first filter to operate during the second period of time includes: operating (240) the first filter to obstruct viewing of the license plate number.

Method Embodiment 1B. The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said filter is powered by a vehicle battery or vehicle power supply system and wherein said filter is controlled by a processor which receives information from one or more vehicle systems (e.g., GPS systems or vehicle speed control systems) which supply information on i) vehicle location, ii) vehicle speed, iii) parking brake status, iv) a vehicle wireless communications system (e.g., cellular, WiFi and/or Bluetooth system).

Method Embodiment 2. The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first surface displaying information is a surface of: i) a vehicle license plate, ii) a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate, iii) the vehicle, trailer or cargo container (e.g., business name, identification number, or cargo container number on back or side of truck, trailer or cargo container), iv) an inspection sticker, v) a registration card or sticker, vi) a parking sticker, parking tag or parking card, vii) a security access sticker, viii) an event access sticker, ix) a VIP access sticker, x) a facility or park access sticker, xi) a usage meter (e.g., water, gas or electric meter), xii) a permit, xiii) a building or construction related information, or xiv) a display device such as an LCD screen.

Method Embodiment 3. The method of Method Embodiment 2, wherein said filter is an LCD filter which is transparent or semi-transparent during said transparent mode of operation allowing numbers on the first surface to be viewed through said filter during the first mode of operation and opaque during the second mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 4. The method of Method Embodiment 2, wherein said surface is a surface of a vehicle license plate, said surface includes a vehicle license plate number, the method further comprising: receiving (208) one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information or iv) vehicle location information; and determining (222), e.g., using a processor or control circuit, based on the received one or more signals, whether the first filter is to operate in the transparent filter mode of operation or the opaque filter mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the first filter is to operate being a determined mode of filter operation.

Method Embodiment 5. The method of Method Embodiment 4, further comprising: determining (232) if a current mode of first filter operation is different from the determined filter mode of operation; and in response to determining that the current mode of filter operation is different from the determined filter mode of operation controlling (234) the first filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 5A. The method of Method Embodiment 4, wherein receiving (208) one or more signals includes receiving user input includes receiving user input (210) controlling the filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode.

Method Embodiment 5B. The method of Method Embodiment 4, wherein receiving (208) one or more signals includes receiving user input includes receiving (212) user input controlling the filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode.

Method Embodiment 6. The method of Method Embodiment 4, wherein receiving (208) one or more signals includes receiving (214) said control information, said control information being communicated in a wireless signal (e.g., transmitted from a police vehicle or handheld device corresponding to a law enforcement entity, inspector or other individual authorized to override the filter and control it to switch to the first mode of operation to thereby allow the license plate number or other information obscured by the filter when operating in the second mode of operation to become visible).

Method Embodiment 7. The method of Method Embodiment 4, wherein receiving (208) one or more signals includes receiving (216) vehicle mode of operation information (e.g., from a computer or sensor on the vehicle on which the filter is mounted) indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked.

Method Embodiment 8. The method of Method Embodiment 7, further comprising:

operating a processor (224) on said vehicle to control the mode of filter operation based on the received vehicle mode of operation information (in some embodiments the filter is made transparent when the vehicle is moving, in other embodiments the filter is made opaque (e.g., to operate in second mode when the vehicle is parked), in still other embodiments the mode of vehicle operation is taken into consideration along with the location of the vehicle, e.g., whether the vehicle is on public or private property with the filter being operated in the opaque mode in some such embodiments only when on private property, and in still other embodiments, only when on private property and the vehicle is not moving).

Method Embodiment 9. The method of Method Embodiment 7, wherein receiving (208) one or more signals indicates that the vehicle is parked and wherein the method further includes: operating (224) a processor on said vehicle to control the mode of filter operation based on whether or not the vehicle is parked (e.g., the filter is operated in the second opaque mode when parked but not when the vehicle is moving).

Method Embodiment 10. The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said first surface displaying information is a surface (e.g., surface of a permit or other information posting or of a display device) of a physical apparatus (which could be a printed document, permit or poster, electronic display device or display portion of a physical meter such as a power or water meter) mounted on a building.

Method Embodiment 11. The method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: operating (254) a second filter placed over a second surface displaying information to operate during a third period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating (288) the second filter to operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 11A. The method of Method Embodiment 11, wherein the first surface is a surface of: a vehicle license plate displaying a license plate number, and wherein said second surface is one of: i) a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate, ii) the vehicle, a trailer or a cargo container (e.g., business name, identification number, or cargo container number on back or side of truck, trailer or cargo container), iii) an inspection sticker, iv) a registration card or sticker, v) a parking sticker, parking tag or parking card, vi) a security access sticker, vii) an event access sticker, viii) a VIP access sticker, ix) a facility or park access sticker, or x) a display device such as an LCD screen.

Method Embodiment 11B. The method of Method Embodiment 11, wherein the first surface is a surface of: a first usage meter (e.g., water, gas, or electric meter) and wherein said second surface is one of: i) a second usage meter (e.g. water, gas, or electric meter), ii) a permit, iii) building or construction related information, or iv) a display device such as an LCD screen.

Method Embodiment 12. The method of Method Embodiment 11, further comprising: operating (304) a third filter positioned in a first window viewing area to operate during a fifth period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating (340) the third filter positioned in the first window viewing area to operate during a sixth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 12A. The method of Method Embodiment 12, wherein said first window is one of a front, side or back window of the vehicle.

Method Embodiment 12B. The method of Method Embodiment 12A, further comprising: determining a mode of filter operation for the third filter based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. (e.g., opaque mode for parked to provide security (so no one can see what is stored inside the vehicle) or for privacy).

Method Embodiment 12C. The method of Method Embodiment 12A, further comprising: determining a mode of filter operation for the third filter based on location of the vehicle ((e.g., public property (transparent) or private property (opaque) or (based on state in which vehicle is located and rules for tinted windows corresponding to the state)).

Method Embodiment 12D. The method of Method Embodiment 12C, wherein said determination of the mode of filter operation for the third filter is further based on whether the window is a front window, side window or back window (different rules in some states for different windows with regard to tinted glass.)

Method Embodiment 12D1. The method of Method Embodiment 12, further comprising: operating (304) a fourth filter positioned in a second window viewing area to operate during a seventh period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating (340) the fourth filter positioned in the second window viewing area to operate during a eighth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 12E. The method of Method Embodiment 12D1, wherein said first window is a front window and said second window is a side window (different state rules for front windshield tinting and side window tinting).

Method Embodiment 13. The method of Method Embodiment 11, further comprising: operating (304) a second filter positioned in a first window viewing area to operate during a third period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operating (340) the second filter positioned in the first window viewing area to operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

Method Embodiment 13B. The method of Method Embodiment 13, wherein operating (340) the second filter positioned in the first window viewing area to operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation includes operating the second filter to be opaque when looking into the first window from outside the vehicle and operating the second filter to allow limited or full visibility when looking into the first window from inside the vehicle (one way opaque allows a person inside the vehicle to see outside but does not allow a person outside to see into the vehicle).

FIRST NUMBERED LIST OF EXEMPLARY SYSTEM EMBODIMENTS

System Embodiment 1. A privacy protection system comprising: a first filter positioned over a first surface displaying information (e.g., a license plate number); and a processor configured to control the first filter to: i) operate during a first period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and ii) operate during a second period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

System Embodiment 1A. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein the first filter is a filter positioned over a license plate that includes a license plate number; wherein controlling (204) the first filter to operate in the first mode of operation includes operating (206) the first filter to be transparent to allow viewing of said license plate number; and wherein controlling (238) the first filter to operate during the second period of time includes: operating (240) the first filter to obstruct viewing of the license plate number.

System Embodiment 1B. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said filter is powered by a vehicle battery or vehicle power supply system and wherein said filter is controlled by a processor which receives information from one or more vehicle systems (e.g., GPS systems or vehicle speed control systems) which supply information on i) vehicle location, ii) vehicle speed, iii) parking brake status, iv) a vehicle wireless communications system (e.g., cellular, WiFi and/or Bluetooth system).

System Embodiment 2. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first surface displaying information is a surface of: i) a vehicle license plate; ii) a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate; iii) the vehicle, trailer or cargo container (e.g., business name, identification number, or cargo container number on back or side of truck, trailer or cargo container) iv) an inspection sticker; v) a registration card or sticker, vi) a parking sticker, parking tag or parking card; vii) a security access sticker, viii) an event access sticker, ix) a VIP access sticker, x) a facility or park access sticker, xi) a usage meter (e.g., water, gas or electric meter), xii) a permit, xiii) a building or construction related information, or xiv) a display device such as an LCD screen.

System Embodiment 3. The system of System Embodiment 2, wherein said filter is an LCD filter which is transparent or semi-transparent during said transparent mode of operation allowing numbers on the first surface to be viewed through said filter during the first mode of operation and opaque during the second mode of operation.

System Embodiment 4. The system of System Embodiment 2, wherein said surface is a surface of a vehicle license plate, said surface includes a vehicle license plate number, the system further comprising: a receiver for receiving (208) one or more signals providing: i) user input, ii) control information, iii) vehicle mode of operation information or iv) vehicle location information; and wherein the processor is further configured to determine (222), based on the received one or more signals, whether the first filter is to operate in the transparent filter mode of operation or the opaque filter mode of operation, the mode of operation in which the first filter is to operate being a determined mode of filter operation.

System Embodiment 5. The system of System Embodiment 4, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine (232) if a current mode of first filter operation is different from the determined filter mode of operation; and control (234), in response to determining that the current mode of filter operation is different from the determined filter mode of operation, the first filter to change from the current mode of operation to the determined filter mode of operation.

System Embodiment 5A. The system of System Embodiment 4, wherein said receiver receives (208) user input (210) controlling the filter to switch from the transparent filter mode to the opaque filter mode.

System Embodiment 5B. The system of System Embodiment 4, wherein said receiver is configured to receive (208) one or more signals includes receiving user input includes receiving (212) user input controlling the filter to switch from the opaque filter mode to the transparent filter mode.

System Embodiment 6. The system of System Embodiment 4, wherein the receiver includes a wireless received configured to receive control information, said control information being communicated in a wireless signal (e.g., transmitted from a police vehicle or handheld device corresponding to a law enforcement entity, inspector or other individual authorized to override the filter and control it to switch to the first mode of operation to thereby allow the license plate number or other information obscured by the filter when operating in the second mode of operation to become visible).

System Embodiment 7. The system of System Embodiment 4, wherein said receiver is configured to receive (208) one or more signals includes receiving (216) vehicle mode of operation information (e.g., from a computer or sensor on the vehicle on which the filter is mounted) indicating one or more of: i) the vehicle is moving or ii) the vehicle is parked.

System Embodiment 8. The system of System Embodiment 7, wherein the processor (224) is mounted on said vehicle and is configured to control the mode of filter operation based on received vehicle mode of operation information (in some embodiments the filter is made transparent when the vehicle is moving, in other embodiments the filter is made opaque (e.g., to operate in second mode when the vehicle is parked), in still other embodiments the mode of vehicle operation is taken into consideration along with the location of the vehicle, e.g., whether the vehicle is on public or private property with the filter being operated in the opaque mode in some such embodiments only when on private property and, in still other embodiments, only when on private property and the vehicle is not moving).

System Embodiment 9. The system of System Embodiment 7, wherein said receiver is configured to receive (208) one or more signals indicating that the vehicle is parked and wherein said processor (224) on said vehicle is configured to control the mode of filter operation based on whether or not the vehicle is parked (e.g., the filter is operated in the second opaque mode when parked but not when the vehicle is moving).

System Embodiment 10. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said first surface displaying information is a surface (e.g., surface of a permit or other information posting or of a display device) of a physical apparatus (which could be a printed document, permit or poster, electronic display device or display portion of a physical meter such as a power or water meter) mounted on a building.

System Embodiment 11. The system of System Embodiment 1, further comprising: a second filter placed over a second surface that displays additional information; and wherein the processor (224) is further configured to control the second filter to: i) operate during a third period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and ii) operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

System Embodiment 11A. The system of System Embodiment 11, wherein the first surface is a surface of: a vehicle license plate displaying a license plate number, and wherein said second surface is one of: i) a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate; ii) the vehicle, a trailer or a cargo container (e.g., business name, identification number, or cargo container number on back or side of truck, trailer or cargo container) iii) an inspection sticker; iv) a registration card or sticker, v) a parking sticker, parking tag or parking card; vi) a security access sticker, vii) an event access sticker, viii) a VIP access sticker, ix) a facility or park access sticker, or x) a display device such as an LCD screen.

System Embodiment 11B. The method of System Embodiment 11, wherein the first surface is a surface of: a first usage meter (e.g., water, gas, or electric meter) and wherein said second surface is one of: i) a second usage meter (e.g. water, gas, or electric meter), ii) a permit, iii) building or construction related information, or iv) a display device such as an LCD screen.

System Embodiment 12. The system of System Embodiment 11, further comprising: a third filter positioned in a first window viewing area; and wherein the processor is further configured to: operate the third filter in a transparent filter mode of operation during a fifth period of time; and operate (340) the third filter in opaque filter mode of operation during a sixth period of time.

System Embodiment 12A. The system of System Embodiment 12, wherein said first window is one of a front, side or back window of the vehicle.

System Embodiment 12B. The system of System Embodiment 12A, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a mode of filter operation for the third filter based on whether or not the vehicle is parked. (e.g., opaque mode for parked to provide security (so no one can see what is stored inside the vehicle) or for privacy).

System Embodiment 12C. The system of System Embodiment 12A, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a mode of filter operation for the third filter based on location of the vehicle ((e.g., public property (transparent) or private property (opaque) or (based on state in which vehicle is located and rules for tinted windows corresponding to the state)).

System Embodiment 12D. The system of System Embodiment 12C, wherein said determination of the mode of filter operation for the third filter is further based on whether the window is a front window, side window or back window (different rules in some states for different windows with regard to tinted glass.)

System Embodiment 12D1. The system of System Embodiment 12, further comprising: a fourth filter positioned in a second window viewing area; and wherein the processor is further configured to: operate the fourth filter during a seventh period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operate (340) the fourth filter positioned in the second window viewing area in opaque filter mode of operation during an eighth period of time.

System Embodiment 12E. The system of System Embodiment 12D1, wherein said first window is a front window and said second window is a side window (different state rules for front windshield tinting and side window tinting).

System Embodiment 13. The system of System Embodiment 11, further comprising: a second filter positioned in a first window viewing area; and wherein the processor is further configured to: operate (304) the second filter during a third period of time in transparent filter mode of operation; and operate (340) the second filter during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation.

System Embodiment 13B. The system of System Embodiment 13, wherein operating (340) the second filter positioned in the first window viewing area to operate during a fourth period of time in opaque filter mode of operation includes operating the second filter to be opaque when looking into the first window from outside the vehicle and operating the second filter to allow limited or full visibility when looking into the first window from inside the vehicle (one way opaque allows a person inside the vehicle to see outside but does not allow a person outside to see into the vehicle).

SECOND NUMBERED LIST OF EXEMPLARY METHOD EMBODIMENTS

Method Embodiment 1. A method for storing and using information associated with a vehicle license plate number, the method comprising: storing (804) in a storage device (e.g., memory or disc storage) a list of license plate numbers and, for each license plate number corresponding information, said license plate numbers including a first license plate number, information corresponding to the first license plate number stored in said storage device including one or more of: i) billing information corresponding to the license plate holder; ii) address information corresponding to the license plate holder, and/or iii) privacy preference information indicating whether the license plate holder of the first license plate seeks to limit the distribution of information corresponding to the first license plate (e.g., whether information associated with the license plate can be provided to other entities and/or the license plate holder does not want anyone who detects the license plate to use it for marketing and/or location tracking purposes); monitoring (805) for messages communicating a license plate number (e.g., in a captured image or in the form of a number which was determined from a captured image and communicated in number form); and in response to receiving (806) a first message communicating a license plate number, determining (808) if the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number.

Method Embodiment 2. The method of Method Embodiment 1, further comprising: in response to determining (810, Y) that the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number performing (812) one or more of: i) responding to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting information (e.g., whether or not the license plate number corresponds to a number for which a user has set a privacy restriction such as prohibiting use of license plate number detection information for marketing and/or targeted advertising purposes or location tracking) or ii) performing a billing operation for services provided by the sender of the first message without providing the sender billing information (and in some cases without providing license plate holder identification information to the sender of the first message).

Method Embodiment 3. The method of Method Embodiment 2, wherein the sender of the first message is a parking garage operator.

Method Embodiment 4. The method of Method Embodiment 3, wherein the sender of the first message is a car service provider (e.g., car wash operator or car repair service provider such as a mechanic).

Method Embodiment 5. The method of Method Embodiment 1, responding to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting information is performed and includes sending a response message to the sender of the first message that they should not use information associated with the license plate number communicated in said first message (e.g., for marketing or license plate holder tracking).

SECOND NUMBERED LIST OF EXEMPLARY SYSTEM EMBODIMENTS

System Embodiment 1. A system for storing and using information associated with a vehicle license plate number, the system comprising:

a storage device (e.g., memory730or disc storage) storing (804) a list of license plate numbers and, for each license plate number corresponding information, said license plate numbers including a first license plate number, information corresponding to the first license plate number stored in said storage device including one or more of: i) billing information corresponding to the license plate holder; ii) address information corresponding to the license plate holder, and/or iii) privacy preference information indicating whether the license plate holder of the first license plate seeks to limit the distribution of information corresponding to the first license plate (e.g., whether information associated with the license plate can be provided to other entities and/or the license plate holder does not want anyone who detects the license plate to use it for marketing and/or location tracking purposes); monitoring (805) for messages communicating a license plate number (e.g., in a captured image or in the form of a number which was determined from a captured image and communicated in number form); and

and a processor (724) in a server (708) said processor (724) being configured to determine (808) if the storage device includes information corresponding to a communicated license plate number in response to receipt (806) of a first message communicating the license plate number.

System Embodiment 2. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said processor (724) is further configured to determine (810, Y) that the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number; and in response to determining that the storage device includes information corresponding to the communicated license plate number, control the server708to perform (812) one or more of: i) responding to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting information (e.g., whether or not the license plate number corresponds to a number for which a user has set a privacy restriction such as prohibiting use of license plate number detection information for marketing and/or targeted advertising purposes or location tracking) and/or ii) performing a billing operation for services provided by the sender of the first message without providing the sender billing information (and in some cases without providing license plate holder identification information to the sender of the first message).

System Embodiment 3. The system of System Embodiment 2, wherein the sender of the first message is a parking garage operator.

System Embodiment 4. The system of System Embodiment 3, wherein the sender of the first message is a car service provider (e.g., car wash operator or car repair service provider such as a mechanic).

System Embodiment 5. The system of System Embodiment 1, wherein said processor is configured to control the server to respond to the message communicating the license plate number with user privacy setting information is and wherein the processor controls the server, as part of responding to send a response message to the sender of the first message that they should not use information associated with the license plate number communicated in said first message (e.g., for marketing or license plate holder tracking).

While in various embodiments the components mounted on the vehicle are shown as being distributed at various locations on a vehicle, in some embodiments they are integrated into a license plate frame or other device which can be easily mounted on a vehicle. In such cases the processor used to control the controllable filter(s), GPS receiver used to determine vehicle location, the wireless receiver used to receive control information and a power supply, e.g., lithium battery used in some cases to power the filter(s), processor and wireless receiver are all integrated into a single device, e.g., license plate mount and need not be tied to the vehicle systems.

Numerous variations on the above described methods and apparatus are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description of the invention. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of the invention. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may be, and in various embodiments are, implemented using a variety of wireless communications technologies such as CDMA, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), WiFi, and/or various other types of communications techniques which may be used to provide wireless communications links

Some aspects and/or features are directed a non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a set of software instructions, e.g., computer executable instructions, for controlling a computer or other device, e.g., a controller or vehicle to be operated in accordance with the above discussed methods.

The techniques of various embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware and/or a combination of software and hardware. Various embodiments are directed to a control apparatus, e.g., controller which can be implemented using a microprocessor including a CPU, memory and one or more stored instructions for controlling a device or apparatus to implement one or more of the above described steps. Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., a method of performing one or more of the other operations described in the present application. Various embodiments are also directed to a non-transitory machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method.

As discussed above various features of the present invention are implemented using modules. Such modules may, and in some embodiments are, implemented as software modules. In other embodiments the modules are implemented in hardware. In still other embodiments the modules are implemented using a combination of software and hardware. In some embodiments the modules are implemented as individual circuits with each module being implemented as a circuit for performing the function to which the module corresponds. A wide variety of embodiments are contemplated including some embodiments where different modules are implemented differently, e.g., some in hardware, some in software, and some using a combination of hardware and software. It should also be noted that routines and/or subroutines, or some of the steps performed by such routines, may be implemented in dedicated hardware as opposed to software executed on a general purpose processor. Such embodiments remain within the scope of the present invention. Many of the above described methods or method steps can be implemented using machine executable instructions, such as software, included in a machine readable medium such as a memory device, e.g., RAM, floppy disk, etc. to control a machine, e.g., general purpose computer with or without additional hardware, to implement all or portions of the above described methods. Accordingly, among other things, the present invention is directed to a machine-readable medium including machine executable instructions for causing a machine, e.g., processor and associated hardware, to perform one or more of the steps of the above-described method(s).

The techniques of the present invention may be implemented using software, hardware and/or a combination of software and hardware. The present invention is directed to apparatus, e.g., a mobile vehicle which implements one or more of the steps of the present invention. The present invention is also directed to machine readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps in accordance with the present invention.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of the various embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Such variations are to be considered within the scope.