Patent ID: 8830088

Claim:
A method comprising: transmitting a measurement command from a computer-based controller to a selected one of a plurality of occupancy sensors, wherein the selected one of the occupancy sensors has an address that corresponds to an address in an occupancy sensor identifier, wherein the measurement command is adapted to cause the occupancy sensor to transmit an ultrasonic signal into an associated one of a plurality of monitored parking spaces in a parking facility, receive a plurality of echo signals reflected back to the occupancy sensor from surfaces in or around the associated parking space, and determine, based on the plurality of echo signals received, whether the associated parking space is occupied or empty; after transmitting the measurement command, sending a status check to the occupancy sensor from the computer-based controller; and receiving a response to the status check at the computer-based controller, wherein the response includes the occupancy sensor's determination as to whether the associated parking space is occupied or empty.