Audio/video automated payment facility
A central monitoring station is linked to a plurality of remote terminals, such as payment terminals at a plurality of parking facilities. A two-way communication system enables communication between a customer who is remote from the central monitoring station and an attendant at the central monitoring station. The communication system may also allow the attendant to manipulate each remote terminal to collect data or troubleshoot or override the function of the terminal.
1. A method of operating an automated payment system for a parking facility, the automated payment system comprising an exit gate operable to control egress from the parking facility, a payment terminal positioned at a remote location from the exit gate in the parking facility, the payment terminal including (i) a ticket reader that receives a parking ticket, (ii) a microprocessor programmed to determine a required payment amount based on the parking ticket, and (iii) a payment acceptor that receives the required payment amount, and a two-way video and audio communication system positioned at the remote location, the method comprising:
activating the two-way video and audio communication system to enable two-way video and audio communication between a customer at the remote location and a live attendant at a monitoring facility remote from the remote location,
validating a parking ticket at the payment terminal positioned at the remote location,
inserting the validated parking ticket at the exit gate of the parking facility, and
operating the exit gate after receiving the validated parking ticket to permit egress from the parking facility.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein validating the parking ticket includes operating the payment terminal from the monitoring facility to remotely validate the parking ticket.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein validating the parking ticket includes receiving cash in the payment terminal.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein validating the parking ticket includes receiving a credit card in the payment terminal.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein activating the two-way video and audio communication system includes transmitting data via an Internet link.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the payment terminal includes a video display, a speaker, a video camera, and a microphone of the two-way video and audio communication system.