Summary of the story

This is a success story about the parking enforcement with the EG-800 Pocket PC and application software by the public enforcement officers performed daily in UK. The product being selected by Langdale Systems Limited is the EG-800 Pocket PC with color touch panel display and ruggedized case.

	Inputting data of illegally parked car into the EG-800.

The application
Management information is essential in the efficient running of any operation. The CASIO solution provides such detail in abundance; not just on tickets issued but also the patrol activity and performance. This information is transferred to the host system where it can be analyzed using the Parking Office's powerful Management Information Module, a specific application software developed for the application - NetaPen -.

The NetaPen software is designed to be flexible. It is configured from its complementary program running on the host PC or network. Changes can be made quickly and easily and are updated onto the CASIO Pocket PC next time it is connected. That way all machines have the same instructions and operational changes can be made without the need to revise the software.
The size, quality and format of the printed notice are important. Tickets are issued using a belt-mounted printer linking to the CASIO EG-800 via an infrared link.

The application software running on the EG-800
Using NetaPen is remarkably like filling in a paper form - right down to the stylus that is used instead of a keyboard. Location, Offense, Make and Color are all selected from pop-up lists - simply point and pick. A convenient pop-up keyboard is automatically presented for entering the Registration Mark and other data strings.
The evidence of the officer issuing the Parking Notice is key in rebutting claims from the errant motorist. The EG-800 running NetaPen takes care of this through its powerful information-gathering systems. Notes, Sketches, Audio Recording and Photographs all come within its remit as a comprehensive Ticketing Terminal.
The EG-800 comes with large memory capacity (32MB) to ensure adequate storage for photographs, notes, sketches and audio recording whilst still leaving room for permit holders, persistent offenders, stolen vehicles, etc.
Communication is another of NetaPen's strong points. No more unreliable cable connections: built-in infrared ports on both printer and handheld are used to transfer the ticket data for printing. Software modems and cards provide direct access to the mobile telephone network.

A Penalty Charge Notice, an Excess Charge, a Fixed Charge, or a Notice of Intended Prosecution is a vital piece of paper. NetaPen's software running on the CASIO EG-800, holds master documents for each type of ticket and merges the variable data as the ticket is printed. Ticket Numbering can be different for each type too and check digits added.

The EG-800 handheld terminal is being used as more than a ticket issuer however:

• Collects valuable data on patrol activity
• Provides the patroller with important and relevant information
• Minimizes the data entry task to speed up operation
• Performs data verification so that errors can be corrected at the time
• Collects and stores relevant evidence in picture, graphic and audio format using a digital camera.

Collecting evidence
The CASIO/ NetaPen solution collects evidence that is made IMMEDIATELY available in Parking Office for Windows. This is invaluable to the parking attendants in enabling them to deal fully and comprehensively with telephone and written inquires and objections.
There are four ways in which evidence is collected:

1. Digital Photographs
	The EG-800 has a digital camera facility, using the CompactFlash slot. Any number of photographs can be taken during, or immediately after, the issue of a ticket, providing irrefutable evidence of parking out of bay, non-display of Disabled Badge, etc. Separate cameras can also be used. The parking attendant enters the next frame number onto NetaPen and the picture is attached to the ticket on download of both camera and terminal.
	The optional digital camera card (JK-710DC) and the EG-800 handheld terminal
2. Sketches
	Where a camera is not used the parking attendant can sketch the position of the offending vehicle on the screen. This is saved and attached to the relevant ticket.
3. Notes
	Notes can be written on the screen in freehand. These are saved as an image file and can be reproduced at any time. This method prevents any defense suggestion that errors were made during the conversion from handwriting to computer text.
4. Audio Recording
	NetaPen compresses speech to such a level that many minutes of recording can be stored during a patrol. This can be played back on the EG-800 or any Windows PC. The parking attendant can record comments by motorists and add useful background information.

Hardware used in the system configuration
The CASIO EG-800 Pocket PC is used with the JK-710 digital camera card. The EG-800 is rugged and weather resistant, as well as being compact in size. The Microsoft Pocket PC operating system makes it easy to use and the integrated camera allows picture evidence without having to carry a separate camera. Tickets are printed using the Seiko DPU3445 Thermal Printer, which produces tickets at the rate of 50mm/sec over a 112 mm wide form. Top of Form detection means that the Penalty Notice can be pre-printed with the static information, ensuring a totally professional product.