An electronic non-stop toll collection tag

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic toll collection tag. The electronic toll collection tag comprises: a communication module for communicating with a roadside unit via an antenna module; a connector for electrically connecting the vehicle window glass to the electronic toll collection tag; and a controller for determining whether the electronic toll collection tag has been removed based on a signal from the connector. This electronic toll collection tag has a simpler structure and a smaller size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intelligent transportation system (ITS), and in particular to an electronic non-stop toll collection tag. Background Art

[0002] In the ETC system, the electronic non-stop toll collection tag installed on the motor vehicle uses DSRC technology to establish a microwave communication link with the RSU (RoadSide Unit), thereby realizing vehicle identity recognition, electronic toll deduction, etc. without stopping.

[0003] The anti-disassembly function is a key feature of electronic toll collection tags. It prevents unauthorized removal and theft, ensuring that the vehicle information stored in the tag corresponds to the actual vehicle it is installed on. This function prevents the tag from being illegally removed and stolen, generating internal information indicating it has been disassembled. This prevents the tag from communicating with the RSU, minimizing unnecessary losses for users.

[0004] Currently, electronic toll collection tags primarily rely on mechanical and CAN-based tamper-evident protection. Mechanical tamper-evident protection, due to its bulky structural components, is not well integrated into the vehicle. Furthermore, since front-mounted electronic toll collection tags lack batteries, real-time monitoring is impossible when the power is disconnected, rendering complete tamper-evident protection impossible. Backup power tamper-evident protection relies on energy storage components with poor low-temperature characteristics, potentially failing to meet temperature requirements. Furthermore, the capacitors are bulky and occupy a significant amount of space. CAN tamper-evident protection requires connection to the host CAN bus, and the security authentication algorithm is complex, requiring a lengthy development cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic non-stop toll collection tag to address the defects of the existing technology such as large size or complex algorithm.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is to construct an electronic non-stop toll collection tag, including:

[0007] A communication module, used for communicating with the roadside unit via the antenna module;

[0008] A connecting portion, used for electrically connecting the vehicle window glass to the electronic toll collection tag;

[0009] The controller is used to determine whether the electronic toll collection tag is disassembled according to the signal of the connecting part.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting portion includes a solder pad arranged on the PCB board of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag, and its position corresponds to the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass; and the anti-dismantling circuit of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag forms an electrical circuit through the solder pad on the PCB board and the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass in sequence.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting portion includes a first solder pad and a second solder pad arranged on the PCB board, and their positions correspond to a third solder pad and a fourth solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass, respectively, wherein the third solder pad and the fourth solder pad are connected through a reserved circuit on the vehicle window glass; and the anti-dismantling circuit of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag forms an electrical circuit through the first solder pad, the third solder pad, the fourth solder pad, and the second solder pad in sequence.

[0012] Preferably, the first pad and the third pad are welded via a cable or a metal column, and the second pad and the fourth pad are welded via a cable or a metal column.

[0013] Preferably, the first pad or the second pad is connected to the IO port of the controller through an anti-dismantling circuit. When the connectivity between the first pad and the second pad is detected to be disconnected, the IO port level signal changes, causing the controller to determine that the electronic non-stop toll collection tag has been disassembled.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a first antenna component fixed on the PCB board of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag and connected to the communication module, and the first antenna component is used to couple the signal with the second antenna component fixed in the vehicle window glass, thereby forming an antenna module for communicating with the roadside unit.

[0015] Preferably, the antenna modules are all fixed between the outer layer of glass and the inner layer of glass of the vehicle window glass, and a groove structure is provided on the outer edge of the inner layer of glass, wherein the communication module is electrically connected to the antenna module through a cable passing through the groove structure.

[0016] Preferably, the electronic toll collection tag further includes a housing, and the controller, the communication module and the connection part are integrated on a PCB board of the electronic toll collection tag and installed or accommodated in the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the housing includes a rear shell facing the inner side of the vehicle window glass, the rear shell includes the bonding portion and an opening portion, and the first antenna assembly is used to be exposed through the opening portion and signal-coupled with the second antenna assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the electronic non-stop toll collection tag further includes a power supply, and the power supply is used to connect to the vehicle power supply.

[0019] Preferably, it further comprises a Bluetooth module connected to the controller, and the Bluetooth module is used to send a broadcast pairing signal when receiving a start signal of the car engine to pair with the user terminal device.

[0020] Preferably, the antenna module is a microstrip antenna.

[0021] The technical solution provided by this invention electrically connects the electronic toll collection tag to the vehicle window. When the electronic toll collection tag is removed from the vehicle window, the signal from the connection changes, and the controller can use this signal change to determine that the tag has been removed. Therefore, compared to existing anti-removal solutions, this electronic toll collection tag has a simpler structure and is smaller in size, as it does not require a bulky mechanical anti-removal structure or capacitor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive efforts. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a logical structure diagram of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-disassembly structure of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a logical structure diagram of the first embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a logical structure diagram of the second embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a logical structure diagram of the third embodiment of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1This is a logical structure diagram of the first embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention. The electronic toll collection tag of this embodiment includes a controller 11, a communication module 12, and a connection unit 13. The communication module 12 and the connection unit 13 are respectively connected to the controller 11. The communication module 12 is used to communicate with the roadside unit via the antenna module. The connection unit 13 is used to connect the vehicle window glass to the electronic toll collection tag, and the connection is an electrical connection. The controller 11 is used to determine whether the electronic toll collection tag has been removed based on the signal from the connection unit 13.

[0030] Furthermore, the electronic non-stop toll collection tag may also include a shell, and the controller 11, the communication module 12 and the connecting part 13 are integrated on the PCB board of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag and installed or accommodated in the shell. The shell can be assembled and connected with the PCB board, or it can be an independent outer cover structure that can be fixedly connected to the vehicle window glass.

[0031] With this embodiment's technical solution, the electronic toll collection tag is electrically connected to the vehicle window. When the tag is removed from the window, the signal from the connection changes, and the controller can detect removal based on the signal change. Therefore, compared to existing anti-removal solutions, this electronic toll collection tag is simpler and smaller in size because it eliminates the need for bulky mechanical anti-removal structures and capacitors.

[0032] Furthermore, in an optional embodiment, the connection portion includes a solder pad provided on the PCB board of the electronic toll collection tag, the position of which corresponds to the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass. Moreover, the anti-disassembly circuit of the electronic toll collection tag sequentially forms an electrical circuit through the solder pad on the PCB board and the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass. In this embodiment, the PCB board of the electronic toll collection tag is provided with a solder pad, and the inside of the vehicle window glass is also provided with a solder pad. Moreover, when the electronic toll collection tag is fixed to the vehicle window glass, the solder pad on the PCB board corresponds to the position of the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass. In this way, the anti-disassembly circuit of the electronic toll collection tag sequentially forms an electrical circuit through the solder pad on the PCB board and the solder pad on the inside of the vehicle window glass. When the electronic toll collection tag is disassembled, the electrical circuit is disconnected, causing a change in the signal, and the controller can determine that the disassembly action has occurred based on the change in the signal.

[0033] In addition to the pad, the connection portion may also be provided as a tamper-evident pin, a wire, or other device capable of achieving electrical connection.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-disassembly structure of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag of the present invention. Figure 2The connection portion includes a first solder pad 21 and a second solder pad 22 provided on the PCB board, and their positions correspond to the third solder pad 23 and the fourth solder pad 24 on the inner side of the vehicle window glass 30, respectively. The third solder pad 23 and the fourth solder pad 24 are connected via a reserved circuit on the vehicle window glass 30. Moreover, the anti-tampering circuit of the electronic toll collection tag 10 sequentially forms an electrical circuit through the first solder pad 21, the third solder pad 23, the fourth solder pad 24, and the second solder pad 22. In this embodiment, two solder pads are provided on the PCB board of the electronic toll collection tag 10, and two solder pads are also provided on the inner side of the vehicle window glass 30. Moreover, the relative position and spacing of the two solder pads on the PCB board can be consistent with the relative position and spacing of the two solder pads on the inner side of the vehicle window glass 30. At the same time, the third solder pad 23 and the fourth solder pad 24 on the vehicle window glass 30 are electrically connected via the reserved circuit on the vehicle window glass. Thus, when the electronic toll collection tag 10 is secured to the vehicle window 30, the first pad 21 on the PCB board is electrically connected to the third pad 23 on the inside of the vehicle window 30, and the second pad 22 on the PCB board is electrically connected to the fourth pad 24 on the inside of the vehicle window 30. This creates an electrical circuit for the electronic toll collection tag 10's tamper-evident circuitry, which sequentially passes through the first pad 21, the third pad 23, the fourth pad 24, and the second pad 22 on the PCB board. When the electronic toll collection tag 10 is removed, the circuit is disconnected, causing a signal change. The controller can then determine that removal has occurred based on this signal change.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the connection between the pads on the PCB and the pads on the window glass can be made through a cable connection. Specifically, the first pad 21 and the third pad 23 are welded via a cable, and the second pad 22 and the fourth pad 24 are welded via a cable. In this welding method, the spacing between the two pads on the PCB can be consistent with or inconsistent with the spacing between the two pads on the inside of the window glass. The present invention does not limit this. Furthermore, the cable connection can also be replaced by a metal column connection. For example, the third pad 23 and the fourth pad 24 on the window glass are respectively welded with metal columns of a certain height. The two metal columns extend to the first pad 21 and the second pad 22 on the PCB of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag 10, respectively, and form an electrical connection. In addition, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the number of pads on the PCB and the number of pads on the inside of the window glass 30 can be other values, for example, three, four, etc. The present invention does not limit this.

[0036] Furthermore, the first or second pad is connected to an IO port of the controller 11 via an anti-tamper circuit. When the connectivity between the first and second pads is disconnected, the level signal of the IO port on the controller 11 changes, thereby causing the controller 11 to determine that the electronic toll collection tag has been removed. For example, when the first and second pads on the PCB board are respectively soldered to the third and fourth pads on the vehicle window glass, the IO port on the controller 11 is at a low level, at which point the controller 11 determines that the electronic tag is installed normally and has not been removed. When the first pad on the PCB board is disconnected from the second pad on the vehicle window glass, or the second pad on the PCB board is disconnected from the fourth pad on the vehicle window glass, the IO port on the controller 11 is at a high level, at which point the controller 11 determines that the electronic toll collection tag 10 has been removed based on the high level and simultaneously sets the removal bit in the electronic toll collection tag Esam.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna module is preferably a microstrip antenna, although other types of antennas are also possible. The vehicle window glass can be used in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, and buses, and is preferably a front windshield. However, it can also be a sunroof, door window, or rear windshield. The carrier frequency of the communication module 12 is approximately 5.8 GHz, or 5.9 GHz, or a frequency band between 5.8 GHz and 5.9 GHz, in accordance with the DSRC dedicated short-range communication protocol, which is not specifically limited in the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a logical structure diagram of the first embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention. Antenna module 14 is integrated onto the electronic toll collection tag's PCB, which is fixed to the inside of the vehicle window. The housing may consist solely of a front shell that encases the PCB and its components. The PCB is directly soldered or bonded to the vehicle window, with soldering pads on the PCB connected to pads on the window. If the housing includes a front shell and a rear shell, the rear shell may be provided with through-holes through which cables pass between the PCB pads and the window pads.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a logical structure diagram of the second embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention. Antenna module 14 comprises a first antenna assembly 141 and a second antenna assembly 142. First antenna assembly 141, as part of the electronic toll collection tag, is fixed to the PCB board and connected to communication module 12. Second antenna assembly 142 is fixed to the vehicle window glass and coupled to first antenna assembly 141, forming antenna module 14.

[0040] Figure 4 In an embodiment, the side of the electronic toll collection tag where the first antenna assembly is provided further has an adhesive portion or a welding portion, and the adhesive portion or the welding portion is used to fix the electronic toll collection tag to the inner side of the vehicle window glass.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electronic toll collection tag housing may comprise only a front shell that encases the PCB and its components. The bonding or soldering portions may be provided directly on the PCB, which is then secured to the window glass via soldering or bonding. The PCB may be integrated within the housing or housed within a housing that is fixedly connected to the window glass and forms a cover.

[0042] In another embodiment, the housing includes a rear shell facing the inside of the vehicle window glass. The rear shell includes an adhesive portion and an opening. The adhesive portion is used to secure the entire electronic toll collection tag. The opening corresponds to the position of the first antenna assembly and can be slightly larger than the antenna module. The first antenna assembly can be exposed through the opening and signal-coupled with the second antenna assembly. In this embodiment, the electronic toll collection tag and the inner layer of glass can be fixed by adhesive, welded, or snap-fitted with a fastener, thereby facilitating the electronic toll collection tag's targeted adaptation to the vehicle window glass.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is the logical structure diagram of the third embodiment of the electronic toll collection tag of the present invention. The antenna module 14 is completely fixed inside the vehicle window glass. Specifically, the vehicle window glass is composed of a laminated outer layer of glass and an inner layer of glass, and the antenna module 14 is fixed between the outer and inner layers of glass. Furthermore, a groove structure is provided on the outer edge of the inner layer of glass, through which the communication module 12 is electrically connected to the antenna module 14 via a cable. In this manner, the electronic toll collection tag can be fixed inside the vehicle window glass or hidden inside the vehicle body, for example, in the vehicle roof or door and window trim.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the electronic toll collection tag may further include a power supply, which is used to connect to the vehicle power supply, draw power from the vehicle power supply, and supply power to each module in the electronic toll collection tag after processing.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the electronic toll collection tag may further include a Bluetooth module, which is connected to the controller and is configured to transmit a broadcast pairing signal upon receiving a vehicle engine start signal, thereby pairing with a user terminal device. The user terminal may be, for example, a mobile phone, or an in-vehicle device such as a car audio system, an air purifier, or a head-up display. It should also be noted that when the vehicle is ignited, the electronic toll collection tag uses the vehicle's battery power, and the Bluetooth module is deactivated or in a low-power mode. When the vehicle ignition is turned on, a level signal is generated. This level signal, when transmitted to the electronic toll collection tag, triggers the activation of the Bluetooth module, causing it to continuously transmit a broadcast pairing signal for pairing with the user terminal. Upon successful pairing, a communication link is established between the two parties. Through this communication link, the Bluetooth module can periodically transmit heartbeat packets to the user terminal to maintain the Bluetooth channel or other transaction-related information (e.g., deduction information), which the user terminal can then output to the user. Optionally, the electronic toll collection tag may further include an output module, disposed within the electronic toll collection tag, configured to directly output transaction information via sound or text signals. This output module may be, for example, a buzzer, a voice announcement module, and / or a display module. Finally, it should be noted that, depending on specific application requirements, the electronic non-stop toll collection tag can be equipped with both a Bluetooth module and an output module, or it can be equipped with only a Bluetooth module or an output module.

[0046] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic non-stop toll collection tag, characterized in that: include: A communication module, used for communicating with the roadside unit via the antenna module; A connecting portion, used for electrically connecting the vehicle window glass to the electronic toll collection tag; a controller, configured to determine whether the electronic toll collection tag is removed based on a signal from the connection portion; The connecting portion includes a solder pad provided on the PCB of the electronic toll collection tag, the position of which corresponds to the solder pad on the inner side of the vehicle window glass; and the anti-tampering circuit of the electronic toll collection tag sequentially passes through the solder pad on the PCB and the solder pad on the inner side of the vehicle window glass to form an electrical circuit; The electronic non-stop toll collection tag also includes a first antenna component, which is fixed on the PCB board of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag and connected to the communication module. The first antenna component is used to couple the signal with the second antenna component fixed in the vehicle window glass, thereby forming an antenna module for communicating with the roadside unit; or, the antenna modules are all fixed between the outer layer of glass and the inner layer of glass of the vehicle window glass, and a groove structure is provided on the outer edge of the inner layer of glass, wherein the communication module is electrically connected to the antenna module through a cable passing through the groove structure.

2. The electronic toll collection tag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion includes a first solder pad and a second solder pad arranged on the PCB board, and their positions correspond to a third solder pad and a fourth solder pad on the inner side of the vehicle window glass, respectively, wherein the third solder pad and the fourth solder pad are connected through a reserved circuit on the vehicle window glass; moreover, the anti-dismantling circuit of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag forms an electrical circuit through the first solder pad, the third solder pad, the fourth solder pad, and the second solder pad in sequence.

3. The electronic toll collection tag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first pad is welded to the third pad via a cable or a metal column, and the second pad is welded to the fourth pad via a cable or a metal column.

4. The electronic toll collection tag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first pad or the second pad is connected to the IO port of the controller through an anti-disassembly circuit. When the connectivity between the first pad and the second pad is disconnected, the IO port level signal changes, causing the controller to determine that the electronic non-stop toll collection tag has been disassembled.

5. The electronic toll collection tag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a shell, and the controller, the communication module and the connecting part are integrated on the PCB board of the electronic non-stop toll collection tag and installed or accommodated in the shell.

6. The electronic toll collection tag according to claim 5, characterized in that: The housing includes a rear shell facing the inner side of the vehicle window glass, the rear shell includes a bonding portion and an opening portion, and the first antenna assembly is used to be exposed through the opening portion and signal-coupled with the second antenna assembly.

7. The electronic toll collection tag according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electronic toll collection tag further includes a power supply, which is used to connect to the vehicle power supply.

8. The electronic toll collection tag according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a Bluetooth module connected to the controller, and the Bluetooth module is used to send a broadcast pairing signal when receiving a start signal of the car engine to pair with the user terminal device.

Images