Blockchain Toll Transactions Across Independent Collection Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic toll collection systems lack a unified system for accessing, processing, and manipulating data across independent entities, leading to inefficiencies and delays in transaction processing.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized computing network utilizing a distributed ledger, specifically blockchain technology, to manage vehicle and financial information at toll collection points, enabling secure and efficient data processing and transaction verification across multiple nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized information handling system is used for transaction processing, then data access and processing can be centralized, but the system complexity increases and independent companies cannot access each other's databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized database system into multiple independent distributed ledgers, each maintained by different companies. Each ledger contains relevant transaction data that can be accessed by authorized parties without requiring access to other companies' internal databases, thus enabling data access while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger network as an intermediary layer between independent companies' databases. This intermediary enables secure data sharing and transaction verification across companies without requiring direct access to each other's internal systems, resolving the contradiction between data accessibility and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent companies handle different components of the toll collection system, then each company can specialize in its component, but there is no unified system for accessing and processing data across entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data processing capabilities of multiple independent companies into a unified distributed ledger system. All companies contribute their transaction data to the shared ledger, enabling real-time access and processing across entities without the delays associated with centralized data collection and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger serves as a universal platform that handles multiple functions simultaneously: transaction recording, verification, storage, and sharing across different companies. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for separate data access mechanisms for each company, reducing processing time while maintaining specialized component handling.
3Reliability
If a centralized database stores all customer data, then data management is simplified, but security risks increase and single points of failure are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized customer data storage into multiple distributed ledger copies held by different companies and nodes. Each node maintains a complete or partial copy of the ledger, eliminating single points of failure and reducing security risks associated with centralized storage, while the segmentation complexity is managed through standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic toll data collection management system comprises a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes is a toll collection point, wherein the toll collection point comprises: a computing system; and a receiver; wherein each of the plurality of nodes has access to a copy of a distributed ledger, wherein the processor of each of the plurality of nodes is configured to: utilize blockchain protocols to verify and record a transaction occurring within the distributed ledger; parse through the blockchain to locate the block containing the transmitted data from the transmitter, de-encrypt the block, and extract the data; and encrypt a new block indicating a debit to an account of an operator of a vehicle, wherein the account is identifiable through the transmitted data from the transmitter.