C-V2X Smart Tolling with Real-Time Rate Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic tolling systems lack real-time notifications of toll usage rates, in-vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) for dynamic toll rates based on congestion, lane selection, and real-time traffic alerts, and do not provide immediate receipts of toll payments, leading to inefficiencies and increased drive time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Cellular-Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology for broadcasting toll advertisement messages, receiving toll usage messages, and sending toll receipt messages, enabling real-time notifications, dynamic toll lane rates, lane selection guidance, and immediate payment receipts through an in-vehicle HMI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional electronic tolling systems with transponders and gantries are used, then toll collection function is achieved, but real-time notifications of toll rates and lane selection guidance are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roadside unit (RSU) as an intermediary device that broadcasts toll rate information and lane selection guidance to vehicles using C-V2X communication. The RSU acts as a mediator between the tolling system and vehicles, providing real-time information without requiring complex in-vehicle equipment or manual intervention from drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical information delivery system (physical signs, manual notifications) with electronic C-V2X communication. The RSU broadcasts toll rate and lane selection information digitally to vehicles, enabling real-time updates without the need for physical infrastructure changes or manual information dissemination.
2Reliability
If drivers stop at toll booths or slow down for toll processing, then toll payment can be made, but vehicle speed reduces and drive time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preliminary notification to drivers about upcoming toll zones, rates, and recommended lanes before they reach the toll collection point. This advance information allows drivers to prepare payment methods and select optimal lanes in advance, eliminating the need to slow down or stop at the toll booth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to drivers through the vehicle's HMI interface, including toll rate information, lane recommendations, and payment status. This continuous feedback loop enables drivers to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions without interrupting their driving flow.
3Ease of operation
If immediate payment receipts are not provided, then system complexity is reduced, but driver convenience and transaction verification are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and delivers payment receipts to drivers through the vehicle's HMI interface without requiring manual intervention. The receipt is provided immediately after toll payment is processed, allowing drivers to verify transactions independently without needing to request physical receipts or check with customer service.
Data Source
AI summary
Toll advertisement messages (TAMs) are broadcast via V2X communication, each of the TAMs indicating geographic locations of lanes of a roadway for which tolls are due and cost information for traversing the lanes of the roadway. A tolling usage message (TUM) is received via the V2X communication, the TUM indicating, to a roadside unit (RSU), information regarding a vehicle entering one of the lanes of the roadway and a unique random account identifier to be used by the RSU to identify the vehicle. A toll receipt message (TRM) is broadcast via the V2X communication, the TRM including the unique random account identifier and indicating, to the vehicle, a final cost charged to the vehicle for access to the one of the lanes of the roadway.