Dual Mode Toll Transponder Bypass Architecture
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic toll collection systems are limited in their ability to communicate wirelessly for purposes beyond toll transactions, such as vehicle information extraction and emissions control, requiring a dual-mode transponder that can switch between predefined ETC protocols and external device communications.
Innovation Solution
A transponder with an RF transceiver and controller that can operate in both ETC mode and bypass mode, allowing it to relay signals from external devices for non-ETC applications, and includes a data buffer for accumulating vehicle information, enabling communication with roadside readers for various applications like emissions control and vehicle diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transponder is designed to operate only with predefined ETC protocols, then ETC transaction reliability is improved, but adaptability to other communication applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder dynamically switches between ETC mode and bypass mode based on the type of communication request received. The controller activates the bypass module when non-ETC applications require communication, allowing the system to adapt its functionality in real-time while maintaining protocol-specific reliability in each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder is designed with dual functionality: it can operate as a dedicated ETC device using predefined protocols, or it can function as a general-purpose communication device through the bypass module that relays signals between external devices and the roadside reader, serving multiple communication purposes with a single device
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transponder includes bypass functionality for external devices, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass module is integrated within the existing transponder architecture, nested alongside the ETC component and controller. This nested structure allows the bypass functionality to be contained within the transponder's existing framework, adding versatility while minimizing structural complexity by utilizing available internal resources
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass module utilizes the existing RF transceiver and antenna infrastructure of the transponder for wireless communication, rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware. The controller intelligently routes communication requests to either the ETC component or bypass module, allowing the system to serve multiple functions using its own existing resources
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient communication for both electronic toll collection and vehicle information extraction in an open-road environment, facilitating emissions testing, diagnostics, and other applications by leveraging existing ETC infrastructure for a wider range of uses.
Implementation Method 1
an RF transceiver coupled to the antenna for modulating outgoing signals and for demodulating received signals
Implementation Method 2
The transponder includes an antenna, an electronic toll collection (ETC) component
Data Source
AI summary
A dual mode transponder for engaging in RF communications with a roadside reader from a vehicle. The transponder includes an antenna, an electronic toll collection (ETC) component, and an external interface. The ETC component implements a pre-defined ETC communications protocol to detect and interpret received signals and generate response signals when operating in an ETC mode. The ETC component also includes a bypass port. The external interface is coupled to the bypass port and has an external port for receiving input signals. The ETC component includes a bypass module for receiving a bypass instruction and entering a bypass mode. In the bypass mode the ETC component refrains from implementing the ETC communications protocol. Instead, the ETC component transmits the input signals relayed from the external interface to the ETC component to the reader.