GPS Toll Controller with ETC In-Vehicle Device Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are required to exchange in-vehicle devices compatible with the ETC system to those compatible with the GPS-based charging system when transitioning from conventional ETC to GPS-based toll charging methods.
Innovation Solution
A charging system that connects an in-vehicle device compatible with the ETC system to a controller, which performs wireless communication with a central system and uses GPS positional information to determine toll charges, allowing the in-vehicle device to process and store charge information on an IC card, enabling toll payment without device replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the charging system transitions from conventional ETC to GPS-based toll charging, then the charging system can operate without charging devices at entrances and exits, but users are required to exchange their in-vehicle devices
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with both the conventional ETC system and the GPS-based charging system. The device includes both an ETC communication unit for interacting with charging devices at entrances/exits and a GPS reception unit for receiving positional information from GPS satellites, allowing a single device to serve both charging methodologies
Solution Approach 2:
The in-vehicle device acts as an intermediary that bridges the ETC system and the GPS-based charging system. It receives positional information from GPS satellites, transmits this information to the charging device, and also communicates with ETC charging devices, thereby enabling compatibility between the two different charging approaches without requiring separate devices
2Ease of operation
If the system uses GPS positional information for toll calculation, then charging can be performed without devices at entrances and exits, but device exchange is required for users
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle device is pre-configured with both ETC communication capabilities and GPS reception capabilities before the user needs to use either system. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user needs to pay tolls, the device is already capable of operating in either mode without requiring time-consuming exchanges or reconfigurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the in-vehicle device communicates with both ETC system and GPS-based system, then device compatibility is maintained, but communication reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle device dynamically switches between ETC communication mode and GPS-based communication mode depending on which system is being used. The device can adapt its communication protocol and method in real-time, maintaining reliable communication with whichever system is active while preserving compatibility with both systems
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 users to pay tolls using existing ETC-compatible in-vehicle devices within a GPS-based charging system, maintaining compatibility and preventing misuse by monitoring device connections and ensuring accurate toll calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver to receive positional information from GPS satellites
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle-mounted device (100) is connected with an external device (200) in order to perform wireless communication with a central system (300). A charging decision section (209) of the external device (200) decides whether a vehicle has passed through a charging position by comparing the positional information of the vehicle with the charging place information stored in a charging place storage section (206). When the vehicle has passed through the charging position, a charging section (210) calculates a toll by comparing the information concerning the fact that the vehicle passed through a charging position which is decided by the charging decision section (209) with the information of the amount of charging stored in a charging information storage section, notifies the calculated toll to the vehicle-mounted device (100) and processes the charging.