Handheld Toll Device with Multi-Window Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held devices for checking toll collection devices in vehicles are inefficient due to the need for manual recording of vehicle plate numbers and cumbersome data assignment, and they are not compatible with various toll collection systems, making them time-consuming and impractical, especially for checking multiple vehicles in large parking lots.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device with a display unit featuring multiple image sections and a transmitting and receiving device, controlled by a microprocessor, allowing for simultaneous data reading from the toll collection device and image capture of vehicle features, including a license plate, with adjustable display windows for efficient alignment and communication, and the ability to switch between microwave and infrared signals for compatibility with different technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual recording of vehicle plate numbers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image acquisition unit with the toll data reading device, merging vehicle plate capture and toll information retrieval into a single integrated system. This allows simultaneous automatic capture of both plate numbers and toll data during one approach to the vehicle, eliminating manual recording steps and significantly improving checking speed without requiring separate manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing down plate numbers with an automated optical recognition system. The image acquisition unit captures plate images and the control unit automatically processes them, substituting human manual input with automated image processing and pattern recognition algorithms, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual transcription process
2Ease of operation
If single display window is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display unit into multiple display windows, each dedicated to showing specific information such as captured plate numbers, toll data, or image sections. This segmentation allows operators to view all necessary information simultaneously without needing to reposition the device or switch between different views, improving ease of operation during vehicle checking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the display unit by creating multiple overlapping or adjacent display windows that present different information layers simultaneously. This dimensional arrangement on the display allows comprehensive information presentation (plate number, toll data, images) to be visible at once, eliminating the need for sequential viewing or device repositioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed communication frequency is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases for different toll systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent equips the handheld device with a transmitting and receiving device capable of operating at multiple communication frequencies, enabling it to interface with various toll collection systems that may use different frequency standards. This multi-frequency capability makes the device universally compatible across different toll infrastructure technologies without requiring device-specific modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where the transmitting and receiving device can automatically adjust its operating frequency based on the detected toll system type or communication requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize its communication parameters for each specific toll system encounter, enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through automated frequency management
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 quick and efficient data collection and image capture of vehicle information, reducing the need for manual input and improving compatibility with various toll systems, allowing for rapid processing and verification of multiple vehicles without the need for repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting and receiving device for sending and receiving communication signals
Implementation Method 2
an image acquisition unit is provided for capturing image data of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld device (1) for controlling a toll collection device (20, 21) in a vehicle (16, 17), comprising a transmitter and receiver (2) for sending and receiving communication signals, a control unit (3) for the transmitter and receiver (2), an input unit (4) for entering input data, and a display unit (5) for displaying input and output data. An image acquisition unit (6) is provided for capturing image data of the vehicle (16, 17), the image acquisition unit (6) being connected to the display unit (5) for displaying the image data, and the display unit (5) having a first display window (24A) in an upper area for displaying a first image section. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a toll collection device (20, 21) in a vehicle (16, 17) using a handheld device (1).