Lane-Level Geolocation Polygons for Reliable Mobile Tolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS technologies face limitations in accuracy, particularly in determining vehicle location within specific lanes or parking spaces, leading to inefficiencies in tolling, parking, and road usage applications, due to factors like multipath reflections and interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of location polygons defined by geo-location coordinates allows for accurate mapping of physical spaces, enabling vehicles to be tracked within specific lanes or parking spaces, even with errors in satellite location systems, and enables dynamic redefinition of tolling and parking areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS L1 signal is used for location determination, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but the location accuracy deteriorates to 5-40 meters due to multipath reflections and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal frequency parameter from L1 to L5, which operates at a different frequency band that is less susceptible to multipath reflections and interference. This parameter change improves location accuracy while maintaining GPS system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multipath reflections into a benefit by using signal processing techniques that specifically target and eliminate reflected signals. The system identifies and removes multipath components from the received signal, transforming the harmful interference into an opportunity for improved accuracy through selective signal rejection.
2Measurement precision
If GPS accuracy is improved to 30 centimeters using L5 signal and new chips, then location-based applications can be enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the GPS system universal by implementing multi-functionality that works with both traditional L1 signals and advanced L5 signals. The system can automatically select the appropriate signal type based on availability and requirements, making it compatible with various device configurations and reducing the need for specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing advanced signal processing only when L5 signal is available and high accuracy is required. For standard applications or when L5 is unavailable, the system reverts to traditional processing methods, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining the option for enhanced accuracy when needed.
3Extent of automation
If GPS accuracy is used for determining vehicle lane position, then tolling and HOV lane verification can be automated, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient accuracy in distinguishing adjacent lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that combines GPS location data with map-based lane geometry information and vehicle trajectory analysis. This intermediary processing layer reconciles the imprecise GPS measurements with the structured road network data, reliably determining lane position even when GPS accuracy is insufficient to directly distinguish adjacent lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-loading detailed map data including lane geometries, toll lane definitions, and HOV lane specifications into the system. This preliminary preparation enables the system to match real-time GPS positions against known road structures, improving reliability by comparing measurements against predetermined geographic references rather than relying solely on raw GPS accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Location polygons are defined along traffic lanes and parking spaces to facilitate determination of the location of a vehicle relative to features associated with the location polygons. The location polygons are used, in one application, to identity entrance and exit of a special toll lane along a roadway, and to ensure that the vehicle properly enters and exits the tolling lane. The location polygons define geofenced regions, and each definition for a geofenced region can include one or more rules that are used to evaluate location information reported by a user's equipment. The rules dictate whether an action it taken or inhibited, such as charging a toll or not charging a toll, based on other location information reported by the user's equipment.