Location-Based Toll Payment System Using Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toll collection systems are not configured to facilitate efficient payment via a plurality of novel protocols, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in processing tolls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile computing device that generates location-based information, queries a database of toll booths, and transmits this information to a gateway server to request payment from an associated account, allowing for efficient toll processing without relying on RFID tags or manual payments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RFID tags or manual payment systems are used for toll collection, then payment can be processed, but the system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID tags and manual payment mechanisms with a location-based electronic payment system. The mobile device determines its location via GPS, queries toll booth databases, and automatically processes payments through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical RFID tags and manual transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service toll payment by allowing mobile devices to autonomously determine their location, identify applicable toll booths, query payment information, and complete transactions without human intervention or RFID tag involvement. The user simply needs to have the mobile device with payment credentials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are required for toll payment, then payment can be made, but the system lacks universality and requires specific hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as a GPS receiver for location determination, a database client for querying toll information, a wireless communication device for transmitting payment requests, and a credential storage device for holding payment information. This eliminates the need for separate RFID tags and makes the system universally applicable to any mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes physical RFID tags with electronic location-based identification. Instead of requiring specific hardware tags to be read by toll booth readers, the system uses GPS coordinates to identify the mobile device's location and automatically retrieves payment information from databases, enabling universal compatibility with standard mobile devices.
3Loss of time
If manual payment methods are used, then tolls can be collected, but processing time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously determining the mobile device's location and pre-querying toll booth databases for payment information before the vehicle actually reaches the toll booth. This allows the payment to be processed automatically and instantly when the vehicle arrives, eliminating waiting time and manual transaction steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the mobile device continuously monitors its location, compares it with stored toll booth locations, receives payment status information from servers, and automatically adjusts or confirms payment. This real-time feedback enables automatic payment processing without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Applications, devices and systems for toll collection are disclosed herein. An example system includes a mobile computing device that generates location based information of the mobile computing device, queries a database of toll booths defined by toll booth location, determines that the location based information of the mobile computing device matches at least one of the toll booth locations, and transmits to a gateway server location based information and identifying information that identifies a vehicle. The toll is processed using the received information.