Mobile Device RACH Uplink for Road Charging Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and road charging, such as those using DSRC and cellular networks, face compatibility issues and increased maintenance costs due to the need for specialized terminals and limited cell sizes, which hinder efficient vehicle localization and toll fee charging.
Innovation Solution
A method and protocol where a mobile device in a cellular network acts as a stand-alone short-range device, using a Random Access Channel (RACH) for direct uplink transmission of information to an enforcement unit, minimizing communication setup time and bypassing standard cellular network traffic, allowing for rapid and compatible data exchange without enlarging the coverage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSRC components are mandatorily provided at vehicles, then vehicle-to-enforcement communication is enabled, but terminal compatibility issues and increased maintenance costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the mobile device universal by enabling it to perform both standard cellular communication and stand-alone short-range communication functions. The mobile device acts as both a regular cellular terminal and an OBU, eliminating the need for separate DSRC hardware and achieving multi-functionality in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of cellular communication and short-range enforcement communication into a single mobile device. By combining these previously separate communication systems, the patent eliminates compatibility issues between different terminal types while maintaining reliable communication for both purposes.
2Reliability
If standard cellular network communication channels are used, then network traffic is handled properly, but communication setup time is excessive and prevents timely response
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the communication channel into two distinct paths: the standard cellular network channel for general traffic handling, and a dedicated direct uplink channel from mobile device to enforcement unit for time-critical OBU information transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a direct uplink transmission channel as an intermediary path that bypasses the complex cellular network switching and routing procedures. This dedicated channel acts as a direct mediator between the mobile device and enforcement unit, eliminating setup delays while maintaining network oversight.
3Loss of time
If trigger cell size is increased to allow mobile station response, then response time is sufficient, but localization accuracy and charging precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by having the mobile device prepare and queue OBU information for transmission in advance. When triggered by the enforcement unit, the pre-prepared information can be transmitted immediately through the direct uplink channel, eliminating the need to wait for the vehicle to exit a larger trigger cell area.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting information within an enforcement system of a monitoring or road charging system, wherein at least one mobile device (4) and at least one enforcement unit (1) are provided. The method is characterized in that the mobile device (4) upon receipt of a triggering signal from the enforcement unit (1) initiates a transmission of information via an uplink transmission channel to the enforcement unit (1). Furthermore the invention relates to an enforcement unit (1) and mobile device (4) for an enforcement system of a monitoring or road charging system.