Mobile Device Toll Payment System Using GPS and RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic toll collection systems face challenges such as congestion, environmental impact, safety concerns, high costs, and inconvenience due to the need for physical transponders and manual intervention, which discourage participation and increase operational expenses for toll authorities.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that uses mobile devices with GPS and communication capabilities to electronically process toll payments by storing accounting records and deducting tolls from user accounts, eliminating the need for physical transponders and manual collection processes, and enabling open road tolling through virtual toll locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cash toll collection is used, then toll payment can be made, but congestion and long backups occur at toll plazas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash transaction system with an electronic toll collection system using transponders and RFID technology. Vehicles pass through electronic toll collection lanes where transponders automatically communicate with readers, eliminating the need for cash handling and manual transactions, thereby increasing throughput and reducing waiting time
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic toll collection system enables self-service by automatically identifying vehicles through transponders, calculating tolls, and processing payments without human intervention. The system autonomously manages account debiting and transaction recording, freeing users from manual payment processes and eliminating congestion caused by cash transactions
2Productivity
If toll-plate system is used, then toll collection can be performed, but vehicles must slow sharply while entering the visual inspection area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual inspection system with electronic RFID communication. Transponders in vehicles automatically transmit identification signals to readers at the toll plaza, eliminating the need for visual plate inspection and allowing vehicles to maintain higher speeds without sharp slowing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and authentication of vehicles through transponders before the vehicle reaches the toll collection point. This advance recognition allows for seamless toll processing without requiring vehicles to slow down for inspection, maintaining continuous flow and higher speeds
3Ease of operation
If electronic toll collection device is purchased, then toll payment convenience is improved, but cost to user and operational expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal toll collection system where a single transponder device can be used across multiple toll plazas and facilities. The system accommodates various user types including individual commuters, business entities, and commercial carriers through a unified account management platform, reducing per-user costs and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cost-effective transponder copies or alternatives such as license plate recognition technology to identify vehicles. By implementing multiple reading points and redundant identification methods, the system reduces dependency on expensive proprietary transponders while maintaining security and functionality, thereby lowering both user and operational costs
4Productivity
If manual toll collection is used, then tolls can be collected, but safety accidents at toll plazas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic toll collection system performs all toll collection functions automatically through transponder identification, electronic accounting, and automated payment processing. This eliminates manual cash handling and human-tollbooth interactions, removing operators from hazardous environments and significantly improving safety while maintaining continuous toll collection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cash collection mechanisms with electronic RFID-based transaction systems. Automated readers, processors, and account management systems handle all toll collection operations without human presence at the toll plaza, eliminating safety risks associated with manual operations while preserving full toll collection capability
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
This solution enhances efficiency and convenience by reducing congestion, lowering operational costs, and increasing participation in electronic toll collection, while providing a cost-effective and convenient method for users to pay tolls without the need for physical transponders or manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
A GPS satellite transmits a microwave signal to a GPS receiver in a mobile device or navigation device
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system processes the electronic payment of tolls by storing, on a toll collection server, an accounting record for a mobile user account that is associated with a mobile user and a mobile computing device. A database having a plurality of toll locations and at least one toll that is incurred by the mobile user when the mobile computing device passes the toll location is stored on a toll collection server. An electronic communication containing a notification that the mobile computing device passed the toll location is received. The accounting record is modified on the toll collection server to deduct the amount of the toll from the mobile user account. The toll collection server is coupled to a toll authority server. An electronic payment is sent to the toll authority server in an amount that is associated with the toll.