Portable RFID Toll Module for Cross-Platform Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated toll systems lack flexibility and security, with transponders being inflexible and prone to toll fraud, and the Toll-by-Plate system being inaccurate and costly, while existing RFID systems lack interoperability across different tolling agencies.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system that integrates RFID technology with a toll application, allowing for cross-platform and cross-protocol interoperability, using an RFID toll module that can be embedded or connected to a smartphone, providing a portable and user-friendly solution for managing and paying tolls across various tolling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed transponder is used in the vehicle, then automated toll collection is enabled, but flexibility when changing vehicles or rental cars is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable copy of the toll transponder functionality that can be transferred between different devices and vehicles. The toll transponder is replicated as a portable unit that can be moved from one vehicle to another, allowing the same toll account to be used across multiple vehicles without requiring permanent installation in each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed transponder into a dynamic, movable unit. The toll transponder is designed to be portable and can be transferred between different vehicles and users, adding flexibility and adaptability while maintaining automated toll collection functionality.
2Extent of automation
If a fixed transponder is used, then automated toll collection is enabled, but security against toll fraud and vehicle theft is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the toll transponder can communicate with toll collection points to verify authentication status. The system provides feedback loops for authentication verification and can detect and report fraudulent activities, enhancing security against toll fraud and vehicle theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system between the toll transponder and the toll collection infrastructure. This intermediary layer verifies the authenticity and authorization status of the transponder before allowing toll payment, adding an additional security measure against fraud and theft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Toll-by-Plate system is used, then no transponder is required, but accuracy is insufficient due to obscured license plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable copy of the toll transponder that can be transferred between different devices and vehicles. The toll transponder is replicated as a portable unit that can be moved from one vehicle to another, allowing the same toll account to be used across multiple vehicles without requiring permanent installation in each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal toll transponder system that can function across multiple vehicles, users, and toll collection points. The portable transponder serves multiple purposes: it can be used in different vehicles, transferred between users, and authenticated at various toll locations, providing both accuracy and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RFID protocols are supported for interoperability, then compatibility with different tolling systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal toll transponder system that can function across multiple vehicles, users, and toll collection points. The portable transponder serves multiple purposes: it can be used in different vehicles, transferred between users, and authenticated at various toll locations, providing both accuracy and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes in the RFID module to adapt to different protocols and tolling systems. The module can modify its operational parameters such as frequency, modulation, and communication protocols based on the specific toll collection system it is interacting with, enabling interoperability without requiring complex hardware redesign.
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 secure, accurate, and flexible toll payments across multiple tolling systems, reducing fraud and costs by using a mobile device to manage toll accounts and communicate with various RFID protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing national and global systems.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) toll tag and a toll application for payment of tolls
Implementation Method 2
A passive system can transmit out 'back-scatter', which acts as Morse code that is sent back to the reader
Data Source
AI summary
A system, mobile device, backend server, and RFID toll module work in cooperation to automatically pay vehicular tolls to a toll agency that operates toll stations along roadways travelled by the user of the mobile device. Upon approaching a toll station the mobile device enables the RFID toll module. The toll reader at the toll station transmits a toll reader signal that is received by the RFID toll module, which responds by transmitting a unique identifier. The unique identifier is associated with the mobile device at a toll account maintained by a toll service backend server. Upon completion of a toll transaction, the RFID toll module indicates the transaction to the mobile device, which forwards toll transaction information to the toll service backend server for payment from the toll account to the toll agency.