Portable Toll Device Using Position Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toll collection systems require specific hardware like OBUs, which are cumbersome and limit user-friendliness, and involve excessive data transmission, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in toll calculation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet, equipped with a GNSS receiver, that determines vehicle position at regular intervals and transmits data wirelessly to a central unit for toll calculation, with cancellation mechanisms for technical issues or invalid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a satellite-based system with OBU is used for toll collection, then toll calculation can be performed automatically, but the system requires special hardware which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the toll collection functionality from dedicated OBU hardware and relocates it to portable devices that users already possess. The server performs all critical toll calculation functions, while the portable device serves only as a communication interface, eliminating the need for specialized onboard hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the toll collection system universal by utilizing portable devices (smartphones, tablets) that users already have for other purposes. These multi-functional devices replace dedicated OBUs, allowing the same device to serve both general communication needs and toll collection functions.
2Measurement precision
If position data is continuously transmitted to the central unit, then toll calculation can be performed accurately, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary minimum data (position coordinates and timestamps) rather than continuous comprehensive vehicle data. The server performs the heavy computational work, while the portable device transmits only essential information needed for toll calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that receives partial position data from the portable device and performs the complex toll calculation processing. This mediator approach allows the portable device to maintain simple transmission functions while the server handles the computationally intensive accuracy requirements.
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 toll collection without dedicated hardware, improves user-friendliness, reduces data transmission overhead, and ensures accurate toll calculation by canceling bookings upon detection of technical problems or invalid conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The portable device (10) comprises a positioning device, in particular a GNSS receiver (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method for collecting tolls for a motor vehicle are disclosed. The system comprises a portable toll device assigned to the motor vehicle and a central control unit. During a recorded journey, the toll device determines position information at regular intervals and stores it in memory. At the end of the journey, a journey termination signal and the position information stored in the toll device's memory are transmitted to the central control unit. The central control unit uses the position information to determine a toll charge for the distance traveled. The toll device and/or the central control unit are configured to terminate the recording before the end of the journey if a termination condition occurs. A termination condition may be a technical malfunction or have other causes.