Position Data Processing Device Toll Integrity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toll devices do not verify the integrity of trajectory files used for calculating tolls, making it difficult to detect manipulation or defects in the generation and transmission of position data.

Innovation Solution

A position data processing device that limits trajectory-specific transactions and enters a non-operational state when the permitted number is exceeded, ensuring that only valid and correctly recorded trajectory data is used for toll calculations by signaling operational readiness or lack thereof, and modifying the number of permissible transactions based on response messages from an evaluation system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the toll device transmits only toll amount information to the toll center without trajectory files, then communication bandwidth is reduced and transmission is simplified, but the toll center cannot verify whether the trajectory file was correctly recorded or manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication complexityVSAvoidtrajectory data integrity verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the toll device calculate and store a reference value (hash) of the trajectory file locally before transmission. This preliminary calculation enables subsequent verification at the toll center without requiring transmission of the entire trajectory file, thus maintaining communication simplicity while enabling integrity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference value (hash) acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the toll device and toll center. Instead of directly transmitting or verifying the entire trajectory file, the system uses this condensed reference value as a mediator to enable indirect verification of trajectory integrity, reducing communication requirements while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the position data processing device continuously carries out trajectory-specific transactions, then productivity is maintained, but the device becomes vulnerable to manipulation and defects in toll calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoll processing continuityVSAvoidtoll calculation integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by requiring the position data processing device to periodically change its operational state between operational readiness and non-operational readiness. This periodic state change interrupts continuous transaction processing, allowing for verification and preventing manipulation while maintaining overall productivity through controlled resumption of transactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the toll center evaluates reference values and sends responses back to the position data processing device. This feedback loop enables the device to adjust its operational state based on verification results, ensuring that only validated trajectory data is processed for toll calculations, thus maintaining both productivity and integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the device enters a non-operational state to prevent manipulation, then toll calculation integrity is improved, but processing continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation preventionVSAvoidprocessing interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification actions by calculating and transmitting reference values before entering non-operational states. This preliminary action allows the toll center to verify trajectory integrity in advance, reducing the need for prolonged non-operational states and minimizing processing interruptions while maintaining manipulation prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between operational readiness and non-operational readiness states based on verification results. This parameter change approach allows the device to maintain productivity during verified operations while ensuring reliability during verification periods, optimizing the balance between continuity and integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3188133B1Position data processing device and toll system and method for operating a position data processing device and a road toll system
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 TOLL COLLECT GMBH
  • EP3188133B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A position data processing device (1) and a method for operating such a position data processing device (1) are provided, wherein trajectory-specific transactions are performed with respect to trajectories (TJ-1, ..., TJ-n) generated from position data acquired by the position data processing device (1). These transactions are limited in number. With each trajectory-specific transaction, the number of permissible trajectory-specific transactions is reduced, and the position data processing device (1) transitions from a state of given operational readiness, in which it performs trajectory-specific transactions, to a state of non-operational readiness, in which it does not perform any trajectory-specific transactions, when the number of permissible trajectory-specific transactions is zero.According to a preferred embodiment, the number of permissible trajectory-specific transactions can be determined, and in particular increased, depending on a response message (231) that the position data processing device (1) receives from an operational message evaluation system (2) to which it previously sent the generated trajectory (TJ-1, ..., T Jn).