RFID Vehicle Time Difference Detection for Automated Parking Payment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining time differences, such as those used in parking garage exit times, are cumbersome and prone to errors, requiring manual payment processes that increase effort and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing RFID devices integrated into vehicle tires for automatic time difference determination, enabling electronic payment transactions through communication devices, with detection devices exchanging radio signals at start and end times to calculate the time difference, and a system to control barrier devices for path blocking based on signal exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual payment processes are used for time difference determination, then payment can be made, but the process requires increased effort and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment process effortVSAvoidpayment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic time difference determination and payment processing without manual intervention. The RFID device in the vehicle automatically exchanges signals with detection devices to record entry and exit times, and the communication device automatically completes payment transactions based on the calculated time difference, eliminating the need for manual payment processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical payment processes with automated electronic systems. RFID technology substitutes for manual time recording, and electronic communication devices substitute for manual payment transactions, thereby reducing effort and complexity in the payment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated methods are implemented for time difference determination, then speed and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime difference determination speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: RFID devices in vehicles for identification, detection devices for signal exchange and time recording, evaluation devices for calculating time differences, and communication devices for payment processing. This segmentation enables automated high-speed operation while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection devices serve multiple functions: they detect RFID signals from vehicles, record entry and exit times, and communicate with evaluation devices. The evaluation devices both calculate time differences and control barrier devices. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing system complexity while maintaining automated productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If RFID devices are integrated into vehicle tires, then automatic identification is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle identification automationVSAvoidtire manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID device is integrated into the tire structure, merging the identification function with the existing tire component. This allows automatic vehicle identification when the tire rotates and passes near detection devices, achieving high automation without requiring separate identification systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID device integrated in the tire is a relatively simple, cost-effective component that can be manufactured and replaced easily if needed. This approach keeps manufacturing complexity manageable while achieving automatic identification functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The method allows for a completely automated, faster, and more reliable determination of time differences, reducing errors and effort in payment processes, enhancing the efficiency of transactions.

Implementation Method 1

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, i.e. identification using electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

exchanging a radio signal between the communication device and the first detection device for transmitting and paying a monetary amount

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3942534B1Method for determining a time difference
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3942534B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3942534B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a time difference, comprising the steps: - providing a motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises a first RFID device (2), wherein identification information is stored on the first RFID device (2) and the identification information is provided for identifying the motor vehicle (1) and can be associated with the motor vehicle (1); - providing a communication device (3), wherein the communication device (3) is provided for carrying out an electronic payment transaction; - providing a first detection device (12), wherein the first detection device (12) is provided for exchanging radio signals with the first RFID device (2), and wherein the first detection device (12) is provided for exchanging radio signals with the communication device (3); - exchanging a radio signal between the first RFID device (2) and the first detection device (12) at a start time; - exchanging a radio signal between the first RFID device (2) and the first detection device (12) at an end time; - determining a time difference between the start time and the end time.