Toll Processing Unit Capture Rate Multiplier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toll fee tracking systems, particularly video toll systems, have a low capture rate due to factors like weather conditions, damaged license plates, and dirt, leading to significant revenue loss for toll authorities, especially when dealing with third-party operated vehicles and local vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A toll processing unit applies a multiplier to captured toll usage data based on the capture rate to determine the toll amount, ensuring that toll authorities can maximize revenue by adjusting the toll amount according to the efficiency of the capture rate, thereby accounting for lost revenue due to technical or physical limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If video toll systems are used to capture toll usage, then automation and non-contact collection are improved, but capture rate decreases due to weather conditions, damaged license plates, and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses capture rate multipliers to bridge the gap between actual captured tolls and estimated total tolls. The system applies a multiplier (1/capture rate) to the captured toll amount to estimate the total toll revenue, effectively mediating between the automated capture system and the actual revenue loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the toll calculation by changing the capture rate parameter based on environmental conditions, vehicle types, and historical data. This allows the system to adapt the estimated toll amount to reflect varying capture rates under different conditions, optimizing revenue estimation despite inconsistent physical capture.
2Reliability
If capture rate is low due to environmental factors and damaged plates, then measurement reliability deteriorates, but revenue loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of total tolls by applying capture rate multipliers to captured toll data before final billing. This preliminary action allows the system to account for expected revenue loss in advance and adjust billing accordingly, rather than simply accepting the incomplete capture data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback loops to continuously refine capture rate estimates by comparing actual captured tolls with expected toll volumes based on traffic data, historical patterns, and environmental conditions. This feedback mechanism improves the accuracy of revenue estimation and adjusts capture rate parameters over time.
3Measurement precision
If toll authorities bill only captured tolls, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity and revenue collection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the billed toll amount based on the calculated capture rate multiplier. Rather than using a fixed billing approach, the system continuously adapts the toll calculation to reflect the actual capture efficiency, allowing revenue collection to scale with the inverse of capture rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to toll calculation by introducing the capture rate multiplier as a separate computational layer. This transforms the billing process from a direct one-to-one mapping of captured tolls to billed tolls, into a multi-dimensional calculation that accounts for system efficiency, environmental factors, and historical performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer readable medium for determining a toll amount comprises determining a capture rate of transports at a toll location and determining the toll amount based on the capture rate.