Vehicular Toll Payment System with Server-Based Account Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular toll payment systems using RF tags are inefficient, particularly in shared vehicles and for users with multiple accounts, leading to double charging and complex reimbursement scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based computing system that processes navigation routes, identifies toll instances, and wirelessly instructs payments using preferred digital payment methods, allowing users to designate payment sources based on parameters such as time, location, and account type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF tags are mounted in vehicles for toll payment, then wireless payment capability is achieved, but complexity in managing multiple payment accounts and preventing double charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's RF tag and multiple payment accounts. The server receives toll payment requests, determines which payment account to use based on pre-configured rules (business/personal classification), and processes the payment. This eliminates the need for complex local decision-making in the vehicle while maintaining ease of wireless payment.
Solution Approach 2:
Payment account configurations and routing rules are pre-configured in advance on the server. The system pre-establishes which accounts should be used for business versus personal tolls, and pre-defines the logic for selecting between multiple payment methods. This preliminary setup simplifies real-time operation by removing complex decision-making from the vehicle system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment accounts are linked to a vehicle, then flexibility in payment options increases, but difficulty in determining which account to charge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server implements a feedback mechanism where toll payment requests are sent to the server with contextual information (time, location, trip purpose). The server responds with the selected payment account based on pre-configured rules. This feedback loop automates the account selection process, providing versatility in payment options while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of account selection from a static, vehicle-level choice to a dynamic, rule-based determination. By introducing parameters such as trip purpose (business/personal), time of day, and location, the system automatically selects the appropriate payment account. This maintains versatility in payment options while simplifying operation through automated parameter-based selection.
3Device complexity
If manual payment methods are used at toll checkpoints, then simplicity in payment processing is maintained, but time loss due to stopping and manual payment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple payment accounts and routing rules before toll payment is needed. The vehicle system automatically initiates wireless payment transactions as the vehicle approaches the toll checkpoint, eliminating the need for manual payment processing and stopping. This maintains simple payment processing while significantly reducing time loss.
4Reliability
If business and personal tags are separate, then clear account separation is achieved, but complexity in reimbursement and charging scenarios increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server implements a universal payment management system that handles both business and personal payment accounts through a single interface and unified rule-based selection logic. Instead of requiring separate physical tags and manual management, the universal system automatically routes payments to the appropriate account type based on pre-configured parameters. This maintains reliable account separation while eliminating reimbursement complexity by providing a single point of control for all payment scenarios.
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
This solution streamlines toll payments by enabling users to manage multiple payment sources effectively, preventing double charges and simplifying reimbursement, while allowing for seamless navigation through tolls without the need for manual payment.
Implementation Method 1
the processor is configured to detect when a vehicle travels past a point where a toll is due for the toll instance and wirelessly instruct payment of the toll using the preferred payment method
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor configured to receive a navigation route. The processor is further configured to identify a toll instance on the navigation route. The processor is additionally configured to display the toll instance with a preferred payment method on a display. Also, the processor is configured to detect when a vehicle travels past a point where a toll is due for the toll instance and wirelessly instruct payment of the toll using the preferred payment method.