Virtual Transponder for Toll Payment via Mobile Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current toll payment systems are cumbersome, requiring physical transponders, manual account management, and can result in additional fees for forgotten or misplaced devices, with users often facing frustration due to the need for exact change and potential surcharges for insufficient funds.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing cellular phones to communicate with toll gateways and insurance company computing devices for automatic toll payments, allowing for seamless transactions without the need for physical transponders, with the insurance company managing accounts and providing discounts based on driving data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical transponder is used for automatic toll payment, then toll payment convenience is improved, but device complexity and loss risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoll payment convenienceVSAvoidtransponder management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical transponder with a virtual transponder that operates through wireless communication between a mobile device and the toll gateway. The mobile device's communication interface serves as a copy or replica of the traditional physical transponder, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware while maintaining automatic toll payment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical physical transponder system with a wireless communication-based system. Instead of using physical tags that must be mounted on vehicles, the system uses mobile devices with wireless communication capabilities to transmit identification and payment information to the toll gateway, thereby eliminating mechanical mounting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a physical transponder is required for toll payment, then automatic payment capability is provided, but user frustration increases due to loss and placement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic toll payment capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables any mobile device capable of wireless communication to function as a transponder. This universal approach allows smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to perform the transponder function, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and allowing users to pay tolls with devices they already carry and use daily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects when a mobile device approaches the toll gateway and initiates payment without requiring manual intervention. The mobile device automatically communicates with the toll gateway, and the account is automatically charged, eliminating the need for users to manually mount, remove, or reposition physical transponders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transponders are needed for multiple vehicles, then coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-vehicle coverageVSAvoidnumber of transponders required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows a single mobile device to serve multiple vehicles by storing multiple vehicle identification information and associated account information on the device. The mobile device can communicate with different toll gatesways and manage payments for multiple vehicles using one device, eliminating the need for separate transponders for each vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If cash payment is required at toll gates, then payment reliability is ensured, but user frustration increases due to exact change requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment assuranceVSAvoidpayment process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cash payment system with an electronic automated payment system. Instead of requiring physical cash and exact change, the system uses wireless communication to transfer payment information electronically from the mobile device to the toll gateway, automatically deducting the toll amount from the user's account.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12056958B2Toll payment equipment

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

Methods, computer-readable media, software, and apparatuses provide a system for making toll payments using toll payment equipment. The system may include a mobile computing device, a toll gateway, and an insurance company computing device. The mobile computing device (e.g., a phone) may be configured to communicate with the toll gateway when a vehicle carrying the mobile computing device passes through the toll gateway. The mobile computing may send a signal to the insurance company computing device to cause the insurance company computing device to pay an appropriate toll or discounted toll (if applicable). The insurance company may maintain an account for a customer from which toll payments are made. In addition, the insurance company computing device may collect information about the vehicle as it passes through the toll gateway. The insurance company computing device may use this information to determine an insurance-related value, such as an insurance premium.