EP0741891B2 - Method and system for determining toll charges for traffic routes and/or areas - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/DE95/00107 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 30, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 30, 1996 PCT Filed Jan. 27, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/20801 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 3, 1995With the proposed method and system for determining toll charges for traffic routes and areas, toll charges are calculated with the aid of a device installed in the vehicle on the basis of positional and tariff data. The data are then transmitted via a data transmission system to a central point, with the possibility of verification of the appropriate charge.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement to determine usage fees for traffic routes and / or traffic areas.

To collect user fees (toll) for Traffic routes, especially roads, are different Process became known. General spread have so far only found toll stations, where the vehicles stop and after payment the toll is allowed to drive on the toll road. With busy roads, this leads despite one Large number of individual paying agents for traffic jams. Also facilities where you have a coin in slow travel throws in a funnel, provide only limited remedy.

In addition, procedures for automatic Determination and debiting of user fees become known. In the NTZ, volume 46 (1993), booklet 4 "Future automatic fee entry for the Road traffic "described procedures become collection points equipped with facilities where communication between the collection agency and the vehicle takes place. That's why surveillance the payment also immediately when passing the usually carried out as a bridge collection point. Furthermore, communication is only limited in space Zones possible to ensure uniqueness between the communicator and the one with a camera guarantee registered vehicle. Furthermore, it is not because of the limited communication times possible, the usual security procedures in banking and lending for electronic money transfer In addition, all vehicles must have communication-capable end devices are equipped, to be able to pass through the surveillance cameras without being accepted and viewed as a non-payer to become.

A considerable effort for collection agencies and there is a limited communication time in such Systems also exist if, as with WO 91/18354 the calculation of fees in the vehicle he follows.

A in VDI news from 08/20/93, page 2 to 3 described detection system uses a position determination of the vehicle using the GPS system (Global Positioning System), with which a position determination done by satellites, by the way is also described in FR 26 70 002 A1. With that only virtual collection points required, so that there is no need for suitable structures. The control the respective debit is based on a combination from beacon system and camera. The security relevant Money transfer operations take place only locally in the vehicle. Because the calculation the fee is only in the vehicle, is a traffic dependent It is not possible to make tariffs dynamic. How is also in the former known method a check only during a limited connection period between the controlling vehicle and a fixed station possible.

All vehicles are also subject to a fee Route section with electronic Equip devices.

A known from WO 92/10824 vehicle control and The route guidance system is thus used for toll settlement usable that beacons for determining the location for a Vehicle charge calculation are used. the fees will then be the same as for GB 22 48 957 A known system from a prepaid card debited. Since the calculation of fees only in the vehicle is a traffic-dependent dynamization the tariffs not possible.

The object of the present invention is a method to determine usage fees for traffic routes propose which with a low Effort related to inpatient facilities works and in which a secure transmission of each determined user fees up to a debit from an account or a user's wallet is possible.

This object is achieved by the technical teaching of claims 1 and 20. The inventive method has the advantage that basically existing infrastructure, such as the GPS system and digital cellular networks, can be used. Furthermore, the inventive Process advantageous that for the transfer of Usage fees provide sufficient time stands so that all measures to secure the Transmission are possible. Also, the survey of fees and monitoring timed and locally decoupled from each other.

The method according to the invention is not only for Roads, but also for other traffic routes, such as Air and waterways and railways, applicable. Furthermore, with the method according to the invention Fees for driving in certain traffic zones be determined, such as indoor. urban areas.

The method according to the invention consists in the fact that the usage fees calculated in each case in one in the vehicle Memory can be added up and that at a given Amount of total usage fees the transfer to the central office takes place. It is preferably provided that by the transfer a corresponding credit to the central office in is stored in the memory from which the respectively calculated Fees are debited.

On the one hand, this has the advantage that the connection paths in the data transmission system not continuously - that is, due to penny amounts become. On the other hand, they leave according to this Training to the central office no data Conclude on details of the route traveled, what in terms of personal data protection is important.

However, in order to control the investigation or the According to a Training provided that further in the memory control data are temporarily stored, which enable control of the charge calculation, in particular, data relating to the vehicle, the vehicle being driven Route, date, time and the respectively applied Mark tariff.

This control data can be requested by the user at its discretion until necessary Complaint will be saved. However, you can even while driving on the chargeable Traffic route used for controls. It is advantageous in the method according to the invention that if the memory is a chip card. With this there are many Benefits associated with the smart card as such result, for example, the storage of a personal identification and the ability to Chip card when the vehicle is not in use to lead, therefore, in the event of unauthorized vehicle use not also pay the user fees of the vehicle owner. It is possible that Function for the method according to the invention in one To implant chip card, which is also used for participant identification serves for a cellular network.

The use of the GPS system mentioned at the beginning basically allows for position determination an ongoing position determination so that the Usage fees, for example, based on actually driven Kilometers could be billed. However, a division of the fee-based is often made Traffic routes useful in individual sections be between collection points. In doing so the position data positions from given Assigned to collection agencies.

In addition to the possibility of virtual collection points through a position detection system such as the GPS system can be provided at the Procedures also collecting points in Form of beacons or induction loops used become. The procedure the advantage over the known methods that only the passers-by at these survey points Vehicles an identifier of the respective collection point must be communicated. This can be done in a very short time Time and regardless of whether a Vehicle or multiple vehicles in the area at the same time the collection agency and on which Lanes the vehicles are in.

Use of radio location systems, such as For example, the GPS system is used in further training of the method according to the invention allows that with the help of those in the vehicle Device continuously determines the position of the vehicle and with predetermined, one collection point each own positions is compared and that if there is agreement the respective position as position data of the Calculation of user fees used becomes.

It is possible that the positions of the survey points in the facility in the vehicle are stored or that over the data transmission system positions of Collection agencies are transferred or that over the data transmission system the positions of collection points in a local area be broadcast regularly.

Depending on the requirements regarding dynamization the tariffs can be provided that tariff data in the equipment in the vehicle is in shape a database is stored or that the tariff data from time to time via the data transmission system transmitted and stored in the in-vehicle equipment be or that over the data transmission system Tariff data for a locally restricted area be broadcast regularly.

A control of fee calculation and debiting can in the inventive method in advantageously connected downstream with the collection points Monitoring devices are carried out by that over the data transmission system of the vehicle equipment is communicated; which collection points Monitoring devices downstream are that the vehicle equipment at these collection points the control record of the fee calculation at the respective collection point from the Reads memory and via the data transmission system transmits to the monitoring device which the data received by the monitoring body identifiable characteristics (license plate, vehicle type) compares.

To protect personal data it should be provided that the monitoring device control data received if there is a match with those from the monitoring facility data obtained are deleted. In the case of an unjustified Use of the toll road is then a storage of the data until clarification and possible introduction of coercive measures required by competent bodies.

Vehicles not with one for the invention Appropriate in-vehicle equipment and by paying the user fee in advance use the toll route, can when using the invention Procedures also unimpeded monitoring devices happen. This is with further training the inventive method provided that furthermore control data are generated when on a Paying agent a user fee for a specific Route for a specific license plate number is paid and that the control data of one or are fed to several monitoring devices, which are in the range of the route for which User fee was paid.

In the method according to the invention, the This ensures transmission of the data to the central office be that the data transfer over itself known methods for authentication and encryption is secured. Preference is given to encryption the DES method applied.

An advantageous embodiment of this training provides that license plates, through a triple DES process, one-way encrypted become. With such coded license plates a reliable comparison in monitoring possible from the encrypted code, however the license plate itself can no longer be calculated. To further increase security can be provided be that for the encryption of the license plate provided key dynamized becomes. The one from the security module (chip card in the vehicle security area of the paying agent) current key index is then over a also transmit encrypted communication. Contributes to further security if all security-relevant Processes in the vehicle equipment in the Chip card and all security-relevant processes in the Central office and at the paying agent in secured areas (so-called security box) are processed.

Advantageous use of the existing infrastructure is according to an advantageous embodiment the invention thereby possible that the digital cellular network is built according to the GSM standard.

An arrangement for performing the invention The method is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 20. This arrangement has the advantage that practically all components in vehicle-compatible Execution, for example by cellular networks and positioning systems are available.

Another advantageous arrangement is characterized in that that the device in the vehicle forms a structural unit with a car radio. Thereby are additional precautions to include and for the electrical connection of the vehicle equipment not mandatory. The antenna can be designed in this way to be used as a receiving antenna for the car radio as well as an antenna for mobile radio serves.

A further development of this arrangement consists in that a display device (display) of the car radio serves as an output unit. Furthermore, the arrangement be designed such that as an input unit a preferably deposited by infrared transmission Keyboard.

Through the simultaneous application of a positioning system and a cellular network can in a simple manner in the invention Procedure also make an emergency call by the actuation of a suitable control element In-vehicle equipment for the transmission of the respective Position including an identifier that it is is an emergency call, initiated by data transmission becomes. This information can then, for example, from the central office via a corresponding data line forwarded to a police station and reported there become. In the same way, for example also a notification of technical Emergency services possible. In the case of an emergency call, it is advisable relinquished anonymity and that Vehicle registration number transmitted unencrypted.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung von Einrichtungen zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 2

ein Blockschaltbild einer Fahrzeugeinrichtung,

Fig. 3

ein Blockschaltbild einer Überwachungseinrichtung und

Fig. 4

ein Blockschaltbild einer zentralen Einrichtung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing using several figures and are explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic representation of devices for carrying out the method according to the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows a block diagram of a vehicle device,

Fig. 3

a block diagram of a monitoring device and

Fig. 4

a block diagram of a central device.

Fig. 1 shows a toll road 1 with each two lanes in each direction. On the interrupted section of road 1 shown two virtual collection points 2, 3. The collection point 3 is associated with a monitoring device 4. A vehicle 5 is on the virtual Collection point 3, another vehicle 6 in the area the monitoring device 4 and a third vehicle 7 is on the route section between the collection points. Between vehicles 5, 6, 7 and a central office 11 can use a digital cellular network 10 data are transmitted. The central office can be hierarchically structured and several have decentralized subordinate sub-tasks perceive, for example, communication processing self.

The collection points are each predetermined by defined geographical positions. With the help of GPS system, not shown, is running in the vehicle determined its position and with positions of the Comparison points compared. In the case of equality, it is determined that, for example, the vehicle 5 in the Collection point 3 is located. Reaches the vehicle 5 later the collection agency 2, the fee for the Distance between collection points 2 and 3 based on of the tariff applicable for this route and previously saved usage fees added. The sum is then saved again.

The vehicle device also stores that behind the collection point 3 a monitoring device 4 is arranged. Because this at the collection point 3 is the case, the in-vehicle equipment causes 10 control data via the digital cellular network to be sent to the central office 11. Happens one Vehicle 6 the monitoring point, are using of video cameras 13, 14, 15, 16 the characteristics and if necessary, the outline of the vehicle 6 included and with the help of image processing devices analyzed. If the control data match With the information recorded, the Central station 11 transmitted data deleted. However, will recorded a vehicle 6 for which no correlating Control data are available via a Output device 17 a message so that the unauthorized Usage can be tracked. Like this one individual has to be done is outside the invention and is left to the operator. Preferably the further processing of these messages is done manually.

Have summed up in the van racking User fees reached a predetermined amount, so provides the in-vehicle equipment via the mobile network 10 connects to the central office 11. Be there in addition to the fact that the predetermined user fees have been achieved, data which the Identify, transfer, and debit debit wallet. The memory in the in-vehicle equipment will then reset by the predetermined amount. If it appears advantageous, the central office 11 can also Create invoices for the vehicle owner or user and, if applicable, the invoice amounts move in the user's bank 12.

As for the transmission of data using the cellular network much more time than during the Passing a collection point is available, can use any method for security and encryption of the transfer. So there is enough time, for example, to build one bidirectional connection available so that at Errors even when using error-correcting Codes are uncorrectable, repeat the transfer can take place.

The tariff t at a collection point i is determined in the vehicle device by the chip card using a set of parameters and a basic unit fee x according to the following formula: t Collection agency (i) = a · x n0 + bx n1 + cx n2 + ... The potencies n0, n1, n2 etc. can all be the same or ascending or follow any other definitions. Each parameter (a, b, c ...) stands for a defined influencing variable - for example a for the motor vehicle type, b for the date, c for the time, d for the vehicle density and others. The basic unit fee x has the dimension of a monetary value, so that the result of the formula gives the fee to be paid. After the fee has been calculated, the corresponding units are initially debited locally from an intermediate account in the chip card. Minimum amounts of a few pfennigs do not have to be transferred individually using the complete security procedure of electronic money transfers, but are instead collected on the chip card.

Any debiting of fees on the chip card is in the form of a control record in a transaction store also logged on the chip card. This As described above, data record is used for monitoring also requires and serves the cardholder as Proof of possible complaints.

When transferring aggregate fees over the cellular network do not need data on the distance traveled, for example the individual. passed collection points to be transferred. This has the advantage that a conclusion on a concrete route is no longer possible.

2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment a vehicle device for implementation of the method according to the invention. For control a processor 21 is used for the individual processes other a permanent memory 22 for the program and a read / write memory 23 for variable data contains. A locating device is attached to the processor 21 24 and a transceiver 25 for mobile Data communication connected. The broadcast / Receiving device 25 can, for example, according to work according to the GSM standard and possibly also be associated with a mobile device.

Furthermore, a display unit is attached to the processor 21 26, for example an LCD display, and an input unit 27 connected. Finally, the processor 21 with a chip card reader / writer 28 connected, into which a chip card 29 can be inserted, a processor 30, a read only memory 31 and one Contains data storage 32.

The monitoring device shown in Fig. 3 includes several video cameras 41, which if necessary work in the infrared range, and headlights or infrared headlights 42.

The signals generated by the video cameras 41 are fed to an image processing computer 43, with which a license plate recognition is possible. On the image processing computer 43 is a transmitting / receiving device 44 connected with which to and data are transmitted from the central office 11 can.

The central point shown in Fig. 4 consists of a processing computer 51, which in addition to the usual Storage devices a security box 52nd includes. Transmit / Receiving devices 53, 54, 55 connected to Communication with the cellular network 10, with monitoring devices 4 and with banks 12 (Fig. 1).

For charging fees and monitoring of vehicles without in-vehicle equipment proceed as follows. For the route, which one is to be used must be provided in advance Paying agent usage fee for a particular Period stating the vehicle registration number to pay. This will result in corresponding control records generated. These are the monitoring stations fed, which are in the range of the route for that was paid. Doing so on this route the vehicle during the specified period when passing a monitoring device as classified as "correctly paid" if that by the monitoring device recorded data with the Control record match. In this case the data related to the vehicle is deleted.

If there is no match, it is for non-paying or wrong paying. For this you can Coercive measures, such as a fine, be initiated.

Claims (24)

1. A method of determining toll charges for traffic routes and/or traffic areas, in which, by means of a device situated in a vehicle, on the basis of position data and tariff data, toll charges are calculated, characterised in that the toll charges are transmitted via a digital mobile radio network to a central location, in that the respectively calculated toll charges are added up in a memory situated in the vehicle and in that at a given level of the added toll charges the transmission to the central location takes place.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that through the transmission to the central place, a corresponding credit is deposited in the memory, from which the respectively calculated charges are debited.
3. A method according to claim 2 characterised in that in addition, monitoring data are temporarily deposited in the memory, which make possible a monitoring of the charge calculation, in particular data which designate the vehicle, the distance travelled and the tariff respectively used.
4. A method according to one of claims 2 to 3 characterised in that the memory is a chip card.
5. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the position data are allocated to positions of given levy points.
6. A method according to claim 5 characterised in that by means of the device situated in the vehicle, the position of the vehicle is determined continuously and is compared with given positions in each case belonging to a levy point, and that when it coincides, the respective position, as position data, forms the basis of the calculation of the toll charges.
7. A method according to claim 6 characterised in that the positions of the levy points are stored in the device which is situated in the vehicle.
8. A method according to claim 6 characterised in that positions of levy points are transmitted via the data transmission system in chronological intervals.
9. A method according to claim 6 characterised in that the positions of levy points in a locally restricted region are transmitted regularly via the data transmission system.
10. A method according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that tariff data are stored permanently in the form of a data bank in the device which is situated in the vehicle.
11. A method according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the tariff data are transmitted from time to time via the data transmission system and are stored in the vehicle device.
12. A method according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that tariff data for respectively a locally restricted region are transmitted regularly via the data transmission system.
13. A method according to one of the preceding claims in which monitoring devices are connected to levy points at the outlet side, characterised in that via the data transmission system the vehicle device is informed of which levy points have monitoring devices connected to them at the outlet side, that the vehicle device at these levy points reads out the set of monitoring data of the levy calculation at the respective levy point from the memory and transmits it via the data transmission system to the monitoring device which compares the received data with features (vehicle registration number, vehicle type) which are able to be established through the monitoring point.
14. A method according to claim 13 characterised in that the monitoring data received from the monitoring device are cancelled immediately on coinciding with the data obtained from the monitoring device.
15. A method according to one of claims 13 or 14 characterised in that in addition monitoring data are produced when at a paying point a toll charge is paid for a particular distance for a particular vehicle registration number, and that the monitoring data are supplied to one or more monitoring devices which lie in the region of the distance for which the toll charge was paid.
16. A method according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the data transmission is protected by means of methods, known per se, for authentication and coding.
17. A method according to claim 16 characterised in that for coding, the DES method is used.
18. A method according to one of claims 16 or 17 characterised in that vehicle registration numbers are coded one-way, preferably by a triple DES method.
19. A method according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the digital mobile radio network is constructed according to the GSM standard.
20. An arrangement for determining toll charges for traffic routes and/or traffic areas, having a device situated in the vehicle which comprises a position pickup device (24) to produce positional data which indicate the respective position of the vehicle, and a processor (21) to calculate toll charges from the positional data and stored tariff data, characterised in that the device also comprises a memory for adding up the toll charges calculated, a terminal apparatus (25) of a digital mobile radio network for transmitting the added toll charges to a central location at a given level, and an input unit (27) and an output unit (26).
21. An arrangement according to claim 20 characterised in that in addition a chip card reading/writing apparatus (28) is provided.
22. An arrangement according to one of claims 20 or 21 characterised in that the device situated in the vehicle forms a structural unit with a car radio.
23. An arrangement according to claim 22 characterised in that a display device of the car radio serves as output unit (26).
24. An arrangement according to one of claims 22 or 23 characterised in that a keyboard, preferably deposited by infrared transmission, serves as input unit (27).

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