DE102009001194A1 - Method for updating data e.g. software data, and/or programs stored in toll transponder for detecting driving distance from e.g. lorry, to toll road, involves transferring updated data and/or programs from local server to detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transferring updated data and/or programs of a central server (100) of a toll central via a communication interface (105) at a local server (101). A communication connection is established between the local server and a recipient toll detection device (103), which is provided in a range of another communication interface (106). An updating need of the toll detection device is tested. The updated data and/or programs are transferred from the local server to the toll detection device by the latter communication interface if the updating need is identified. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a toll system for electronic tolling of a vehicle using a chargeable road section comprising a central server (2) a toll transponder for detecting driving distance from a vehicle to a toll road.

Description

The The invention describes a method for updating in toll collection devices stored data and / or programs and a toll system for electronic Tolling of a toll road section using vehicle.

State of the art

at the distribution of updated data and / or programs (updates) from a central server of the toll center to mobile toll collection devices In an electronic tolling system, it can cause high loads of the wireless network and the server that may come affect the toll system in its function or even to make something useless. This case can occur in particular if all or very many are in range of the radio network, toll collection devices mounted on vehicles Data and / or programs to be supplied. Are located affected vehicles abroad will incur additional costs Expenses for roaming in the radio network.

To avoid overloading the radio network is from the German patent application DE 10 2005 027 765 A1 a method for updating software in an electronic tolling system, in which between the toll collection device in the vehicle and the central server of the toll control center version information of the software for determining an updating requirement may be exchanged and in which, determined in an identified need for updating required for an update communication volume and the toll collection device emits a signal in the vehicle when the determined communication volume exceeds a predetermined limit value. It is also provided that a new version of the software is provided to a service point of the toll system, wherein the update of the software of the toll collection device in the vehicle at the service point via a local, wired or realized as short-range radio communication connection.

Of the Driver of a vehicle must after activating the warning signal active one Control the service point and establish a local communication connection, to update the toll system software.

Disclosure of the invention

The The present invention overcomes the above-described Problem by providing a method for updating of data stored in toll collection devices and / or Programs, whereby updated data and / or programs of one central server of the toll center via a first communication interface be transferred to at least one decentralized server, via a second communication interface between the decentralized Server and within reach of the second communication interface and receiving toll collection devices a communication link is built, the need for updating the respective toll collection device is checked and updated data and / or programs from the remote server via the second communication interface be transferred to the toll collection device, if an update requirement was detected.

The inventive method and the invention Tolling system have the advantage that when detected updating needs a toll collection system automatically updates, without overloading the radio network excessively.

Preferably gets out of the decentralized server in regular Time intervals, for example every day at night, one Communication connection with the central server built to to retrieve updated data and / or programs. In this way On the one hand it ensures that the decentralized servers always the current data and / or programs are available. On the other hand, for data transmission Time ranges are used between the central server and the decentralized servers which typically have a low network load, such as night hours.

• – dem Typ von Mauterfassungsgeräten, für den die Daten und/oder Programme geeignet sind,
• – den Zeitpunkt, ab dem die Daten und/oder Programme Gültigkeit erlangen,
• – das geographische Gebiet, für das die Daten und/oder Programme gelten, oder
• – Autentizitätskennzeichen.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the updated data and / or programs are provided with additional information, such as

• - the type of toll collection device for which the data and / or programs are appropriate,
• - the date on which the data and / or programs become valid,
• The geographical area to which the data and / or programs apply, or
• - Autenticity mark.

On Basis of such additional information can be the need for updating of a toll collection device determine very accurately, so that unnecessary updates and thus unnecessary burdens of the radio network can be avoided.

In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, billing data relating to the toll charges which have become due from the toll are also transmitted via the second communication connection transmitted to a decentralized server. This measure leads to a further relief of the radio network, as in turn can be used for the transmission of these data from the decentralized server to the central server of the toll center periods, which typically have a low network load.

According to one further advantageous embodiment of the invention can from the decentralized server also credit for the toll system be transferred to the toll collection device. This also makes targeted control of the network load possible.

After all it is advantageous to position the central servers in places which are regularly approached by vehicles, such as gas stations, or the regular require updating the data and / or programs, such as border crossings.

Further Features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description with reference to the attached Characters.

Brief description of the figures

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a toll system according to the invention and

2 a schematic representation of the sequence of the method according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments

A toll system according to the invention comprises a central server 100 the toll center, typically in the data center of the toll operator, a decentralized server 101 comprising at least a computer unit and a storage unit, and a toll collection device 102 - often referred to as an on-board unit or OBU - which in a vehicle 104 is installed. Between the central server 100 and the remote server 101 is a first communication interface 105 trained, over the data and / or programs can be exchanged. The communication between the central server 100 and the remote server 101 This is usually done via a mobile phone connection, for example GSM, or over the Internet. The second communication interface 106 between the remote server 101 and the toll collection device 103 is wireless and can be realized, for example, radio-based via WLAN, Bluetooth, DSRC or a comparable radio technology. Of course, other wireless connection techniques, such as infrared are possible.

Based on 2 Now, various possibilities are explained how the method according to the invention can proceed. This procedure is used to update data and / or programs running on the central server 100 be made available on a toll collection device 103 on board a vehicle 104 transferred to.

Between the central server 100 the toll center and the decentralized server 101 At regular intervals, a communication connection is established via the first communication interface 105 built up. Stand at the central server 100 Updated data and / or programs available, these will be sent to the remote server 101 transfer. The connection setup between the central server 100 and the remote server 101 can either by the decentralized server 101 or the central server 100 be initiated. The connection is through the remote server 101 initiated, it is advantageous to use periods of time, which usually have a low network load. This is the case, for example, during the night hours. In this way, the network load can be controlled specifically. An initiation of the connection setup by the central server 100 has the additional advantage that in this case a connection is established only if updated data and / or programs are available. Of course, however, it is also possible to use time segments with the usual low network load.

The term data and / or programs means all data and / or programs necessary for the proper functioning of a toll collection device 103 required are. This may be, for example, software, cost and / or charge data. Stand at the central server 100 Such data are available in updated form, they are after successful connection in one step 201 to the decentralized server 101 transfer.

• – Typ von Mauterfassungsgeräten, für den die Daten und/oder Programme geeignet sind, zum Beispiel nur für LKW oder nur für PKW,
• – Zeitpunkt, ab dem die Daten und/oder Programme Gültigkeit erlangen,
• – ein geographisches Gebiet, zum Beispiel ein Land oder Bundesland, für das die Daten und/oder Programme gelten, oder
• – Authentizitätskennzeichen, wie zum Beispiel eine Signatur oder ein Code (z. B. Message Authentication Code (MAC)), welche die Authentizität der Daten und/oder Programme garantieren.

Advantageously, the updated data and / or programs on additional information that on the one hand ensure correct operation of the entire toll collection system and on the other hand help to avoid unnecessary data transfers and thus unnecessary network loads. The following additional information is conceivable:

• - type of toll collection equipment for which the data and / or programs are appropriate, for example, only for lorries or for cars only,
• - the date from which the data and / or programs become valid,
• - a geographical area, for example a Country or state to which the data and / or programs apply, or
• Authenticity tags, such as a signature or a code (eg Message Authentication Code (MAC)), which guarantee the authenticity of the data and / or programs.

Drives a vehicle 104 into the send area of the decentralized server 101 one, gets in one step 202 via the second communication interface 106 a communication connection between the remote server 101 and the toll collection device 103 on board the vehicle 104 built up. In one step 203 then becomes the update requirement of the toll collection device 103 checked. For this purpose, on the one hand checked whether the decentralized server 101 available data and / or programs at all an update of currently in the toll collection device 103 stored data and / or programs. On the other hand, it may also be possible to additionally check on the basis of the additional information whether an update in the current driving situation is necessary and / or useful. For example, up-to-date data, which only concerns the truck toll, is completely irrelevant to passenger cars. Likewise, it may not be useful to have data and / or programs on the toll collection device 103 which relate to a geographical area which is located at a considerable distance from the current location of the vehicle.

Will be an update requirement of the toll collection device 103 detected, the updated data and / or programs, as far as the toll collection device 103 relevant, via the second communication interface 106 from the remote server 101 to the toll collection device 103 transfer. If the transmitted data and / or programs have a validity date in the future, the installation of the data and / or programs in the toll collection device 103 be moved to this date. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for data and / or programs that have a validity date in the future, already in the step 203 to decide that there is currently no need for updating, so that the data and / or programs not even on the toll collection device 103 be transmitted.

Will in step 203 No need for updating the toll collection system 103 the communication connection between the decentralized server is detected 101 and the toll collection system 103 in one step 205 separated again.

Of course can the transmission of all messages and all to be transmitted Data and / or programs using known cryptographic methods completely or partially encrypted.

Advantageous are the decentralized servers 101 Positioned in places regularly by vehicles 104 such as petrol stations, or that regularly require updating of data and / or programs, such as border crossings. At border crossings, for example, decentralized servers can be set up, which always provide the current versions of the data and / or programs of the tolling system of the neighboring countries and if necessary transmit them to the toll collection systems of the vehicles in range. The toll collection device 103 can then activate the correct version of the data and / or programs due to their own position and the geographic assignment of the data and / or programs. It is also possible to inform the driver acoustically or optically that updated toll data and / or toll programs are required and installed. If necessary, it is also possible to ask the driver to wait for the installation of the new data and / or programs and to inform him after successful installation of the process.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the toll collection device reports 103 on an existing connection to a remote server 101 also billing data regarding the tolls that have become due until then. These billing data include, on the one hand, the toll fee itself and / or information about the route traveled, such as the course of the route or the number of kilometers driven. On the other hand, the time of the last charge message or a transaction number, which is increased, for example, after each successful charge message, to the remote server 101 transfer. The data is sent in encrypted form, that is with a signature or an authentication code, for example MAC, or with an equivalent cryptographic measure. The decentralized server confirms the charge message in an encrypted form by an acknowledgment message. Upon receipt of the acknowledgment message, the toll collection device deletes 103 the previously recorded fee and increases the transaction counter or updates the date of the last fee report.

If the communication link between the toll collection device 103 and the remote server 101 is interrupted before the acknowledgment message of the server is received, the toll collection device breaks 103 the process without deleting the charge meter. The decentralized server 101 accept the fee report the nor, if he has received it correctly and completely. The next charge message becomes the remote server 101 or the central server 100 then, based on the transaction number or the time of the last charge message, recognize that part of the charge has been reported twice and subtracts the amount already paid from the current charge message.

Fee messages issued by the remote server 101 are received then via the first communication interface 105 to the central server 100 transferred to the toll center. Again, of course, time periods, such as the night hours, can be used, in which there is usually a low network load. In order to additionally secure the billing, the billing data within the toll collection device 103 stored on a smart card or equivalent secure hardware and the cryptographic functions are also executed there. The decentralized server 101 It may also contain secure hardware for storing the fee schedules and performing the cryptographic functions.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, by the decentralized servers 101 also credit for the toll system on the toll collection device 103 in a vehicle 104 be transmitted. In this case, the toll collection device will invalidate 103 the credit when driving on toll sections according to the toll. The procedure is analogous to the reporting of the billing data, whereby instead of the due toll fee the desired balance by the driver is billed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005027765 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Method for updating in toll collection devices ( 103 stored data and / or programs, wherein - updated data and / or programs from a central server ( 100 ) of the toll center via a first communication interface ( 105 ) to at least one decentralized server ( 101 ), - via a second communication interface ( 106 ) between the remote server ( 101 ) and within reach of the second communication interface ( 106 ) and ready to receive toll collection devices ( 103 ) a communication connection is established, - the updating requirement of the respective toll collection device ( 103 ) and - Updated data and / or programs from the remote server ( 101 ) via the second communication interface ( 106 ) to the toll collection device ( 103 ), if an update requirement was detected. Method according to claim 1, wherein when establishing a connection between the decentralized server ( 101 ) and the toll collection device ( 103 ) a mutual authentication takes place. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the decentralized server ( 101 ) at regular intervals a communication connection with the central server ( 100 ) to retrieve updated data and / or programs. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the updated data and / or programs at least one of the following additional information contains: - Type of toll collection devices ( 103 ) for which the data and / or programs are suitable, - the date on which the data and / or programs become valid, - the geographical area to which the data and / or programs apply, - the authenticity mark Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toll collection device ( 103 ) via the second communication interface ( 106 ) Billing data regarding the tolls that have become due to the decentralized server ( 101 ) be transmitted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein of the decentralized server ( 101 ) also credits for the toll system to the toll collection device ( 103 ) be transmitted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data transmission is at least partially encrypted he follows. Tolling system for electronic tolling of a vehicle using a toll road segment ( 104 ), which has - a central server ( 100 ) of the toll center - at least one decentralized server ( 101 ), - a first communication interface ( 105 ) about the updated data and / or programs from the central server ( 100 ) to the remote server ( 101 ) are transferable, wherein the toll system for implementing an update method according to one of claims 1 to 7 is set up. Toll system according to claim 8, wherein the second communication interface ( 106 ) is designed as a wireless radio interface. Tolling system according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the decentralized server ( 101 ) is positioned in a location separate from vehicles ( 104 ) is regularly visited or regularly requires an update of the data and / or programs. A toll collection device ( 103 ) for the detection of a vehicle ( 104 ) on a toll route, a second communication interface ( 106 ) about the updated data and / or programs from the remote server ( 101 ) on the toll collection device ( 103 ), the toll apparatus being adapted for use in a method according to claims 1-9.