EP2329461A1

EP2329461A1 - Method and system for checking and managing queue of vehicles at border-crossing

Info

Publication number: EP2329461A1
Application number: EP09776309A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Viktor Novoreshchenov
Original assignee: As Sivex International
Current assignee: SIVEX KINNISVARA OUE
Priority date: 2008-09-26
Filing date: 2009-09-23
Publication date: 2011-06-08
Also published as: RU2011116101A; WO2010034317A8; EE200800061A; WO2010034317A1; EE05372B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system of checking and managing a queue of vehicles at a border checkpoint. In the central server of module 1 of the system foreseen for implementing the method a database is created with the data of vehicles waiting for border-crossing or pre-registered for border-crossing, in which at least the vehicle's registration number data and/or the driver's mobile communications device are stored. Module 1 of the system is connected via the Internet with module 2, which comprises the registration device at the checkpoint parking lot and performs registration of arriving vehicles, and module 3, which is foreseen for pre-registration of vehicles, module 4 comprising a device for operating border checkpoint entry gate, and module 5 comprising information screens for displaying queue progress.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHECKING AND MANAGING QUEUE OF VEHICLES AT BORDER-CROSSING

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention is related to a method and system, for managing border-crossing queues of motor vehicles using the possibilities of the Internet and mobile communications devices, and in particular for managing and checking border-crossing queues for means of transport, for example trucks transporting various goods.

STATE OF THE ART

Everyone knows of the long border-crossing queues of trucks that are several if not dozens of kilometres long at the borders of different countries. In addition to everyday living problems and the time truck drivers uselessly spend in the queue such queues often also cause damage to the surrounding environment. Delivery dates are lengthened and exceeded as well because of the queues, and that in turn causes problems between the manufacturers of the goods and customers. In some cases the number of motor vehicles in the queue can reach a couple of thousand trucks, and the queue time up to 10 days.

A queue number monitoring device and method for use in stores, post offices and other similar places is known from the state of the art according to document WO02077928 dated 03.10.2002, involving issuing a queue number to a customer, after which the customer can leave, and will be informed of his/her queue arriving by phone, for example by a mobile phone. The disadvantage of the system and method mentioned is the fact that the customer can register themselves not once. The system also lacks the possibility of pre-registering customers, and requesting priority that is especially important for example when transporting highly perishable goods. The system described does not allow the customer to register to the queue remotely or moreover, register several days in advance, receive notification on arrival of the queue, and depart from the starting point with the means of transport after that. In contrary to system described the invention provides opportunity to substantially shorten queues by limitation of number of pre- registered vehicles to the throughput of border check-point.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention enables prevention of the aforementioned disadvantages and problems to a significant degree, for example substantially shorten the duration of border-crossing queues, as a result diminishing its adverse effects to the truck drivers, environment, and people living in the border-crossing district.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a simple and flexible method and system for managing border-crossing queues of motor vehicles, in particular trucks designed for transport of goods.

In addition to that the objective of the present invention is to provide the customers with a system for pre-registering to the queue via the Internet or a mobile communications device.

Thanks to pre-registration and subsequent crossing of the border on a reserved moment of time implementing the method and system of the present invention allows significant shortening of the time trucks have to spend in the queue.

In addition to that the drivers, in particular drivers of vehicles waiting to cross the border and parked at a parking lot can use the time spent in waiting not having to worry over their position in the queue. The system enables the time a driver spends in the queue as resting time to be calculated instead of working time, which is particularly important for drivers of vehicles covering long distances.

The system prevents possible violations of the "first in - first out" principle. It therefore enables unlimited parking lots to be created for equivalent level of vehicles arriving to cross the border.

Improvements of the system enable managing border-crossing of vehicles in any country, and in addition to trucks the system also enables managing of border-crossing queues of cars, buses, etc.

To achieve the objectives of the present invention a method and system comprising different modules is provided. The modules are following.

Module 1 comprises a central server of the system connected to the Internet with computer programs implementing the algorithms corresponding to the operations. The module comprises a database of motor vehicles registered for border-crossing, a submodule for notification via a mobile communications device, a submodule for billing of customers, a submodule for receiving and storing information (e.g. storing log files) exchanged with the customers, a submodule for confirming information exchange, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm.

Module 2 is designed for registering motor vehicles arriving in the parking lot of the border-crossing checkpoint, whereas the module includes a registering devices located in the parking lot of the border-crossing checkpoint and connected to Module 1 via the Internet, video cameras or RPID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers connected to the registering devices and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm.

Module 3 is designed for pre-registration of motor vehicles, whereas the module comprises registering devices belonging either to operator of the transport company or other such entity (for example a forwarding company) having signed an appropriate contract to use the system, and connected to Module 1 via the Internet, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm.

Module 4 is designed for granting access to the border-crossing zone for motor vehicles, whereas the module comprises means for controlling the entry gate of the border- crossing zone, connected to Module 1 via the Internet, video cameras or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers connected to the aforementioned means, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm.

Module 5 is an information module comprising information displays located in the parking lots of the border-crossing zone, and in front of the entrance to the border- crossing zone, and reflecting progress of the queue. LIST OF DRAWINGS

The present invention and operating principles of its component modules are described in more detail through the following embodiment that is non-restrictive to the nature of the invention, included with the objective to facilitate better understanding of the present invention, with reference to the enclosed drawings. Figure 1 depicts the block diagram of the method and system of the present invention, Figure 2 depicts the schematic algorithm of registering motor vehicles in the border- crossing zone, figure 3 depicts the block diagram of the progress of the motor vehicle queue according to the method and system of the present invention.

IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE The method and system of the present invention for checking and managing the vehicle queue at a border-crossing checkpoint uses interaction of modules based on algorithm developed for employing the Internet, mobile communications and this invention.

The system of the present invention comprises several different modules connected to each other via the Internet, mobile communications or other similar types of connection. The system includes Module 1 for implementing the method of the invention, comprising a central server used to create a database of motor vehicles arriving at the border-crossing checkpoint, for example large means of transport designed for carriage of goods, or trucks. Thus Module 1 of the system comprises the database of motor vehicles registered for border-crossing, a submodule of notification via a mobile communications device, a submodule for receiving and storing information (e.g. storing log files) exchanged with customers, a submodule for confirming information exchange, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. The data concerning trucks scheduled for border- crossing arrive at Module 1 from Module 2 located for example in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone. Module 2 comprises registering means located in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone, for example computer terminals connected to Module 1 via the Internet, whereas either video cameras or RPID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers are connected to the registering means, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. The data sent from Module 2 include information concerning motor vehicles arriving directly in the parking lot of the border-crossing area, for example trucks (registration number of the truck, customer ID, etc.). Using Module 2 to register the vehicle for border-crossing is free of charge for the driver.

The data can also arrive from Module 3, which forwards the data of vehicles planned to be used for border-crossing, i.e. data of the vehicles pre-registered for border-crossing.

Module 3 includes the registering means of an operator company or other such entity having signed an appropriate contract to use the system, connected to Module 1 via the

Internet, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm of the method of the invention. In addition to that the system also includes Module 4 designed for granting access to the border-crossing checkpoint for motor vehicles, whereas the module comprises for example means for controlling the entry gate of the border-crossing checkpoint, connected to Module 1 via the Internet, video cameras or RFID readers connected to the aforementioned means, and a computer program executing a predetermined algorithm of the method. For implementation of the system it also comprises Module 5, which is an information module comprising information displays located in the parking lots of border-crossing zones, and in front of the entrance to the border-crossing checkpoint, and reflecting the progress of the queue.

The following describes registering vehicles using Module 2. 1. The data of a vehicle arriving for border-crossing are entered manually by the parking lot operator of the border-crossing checkpoint using the operator's computer connected to Module 1.

2. The parking lot of the border-crossing checkpoint can also be equipped with a special self-service terminal the driver uses to enter the data of his/her vehicle that are then transmitted to Module 1.

3. Alternatively the driver phones a special predetermined number using his/her mobile communications device, and the vehicle data are transmitted to Module 2 using either the identification signal of a video camera or an RFID device. The driver can also use an RFID card to enter data, or the vehicle data are transmitted to Module 1 when passing the RFID reader, if the vehicle is already equipped with an RFID chip containing the vehicle data.

To prevent registering a vehicle via Module 2 located in the parking lot of the border- crossing zone (registering options 1 and 2) without the vehicle being actually present at the entrance to the parking lot, the vehicle is photographed with a video camera at the moment of registering, and the image is added to the vehicle data created in Module 1. The image mentioned is stored in the transmission confirming module of Module 1.

Registration of a vehicle through Module 3, as a so-called pre-registration service, is a pay service, whereas interaction of Module 3 with the information exchange confirming submodule of Module 1 and the corresponding algorithm prevents disturbing the system's operation by pre-registering a vehicle "just in case", as a vehicle is considered pre-registered only after the appropriate operations have been confirmed and the pre- registration operator has received the charges. Thus registration using Module 3 is commercialised.

The system enables pre-setting restrictions to the pre-registration time period preceding the actual border-crossing; this could be for example 48 to 240 hours depending on the procedure and conditions of border-crossing. This time period can also be corrected according to the number of pre-registration requests, frequency of border-crossing, etc.

To set the general criteria of forming the border-crossing queue at pre-registration the average vehicle throughput of the border-crossing checkpoint is taken into account. Thus irregular arrival of vehicles at border-crossing is changed into a specific and controllable value by pre-registration, enabling the daily effectiveness of border-crossing to be increased. At the same time the system enables processing of statistical data that can be used to change the pre-registration criteria of the system as and when necessary. The most important characteristic of Module 3 is the fact that the number of motor vehicles that can be pre-registered for a specific time period, for example 24 hours, equals the average vehicle throughput of the border-crossing checkpoint within the same time period. In order to take into account this average throughput, prior statistics of vehicles passing through the border-crossing checkpoint are used as a basis, whereas the data mentioned can be recalculated as and when necessary. The preferred embodiment of the method of the invention assumes that the pre-registration module is used by all motor vehicles, and due to that the queue at the border-crossing checkpoint only includes motor vehicles, for example goods transport vehicles having arrived there before the border- crossing time assigned to them at pre-registration. Therefore the queue is very short and border-crossing is performed smoothly and without interruption. The block diagram depicted on Figure 3 provides a system for assigning a rating to the customers meaning that customers of the system having cancelled their pre-registration repeatedly are assigned lower ratings, and customers with higher ratings are preferred in case of consecutive pre-registration requests.

Using ratings in such a way grants priority to customers/motor vehicles only by pre- registration, not at the border-crossing checkpoint itself, i.e. when several customers wish to pre-register for border-crossing at one and the same time the system prefers higher rating users, meaning only the higher rating customer is pre-registered.

Customers using Module 3 are identified by the system, for example using either the user name/password or ID card, and transmitting of the information is confirmed. Amount of data entered in Modules 2 and 3 can be different but has to include the mobile phone number of the driver, and the registration number of the vehicle as a minimum. After completing registration using both Module 2 and Module 3 the driver of the vehicle receives for example a printed out admittance coupon for instance with a barcode or a message on his/her mobile phone including the border-crossing registration data, that is later used for checking and registering the vehicle's arrival at the border-crossing checkpoint, and for actual border-crossing.

Chronological vehicle data entered in Modules 2 and 3 form a single logical queue of vehicles waiting to cross the border.

Independent of the module (Module 2, Module 3) used to register the vehicle, the vehicle can be registered only once, and this registration is preserved until the vehicle arrives at the border-crossing checkpoint, or the vehicle is late to arrive at the border-crossing checkpoint at the time specified by the system, or the registration is cancelled via the system.

The estimated border-crossing time. specified by the system is either the date and time assigned to the vehicle by pre-registration via Module 3, or the time a vacant place becomes available at the border-crossing checkpoint for a vehicle previously registered using Module 2.

The driver having registered his/her vehicle in the system receives several messages about the progress of the queue on his/her mobile communications device: 4 hours, 1 hour and 0.5 hours before the estimated time of border-crossing, at the same time also the number of vehicles preceding the vehicle in question in the queue is sent.

The user can change the notification times, except the time of the last notification that is determined by the system.

The algorithm of Module 3 also enables the driver of the vehicle or the user of the system to request information about the progress of the queue themselves using a mobile communications device.

In case the throughput of the border-crossing checkpoint is reduced due to some reason the estimated border-crossing time is postponed whereas the logical vehicle queue is completely maintained.

The vehicle driver called to the entry gate of the border-crossing checkpoint by the system is admitted for border-crossing either by a) presenting the admittance coupon to the operator of the pass-through point (manual activity); b) inserting the admittance coupon to a reader that establishes the border-crossing right of the vehicle using the barcode, or; c) placing the vehicle in the field of vision of the video camera of Module 4 that identifies the registration number of the vehicle automatically, or into the range of the RPID reader of Module 4 that reads the data of the vehicle from its RFID chip (if the vehicle is equipped with one).

To prevent vehicles not having received this right from the system from being allowed to the border-crossing checkpoint (passing by the queue, the first and second or a) and b) options) the vehicle is photographed with the video camera of Module 4 immediately before admitting it to the border-crossing checkpoint. This photo is retained in the confirmation submodule of Module 1.

Vehicles of certain class (diplomats, scheduled buses, perishable goods, live animals, etc.) are assigned first priority for granting access to the border-crossing checkpoint by the system.

The structure of the system enables and ensures its reliability also in abnormal and unforeseen situations, for example in case of malfunctions of any of the modules or several modules at once, that is particularly important for ensuring uninterrupted operation of the border-crossing checkpoint.

For a specialist of the field it is evident that the embodiment of the invention described above is presented to characterise one possible version of the method and system according to the invention, not as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention can be modified within the scope of the characteristics described in the patent claim included.

Claims

1. Method for checking and managing the queue of vehicles at border-crossing characterised in that a) a database is created in the central server of Module 1 of the system containing data of the vehicles waiting to cross the border or pre-registered for border-crossing, at least the data containing the registration number of the vehicle and/or the number of the driver's mobile communications device is retained in the database, b) via the Internet are connected with each other at least the central server of the system, the registration device of Module 2 located in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone and means for controlling the entry gate of the border-crossing zone of Module 4, c) information concerning the vehicle requesting to cross the border is entered in the system beforehand via Module 2 located in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone, the information including the number of the mobile communications device of the vehicle driver and the data of his/her vehicle, comprising at least the registration number of the vehicle, d) the data entered at the border-crossing checkpoint are transmitted to the central server of Module 1 of the system where they are stored in chronological order to the database created in the central server, e) vehicles are allowed to the border-crossing checkpoint after several advance notifications about the expected time of granting access to the border-crossing checkpoint have been transmitted to their drivers automatically by the central server of the system.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the data of vehicles registered for border-crossing are stored in the central server so that the vehicle entered first is admitted to the border-crossing checkpoint before the vehicle registered after that.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a pre-registered vehicle is granted permission to cross the border before other vehicles registered for border-crossing directly in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone when the time specified at pre- registration of this vehicle arrives.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that each vehicle is registered in the system once, and its registration queue is preserved until the vehicle either exits the border-crossing zone or is late to the border-crossing checkpoint or its pre-registration is cancelled.

5. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the number of pre-registered vehicles is determined on the basis of the average number of vehicles passing the border- crossing checkpoint in a unit of time, calculated according to the specified frequency.

6. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the pre-registered customers are assigned a rating that is decreased according to the number of times pre-registration has been withdrawn or cancelled, whereas higher rating customers are granted priority at pre-registration.

7. System for checking and managing the queue of vehicles at border-crossing characterised in that it includes the following modules: a) Module 1 including the central server of the system connected to the Internet, with computer programs implementing the algorithms of the corresponding operations, whereas the module includes a database of motor vehicles registered for border-crossing, a submodule for notification via a mobile communications device, a submodule for receiving and storing information exchanged with customers, a submodule for billing of customers, a submodule for confirming information exchange, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. b) Module 2 covering registration of motor vehicles arrived in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone, whereas the module comprises registering means located in the parking lot of the border-crossing zone and connected to Module 1 via the Internet, video cameras or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers connected to the registering means, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. c) Module 3 designed for pre-registration of motor vehicles, whereas the module comprises registering means belonging to the operator company or other such entity having signed an appropriate contract to use the system, connected to Module 1 via the Internet, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. d) Module 4 designed for granting entry to the border-crossing zone for motor vehicles, whereas the module comprises means for controlling the entry gate of the border- crossing checkpoint, connected to Module 1 via the Internet, video cameras or RFID readers connected to the aforementioned means, and a computer program executing the corresponding algorithm. e) Module 5 that is an information module comprising information displays located in the parking lots of the border-crossing zone, and in front of the entrance to the border- crossing checkpoint, reflecting the progress of the queue.

8. System according to claim 7 characterised in that Modules 2, 3, 4, 5 are connected to Module 1 via the Internet for transmitting the data to the central server of Module 1 , and the database created there containing the data of the vehicles registered for border- crossing, and the communications devices of their drivers.

9. System according to claim 8 characterised by that the database created in the central server contains at least the number of the mobile communications device of the vehicle driver requesting to cross the border, and the registration number of the vehicle.

10. System according to claims 7 to 9 characterised in that the customers of the system are assigned ratings used as a basis for forming a queue of vehicles requesting to cross the border, whereas customers having previously withdrawn or cancelled their pre- registration several times are assigned lower ratings, and higher rating customers are granted priority when registering the border-crossing time of a vehicle.