CA2442235A1 - Virtual lane system and method - Google Patents
Virtual lane system and method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2442235A1 CA2442235A1 CA 2442235 CA2442235A CA2442235A1 CA 2442235 A1 CA2442235 A1 CA 2442235A1 CA 2442235 CA2442235 CA 2442235 CA 2442235 A CA2442235 A CA 2442235A CA 2442235 A1 CA2442235 A1 CA 2442235A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/065—Traffic control systems for road vehicles by counting the vehicles in a section of the road or in a parking area, i.e. comparing incoming count with outgoing count
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/095—Traffic lights
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/20—Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
- G08G1/207—Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles with respect to certain areas, e.g. forbidden or allowed areas with possible alerting when inside or outside boundaries
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A virtual lane system and method is disclosed. The system includes a traffic control and preparation center, and a virtual lane managed by the center. The method includes the steps of controlling and preparing traffic, and managing the traffic in a virtual lane.
Description
Virtual Lane System and Method Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to traffic control systems and methods, and more particularly to a system for tracking vehicles.
Background of the Invention Traffic control has been an issue for public and private roadways since the advent of transportation. The issue of controlling traffic has been handled primarily through the use of signage, both stationary and electronic, without regard for the type or destination of the vehicle being controlled or being given access to a particular roadway.
Standard traffic signals placed, for example, on approach to a border crossing are incapable of determining if, upon the changing of the light to green, all vehicles will actually be able to proceed through the border crossing, since they do not consider a vehicle's level of preparedness to effect customs clearance or the nature of the trip, such as business or pleasure.
What is needed is a way to schedule releases in order to minimize delays and ensure a level of preparation for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that enables timely release by a foreign customs service at an official border crossing within a region. Timely release by a foreign customs service can only be affected in accordance with their clearance procedures and programs.
30 Traffic monitoring has occurred for several years now and been successful in determining roadway accessibility and conditions and has further enabled the tracking of individual vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers. However, no system exists for tracking and observing as a separate entity within a border region only those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers intending to cross into a foreign region/territory.
In today's heightened need for border security, it has been a urgent task for highway planners to plan for road systems that allow for a dedicated route to a border crossing without having to disturb existing infrastructure or the residences and businesses that rely on that infrastructure.
At first glance, one might think that the best approach would be to add an additional, dedicated lane. The problem is that this can require an enormous outlaying of public or private movies and result in great disruption to businesses and residents alike, not to mention drivers. Many examples exist where roadway infrastructure leading to border crossings in a region is decades old and supports established residential and business interests. If the installation of a standard "bricks and mortar" dedicated lane was undertaken at such an established location, the cost of moving or dismantling existing infrastructure would be prohibitive. What is needed is a method of maximizing route security for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers without requiring extensive changes to existing road or lane systems.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved method and system for tracking vehicles in a border region.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Background of the Invention Traffic control has been an issue for public and private roadways since the advent of transportation. The issue of controlling traffic has been handled primarily through the use of signage, both stationary and electronic, without regard for the type or destination of the vehicle being controlled or being given access to a particular roadway.
Standard traffic signals placed, for example, on approach to a border crossing are incapable of determining if, upon the changing of the light to green, all vehicles will actually be able to proceed through the border crossing, since they do not consider a vehicle's level of preparedness to effect customs clearance or the nature of the trip, such as business or pleasure.
What is needed is a way to schedule releases in order to minimize delays and ensure a level of preparation for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that enables timely release by a foreign customs service at an official border crossing within a region. Timely release by a foreign customs service can only be affected in accordance with their clearance procedures and programs.
30 Traffic monitoring has occurred for several years now and been successful in determining roadway accessibility and conditions and has further enabled the tracking of individual vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers. However, no system exists for tracking and observing as a separate entity within a border region only those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers intending to cross into a foreign region/territory.
In today's heightened need for border security, it has been a urgent task for highway planners to plan for road systems that allow for a dedicated route to a border crossing without having to disturb existing infrastructure or the residences and businesses that rely on that infrastructure.
At first glance, one might think that the best approach would be to add an additional, dedicated lane. The problem is that this can require an enormous outlaying of public or private movies and result in great disruption to businesses and residents alike, not to mention drivers. Many examples exist where roadway infrastructure leading to border crossings in a region is decades old and supports established residential and business interests. If the installation of a standard "bricks and mortar" dedicated lane was undertaken at such an established location, the cost of moving or dismantling existing infrastructure would be prohibitive. What is needed is a method of maximizing route security for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers without requiring extensive changes to existing road or lane systems.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved method and system for tracking vehicles in a border region.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Brief Description of the Drawings These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 is an overview of virtual lane system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an overview of a virtual lane method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
10 Figure 3 illustrates on-site traffic flow on the Traffic Control Center grounds;
Figure 4 illustrates traffic flow as controlled by the Traffic Control Center;
Figure 5 illustrates the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and the surrounding region in relation to the official border crossing;
Figure 6 illustrates the general direction of the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane in relation to the official border crossing;
Figure 7 illustrates a detailed view of an International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane in relation to other region/territorial roadways;
Figure 8 illustrates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane with it's various components; and Figure 9 illustrates points at which data is fed from the tag/reader points electronically to a main database.
Detailed Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a virtual lane system and method. As illustrated in Figure 1, the system includes a traffic control and preparation center, and a virtual lane managed by the center.
Figure 1 is an overview of virtual lane system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an overview of a virtual lane method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
10 Figure 3 illustrates on-site traffic flow on the Traffic Control Center grounds;
Figure 4 illustrates traffic flow as controlled by the Traffic Control Center;
Figure 5 illustrates the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and the surrounding region in relation to the official border crossing;
Figure 6 illustrates the general direction of the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane in relation to the official border crossing;
Figure 7 illustrates a detailed view of an International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane in relation to other region/territorial roadways;
Figure 8 illustrates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane with it's various components; and Figure 9 illustrates points at which data is fed from the tag/reader points electronically to a main database.
Detailed Description of the Presently Preferred Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a virtual lane system and method. As illustrated in Figure 1, the system includes a traffic control and preparation center, and a virtual lane managed by the center.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the method includes the steps of controlling and preparing traffic, and managing the traffic in a virtual lane.
Figure 3 illustrates on-site traffic flow on the Traffic Control Center 5 grounds. This flow occurs for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers whose point of origin is outside a region wishing to use an International border crossing within a region.
Figure 4 illustrates the traffic flow as controlled by the Traffic Control 10 Center; this flow occurs for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers, whose point of origin is inside the Traffic Control Center region, wishing to use an International border crossing within the same region.
Figure 5 illustrates the International Traffic Control and Preparation 15 Center and the surrounding region in relation to the official border crossing.
Figure 6 illustrates the general direction of the International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane in relation to the official border crossing for any particular region/territory and various potential points of origin. Figure 7 illustrates a more detailed view of an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane in relation to other region/territorial 20 roadways.
Figure 8 illustrates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane with it's various components including the point or origin, tag/reader points and the exit from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane at the entranceway to official 25 border crossing. Figure 9 illustrates the points at which data is fed from the tag/reader points electronically to a main database including the point of creation for a log file and the point of acquittal, again for a log file.
The system provides a physical Traffic Control and Preparation Center 30 and corresponding process that separate International traffic into two traffic streams on the Control Center property, or at another authorized point of origin within the Traffic Control Center region. One traffic stream is designated for prepared vehicles, cargo, operators and their passengers, and the other for unprepared equivalents.
Unprepared vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers are assisted in 5 reaching an acceptable level of preparation, and then scheduled for release into the traffic stream for those prepared to effect release at a border crossing.
The first sets of traffic rules related to this system is for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that originate from outside the region of the border crossing, as illustrated in Figure 5. These steps/rules are set out below:
The first step is for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who have an origin outside of the region of the Traffic Control and Preparation Center to enter the grounds of the Traffic Control and Preparation Center, Figure 3 - arrow #1. Upon entrance to the grounds a determination will be made as to whether or not the vehicle and its passengers have properly prepared to cross the International border. The determination of level of preparedness can be made through electronic means such as the reading of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags on the vehicle itself or on the operator/occupant identification, or through an interview with the operator and passengers and the review of pertinent documentation conducted either virtually or by a human control point. Based on this level of preparedness, they will proceed to either step two (fully prepared) or step three (insufficiently prepared). Those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who proceed directly to Step 2 will be issued a pager for ease of release notification if a wait in excess of fifteen minutes prior to off-site roadway access is expected.
At this stage, Figure 3 - arrow #2 vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will proceed to an on-site roadway to await release to the entrance of an off-site roadway leading to the border crossing. The Traffic Control Center will assign a queue position to the vehicle and effect release when the off-site roadway is free from any obvious encumbrances. Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will be informed of their authorization to leave the grounds of the Traffic Control Center via pagers distributed at the entrance of the grounds, an electronic signboard, or by a simple red light/green light indicator.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who are determined in Step 1 to be insufficiently prepared to access the off-site roadway to the border crossing, Figure 3 - arrow #3 are instructed to park their vehicle in the appropriate parking area and report to the Traffic Control and Preparation Center. Clerical staff will be provided in the Center to ensure that vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers are properly prepared to effect release at the foreign customs port so as not to encumber the crossing or roadways leading to that border crossing.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers can now await a queuing position (Figure 3 - arrow #4). Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will be informed of their authorization to leave the grounds of the Traffic Control Center via pagers distributed at the Traffic Control and Preparation Center, an electronic signboard, or by a simple red light/green light release indicator on the on-site roadway.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers proceed to the off-site roadway (Figure 3 - arrow #5), which leads to the border crossing using a common exit (on-site roadway) after preparation and/or confirmation of preparation for the impending border crossing has occurred using the methods described above.
The second set of traffic rules related to the system is for those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that originate inside a region, (Figure 5 of the border crossing, or less than one hour from the actual border crossing. These steps/rules are set out below:
Figure 3 illustrates on-site traffic flow on the Traffic Control Center 5 grounds. This flow occurs for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers whose point of origin is outside a region wishing to use an International border crossing within a region.
Figure 4 illustrates the traffic flow as controlled by the Traffic Control 10 Center; this flow occurs for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers, whose point of origin is inside the Traffic Control Center region, wishing to use an International border crossing within the same region.
Figure 5 illustrates the International Traffic Control and Preparation 15 Center and the surrounding region in relation to the official border crossing.
Figure 6 illustrates the general direction of the International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane in relation to the official border crossing for any particular region/territory and various potential points of origin. Figure 7 illustrates a more detailed view of an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane in relation to other region/territorial 20 roadways.
Figure 8 illustrates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane with it's various components including the point or origin, tag/reader points and the exit from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane at the entranceway to official 25 border crossing. Figure 9 illustrates the points at which data is fed from the tag/reader points electronically to a main database including the point of creation for a log file and the point of acquittal, again for a log file.
The system provides a physical Traffic Control and Preparation Center 30 and corresponding process that separate International traffic into two traffic streams on the Control Center property, or at another authorized point of origin within the Traffic Control Center region. One traffic stream is designated for prepared vehicles, cargo, operators and their passengers, and the other for unprepared equivalents.
Unprepared vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers are assisted in 5 reaching an acceptable level of preparation, and then scheduled for release into the traffic stream for those prepared to effect release at a border crossing.
The first sets of traffic rules related to this system is for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that originate from outside the region of the border crossing, as illustrated in Figure 5. These steps/rules are set out below:
The first step is for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who have an origin outside of the region of the Traffic Control and Preparation Center to enter the grounds of the Traffic Control and Preparation Center, Figure 3 - arrow #1. Upon entrance to the grounds a determination will be made as to whether or not the vehicle and its passengers have properly prepared to cross the International border. The determination of level of preparedness can be made through electronic means such as the reading of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags on the vehicle itself or on the operator/occupant identification, or through an interview with the operator and passengers and the review of pertinent documentation conducted either virtually or by a human control point. Based on this level of preparedness, they will proceed to either step two (fully prepared) or step three (insufficiently prepared). Those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who proceed directly to Step 2 will be issued a pager for ease of release notification if a wait in excess of fifteen minutes prior to off-site roadway access is expected.
At this stage, Figure 3 - arrow #2 vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will proceed to an on-site roadway to await release to the entrance of an off-site roadway leading to the border crossing. The Traffic Control Center will assign a queue position to the vehicle and effect release when the off-site roadway is free from any obvious encumbrances. Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will be informed of their authorization to leave the grounds of the Traffic Control Center via pagers distributed at the entrance of the grounds, an electronic signboard, or by a simple red light/green light indicator.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who are determined in Step 1 to be insufficiently prepared to access the off-site roadway to the border crossing, Figure 3 - arrow #3 are instructed to park their vehicle in the appropriate parking area and report to the Traffic Control and Preparation Center. Clerical staff will be provided in the Center to ensure that vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers are properly prepared to effect release at the foreign customs port so as not to encumber the crossing or roadways leading to that border crossing.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers can now await a queuing position (Figure 3 - arrow #4). Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will be informed of their authorization to leave the grounds of the Traffic Control Center via pagers distributed at the Traffic Control and Preparation Center, an electronic signboard, or by a simple red light/green light release indicator on the on-site roadway.
Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers proceed to the off-site roadway (Figure 3 - arrow #5), which leads to the border crossing using a common exit (on-site roadway) after preparation and/or confirmation of preparation for the impending border crossing has occurred using the methods described above.
The second set of traffic rules related to the system is for those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers that originate inside a region, (Figure 5 of the border crossing, or less than one hour from the actual border crossing. These steps/rules are set out below:
The first step is for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who have an origin within the region of the Traffic Control and Preparation Center, or are considered to be local to the actual border crossing, to report electronically to the Traffic Control and Preparation Center (Figure 4 - arrow #1 ). Upon reporting electronically and providing required data, a determination will be made as to whether or not the vehicle, cargo, operator and passengers have properly prepared to cross the international border. The determination of level of preparedness can be made through electronic means such as databases with required fields, or through an interview with the operator and passengers and the review of pertinent documentation conducted either virtually, or by a human control point via telephone or fax transmissions.
Step 2 will not occur until proper preparation for the vehicle, operator and passengers has been confirmed.
At this stage, Figure 4 - arrow #2 vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will transmit to the vehicle, operator and passengers their position within the overall regional queue and expected wait time before they may proceed to the border crossing, if any. Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers can then proceed to the border crossing, Figure 7 - arrow #3 using an off-site roadway to the border crossing.
An embodiment of the virtual lane includes three main components.
The first component is a point of origin on the International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane Figure 8 - circle #1, which consists of an initial tag or information reading point. In most cases, this reader will be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader or a video camera. However, rapidly evolving technology may introduce a more appropriate technology. The reader should have the capability to create a log file for a vehicle, cargo, operator and/or passengers or the movement in the database Figure 9 - circle #1.
The second component, (Figure 8 - point #2), is the enroute taglreader points, which allows for the continuous monitoring of vehicles, cargo, operators and/or passengers as they approach an official border crossing.
This enables the monitoring of all internationally bound traffic within any given region/territory. As vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers pass these taglreader points, additional data can be added to the database electronically (Figure 9 - circle #2).
The third component, (Figure 8 - point #3) is an exit point from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane at an entranceway to an official border crossing. This taglreader point will remove the vehicle from the active monitoring database using information created in a log file in Step 1 above, as illustrated in Figure 9 - circle #3.
The International Traffic Control and Preparation Center includes an entranceway where vehicle, operator and passengers are screened for their level of preparedness to effect release at a foreign customs service within the region of the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center. A facility is provided for preparing those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers found to have unacceptable level of preparation so they may reach an acceptable level of preparation to effect release at the foreign customs service with the region. A queuing system is provided that prioritizes the release of the vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers based on their level of preparation upon arrival at the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center.
A method of scheduling releases from the facility or other authorized point of origin within the region is provided based on road availability and conditions between the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and an official border crossing within the region. The system provides the ability to accept the electronic and physical reporting for those wishing to access the official border crossing considered to be local to the region. The system provides the ability to add those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who report electronically into the overall regional queue for the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center.
Step 2 will not occur until proper preparation for the vehicle, operator and passengers has been confirmed.
At this stage, Figure 4 - arrow #2 vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers will transmit to the vehicle, operator and passengers their position within the overall regional queue and expected wait time before they may proceed to the border crossing, if any. Vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers can then proceed to the border crossing, Figure 7 - arrow #3 using an off-site roadway to the border crossing.
An embodiment of the virtual lane includes three main components.
The first component is a point of origin on the International Traffic "Virtual"
Lane Figure 8 - circle #1, which consists of an initial tag or information reading point. In most cases, this reader will be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader or a video camera. However, rapidly evolving technology may introduce a more appropriate technology. The reader should have the capability to create a log file for a vehicle, cargo, operator and/or passengers or the movement in the database Figure 9 - circle #1.
The second component, (Figure 8 - point #2), is the enroute taglreader points, which allows for the continuous monitoring of vehicles, cargo, operators and/or passengers as they approach an official border crossing.
This enables the monitoring of all internationally bound traffic within any given region/territory. As vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers pass these taglreader points, additional data can be added to the database electronically (Figure 9 - circle #2).
The third component, (Figure 8 - point #3) is an exit point from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane at an entranceway to an official border crossing. This taglreader point will remove the vehicle from the active monitoring database using information created in a log file in Step 1 above, as illustrated in Figure 9 - circle #3.
The International Traffic Control and Preparation Center includes an entranceway where vehicle, operator and passengers are screened for their level of preparedness to effect release at a foreign customs service within the region of the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center. A facility is provided for preparing those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers found to have unacceptable level of preparation so they may reach an acceptable level of preparation to effect release at the foreign customs service with the region. A queuing system is provided that prioritizes the release of the vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers based on their level of preparation upon arrival at the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center.
A method of scheduling releases from the facility or other authorized point of origin within the region is provided based on road availability and conditions between the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and an official border crossing within the region. The system provides the ability to accept the electronic and physical reporting for those wishing to access the official border crossing considered to be local to the region. The system provides the ability to add those vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers who report electronically into the overall regional queue for the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center.
The entranceway is to an actual facility created for the purpose of separating prepared from unprepared international traffic whether that separation occurs electronically or with a human interface.
A method of scheduling releases from the facility or other authorized point of origin within the region is provided based on the road availability and conditions between the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and the official border crossing within the region. The method is based on continuous surveillance of off-site road conditions between the point of origin and the official border crossing for the region.
The system provides the ability to accept the electronic or human interface reporting (such as via telephone or fax transmission) and of those wishing to access the official border crossing within the region whose point of origin is considered to be local to, the official border crossing. The system will then accept these forms of reporting of preparedness to effect release at a foreign customs service and the resulting scheduled queuing are specific to this invention.
The invention provides a physical International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and necessary processes to properly prepare and schedule the release of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers from the Center or other authorized point of origin within a region that are attempting to cross an International border. The invention includes components for the physical separation of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers based on the following factors. The first factor is vehicle, cargo, operator and passenger preparedness to effect clearance at the time of border crossing and the second factor is road availability and current road conditions. Road conditions can be affected by factors that include adverse weather conditions;
construction, vehicle collisions and any other unforeseen delay in the movement of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers between the Traffic Control and Preparation Center or any other authorized point of origin within the Traffic Control and Preparation Center region and the border crossing.
The traffic control of this system is a process complete with supporting 5 physical infrastructure. The process includes separating vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers at a point along their approach to an International border and then queuing them for release to the border crossing within the region from their authorized point of origin (on the Traffic Control Center grounds or elsewhere within the region). Queuing will occur electronically 10 based on vehicle and operator preparedness to effect customs release at the intended port of crossing. Release time will then be based on road conditions between the authorized point of origin and the official border crossing.
The system provides a "virtual" or electronically monitored lane to provide for the secure movement of vehicles, cargo, operators ana passengers to a border crossing and a related database of resulting information. Tag/reader points will relay data to the database that provides real-time information to authorized users about vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers destined for foreign region/territory from domestic regionlterritory.
The installation of surveillance equipment includes video cameras and/or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader units or other technologies that may be appropriate for the purpose of traffic monitoring. The system provides for the monitoring of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers. The virtual lane has various entrance points within a region/territory that allows for the recording and monitoring of all international traffic moving through a region/territory towards a border crossing at any one time.
The International Traffic "Virtual" Lane of the system is a lane leading to an official border crossing that provides for the secure and monitored passage of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers to allow for expedited passage through a particular region/territory and ultimately the foreign (receiving) customs service for the region/territory. The International Traffic "Virtual" Lane simultaneously creates a database of information using various taglreader points along the laneway including the point of origin/entry to and point of exit from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane.
The system creates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane for the approach to an official border crossing. The system maximizes route security for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers without requiring extensive changes to existing road or lane systems.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.
A method of scheduling releases from the facility or other authorized point of origin within the region is provided based on the road availability and conditions between the International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and the official border crossing within the region. The method is based on continuous surveillance of off-site road conditions between the point of origin and the official border crossing for the region.
The system provides the ability to accept the electronic or human interface reporting (such as via telephone or fax transmission) and of those wishing to access the official border crossing within the region whose point of origin is considered to be local to, the official border crossing. The system will then accept these forms of reporting of preparedness to effect release at a foreign customs service and the resulting scheduled queuing are specific to this invention.
The invention provides a physical International Traffic Control and Preparation Center and necessary processes to properly prepare and schedule the release of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers from the Center or other authorized point of origin within a region that are attempting to cross an International border. The invention includes components for the physical separation of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers based on the following factors. The first factor is vehicle, cargo, operator and passenger preparedness to effect clearance at the time of border crossing and the second factor is road availability and current road conditions. Road conditions can be affected by factors that include adverse weather conditions;
construction, vehicle collisions and any other unforeseen delay in the movement of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers between the Traffic Control and Preparation Center or any other authorized point of origin within the Traffic Control and Preparation Center region and the border crossing.
The traffic control of this system is a process complete with supporting 5 physical infrastructure. The process includes separating vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers at a point along their approach to an International border and then queuing them for release to the border crossing within the region from their authorized point of origin (on the Traffic Control Center grounds or elsewhere within the region). Queuing will occur electronically 10 based on vehicle and operator preparedness to effect customs release at the intended port of crossing. Release time will then be based on road conditions between the authorized point of origin and the official border crossing.
The system provides a "virtual" or electronically monitored lane to provide for the secure movement of vehicles, cargo, operators ana passengers to a border crossing and a related database of resulting information. Tag/reader points will relay data to the database that provides real-time information to authorized users about vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers destined for foreign region/territory from domestic regionlterritory.
The installation of surveillance equipment includes video cameras and/or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader units or other technologies that may be appropriate for the purpose of traffic monitoring. The system provides for the monitoring of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers. The virtual lane has various entrance points within a region/territory that allows for the recording and monitoring of all international traffic moving through a region/territory towards a border crossing at any one time.
The International Traffic "Virtual" Lane of the system is a lane leading to an official border crossing that provides for the secure and monitored passage of vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers to allow for expedited passage through a particular region/territory and ultimately the foreign (receiving) customs service for the region/territory. The International Traffic "Virtual" Lane simultaneously creates a database of information using various taglreader points along the laneway including the point of origin/entry to and point of exit from the International Traffic "Virtual" Lane.
The system creates an International Traffic "Virtual" Lane for the approach to an official border crossing. The system maximizes route security for vehicles, cargo, operators and passengers without requiring extensive changes to existing road or lane systems.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.
Claims (2)
1. A virtual lane system comprising:
a traffic control and preparation center; and a virtual lane managed by said center.
a traffic control and preparation center; and a virtual lane managed by said center.
2. A virtual lane method comprising the steps of:
(i) controlling and preparing traffic; and (ii) managing said traffic in a virtual lane.
(i) controlling and preparing traffic; and (ii) managing said traffic in a virtual lane.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2442235 CA2442235A1 (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Virtual lane system and method |
| CA2482504A CA2482504C (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2004-09-23 | Traffic control system and method |
| US10/948,997 US7336203B2 (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Traffic control system and method for use in international border zones |
| MXPA04009286 MXPA04009286A (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2004-09-24 | Traffic control system and method for use in international border zones. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2442235 CA2442235A1 (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Virtual lane system and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2442235A1 true CA2442235A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 |
Family
ID=34383894
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2442235 Abandoned CA2442235A1 (en) | 2003-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Virtual lane system and method |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2442235A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA04009286A (en) |
-
2003
- 2003-09-24 CA CA 2442235 patent/CA2442235A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-09-24 MX MXPA04009286 patent/MXPA04009286A/en active IP Right Grant
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MXPA04009286A (en) | 2005-08-19 |
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