DE102004033124A1 - Navigation and congestion charging system for road vehicle being driven through city streets has mobile telephone onboard vehicle noting which cell it is in and sending out position signal - Google Patents

Abstract

A network of roads especially autobahns (10-20) may pass through an urban area with a large number of radio cells (A-J) for a mobile telephone network. Some individual cells may be divided up into smaller cells (a-n). The mobile telephone installed in the road vehicle recognizes which cell it is in and sends an appropriate radio signal to a central control computer.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for determining fees for vehicles covered Stretched by radio cells for Mobile phones or similar mobile transmitter / receiver units to lead. Furthermore The invention relates to a device (system) for this purpose.

For the toll collection On German highways, a satellite-based billing system is provided.

• a) die zu überwachenden Fahrzeuge führen jeweils ein eingeschaltetes Mobiltelefon mit sich,
• b) das mitgeführte Mobiltelefon nimmt automatisch in Abhängigkeit von der zurückgelegten Strecke mit einem Rechner der berührten oder durchquerten Funkzelle Kontakt auf,
• c) auf der Basis der Funkzellen, die das vom Fahrzeug mitgeführte Mobiltelefon registriert haben, werden eine vom Fahrzeug zurückgelegte Strecke und damit zusammenhängende Gebühren berechnet.

This is relatively expensive and expensive. The present invention seeks to provide a much simpler method and apparatus therefor. The method according to the invention has the following features:

• a) the vehicles to be monitored each carry a switched-on mobile phone,
• b) the entrained mobile phone automatically makes contact with a computer of the contacted or traversed radio cell depending on the distance covered,
• c) on the basis of the radio cells which have registered the mobile telephone carried by the vehicle, a distance covered by the vehicle and related fees will be charged.

The Invention uses the existing mobile phone infrastructure, preferably in Germany so-called D and / or E networks or equivalent Successor technologies, e.g. the UMTS networks. To increase the to disposal standing usable channels is a geographic region (e.g., Germany) divided into many Radio cells of different sizes. In sparsely populated Areas with less telephone traffic, larger radio cells are provided, in areas with stronger Telephone traffic correspondingly smaller radio cells. Activated Mobile phones are always at the computer of the nearest, accessible Radio cell registered, namely "booked". At change of location and leaving the radio cell or reaching the neighboring radio cell an entry is made in the computer of the last mentioned radio cell.

each Mobile phone is provided with a unique identifier, which is used in the Log in to the respective computer is transmitted. By saving Data of radio cells in which computer the mobile phone in the course the time was booked, a movement profile for the Mobile phone Vehicle to be created. Depending on the size of the touched or passed radio cells This results in a more or less accurate way to route determination and one dependent on it billing for from Vehicle covered Distances.

The Invention is particularly preferably applicable using the existing Mobile networks. Possible but is also the use of any other, especially ground-based radio technology with Radio cells on the one hand and mobile transmitter / receiver units on the other side (in the vehicles). Important is the automatic Registration of the mobile units in the computers of the radio cells.

Preferably If the invention is to be used for the calculation of the road user charges of Trucks. Possible but is also a fee collection for others Land vehicles, for Watercraft and also for (possibly low flying) aircraft.

The geographic location of the radio cells is determined by the associated antenna and defines their scope and location. From a radio cell to next result overlaps, in the area of the transfer (hand-over) of the mobile phone from one cell to the next. Usually starts a journey and thus a log into the computer in one Radio cell while the end of the journey is in another radio cell. The start radio cell and the end radio cell are therefore not passed, but only touched. For the purpose of billing, a lump-sum payment can be made, for example, such that each contacted radio cell only calculated half becomes while for each happened Radio cell is charged a full radio cell charge. This can dependent on the size of the radio cell be different. Possible is also the calculation of another lump sum related with a touched but not passed radio cell.

Of the driver has the obligation to carry a corresponding mobile phone, with the help of which the route and fee calculation can be done. If necessary, contact the driver loaner issued or by law the obligation to carry one corresponding device created. Also should be ensured by a corresponding commitment be that entrained Mobile phone always remains switched on.

Is possible a stored in the computer of the mobile network binding of the mobile phone to a unique user ID, such as a license plate number.

In order to allow greater flexibility, If necessary, the individual license plate can also be transmitted to the computer of the mobile radio network by means of standardized SMS (short message service) before the start of the journey.

The Payment of applicable fees can by debiting the telephone bill. For rental equipment is the debiting of a previously deposited deposit amount possible. Also conceivable is a settlement by previous deposit according to the known prepaid cards for Mobile phones.

Around To prevent the switching off of mobile phones and thus a "fee reduction" are monitoring measures appropriate. individual Checks are made, for example, by checking the individual plate in the flow Traffic and verification to that effect, whether the associated Mobile phone is switched on. The capture of the individual License plate can by appropriate control trips on changing distances or by machines with license plate recognition or employees Video surveillance devices take place, where the employees - or Automata enter the individual license plate into a computer or transmit to the computer and this then the associated one Cellphone checked by call on its condition.

To Another preferred idea of the invention is a defined Route network for the vehicle with the touched or passed (crossed) radio cells adjusted and so one of Vehicle covered Distance determined. For example, the geographic data of the German motorway network be deposited in the computer. By comparison the touched or pass radio cells with the route network is one - depending on the size of the radio cells - more or Less accurate route calculation possible. Important in this context is also the order of touched or passed radio cells. The order is with the adjustment with the route network. The smaller the radio cells are, the more accurate the calculation the way. Preferably, for the adjustment, the geographical Data of the last and / or penultimate and / or further touched or taken into account.

• a) jedes zu überwachende Fahrzeug ist mit einem Mobiltelefon versehen,
• b) ein den Funkzellen zugeordneter Zentralrechner ermittelt Art und/oder Anzahl der von dem jeweiligen Mobiltelefon berührten oder durchquerten Funkzellen,
• c) auf der Basis der von dem Rechner ermittelten Daten berechnet dieser (oder ein anderer Rechner) eine vom Fahrzeug zurückgelegte Strecke und damit zusammenhängende Gebühren.

The inventive system (system) for determining the charges for the distances covered by vehicles, which pass through radio cells for mobile phones or for similar mobile transceiver units, has the following features:

• a) each vehicle to be monitored is provided with a mobile phone,
• b) a central computer assigned to the radio cells determines the type and / or number of radio cells touched or crossed by the respective mobile telephone,
• c) on the basis of the data determined by the computer this (or another computer) calculates a distance covered by the vehicle and related fees.

advantageously, It is envisaged that the mobile phones carried in the vehicles can not be switched off. In particular, this applies when using Rental equipment.

To Another advantageous idea of the invention is particular Distances or special waypoints own radio cells defined Range assigned. This can, for example, highway entrances or departures, so that the system also makes a distinction between payable and billing-free routes is possible. The defined radio cells are then assigned to such transition points and just so big that they do not extend into other routes.

As soon as the central computer receives the information that a defined radio cell touched or happened, determines the computer in conjunction with the information about the following touched or radio cell passed the status of the route calculation. Is it? at the subsequent radio cell about a radio cell over a paid Track, it is the start of a toll road in total. Is the subsequent Radio cell a non-chargeable Assigned area, the end of a chargeable ride is present.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. It demonstrate:

1 a motorway network leading through large and small radio cells,

2 Mobile phones in selected radio cells with radio cell computers and a central computer.

An example of a radio-covered region that also has multiple highways is in FIG 1 shown graphically. Two highways 10 . 11 run across the region and intersect each other in the area of motorway junctions 12 . 13 , There are also short connecting highways 14 . 15 . 16 and 17 provided, which in each case pass into roads of lower order, not shown, and thus at the same time highway exits and / or departures represent. The cuts 14 . 15 meet the car train 11 in the area of a motorway junction 18 , The cuts 16 . 17 meet the highway 11 in the area of branches 19 . 20 ,

The highway 10 leads exclusively through large radio cells A, C, E, F and N.

In contrast, the highway leads 11 by small radio cells a, b, c and d, the large radio cells C, A and B, the small radio cells e, f and g, the large radio cell F, the small radio cells h, i, j and the large radio cells I, J.

A driving into the radio cell A vehicle can the highways 10 or 11 be assigned. If the mobile phone assigned to the vehicle was previously not registered in any radio cell, the vehicle becomes the motorway 10 assigned. When logging into radio cell B, the vehicle becomes the highway 11 assigned. Somewhat more difficult is the situation with previous entry in the radio cell C. It must then be considered the penultimate booking. If the penultimate log-on concerns the radio cell E, the vehicle becomes the highway 10 assigned during a penultimate booking in the small radio cell d an assignment to the highway 11 triggers.

Relatively simple is the situation with regard to the cuts 14 . 15 , When the vehicle is first booked into the radio cell D or the small radio cell k, the vehicle becomes the motorway section 15 respectively. 14 assigned. In any case, the vehicles then get onto the highway 11 (in the case of the motorway section 15 first through the small radio cell I) and thus into the area of the small radio cell b. Depending on which small radio cell a or c reaches the vehicle with mobile phone next, results in a corresponding direction of travel.

Somewhat more complicated is the calculation at a start of the vehicle on the highway section 16 , starting in radio cell C. Theoretically, the vehicle can also be found on the highways 10 . 11 stop them. At the latest when reaching the small radio cell m along the highway section 16 it is clear that the latter is being driven by the vehicle. Next is the turnoff 19 achieved in the area of the small radio cell f.

The case is relatively easy again for the motorway section 17 , This starts in a small radio cell and reaches the motorway 11 in the area of the branch 20 , A first booking in the radio cell n can thus only a start of the vehicle at the beginning of the section 17 mean.

ambiguities in the route determination can arise, provided that the radio cells lead different roads, but only certain roads of which fee are. This is possible bypass by setting up and setting up selected small radio cells in the Area of highway ramps. These small, defined radio cells are sized in size, that toll-free streets not touched are, so a booking in such a small radio cell logically a stay of the respective mobile phone at the beginning or end of a paid route means. Small, defined radio cells without touching other roads, for example the small radio cells k and n be.

2 shows 3 Mobile phones in three vehicles and each in its own radio cell b, A and f. Each of the radio cells is a radio cell computer 21 . 22 respectively. 23 assigned. The mobile phones are provided with the numbers T1, T2 and T3.

The radio cell computers 21 . 22 and 23 are connected to a common central computer 24 , As soon as a mobile telephone (eg the mobile telephone T1) logs into a radio cell (eg the small radio cell b), the associated radio cell computer (here the radio cell computer 21 ) Time, date and ID of the mobile phone T1 to the central computer 24 , When leaving or leaving the mobile phone from this radio cell, another message is sent to the central computer 24 , In the meantime, confirmation messages can optionally be sent from the associated radio cell computer to the central computer at defined time intervals.

If the principle described is adhered to consistently, there is automatically a movement profile of the mobile phone over the visited or booked radio cells with associated times and dates. By comparison with the one in the central computer 24 or a connected network stored network (eg motorway network) route calculations can be performed and the associated fees are determined.

The central computer 24 is related to the billing system of the mobile service provider or its own billing system. The calculated fees can be deducted directly from the phone bill of the mobile phone, from a balance of a prepaid card or another current account.

Of the Central computer can choose the data either in real time or to avoid from peak loads later to process. For Control purposes should be anyway a longer-term storage be appropriate.

The device or the system are designed such that the central computer 24 checks the plausibility of the incoming data. If, for example as a mobile phone in 1 one after the other in the radio cells D and E is booked, it must be a route outside the highways 10 . 11 act. The computer then automatically calls the mobile phone and asks for confirmation that a toll and / or non-chargeable route is being used.

Optional is provided that monitoring devices or measures be activated or intensified in the respective area, provided that One or more vehicles do not charge for toll roads traveled.

Preferably It is envisaged that at the beginning of each chargeable route over the respective mobile phone a standardized message (SMS) automatically or manually to the central computer or another authorized one Billing office is sent, possibly even when leaving the chargeable Route. additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the mobile phone is not can be switched off. The mobile phone is picked up by the driver either with you or for the purpose of driving for a fee Hired routes, e.g. when entering Germany.

• – Jedes teilnehmende Fahrzeug ist mit einem Mobiltelefon T1-T3 versehen, das vorzugsweise nicht abschalbar ist.
• – Die gebührenpflichtige Fahrtstrecke führt lückenlos durch einander benachbarte Funkzellen A-J, a-n, für die jeweiligen Mobiltelefone.
• – Die Einbuchungen der Mobiltelefone in die jeweiligen Funkzellen werden von einem Zentralrechner 24 erfasst. Dabei werden insbesondere Datum und Uhrzeit des Beginns und des Endes der Einbuchung sowie die individuelle Kennung des Mobiltelefons erfasst. Für jedes erfasste Mobiltelefon wird ein Bewegungsprofil aufgezeichnet, aus welchem sich auch die Reihenfolge der berührten oder passierten Funkzellen ergibt.
• – Der Zentralrechner 24 hat Zugriff auf die geografischen Koordinaten der gebührenpflichtigen Strecken und gleicht diese mit den geografischen Daten der Funkzellen ab.
• – In Verbindung mit den oben genannten erfassten Daten über die von dem jeweiligen Mobiltelefon berührten oder passierten Funkzellen berechnet der Zentralrechner 24 die befahrene und gebührenpflichtige Strecke.
• – Die Länge beispielsweise der Autobahn 11 durch die Funkzellen ist bekannt. Durch Addition der in den jeweiligen Funkzellen angeordneten Streckenabschnitte der Autobahn 11 ergibt sich leicht die Länge der befahrenen Strecke und damit die zugehörige streckenabhängige Gebühr.

The essential components of the process or system are summarized again below:

• - Each participating vehicle is provided with a mobile phone T1-T3, which is preferably not abschalbar.
• - The fee-based route leads seamlessly through adjacent radio cells AJ, to, for the respective mobile phones.
• - The bookings of mobile phones in the respective radio cells are from a central computer 24 detected. In particular, the date and time of the beginning and end of the booking and the individual identifier of the mobile phone are recorded. For each detected mobile phone, a motion profile is recorded, from which also the order of the touched or passed radio cells results.
• - The central computer 24 has access to the geographic coordinates of the toll routes and matches them with the geographic data of the radio cells.
• - The central computer computes in connection with the above recorded data about the radio cells touched or passed by the respective mobile telephone 24 the traveled and paid route.
• - The length, for example, of the highway 11 through the radio cells is known. By adding the arranged in the respective radio cells sections of the highway 11 the length of the route traveled and thus the associated route-dependent fee can easily be obtained.

10

Highway

11

Highway

12

Interchange

13

Interchange

14

Motorway section

15

Motorway section

16

Motorway section

17

Motorway section

18

Interchange

19

diversion

20

diversion

21

Radio cell computer

22

Radio cell computer

23

Radio cell computer

24

mainframe

A-J

big radio cell

at

small radio cell

T1-T3

mobile phone

Claims (9)

A method for determining charges for journeys made by vehicles passing through mobile radio cells (AJ) for mobile telephones (T1-T3) or similar mobile transceiver units, characterized by the following features: a) the vehicles to be monitored each carry one on Mobile phone with him, b) the mobile phone takes automatically depending on the distance traveled (highways 10 . 11 , Motorway sections 14-17 ) with a computer ( 21-23 c) on the basis of the radio cells which have registered the mobile telephone carried by the vehicle, a distance covered by the vehicle and related fees will be charged. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that a defined route network for the vehicle with the touched or crossed radio cells (A-J, a-n) adjusted and so one from the vehicle covered Distance is determined. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mobile telephone (T1-T3) assigned to a vehicle is event-controlled at the beginning of the method or a message, in particular SMS, to a central computer (triggered by an operator) ( 24 ) sends. A method according to claim 1 or one of the further claims, characterized in that the vehicle associated with a mobile phone in connection with leaving the toll route a message, in particular SMS to a central computer ( 24 ) sends. The method of claim 1 or one of the others Claims, characterized in that only touched but not traversed Radio cell (A-J, a-n) based on a fixed flat rate route becomes. A system (system) for determining charges for journeys made by vehicles passing through radio cells (AJ, an) for mobile telephones (T1-T3) or similar mobile transceiver units, characterized by the following features: a) each one to be monitored Vehicle is provided with a mobile phone, b) a central computer assigned to the radio cells ( 24 ) records the data resulting from logging the mobile into the contacted or traversed radio cells, c) on the basis of the data received from the central computer ( 24 ), this (or another computer) calculates a distance covered by the vehicle and related fees. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the central computer ( 24 ) also takes into account the actually existing route network in the calculation of the distance covered or the fees incurred and compares it with the contacted and traversed radio cells. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized that the mobile phones can not be switched off. Device according to Claim 6 or one of the others Claims, characterized in that certain waypoints or sections particularly small radio cells are assigned, in particular motorway exits and / or departures.