EP1200938B8 - Control unit for verifying proper functioning of toll devices installed in vehicles - Google Patents

Control unit for verifying proper functioning of toll devices installed in vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1200938B8
EP1200938B8 EP00954382A EP00954382A EP1200938B8 EP 1200938 B8 EP1200938 B8 EP 1200938B8 EP 00954382 A EP00954382 A EP 00954382A EP 00954382 A EP00954382 A EP 00954382A EP 1200938 B8 EP1200938 B8 EP 1200938B8
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toll
control unit
vehicle
devices
vehicles
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EP00954382A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1200938B1 (en
EP1200938A1 (en
Inventor
Andreas Dr. Widl
Ronald Dr. Barker
Jochen Dr. Hertle
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Vodafone Holding GmbH
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Vodafone Holding GmbH
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07BTICKET-ISSUING APPARATUS; FARE-REGISTERING APPARATUS; FRANKING APPARATUS
    • G07B15/00Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points
    • G07B15/06Arrangements for road pricing or congestion charging of vehicles or vehicle users, e.g. automatic toll systems
    • G07B15/063Arrangements for road pricing or congestion charging of vehicles or vehicle users, e.g. automatic toll systems using wireless information transmission between the vehicle and a fixed station

Definitions

  • Control unit for checking the correct operation of toll devices on the vehicle
  • the invention relates to a control unit for checking the correct operation of vehicle-side toll devices in the context of an electronic toll collection system for vehicles in a toll route network.
  • a system for billing user fees for a toll route network which provides electronic toll devices installed in the vehicles traveling on the route network.
  • These toll devices have a device for the exact determination of the current geographical position by means of the signals emitted by a navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS) and a digital map accessible in a memory for the toll route network. With these devices, the toll device can determine whether and, if so, which ones are subject to charges
  • Each toll device also has a memory with tariff data so that it can calculate the toll amounts due independently.
  • Device prepaid prepaid credit card (e.g. chip card) similar to a telephone card.
  • EP 0 741 891 B1 A similar user fee billing system is known from EP 0 741 891 B1, which differs from the system described above in that the toll amounts determined are not debited from a prepaid card in the toll device, but are instead reported via digital mobile radio to a central office, which transfers the charges to the user of the route network
  • control unit is characterized by the features of patent claim 1 and can be configured in an advantageous manner by the features of the dependent subclaims
  • the vehicles to be checked each have an electronic toll device, which is provided with devices for wireless communication via mobile radio and for determining one's own geographical position (eg GPS receiver). Via the mobile device, the toll device can communicate with a computer center for billing data The toll amount to be exchanged
  • the control device which can be installed or installed on the street side has a communication device which is also set up for wireless communication and, like the toll device, also has a set-up for determining its own geographical position equipped with a camera for generating evidence-preserving pictures of passing vehicles
  • the control unit in turn communicates with the communication device of the toll devices of passing vehicles This is preferably done using GSM mobile radio in a GSM microcell.
  • GSM mobile radio in a GSM microcell.
  • DSRC Dedicated Short Range Communication
  • the toll devices are provided with a unique identifier so that it can easily be checked whether it is an approved toll device or possibly an unauthorized device.
  • Another purpose of the communication is to read out toll data stored in the toll device, including the current position determination data of the toll device, and to transmit it to the control unit. This data is checked for plausibility in the control unit.
  • the control unit can preferably also use data that it retrieves from the computer center using its communication device, which in turn continuously receives data for toll billing from the toll devices. This allows the security of the
  • the position determination data of the position determination device of the control unit can also be used in particular.
  • a precise assignment can be ensured by comparing the own position determination data with the transmitted data.
  • the invention provides that in a manner known per se an evidence-preserving picture is taken, on which the license plate of the vehicle checked can be recognized.
  • the control unit has the camera already mentioned and a memory for storing the Image information.
  • a negative test result occurs regularly when the vehicle toll device is not in operation at all or, for example, when the toll device was only switched on immediately before reaching the control unit, which can be seen from the fact that no plausible toll information has yet been exchanged with the computer center ,
  • control the control unit for an automatic evaluation of the number plate recorded in each case by means of optical character recognition
  • OCR OCR
  • Control unit Information about the control process is transmitted to the toll device of the controlled vehicle for storage.
  • control unit according to the invention can, for example, be stationary, i.e. installed in a fixed location. However, training the control unit according to the invention
  • Control unit as a mobile or transportable device that is easy to assemble and disassemble and can therefore be used at any location (e.g. installed in an emergency vehicle).
  • this enables surprising controls and, on the other hand, allows a reduction in the number of control units required for effective control in the respective toll route network.
  • the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic exemplary embodiment shown in the single figure.
  • the figure shows a vehicle 9 " with a number plate 10, which is equipped with a toll device 2.
  • This toll device 2 has a communication device 3 and a position determining device 4 in the form of a GPS receiver.
  • the toll device 2 transmits by means of Mobile data for billing the toll amounts to a computer center 8.
  • Reference number 1 denotes a control unit installed on the roadside, which in turn has a communication device 5 which, like the toll device 2, is equipped with a position determining device 6 in the form of a GPS receiver.
  • the control unit 1 also has an electronic camera 7, which can take evidence-preserving pictures of the vehicle 9 being checked with its license plate 10.
  • the image information can be stored in a memory 1 1 of the communication device.
  • the toll device 2 When the toll device 2 is operating properly, it regularly transmits data for billing the toll amounts to the computer center 8. If a vehicle to be passed through the control unit is to be checked, the communication device 5 of the control unit 1 sends a corresponding one, for example on the frequency 2.45 GHz Request signal to the toll device 2 of the passing vehicle 9. If there is no response from the toll device 2, the evidence 7 is automatically made by the camera 7 with the license plate 10. However, if the toll device 2, supplies the requested data relating to the identity of the toll apparatus 2 and the data stored in the toll apparatus 2 toll data and current position determination data, the data is' rtuschsüber phenomenon subjected to Plausibil. This will be advantageous from the
  • Computer center 8 polled by the control unit 1 data that are available there about the current operation of the toll device 2. If the plausibility check does not lead to a satisfactory result, as in the case of a toll device 2 that has been switched off, an evidence-preserving picture is taken.
  • control unit is made available which nevertheless guarantees a very effective control of the correct operation of the toll devices used in the vehicles in a fully electronic and therefore paperless toll billing system.
  • the equipment and personnel required for this is very low.
  • This control unit is preferably used in the context of an electronic toll collection system, in which the charge is collected by a computer center which communicates with the respective toll devices in the vehicles by wireless means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a control unit (1) to be installed by the road side for verifying the proper functioning of toll devices (2) installed in vehicles, said toll devices comprising devices for communicating (3) via a mobile telephone network and for determining (4) the geographical position (for example GPS) of the vehicle concerned. Said control unit (1) further comprises a communication device (2) which, in conformity with the toll devices (2) installed in the motor vehicles, is provided with a device (6) for defining geographical position (for example GPS), and a camera (7) for taking photographs, to be used as evidence, of the vehicles (9) running past it. Said control unit (1) performs the following operations: it communicates with the communication device (3) on board the vehicles (9) running past it; it identifies the toll device (2) on board said vehicle; and it reads the toll data stored including the present location data, from said toll device (2); it controls the plausibility of the toll data; on the basis of the location data (for example GPS) read, it determines the exact position of the controlled vehicle (9) and stores said position in a storage unit (11); and each time a control procedure does not confirm the proper functioning of the tool device (2) on board the controlled vehicle, it photographs the latter (9) with its licence plate (10) and stores the resulting photograph.

Description

Kontrolleinheit zur Überprüfung des ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs von fahrzeugseitigen MautgerätenControl unit for checking the correct operation of toll devices on the vehicle
Beschreibungdescription
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kontrolleinheit zur Überprüfung des ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs von fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräten im Rahmen eines elektronischen Mauterhebungssystems für Fahrzeuge in einem gebührenpflichtigen Wegstreckennetz.The invention relates to a control unit for checking the correct operation of vehicle-side toll devices in the context of an electronic toll collection system for vehicles in a toll route network.
Aus der DE 43 10 099 A1 ist ein System zur Abrechnung der Nutzungsgebühren für ein gebührenpflichtiges Wegstreckennetz bekannt, das elektronische Mautgeräte vorsieht, die in den das Wegstreckennetz befahrenden Fahrzeugen installiert sind. Diese Mautgeräte verfügen über eine Einrichtung zur genauen Bestimmung der aktuellen geographischen Position mittels der von einem Navigationssatellitensystem (z.B. GPS) ausgesandten Signale und über eine in einem Speicher zugreifbare digitale Landkarte für das gebührenpflichtige Wegstreckennetz. Mit diesen Einrichtungen kann das Mautgerät ermitteln, ob und gegebenenfalls welche gebührenpflichtigenFrom DE 43 10 099 A1, a system for billing user fees for a toll route network is known, which provides electronic toll devices installed in the vehicles traveling on the route network. These toll devices have a device for the exact determination of the current geographical position by means of the signals emitted by a navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS) and a digital map accessible in a memory for the toll route network. With these devices, the toll device can determine whether and, if so, which ones are subject to charges
Wegstrecken vom jeweiligen Fahrzeug gerade benutzt werden. Weiterhin verfügt jedes Mautgerät auch über einen Speicher mit Tarifdaten, so dass es die fälligen Mautbeträge selbstständig berechnen kann. Bei diesem bekannten System ist zur Gewährleistung einer absoluten Anonymität für die Benutzer des Wegstreckennetzes vorgesehen, dass die ermittelten Mautbeträge im Mautgerät selbst von einer in dasDistances from the respective vehicle are currently being used. Each toll device also has a memory with tariff data so that it can calculate the toll amounts due independently. In this known system, to ensure absolute anonymity for the users of the route network, it is provided that the toll amounts determined in the toll device itself from one to the
Gerät eingeführten vorbezahlten Wertguthabenkarte (z.B. Chipkarte) ähnlich wie bei einer Telefon karte abgebucht werden.Device prepaid prepaid credit card (e.g. chip card) similar to a telephone card.
Ein ähnliches Nutzungsgebührenabrechnungssystem ist aus der EP 0 741 891 B1 bekannt, das sich von dem zuvor geschilderten System dadurch unterscheidet, dass die ermittelten Mautbetrage nicht im Mautgerat von einer Wertkarte abgebucht werden, sondern per digitalem Mobilfunk an eine Zentrale weitergemeldet werden, die die Weiterbelastung an den Benutzer des Weg Streckennetzes vornimmtA similar user fee billing system is known from EP 0 741 891 B1, which differs from the system described above in that the toll amounts determined are not debited from a prepaid card in the toll device, but are instead reported via digital mobile radio to a central office, which transfers the charges to the user of the route network
Verfahrensbedingt sind bei derartigen elektronischen Mautsystemen, die den Vorteil haben, praktisch keiner speziellen straßenseitig installierten Infrastruktur zu bedürfen, die Missbrauchsmoglichkeiten im Vergleich zu einem herkömmlichen Mautsystem mit ortsfest installierten Zahlstationen zur Entπchtung der Mautbetrage auf den jeweiligen Straßen bedeutend großer Daher sind effektive Kontrollen unumgänglichWith such electronic toll systems, which have the advantage that they practically do not require any special infrastructure installed on the road, the potential for misuse in comparison to a conventional toll system with fixed payment stations for paying the toll amount on the respective roads is significantly greater.Therefore, effective controls are essential
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Kontrollemheit vorzuschlagen, mit der eine besonders effektive und sichere Kontrolle von Fahrzeugen mit elektronischem Mautgerat hinsichtlich dessen ordnungsgemäßen Betπebs bei möglichst geπngem Aufwand durchfuhrbar istThe object of the invention is to propose a control unit with which a particularly effective and safe control of vehicles with an electronic toll device can be carried out with regard to its proper operation with as little effort as possible
Die erfindungsgemaße Kontrollemheit ist durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gekennzeichnet und durch die Merkmale der abhangigen Unteranspruche in vorteilhafter Weise ausgestaltbarThe control unit according to the invention is characterized by the features of patent claim 1 and can be configured in an advantageous manner by the features of the dependent subclaims
Die zu überprüfenden Fahrzeuge weisen jeweils ein elektronisches Mautgerat auf, das mit Einπchtungen zur drahtlosen Kommunikation per Mobilfunk und zur Bestimmung der eigenen geographischen Position (z B GPS-Empfanger) versehen ist Jber die Mobilfunkeinπchtung kann das Mautgerat mit einer Rechnerzentrale kommunizieren, um Daten zur Abrechnung der Mautbetrage auszutauschen Die erfindungsgemaße straßenseitig instal erbare oder installierte Kontrolleinπchtung verfugt über ein Kommunikationsgerat, das ebenfalls für eine drahtlose Kommunikation eingeπchtet ist und darüber hinaus wie das Mautgerat auch über eine Einπchtung zur Bestimmung der eigenen geographischen Position verfugt Weiterhin ist die Kontrollemheit in an sich bekannter Weise mit einer Kamera zur Erzeugung beweissichernder Aufnahmen von passierenden Fahrzeugen ausgestattetThe vehicles to be checked each have an electronic toll device, which is provided with devices for wireless communication via mobile radio and for determining one's own geographical position (eg GPS receiver). Via the mobile device, the toll device can communicate with a computer center for billing data The toll amount to be exchanged The control device which can be installed or installed on the street side has a communication device which is also set up for wireless communication and, like the toll device, also has a set-up for determining its own geographical position equipped with a camera for generating evidence-preserving pictures of passing vehicles
Erfindungsgemaß ist vorgesehen, dass die Kontrollemheit ihrerseits mit der Kσmmunikationsetnπchtung der Mautgerate passierender Fahrzeuge kommuniziert Dies erfolgt vorzugsweise mittels GSM-Mobilfunk in einer GSM-Mikrozelle. Eine andere hierfür besonders zweckmäßige Übertragungstechnik ist in der Funkübertragung bei einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz (Bluetooth) oder einer Frequenz von 5,8 GHz (DSRC = Dedicated Short Range Communication) zu sehen. Zweck der Kommunikationsaufnahme mit dem passierenden Mautgerät ist es zunächst, dieAccording to the invention, the control unit in turn communicates with the communication device of the toll devices of passing vehicles This is preferably done using GSM mobile radio in a GSM microcell. Another transmission technology that is particularly useful for this purpose can be seen in radio transmission at a frequency of 2.45 GHz (Bluetooth) or a frequency of 5.8 GHz (DSRC = Dedicated Short Range Communication). Initially, the purpose of establishing communication with the passing toll device is:
Identität des jeweiligen fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräts zu ermitteln. Die Mautgeräte sind mit einer eindeutigen Kennung versehen, so dass leicht überprüft werden kann, ob es sich überhaupt um ein zugelassenes Mautgerät oder eventuell ein nicht autorisiertes Gerät handelt. Weiterer Zweck der Kommunikation ist es, im Mautgerät gespeicherte Mautdaten einschließlich der aktuellen Positionsbestimmungsdaten des Mautgeräts auszulesen und an die Kontrolleinheit zu übertragen. Diese Daten werden in der Kontrolleinheit auf Plausibilität überprüft. Hierzu kann die Kontrolleinheit vorzugsweise auch Daten heranziehen, die sie mittels ihres Kommunikationsgeräts von der Rechnerzentrale abruft, welche ihrerseits fortlaufend von den Mautgeräten Daten zur Mautabrechnung erhält. Dadurch lässt sich die Sicherheit derDetermine the identity of the respective vehicle-side toll device. The toll devices are provided with a unique identifier so that it can easily be checked whether it is an approved toll device or possibly an unauthorized device. Another purpose of the communication is to read out toll data stored in the toll device, including the current position determination data of the toll device, and to transmit it to the control unit. This data is checked for plausibility in the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit can preferably also use data that it retrieves from the computer center using its communication device, which in turn continuously receives data for toll billing from the toll devices. This allows the security of the
Jberprüfungsmaßnahmen erheblich steigern.Increase inspection measures significantly.
Außer der Plausibilitätsüberprüfung der Mautdaten ist es auch wichtig, eine genaue Feststellung der Position des jeweils kontrollierten Fahrzeugs anhand der ausgelesenen Positionsbestimmungsdaten (z.B. GPS) vorzunehmen, um insbesondere bei mehrspurigen Straßen, die in erster Linie für eine Mautabrechnung in Frage kommen, keine fehlerhafte Zuordnung zu den überprüften Fahrzeugen zuzulassen, wenn beispielsweise Fahrzeuge dicht nebeneinander oder hintereinander fahren. Hierzu können insbesondere auch die Positionsbestimmungsdaten der Positionsbestimmungseinrichtung der Kontrolleinheit mit herangezogen werden.In addition to the plausibility check of the toll data, it is also important to make a precise determination of the position of the vehicle being checked based on the position determination data read out (e.g. GPS), in order to avoid incorrect assignment, particularly on multi-lane roads that are primarily suitable for toll billing to allow the vehicles checked, for example if vehicles are driving close to or behind one another. For this purpose, the position determination data of the position determination device of the control unit can also be used in particular.
Anhand eines Vergleichs der eigenen Positionsbestimmungsdaten mit den übermittelten Daten kann eine exakte Zuordnung gewährleistet werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist es in diesem Zusammenhang, die Positionsermittlung unter Berücksichtigung von Korrekturdaten (z.B. DGPS) vorzunehmen.A precise assignment can be ensured by comparing the own position determination data with the transmitted data. In this context, it is particularly advantageous to determine the position taking correction data (e.g. DGPS) into account.
Wenn die von der Kontrolleinheit durchgeführten Prüfungen keine Bestätigung eines ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs des Mautgeräts ergeben, sieht die Erfindung vor, dass in an sich bekannter Weise eine beweissichernde Aufnahme gemacht wird, auf der das Nummernschild des überprüften Fahrzeugs erkennbar ist. Hierzu verfügt die Kontrolleinheit über die bereits erwähnte Kamera und einen Speicher zur Ablage der Bildinformationen. Ein negatives Prüfungsergebnis kommt regelmäßig dann zu Stande, wenn das fahrzeugseitige Mautgerät gar nicht in Betrieb ist oder beispielsweise auch dann, wenn das Mautgerät erst unmittelbar vor Erreichen der Kontrolleinheit eingeschaltet wurde, was daran erkennbar ist, dass mit der Rechnerzentrale noch keine plausiblen Mautinformationen ausgetauscht wurden.If the checks carried out by the control unit do not confirm the correct operation of the toll device, the invention provides that in a manner known per se an evidence-preserving picture is taken, on which the license plate of the vehicle checked can be recognized. For this purpose, the control unit has the camera already mentioned and a memory for storing the Image information. A negative test result occurs regularly when the vehicle toll device is not in operation at all or, for example, when the toll device was only switched on immediately before reaching the control unit, which can be seen from the fact that no plausible toll information has yet been exchanged with the computer center ,
Im Hinblick auf die Anfertigung beweissichemder Aufnahmen kann es zweckmäßig sein, diese grundsätzlich von allen kontrollierten Fahrzeugen zu machen und zu speichern, aber regelmäßig wieder zu löschen, wenn die Jberprüfung des jeweiligen Mautgeräts keine Hinweise auf einen nicht ordnungsgemäßen Betrieb ergeben hat.With regard to the taking of evidence-containing recordings, it may be advisable to make and save them in principle from all controlled vehicles, but to delete them regularly if the inspection of the respective toll device has not shown any indications of improper operation.
Auf diese Weise wird eine zeitliche Entkopplung der Jberprüfung und der Anfertigung der Aufnahmen ermöglicht.In this way a time decoupling of the check and the taking of the recordings is made possible.
Weiterhin ist es vorteilhaft, die Kontrolleinheit auf eine automatische Auswertung des jeweils aufgenommenen Nummernschildes mittels Optical Charakter RecognitionFurthermore, it is advantageous to control the control unit for an automatic evaluation of the number plate recorded in each case by means of optical character recognition
(OCR) einzurichten, so dass beispielsweise auf sehr einfache Weise eine identifizierende Information an Polizeikräfte übermittelt werden kann, um einen "Schwarzfahrer" unverzüglich zur Rechenschaft ziehen zu können.(OCR), so that, for example, identifying information can be transmitted to police forces in a very simple manner so that a "black driver" can be immediately held accountable.
In vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass dieIn an advantageous development of the invention it can also be provided that the
Kontrolleinheit Informationen über den Kontrollvorgang an das Mautgerät des kontrollierten Fahrzeugs zur Speicherung übermittelt.Control unit Information about the control process is transmitted to the toll device of the controlled vehicle for storage.
Die erfindungsgemaße Kontrolleinheit kann beispielsweise stationär, d.h. an einem festen Ort installiert sein. Besonders vorteilhaft ist jedoch eine Ausbildung derThe control unit according to the invention can, for example, be stationary, i.e. installed in a fixed location. However, training the
Kontrolleinheit als mobiles oder transportables Gerät, das leicht auf- und abbaubar ist und somit an beliebigen Stellen einsetzbar ist (z.B. montiert in einem Einsatzfahrzeug). Dies ermöglicht einerseits überraschende Kontrollen und lässt andererseits eine Reduzierung der Zahl der für eine effektive Kontrolle erforderlichen Kontrolleinheiten in dem jeweiligen mautpflichtigen Weg strecken netz zu.Control unit as a mobile or transportable device that is easy to assemble and disassemble and can therefore be used at any location (e.g. installed in an emergency vehicle). On the one hand, this enables surprising controls and, on the other hand, allows a reduction in the number of control units required for effective control in the respective toll route network.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand des in der einzigen Figur dargestellten schematischen Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Die Figur zeigt ein Fahrzeug 9" mit einem Nummerschild 10, das mit einem Mautgerät 2 ausgestattet ist. Dieses Mautgerät 2 verfügt über eine Kommunikationseinrichtung 3 sowie eine Positionsbestimmungseinrichtung 4 in Form eines GPS-Empfängers. Bei der Benutzung eines mautpflichtigen Wegstreckenteils übermittelt das Mautgerät 2 mittels Mobilfunk Daten zur Abrechnung der Mautbeträge an eine Rechnerzentrale 8.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic exemplary embodiment shown in the single figure. The figure shows a vehicle 9 " with a number plate 10, which is equipped with a toll device 2. This toll device 2 has a communication device 3 and a position determining device 4 in the form of a GPS receiver. When using a part of the route which is subject to toll, the toll device 2 transmits by means of Mobile data for billing the toll amounts to a computer center 8.
Mit dem Bezugszeichen 1 ist eine straßenseitig installierte Kontrolleinheit bezeichnet, die ihrerseits über ein Kommunikationsgerät 5 verfügt, das in entsprechender Weise wie das Mautgerät 2 mit einer Positionsbestimmungseinrichtuπg 6 in Form eines GPS- Empfängers ausgestattet ist. Ferner verfügt die Kontrolleinheit 1 über eine elektronische Kamera 7, die beweissichernde Aufnahmen von dem jeweils kontrollierten Fahrzeug 9 mit dessen Nummernschild 10 machen kann. Die Bildinformationen können in einem Speicher 1 1 des Kommunikationsgeräts abgelegt werden.Reference number 1 denotes a control unit installed on the roadside, which in turn has a communication device 5 which, like the toll device 2, is equipped with a position determining device 6 in the form of a GPS receiver. The control unit 1 also has an electronic camera 7, which can take evidence-preserving pictures of the vehicle 9 being checked with its license plate 10. The image information can be stored in a memory 1 1 of the communication device.
Bei ordnungsgemäßem Betrieb des Mautgeräts 2 übermittelt dieses regelmäßig Daten zur Abrechnung der Mautbeträge an die Rechnerzentrale 8. Wenn nun ein Fahrzeug, das die Kontrolleinheit passiert, überprüft werden soll, sendet das Kommunikationsgerät 5 der Kontrolleinheit 1 beispielsweise auf der Frequenz 2,45 GHz ein entsprechendes Aufforderungssignal an das Mautgerät 2 des passierenden Fahrzeugs 9. Wenn keine Antwort von dem Mautgerät 2 erfolgt, wird automatisch eine beweissichemde Aufnahme mit dem Nummernschild 10 von der Kamera 7 angefertigt. Wenn jedoch das Mautgerät 2 die angeforderten Daten, die sich auf die Identität des Mautgeräts 2 sowie die im Mautgerät 2 gespeicherten Mautdaten und die aktuellen Positionsbestimmungsdaten beziehen, liefert, werden diese Daten einer Plausibil'rtätsüberprüfung unterzogen. Hierzu werden vorteilhaft von derWhen the toll device 2 is operating properly, it regularly transmits data for billing the toll amounts to the computer center 8. If a vehicle to be passed through the control unit is to be checked, the communication device 5 of the control unit 1 sends a corresponding one, for example on the frequency 2.45 GHz Request signal to the toll device 2 of the passing vehicle 9. If there is no response from the toll device 2, the evidence 7 is automatically made by the camera 7 with the license plate 10. However, if the toll device 2, supplies the requested data relating to the identity of the toll apparatus 2 and the data stored in the toll apparatus 2 toll data and current position determination data, the data is' rtätsüberprüfung subjected to Plausibil. This will be advantageous from the
Rechnerzentrale 8 durch die Kontrolleinheit 1 Daten abgefragt, die dort über den aktuellen Betrieb des Mautgeräts 2 vorliegen. Wenn die Plausibilitätskontrolle nicht zu einem zufriedenstellenden Ergebnis führt, wird wie im Falle eines abgeschalteten Mautgeräts 2 eine beweissichernde Aufnahme gemacht.Computer center 8 polled by the control unit 1 data that are available there about the current operation of the toll device 2. If the plausibility check does not lead to a satisfactory result, as in the case of a toll device 2 that has been switched off, an evidence-preserving picture is taken.
Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung wird eine Kontrolleinheit zur Verfügung gestellt, die bei einem voll elektronischen und daher papieriosen Mautabrechnungssystem dennoch eine sehr effektive Kontrolle des ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs der in den Fahrzeugen eingesetzten Mautgeräte gewährleistet. Der hierzu erforderliche gerätetechnische und personelle Aufwand ist sehr gering. Vorzugsweise findet diese Kontrolleinheit Verwendung im Rahmen eines elektronischen Mauterhebungssystems, bei dem die Gebührenerhebung durch eine Rechnerzentrale vorgenommen wird, die mit den jeweiligen Mautgeräten in den Fahrzeugen auf drahtlosem Wege kommuniziert. With the present invention, a control unit is made available which nevertheless guarantees a very effective control of the correct operation of the toll devices used in the vehicles in a fully electronic and therefore paperless toll billing system. The equipment and personnel required for this is very low. This control unit is preferably used in the context of an electronic toll collection system, in which the charge is collected by a computer center which communicates with the respective toll devices in the vehicles by wireless means.

Claims

Patentanspüche: Patentanspüche:
1. Straßenseitig installierbare Kontrolleinheit (1) zur Jberprüfung des ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs von fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräten (2), die jeweils mit Einrichtungen zur Kommunikation (3) per Mobilfunk und zur Bestimmung (4) der eigenen geographischen Position (z.B. GPS) ausgestattet sind, mit einem Kommunikationsgerät (5), das entsprechend den fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräten (2) ebenfalls über eine Einrichtung (6) zur Bestimmung der geographischen Position (z.B. GPS) verfügt, und mit einer Kamera (7) zur Erzeugung beweissichernder Aufnahmen von passierenden Fahrzeugen (9), wobei die Kontrolleinheit (1Λ)1. Control unit (1) that can be installed on the road to check the correct operation of vehicle-based toll devices (2), each equipped with devices for communication (3) via mobile radio and for determining (4) one's own geographical position (e.g. GPS) Communication device (5) which, in accordance with the vehicle toll devices (2), also has a device (6) for determining the geographic position (e.g. GPS), and with a camera (7) for generating evidence-preserving recordings of passing vehicles (9), whereby the control unit (1 Λ )
- jeweils mit der Kommunikationseinrichtung (3) passierender Fahrzeuge (9) kommuniziert, - eine Identifizierung des jeweiligen fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräts (2) vornimmt, gespeicherte Mautdaten einschließlich der aktuellen Positionsbestimmungsdaten aus dem Mautgerät (2) ausliest,- each communicates with the communication device (3) of passing vehicles (9), - identifies the respective vehicle-side toll device (2), reads stored toll data including the current position determination data from the toll device (2),
- die Mautdaten auf Plausibilität überprüft,- the toll data is checked for plausibility,
- die genaue Position des jeweils kontrollierten Fahrzeugs (9) anhand der ausgelesenen Positionsbestimmungsdaten (z.B. GPS) ermittelt und in einem- The exact position of the vehicle (9) checked in each case is determined on the basis of the position determination data (e.g. GPS) read out and in one
Speicher (11 ) speichert,Memory (11) stores,
- und von den Fahrzeugen (9), deren Jberprüfung keine Bestätigung eines ordnungsgemäßen Betriebs des Mautgeräts (2) ergeben hat, eine Aufnahme mit dem Nummernschild (10) des jeweiligen Fahrzeugs (9) macht und speichert.- And of the vehicles (9), the verification of which has not confirmed that the toll device (2) is operating properly, takes and stores a picture with the number plate (10) of the respective vehicle (9).
2. Kontrolleinrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Position des kontrollierten Fahrzeugs (9) unter Berücksichtigung von Korrekturdaten (z.B. DGPS) ermittelt wird.2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the controlled vehicle (9) is determined taking correction data (e.g. DGPS) into account.
3. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kommunikation zwischen den fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräten (2) und der Kontrolleinheit (1) mittels GSM-Mobilfunk in einer GSM-Mikrozelle vorgenommen wird.3. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the communication between the vehicle-side toll devices (2) and the control unit (1) is carried out by means of GSM mobile radio in a GSM microcell.
4. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kommunikation zwischen den fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräten (2) und der Kontrolleinheit (1) mittels Funkübertragung bei einer Frequenz von 2,45 GHz (Bluetooth) oder einer Frequenz von 5,8 GHz (DSRC = Dedicated Short Range Communication) vorgenommen wird.4. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the communication between the vehicle-side toll devices (2) and the control unit (1) by means of radio transmission at a frequency of 2.45 GHz (Bluetooth) or a frequency of 5.8 GHz (DSRC = Dedicated Short Range Communication) is made.
5. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit (1) auf eine Kommunikation mit einer Rechnerzentrale (8) eingerichtet ist, die die Abrechnung der Mautbeträge aufgrund von Daten vornimmt, welche von den Mautgeräten (2) an die Rechnerzentrale (8) übermittelt werden.5. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (1) is set up for communication with a computer center (8) which bills the toll amounts on the basis of data from the toll devices (2) the computer center (8) are transmitted.
6. Kontrolleinheit nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit (1) bei der Jberprüfung der fahrzeugseitigen Mautgeräte6. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit (1) during the inspection of the vehicle-side toll devices
(2) Daten heranzieht, die sie von der Rechnerzentrale (8) abfragt.(2) uses data that it queries from the computer center (8).
7. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit regelmäßig Aufnahmen von den kontrollierten7. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit regularly recordings of the controlled
Fahrzeugen (9) macht und speichert und die gespeicherten Aufnahmen jeweils wieder löscht, wenn die Jberprüfung des jeweiligen Mautgeräts (2) einen ordnungsgemäßen Betrieb ergeben hat.Vehicles (9) makes and saves and deletes the stored recordings each time the check of the respective toll device (2) has shown correct operation.
8. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit (1) auf eine automatische Auswertung des jeweils aufgenommenen Nummernschildes (10) mittels Optical Character Recognition (OCR) eingerichtet ist. 8. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit (1) is set up for automatic evaluation of the number plate recorded (10) by means of optical character recognition (OCR).
9. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit (1) Informationen über den Kontrollvorgang an das Mautgerät (2) zur Speicherung übermittelt.9. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit (1) transmits information about the control process to the toll device (2) for storage.
10. Kontrolleinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kontrolleinheit (1) als mobiles oder portables (d.h. leicht auf- und abbaubares) Gerät ausgebildet ist. 10. Control unit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit (1) is designed as a mobile or portable (i.e. easily assembled and disassembled) device.
EP00954382A 1999-08-04 2000-07-25 Control unit for verifying proper functioning of toll devices installed in vehicles Expired - Lifetime EP1200938B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19937070 1999-08-04
DE19937070 1999-08-04
PCT/DE2000/002488 WO2001011572A1 (en) 1999-08-04 2000-07-25 Control unit for verifying proper functioning of toll devices installed in vehicles

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EP1200938A1 EP1200938A1 (en) 2002-05-02
EP1200938B1 EP1200938B1 (en) 2005-12-14
EP1200938B8 true EP1200938B8 (en) 2006-05-03

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AT (1) ATE313125T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6685800A (en)
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WO (1) WO2001011572A1 (en)

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EP1200938B1 (en) 2005-12-14
EP1200938A1 (en) 2002-05-02
WO2001011572A1 (en) 2001-02-15
DE50011862D1 (en) 2006-01-19
AU6685800A (en) 2001-03-05
ATE313125T1 (en) 2005-12-15

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