EP1254434B1 - Automatic fee charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for automatically charging fees when predetermined positions are passed. Said system comprises at least one communication device (4) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC) that is intended for an at least temporary local placement, and at least one mobile communication unit (7) for dedicated short range communication. The dedicated short range communication device (4) that is intended for the local placement is equipped to transmit information identifying itself and at least indirectly its position to the mobile DSRC communication unit (7).

Description

The invention relates to a system for automatically charging fees when passing of predetermined positions with at least one for an at least temporarily stationary installation provided communication device for directional short-range communication (DSRC) and with at least one mobile communication unit for directional short-range communication (DSRC), the DSRC communication device provided for the fixed installation for sending them and identifying their placement position Information to the mobile DSRC communication unit is set up. Such a system is used, for example, to collect road tolls or parking fees.

Such a system for automatically charging fees is known from US Pat. No. 5,490,079 known. This document shows a contactless toll collection system, which is used for the determination If necessary, location information necessary to be classified as tolls via GPS determined. In areas with insufficient GPS coverage, so-called "sign post transmitter sensors" a conventional location information signal transmitted by radio Toll determination or calculation can be used. The billing is done by means of a third radio link in the fixed system.

A system for collecting tolls from vehicles is known from WO 99/33027 A, in the case of the so-called "virtual" toll stations that are used with vehicle-side devices enter bidirectional communication when passing the vehicles. Doing so information regarding the position of the vehicles via a system such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System - global navigation satellite system) or GPS (Global Positioning System - global positioning system) of the vehicle-side device. The payment process is by linking the position information and that in one device saved data. The main disadvantage here is that the location of the vehicles is only relatively imprecise and unreliable and also the determination and comparison with the virtual toll station leaves something to be desired; they are also for this system necessary equipment complex and expensive.

A very similar system is described in WO 99/48052 A. Identification is also carried out the vehicle-side communication unit using e.g. a smart card that comes with a request is read out by the fixed toll station, whereby the associated vehicle is identified. The fixed toll station also communicates with a central computer system, to handle the charges. But this is a relatively large effort in terms of of the various identifications and communications required.

Furthermore, WO 99/66455 A describes a roadside control device for one in one Vehicle installed toll device known. A GPS device is used to determine the position available, so that the roadside control device via GPS at their respective installation location can be recognized or identified.

A special directional short-range communication procedure (DSRC-Dedicated Short Range Communication), especially using microwaves, for communication with a vehicle-side unit (so-called "OBU" - On Board Unit) is in the WO 99/25087 A disclosed, a gradual adjustment of the degree of modulation in the Modulation of a carrier wave is made. It is also a bidirectional one Communication between fixed devices (beacons) and vehicle-side units, whereby nothing is said about the acquisition of position information.

It is now an object of the invention to provide a system of the type mentioned at the outset characterized by a simple configuration and nonetheless reliable function, and that is therefore inexpensive and can also be installed in a simple manner.

The system of the type specified at the outset is characterized in that the DSRC communication device intended for the fixed installation and the mobile one DSRC communication device with infrared transmission or reception devices are that the DSRC communication device provided for the fixed installation is set up, along with the information identifying them and their position charge information taken from a memory to the mobile DSRC communication unit to transmit, and that the mobile DSRC communication unit a fee determination unit to determine the respective fee based on that of the for the fixed Installation provided DSRC communication device transmitted fee information and a booking unit for booking the determined fee in a value account assigned.

In the present system, no complex self-location devices such as GPS or GNSS and the complex programs required for this, since at least for the provisionally provided fixed communication devices (hereinafter simply referred to as "fixed DSRC communication device" for the sake of simplicity) transmit corresponding identification and thus location information; this information enable a clear identification of these fixed communication devices and thus at least indirectly their position. The fixed communication facilities can work autonomously or asynchronously, i.e. they don't need to be connected, and they preferably work only in broadcast mode, so that for position determination or location unidirectional DSRC communication is sufficient. The present system is suitable in excellent for use in both open and closed toll systems or also in parking systems, where the actual charge, the payment process, accomplished via a wide variety of media, depending on the system operator's wishes such as cards and card readers at petrol stations or other paying agents. If the fixed communication devices only have a sending function, they no data from the mobile communication units, e.g. in vehicles must, they can be very simple and therefore very inexpensive. This also contributes the elimination of storage functions for sensitive data such as data relating to fee amounts or vehicle data.

Depending on the toll system, the fee is calculated once you pass a fixed one Communication device or after passing (entry and exit) of two such Communication equipment. Appropriate techniques or programs for this are on are common and need not be explained further here. In the case of the collection of Toll fees or the like are in the present system from the fixed DSRC communication device with the information that uniquely identifies them, as well as position information transmitted via their place of installation. The position information can be depending on the fee collection system, for example, in the details of the respective fixed Communication device designating numbers or the like exist, with the charge calculation based on the numbers on the corresponding positions and then the fee amount can be determined.

To determine the respective fee directly via the mobile DSRC communication unit to be able to transmit the fixed DSRC communication device with which they clearly identifying information, fee information taken from a memory, e.g. specified fee information or fee determination regulations. You can do this immediately the respective fee levels are transmitted or calculation rules such as Data, on the basis of which in turn from tables in the mobile DSRC communication units the fees for the respective case can be found. The mobile DSRC communication unit is accordingly one - e.g. implemented by a processor - fee determination unit to determine the respective fee on the basis of the fixed DSRC communication device assigned fee information assigned, and the determined Fee can then be placed on a value account using the booking unit, in particular within the mobile or on-board unit (also called OBU - On Board Unit) the value account will be changed. There may already be one in itself system known in connection with mobile phones with prepaid cards (SIM cards or so-called "smart cards") are used, but it is also conceivable to charge one debit external account. In the case of an additional mobile radio device, this charge can be made also be done directly via this. In particular, it is then also advantageously possible if the fee is debited via a fee counter in a telephone account.

For a trouble-free function, it has also proven to be particularly advantageous that the DSRC communication device or DSRC communication unit with an infrared transmission or receiving device is formed.

Especially in the case of collecting parking fees when passing virtual Parking lot "barriers" formed by fixed DSRC communication devices it is also preferably provided that the fixed DSRC communication device has a Clock (e.g. in a processor) and with the clearly identifying information transmitted information indicating the respective time of transmission. This can be due to the parking times are determined by recording the times when entering and exiting.

To protect the system from fraudulent access, it is also advantageous if the mobile DSRC communication unit and / or the fixed DSRC communication device a cryptographic unit is assigned. This cryptographic unit can each provided information, for example with a signature. If the key or constantly changing the signature, it is practically impossible for unauthorized persons to access the received one Information to gain access. Not even the on-board unit can do one here Make decryption only during the actual payment process, e.g. with a payment beacon or on a smart card machine, one of the different location signatures calculated "hyper-signature" checked, and only the system operator can authenticity and Determine the integrity of the key; the actual amount due is then calculated and For example, debited from the smart card, with time and signature in a log memory can be saved on the smart card or in the mobile unit (OBU). The actual Payment can be made in different ways, such as when charging the Smart Card at a machine or at a correspondingly equipped cash register terminal, at Charging the smart card via a cellular telephone system (GSM, UMTS etc.), or at Smart cards are charged using a DSRC system. The cryptographic unit can in principle also encrypt the information transmitted in each case.

As can already be seen from the above, it is expediently provided that the mobile DSRC communication unit a memory for storing the fixed DSRC communication device transmitted information is assigned. For any immediate Billing over the fixed facilities has also proven to be useful if the mobile DSRC communication unit with a DSRC transmitter and the DSRC communication device is equipped with a DSRC receiver and the DSRC communication device is assigned a charging unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the mobile DSRC communication unit has a mobile radio device assigned. It is conceivable and often with a view to high flexibility of the system favorable if the mobile DSRC communication unit with the mobile radio device via an at least monodirectional, preferably bidirectional DSRC communication device communicates. On the other hand, it is to achieve a compact Vehicle-side unit (OBU) is an advantage if the mobile DSRC communication unit is directly connected to the mobile radio device in one unit, preferably to it in one common housing is housed.

For verification purposes and to determine statistics, it can also be beneficial if the mobile radio device for transmitting information to a central data processing system is set up. If necessary, this radio transmission can also be used for charging be used via the central data processing system.

In order to provide additional functions, it is preferably provided that the mobile radio device is a mobile phone with a hands-free system. The electrical connection point (e.g. a connector) between the mobile radio device, i.e. the mobile phone, and the speakerphone can be set up so that the mobile DSRC communication unit this connection point can be connected. This communication link can be upright when the speakerphone jack is not in use.

In particular, the information on the respective fixed DSRC communication device easy to update, it is also advantageous if the fixed DSRC communication device a mobile radio device is assigned.

The fixed DSRC communication devices can be equipped with their own batteries be, and there can in principle also be connections to the power grid with corresponding power supplies available. The respective stationary communication device is preferably for an autonomous energy supply provided with a solar energy device for power supply. The Solar energy is supplied to a rechargeable battery.

It is also advantageous if the DSRC communication device is used to carry out a Self-tests, e.g. to control the power supply or the function of the communication device, is set up. In the event of a malfunction detected during the self-test, if a radio device with an emergency power supply is provided, a fault message to a central monitoring point.

Fig.1 schematisch das vorliegende System in einer Ausführung zur Einhebung von Straßenmaut-Gebühren, wobei eine mautpflichtige Straße in schematischer Draufsicht mit zwei Fahrzeugen sowie die an einer "virtuellen Mautstelle" vorhandenen Systemkomponenten veranschaulicht sind und überdies eine fahrzeugseitige Einheit herausgezeichnet dargestellt ist;

Fig.2 ein schematisches Blockschaltbild des vorliegenden Systems;

Fig.3 schematisch ein zur fahrzeugseitigen Einrichtung gehöriges Mobiltelefon mit einer Freisprecheinrichtung und einer DSRC-Kommunikationseinheit; und

Fig.4 ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Durchführung eines Selbsttests für die ortsfeste Kommunikationseinrichtung.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing, to which, however, it should not be limited. The drawing shows in detail:

1 schematically shows the present system in an embodiment for the collection of road toll charges, a toll road being illustrated in a schematic plan view with two vehicles and the system components present at a "virtual toll station" and a vehicle-side unit is also shown drawn out;

2 shows a schematic block diagram of the present system;

3 schematically shows a mobile phone belonging to the vehicle-side device with a hands-free device and a DSRC communication unit; and

4 shows a flowchart to illustrate the implementation of a self-test for the stationary communication device.

In Fig. 1 is schematically as a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention a road toll system is shown, a toll road 1 being illustrated vehicles 2 are to be recorded with regard to the collection of toll fees. for this the present charging system on-board units 3, such a vehicle-side Unit 3 in Fig. 1 for better illustration in an interrupted Lines shown block is shown separately; furthermore belong to the system at least temporarily Fixed beacons 4 with DSRC communication facilities (DSRC - dedicated short range communication) are. These beacons 4 can be stationary, for example anchored in the ground Columns, but mobile beacons can also be provided, which can be tolled as required Transported route and temporarily stationary at the desired location be set up.

The (temporarily) fixed DSRC communication facilities, hereinafter the simplicity for the sake of being called fixed beacons 4 for short, are with infrared transmission devices 5 equipped with a few infrared signals (information A) Coat sector-wide location area 6 that extends for meters. Infrared radiation is incoherent and therefore there is no cancellation due to the superimposition of signals.

In a corresponding manner, the vehicle-side units 3 contain a (mobile) DSRC communication unit, in particular with a suitable infrared receiver, cf. for example also WO 99/03218 A, in which an example of a suitable IR receiver is shown and this mobile DSRC communication unit is illustrated at 7 in FIG.

Accordingly, in a minimal configuration, the system is only with stationary transmitters DSRC transmit beacons 4 and with receiving mobile DSRC communication units 7 equipped, these mobile communication units 7 a fee calculation and booking unit 8 is assigned, as shown schematically in Fig.1. This booking unit 8 can be implemented by a processor in a conventional manner. It can also mobile DSRC communication unit 7 with a cryptographic unit or an encryption unit be equipped, which is not shown in Figure 1, see. but Fig.2, where a such a cryptographic unit is illustrated at 9. This cryptographic unit 9 serves for example, the location information or data to be sent or received - Which are sent by the fixed beacons 4 - with a constantly changing signature in order to make the system secure against unauthorized access. It is no decryption option in the on-board unit 3 (usually called OBU - On Board Unit) given, and decryption takes place only with the actual Payment process, e.g. on a payment beacon or on a conventionally trained one Smart card machine, where one of the various location "signatures" on the part of the OBU 3 calculated "hypersignature" is checked and taken as the basis for the fee payment. Only the system operator with its corresponding facilities can guarantee authenticity and Check the integrity of the encrypted information.

For example, the OBU 3 itself determines from the received beacon location data the stored in it in a memory, not shown, belonging to the microprocessor 8 Data regarding the vehicle category etc. the respective fee due, cf. the one with B designated information flow in Fig. 1 and 2. This fee is then charged by one in the OBU 3 existing value account debited, whereby the value account, for example, from a value card, namely smart card or SIM card, or can be realized by a chip.

In the preferred exemplary embodiment shown, a mobile radio device is in each case The vehicle is additionally provided, as is schematically illustrated at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. This Mobile radio device 10 can be operated using an essentially conventional mobile telephone (GSM, UMTS etc.) can be formed, and it can be independent of the actual OBU 3 or but be united with it into one unit. The OBU 3 and the mobile radio device are preferred 10 even housed in a common housing, being common usable components, such as processors, can be used, even if in FIG. 1 and 2 a separate processor 11 (with a memory 11 ') is shown for the mobile radio device 10 is connected to a SIM card unit 12. The actual radio transmission unit for sending and receiving is illustrated at 13 in FIG.

The mobile radio device 10 receives, if it is a separate unit, for example via a DSRC system or via a connecting line signals or information C from the OBU 3 supplied, as shown schematically in Fig. 2 at 14. In case of assembling this two units 3 and 10 in a common housing, the connecting line 14 in The interior of the housing must be short, for example on a conventional printed circuit board. Above all, can then the processors 8 and 11 can also be realized by a single processor.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, a central data processing system 15 be provided, on the one hand, for the transmission of information Q about the stationary beacons 4 and on the other hand at least for receiving information D from the vehicle-side units 3 is set up. In particular, the central data processing device 15 can also data or information Q provided with corresponding address codes to the fixed beacons 4 send in order to send data stored there, e.g. regarding position, fee tariff, times etc. To update. It can also be provided that 4 information, from the fixed beacons, about the traffic that arises (counting the passing vehicles) to central data processing system 15 are transmitted.

On the other hand, the information flow D from the vehicle-side units 3 to the central one Data processing device 15, for example, data for checking the charging or contain actual billing information. The location information A, the are sent from the beacons 4 to the vehicles 2 or vehicle-side units 3 the respective beacon 4 uniquely identifying data so as to unambiguously locate or To enable position determination for vehicles 2.

As can also be seen in detail from FIG. 2, the stationary beacons 4 contain for actuation the respective communication device 5 (with the infrared transmitter) a processor 16 (e.g. µP microprocessor) with an associated, only schematically drawn memory 16 ', the contains respective identification or position information. The processor 16 also controls a radio device 17, which transmits the information Q to or from the central Data processing device 15 performs. The processor 16 also contains a clock 16 " (Clock generator), so that information indicating the respective time of transmission is also transmitted can be.

For the autonomous energy supply of the individual components of the fixed beacons 4 is preferred a solar cell device 18 is provided, the corresponding rechargeable battery associated with charger (not shown) in a conventional manner; such solar energy devices are well known per se, so that a detailed description is unnecessary here can.

If a solar power supply was explained above, it can be taken for granted a conventional power supply can also be provided.

As can be seen, the beacons 4 are extremely simple, which is related to the fact that that as far as the communication with the vehicles 2 is concerned, they only have a sending function need, so they do not have to receive data from vehicles 2. This also eliminates the Necessity of storing such sensitive data, such as fee amounts and vehicle data, so that there is also a simplification in this regard. The infrared transmitter unit can be in in a conventional manner with infrared transmit diodes and an optical bundling unit be educated; the processor 16 forms the control electronics including the memory 16 ', and the radio device 17 can be a GSM transceiver for remote maintenance and administration, for example his.

In itself, it is also conceivable to establish a bidirectional connection to the beacons 4 for the OBU 3, in which case the beacons 4 can then be set up accordingly in order to Receive charge data and send it to the central data processing device 15. In In the preferred embodiment, however, the beacons 4 are, as mentioned, only for the transmission mode set up, whereby the ongoing transmission of the beacons 4 is unambiguous in each case identifying information (information A) is to be viewed. The beacons 4 can completely operate autonomously and asynchronously, and they can A each for a unique location to be identified to calculate the required fees perform.

If the fixed beacons 4 are to be assigned to a parking space and parking fees are to be charged, The information A can also, as mentioned, the respective time of passing the Transferring vehicle-recording information in order to determine the duration of the parking time can. Such time information can also be used in toll systems - for example for control purposes - be useful so that they are also preferably sent out there.

Furthermore, the information A sent already contains fee information, data being transmitted, for example, on the basis of these in the vehicle-side units 3 the respective fees are determined with the aid of tables stored there, however, the required fee amounts can also be transmitted directly. The latter can be used with particular advantage for open toll systems.

According to FIG. 2, the central data processing device 15 contains radio devices 19, 20 for the radio connection to the fixed beacons 4 or to the radio devices 13 of the vehicle side Units 3. With these radio units 19, 20 is a processor 21, in particular one Log file processor unit, which is associated with a memory 22 with a database.

As already indicated, in the simplest case the standard OBU 3 can be used without a mobile radio device 10 be carried out, with an infrared receiving unit and a smart card or SIM card unit can be equipped. The OBU 3 can be battery powered, and so can it is, for example, with the help of a clamp in the area of the interior rear-view mirror in the vehicle attached to the center of the windshield. There are no cables to the gauge electronics required. All sensitive data is stored encrypted on the smart card, and this smart card can be read or read via standard cash register terminals and ATMs Loading.

As an alternative to this, it can also be provided that the entire OBU 3 from the holder on the windshield is released, and that a smart card chip contained in it, in which the sensitive data are stored outside of the vehicle via accordingly with a POS terminals equipped with an infrared read / write head can be loaded or read.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, a combination with a mobile phone (GSM OBU) is provided as explained above, and this combined OBU 3 is preferred powered by the car battery. Here too, all sensitive data are preferably encrypted stored on a smart card chip, reading or loading via the cellular telephone network is possible.

The mobile radio device 10 can be equipped with a hands-free device, cf. the Handsfree connector 23 in Fig.2, as well as the scheme in Fig.3, where a cell phone 10 is shown with a connection plug 24 to a hands-free device 25; to the connector 24, the DSRC communication unit 7 'is also connected, the Charging function even with the hands-free device 25 connected by a corresponding one Programming of the processor 11 can be secured.

Another possible modification is that the vehicle-side device 3 is temporary is removed from the vehicle 2 and 2 information outside the vehicle a special bidirectional DSRC device forwards the billing perform.

The processor 16 of the fixed beacons 4 can also be programmed accordingly (where the program can be stored in the memory 16 ') can be set up to periodically one Carry out a self-test, including the power supply as well as the functionality of the actual sending and receiving means can be tested; likewise the memory 16 ' be subjected to a test yourself. In the event of a fault, the radio device 17 can - provided that it is still functional and equipped with an emergency power supply - a fault message to the central data processing device 15. Alternatively, you can the system can also be set up so that the stationary beacons 4 are periodically, e.g. every 15 min, send a health report to data processing device 15; if if there is no message from a fixed beacon 4 at the prescribed time, this will be the case recognized by the data processing device as a fault in the affected beacon 4 and the Surveillance personnel reported so that an inspection and repair can be carried out on site.

The process of such a self-test of the fixed beacon 4 is illustrated in FIG. It is generally indicated in FIG. 4 at 26 that the self-test was triggered while the test was being carried out is illustrated at 27. To trigger the test, one of the clocks in the Processor 16 derived time interval information is used, such as "8 a.m. daily" or "every 15 minutes", this triggering being illustrated at 28 in FIG. At 29 is also shown that the self-test is triggered from the outside, for example from the central Data processing device 15. Block 30 is intended to indicate in general terms: that there can be other trigger options.

When performing the test, as shown at 27 in Fig. 4, the power supply can first be tested, see Block 31 in Fig. 4. Then the actual transmitter unit (see item 5 in Fig. 2) tested, in particular to what extent the infrared diodes of the transmitter unit are ready for operation are (block 32). According to block 33, a test regarding the integrity of the memory can then be carried out 16 'and the processor 16, etc. are carried out. The decision at 34 is indicated in FIG. whether the checked units are OK (output J) or not (output N). If the test result is positive, a transition is made to a loop 35 and to the next triggering 26 waited to then start the self-test again at position A '. In case that a malfunction is detected, a message is sent to a maintenance center according to block 36, e.g. the central data processing device 15 according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Claims (21)

1. A system for automatically charging fees when pre-determined positions are passed, comprising at least one communication device (4) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC) that is intended for an at least temporarily stationary installation, and at least one mobile communication unit (7) for dedicated short range communication (DSRC), with the DSRC communication device (4) provided to be stationarily installed being adapted for transmitting information identifying itself and its position of installation to the mobile DSRC communication unit (7), characterized in that the DSRC communication device (4) provided for stationary installation and the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) are designed with infrared transmitting and receiving units, respectively, that the DSRC communication device (4) provided for stationary installation is adapted to transmit, together with the information identifying itself and its position, information regarding fees taken from a memory (16') to the mobile DSRC communication unit (7), and that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) has an associated fee-determining unit (8) for determining the respective fee on the basis of the fee information transmitted by the DSRC communication device (4) provided for stationary installation, as well as a booking unit (8) for booking the determined fee in a value account.
2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the DSRC communication device (4) is merely adapted as a DSRC transmitter (5) for an exclusive information transmission to the mobile communication unit (7).
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the DSRC communication device (4) provided for stationary installation contains a clock (16") and transmits information indicating the respective point of time of transmission with the information identifying itself.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fee is deducted via a mobile value memory, e.g. a value card or the like value carrier.
5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fee is deducted from an external account.
6. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that the fee is deducted via a subscriber meter of a telephone account.
7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) has an associated cryptographic unit (9).
8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the DSRC communication device (4) provided for stationary installation has an associated cryptographic unit.
9. A system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the cryptographic unit (9) has a temporally changing key.
10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) has an associated memory (11') for storing the information transmitted by the DSRC communication device (4).
11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) is equipped with a DSRC transmitter, and the DSRC communication device (4) is equipped with a DSRC receiver, and the DSRC communication device (4) has an associated fee charging unit.
12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) has an associated mobile radio device (10).
13. A system according to claim 12, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) is in connection with the mobile radio device (10) via a DSRC communication equipment.
14. A system according to claim 12, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) is directly connected in one unit to the mobile radio device (10).
15. A system according to claim 14, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7) shares one housing with the mobile radio device (10).
16. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the mobile radio device (10) is adapted for transmitting information to a central data processing equipment (15).
17. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the mobile radio device (10) is a cellular phone electrically connected to a hands-free talking device (25).
18. A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the mobile DSRC communication unit (7') is connected to the electrical connecting point (24) between cellular phone (10) and hands-free talking device (25).
19. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the stationary DSRC communication device (4) has an associated mobile radio device (17).
20. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the stationary DSRC communication device (4) has an associated solar energy device (18) as a power supply.
21. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the DSRC communication device (4) is adapted to carry out a self-test, e.g. for checking the power supply, or the functioning of the communication device, respectively.

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