WO2019090784A1

WO2019090784A1 - Entrance system for transportation system and transportation system

Info

Publication number: WO2019090784A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/110733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Biyun ZHOU; Markus Seidel
Original assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2017-11-13
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2019-05-16
Also published as: CN111279395A

Abstract

Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide an entrance system (200) for transportation system (110) and a transportation system (110). The entrance system (200) comprises: a gate (201) arranged on an entrance of the transportation system and operable to open and close the entrance; a vehicle identifying module (202) configured to identifying a vehicle identity of a vehicle approaching the gate (201); a user identifying module (203) configured to identifying a user identity of a user of the vehicle; and a control module configured to control the gate (201) based on the vehicle identity and the user identity. The entrance system (200) provides one-way traffic control for an entrance of a transportation system to avoid traffic jam and chaos in the entrance, improves pass rate of the entrance of the transportation system, and ensures the safety of the users and effective management to the transportation system.

Description

ENTRANCE SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relates to the field of transportation, and particularly to an entrance system for transportation system.

BACKGROUND

An isolated transportation system or roadway, such as a highway or an elevated road, which is isolated from the surroundings is an effective way to improve the efficiency and safety of a traffic on the roadway, as the driving of vehicles on such roadway would not be disturbed by incoming vehicles or pedestrians from a side of the roadway.

An isolated transportation system is often provided with an entrance (such as a toll gate on a highway) for tolling vehicles running on this roadway or rejecting unqualified vehicles. Such entrance only records the identity of a vehicle, but would not check the identity of a driver of the vehicle. As a result, this entrance cannot reject an unqualified driver to drive the vehicle on the roadway.

Conventional entrance of an isolated roadway often needs staff to take care and the efficiency of the entrance to check or toll vehicles is relatively low. Even for the entrances equipped with electronic toll collection system (ETC) , an electronic transponder is needed to be mounted on a vehicle to respond the electronic toll collection system for a fast pass. The additional need of the electronic transponder hinders those vehicles having no such electronic transponder to pass the entrance rapidly.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an entrance system and an associated transportation system.

In a first aspect, there is provided an entrance system for transportation system. The entrance system comprises: a gate arranged on an entrance of the transportation system and operable to open and close the entrance; a vehicle identifying module configured to identifying a vehicle identity of a vehicle approaching the gate; a user identifying module configured to identifying a user identity of a user of the vehicle; and a control module configured to control the gate based on the vehicle identity and the user identity.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the entrance system provides one-way traffic control for an entrance of a transportation system to avoid traffic jam and chaos in the entrance caused by traffic flow in opposite two directions, such that the pass rate of the entrance of the transportation system can be improved. Furthermore, the identification of the user’s identity and his/her vehicle’s identity by the entrance system enables detecting the unqualified user and vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the users and effective management to the transportation system.

In some embodiments, the user identifying module is configured to: capture biometric information of the user; and identify the user identity of the user based on the biometric information. The biometric information of the user includes at least one of the following: a face image, a fingerprint, an iris image, and a posture of the user. By identifying the user’s identity based on biometric information, such embodiments enable quick and convenient identification without the need of a user to stop or carry any label for identification.

In some embodiments, the user identifying module comprises a first camera for capturing biometric information of the user while the user is riding the vehicle to approach the gate. In such embodiments, the user identity can be identified in a contactless way during the movement of the user, such that the pass rate of the entrance system can be improved.

In some embodiments, the vehicle identifying module comprises a second camera configured to capture an image of a license plate of the vehicle and to identify the vehicle identity of the vehicle based on the image of the license plate. In such embodiments, the second camera can identify the vehicle identity in a contactless way during the movement of the vehicle, such that the pass rate of the entrance system can be improved.

In some embodiments, the information related to the identified vehicle indicates whether the vehicle is in a legal status, such that an unqualified vehicle can be identified and rejected by the entrance system.

In some embodiments, the control module is configured to: obtain information related to the identified user based on the user identity, and control the gate at least in part based on the obtained information. The information related to the identified user includes at least one of the following: credit information of the user, a riding record of the user, and an age of the user. In these embodiments, the control of the gate based on the information related to the identified user ensures the safety of the users and effective management to the transportation system.

In some embodiments, the control module is configured to control the gate further based on conditions associated with the transportation system, the conditions including at least one of the following: traffic in the transportation system, a physical condition of the transportation system, and weather condition around the transportation system. By taking conditions associated with the transportation system into account, it is possible to ensure the safety of the users and effective management to the transportation system. Furthermore, it also enables dynamically controlling the traffic flow in the transportation system to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

In some embodiments, the entrance system further comprises: a tolling module for tolling from an electronic account associated to the vehicle identity and/or the user identity, and the control module is further configured to control the gate based on a result of the tolling by the tolling module. As such, the tolling module can automatically charge toll fee from an electronic account associated to the vehicle identity and/or the user identity without the need of an interaction with the user, such that the pass rate of the transportation system is further improved.

In some embodiments, the control module is further configured to: obtain information about a remaining quantity of electricity in a battery of the vehicle; determine whether the remaining quantity of electricity is sufficient for the vehicle to reach a nearest exit of the transportation system from the gate; and keep the gate closed in response to determining that the remaining quantity of electricity is insufficient. By checking the remaining quantity of electricity in a vehicle in the entrance system, a breakdown of the vehicle during travelling in the transportation system can be avoided.

In some embodiments, the vehicle identifying module and the user identifying module are arranged at a position in front of the gate by a distance to allow the control module to control a status of the gate before the vehicle arrives at the gate. By means of such arrangement, there is a sufficient time period for the control module to determine whether to open the gate based on the obtained vehicle identity and user identity before the vehicle arrives at the gate. As a result, the pass rate of the entrance system is further improved.

In some embodiments, the entrance system further comprises a vehicle exit arranged between the gate and the vehicle and user identifying modules to allow the vehicle to exit the entrance system if the control module keeps the gate closed. The vehicle exit allows a vehicle rejected by the entrance system to exit the entrance system.

In some embodiments, the entrance system further comprises a display provided on the gate and configured to display information indicating allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle. By means of the display, the user in front of the gate can clearly know the status of the gate and why he/she is rejected by the gate.

In some embodiments, at least one sidewall of an entrance lane of the entrance system is suitable for presenting information indicating allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle. In this way, the user in front of or within the entrance lane can clearly know the status of the gate and why he/she is rejected by the gate.

In some embodiments, the entrance system further comprises a deceleration zone in front of the vehicle and user identifying modules for decelerating the vehicle. The deceleration to the approaching vehicle facilities identifying the vehicle and the user successfully by the vehicle and user identifying modules.

In some embodiments, the entrance system has a dimension that prevents a plurality of vehicles from passing through in parallel. In this way, the rate of successful detection by the user identifying module and/or the vehicle identifying module can be improved, and an unauthorized vehicle and/or user entering the entrance system in parallel to an authorized vehicle and/or user can also be prevented.

In some embodiments, the gate, the vehicle identifying module and the user identifying module are provided for each one of one or more entrance lanes of the transportation system. As such, each of the entrance lanes can be controlled respectively to improve the pass rate of an entrance of the transportation system.

In a second aspect, there is provided a transportation system. The transportation system at least comprises at least one entrance system for transportation system as described above. Those advantages as described above with respect to the entrance system also apply to the transportation system comprising such entrance system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become more apparent through more detailed depiction of example implementations of the subject matter described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein in the example implementations of the subject matter described herein, same reference numerals usually represent same components.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an urban area 100 in which a transportation system 110 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an entrance system for transportation system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the entrance system for transportation system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an entrance for transportation system comprising two parallel entrance systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to indicate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to several example implementations. It should be understood these implementations are discussed only for the purpose of enabling those skilled persons in the art to better understand and thus implement the subject matter described herein, rather than suggesting any limitations on the scope of the subject matter.

As used herein, the term “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to. ” The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on. ” The term “one implementation” and “an implementation” are to be read as “at least one implementation” . The term “another implementation” is to be read as “at least one other implementation” . The terms “first, ” “second, ” and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below. A definition of a tenn is consistent throughout the description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an urban area 100 in which a transportation system 110 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In the context of the present disclosure, the transportation system 110 may be also referred to as “Skyway” .

The transportation system 110 includes one or more pathways for various vehicles to travel thereon. In some embodiments, the transportation system 110 may further include one or more accessories such an enclosure for protecting the pathway (s) from the outside, one or more sensors, one or more controllers, or the like. It is to be understood that the phrase “transportation system” as used herein does not include the vehicles traveling on the one or more pathways.

Only by way of example, the vehicles traveling in the transportation system 110 may include, but are not limited to, low-speed vehicles, for example. The low-speed vehicles may have a maximum design speed of, for example, 30-50 km/h, depending on the safety and/or capacity requirements of the transportation system 110. The low-speed vehicles may be designed exclusively for the transportation system 110. Alternatively, or in addition, general low-speed vehicles may be allowed.

Examples of such low-speed vehicles may include, but are not limited to, bicycles 120-1, electric bicycles 120-2, motorcycles 120-3, and/or the like. Such vehicles may be collectively or individually referred to as low-speed vehicles 120. The transportation system 110 may be separated from roads or pathways for high-speed vehicles, such as cars, buses, trucks, and the like, with the maximum design speed above 50 km/h, for example.

The low-speed vehicles 120 generally occupy less space than the high-speed vehicles. Therefore, the transportation system 110 can be built in a flexible manner in the urban area 100, for example, to provide more convenience for daily commute and/or to relieve traffic congestion in a city.

Some low-speed vehicles 120 are not equipped with shelters or enclosures to shield from extreme enviromnental conditions such as rainfall, haze, noise, and so on. To alleviate this problem, at least a part of the transportation system 110 may be constructed as a semi-enclosed or fully-enclosed space, for example, by sidewalls and/or a roof across sides of the transportation system 110. The sidewalls and/or the roof of the transportation system 110 may be designed in any suitable shape to provide aesthetic effect or be adapted to different structures above or below the ground.

It is to be understood that although some embodiments of the transportation system 110 has been and will be described with reference to low-speed vehicles 120, this is merely for illustration without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to or instead of the low-speed vehicles, in some embodiments, the transportation system 110 can support vehicles of any suitable design speed.

Moreover, the transportation system 110 can support a variety of types of vehicles, including, but not limited to, two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, single-lane vehicles, vehicles without bodywork, and vehicles without a seat, for example, footboards with steering handle (also known as scooters) or without steering handle. For example, the transportation system 110 may only allow two-wheeled vehicles, for example, bicycles 120-1 and electric bicycles 120-2. In this case, the transportation system 110 may not have a speed limit for the two-wheeled vehicles.

The transportation system 110 may be constructed overhead, on the ground, and/or under the ground. In some embodiments, the transportation system 110 may extend through one or more obstacles such as building (s) . A number of entrances 112-1, 112-3 and exits 112-2, 112-4 may be provided along the transportation system 110 to allow drivers and their vehicles to enter and exit from the transportation system 110 in the middle of their driving. In some embodiments, the transportation system 110 may have one or more lanes.

In some embodiments, the transportation system 110 may be an elevated transportation system that extends through residential areas, commercial districts, and/or office districts. By way of example, the transportation system 110 may tunnel through buildings such as a shopping mall, so that the drivers can order and pick up food, drink, and any other goods provided in the shopping mall. The transportation system 110 may also include a bridge over a river or road to be compatible with an existing road network of the city.

It is to be understood that the construction and layout of the urban area 100 and the transportation system 110 are described above for the purpose of illustration only, without suggesting any limitations as to the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented with a different construction and/or arrangement. Alternatively, or in addition, the transportation system 110 can be implemented in a rural area.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an entrance system 200 for the transportation system 110, which may be implemented on at least one entrance lane leading to a main lane 111 of a transportation system 110 as shown in FIG. 1 to act as the entrances 112-1, 112-3 of the transportation system 110. FIG. 3 is a side view of the entrance system 200.

With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the entrance system 200 comprises a gate 201, a vehicle identifying module 202 and a user identifying module 203. The gate 201 is arranged on an entrance of the transportation system 110 and operable to open and close the entrance. The vehicle identifying module 202 is configured to identifying a vehicle identity of a vehicle approaching the gate 201, and the user identifying module 203 is configured to identifying a user identity of a user of the vehicle. The entrance system 200 also includes a control module (not shown) configured to control the gate 201 based on the vehicle identity and the user identity.

In some embodiments, the user identifying module 203 may capture biometric information of the user and identify the user identity of the user based on the biometric information. Examples of the biometric information that can be used for identifying the user identity include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: a face image, a fingerprint, an iris image, a posture of the user, and the like. It will be appreciated that any other biometric recognition technique developed in future can also be used in the user identifying module 203 for identifying the user identity. Then the user identifying module 203 can identify the user identity by comparing the captured biometric information of the user to a database storing the biometric information of all the registered users for the transportation system 110.

To capture the corresponding biometric information of the user, either a contact type or a non-contact type of sensor can be provided on the entrance lane leading to the main lane of the transportation system 110. In one embodiment, the user identifying module 203 may comprise a camera (referred to as “first camera” ) for capturing a face image, a fingerprint, an iris image, and/or a posture of the user. In some embodiments, the first camera may be arranged in a height position adapted to capture the corresponding image from the user who is riding on a vehicle.

In some embodiment, the user identifying module 203 may initiate capturing the biometric information in response to a user approaching the user identifying module 203 within a certain distance. Specifically, the user identifying module 203 may capture the biometric information and identify the user identity in such a way that the user does not need to stop in front of the user identifying module 203. As a result, the efficiency of the user passing through the entrance system can be improved.

The vehicle identifying module 202 can identify the vehicle identity approaching the gate 201 in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle identifying module 202 may comprise a sensor for receiving vehicle information from an electronic responder mounted on the approaching vehicle to identify the vehicle identity of the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, in one embodiment, the vehicle identifying module 202 comprises a camera (referred to as “second camera” ) configured to capture an image of a license plate of the approaching vehicle and identify the vehicle identity of the vehicle based on the image of the license plate. In some embodiments, the second camera may be provided on a height position adapted to capture the image of the license plate mounted on the vehicle. Identifying the vehicle based on the image of the license plate voids the need of mounting an additional electronic responder or any other label on the vehicle, such that it facilitates extending the range of vehicles compatible with the entrance system 200 to any vehicle mounted with a license plate.

The control module is configured to obtain information related to the identified user based on the user identity and control the gate at least in part based on the obtained information. Examples of the information related to the identified user include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: credit information of the user, a riding record of the user, an age of the user, and the like. In operation, the control module may check whether the user identity as identified by the user identifying module 203 is qualified for entering the transportation system 110 based on the obtained information related to the identified user.

The qualification of the user identity may be checked in view of one or more standards or criteria. For example, if the identified user has a bad credit record, the user may be considered unqualified as he or she will probably not to repay the bill for using the transportation system 110 to his/her credit account on schedule. As another example, a user having bad riding record may be considered unqualified as the bad riding habit of this user may increase the risk of causing a traffic accident in the transportation system 110. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, a user older than a certain age (60 years old, for example) may be considered unqualified as the older user may not be competent to ride a vehicle with a relative high speed in the transportation system 110. It is appreciated that it is also possible to check the qualification of the user identity in other aspects.

If the user identity is determined qualified, the control module will automatically open the gate 201 to allow the user pass through the entrance system 200 and enter the transportation system 110. If it is determined by the control module that the user identity is unqualified, the control module will keep the gate 201 closed to reject the user passing through the entrance system 200 to come into the transportation system 110.

In one embodiment, the vehicle identity as identified by the vehicle identifying module 202 may be checked by the control module whether it is qualified based on the obtained information related to the identified vehicle. Examples of such information indicates whether the vehicle is in a legal status, which can be obtained, for example, by checking the license number as recognized by the vehicle identifying module 202.

As an example, if the identified vehicle is found to be not registered in relevant authority or in the transportation system 110, then the vehicle may be considered unqualified. In another example embodiment, if the identified vehicle fails to pass a test, it may be considered unqualified. For those unqualified vehicle, the control module may keep the gate 201 closed. On the other hand, the gate 201 will be opened ifit is determined that the vehicle identity is qualified and/or other factors (including the user identity) are also qualified.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the vehicle identifying module 202 and the user identifying module 203 are arranged at a position in front of the gate 201 by a distance. With such an arrangement, there is a sufficient time period for the control module to determine whether to open the gate 201 based on the obtained vehicle identity and user identity by the vehicle identifying module 202 and the user identifying module 203 after the vehicle has passed the two

modules

202 and 203 while still not arriving at the gate 201. As a result, a qualified user and/or vehicle can pass the gate 201, which is opened before the user and/or vehicle arrives at the gate 201, without the need of stopping and waiting for the checking of the control module and the opening action of the gate 201.

In one embodiment, the gate 201 can be controlled further based on conditions associated with the transportation system 110. Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: traffic in the transportation system 110, a physical condition of the transportation system 110, and weather condition around the transportation system 110.

For example, the control module may keep the gate 201 closed in some conditions which are not suitable for a vehicle to travel on the transportation system 110, even though the user identity and/or the vehicle identity is qualified. Such condition can be a busy traffic in the transportation system 110, a serious traffic accident in the transportation system 110, maintenance of the transportation system 110, low visibility in the transportation system 110 due to dense fog.

The control module may receive information related to these conditions from any source. For example, the weather condition can be received from a sensor arranged in the transportation system 110 or from a public source issuing weather information. The traffic information and physical condition can be received from an input by an operator or from a public source.

In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to obtain information about a remaining quantity of electricity in a battery of the vehicle. This can be done, for example, by receiving wireless information from a wireless transmitter mounted on a vehicle approaching the entrance system 200 which indicates the remaining quantity of electricity in a battery of the vehicle. Then it can be determined as to whether the remaining quantity of electricity is sufficient for the vehicle to reach a nearest exit of the transportation system 110 from the gate 201. If it is determined that the remaining quantity of electricity is insufficient, the control module keeps the gate 201 closed to avoid the vehicle breaking down in the transportation system 110 due to lack of battery.

In some embodiments, the entrance system 200 may further comprise a tolling module (not shown) . The tolling module tolls from an electronic account associated to the vehicle identity and/or the user identity if the control module has determined to open the gate 201 for the vehicle. In such embodiments, the control module is further configured to open the gate 201 if the tolling by the tolling module succeeds. If the tolling by the tolling module fails, the control module may keep the gate 201 closed.

In some embodiments, a display (s) 204 may be provided on the gate 201 to display information indicating allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle. The display 204 may further indicates the reason for rejecting a vehicle, for example, indicating the information “unqualified” , “urgency” or “low battery” . By means of the display 204, the user in front of the gate 201 can clearly know the status of the gate 201 and why he/she is rejected by the gate 201.

In one embodiment, an entrance lane 207 from the entrance of the entrance system 200 to the main lane 111 of the transportation system 110 is enclosed by sidewalls 205. A vehicle exit 206 is arranged on one side of the entrance lane 207 between the gate 201 and the vehicle and

user identifying modules

202, 203 to allow the vehicle coming into the entrance lane 207 to exit the entrance system 200 if the control module keeps the gate closed.

In one embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls 205 enclosing the entrance lane 207 can also indicate the information of allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle, for example, by presenting different colors associated with the corresponding information. To this end, the sidewall (s) 205 can be illuminated by one or more ambient lighting devices. The one or more ambient lighting devices are controlled to emit light with different colors based on the decision made by the control module.

For example, if the control module decides to reject the approaching vehicle, the ambient lighting devices may be controlled to emit red light to illuminate the sidewalls 205 in red (or any other suitable colors) , such that it is easy for the user of the vehicle near the sidewalls 205 to note the red color of the ambient light as reflected by the sidewalls 205 and the user may realize that he/she has been rejected by the entrance system 200. On the other hand, if the control module decides to allow the approaching vehicle to enter the entrance system 200, the ambient lighting devices may be controlled to emit green light to illuminate the sidewalls 205 in green, for example.

In one embodiment, a deceleration zone 208 is provided in front of the vehicle and

user identifying modules

202, 203 for decelerating the vehicle approaching the entrance system 200. The deceleration to the approaching vehicle facilities identifying the vehicle and the user successfully by the vehicle and

user identifying modules

202, 203. Such an arrangement is also advantageous to provide sufficient time for the control module to check the user identity and vehicle identity and open the gate 201 before the vehicle arrives at the gate 201. A speed limit sign 209 may be provided near the entrance of the entrance system 200 to notify the user to decelerate the vehicle.

The entrance system 200 as described above is a one-way entrance system which only allows the vehicle to come into the transportation system 110 one by one in single direction. A vehicle in the transportation system 110 cannot exit the transportation system 110 from the entrance system 200 in an opposite direction. This avoids jam and chaos in the entrance system 200 due to two opposite direction traffic.

The entrance system 200 as described above is dimensioned to allow only one vehicle to pass through per time. That is, the dimension of the entrance system 200 (e.g., the width of the gate 201) is designed to prevent a plurality of vehicles from passing through in parallel. In this way, it is possible to improve the rate of successful detection by the user identifying module and/or the vehicle identifying module. Moreover, an unauthorized vehicle and/or user can be prevented from entering the entrance system 200 in parallel to an authorized vehicle and/or user.

In some embodiments, in order to increase the pass rate for an entrance of the transportation system 110, more than one entrance lane may be provided for an entrance of the transportation system 110. In FIG. 4, a plurality of (in this case, two) parallel entrance lanes 207 are provided for an entrance of the transportation system 110. In this case, each of the two entrance lanes 207 may be provided with a separate entrance system 200 as described above such that each entrance lane 207 is provided with the separate gate 201, the separate vehicle identifying module 202 and the separate user identifying module 203 (not shown in FIG. 4) . As such, the plurality of entrance systems 200 can control the vehicles on the two entrance lanes 207 coming into the transportation system 110 respectively.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

By studying the drawings, the disclosure of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the mounted Claims, those skilled in the art may understand and implement other modifications of the disclosed embodiments during the implementation of the present disclosure. In the claims, ″comprising″ does not exclude other elements or steps, and “a” or “one” does not exclude the plural concept. The simple fact of illustrating specific elements in the dependent claims, which are mutually different from each other, does not indicate that the combination of these elements cannot be used advantageously. The labels in drawings of the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scopes thereof.

Though the present disclosure has been described with reference to the currently considered embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements falling within in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is accorded with broadest explanations and covers all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

An entrance system (200) for transportation system (110) , comprising:

a gate (201) arranged on an entrance of the transportation system and operable to open and close the entrance;

a vehicle identifying module (202) configured to identifying a vehicle identity of a vehicle approaching the gate (201) ;

a user identifying module (203) configured to identifying a user identity of a user of the vehicle; and

a control module configured to control the gate (201) based on the vehicle identity and the user identity.
The entrance system (200) of claim 1, wherein the user identifying module (203) is configured to:

capture biometric information of the user; and

identify the user identity of the user based on the biometric information.
The entrance system (200) of claim 2, wherein the biometric information of the user includes at least one of the following: a face image, a fingerprint, an iris image, and a posture of the user.
The entrance system (200) of claim 2, wherein the user identifying module (203) comprises a first camera for capturing biometric information of the user while the user is riding the vehicle to approach the gate (201) .
The entrance system (200) of claim 1, wherein the vehicle identifying module (202) comprises a second camera configured to capture an image of a license plate of the vehicle and identify the vehicle identity of the vehicle based on the image of the license plate.
The entrance system (200) of any of claims 1-5, wherein the information related to the identified vehicle indicates whether the vehicle is in a legal status.
The entrance system (200) of any of claims 1-5, the control module is configured to:

obtain information related to the identified user based on the user identity, the information related to the identified user including at least one of the following: credit information of the user, a riding record of the user, and an age of the user; and

control the gate (201) at least in part based on the obtained information.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is configured to control the gate (201) further based on conditions associated with the transportation system, the conditions including at least one of the following: traffic in the transportation system, a physical condition of the transportation system, and weather condition around the transportation system.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a tolling module for tolling from an electronic account associated to the vehicle identity and/or the user identity, and

the control module is further configured to control the gate (201) based on a result of the tolling by the tolling module.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module is further configured to:

obtain information about a remaining quantity of electricity in a battery of the vehicle;

determine whether the remaining quantity of electricity is sufficient for the vehicle to reach a nearest exit of the transportation system from the gate (201) ; and

keep the gate (201) closed in response to determining that the remaining quantity of electricity is insufficient.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle identifying module (202) and the user identifying module (203) are arranged at a position in front of the gate (201) by a distance to allow the control module to control a status of the gate (201) before the vehicle arrives at the gate (201) .
The entrance system (200) of claim 11, further comprising:

a vehicle exit arranged between the gate (201) and the vehicle and user identifying modules (202, 203) to allow the vehicle to exit the entrance system (200) if the control module keeps the gate (201) closed.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a display (204) provided on the gate (201) and configured to display information indicating allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sidewall (205) of an entrance lane (207) of the entrance system (200) presents information indicating allowance or rejection to the approaching vehicle.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a deceleration zone (208) in front of the vehicle and user identifying modules (202, 203) for decelerating the vehicle.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the entrance system (200) has a dimension that prevents a plurality of vehicles from passing through in parallel.
The entrance system (200) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gate (201) , the vehicle identifying module (202) and the user identifying module (203) are provided for each one of one or more entrance lanes (207) of the transportation system (110) .
A transportation system (110) , comprising at least one entrance system (200) for transportation system according to any of the preceding claims.