Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for parking assistance are provided. The method includes identifying a parking space based on information acquired from a plurality of sensors, connecting to a sensor associated with the identified parking space, acquiring measurement data from the sensor indicative of a vehicle position relative to the sensor, determining a parking trajectory based on the measurement data, and controlling at least a subsystem of a vehicle based on the parking trajectory.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus mounted on a vehicle, the wireless communication apparatus includes: a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a network; an information card on which information on a contract of a service provided from a communication carrier is recorded; and a control unit that rewrites the information recorded on the information card according to a request for contracting of the service or a request for canceling of the service transmitted from the network when contracting or canceling the service, wherein the control unit writes a cancellation state to the information of the information card according to the request for canceling transmitted from the network.

Abstract: A map database stores map data. The map data includes position reference point data including identification information of a position reference point being set in an intersection area where traffic lanes intersect, join, or diverge and an absolute position of the position reference point. A communication system receives the identification information of the position reference point and a relative position of another vehicle to the absolute position of the position reference point. A vehicle position information processing unit acquires the absolute position of the position reference point from the position reference point data on the basis of the received identification information of the position reference point. Then, the vehicle position information processing unit specifies a position of the another vehicle on the basis of the acquired absolute position of the position reference point and the received relative position of the another vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating an autonomous vehicle. In one implementation, a system for detecting whether a road on which a host vehicle travels is a one-way road may include at least one processing device. The processing device may be programmed to receive at least one image associated with an environment of the host vehicle, identify a first plurality of vehicles on a first side of the road, identify a second plurality of vehicles on a second side of the road, determine a first facing direction associated with the first plurality of vehicles, determine a second facing direction associated with the second plurality of vehicles, and cause at least one navigational change of the host vehicle when the first facing direction and the second facing direction are both opposite to a heading direction of the host vehicle.

Abstract: Using an imaging device of a user device associated with a public user, an image of an autonomous vehicle (AV) operating in an area is captured. The public user associated with the user device is other than an occupant or controller of the AV. Image processing of the image is performed to extract a set of visual characteristics of the AV. A visual characteristic in the set of visual characteristics is insufficient to uniquely identify the AV. From a set of AVs a subset of candidate AVs is selected where each candidate AV in the subset of candidate AVs matches within a tolerance at least one visual characteristic in the set of visual characteristics, the subset of candidate AVs including the AV. A stop command is sent to the AV, causing the AV to execute a stopping operation resulting in a change in a velocity of the AV.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system includes one or more displays associated with a vehicle, and a network-accessible controller. The one or more displays are located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle. The controller is adapted to generate a first signal with an identifier to be transmitted to a mobile communication device associated with a vehicle or its driver in response to a ride request from a user. The mobile communication device associated with the vehicle or its driver is adapted to generate a second signal indicative of the identified to be transmitted to one or more displays. The controller is also adapted to generate a further signal for displaying an advertisement on the one or more displays.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for segmenting and dimensioning objects are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a first sensor of a plurality of sensors toward which a vehicle is moving based on image data generating by the plurality of sensors; designating the first sensor as a reference sensor; combining the image data from the plurality of sensors to generate combined image data representative of the vehicle and an object carried by the vehicle, the combining based on reference sensor; generating a plurality of clusters based on the combined image data; and identifying a first one of the clusters nearest the reference sensor as the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of a smart card and systems and methods for secure data access using a smart card are described. The smart card may be formed a substrate and may include a microprocessor, a memory containing an applet, a counter, and a unique identifier. The smart card may dynamically generate a unique uniform resource location (URL) and transmit the URL to via a contactless communication interface to securely facilitate data access from other devices.

Abstract: A system and method for traffic decongestion which allows users to bid for faster passage and faster journeys. The system and method allows autonomous, semi-autonomous or user-driven cars to bid for faster passage for their journeys. Users willing to use slower journeys may be compensated for their contribution in reducing traffic congestion. In addition to reduction of traffic congestion, the system and method can normalize road usage, minimize road wear, give municipalities a new revenue stream, and save users time currently wasted by traffic.

Abstract: A display control method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium for a digital billboard display, include an attribute identification circuit configured to identify attributes of each user of a group of users viewing the digital billboard display, a content determining circuit configured to determine a content type to be displayed on the digital billboard based on an aggregation of all of the attributes of the group of users identified by the attribute identification circuit, and a display augmenting circuit configured to deliver the content type to the digital billboard display.

Abstract: A portable power bank controllable via inertial input. Control includes: while in one or both of a charge mode and a providing charge mode, monitoring for an inertial input; upon detection of a first active mode inertial input, activating the user visual display; upon detection of a second active mode inertial input disabling one or both of the output mode and the charge mode; and upon detection of a third active mode inertial input, re-enabling one or both of the charge mode and the providing charge mode.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a measured temperature acquiring unit configured to acquire, from a non-contact temperature sensor, a measured temperature on the surface of a rack housing an information and communication technology device; and an output section configured to output an alarm related to the temperature of the rack on the basis of the measured temperature acquired by the measured temperature acquiring unit. The output section does not output the alarm for a predetermined time period when the amount of change in measured temperature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An onboard electronic device for mounting to a first vehicle. The onboard device may include a capture device configured to capture identifying data associated with a second vehicle. The onboard device may also include a GNSS receiver configured to detect position data based on at least one GNSS signal. The onboard device may further include an onboard controller communicatively coupled to the capture device and the GNSS receiver. The onboard controller may be configured to perform operations including receiving the identifying data from the capture device, receiving the position data from the GNSS receiver, and generating a data report signal based on the identifying data and the position data. The onboard device may further comprise a transmitting antenna configured to transmit the data report signal.

Abstract: A method of performing an absolute length calibration for an object located with or covered by a camera device in a mirror. The dimensions of the camera device are determined and an image is captured by the camera device of the camera device with the object. A length of the image of the object and the dimensions of the image of the camera device are measured and those measurements are used to calibrate the image.

Abstract: A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls that interfaces with vehicle data entry and display components. The system uses these components to display toll-related information and to accept user input for toll-related information. The system may also incorporate vehicle sensors including seat occupancy sensors, infra-red sensors and cameras to determine vehicle occupancy for tolling purposes.

Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a payment card amplification device comprising a card reader, an amplifier, an antenna, and a power supply. The card reader is configured to read payment card information from a payment card and generate an output signal comprising the payment card information. The amplifier is coupled to receive the card reader output signal and configured to generate an amplified signal comprising the payment card information. The antenna is coupled to receive the amplified signal and transmit the payment card information, wherein the transmitted payment card information can be read by a payment terminal. The power supply is coupled to a power source and configured provide power to the card reader and the amplifier.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a vehicle, the method may include detecting, by a vehicle monitor that is associated with a vehicle, a failure to communicate with a first communication network; storing failure information about a time of the failure and a location of the vehicle in proximity to a detection of the failure; attempting, after the detecting of the failure and by the vehicle monitor, to establish communication with at least one communication network out of the first communication network and a second communication network; wherein the second communication network is a long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) and the first communication network is not a LoRaWAN; and after succeeding to establish communication with a given communication network out of the first and second communication networks, transmitting the failure information over the given communication network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an interactive user interface for displaying and/or processing passing information data. An interactive user interface can be generated displaying a first portion including an interactive bubble chart configured to display a first set of passing information related to instances of a first individual passing a first plurality of markers. The interactive user interface can also include a second portion including a selectable user interface element for providing one or more search criteria for identifying other individuals in search for other individuals with passings related to passing of the first individual. One or more other individuals that satisfy the search criteria can be displayed to the user. As the user selects a second individual, the interactive user interface can be updated to display a second set of passing information related to one or more instances of the second individual passing the first plurality of markers.

Abstract: Methods for tolling locations of a vehicle having a license plate number are performed by means of a tolling system. The tolling system has a camera at each location to be tolled, a server, a user terminal, linked by a network, and a database The method includes: generating one or more tolling records, each including a picture of the vehicle taken by one of the cameras, the location of the camera, and a license plate number read by optical character recognition from the picture, and storing the tolling records in the database; sending a confirmation request to the user terminal including the read license plate number and location information dependent on the locations in the tolling records; and receiving a response from the user terminal and, if the response confirms the request, deleting the pictures from the tolling records in the database. Alternative embodiments include pre-/post-registration of locations to toll.

Abstract: A taximeter, system and method for a taxi are disclosed. In one aspect, the taximeter includes a processing system including a memory having stored therein a plurality of computer applications, wherein the processing system is configured to execute a meter application during a passenger trip to determine a fare due, and execute a payment application to facilitate electronic payment of the fare due. In particular embodiments, the taximeter establishes a wireless data communication session with a mobile device of the passenger to facilitate payment of the fare due via the mobile device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing vehicles. A computing device having first and second software executables can determine vehicle identification information (VII) that identifies a vehicle. The computing device can store first and second vehicle identifiers that are based on the VII and are respectively associated with the first and second software executables, where the first vehicle identifier differs from the second vehicle identifier. The computing device can be used to repair the vehicle by at least: receiving a request to activate the first software executable, and activating the first software executable at least by providing the stored first vehicle identifier to the first software executable.

Abstract: An example method for determining, at an electronic device, a presence or absence of the electronic device in a specific space may include estimating a current location based on strength of signals received from a plurality of wireless communication devices; correcting the estimated location by using movement information acquired through a sensor to generate a first corrected location; correcting the first corrected location by using information about a boundary area of a predefined presence determination area to generate a second corrected location; and determining the presence or absence in the presence determination area, based on the second corrected location.

Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus for enabling use of a wireless portable electronic device with a vehicle includes a processor, and a display, a transceiver, and memory each coupled to the processor. The memory contains program instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive data at the transceiver over a first wireless connection with a wireless headgear apparatus. The wireless headgear apparatus is in communication with the wireless mobile device over a second wireless connection. The program instructions are further configured to cause the processor to display information related to the wireless mobile device on the display based on the received data, to receive a user selection related to operation of the wireless mobile device via a user interface in communication with the processor, and to transmit the user selection to the wireless headgear apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle surveillance system includes: a photographing unit configured to photograph a target vehicle; a positional information acquisition unit configured to acquire positional information indicating a position of the photographing unit; a surveillance information generation unit configured to extract a vehicle number from an image acquired by the photographing unit and generate surveillance information on the basis of at least the vehicle number and the positional information; and a surveillance information output unit configured to output the surveillance information generated by the surveillance information generation unit. The photographing unit, the positional information acquiring unit, the surveillance information generation unit, and the surveillance information output unit are installed in a mobile surveillance vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an energy saving method for a wireless AP, including: when it is detected that a time during which a wireless AP transmits no packet uplink or downlink and is associated with no station is greater than a preset time threshold, disabling, by the wireless AP, a transmit channel, and retaining only a receive channel; listening for, by the wireless AP, a Probe Request through the receive channel; and if the Probe Request obtained by listening meets a preset activation condition, enabling, by the wireless AP, the transmit channel. The embodiments of the present invention further disclose a wakeup method for a wireless AP and related devices. By means of the present invention, power consumption of a wireless AP can be effectively reduced.

Abstract: The method for simulating wave propagation wherein: a) data representing a three-dimensional scene (14) are supplied; b) primary rays (Pij) emitted in different propagation directions are calculated; d) as a function of a point of reception (P), is calculated primary scattered rays (RdA, RdB), emitted by the surfaces of the objects present in the scene reached by a primary ray. The power transported by the scattered rays (Rd) is calculated as a function of the relative orientation between the primary incident ray that reaches the surface of the object in question and the normal to this surface. Simulator, computer program and recording medium for implementing the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various examples of a self-declaring wireless device installed on a vehicle operable to automatically detect, determine and declare occupancy information of the vehicle traveling on a restricted traffic lane to an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. According to one aspect, a process for performing self-declaration by a vehicle traveling on a restricted traffic lane includes the steps of: receiving sensor data collected by one or more sensors installed on the vehicle; determining occupancy data of the vehicle based on the received sensor data; and controlling a wireless transceiver installed on the vehicle to communicate with an electronic toll collection (ETC) system associated with the restricted traffic lane based on the determined occupancy data.

Abstract: A method of providing RF energy to a wireless transponder device includes outputting primary RF energy in a form wherein the primary RF energy comprises a plurality of RF bursts, with each consecutive pair of the RF bursts being separated by an associated time interval, and outputting secondary continuous wave RF energy in between each of the RF bursts of the primary RF energy during at least a portion of each of the associated time intervals. Also, a reader device implementing this method.

Abstract: A method includes: establishing a wireless communication session with a mobile device of a user and a vehicle control unit equipped in a vehicle; receiving a sequence of vehicle light control signals transmitted from the mobile device defining activation periods during which a vehicle light of the vehicle is to be activated alternating with deactivation periods during which the vehicle light is to be deactivated; and controlling the vehicle light in synchronization with the sequence of vehicle light control signals while the sequence of vehicle light control signals is being received. The controlling of the vehicle light includes: continuously transmitting activation signals to the vehicle control unit to activate the vehicle light during each of the activation periods; and refraining from transmitting the activation signals to the vehicle control unit to deactivate the vehicle light during each of the deactivation periods.

Abstract: A servo control device includes a velocity command creation part configured to create a velocity command value for driving a servomotor; a velocity detection part configured to detect velocity of the servomotor; and a torque command creation part configured to create a torque command value using a difference between the velocity command value and the velocity detection value. The torque command creation part has an integral gain part and a proportional gain part, an integral gain and a proportional gain are obtained by multiplying a value calculated by multiplying an initial value by a ratio of load inertia of a machine relative to rotor inertia of the servomotor, by an integral gain magnification and a proportional gain magnification, respectively, and the integral gain magnification is set to a value smaller than the square of the proportional gain magnification according to a delay time of a velocity control loop.

Abstract: This publication describes a method and a system for registering use of studded decks (6) and for collecting due toll for use of studded decks on a vehicle (19) having at least one studded deck (6). This is done when a vehicle (19) passes over a detection device (1) on a road surface (18) of a road, the detection device (1) being associated with one or more sensors (2) that is able to detect impulses created by the decks (6) on the vehicle (19) that passes over the detection device (1). The impulses are registered and compared with a pre-determined value that enables a processing device (3) to determine whether one or more of the decks (6) are provided with studs or not. The system is configured in such way that the processed signal provides basis for collecting toll or at least bringing this fact to the attention of the driver and that toll is due.

Abstract: Provided is a system that includes a first camera and a second camera each configured to capture image data from respective viewing angles, and a data processor coupled with the first camera and the second camera, that receives the image data, calculates a range based on the image data received and validates the calculated range for a parking space.

Abstract: An approach for determining a route is provided. A rule is retrieved, which indicates a number of recommended routes passing through a constrained area is not permitted to exceed a threshold. After a receipt of N requests from N respective users for N routes, N recommended routes passing through the constrained area are determined and presented to the N users. After determining the N recommended routes and based on a receipt of a request from an (N+1)-th user for an (N+1)-th route, the (N+1)-th route, which passes through the constrained area, is determined. Based on the retrieved rule and the (N+1)-th route passing through the constrained area, N+1 is determined to not exceed the second number. Responsive to determining N+1 does not exceed the threshold, the (N+1)-th route is designated as an (N+1)-th recommended route.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for server-side path reference. One server-side path reference embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving a request for a specific content item, such as a user interface or document, via a network interface device from a requestor. This method may then retrieve, from a navigation history data store, path reference recommendation data with regard to the specific content item. The retrieved path reference recommendation data typically identifies at least one destination most commonly navigated to from the specific content item within web application sessions. The method then transmits the retrieved path reference recommendation data with data of the specific content item to the requestor.

Abstract: The application relates to the integration of WLAN access networks into cellular communication networks, often referred to as “Non-3GPP Access” in 3GPP standardization, in particular TS 23.402. Location information, such as SSID, WLAN access point name, WLAN access point identifier, WLAN access point MAC address is currently not available for GTP based S2a nor GTP based S2b, and neither for the Gn interface nor for PMIPv6 based S2a. However, Location information is needed in the PGW/GGSN for multiple purposes, e.g. for policy enforcement, charging and lawful interception. This problem is solved by the application in that the missing information is included in a protocol message of the cellular communications system, in particular a GTPv1, GTPv2 or PMIPv6 signalling message, and communicated (S2) to the cellular communications system.

Abstract: A reading apparatus reads transmission information from a first tag and a second tag arranged in a road via wireless communication, and is loaded on a vehicle. The reading apparatus comprises an antenna and a controller. The antenna outputs a request signal for requesting transmission of predetermined information to the first tag and the second tag. The first tag is arranged at a first reference point as reference. The second tag is arranged at a second reference point as reference away from an advancing direction of the vehicle with respect to the first reference point. The controller stops output of the request signal when acquiring a reference distance between the first reference point and the second reference point from the first tag, calculates a required time for which the vehicle moves to the second reference point on the basis of the reference distance and a travelling speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front-end event detector for detecting the occurrence of an event before a signal process is generated, and a low power camera system maintaining the low-power mode when idle but activated in normal mode only when the occurrence of an event is detected in the front-end event detector. The front-end event detector according to the present invention comprises: an image sensor for obtaining analog image data and converting them into digital image data; a first buffer memory for storing the digital image data; a first comparator, wherein the next digital image data delivered from the image sensor is compared to the digital image data stored in the first buffer memory for generating activation signals when the occurrence of an event is detected and transmitting them to an external device; an image signal processor for image data processing the digital image delivered from the first comparator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the idle travel of a piezo-injector which has a piezo-actuator and a nozzle needle which is activated directly by the piezo-actuator. A test pulse is applied to the piezo-actuator, which pulse brings about a continuous increase in the piezo-travel. The time period is measured which passes between the starting of the test pulse and the time when the idle travel is overcome. The idle travel of the piezo-injector is then determined from the measured time period.

Abstract: Electronic digital display systems, including roadside display devices, vehicle-based devices, personal mobile devices, intermediary servers, advertising servers, and/or additional external data sources may operate individually or in combination to identify one or more vehicle locations, driving routes, driver and passenger characteristics, and the like. Vehicle and individual characteristics may be determined based on data received from traffic cameras, vehicle-based devices, personal mobile devices, and/or other data sources. Based on the vehicle characteristics, individual characteristics, driving data and driving patterns, and the like, digital content may be determined for electronic roadside displays to be viewable by the approaching vehicles, and/or other digital display devices to be viewable by associated individuals via other display devices and at other times.

Abstract: A distance detecting device and an image processing apparatus including the same are disclosed. The distance detecting device includes a first light source to output a first output beam and a second light source to output a second output beam having a wavelength different from that of the first output beam, a scanner to progressively perform first directional scanning and second directional scanning to output the first output beam and the second output beam to an outside, a first detecting unit to convert a first received beam corresponding to the first output beam into a first electric signal, a second detecting unit to convert a second received beam corresponding to the second output beam into a second electric signal, and a controller to detect a distance from an external target based on the first electric signal and the second electric signal.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a Vehicle sensor senses the arrival and departure of vehicles in a drive-through lane. In particular embodiments, the system can calculate and store time data corresponding to each vehicle. Time data can be processed to determine the duration of transaction activity in the drive-through lane.

Abstract: Electronic equipment in a system may transmit and receive wireless advertisement messages. Each wireless message may include location information and may have an associated received signal strength indicator when received from transmitting equipment by receiving equipment. The transmitting equipment may be associated with stationary equipment such as equipment installed at a building, adjacent to a road, or in traffic control equipment or other traffic structures. The receiving electronic equipment may be mobile equipment such as a vehicle or mobile computing equipment such as a cellular telephone or portable computer. Satellite navigation system signals may be received by the receiving electronic equipment in addition to the wireless messages. The receiving electronic information can present alerts to a user based on a location determined using the wireless messages and the satellite navigation system signals.

Abstract: Control devices and methods for a road toll system that is based on on-board units carried by vehicles, using at least one recording vehicle and at least one control vehicle, which communicate with a central violation server, wherein the recording vehicle reads out a toll parameter from the on-board unit of a passing vehicle via a DSRC radio interface, compares it to a shape parameter of the vehicle detected by a sensor, and based thereon, in case of inconsistency, generates a violation data record and transmits it to the violation server, wherein the control vehicle registers the position or surroundings thereof in the violation server, and the violation server makes available to this control vehicle those violation data records, the locations of the violations of which are within the surroundings of a position of a control vehicle, and wherein the control vehicle issues an alert message when it detects a violating vehicle in the surroundings thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system toll charge payment system using electronic messaging from at least one electronic communication device, for example a mobile telephone, said system comprising: a remote communication system adapted to communicate with the at least one electronic communication device; recording means for capturing vehicle identifier information for vehicles passing through a toll charge area and storing said identifier information on said remote communication system or another remote communication system; characterised by said at least one communication device is associated with a pre-existing telecommunication account belonging to a user; means for sending an electronic message, for example a SMS (text) message or WAP message or voice control message, from the electronic communication device by said user to the remote communication system wherein said electronic message comprises a vehicle registration identifier and/or toll identifier information; and said remote communication syst

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for processing electronic payments for retail services and goods delivered by a retail establishment. In embodiments, a mobile wallet application is installed in the automobile. The automobile wallet application can receive and/or send transaction and payment information over a near field communication system to a retailer and on to an authorizing authority. The authorizing authority receives the payment and transaction information, authorizes or declines the payment of the transaction, and forwards the authorization or declination to the automobile wallet application. If authorized, the retailer provides the retail good or service.

Abstract: A system for obtaining revenue through the display of advertising on fixed or moving objects id disclosed. Such objects receive, store, poll and extract data to present content based on the time of day, locations, and relative movements in a specific environment, where data and information stored in moving or mobile objects within that environment can be transmitted between those objects or to stationary objects, where it is then used to enable and control such displays for which the owners of those objects are then compensated. The system enables the display of hyper-relevant ad content with synchronized remote audio, personal messaging and public service alerts on surrounding objects and provides for the real-time logging and later downloading of data to confirm communications and content deliveries between objects, track and measure consumer engagement, verify consumer's direct responses to ad viewings with accountability systems.

Abstract: A method for charging a payer includes detecting a payer device, which is associated with a payer account, entering an event area. The payer device is then associated with an event invoice in a database. When the payer device is determined to have been involved in at least one payer charging event while being located in the event area, a charge is associated with the event invoice in the database for each payer charging event the payer device has been involved in. When the payer device is detected leaving the event area, a payment is charged to the payer account for the event invoice.

Abstract: A traffic flow control system that includes a display device, an image acquisition module, an user interactive device, and a server having a processor. The processor is configured to obtain, by a data aggregation module, at least one of a first, second, third, fourth set of data, compute, by a computation module, a travel score for a travel direction of an intersection by weighing each of the first, second, third, and the fourth set of data with respect to one another, determine whether the travel score is a highest travel score of the intersection, and, if the travel score is the highest travel score of the intersection, enable traffic flow in the travel direction using the display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein positioning data and road charging data depending on a vehicle position may be inserted into a combined data stream. The positioning data and road charging data may be provided with the same protocol type such as a national marine electronics association, NMEA, protocol or NMEA 0183 protocol. The combined data stream therefore comprises a mixed sequence of positioning data protocol messages and road charging data protocol messages.