Abstract: An electronic toll collection (ETC) system comprises an on-vehicle unit mounted on a vehicle and a stationary-station communication system. This communication system operates to perform communication for accounting processing toward the on-vehicle unit mounted on the vehicle that passes a predetermined communication area. The stationary-station communication system comprises a controller and an antenna unit. The controller includes a protocol controller configured to produce a protocol selection signal and a communication controller configured to control the communication based on the produced communication protocol selection signal. The antenna unit includes a modem unit configured to selectively have a plurality of types of modulation/demodulation techniques corresponding to a plurality of types of protocols for the communication and control means configured to selectively allow the modem unit to be switched into a particular modulation/demodulation technique specified by the protocol selection signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices, including program instructions, are provided for displaying information on a gate system. One embodiment includes a processor and a memory associated with a vehicle gate system. Program instructions are storable on the memory and executable by the processor to display target audience information.

Abstract: A transponder formed on a circuit substrate having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. An antenna is disposed on one side of a transverse axis, extending in a longitudinal direction, and the remaining circuit components are disposed on the other side of the transverse axis. The remaining circuit components may include a controller, an RF transceiver, and a battery. A ground plane defines an antenna space within which the antenna is disposed.

Abstract: A method for reading a license plate disposed on a vehicle includes determining whether a license plate image is required, automatically processing the license plate image in response to determining that the license plate image is required, providing at least one verified image, and determining whether to manually read the license plate image by matching the license plate image with the at least one verified image.

Abstract: A traffic control system and method, for expediting traffic flow across international border crossings, includes a traffic control center and a virtual traffic lane. The traffic control center is spaced apart from the border crossing, and monitors traffic flow through a border zone. The traffic control center receives border-bound traffic, or electronic information from such traffic, and evaluates it to determine a vehicle's preparedness level. The traffic control center includes facilities for temporarily holding vehicles, and assists vehicles preparing to cross the border. The virtual traffic lane is a preferred route between the traffic control center and the border crossing, and is changeable depending upon traffic conditions. The virtual traffic lane is selected from a number of available monitored routes. The traffic control center monitors traffic conditions in the border zone, and determines which preferred travel route is most appropriate for selection as the virtual lane at any given time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a narrow band communication vehicle-mounted apparatus capable of performing communication in which there are normally no discrepancies with on-road systems when the apparatus starts up. The narrow band communication vehicle-mounted apparatus comprising: a radiocommunication portion 2 for sending and receiving with an on-road device via an antenna 1, a field intensity measuring portion 3 for detecting a radio field intensity, a control microcomputer 4 for controlling various equipment and a nonvolatile memory 5, wherein the control microcomputer 4 stores in the nonvolatile memory 5 randomly generated communication registration identification data when communication is opened or when the apparatus starts up, and communication is performed using communication registration identification data stored in the nonvolatile memory 5 in a case where the radio field intensity is in a communication range when the apparatus starts up.

Abstract: Toll transaction payment processing includes accessing image data for a vehicle, the image data corresponding to at least one image of the vehicle engaging in a transaction with a toll facility. The image data is processed to determine one or more vehicle identifiers for the vehicle. A fleet vehicle company associated with the vehicle is electronically identified based on the one or more vehicle identifiers. Billing information for the transaction between the vehicle and the toll facility is electronically communicated to the fleet vehicle company.

Abstract: An integrated automatic system for remote monitoring and management of vehicle access and parking in urban areas on a selective bases comprises: a mobile recognition device (17), in which a user code is memorised, and which can be positioned inside a vehicle (18); a detection sensor (11) installed close to a respective parking space (19); a network connecting the detection sensors (11) to a fixed data collection station (20); a control centre (21), connected to the second network, for decoding and reprocessing the data.

Abstract: A process for determining travel through at least one toll road section by at least one vehicle (FAR) by means of a position determination system (POS) which is set up to determine the current position of the at least one vehicle (FAR), whereby positions of the at least one vehicle (FAR) are compared with the position of at least one reference point characteristic for an entrance (AUF) to a toll road section, whereby the orientation (ORI) of the vehicle is determined within a specifiable region (BER) about the entrance (AUF), whereby it is determined whether the orientation (ORI) determined agrees within a specifiable tolerance range with the orientation (ORA) characteristic of entry onto the toll road section.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which average vehicle speeds of tolled and non-tolled road segments between two locations are monitored and saved for reference in providing dynamic adjustment of the toll amount to be charged for use of the tolled segment in order to insure an efficient use of the tolled segment and a determination of an appropriate toll amount to be charged drivers in the tolled segment in view of real time traffic conditions of the tolled and the non-tolled segment. The toll adjustments are determined based upon the difference between actual average speeds of the tolled segment and actual average speeds of the non-tolled segment such that the toll adjustments are dynamic and depend upon real time traffic conditions in both the tolled and non-tolled segments of the travel route.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for notification or messaging systems that give confidence to the notification-receiving party that a notification concerning the travel status of a mobile thing is from a proper authorized source. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; communicating a notification involving a delivery or pickup task associated with the mobile thing to a personal communications device associated with a party; and providing authentication information to the personal communications device that indicates to the party that the notification is from an authorized source. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer system that is programmed to perform each of the foregoing steps.

Abstract: A storage unit for a portable radio-communication device includes a main data carrier and a contactless chip associated with the main data carrier. Device data descriptive of the storage unit is transmitted to the portable radio-communication. Further, a warning is transmitted to the portable radio-communication device in response to a storage unit wanted notice. A powering signal is transmitted to the contactless chip. The powering signal provides power to the contactless chip and is modulated with data. Specific data sent by the portable radio-communication device is stored on the contactless chip and, on request, data is returned.

Abstract: A system for providing directed advertising or informational messages specific to individual persons or vehicles. The system encompasses a sensing and evaluation mechanism to detect persons or vehicles, in conjunction with a billboard or other display device capable of delivering a message specific to one or more individuals.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium comprising, communicating between a cellular carrier and the cellular device, wherein the communicating includes at least one of a following information: an identifier of the cellular device, transport data, a time stamp, a toll location, and a location of the cellular device, determining by the cellular carrier if the cellular device location is within a toll collection subscribed area, if the cellular device location is within the toll collection subscribed area, sending the information by the cellular carrier to a toll service provider, receiving toll usage data by the toll service provider from a toll authority, and paying the toll authority an amount related to the toll usage by the toll service provider based on the information and the data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing geographical information to a driver of a vehicle using radio frequency identification (RFID). Also provided is a traffic information supply system using RFID. The geographical information supply system includes a reader provided near a road which outputs a first signal and receives a second signal generated in response to the first signal; a tag that senses the first signal, converts information on a destination into the second signal in response to the first signal, and outputs the second signal. Also included is a first control unit which extracts and outputs the destination information from the second signal, receives geographical information to the destination, and supplies the geographical information to a driver. A server generates the geographical information corresponding to the destination information and outputs the generated geographical information to the first control unit.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating state information from a transponder to a reader. The transponder outputs linearly polarized RF signals having either a first polarization, such as horizontal, or a second polarization, such as vertical. The polarization is selected so as to indicate a first state or a second state. The reader detects whether received RF signals have the first polarization or the second polarization, and thereby determines the state of the transponder. In some embodiments, the reader may include two linearly polarized antennas, one with the first polarization and one with the second polarization, for receiving the RF signals from the transponder and determining the polarization of the received RF signals. The system may be implemented within an electronic toll collection system, wherein the transponders are affixed to the interior of vehicle windshields using a rotatable mounting mechanism having two selectable positions.

Abstract: An electronic payment system for making electronic money payments for transactions. A payment terminal stores a balance of electronic money for payment on a dealing by electronic money. A demanding terminal communicates with the payment terminal to demand the payment and a payment apparatus communicates with the demanding terminal and stores a balance of electronic money to correspond to an identification number of the payment terminal for allowing settlement on the dealing. The demanding terminal receives from the payment terminal the balance stored in the payment terminal and transmits the balance to the payment apparatus. The payment apparatus detects an improper use by checking the balance stored in the payment terminal, which was received from the demanding terminal, with the balance stored in the payment apparatus. The system of the present invention provides secure and convenient electronic money payment for a user's transaction.

Abstract: In a DSRC communications controller equipped with a plurality of reception means for DSRC communications according to the invention, a reception reservation storage section 104 comprises means for detecting a communications frame start signal (unique word 1) of DSRC communications by using reception means not engaged in communications among the plurality of reception means and means for storing the control information of DSRC communications where the communications frame start signal is detected. On completion of DSRC communications by way of reception means, a controller uses the control information stored in the reception reservation storage section to establish next communications. This allows continuous reception of information from a plurality of roadside machines to be made efficiently even in case a plurality of communications areas overlap one another.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present invention, an individual carries a mobile communications device, such as a cell phone, that listens for readers attempting to read tags associated with the individual. In a further aspect of the present invention, the mobile communications device operates to mask the transmissions of these readers, to prevent them from reading the tags.

Abstract: A system and method for dimensioning large or palletized freight of one or more pieces determines the dimensions of a rectangular prism having the smallest volume which would contain the freight. The system is capable of being positioned remotely from the freight. The system is further configured to determine the dimensions in varying levels of ambient light and varying object surface reflectance. The system still further is configured to first rapidly scan an area to determine the general location of the boundaries of the freight and then more precisely scan the determined general boundaries of the freight to determine the precise boundaries of the freight.

Abstract: An external indicator for use in proximity to an on-board unit or transponder for an electronic toll collection (ETC) system. The external indicator senses RF transmissions from the on-board unit and/or roadside readers of the ETC system and produces sensory outputs when transmissions are detected. The external indicator receives RF signals, demodulates them, and analyses the demodulated RF signals to determine if it has received a roadside reader trigger signal and/or a transponder response signal. A sensory indicator, such as a visual, auditory, or kinetic device, alerts an occupant of a vehicle to the detected RF transmissions and, accordingly, to the likely occurrence of an ETC transaction.

Abstract: A navigation device stores road data that includes positions of toll roads where payback of a part of a toll is provided based on a used distance of each of the toll roads. The navigation device computes a traveled distance of the relevant toll road to thereby compute the used distance of the toll road based on the computed traveled distance. Thus, the used distance of a toll road can be accurately computed, even when a vehicle travels a loop line within the toll road by multiple circles. Information that relates to the payback and includes the used distance of the toll road is then transmitted to a center to thereby receive a partial payback of the toll.

Abstract: A motor vehicle infrared (IR) communication device (2) for an electronic fee-charging system, comprising IR transmitting and receiving elements (9) arranged in a housing (4) and oriented according to a first direction (10), which first direction (10) extends at least substantially in a vertical longitudinal plane of the motor vehicle when the communication device (2) is in a state installed in a motor vehicle, and transmitting and receiving electronics (36, 37); further IR elements (13) oriented at least according to a second direction (14) are additionally arranged in the housing (4), this second direction (14) being oriented towards a side, relative to the first direction (10), or to the vertical longitudinal plane, respectively.

Abstract: An improved electronic toll collection system having two lane-based antennas per laneway. The antennas include an overhead antenna and a side mount antenna. The side mount antenna is disposed so as to communicate especially with license plate transponders. The two antennas are coupled to a transaction processing system for conducting toll transaction communications with a vehicle-mounted transponder through one of the two antennas.

Abstract: A system for automatic collection of tolls includes an in-vehicle toll processor having memory for storing a toll-money-available quantity purchased by the user, and a toll-facility-identification site that transmits a toll-facility-identifier signal indicating the identity of the upcoming toll facility. As the vehicle approaches the identification site, the in-vehicle processor receives the identifier signal and calculates the toll to be debited. When the vehicle passes through the toll facility, the in-vehicle processor transmits its identity, its net balance and the toll, which it debits from an account balance. The in-vehicle processor may increment a low balance, in which case it transmits information which is relayed to a central system for billing. Various means for shutting down delinquent in-vehicle components or identifying offender vehicles are described.

Abstract: An ETC (electronic toll collection) system includes an antenna having a predetermined directivity for providing a limited radio-communication service zone. A vehicle sensor operates for detecting a vehicle which reaches a predetermined position in the limited radio-communication service zone. A radio signal is transmitted via the antenna. A decision is made as to whether or not a radio response to the radio signal is received via the antenna. In cases where a radio response to the radio signal is received, it is judged that there is an ETC vehicle incoming. In cases where the vehicle sensor detects a vehicle while a radio response to the radio signal is not received, it is judged that there is a non-ETC vehicle incoming.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a position detecting device for detecting a current position of an automotive vehicle, an operation mode setting device for setting whether or not an electronic toll collection system is utilized on a toll road, and a communication device for performing communication with an in-vehicle apparatus provided in the automotive vehicle as part of the electronic toll collection system. The communication device is operative to transmit a signal to the in-vehicle apparatus to change an operation mode in which the electronic toll collection system is utilized.

Abstract: An intelligent vehicle identification system that uses inductive loop technology to profile and classify a vehicle. In a tolling industry application, classification of the vehicle is made prior to the vehicle arriving at a payment point in a toll lane in which the vehicle travels. A predetermined fare associated with the classification is then solicited from an operator of the vehicle without efforts from a toll attendant. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes an intelligent queue loop that verifies the vehicle at the payment point to prevent misclassification due to a second vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, that changes from a different lane to the toll lane in question.

Abstract: A toll charging system of this invention is implemented by a roadside apparatus, onboard device, portable telephone, and charging apparatus. The roadside apparatus is to detect a vehicle entering a charging area and transmit charging information to the vehicle. An onboard device and portable telephone are arranged in the vehicle. The charging information transmitted from the roadside apparatus is received by the onboard device. The onboard device generates vehicle identification information and outputs to the portable telephone instruction information instructing to transmit the charging information and vehicle identification information. On the instruction information, the portable telephone transmits the charging information and vehicle identification information. The charging apparatus receives the charging information and vehicle identification information, identifies the vehicle on the vehicle identification information, and executes charge processing for the vehicle.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with a computer-based notification system and a personal communications device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party. One such representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device associated with a party; receiving a response communication from the party's personal communications device; and modifying a manner in which future notification communications are implemented, based upon the response. A representative response system, among others, has mechanisms for implementing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for finding an unoccupied parking space in a parking lot using an On-Line computer system comprises barring mechanisms at a parking space having a receiver capable of receiving a specific wave energy frequency transmitting from a remote control unit. Upon receiving of such signal of matching frequency resulting in removal of the barring mechanism, permitting parking of a vehicle into such space and sending information on-line to the system computer at the entrance that the space is occupied. Upon leaving of the vehicle from the parking space, the barring mechanisms resumes and the transmitter unit at the parking space sending signal on-line to notify the computer at the entrance that such parking space is unoccupied. For a permanent parking space in condominiums or apartments, the receiver unit is assigned to receive a specific signal from a remote control for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for collecting tolls on a high occupancy toll lane includes detecting a number of driver's licenses inserted into a card reader located in a vehicle and transmitting the number of driver's licenses to a roadside transceiver for a determination of a toll amount for the vehicle based on the number of driver's licenses. A transponder for use with the method includes a card reader for reading information from one or more driver's licenses inserted into the card reader and a processor operative to generate a licensed driver count related to the number of driver's licenses inserted into the card reader. In one embodiment, the processor is operative to determine whether or not a driver's license is valid and the licensed driver count is indicative of the number of valid driver's licenses inserted into the card reader.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device detection system includes an RFID device reader configured to detect RFID devices within a predetermined designated area, and two or more jamming signal transmitters configured to prevent the RFID device reader from detecting and reading devices outside of the designated area. The jamming signal transmitters may include a pair of low-frequency field generator loops driven out of phase with one another. RFID devices for use with the detection system may have a pair of antennas, one for detection by the RFID reading system, and another antenna for use in receiving signals from the jamming signal transmitters, in order to prevent communication with a wireless communication device such as an RFID chip, to which the antennas are coupled. The two antennas may be coupled to the RFID chip in parallel, with the antennas each coupled to the same contacts of the RFID chip.

Abstract: It is proposed to assign a mounting arm to a toll calculator which is embodied as a surface-mounted device and which is connected in an articulated fashion to the toll calculator and can be mounted on the windshield of the motor vehicle. The toll calculator itself then rests with a relatively small area on the dashboard of the motor vehicle with the intermediate connection of a preferably elastomer supporting element which is preferably coated with adhesive on two sides.

Abstract: A method for reading a license plate disposed on a vehicle includes determining whether a license plate image is required, automatically processing the license plate image in response to determining that the license plate image is required, providing at least one verified image, and determining whether to manually read the license plate image by matching the license plate image with the at least one verified image.

Abstract: In an on-vehicle equipment for Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) in Intelligent Transport System (ITS), a priority sequence for switching local frequencies of f1 to f7 in correspondence with types of on-road equipment is previously set, the local frequencies are sequentially outputted at a predetermined cycle in accordance with the priority sequence, a received frequency signal is compared with a selected frequency signal, and when the received frequency signal is the same as the selection frequency signal, the local frequency corresponding to these is determined as a desirable communication frequency, and the communication frequency is fixed as being this local frequency with high efficiency.

Abstract: When a monitor apparatus judges that a vehicle has stopped at a predetermined position (step 705), the monitor apparatus transmits pseudo position information of the vehicle (dummy data) to an automatic charging apparatus (step 725). The automatic charging apparatus calculates a charge amount on the basis of the dummy data, and transmits the result of the calculation to the monitor apparatus. The monitor apparatus receives the result (step 735) and judges on the basis of the result whether the automatic charging apparatus is in an anomalous state (step 740). Since the above-described successive operations are performed only when the vehicle stays, the status of another automatic charging apparatus not monitored is not misidentified as the status of an automatic charging apparatus to be monitored.

Abstract: When car navigation device 100 detects that a vehicle has passed a toll gate, car navigation device 100 outputs a toll gate passage signal. When mobile communication terminal 200 receives the toll gate passage signal, mobile communication terminal 200 accesses from charge server 400 an entity of electronic toll collection system, the latest information on the balance in the prepaid account of the customer.

Abstract: An antenna portion 46 retaining in a tip portion thereof antenna coils 49 configured to perform wireless communication with an IC card through an electromagnetic coupling is structured to be freely movable forward/backward between a protruding position above a lane and a retracted position in a unit. An antenna head portion 48 of the antenna unit 46 protrudes above the lane and the antenna coils 49 become close to a vehicle on the lane, so that a distance between the driver of a vehicle and the antenna coils 49 is shortened and the user can present an IC card 80 inside a communication distance of an antenna without any difficulty.

Abstract: A method if for monitoring the regular operation of a charging device for a vehicle with a vehicle characteristic number. At least one given optical pattern/signal is generated on the vehicle, which is characteristic for the operating state of the charging device.

Abstract: In an ETC on-vehicle device (1), notification of toll amount information is given with a sound production pattern of a buzzer (17). The toll information resulting from toll collection being conducted with a road antenna is converted to a sound production pattern by a CPU (11). For example, if the toll is 12,300 yen, the buzzer (17) sounds once with a long sound, twice with a middle sound, and three times with a short sound.

Abstract: A system for automatic collection of tolls includes an in-vehicle toll processor having memory for storing a toll-money-available quantity purchased by the user, and a toll-facility-identification site that transmits a toll-facility-identifier signal indicating the identity of the upcoming toll facility. As the vehicle approaches the identification site, the in-vehicle processor receives the identifier signal and calculates the toll to be debited. When the vehicle passes through the toll facility, the in-vehicle processor transmits its identity, its net balance and the toll, which it debits from an account balance. The in-vehicle processor may increment a low balance, in which case it transmits information which is relayed to a central system for billing. Various means for shutting down delinquent in-vehicle components or identifying offender vehicles are described.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a transponder transmitting a signal and moving along a route is disclosed. The route includes a measuring station with at least two measuring points having on each side of the route and along a line generally perpendicular to the route. The measuring station includes a first receiver that receives the signal at one measuring point and a second receiver that receives the signal at the other measuring point. Each receiver provides an output. A circuit measures the phase difference between the outputs of the first and second receivers, and the transponder location along the line between the measuring points is determined based on the measured phase difference.

Abstract: A wireless type pre-paid IC card system enhances the convenience of users and assures the safe payment of tolls by vehicles including bikes when introduced for toll roads. This toll collecting system is composed of: a card processor that is arranged in a booth for the toll collection process and has an antenna unit for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, antenna units arranged at the left and right roadsides of the booth for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, a vehicle class discriminator for discriminating classes of vehicles entering into a traffic lane, and a traffic lane controller that selects an antenna unit to perform the card process according to a discriminated vehicle class and controls the card process.

Abstract: A system that allows a claim by a registrant as to the number of occupants traveling in a vehicle over a section of highway with a high occupancy vehicle incentive program in place to be transmitted. The registrant is identified by a registrant identifier. The claim about occupancy is optionally visually displayed as the vehicle traverses the highway. The identification of the registrant making the claim is captured by a plurality of reading devices along the highway and transferred to a central processing system. That system determines if a qualified ride-sharing event has occurred, and if so it will then provide for distribution of the program incentives to the registered individual(s).

Abstract: A traffic violation or event detection recording and processing system includes both wide angle and narrow angle cameras. The cameras capture images of traffic in a monitoring region. The narrow angle camera obtains information relating to the vehicle number plate and driver, and the wide angle camera obtains images of the vehicle and red light as evidence of a violation. Speed violation is determined by a non-intrusive speed detection system such as a Doppler radar or laser system. Accident events may be determined with the addition of a noise detection mechanism. Evidence of violations recorded may be stored on a central database or databases with real-time interactivity to authorized users via any computer with Internet connectivity to perform various evidence management or review tasks.

Abstract: A DSRC car-mounted equipment for transmitting and receiving data to and from an on-the-road equipment, preventing communication error after the start of communication. The equipment comprises reception sensitivity-increasing means 14, 15, 40 for increasing the reception sensitivity in a communication area with the on-the-road equipment in response to the entrance into a communication start area with the on-the-road equipment, wherein the reception sensitivity-increasing means returns the reception sensitivity back to the normal reception sensitivity of before entering into the communication start area in response to the end of communication with the on-the-road equipment.

Abstract: A system for authorizing vehicle and passenger entry into a secure area while the vehicle is moving is disclosed. The vehicle passenger authorization system verifies the identity of the vehicle and its occupants while the vehicle is moving, thereby eliminating the need for the vehicle to stop as it approaches a secure area. Vehicle imaging technology is used to identify the vehicle. Biometric technology is used to confirm the identity of the occupants of the vehicle. By combining the biometric information of the occupants with the vehicle identification, an efficient and safe means for automatically controlling the flow of traffic into secured areas is disclosed.

Abstract: A parking system includes an internet-accessible Web server storing substantially real-time parking data associated with occupancy of a plurality of parking spaces. The parking data can be rendered by a display device running a browser application. The Web server transmits the parking data in response to a request sent from the browser application. The Web server communicates with at least one of a detector and a parking terminal configured to collect and transmit parking data.

Abstract: A gate entry system for regulating passages of passengers is formed by a wall unit for forming a passageway that is extended along a passing direction of the passengers, a gate unit provided at an exit side of the passageway, which is capable of being opened or closed to regulate the passages of the passengers, human sensors for sensing the passengers in the passageway, a radio communication unit for detecting a number of passengers entering into the passageway according to outputs of the human sensors, and carrying out transmission/reception of data with respect to at least one terminal device of one passenger, and a control unit for controlling opening or closing of the gate unit according to the data received by the radio communication unit.