Claims:We Claim:
1. A method of managing an incoming traffic of a plurality of vehicles at a toll plaza, the method comprising:
registering, via a processor, a profile comprising a detail along with one or more vehicle data on a portal;
selecting, via the processor, one or more toll plazas wherein the selection of the one or more toll plazas is such that the one or more toll plazas are situated in a route to be travelled by the user with the vehicle;
clearing, via a processor, a relevant amount associated with the one or more toll plaza by employing one or more payment methods;
updating, via the processor, the payment related details and associating such details with the details present in the profile;
recognising, via the processor, the one or more vehicle belonging to a plurality of users by employing one or more recognising means wherein the vehicles are recognised in the proximity of the one or more toll plaza,
analysing, via the processor, the details associated with the recognised vehicle and analysing the payment status of the user associated with the recognised vehicle;
operating, via the processor, a toll gate such that:
opening the barriers with green signal for the recognised vehicle with successful payment status; or
maintaining the barriers in the closed state with red signal for an unrecognised vehicle or for an recognised vehicle with a payment status as absent or failed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein user detail of the profile comprises name, one or more vehicle owned by the user, payment options, profession and driving licence number.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle data of the profile may comprise a registered number allotted to the vehicle, the model number of the vehicle, colour, brand, name and type of the vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the portal may be accessed by a web interface or a computer implemented platform on

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more payment mode comprise payment via debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI payment, wallets or other computer implemented payment methods.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more recognising means comprise either of a high-speed image capturing means and a RFID tagging means or entering the vehicle number on the computer panel connected to toll server.

7. A System for managing an incoming traffic of a plurality of vehicles at a toll plaza, the method comprising:
one or more user devices;
a server;
a processor;
an input/output interface and
a memory coupled with the processor, wherein the processor executes a plurality of modules stored in the memory, the plurality of modules comprising:
a registering module enabled for registering a profile comprising a detail along with one or more vehicle data on a portal;
a selecting module enabled for selecting one or more toll plazas wherein the selection of the one or more toll plazas is such that the one or more toll plazas are situated in a route travelled by the vehicle of the user;
a clearing module enabled for clearing a relevant amount associated with the one or more toll plaza by employing one or more payment methods;
an updating module for updating the payment related details and associating such details with the details present in the profile;
a recognising module for recognising the one or more vehicle belonging to a plurality of users by employing one or more recognising means wherein the vehicles are recognised in the proximity of the one or more toll plaza,
an analysing module for analysing the details associated with the recognised vehicle and analysing the payment status of the user associated with the recognised vehicle;
an operating module for operating a toll gate such that the operating module is employed for:
opening the barriers with green signal for the recognised vehicle with successful payment status; or
maintaining the barriers in the closed state with red signal for an unrecognised vehicle or for an recognised vehicle with a payment status as absent or failed.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC OPERATION OF TOLL GATES FOR AN INCOMING TRAFFIC

APPLICANT:
PARAM PEOPLE INFOTECH SOLUTIONS PVT LTD,
An Indian entity having address as,
B611, Sumadhura Anandam, Borewell Road, Whitefield, Bangalore-560066

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application does not claim priority from any other patent application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to the field of road traffic maintenance, and more particularly to the operation of the incoming and outgoing traffic at toll stations by automation.
BACKGROUND

The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
Currently, a lot of toll stations are implemented at many highways, express ways or any other road where the concerned highway authorities collect a fee to retrieve the cost of road construction and maintenance. Such collection of toll fee at the toll station causes a lot of traffic as the driver/owner of the vehicle has to first stop, produce the total payable fee. Such production of fees either in notes, cards or token by the driver causes a delay as the driver has to first stop the vehicle and then arrange the payable fees. Further, the attendant at the toll station verifies the total amount paid by the driver and then initiates the opening of the toll gate after successful payment procedure. Such method of toll collection procedures causes long queues of vehicle as a considerable amount of time is spent.
Further, installing multiple lanes and gates at the toll station is not effective as at moderate to high traffic conditions, there will be again long queues at every toll gate. This leads to inefficient traffic management scenarios.
Further, modern methods like barcode readers, FASTAG RFID stickers and readers wherein the account associated with vehicle is recognised and an amount is deducted from the recognised account wherein the amount is equivalent to the total toll charge. But, even such method of toll collection requires the passing vehicles to stop at a point and allow a barcode reader to scan at the toll station.
Therefore, there is a long-standing need for a system and method to introduce time-less traffic management at the toll station to overcome the above-mentioned limitations and problems described above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related system and method for operating a managing discharge from a pump remotely and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In an embodiment, a method of managing an incoming traffic of a plurality of vehicles at a toll plaza is described. The method further comprises registering, via a processor, a profile comprising a detail along with one or more vehicle data on a portal. The method further comprises selecting, via the processor, one or more toll plazas wherein the selection of the one or more toll plazas is such that the one or more toll plazas are situated in a route to be travelled by the user with the vehicle. The method further comprises clearing, via a processor, a relevant amount associated with the one or more toll plaza by employing one or more payment methods. The method further comprises updating, via the processor, the payment related details and associating such details with the details present in the profile. The method further comprises recognising, via the processor, the one or more vehicle belonging to a plurality of users by employing one or more recognising means wherein the vehicles are recognised in the proximity of the one or more toll plaza. The method further comprises analysing, via the processor, the details associated with the recognised vehicle and analysing the payment status of the user associated with the recognised vehicle. The method further comprises operating, via the processor, a toll gate such that, opening the barriers with green signal for the recognised vehicle with successful payment status; or maintaining the barriers in the closed state with red signal for an unrecognised vehicle or for an recognised vehicle with a payment status as absent or failed.
In an embodiment, a system for managing an incoming traffic of a plurality of vehicles at a toll plaza, the system comprising one or more user devices; a server; a processor; an input/output interface and a memory coupled with the processor, wherein the processor executes a plurality of modules stored in the memory. The plurality of modules comprises a registering module enabled for registering a profile comprising a detail along with one or more vehicle data on a portal. The plurality of modules comprises a selecting module enabled for selecting one or more toll plazas wherein the selection of the one or more toll plazas is such that the one or more toll plazas are situated in a route travelled by the vehicle of the user. The plurality of modules comprises a clearing module enabled for clearing a relevant amount associated with the one or more toll plaza by employing one or more payment methods. The plurality of modules comprises an updating module for updating the payment related details and associating such details with the details present in the profile. The plurality of modules comprises a recognising module for recognising the one or more vehicle belonging to a plurality of users by employing one or more recognising means wherein the vehicles are recognised in the proximity of the one or more toll plaza. The plurality of modules comprises an analysing module for analysing the details associated with the recognised vehicle and analysing the payment status of the user associated with the recognised vehicle. The plurality of modules comprises an operating module for operating a toll gate such that the operating module is employed for opening the barriers with green signal for the recognised vehicle with successful payment status; or maintaining the barriers in the closed state with red signal for an unrecognised vehicle or for an recognised vehicle with a payment status as absent or failed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the Figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the Figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a system architecture 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a user device 103 enabled for toll way selection and for payment of the toll fee is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a toll system 104 enabled for management of the toll stations and the auxiliary devices is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4 illustrates a method of automatic operating of a toll gate is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Method(s) and system(s) for timeless operation of toll gates for bi-directional flowing traffic through a toll station is described. The present disclosure elaborates a system and method for traffic management at toll stations wherein the vehicles may not need to stop at the toll stations.
For the purpose of the current disclosure “toll station” is a point at which a toll is collected and a vehicle which has paid the relevant toll fees is allowed to continue the journey by accessing a toll way.
For the purpose of the current disclosure “toll way” may comprise a road, a highway, an expressway or any other road which is a public or private roadway for which a fee (or toll) is assessed for passage. It is a form of road pricing typically implemented to help retrieve the cost of road construction and maintenance.
For the purpose of the current disclosure “vehicle” may include a plurality of automobiles comprising two-wheeler bikes/scooters, cars, MUVs, SUVs, trucks, trailers and the like which are subject to access the toll way.
The present disclosure elaborates a system wherein users are provided with a computer implemented user interface within a user device wherein the user interface enables the user to pay the relevant toll fee of a toll way which the user might access during his journey. Such payment may then be performed via the user interface which may link the payment gateway in order to pay the fees associated with the toll way. Such payment may be performed by the user prior the arrival of any toll station which will enable the system to update the payment details of the user. As the user details are linked with are previously fed by the user device in the system, the system is enabled to extract the one or more vehicle numbers belonging to the one or more vehicles details present in the linked user details. The high-speed cameras installed near the vicinity of the toll stations capture a plurality of images of the vehicle and further scans the captured images to extract the vehicle number to recognize a vehicle associated with the user. The system further verifies whether the user has made a successful payment for the use of the toll way and then operates the toll gate to allow the passing of the valid vehicle/user.
In an exemplary embodiment, the toll gate may also be operated by an operator who will be at the toll booth. The vehicle may be verified by the operator wherein the operator may enter the vehicle number manually. After the vehicle number is entered in the system, the system may verify and prompt the operator for the status of the whether toll paid or not. In absence or maintenance of the high speed cameras the operator may verify the payment by entering the vehicle number in the computer system connected to the server wherein the same server will be connected to the server of the toll service provider.
Figure 1 elaborates the system architecture 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system may comprise a server 101 wherein the server 101 is connectively coupled to a user device 103 and a toll system 104 via a network 102. The toll system 104 is further configured to connect with the auxiliary devices comprising high speed cameras 106, toll gate 107 and communication devices 108 enabled to establish wireless communication.
The user device 103 may enable the user to communicate to the server 101 in the system 100, via the network 102. The user may further communicate via a voice call, a SMS, a VOIP call or any other communication format supported by a GSM sim card. In another embodiment, communication may even be executed by other media further comprising cables, fibre optic cable, microwave, satellite, data packets through internet and the like.
The toll system 104 may communicate with the server 101 via the network 102. The toll system 104 may exchange data with the server 101 wherein the data may comprise the payment details, user details, vehicle details and the like. The toll system 104 may be connected to the high-speed cameras for transmittal of captured images of vehicles and further with the toll gates for operation of toll gates for closing and opening of the same.
Although the present subject matter is explained considering that the system 100 is implemented on a computer implemented platform(s), it may be understood that the system 100 may also be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a tablet, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, a cloud and the like. It will be understood that the system 100 may be accessed by multiple users through one or more user devices 103-1, 103-2…103-N, collectively referred to as user 103 hereinafter, or applications residing on the user devices 103. Examples of the user devices 103 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a smart device, landline, EPBAX, VOIP and a workstation. The user devices 103 are communicatively coupled to the system 100 through a network 102.
In one implementation, the network 102 may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof. The network 102 can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network 102 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network 102 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
Referring now to Figure 2, the user device 103 enabled for toll way selection and for payment of the toll fee is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the user device 103 may include at least one processor 201, an input/output (I/O) interface 202, and a memory 203. The at least one processor 201 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions or the like. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 201 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 203.
The I/O interface 202 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 202 may allow the server 101 to interact with a user directly or through the user devices 103. Further, the I/O interface 202 may enable the server 101 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 202 can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 202 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
The memory 203 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes and the like. The memory 203 may include modules 204 and data 205.
The modules present in the memory 203 may further comprise a toll way selection module 206, a toll calculation module 207, a payment module 208 and a tracking module 209 are executed at the electronic control unit 104. The modules are further described below.
Toll way selection module 206
The toll way selection module 206 may enable the user to select toll way for which the user wishes to travel through. The user may access the input/output interface 202 and select the toll way out of the list of toll ways represented on the user interface. The list may comprise the updated and newly released toll ways in the region specified by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the user device is enabled to fetch the location and identify the near-by toll ways to represent them at the top of the list for the selection of the user.
Toll calculation module 207
The toll calculation module 207 may enable the user device 103 to calculate the total toll which is chargeable to the user. Such charge may vary depending on the amount of usage of the toll way. For example, a user opting a Mumbai Pune expressway and starting his journey from Pune and wishes to stop at Lonavala then the toll calculation module 207 may enable the user device to calculate only the amount of toll which is chargeable till Lonavala. If total toll from Pune to Mumbai is 400 units and from Pune to Lonavala is 200 units, then the user will be charged only 400 units. Such module eliminates the need of the user to calculate the total charge payable by him.
Payment module 208
The payment module 208 may enable the user to pay the fees indicated by the toll calculation module 207 on the user interface of the user device. The user interface may have a link to the payment portal which will enable to pay the toll fee by the user through the user device. The user may be provided with a number of payment options comprising card payment, net banking, paytm, UPI, BHIM and other options for payment.
Tracking module 209
The tracking module 209 may enable the user device to provide tracking of the user device. The tracking may be enabled by a tracking device such as Global Positioning System, GSM positioning, A-GPS and other tracking system. The user device may notify the user by voice message or by text notification for the following notification with the aids of the tracking means:
a) Arrival of the Toll station at a pre-defined distance.
b) Real time tracking of road with traffic detection status detection (high, medium and low).
c) Completion of route with respect to the paid toll fee.
The modules 204 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The other modules may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the server 101.
The data 205, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 204. The data 205 may include data repository 210 and other data 211. The data repository 210 may include the pre-set timers, any other coded instruction inserted by the user.
Referring now to Figure 3, the toll system 104 enabled for management of the toll stations and the auxiliary devices is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The auxiliary devices comprise of high speed cameras 106, toll gate 107 and communication devices 108 enabled to establish wireless communication.
In one embodiment, the toll system 104 may include at least one processor 301, an input/output (I/O) interface 302, and a memory 303. The at least one processor 301 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions or the like. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 301 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 303.
The I/O interface 302 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 302 may allow the server 101 to interact with a user directly or through the user devices 103. Further, the I/O interface 302 may enable the server 101 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 302 can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 302 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
The memory 303 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes and the like. The memory 303 may include modules 304 and data 305.
The modules present in the memory 303 may further comprise a vehicle data module 306, a vehicle detection module 307 and a toll gate operating module 308. The modules are further described below.
Vehicle data module 306
The vehicle data module 306 is enabled to carry the details of the vehicle comprising the vehicle number, vehicle model and make, vehicle type, owner details and the status of toll fees associated with the vehicle. The status of the vehicle may comprise either of a Paid, Not Paid and toll fee exempted for other reasons like defence civilian or within district resident.
Vehicle detection module 307
The vehicle detection module 307 may enable the toll system to detect and recognise a vehicle which will be passing through the toll gate. In an embodiment, there may be a plurality of high speed cameras employed for capturing the incoming vehicle traffic to recognise the incoming vehicle. The processor may check and validate each vehicle for payment. The processor may verify the payment of each vehicle by accessing the memory wherein memory may contain the list of vehicles with successful payment status. The vehicle module may enable the toll system to produce an alarm in case of an incoming vehicle with unpaid payment status or for an undetected vehicle.
In an embodiment, the vehicle may be also detected by a RFID tagging means. The RFID tag may be affixed in the vehicle wherein the RFID tag is read just before the toll gate.
In another embodiment, the vehicle may also be identified by the operator by entering the vehicle number in the system and the system may further prompt to the user whether the payment is done or not done and further take appropriate actions to open the toll gate or maintain the toll gate in closed position.
Toll gate operating module 308
The gate operating module 308 may enable the one or more toll gates at the toll station to open the toll gate for a valid vehicle. In case of a vehicle which is undetected or with an unpaid toll status, the toll gate is maintained closed. The toll gate operating module may receive the instructions from the processor of the server to operate the closing and opening of the toll gate.
Referring Figure 4, a method of automatic operating of a toll gate is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
At step 401, the user may operate his user device to register him along with details comprising name, address, organisation, No. of Vehicles owner with vehicle number, a registered number allotted to each vehicle, the model number of the vehicle, colour, brand, name and type of the vehicle.
At step 402, whenever the user wishes to travel by the route by which he wants to travel wherein there is at least one toll station, he may select the route for which he wants to travel. After the selection of the route the user may be prompted for one or more toll station present in the selected route along with the chargeable toll till the destination. The user may then select and pay the relevant toll amount via the payment gateway provided in the user interface provided in the user device. The one or more payment mode via the user device 102 may comprise payment via debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI payment, wallets or other computer implemented payment methods.
At step 403, once the payment is successful, the server updates its database for the list of vehicles associated with the users. The system enables the high-speed cameras to capture photos of the incoming traffic and detect the vehicle based on the number extracted from the captured images. Once, the vehicle is detected the system may then operate the toll station. In absence of the high-speed cameras, the operator may identify the vehicle by entering the number in the computer system and sever send the confirmation.
At step 404, the one or more toll gates at the toll way or road receives the data of the detected vehicle and then operate in order to open and maintain the closed toll gates. Such operation may then allow to pass only those vehicle with no stoppage time at the toll booth. In case of a vehicle with an unpaid status, the toll gate remains closed which makes the driver or traveller in the vehicle to pay the toll via the user interface or at the toll station.
At step 405, the user after the operation of toll gate may cross the vehicle without any stoppage time at the toll station.
Although implementations for the operation of the incoming and outgoing traffic at toll stations by automation are described have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the operation of the incoming and outgoing traffic at toll stations by automation.