FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to online toll collection and operation, and more specifically, to systems and methods for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10
Toll fees are collected by governments or private companies for various reasons: to recover the cost of construction, to raise revenue, or to reduce traffic levels. The gen-eral principle is that to use a section of road, roads within a predetermined area or areas, bridge, or area of the road network, a toll fees is collected at tollbooths at each 15 lane collectively known as toll plaza while vehicles entering or exiting the toll roads. The toll fee can be charged for in many different ways: for example on the class of vehicle and on a per-use basis, or on an amount of use basis for example, 24 hour re-turn or monthly pass.
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Currently, toll fees are collected either manually or through some Electronic Toll Col-lection (“ETC”) system. ETC systems have been invented to replace the manual pro-cess and collect toll fees by reading vehicle identifier device for example a RFID chip, mounted on the vehicles. In an ETC system, RFID readers are mounted on gantries that are built across entering lanes or exit lanes of the toll plaza. When a vehicle pass-25 es through a gantry, the RFID reader will receive electronic signal sent by RFID chip on the vehicle, and then debit toll fees from the balance account associated with the RFID chip. Some Open Road Tolling (ORT) ETC system has image/video capture equipment mounted on the gantries. The image/video capture device captures images or video of a vehicle when the passing vehicle does not have the RFID chip, or when 30 the system failed to read or identify the vehicle. The images or video will then be pro-cessed to get the license number plate, and toll fees invoice will be sent to the vehicle owner based on registered information associated to the license number plate. Such
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ETC system requires a great amount of capital for expensive new hardware and new processes for example new default procedures, and long time to build, install, and calibrate the whole system.
Furthermore, there are two major problems with such ETC systems, the first is that 5 each vehicle is required to be equipped with vehicle identifier device for example RFID chip, the cost of such device has to be borne by the user and secondly each ve-hicle must be pre-registered with the toll operators and user balance account requiring an initial deposit for future transactions. Before the balance account is fully depleted, it is replenished from a customer's bank account, credit card or cash payment at a ser-10 vice center.
This is an inconvenient system at best for infrequent users of a toll system. Users of multiple vehicles may be required to pay for multiple RFID chips for each vehicle and open several accounts. 15
Furthermore, false and misreading errors occur frequently with certain conditions, such as adverse weather, inoperative RFID chips for example significantly increases the costs of toll charge operations for example default procedures in the issuing of letters of demand and legal enforcement procedures to recover the toll fees. 20
Furthermore, the prior art systems are unable to detect the fraud for example the use of RFID chip in different vehicle than it was originally registered for.
Accordingly, there exist a need for means to bring a centralized, easy to use solution 25 for traffic optimization and toll collection at toll plazas in a smooth, secure, efficient, cost effective, user and environment friendly manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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In view of the foregoing shortcomings inherent in the conventional means for toll col-lection and/or operation, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an optimum combination of convenience, utility and cost, to include the advantages of
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the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. This purpose is achieved with a method and system as explained in more detail below. The present invention provides systems and methods for traffic optimization and toll collection at toll plazas in a smooth, secure, efficient, cost effective, user and environment friendly manner. 5
The present invention is intended to provide a system for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof; wherein the system mainly comprises at least one user computer application module (UCA) capable of being installed on user’s mobile telephone, a traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), and at 10 least one toll plaza management application module (TMA), capable of being installed at toll plaza computer system;
Most preferred embodiment of the said system for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof comprises of a user computer application module (UCA), a 15 traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) and a toll plaza man-agement application module (TMA) which are connected together by means of wire-less network wherein the user computer application module (UCA) collecting a toll fees for a toll plaza and particulars of vehicle’s license number plate and other param-eters from the user computer application module (UCA) prior to reaching of the said 20 vehicle to the toll plaza. The TMA captures an image of a vehicle including its license number plate and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) wherein the traffic optimization and toll collection server system TOTCSS checking whether the toll fees has been prepaid for the said vehicle and submitting the feedback to the toll plaza management application module (TMA) and 25 the toll plaza management application module (TMA) allowing the said vehicle to pass the exit gate only in the case that toll fees has been prepaid.
The user computer application module (UCA), which is a key aspect of the preferred embodiment of the system for traffic optimization by way of collecting the toll fees, is 30 installed on a mobile telephone or a computer with internet access capabilities, where-in the said user computer application module (UCA) inter-alia is preferably config-
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ured for receiving and submitting the details for toll fees calculation, namely the jour-ney details and vehicle’s class to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) and receiving and submitting the vehicle’s license number plate and the details of payment method for applicable toll fees to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). 5
Another aspect of the embodiment of the present invention is the toll plaza manage-ment application module (TMA), which is installed on the computer system of the toll plaza and comprises at least one camera and wherein the said toll management appli-cation module (TMA) inter-alia is configured for capturing an image of a vehicle in-10 cluding its license number plate and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) and receiving the feedback from the traffic opti-mization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza and allowing the said vehicle to pass the exit gate in case that toll fees has been prepaid. 15
Another aspect of the present invention, is the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) which comprises a master database, wherein the said traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) inter-alia is configured for receiving the journey details, vehicle’s class and other parameters from the user com-20 puter application module (UCA); calculating the total toll fees for applicable toll pla-zas for the journey and submitting the toll fees applicable to the user computer appli-cation module (UCA); receiving the vehicle’s license number plate and the details of payment method from the user computer application module (UCA) for processing the payment of applicable toll fees; on successful payment registering the journey 25 details and particulars of vehicle’s license number, its class and other parameters; re-ceiving an image of a vehicle from the toll plaza management application module (TMA); and automatic reading the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and submitting the feedback whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees for corre-sponding toll plaza. 30
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When the procedure is smooth, the vehicle passes through the exit gate without stop-ping at the exit lane.
However, as it will be more apparent in the following, the system is designed to min-imize the risk for errors and fraud. For example there could be instances wherein a 5 vehicle may enter into prepaid lane without prepaying the toll fees. Another scenario could be to attempt for fraud, where an incorrect classification of a vehicle to a lower class by a user to avoid higher toll fees applicable to higher class. With these risks in mind, the system and method of the present invention has been designed which is simple and reliable and which efficiently and effectively takes care of high throughput 10 of vehicles through exit gates.
In the event, the toll fees has not been prepaid, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured to prompt the toll plaza personnel to select the vehicle class for applicable toll fees. On receiving the payment of toll fees by toll plaza per-15 sonnel, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) allows the vehicle to pass through the exit gate and submits the vehicle’s exit through the exit gate and as-sociated details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) for future use for example in case the same vehicle passes through any toll plaza, there would be no need to prompt the toll plaza personnel and select the vehicle’s class and 20 hence increasing the efficiency of the system progressively.
Relying on the classification of a vehicle as submitted by the user at the time of pre-paying the toll fees results in a fast exit procedure, which is important for high throughput of vehicles. The present invention is also designed to detect the incorrect 25 classification of the vehicle by a user. Based on these considerations, the further em-bodiment of the present invention provides for the first time user of the system where-in the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured to prompt the toll plaza personnel to confirm the vehicle’s class. On receiving the confirmation by toll plaza personnel, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) prompts 30 the toll plaza personnel allows the vehicle to pass through the exit gate. In case of the incorrect classification, the toll plaza management application module (TMA)
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prompts the toll plaza personnel to collect the difference in applicable toll fees be-tween correct classification and incorrect classification. On receiving the payment for the difference of toll fees by toll plaza personnel, the toll plaza management applica-tion module (TMA) allows the vehicle to pass through the exit gate and submits the vehicle’s exit through the exit gate and the correct vehicle’s class to the traffic optimi-5 zation and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) so that no fraud due to incorrect classification for the said vehicle is possible in future, hence increasing the efficiency of the system progressively.
Thus, the system and method of present invention is advantageously designed to effi-10 ciently and effectively handle errors and fraud vis-à-vis prior art systems.
One object of the invention is achieved by the said system, wherein the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured for automatically opening the exit barricade of the toll-plaza upon receiving the positive feedback from the traffic 15 optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) that the toll fees has been prepaid for said vehicle and its associated class for corresponding toll plaza.
Optionally, in the event the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) is unable to read the vehicle’s number plate from the image for example 20 when the vehicle’s licence plate number is not in a standard format and language as per the law of specific area, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is advantageously configured to receive the vehicle’s license number plate by manual input on a keyboard or by voice recording by toll plaza personnel, as the vehicle’s license number plate is typed into the toll plaza management application module 25 (TMA), a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza, is presented by the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to the toll plaza management application module (TMA) for toll plaza personnel to select the vehicle’s license number plate. Therefore, the details of the correct license number plate is then submitted by toll plaza personnel 30 to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) for further con-trol from the toll plaza management application module (TMA). In addition, the traf-
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fic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends the notification to the user computer application module (UCA) for taking corrective measures in order to pass through the exit gate in future.
In the above embodiment, traffic optimization and toll collection server system 5 (TOTCSS) automatically reads the image to get the vehicle’s license number plate and checks whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees. This requires the necessity of data exchange between the toll plaza management application module (TMA) and traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) twice before the exit gate opens. When having a large number of vehicles passing the toll plaza, such data 10 exchange is at risk to become too slow. And in the case of interruption of the data connection, there is a risk that the exit gates remain closed. This is not useful when a high throughput is desired. Therefore, the present invention provides a system where-in the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is also configured to auto-matic read the images to get the vehicle’s license number plate; to store locally all 15 vehicle’s number plates, which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza; to check whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees and submits the vehicle exit through the exit gate to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
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Additionally, another embodiment is explained in the following to further enhance the throughput through the exit gate and prevent queues during peak times. In this embod-iment, an inspection terminal is provided with a data connection to the traffic optimi-zation and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) and operated by toll plaza control-personnel. 25
In this practical embodiment, the said system comprises a hand-held inspection termi-nal at a location of toll plaza to verify whether the toll fees has been prepaid for a ve-hicle, wherein said hand-held inspection terminal is a second mobile telephone com-prising a toll plaza computer application (TCA) associated with the traffic optimiza-30 tion and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
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The toll plaza computer application (TCA) is configured for receiving a picture of licence number plate of a vehicle by the second mobile telephone by manually click-ing the picture by control-personnel on the second mobile phone and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); the traffic opti-mization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the said 5 vehicle’s license number plate and checks whether the toll fees has been prepaid and submits the feedback to toll plaza computer application module (TCA). In case the toll fees has been prepaid, the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) displays the vehicle’s class on the second mobile phone for verification and toll plaza control-personnel allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate. 10
Optionally, toll plaza computer application (TCA) is configured for receiving the ve-hicle’s license number plate by the control-personnel, which is entered into the in-spection terminal, for example manually on a keypad or touchpad of the inspection terminal or entered by voice recording with speech recognition. 15
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof; wherein said method comprises:
- a first mobile telephone comprising a SIM card with a registered first telephone number and with Internet access capabilities; 20
- a user computer application module (UCA), on the first mobile telephone, the said user computer application module (UCA) being configured for receiving a journey details and class of vehicle;
- a traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), associated with the user computer application module (UCA) and configured for receiving the 25 journey details and vehicle’s class from the said user computer application module (UCA) and calculating the total toll fees for applicable toll plazas for the journey and submits the total toll fees payable to the user computer application module (UCA) ;
- the user computer application module (UCA) is configured for receiving the vehi-30 cle’s plate number and details of payment method and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
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- upon user command the request, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) is configured to process the payment of toll fees and upon suc-cessful payment registering the journey details and particulars of vehicle’s number plate and its class;
- a toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured to capture an 5 image of a vehicle and submitting it to traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) is configured for automatic reading the vehicle’s license number plate from the image; checking whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees and submitting the feedback to 10 the toll plaza management application module (TMA);
- the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured to allow the vehicle to pass through the exit gate in case the toll fees has been prepaid.
In the event, the toll fees has not been prepaid, the toll plaza management application 15 module (TMA) prompting the toll plaza personnel to select the vehicle’s class for ap-plicable toll fees. On receiving the payment of toll fees and confirmation by toll plaza personnel, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) allows the vehicle to pass through the exit gate and submits the vehicle exit through the exit gate and asso-ciated details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). 20
One aspect of the said method of the present invention is that the toll plaza manage-ment application module (TMA) is preferably configured for automatic opening the exit barricade in case the toll fees has been prepaid.
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In the event the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) is unable to read the vehicle’s number plate from the image for example when the vehi-cle’s licence plate number is not in a standard format and language as per the law of specific area, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is advantageously receives the vehicle’s license number plate by manual input on a keyboard or by voice 30 recording by toll plaza personnel, as the vehicle’s license number plate is typed into the toll plaza management application module (TMA), a suggestion list of vehicle’s
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license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza, is presented by the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to the toll plaza management application module (TMA) for toll plaza personnel to select the vehicle’s license number plate. Therefore, the details of the correct license number plate is then submitted by toll plaza personnel to the traffic optimization and toll col-5 lection server system (TOTCSS) for further control from the toll plaza management application module (TMA). In addition, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends the notification to the user computer application mod-ule (UCA) for taking corrective measures in order to pass through the exit gate in fu-ture. 10
Another aspect of the said method of the present invention is that the toll plaza man-agement application module (TMA) automatically reads the image to get the vehicle’s license number plate and checks whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees and allowing the vehicle to pass the exit gate only in the case the toll fees has been prepaid 15 and submits the vehicle exit through the exit gate to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). In the event, the toll fees has not been prepaid, the vehicle is prevented from passing the exit gate.
Another object of the present invention is achieved by an alternatively selected meth-20 od for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof, wherein the said method comprises:
- a hand-held terminal at a location of toll plaza to verify whether the toll fees has been prepaid for a vehicle for corresponding toll plaza; and
- the hand-held terminal is a second mobile telephone comprising an toll plaza 25 computer application module (TCA) associated with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
The toll plaza computer application module (TCA) receives a picture of vehicle’s li-cense number plate by the second mobile telephone by manually clicking the picture 30 by toll plaza control-personnel and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) and by the traffic optimization and toll collection
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server system (TOTCSS) automatically reading the vehicle’s license number plate from the picture and checking whether the applicable toll fees has been prepaid for corresponding toll plaza and submitting the feedback to toll plaza computer applica-tion module (TCA). In case the toll fees has been prepaid, the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) displays the class of vehicle on the second mobile phone 5 for verification and toll plaza control-personnel allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate.
Optionally, the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) receives the vehicle’s license number plate by toll plaza control-personnel, which is entered into the inspec-10 tion terminal, for example manually on a keypad or touchpad of the inspection termi-nal or entered by voice recording with speech recognition. As the vehicle’s license number plate is entered, a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza, is presented by the traffic opti-mization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to the toll plaza application 15 module (TCA) for control-personnel to select the vehicle’s license number plate.
Another key aspect of the said method for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof, as provided in the present invention, is that the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) for registering the time stamps of actual 20 passage of vehicle at toll plazas and corresponding data and performing statistical analysis to deduce the need of converting a number of standard/current exit lanes to “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lanes to decongest the traffic at certain toll plazas/ routes as it may not possible to increase the number of lanes at toll plaza due to vari-ous reason for example land acquisition. 25
In some embodiments, the system for toll collection comprises: at least a communica-tion device with Internet access capabilities having at least a SIM card with a regis-tered telephone number, wherein the communication device includes mobile tele-phone; at least a user computer application module (UCA), capable of being installed 30 in the communication device for receiving a journey details and a class of at least a vehicle; at least an traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS)
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associated with the user computer application module (UCA) and capable of calculat-ing a total toll fees for the journey, accepting at least a payment, an issuing at least a journey pass, automatic reading the vehicle’s license number plate from an image; at least an associated toll plaza management application module (TMA) capable of be-ing installed in at least a toll plaza computer system to validate the journey pass, and 5 is configured for opening/ closing at least an exit barricade for passing the vehicle; at least an associated toll plaza computer application module (TCA) to validate the jour-ney pass on a mobile device.
As explained above, the present invention provides a method for a payment for toll 10 fees for a journey from the communication device/ smart phone and receiving the journey pass and the transaction receipt. The method comprises a plurality of follow-ing stages/steps. The communication device of a first user is provided with a SIM card inside having a first registered telephone number “mobilenumber1”. The user com-puter application module (UCA) is downloaded, with an appropriate APP distribution 15 service for example PlayStore™ for Android and App Store™ for iOS, through the Internet onto the first mobile telephone and installed thereon; As part of the installa-tion procedure, the user computer application module (UCA) receives “mo-bilenumber1” from the SIM card, either automatically or by user input, and submits it automatically to the application server system; Upon receipt of “mobilenumber1”, the 20 application server system automatically activates a first user account. Upon activating the user account for the first telephone number, the user computer application module (UCA) on the first mobile telephone prompts the user to type the starting location and destination for a journey; The user computer application module (UCA) further prompts the user to select the class of vehicle and type of journey; Upon user com-25 mand and request, the user computer application module (UCA) sends journey details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) calculates total toll fees for the journey and sends detailed information with the list of all applicable toll plazas and corresponding toll fees back to the user computer application module (UCA); 30 Upon user command and request, the user computer application module (UCA) prompts the user to type the vehicle registration number and select a payment method
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for example by inserting data for a credit card or debit card; Upon user command and request, the user computer application module (UCA) sends the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) the vehicle registration number and the selected payment method to process the payment; Upon successful payment, the traf-fic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends a journey pass and 5 a transaction receipt to the user computer application module (UCA); When the vehi-cle approaches toll plaza, the toll plaza management application (TMA) sends the still image captured from the video camera installed at the exit lane to the traffic optimiza-tion and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); the traffic optimization and toll col-lection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the vehicle’s license number 10 plate from the image and validates the toll fees payment to the toll plaza management application (TMA); Upon receiving the confirmation, the toll plaza management ap-plication (TMA) opens the exit barricade for the vehicle to pass the toll plaza.
In the event the vehicle’s license number plate is not recognised by the traffic optimi-15 zation and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), as the toll operator enters the ve-hicle’s license plate number, a suggestion list of vehicle’s license plate numbers which have prepaid the toll fees, is presented by the traffic optimization and toll col-lection server system (TOTCSS) to select the vehicle’s license number plate.
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In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for traffic optimization at toll plazas by performing statistical analysis of the actual user data and deducing the need to convert a number of existing standard exit lanes to “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lanes at certain routes/ toll plazas as it may not possible to increase the number of lanes at toll plaza due to various reason for example land acquisition. The 25 “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” allows the vehicle to pass through the exit lane up to the speed of 40kph without stopping at exit lane. The “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” lanes are almost equivalent of open road tolling (ORT) without any drawbacks.
According to another aspect, the system of the present invention is more universal, 30 mostly uses the current or conventional infrastructure and processes at toll plazas and
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does not require a great amount of capital for expensive new hardware and new pro-cesses and long time to build the system.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a centralized, easy to use means to pay for the toll fees and progressively optimizes the traffic at toll plazas at optimum 5 cost/ capital expenditure.
As used herein, the term ‘plurality’ refers to the presence of more than one of the ref-erenced item and the terms ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘at least’ do not denote a limitation of quanti-ty, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 10
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention is exemplified in the following with reference to the drawings:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for traffic optimization and toll payment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of stages to make a payment for toll fees for a journey from a smart phone and receiving the journey pass and the transaction receipt; 20
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the stages for validating the journey pass at a toll plaza(s) and an immediate feedback to the user; and
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the stages for validating the journey pass on the toll 25 plaza computer application module (TCA) on the second mobile phone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
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embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the de-tailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accom-panying drawings is not intended to be limiting.
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The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several loca-tions. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embod-iment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
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As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plu-ral forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, ele-ments, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or 15 more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “cou-pled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, 20 the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the 25 art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a mean-ing that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined here-in. 30
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The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the structure may also comprise other functions and structures. It should be appreciated that the functions, 5 structures, elements and the protocols used in communication are irrelevant to the present disclosure. Therefore, they need not be discussed in more detail here.
Also, all logical units described and depicted in the figures include the software and/or hardware components required for the unit to function. Further, each unit may com-10 prise within itself one or more components which are implicitly understood. These components may be operatively coupled to each other and be configured to communi-cate with each other to perform the function of the said unit.
The embodiments described herein can be practiced with other system configurations, 15 including Internet appliances, hand held devices, multi-processor systems, micropro-cessor based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, mini computers, mainframe computers and the like. The embodiments can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer executable mechanisms explained 20 in detail below.
Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these 25 embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the 30 art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a mean-
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ing that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined here-in.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises at least a 5 backend database for data storage, libraries and framework for secured data transmis-sion over the web, and Mobile App Platforms for end user.
The term ‘Smartphone’ is used herein as a mobile phone with capabilities for Internet access and with an advanced mobile operating system that is capable of running 10 downloaded applications. Examples of such advanced operating systems include iOS® for iPhone® provided by Apple®, or Android™ or Microsoft Windows®. This list is not exhaustive and other operating systems capable of running downloaded ap-plications may be adapted to implement the principal of the present invention.
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According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a simple way to pay for the toll fees without the need of vehicle identifier device for example RFID chip, mounted on the vehicle. The system for traffic optimization and toll collection of the present invention is more universal and versatile, mostly uses the current infra-structure and processes at toll plazas, is capable of avoiding requirement of great 20 amount of capital for expensive new hardware and new processes and long time to build the system.
The preferred embodiment of the system for traffic optimization and toll collection comprises: at least a communication device with Internet access capabilities having at 25 least a SIM card with a registered telephone number, wherein the communication de-vice includes mobile phone; at least a user computer application module (UCA) capa-ble of being installed in the communication device for receiving a journey details and a class of at least a vehicle; at least a traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) associated with the user computer application module (UCA) ca-30 pable of calculating a total toll fees for the journey, accepting at least a payment, an issuing at least a journey pass; at least an associated toll plaza management applica-
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tion module (TMA) capable of being installed in at least a toll plaza computer system to validate the journey pass, and for opening/closing at least an exit barricade for pass-ing the vehicle; at least an associated toll plaza computer application module (TCA) to validate the journey pass on second mobile telephone by toll plaza’s control-personnel. 5
Typically, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) com-prises a plurality of servers that are used in combination.
Optionally, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) may be integrated 10 with existing Toll Management System (TMS).
The installation procedure for the user computer application module (UCA) includes downloading the said user computer application module (UCA) over the Internet onto the communication device (mobile telephone) and installing the computer application 15 module thereon. For sake of universality, similar user computer application modules may be provided for various mobile operating systems, for example iOS®, An-droid™, Windows®, and like operating systems. Advantageously, the installation procedure of the user computer application module (UCA) also includes automatically receiving the registered telephone number of the SIM card by the user computer ap-20 plication module (UCA) and sending the registered telephone/smartphone number to the application server system. Alternatively, the user computer application module (UCA) may also prompts the user to type in the mobile telephone number on the key-pad of the communication device (mobile telephone).
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Once, the user computer application module (UCA) is installed, the user computer application module (UCA) prompts the user to type a starting location and a destina-tion in their respective field.
In some embodiments, the user computer application module (UCA) via location ser-30 vices available on the smart phone automatically intercepts the starting location. The user may override the automatic starting location by typing another starting location.
20
Optionally, the user may also type/ enter multiple destinations for a journey. This may be advantageous for users who requires specific route for a journey.
The user computer application module (UCA) is further prompting the user to select the vehicle’s class, for example car, bus, 3 axle vehicle etc., and type of journey for 5 example single, return, monthly, etc. Upon user command and request the user com-puter application module (UCA) sends the journey details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
When the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) receives 10 the journey details, it checks all the toll plaza applicable to the journey and calculates the total fees based on the class of vehicle and type of journey for all applicable toll plaza in the journey and send the detailed information back to the user computer ap-plication module (UCA), for example list of all applicable toll plaza with correspond-ing toll fees. 15
In some embodiments, the user can edit or remove any applicable toll plaza from the list for whatever reason and the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) will update the total applicable fees accordingly on the user computer ap-plication module (UCA). 20
Upon user command and request, the user computer application module (UCA) prompts to user to type the vehicle registration number and select a payment method for example credit card, debit card, net banking, coupon, e-wallet etc. and type the corresponding information required to process the payment. 25
Upon user command and request, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) processes the payment and on successful payment, the traffic opti-mization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends the journey pass to the user computer application module (UCA). 30
21
The journey pass may include at least an OTP or a graphic code for example a bar-code, QR code etc. for additional verification and security.
Additionally, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may issue a receipt providing the compete transaction details for example time and date of 5 transaction, a vehicle’s license number plate, vehicle’s class, list of toll plaza and cor-responding toll fees and sends the receipt to the user computer application module (UCA).
In further embodiments, the user computer application module (UCA) and the traffic 10 optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) are configured to pay for toll fees for multiple vehicles improving further user friendliness and versatility of the system. This is very useful for many people having multiple vehicles.
Optionally, the user computer application module (UCA) and the traffic optimization 15 and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) are configured to pay for the toll fees via a corporate account. This is very useful for the employees of many companies espe-cially in transportation, logistics and travel business.
When the vehicle approaches the toll plaza, the toll plaza management application 20 module (TMA) sends the still image captured from the camera/ video camera installed at the exit lane to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and validates the toll fees payment to the toll plaza management application module (TMA); Upon receiving the 25 confirmation, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) displays the complete vehicle’s license number plate and vehicle’s class for verification and opens the exit barricade for vehicle to pass the toll plaza.
In the event the vehicle’s license number plate is not recognised by the traffic optimi-30 zation and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), as the toll operator enters the ve-hicle’s license number plate in the toll plaza management application module (TMA),
22
a suggestion list of vehicle’s license plate numbers which have prepaid the toll fees, is presented by the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to toll plaza management application module (TMA), to select the vehicle’s license plate number.
5
Upon successful validation, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends the notification to the user computer application module (UCA) for immediate feedback to the user.
In an event of high traffic congestion or software and hardware failure at particular 10 exit lane, multiple toll plaza control-personnel uses the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) installed on another mobile devices to validate the journey pass to in-crease the throughput through the exit lanes and prevent large queues.
The toll plaza control-personnel takes a picture of vehicle’s license number plate from 15 the mobile device on which the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) is in-stalled; the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) sends the picture to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); the traffic optimiza-tion and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and validates the payment of the toll fees to toll 20 plaza computer application module (TCA); Upon receiving the confirmation, the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) displays the vehicle’s license number plate and vehicle’s class for verification and allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate.
25
Additionally, as an option, the toll plaza control-personnel types the vehicle’s license number plate in the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) to validate the journey pass with the application server system. As the toll operator enters the vehi-cle’s license number plate, a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates, which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza, is presented by the application 30 server system to select the vehicle’s license number plate.
23
The toll plaza management application (TMA) may be configured to automatically read the vehicle license number plate and the toll plaza computer system data-connected to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) stores locally the list of all vehicle’s license number plates, which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza. This is highly advantageous to optimize the traf-5 fic and throughput through the exit gates rather than waiting a real time response from the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) especially during the peak times without compromising on the security of the system.
The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) is configured for 10 collecting the time stamps of actual passage of vehicles through the exit lanes and performing statistical analysis on the said data for traffic optimization at toll plazas. Based on the statistical analysis, the traffic optimization and toll collection server sys-tem (TOTCSS) may deduce the need of converting a number of standard/current exit lanes to “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lanes to decongest the traffic at certain 15 routes/ toll plazas. “Gated High Speed Non-Stop” allows the vehicle to pass through the exit lane at a speed for example up to 40kph without stopping at exit lane. The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may deduce direc-tions of travel, other traffic parameters and/or may identify travel patterns which may correspond to different vehicle’s class and/or patterns of behavior of traffic and/or 20 drivers. The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may per-form analysis to identify changes in patterns with times in the day and/or days in the week.
The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may, for exam-25 ple, identify frequent users and behavioural patterns of users. The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may identify a certain behaviour such as preferred travel time on a particular route.
The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may provide 30 traffic-related information to a user, for example, by sending the information to the user computer application module (UCA). The traffic optimization and toll collection
24
server system (TOTCSS) may notify a user, for example, to avoid travel at certain times to ease congestion at toll plazas. The traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may provide the information to a user computer application module (UCA) upon a request from a user.
5
Based on the analysis of the actual data, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may estimate at least a number of “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lanes needed to be operated at certain routes/ toll plazas for traffic optimi-zation at toll plazas.
10
The system and method may be calibrated for “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lane for example by installing a higher specification camera i.e. images@60fps (frame per second) and increasing the distance between the vehicle detection loop and the exit barricade.
15
The system for traffic optimization and toll collection of the present invention has many advantages for all parties involved i.e. user, toll operator and government agen-cy, for example, for the user the system neither needs a RFID chip on the vehicle nor needs to pre-register payment account to pay the toll fees.
20
Moreover, the system for traffic optimization and toll payment of the present inven-tion allows a conscious and active toll fees payment at a time and place convenient to the user, for example much before the journey or just near the first toll plaza during the journey.
25
Further, the system for traffic optimization and toll payment of the present invention provides multiple payment options including prepaid wallet, which are well known to the public and widely used in e-commerce transaction enhancing further the user friendliness and versatility of the system.
30
The main advantage for the toll operator is that the system for traffic optimization and toll collection of the present invention does not require large investment for expensive
25
additional hardware, reduces the cost of operations and progressive traffic optimisa-tion at optimal cost/ investment.
The main advantage for the government agency is that the system for traffic optimiza-tion and toll payment of the present invention allows central monitoring, complete 5 transparency and traffic optimisation in optimum cost and time.
The convenience, low cost of implementation and reduced operations’ costs offered by the present invention ensure wide spread acceptance by all parties involved. The present invention will progressively eliminate the large queues and long waiting times 10 at toll plazas.
According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the functions/ features as described above are achieved by proper programming of the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), the user computer application module 15 (UCA) and the toll plaza management application (TMA). In particular, the user com-puter application module (UCA) is configured/programmed, as part of the installation procedure of the user computer application module (UCA), for receiving the tele-phone number of the SIM card by the user computer application module (UCA) and sending the telephone number to the traffic optimization and toll collection server 20 system (TOTCSS) associated with the user computer application module (UCA) to activate an user account by the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); upon account activation, the user computer application module (UCA) is programmed to prompt the user to type the starting location and destination of a jour-ney; the user computer application module (UCA) is programmed for prompting the 25 user to select the class of vehicle and type of journey; upon user command and re-quest, the user computer application module (UCA) is programmed for submitting the journey details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to calculate the total toll fees for the journey and send the detailed information back to the user computer application module (UCA); upon user command and request, the 30 user computer application module (UCA) is programmed for prompting the user to type the vehicle registration number and select a payment method; upon user com-
26
mand and request, the user computer application module (UCA) is programmed to submit vehicle registration number and the selected payment method to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to process the payment; up-on successful payment, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) issues a journey applicable to all the toll plaza in the journey and a trans-5 action receipt to the user computer application module (UCA); the toll plaza manage-ment application module (TMA) is programmed to sends the still image captured from camera/ video camera installed at the exit lane to the traffic optimization and toll col-lection server system (TOTCSS) to automatically read the vehicle’s license number plate from the image. 10
Optionally, as the vehicle’s license number plate is entered in toll plaza management application module (TPA) to validate the journey pass with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates, which have prepaid the toll fees, is presented by the traffic optimiza-15 tion and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to select the vehicle’s license number plate.
In another embodiment, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) may also be configured to communicate with desktop application or web 20 browser to make a payment for toll fees for a journey improving further versatility of the system.
Now, referring to FIG. 1 which is a schematic illustration of a system 100 for a traffic optimization and toll collection, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present 25 invention. The system 100 may include a plurality of communication devices 110, each of devices 110 may belong to a user. Communication devices 110 may include, for example, mobile telephones, car personal computer (PC), mobile computers or any other suitable devices able to include, receive and manipulate and/or operate at least the user computer application module (UCA). The plurality of devices 110 may have 30 connectivity capability and/or may be in communication with the traffic optimization
27
and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) 120, for example, by a cellular network or wireless network or any other mobile communication means.
The system 100 may include a plurality of computer systems 130, each of the com-puter system 130 may belong to a toll plaza. Computer systems130 may constitute, for 5 example, multiple computers, laptops, local servers and other suitable peripherals such as are image scanners, barcode reader, digital cameras, able to include, receive and manipulate and/or operate software i.e. the toll plaza management application module (TMA).
10
The plurality of computer systems 130 may have connectivity capability and/or may be in communication with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) 120, for example by a telecommunication networks, a wireless network or a cellular network or a satellite network or any other communication means.
15
The system 100 may include a plurality of communication devices 140, each of devic-es 140 may belong to a toll plaza control-personnel. Communication devices 140 may include, for example, mobile telephones, mobile computers or any other suitable de-vices able to include, receive and manipulate and/or operate at least the toll plaza computer application module (TCA). The plurality of devices 140 may have connec-20 tivity capability and/or may be in communication with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) 120, for example, by a cellular network or wire-less network or any other mobile communication means.
Referring to FIG. 2 which is a flow chart of a method 200 for a payment for toll fees 25 for a journey from the communication device/ smart phone and receiving the journey pass and the transaction receipt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 comprises a plurality of stages/steps including a stage/step 201 to a stage/step 211.
30
At the stage/step 201: the communication device (a first mobile telephone/smart phone of a first user is provided with a SIM card inside having a first registered tele-
28
phone number “mobile number1”. The user computer application module (UCA) is downloaded, with an appropriate distribution service for example PlayStore™ for Android and AppStore™ for iOS, through the Internet onto the first mobile telephone and installed thereon.
5
At the stage 202: as part of the installation procedure, the user computer application module (UCA) receives “mobile number 1” from the SIM card, either automatically or by user input, and submits it automatically to the application server system.
At the stage 203: upon receipt of “mobile number 1”, the traffic optimization and toll 10 collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically activates a first user account.
At the stage 204: upon activating the user account for the first telephone number, the user computer application module (UCA) on the first mobile telephone prompts the user to type the starting location and destination for a journey. 15
At the stage 205: the user computer application module (UCA) further prompts the user to select the class of vehicle and type of journey.
At the stage 206: upon user command and request, the user computer application 20 module (UCA) sends journey details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
At the stage 207: the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) calculates total toll fees for the journey and sends detailed information with the list of 25 all applicable toll plazas and corresponding toll fees back to the user computer appli-cation module (UCA).
At the optional stage 208: optionally, the user can edit or remove any toll plaza form the list for whatever reason and the traffic optimization and toll collection server sys-30 tem (TOTCSS) will update the total toll fees accordingly on the user computer appli-cation module (UCA).
29
At the stage 209: upon user command and request, the user computer application module (UCA) prompts the user to type the vehicle registration number and select a payment method.
At the stage 210: upon user command and request, the user computer application 5 module (UCA) sends the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) the vehicle registration number and the selected payment method to pro-cess the payment.
At the stage 211: upon successful payment, the traffic optimization and toll collection 10 server system (TOTCSS) sends a journey pass and a transaction receipt to the user computer application module (UCA).
Referring to FIG. 3 which is a flow chart illustrating the stages/steps 301 and 302 for use of the journey pass at a toll plaza(s) and an immediate feedback to the user. 15
At the stage/step 301: when the vehicle approaches the toll plaza, the toll plaza man-agement application module (TMA) sends the still image captured from the camera /video camera installed at the exit lane to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). 20
At the stage/step 302: the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and validates the payment of toll fees to toll plaza management application module (TMA). 25
At the stage/step 303: Upon receiving the confirmation, the toll plaza management application module (TMA) displays the complete vehicle’s registration number and class of vehicle for verification and opens the exit barricade for vehicle to pass the toll plaza. 30
30
At the stage 304: upon successful passage, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) sends notification to the user computer application module (UCA) for immediate feedback to the user.
Referring to FIG. 4 which is a flow chart illustrating the stages/steps 401 and 402 for 5 validating the journey pass on the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) on the second mobile telephone.
At the stage 401: the toll plaza control-personnel takes a picture of vehicle’s license number plate from the second mobile phone on which toll plaza computer application 10 module (TCA) is installed. The toll plaza computer application module (TCA) sends the picture to traffic the optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to automatically read the vehicle’s license number plate from the picture.
Optionally, as the vehicle’s license number plate is entered in the toll plaza applica-15 tion module (TCA) to validate the journey pass with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS), a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza, is presented by the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) to the toll plaza ap-plication module (TCA) to select the vehicle’s license number plate. 20
At the stage/step 402: the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) automatically reads the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and validates the payment of toll fees to the toll plaza application module (TCA).
25
At the stage/step 403: Upon receiving the confirmation, the toll plaza computer appli-cation module (TCA) displays the vehicle’s for verification and toll plaza control-personnel allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate.
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present disclosure may be embod-30 ied as a method, and apparatus. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form
31
of an entirely hardware embodiment, a software embodiment or an embodiment com-bining software and hardware aspects.
It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provid-5 ed to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instruc-tions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. A general-purpose processor may 10 be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be im-plemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a plurality of microproces-sors, one or more microprocessors, or any other such configuration.
15
The methods or algorithms described in connection with the examples disclosed here-in may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a proces-sor, or in a combination of the two.
The previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person 20 skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the 25 principles and novel features disclosed herein.

I Claim:
1. A system for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof; wherein the system comprises:
- at least one user computer application module (UCA); 5
- a traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS); and
- at least one toll plaza management application module (TMA);
and wherein the system is characterized in that:
- the user computer application module (UCA), the traffic optimization and toll col-lection server system (TOTCSS) and the toll plaza management application mod-10 ule (TMA) are interconnected by a wireless network;
- the user computer application module (UCA) enables a user to pay a toll fee for a toll plaza wherein the UCA captures particulars of vehicle’s license number plate from the user, prior to reaching of the vehicle to the toll plaza;
- the toll plaza management application module (TMA) capturing image of a vehi-15 cle including its license number plate and is configured to submit it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- the TOTCSS is configured to check whether the toll fees has been prepaid for the vehicle and submit the feedback to the toll plaza management application module (TMA); and 20
- the toll plaza management application module (TMA) configured to allow the vehicle to pass the exit gate only based on the prepayment of the toll fees.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the UCA is installed on a mobile tele-phone or a computer with internet access capabilities and is configured for: 25
- receiving and submitting the details for toll fees calculation based on a journey detail of the user and vehicle’s class to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- receiving and submitting the vehicle’s license number plate and the details of payment method for applicable toll fees to the traffic optimization and toll collec-30 tion server system (TOTCSS).
33
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is installed on the computer system of the toll plaza comprises at least one camera and wherein the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is con-figured for:
- capturing an image of the vehicle including its license number plate and submit-5 ting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- receiving the feedback from the traffic optimization and toll collection server sys-tem (TOTCSS) whether the vehicle has prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza and allowing the said vehicle to pass the exit gate based on prepayment of the toll fees. 10
4. The system as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 3, the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) comprises a master database and is configured for:
- receiving a journey details and vehicle’s class from the user computer application 15 module (UCA);
- calculating the total toll fees for applicable toll plazas for the journey and trans-mitting the applicable toll fees applicable to the user computer application module (UCA) over a wireless network;
- receiving a vehicle’s license number plate and the details of payment method from 20 the user computer application module (UCA) for processing the payment of the applicable toll fees;
- receiving an image of a vehicle from the toll plaza management application mod-ule (TMA); and
- automatic reading the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and submit-25 ting the feedback whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees for correspond-ing toll plaza.
5. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the toll plaza management appli-cation module (TMA) is configured to prompt the toll plaza personnel to select the 30 vehicle’s class for applicable toll fees.
34
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the toll plaza management application (TMA) module configured to allow the vehicle to pass through the exit gate of the toll plaza based on the confirmation of the payment of toll fees by toll plaza personnel and to submit the associated details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). 5
7. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the toll plaza management appli-cation module (TMA) is configured to prompt the toll plaza personnel to confirm the vehicle’s class for a first time user of the system.
10
8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the toll plaza management application module (TMA) is configured to detect the incorrect classification of the vehicle and is configured to prompt the toll plaza personnel to collect the difference in applicable toll fees for correct classification and incorrect classification and allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate of the toll plaza based on receiving the payment of the 15 difference of toll fees payment and is also configured to submit the correct vehicle’s class of vehicle to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
9. The system as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the toll plaza management appli-20 cation module (TMA) is configured for automatic opening the exit barricade upon receiving the positive feedback from the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) that based on the confirmation of the prepayment of the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza.
25
10. The system as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the toll plaza management applica-tion module (TMA) is configured to read the vehicle’s license number plate from an image captured by the TMA; and is also configured to store in a local database the list of vehicle’s license number plates for which toll fees have been prepaid for corre-sponding toll plaza. 30
35
11. The system as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the toll plaza management applica-tion module (TMA) is configured to receive the vehicle’s license number plate by manual input on a keyboard or by voice recording by the toll plaza personnel.
12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the TMA is configured to provide a 5 suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza to the toll plaza person upon entering the vehicle’s license number plate into the toll plaza management application module (TMA).
13. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the traffic optimization and toll col-10 lection server system (TOTCSS) is configured to provide the toll plaza management application module (TMA) the vehicle’s license number plates for which toll fees have been prepaid for corresponding toll plaza.
14. The system as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the system comprises a hand-held 15 inspection terminal at a location of toll plaza which is configured to verify the pre-payment of the toll fees for a vehicle, and wherein said hand-held inspection terminal is a second mobile telephone comprising a toll plaza computer application module (TCA) associated with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS). 20
15. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the toll plaza computer application module (TCA) is configured for receive a picture of vehi-cle’s license number plate by the second mobile telephone by manually clicking the picture and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system 25 (TOTCSS) for reading the said vehicle’s license number plate and checking the pre-payment of the toll fees and is configured to submit the feedback to toll plaza comput-er application module (TCA).
16. The system as claimed in claims15, wherein the toll plaza computer application 30 module (TCA) is configured for receive a vehicle’s license number plate by manual input on a keypad or touchpad or by voice recording.
36
17. A method for traffic optimization at toll plaza and toll collection thereof; wherein said method comprises:
- receiving the journey details and selecting a vehicle’s from the said user computer application module (UCA);
- calculating the total toll fees for applicable toll plazas for the journey and sending 5 the applicable toll fees payable to the user computer application module (UCA);
- receiving the vehicle’s plate number and details of payment method and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- processing the payment of toll fees and upon successful payment registering the journey details and particulars of vehicle’s number plate and its class; 10
- capturing an image of a vehicle and submitting it to the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS);
- automatically reading the vehicle’s license number plate from the image and check-ing whether the said vehicle has prepaid the toll fees and submitting the feedback to the toll plaza management application module (TMA); 15
- allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate in case the toll fees has been pre-paid.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the toll fees has not been prepaid, selecting the vehicle’s class for applicable toll fees and receiving the payment of toll 20 fees and confirmation by toll plaza personnel into the toll management application module (TMA) comprises allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate and sub-mitting the associated details to the traffic optimization and toll collection server sys-tem (TOTCSS).
25
19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein automatically reading the vehicle details comprises verifying the vehicle’s class by the toll plaza management applica-tion module (TMA) of the first time user of the system and upon receiving the con-firmation by the toll plaza personnel into the toll plaza management application mod-ule (TMA) and allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate by the toll plaza 30 management application module (TMA).
37
20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein automatically reading the vehicle details comprises detection of incorrect classification of the vehicle and processing the payment comprises collection of difference of the toll fees by the toll plaza manage-ment application module (TMA) and the toll plaza personnel and allowing the vehicle to pass through the exit gate and submit the correct class of vehicle to the traffic opti-5 mization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) by the toll plaza management application module (TMA)
21. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 17 to 20, wherein allowing the vehicle through an exit gate comprises automatically opening the exit barricade 10 when the toll fees has been prepaid.
22. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 17 to 21, automatically reading the vehicle’s license number plate comprises reading the vehicle license num-ber plate and storing locally the list of the vehicles for which the toll fees have been 15 received for the corresponding toll plaza by the toll plaza management application module (TMA).
23. The method as claimed in claims 17-22, allowing the vehicle through an exit gate comprises receiving the vehicle’s details upon entering license number plate by man-20 ual input on a keyboard or by voice recording by the toll plaza personnel, wherein manually entering the vehicle’s license number plate details into the toll plaza man-agement application module (TMA) provides a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates for which have the toll fees have been prepaid and are presented to the toll plaza management application module (TMA) by the traffic optimization and toll 25 collection server system (TOTCSS).
24. The method as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 17-23, wherein the method further comprises:
- verifying whether the toll fees has been prepaid for a vehicle for corresponding 30 toll plaza by a hand-held inspection terminal at a location of toll plaza; and
38
- wherein the hand-held inspection terminal is a second mobile telephone compris-ing an toll plaza computer application module (TCA) associated with the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS).
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the toll plaza computer application 5 module (TCA) receiving a picture of vehicle’s license number plate manually by the second mobile telephone by clicking the picture by toll plaza control-personnel.
26. The method as claimed claim 25, wherein receiving a picture of vehicle’s license number plate comprises checking the applicable toll fees which have been prepaid for 10 corresponding toll plaza and submits the feedback to the toll plaza computer applica-tion module (TCA).
27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein allowing the vehicle through an exit gate comprises receiving the vehicle’s license number plate by toll plaza control-15 personnel and providing a suggestion list of vehicle’s license number plates which have prepaid the toll fees for corresponding toll plaza.
28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the said method comprises receiving a vehicle’s license number plate by manual input on a keypad or touchpad or by voice 20 recording.
29. The method as claimed in claims 17 to 28, wherein the said method comprises the traffic optimization and toll collection server system (TOTCSS) for registering the time stamps of actual passage of vehicle through the exit gate at toll plazas and per-25 forming statistical analysis to deduce the need of converting a number of stand-ard/current exit lanes to “Gated High-Speed Non-Stop” exit lanes to decongest the traffic at certain toll plazas/routes.