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German Toll system based on GPS started
 After 18 months of (mostly embarassing) delays the new "Toll-Collect" system went live in Germany, so far without major hitches.
The special thing about this toll collection system is that it can be used with a GPS equipped device that automatically calculates the toll rate based on the vehicle's location.
Here are some extracts from the Q & A on the website www.toll-collect.de
How does the system function?
In contrast to the Eurovignette, the system developed by Toll Collect calculates and collects the road toll based on the exact number of kilometres travelled on a motorway. This is different from the vignette system. The satellite-supported free-flow system emsures that toll collection does not interfere with the flow of traffic. In contrast to conventional systems, Toll Collect requires no speed limits, traffic stops, or restriction to prescribed traffic lanes.
The toll system, which is a dual system, offers the benefits of two log-on options: automatic log-on via On-Board Unit and manual log-on at toll station terminals or over the Internet
The system of automatic log-on is based on an innovative combination of mobile telecommunications technology (GSM) and the satellite-based GPS (Global Positioning System). The main element of the automatic log-on system is the On-Board Unit or OBU, which uses satellite signals to determine the truck's position and distance travelled, automatically calculates the amount of toll, and transmits this information the Toll Collect computer centre.
As an alternative, Toll Collect offers the option of manual log-on at a toll station terminal or over the Internet. This type of log-on is particularly suited to trucks that seldom use German motorways, such as foreign drivers and companies.
How does the On-Board Unit, the so-called "OBU" function?
Using GPS satellite signals, the On-Board Unit (OBU) pinpoints the position of the vehicle and continuously compares this information with the roadmap data stored in the unit. If the vehicle is not travelling on a motorway, the position is not shown on the electronic roadmap. When the vehicle enters a motorway, the system automatically detects this as a toll road segment.
The OBU calculates the charges based on the distance travelled, the number of axles and the vehicle's emission category. This information is relayed to the Toll Collect computing centre and a monthly statement is sent to the user.
Are the trucks positioned only with GPS under the automatic system?
Additional positioning sensors (dead reckoning with directional gyro and speedometer signals) are used to support the GPS positioning by the On-Board Unit. This process is independent of the GPS positioning. The results of the two processes are continuously matched against each other.
This further improves the identification of toll road segments. It even allows the system to function without GPS for a short time.
Posted on Tuesday, January 04 @ 04:03:19 UTC by Lutz Bendlin |
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