Pentacomp’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system is used for a fast and efficient collection of tolls at toll plazas. Through automating the process, the need for any sort of manual intervention- such as stopping vehicles or interacting with drivers for obtaining any relevant information, is eliminated. Our ETC system enables seamless travel on national highways by providing a uniform, interoperable ETC system for paying tolls.
The Electronic Toll Collection system facilitates the quick movement of vehicles at the tolling points, while ensuring transparency and an easy tracking of transactions – which in turn reduces congestion. Tolls are either collected using RFID detection or by reading the number plates.
Features of the electronic toll collection system
– Overall system workflow
The flowchart below highlights the process of how our ETC system operates. When a car arrives at the gate, RFID readers and cameras identify the cars using the RFID tags and retro-reflective number plates implemented by the transport authority. The system then checks for the e-Wallet account and the available balance for the registered owner of the vehicle. If there are sufficient funds available, the toll is charged.
In the case of a driver not having the appropriate e-wallet set up, or an insufficient balance, they have the alternative option to pay at the toll booth manually through a kiosk. The cash amount is automatically accepted through a kiosk which is located at the toll plaza. Subsequently, when the appropriate amount has been paid, the barrier opens allowing the vehicle to pass. Through activating an e-wallet account the driver would ultimately ensure convenience for their travel in the future – negating any manual intervention.
Another alternative to paying via an e-wallet or a kiosk, is the use of a prepaid ETC card which has become normalized in Japan. This system is configurated for Japanese nationals through contacting their bank and applying for an ETC card. The ETC card works through inserting it into an electronic transceiver, which is integrated in each car respectively. This transceiver then automatically connects with the highway toll gates as the vehicles drive through them. Despite this method involving some manual activity, such as inserting the card into the transceiver, this system is still an improved and simplified method of paying tolls compared to paying by cash at a kiosk.
In the case of an emergency, manual kiosks booths can be used as backup until the drivers have familiarized themselves with the new technology. Toll plaza staff will also be available to support the drivers with their e-wallet inquiries or prepaid cards.
TOLL COLLECTION BY RFID DETECTION:
Drivers that have equipped RFID tags on their vehicles and registered with the appropriate road transport authority can benefit from the services that are provided through our ETC system.
RFID detection is implemented through high security stickers that are attached on the vehicles. RFID tags immediately relay the cars details and information to our toll collection system. These stickers are attached to the windshield of automobiles whereas on two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, a small RFID device is attached to the license plate.
RFID tags are encoded with registration and chassis Numbers, as well as multiple other details, including the driver’s personal information and e-Wallet balance. The tags are integrated with the central server containing information about both the vehicle and the driver. Correspondingly, upon detection of the tag the system will be able to identify the vehicle owner’s e-Wallet account – allowing an instantaneous toll collection.
TOLL COLLECTION BY LICENSE PLATE DETECTION:
Similar to the RFID tags, retro reflective number plates are also now mandatory on vehicles. These can also be utilized to automatically detect and identify vehicles.
Vehicle number plates that are fitted onto all legally registered vehicles are read using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. The OCR system detects the values on the printed number plate and converts them into machine-encoded text. This information is then cross-checked against the system’s database for identity verification.
TOLL COLLECTION BY WEIGHT-BASED TOLLING:
Heavy vehicles (HGVs) and large goods vehicles (LGVs) such as lorries and trucks with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tones (vehicle plus cargo) will be weighed on a weighbridge which is situated before the toll plaza. The weighbridge transfers the data of additional weight (within the permitted boundary) to the toll collection system. The driver is then charged accordingly. If the vehicle exceeds the weight limit, the driver will be rerouted.
Summary
Globally, cities have increasingly incorporated smart technologies in every aspect of modern day living. Thus, creating a platform for our electronic toll collection system to thrive and be implemented on a global scale. Our system leads to a centralized, integrated network of information – contributing to an organized universal smart system.
