Technique

Article published World ITS-conference New York November 2008
Autonomous Cellular RUC based on UCPI

Article published Europeiska ITS-conference Genève 2008
A Novel Approach to Road User Charging based on Cellular Networks and UCPI

UCPI™ Technology

UCPI™ uses proven radio navigation and makes use of all available radio signals, including mobile phone networks (GSM/UMTS). Vehicles equipped with a FlexToll™ On Board Unit (OBU) can be detected when entering a predefined area or road section. The detected vehicle´s movement and average speed can also be measured. The system is inexpensive and easy to start up and there is no need for additional road side infrastructure. The already present mobile phone network infrastructure is sufficient.

Short installation time

No additional road side infrastructure is needed; The FlexToll™ system makes use of the already available mobile phone networks. This means that the system can be up and running in a very short time.

Flexible system design

New areas and sections can be implemented within days.

Interoperable

The FlexToll™ system is designed in accordance with the interoperability policy of the EU. The FlexToll™ system has big potential for interoperability - mobile phone networks exist in most countries and - they all use the same standard.

Fully GSM-based solution

Data can be transferred via all mobile phone networks (SMS, GPRS, UMTS) using all system generations (2G, 3G).

No map matching

The FlexToll™ system is an autonomous thin client system. No map matching is required.

Low energy consumption

The FlexToll™ OBU has low energy consumption, and several energy supply alternatives are available.

Easy to install

The FlexToll™ OBU requires no installation in a workshop which makes it suitable for occasional users. If necessary it can be "installed" permanently.

Can be placed anywhere in the vehicle

The FlexToll™ OBU also works with metallic wind-screens.

Operator independent

The FlexToll™ system is mobile phone operator independent. Regarding the data transfer, the choice of selecting an operator is optional.

Works everywhere

The FlexToll™ OBU works everywhere where mobile phones networks are available.

Value added services

The FlexToll™ system also offers solutions for, driving behavior, car alarms, parking schemes, emergency calls and customs services.

Interfaces

The FlexToll™ system provides clear interfaces - perfect for a modular toll system design. Thus it can easily be used for designing new systems. It is also capable of replacing or completing existing systems.

Precise

An excellent example is that the FlexToll™ system does not toll parallel roads which are not supposed to be tolled.

Flexible OBU design

The FlexToll™ OBU can be designed according to individual requirements - with or without a user interface.
Text or voice messages can be transferred via the FlexToll™ OBU to the driver.

Enforcement support

The FlexToll™ system supports enforcement functionalities as the OBU can be pinged locally and centrally.