GeoToll, a new product that promises to turn the newest generation 4G mobile phones into a multi-protocol toll transponder is about to be launched in the US. 808 OmniAir founder and president Tim McGuckin is leaving the interoperability standards cooperative to run GeoToll as its first chief executive officer.
The device will be multi-protocol, so it will be usable on any toll system in North America, to the extent they can handle patent issues with licensing or open standards.
GeoToll hopes to trial the devices with open standard 6C protocols as soon as this summer with volunteer customers of a toll authority. Adding E-ZPass-IAG capability could be next, and California's Title 21 and ATA could also be adopted.139 Transcore 6B+ tags are more problematic because that company's SeGo protocols are still proprietary, although TransCore could licence use of their protocols.
National interoperability is likely to involve open standards and proprietary standards.
Says Tim McGuckin: "GeoToll will work with protocols that it has the licence to build to. If a toll operator wanted it and the supplier licenced it, then Geotoll can build it."
The system is mostly a software app but it will need a sticker or jacket to attach to the cell phone to provide the RF and antenna for the 915MHz wireless signaling used by toll transponders. Like other mobile apps and operating systems regular updates can be sent to users wirelessly.
GeoToll will use an active DSRC system to improve its readability from gantry equipment even with passive systems like 6C, T21, and ATA.
Unlike a transponder which has a specific place on the windshield, the GeoToll device will ideally be readable in a pocket or handbag or parked for the trip on a vehicle shelf or compartment as mobile phones are. An advantage of having the unit built around a mobile phone is that has a power supply much larger than transponders.
It will sense signal power needed and be able to amplify signals to read through clothing and bags, and in remote parts of the vehicle, wherever a motorists might have their mobile phone.
The device still has to be tested and proven with a large number of real drivers in real traffic. To start with the GeoToll device will most likely be tested with instructions to drivers to place the mobile phone on the dash.
GeoToll will make use of the new generation mobile devices' Bluetooth near-field communications and their ability to tap a variety of location technologies - GPS, and triangulation and distance-to-tower measurements of cell phones that give them stronger positioning than GPS alone.
Constant location awareness will enable the device to refer to a digital map of toll points and conserve battery life by only going into active mode when approaching a toll point and shutting down DSRC when exiting the vicinity of the toll point.
Jim Eden president and CEO of the Alliance for Toll Interoperability commented: "Tim has done a great job with Omni-Air in particular in starting a viable testing entity. We will all miss his leadership here. GeoToll will be one of several multi-protocol technologies that I have heard will be tested over the next year or so. It is good to hear that they will be working with toll agencies during their development. The transition requirements, customer acceptance, cost and potential business rule changes will determine what technologies take on."
The device will be multi-protocol, so it will be usable on any toll system in North America, to the extent they can handle patent issues with licensing or open standards.
GeoToll hopes to trial the devices with open standard 6C protocols as soon as this summer with volunteer customers of a toll authority. Adding E-ZPass-IAG capability could be next, and California's Title 21 and ATA could also be adopted.
National interoperability is likely to involve open standards and proprietary standards.
Says Tim McGuckin: "GeoToll will work with protocols that it has the licence to build to. If a toll operator wanted it and the supplier licenced it, then Geotoll can build it."
The system is mostly a software app but it will need a sticker or jacket to attach to the cell phone to provide the RF and antenna for the 915MHz wireless signaling used by toll transponders. Like other mobile apps and operating systems regular updates can be sent to users wirelessly.
GeoToll will use an active DSRC system to improve its readability from gantry equipment even with passive systems like 6C, T21, and ATA.
Unlike a transponder which has a specific place on the windshield, the GeoToll device will ideally be readable in a pocket or handbag or parked for the trip on a vehicle shelf or compartment as mobile phones are. An advantage of having the unit built around a mobile phone is that has a power supply much larger than transponders.
It will sense signal power needed and be able to amplify signals to read through clothing and bags, and in remote parts of the vehicle, wherever a motorists might have their mobile phone.
The device still has to be tested and proven with a large number of real drivers in real traffic. To start with the GeoToll device will most likely be tested with instructions to drivers to place the mobile phone on the dash.
GeoToll will make use of the new generation mobile devices' Bluetooth near-field communications and their ability to tap a variety of location technologies - GPS, and triangulation and distance-to-tower measurements of cell phones that give them stronger positioning than GPS alone.
Constant location awareness will enable the device to refer to a digital map of toll points and conserve battery life by only going into active mode when approaching a toll point and shutting down DSRC when exiting the vicinity of the toll point.
Jim Eden president and CEO of the Alliance for Toll Interoperability commented: "Tim has done a great job with Omni-Air in particular in starting a viable testing entity. We will all miss his leadership here. GeoToll will be one of several multi-protocol technologies that I have heard will be tested over the next year or so. It is good to hear that they will be working with toll agencies during their development. The transition requirements, customer acceptance, cost and potential business rule changes will determine what technologies take on."
