System and method for collecting vehicle road-use and parking fees and for monitoring vehicular regulatory compliance

• US 7,237,715 B1
• Filed: 08/10/2000
• Issued: 07/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dr. Paul A. Firestone
• Original Assignee: Dr. Paul A. Firestone
• Inventors: Firestone, Paul A
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Michael G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FRANKLIN, JAMARA ALZAIDA
• Application Number:
  US09/635,624
• Time in Patent Office: 2,518 Days
• Field of Search: 235/384, 235/375, 340 101- 106, 705/13
• US Class Current: 235/384
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/063 using wireless information transmission between the vehicle and a fixed station identification of vehicles G08G

Abstract

The invention proposes a new and novel method to collect fees (or tolls) for road-usage and to make toll-booths unnecessary and obsolete. Monies thus collected by this invention can be used for maintenance and construction of all highways, bridges, tunnels, roads and city streets. The invention re-designs the method of toll-collection which insures a more equitable sharing by all owners of vehicles who use these roads under a variety of conditions.

Claims

1. A method for collecting vehicle road-use and parking fees and for monitoring vehicular regulatory compliance, comprising the steps of:

(a) implanting a plurality of passive signaling devices on every vehicle registered in the United States, Canada and Mexico;

(b) issuing a mandatory unique vehicle identification code for each vehicle by a central motor vehicle registration agency, said code associated with the vehicle'"'"'s vehicle identification number and with the registered owner of the vehicle;

(c) associating said code with said signaling devices;

(d) inputting information concerning said vehicle to said central agency, said information comprising vehicle title, insurance, driver license information, inspection and emissions;

(e) establishing an account at said central agency for the purpose of paying road-use and parking fees incurred by said vehicle during a period of time, said account not requiring a subscription;

(f) placing fixed vehicle code readers in selected areas near bridges, tunnels and highways;

(g) equipping traffic managers with mobile vehicle code readers;

(h) reading said identification code with said fixed or mobile vehicle code readers;

(i) communicating said identification code and a date and time to said central agency;

(j) using said code to charge said account with road-use and parking fees incurred by said vehicle during a period of time, which road-use fees include additional fees according to the number of vehicle axles and vehicle weight;

(k) using said code to monitor and verifying vehicular regulatory compliance relating to insurance, emissions, registration and title matters; and

(l) issuing a periodic report to the title owner of the vehicle containing identifications of time, place, fee charges and account balance.