E L E C T R O N I C V E H I C L E R E G I S T R A T I O N S Y S T E M applications
FALCON System - Vehicles Registration System FALCON system enables registration, vehicles identification and automatic permission for the vehicle to pass it has the right for that. System operation is based on UHF RFID technology and passive devices for the vehicles information transmission. Basic elements of RFID system for vehicles registration are RFID TAG (hereinafter TAG) and RFID reader (hereinafter reader). TAG is part of the system that is positioned into the vehicle with the unique TAG number (ID TAG number) recorded in the integrated chip at the TAG itself. The reader is a device positioned at he place of registration and its task is to register TAGs occuring in the system operation zone. Also, on the basis of TAG registration, i.e. vehicles arrival detection, it is possible to ensure that the reader generates commands by which the barriers are lifted to let the vehicles pass through if they are permitted. ID TAG number cannot be changed or deleted. Vehicles registration system, beside the basic registration devices, i.e. RFID reader and TAG, has PC applications for data manipulation like: application for data colleting from the reader, database for the information storage and user application analysis of registration data. ID TAG number is connected in database with the vehicle data: vehicle type, registration number, access permission, etc. Data on registered TAG (ID TAG number, place and time of registration) are stored into data base after vehicle registration (TAG) by the reader. Through user application, and on the basis of data from data base it is possible to perform vehicle registration survey, generate report and analyze vehicle presence in the zone of interest. RFID technology operating in UHF spectrum ensures fast and efficient way of vehicle registration while moving w/out any activity of the man being in the registration process. Registration is performed w/out any contact, i.e. through communication of passive device (TAG) in the vehicle and active system (reader) at the place of vehicle registration. RFID system operation principle is based on remote contactless, i.e. RF (radiofrequency) communication between the reader and TAG. The reader initiates communication with TAG in the zone of reader operation, and then TAG sends data to reader with unique ID TAG number. TAG can be detected by the reader on distances up to 10 m, with maximum detection distance of TAG depending on power radiation, TAG type, antenna position, system operation environment etc. Technical specification of FALCON RFID reader FALCON system for vehicles passing through registration is based on RFID UHF reader i.e. FALCON v2.1 RFID module. Basic technical characteristics of FALCON v2.1 RFID module are as follows: Operation with passive UHF RFID tags (256 and 64kbita/sec data transmission speed); Operation in free ISM UHF range from 865 to 868MHz, as well as from 869.4 to 869.65MHz; Operation in impulse and continious range of RF radiation TAGs power supply; Module maximum RF radiation power can be set for operation up to 2W; Device operation per standard: 0.5W RF emission power with 10% activities within time; Radiation power can be controlled by software up to maximum radiation power; Device operates in configuration with two antennas: receiver and transmitter with the antennas radiation angles H/V=65º/65º; Commands could be given through 3 independent commands outputs (3V CMOS) for barrier activation, etc. Active level could be defined for each command output, impulse duration, etc. ; Information processing option on condition of 3 external input digital signals (3V CMOS); The reader contains permanent memory where system data are kept, necessary for device operation, i.e. address (number of readers in the vehicles registration system) and configuration parameters (radiation power level, decision range, operation mode, operation frequency, TAG type, filtering time, etc.); Local TAG database can be set in device permanent memory with access permission, i.e. ID numbers for 1000 TAGs with access permission could be recorded. For each ID tag number recorded from the local database of TAGs with access permission it is possible to set the manner of giving command during TAG registration by the reader; 1
Device contains standard RS232 series communication for connection with central computer (supervision center). Module link with remote center can be made through GPRS terminal (GSM/SPRS communications), LAN or wireless LAN; Power supply 9VDC / 1.5A. TAG technical specification TAG is a part of RFID identifcation system, keeping permanent information on vehicle identification (ID TAG number). ID TAG number cannot be changed, deleted or copied. On reader`s request, TAG sends ID number, ensuring TAG identification, i.e. the vehicle with that TAG. FALCON system operates with UHF RFID passive TAGs ensuring the following advantages in comparison with RFID tags with other operation ranges and other registration and identification systems: Vehicles registration (TAG) w/out human intervention i.e. assistance in the registration process; Vehicles registration (TAG) at a few meters distances (distance between TAG reader`s antenna); Vehicles registration (TAG) while moving; Operation of TAG w/out its own energy source (batteries, solar cells, etc.) There are several TAG types supported by FALCON system: 1. TAG type in the form of a sticker (dimensions 170 x 10 x 0.1mm) which is put at the internal side of the vehicle glass. TAG size and position do not interrupt traffic security; 2. TAG type in robust box (dimensions 235 x 45 x 30 mm, weight 300 g) for installation at the external side of the vehicle, in the vehicle`s interior, i.e. in the bad detection conditions or registration on bigger distances; 3. TAG type in the form of plastic card (credit card dimensions). Other characteristics of the registration system based on FALCON reader and TAG FALCON system for vehicle registration contains one pair of antennas (receiver and transmitter) positioned above the place where vehicles are passing or at the side of vehicles route within the system operation zone. After TAG registration by the reader, reader transmits to supervision center the information on ID TAG number that is registered, as well as the time and place of registration. The reader can operate as well in stand-alone mode for the purpose of gate automatic opening, barrier activation, etc. When the vehicles with passing permission come (ID TAG number is registered in the local base of TAGs with passing permission in the reader permanent memory), the reader automatically commands the barrier lifting up or gate opening. Such operation mode (stand-alone) is possible w/out commands of the supervision center or operator. The number of vehicles (TAGs) that FALCON vehicles identification system can detect is not limited. Also, there are no limitations concerning extension of TAGs number, i.e. the number of vehicles that the system supports. Records on new vehicle in the registration system are implemented simply by connecting information on TAG (ID TAG number) data on the vehicle, through user application by a person with special authorization. TAG positioning into a vehicle is done simply, at specified places depending TAG type that is used. Integration of several FALCON systems for vehicles registration on the basis of FALCON v2.1 RFID reader within one unique system is also possible. RFID UHF technology using passive tags ensures operation of the system in all weather conditions, w/out reader and TAGs maintenance, i.e. batteries replacement, etc. FALCON system of vehicles registration can operate 24h a day. 2
FALCON system for vehicles registration Generally speaking, FALCON vehicles registration system contains: Certain number of TAGs necessary for vehicles identification. Each vehicle has with unique ID number. ID TAG number is connected in database with information on vehicle; FALCON device consisting of FALCON reader, set of antennas, RF cables, power supply and other necessary equipment for regular operation of the reader. This device is positioned at every spot chosen for vehicle registration; Communication channel between FALCON reader and central computer for registration data collection. Communication is made by standard RS232 connection if close range is at stake or through relevant media converters, GSM/GPRS/EDGE modules, etc.; Database on server side where data on vehicle registration are stored; Application on server side for data on vehicle registration storage and User application for data survey, analysis and generating report. Pic. 1 General scheme of organization for FALCON vehicle registration system Organization of the vehicle passing through registration spot, i.e. entrance and exit, on the basis of FALCON system is shown on Pic.no. 2. Such system organization is characteristic for entrance or exit gate, registration spot in the public transport vehicles monitoring system, etc. With TAG vehicle entrance into the zone of system operation TAG is detected by the reader. Information on detected TAG (vehicle) is transmitted to central computer for vehicles registration. Each reader in the registration system is defined as the entrance, exit or only as the vehicle registration spot. In close range case (one gate, road, etc.) for entrance and exit of vehicles from the garage or parking place, the organization of FALCON system shown on Pic.no. 3 is used. In this system there are two close ranges for vehicles registration, one for entrance and the other for exit of the vehicle. Possibly short-time of vehicle registration in both ranges is analyzed by application for collection and storage of data into database and it is treated correctly, w/out registration mistake. Application of the company vehicles registration FALCON system enables efficient way of the vehicles entrance and exit registration into for monitoring area of interest (parking, garage, factory ring, etc.) By application of FALCON system for official vehicles and in the zone of interest, the company have information all the time on the number of available vehicles as well as the number of the vehicles being outside. 3
FALCON system is convenient for exploitation in the companies dealing with transport and delivery of goods, shipments etc. Depending on the way of entrance and exit of the vehicles from the zone of monitoring interest, the system is organized as on the Pic.2 or 3. Pic. 2. Organization of FALCON system for vehicles passing through i.e. entrance or exitregistration Application for public transport vehicles registration FALCON system is applied in the public transport systems for vehicles registration and monitoring. Operation of the system for public transport vehicles registration is based on the fact that each vehicle has TAG with unique ID number for identification. Along the vehicles route, for example at the stations, FALCON readers are positioned for registration of vehicles passing through. Data on vehicle registration, i.e. place, time and ID TAG number, are sent to dispatcher center for further processing and traffic analysis. On the basis of data on vehicle registration it is possible to perform analysis of time-table fulfillment, vehicles activity and traffic planning. Pic. 3. Organization of FALCON system for registration of vehicles entrance and exit in close range 4
The basic applications of FALCON system application for public transport vehicles registration are stated hereinafter: 1. Vehicles movement monitoring in the whole public transport system. In this application FALCON readers are positioned at the stations or key positions in the public transport system routes. Each vehicle passing through beside the registration position is registered at dispatcher center for traffic control. All the time there is an information on vehicles distribution in the public transport system. On the basis of daily registrations of the vehicles it is possible to plan dynamics of the public transport vehicles traffic and compose correctly the time-table and vehicles activities. 2. Registration of departure and arrival of the vehicles from starting i.e. last destination stations along the vehicles routes. By positioning of FALCON readers only at he starting and last stations in the public transport system the mechanism of automatic registration, time-table fulfillment and analysis of the vehicles activities during certain period of time is ensured. This application is used in cases where public transport is performed by several companies and where it is necessary to perform analysis of time-table fulfillment and activities of each vehicle. Application of FALCON system in the public transport enables an efficient automatic registration of the vehicles with minimum expenses per vehicle. FALCON system for vehicles registration and automatic gate opening for vehicles with pass permission Beside registration of vehicle entrance, exit or passing beside characteristic position i.e. place of registration FALCON system could be configure with function of autonomous permission for passing through of the vehicles with permission. On Pic.no. 4 the organization of FALCON system for vehicles registration and automatic command for gate opening or barrier lifting is shown in order to let through the vehicles with pass permission. In such organization, FALCON system can operate w/out communication with supervisor (central computer). Within FALCON reader itself it is possible to define up to 1000 vehicles data (by TAGs) with passing through permissions as per which the system decides to let the vehicle through. The system can perform similar function in organization like on the Pic.no. 2 and decision on letting the vehicle pass through is made by central computer and through communication channel sent to FALCON reader. FALOCN reader commands opening the gate and let the vehicle pass through. Such organization enables more flexibility in decisions of letting the vehicles pass through. Pic. 4. Organization of FALCON system for vehicles registration and passing through permission 5
Application of the vehicles automatic passing through FALCON system is applied on registration of vehicles arrival and automatic gates opening or lifting up the barrier at the entrance into garage in dwelling and office buildings as well as to private property. System organization for this application is shown on the Pic.no. 4. Since TAG can be detected on distances up to 10 m, vehicles passing through can be organized w/out stop. Application of the vehicles registration and passing through at public garages FALCON system is used in public garages and parking services. By subscription cards for garages and parkings in the form of TAGs the registration of entrance and exit of the vehicles is ensured, as well as automatic permission for vehicles passing through. Information on the used parking place time on the basis of entrance and exit of the vehicle could be used for collection of relevant expenses to the user. 6
E L E C T R O N I C V E H I C L E R E G I S T R A T I O N S Y S T E M Operating frequency Tags Radiated power (ERP) Read ranges Read rate Tag speed Antenna Communication Power supply 864 MHz - 870 MHz UHF passive tags (EM Microelectronics) up to 2 W up to 8 m (depend on output power level and c up to 200 tags/sec up to 160 km/h two external antennas RS232, GSM, GPRS via Geneko SPARK GPRS terminal or ethernet DC 9V / 1A tennas)