Abstract:
An automatic identification apparatus includes a control module configured as an integrated component of a vehicle and an electrical power interface receptive to a power signal from the vehicle. The electrical power interface provides electrical power to the control module. The automatic identification apparatus also includes an antenna electrically connected to the control module. The antenna transmits a radio wave indicative of a unique identification. The antenna is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle and is located to communicate the radio wave external of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus further includes a memory interface assembly configured as an integrated component of the vehicle. The memory interface assembly is receptive to a memory device encoded with the unique identification. The memory interface assembly communicates the unique identification to the control module when the memory device is received in the memory interface assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to radio frequency-based identification and, more specifically, to vehicle-integrated automatic identification using radio frequency transmission. 
         [0002]    Electronic toll collection systems seek to reduce the wait time for vehicles travelling on toll roads by providing access to dedicated travel lanes for subscribers who pay a use fee for this access. A toll collection service provider supplies subscribers with transponder units that utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate with RFID reader devices installed at dedicated travel lanes. 
         [0003]    A conventional transponder unit is approximately the size of a deck of cards and is typically mailed to a user upon subscribing to an electronic toll collection service. Once received, the subscriber is provided with instructions to secure the transponder unit to an upper portion of a driver-side front windshield using adhesive tape and fastening material, such as Velcro™. Due to its size and relative placement on the vehicle&#39;s front windshield, the transponder unit is not only obstructive to the vehicle operator&#39;s view, but it is unsightly as well. 
         [0004]    As an alternative, some subscribers choose to leave the transponder unit unanchored on the dashboard of the vehicle; however, the extra distance created between the unit&#39;s location on the dashboard (as compared to the intended installation on an upper driver-side front windshield) and the reader device at the toll collection system&#39;s dedicated travel lane may effectively cast the unit out of communicative range of the reader device, thereby rendering the unit inoperative. Furthermore, unless the transponder unit is removed from the dashboard before and after its immediate use, the unit tends to slide back and forth along the length of the dashboard while the vehicle is in operation or is thrust from the dashboard onto the seat or floor of the vehicle. 
         [0005]    Regardless of whether the transponder unit is affixed to the vehicle windshield or is placed freestanding on the vehicle dashboard, the unit remains highly visible to passersby, thereby rendering it subject to theft. While the fastening material provided with the unit enables removal and portability of the transponder unit between vehicles, the same issues of safety, unsightliness, and unwanted visibility remain. 
         [0006]    Conventional transponders are manufactured as disposable units with a limited lifespan that generally corresponds with the life of their internal batteries. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a conventional transponder  100  includes various elements, such as a control module  106 , an antenna  110 , a memory device  104 , and a battery  108  that are each communicatively coupled to one another via wiring. These elements are accommodated within a sealed housing  102 , such that they are non-removable and non-replaceable by their subscribing end users. Thus, when the battery  108  of the unit loses power or the device otherwise breaks down, the end user must acquire a new transponder from an electronic toll collection service provider. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automatic identification apparatus is provided. The automatic identification apparatus includes a control module configured as an integrated component of a vehicle, and an electrical power interface receptive to an electrical power signal provided from the vehicle. The electrical power interface is electrically connected to the control module to provide electrical power thereto. The electrical power interface is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus also includes a radio frequency identification antenna electrically connected to the control module. The radio frequency identification antenna is responsive to the control module for transmitting a radio wave indicative of a unique identification. The radio frequency identification antenna is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle and is located to communicate the radio wave external of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus further includes a memory interface assembly configured as an integrated component of the vehicle. The memory interface assembly is receptive to a memory device encoded with the unique identification. The memory interface assembly is electrically connected to the control module for communicating the unique identification from the memory device when the memory device is received in the memory interface assembly to the control module. 
         [0008]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a rear-view mirror assembly is provided. The rear-view mirror assembly includes a mirror housing, a mirror element disposed within a surface opening in the minor housing, and a mounting structure that secures the minor housing to a vehicle. The rear-view minor assembly also includes an automatic identification apparatus that is integrally formed with one of the mirror housing and the mounting structure. The automatic identification apparatus includes a mirror housing, a mirror element disposed within a surface opening in the mirror housing, a mounting structure configured to secure the minor housing to a vehicle, and an automatic identification apparatus integrally formed with the minor housing. The automatic identification apparatus includes a control module, and an electrical power interface receptive to an electrical power signal provided from the vehicle. The electrical power interface is electrically connected to the control module to provide electrical power thereto. The automatic identification apparatus also includes a radio frequency identification antenna electrically connected to the control module. The radio frequency identification antenna responsive to the control module transmits a radio wave indicative of a unique identification. The radio frequency identification antenna is located to communicate the radio wave external of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus further includes a memory interface assembly receptive to a memory device encoded with the unique identification. The memory interface assembly is electrically connected to the control module for communicating the unique identification from the memory device when the memory device is received in the memory interface assembly to the control module. 
         [0009]    According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an automatic identification apparatus is provided. The automatic identification apparatus includes a control module configured as an integrated component of a vehicle, and an electrical power interface receptive to an electrical power signal provided from the vehicle. The electrical power interface is electrically connected to the control module to provide electrical power thereto. The electrical power interface is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus also includes a radio frequency identification antenna electrically connected to the control module. The radio frequency identification antenna responsive to the control module transmits a radio wave indicative of a unique identification. The radio frequency identification antenna is configured as an integrated component of the vehicle and located to communicate the radio wave external of the vehicle. The automatic identification apparatus further includes a wireless adapter communicatively coupled to the control module. The wireless adapter is configured to receive the unique identification over a wireless network and communicate the unique identification to the control module. 
         [0010]    Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with the advantages and the features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The forgoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a conventional vehicle transponder; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts a block diagram of an exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of an exemplary rear-view mirror assembly; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the exemplary rear-view mirror assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of an exemplary vehicle console; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts a block diagram of an alternative exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    An exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus and a rear-view mirror assembly incorporating the same are provided. The integrated automatic identification apparatus (also referred to herein as “integrated vehicle transponder”) enables subscribers of electronic toll collection services to access dedicated toll lanes without the requirement of bulky transponder units which, due to their size and placement on a windshield or dashboard of a vehicle, can be unsafe and unsightly. The exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus is integrated with a vehicle, e.g., either during manufacture of the vehicle or as an aftermarket event, and is coupled to a power source that is internal to the vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for a separate battery which effectively increases its lifespan. The integration of the apparatus in the vehicle results in a visually discreet structure that is not easily detectable by individuals outside of the vehicle, thereby impeding theft of the apparatus. These and other features of the exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus will now be described. 
         [0019]    While the exemplary integrated automatic identification apparatus may be disposed anywhere in the vehicle that is capable of communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device (i.e., any area of the vehicle within communicative range of the RFID reader device), exemplary embodiments are described herein with respect to a rear-view mirror assembly (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and a vehicle console (shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary integrated vehicle transponder for use in electronic toll collection is generally shown at  200 . The integration of the transponder elements into the vehicle, as described more fully below, is an important feature of the present invention. The integrated vehicle transponder includes a control module  202  and an antenna  204 . The control module  202  may be of the same type presently found in the above-described prior art discrete transponders. For example, the control module  202  includes a processor or logic controller, a modulator, a demodulator, a receiver, a transmitter, and a ground unit. The antenna  204  may be a ferrite core antenna or any suitable antenna used in radio frequency transmissions. 
         [0021]    A communications component, such as an electrical wire  206  carrying power from the vehicle is connected through an electrical power interface  208  and a power converter  209  to the control module  202  for powering the same. In cases where the power from the vehicle is at the proper voltage for powering the control module  202 , the power converter  209  may be omitted. This departs from the prior art discrete transponders, which have an internal battery for providing power. Proving vehicle power to the integrated vehicle transponder, rather than relying on a separate battery, alleviates any concerns of the battery dying, which would require replacement of the prior art discrete transponder itself. 
         [0022]    The electrical power interface  208  may be implemented as an electro-mechanical device configured to join one or more electrical circuits between the control module  202  (or power converter  209 ) and the vehicle&#39;s power source. 
         [0023]    The integrated vehicle transponder of  FIG. 2  also includes a memory interface assembly  211 , which is communicatively coupled via wiring  207  to the control module  202 . The memory interface assembly  211  is configured to receive a removable memory device  210  and is described further herein. 
         [0024]    The removable memory device  210  includes memory for storing subscriber identification information. The subscriber identification information is unique to each subscriber and defines the information transmitted by the control module  202  through the antenna  204 . The removable memory device  210  may be similar in structure to a subscriber identity module (SIM) card such as commonly found in cellular telephones (e.g., as defined by ISO/IEC 7810, an international organization that defines standards for the physical characteristics used in identification cards), although other removable programmed memory microchips may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
         [0025]    The removable memory device  210  serves the same function as the permanently installed memory of the prior art discrete transponders, i.e., storing subscriber identification information. The use of the removable memory device  210  allows the regulating authority of the electronic toll collection service provider to continue to control and assign subscriber identification information without having to provide the entire transponder unit. The regulating authority can simply provide to its subscribers (typically via shipping) the removable memory device  210 , which may be the size of a SIM card as compared to the bulkier conventional transponder units, thereby resulting in a substantial reduction in cost to the regulating authority in terms of shipping costs incurred. 
         [0026]    Portions of the exemplary integrated vehicle transponder, i.e., the control module  202 , antenna  204 , electrical power interface  208 , the power converter  209  (if applicable), and the memory interface assembly  211 , are integrally formed with the vehicle, which portions are shown generally at  201  in  FIG. 2 . The control module  202 , antenna  204 , electrical power interface  208 , power converter  209 , memory interface assembly  211 , and any corresponding circuitry may be formed directly on a component of a vehicle, such that the location of the antenna  204  is within communicative range of a RFID reader device. Alternatively, the integrated vehicle transponder components may be applied or affixed to a base structure or material (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), which is then integrated within the vehicle as a single unit using any form of fixing elements, e.g., screws, adhesive, etc. The antenna  204  may be implemented using wire or may be printed on the substrate using conductive ink. 
         [0027]    As indicated above, the exemplary integrated vehicle transponder may be disposed anywhere in the vehicle that is capable of communicating with a RFID reader device. Exemplary embodiments are provided herein with respect to a rear-view mirror assembly and vehicle console, as will now be described. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an exemplary rear-view mirror assembly  300 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the exemplary rear-view minor assembly  300  of  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an exemplary vehicle console. 
         [0029]    The rear-view minor assembly  300  includes a mirror housing  302  and a mirror element  304  that is disposed within a surface opening in the minor housing  302 . The rear-view mirror assembly  300  also includes a mounting structure  306  configured to secure the mirror housing  302  to a front windshield (not shown) or frame of a vehicle. The minor housing  302  incorporates the integrated vehicle transponder shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the memory interface assembly  211  is disposed in a lower portion of the mirror housing  302  in an area that does not interfere with the operation of the mirror element  304 . The memory interface assembly  211  may be implemented using a variety of techniques. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the memory interface assembly  211  includes a housing formed by sidewalls  314  and an opening  308  or slot formed therein. Alternatively, the receiving arrangement may include a housing formed by a plurality of sidewalls and an opening configured to receive a drawer having a compartment in which the removable memory device  210  is placed (not shown). 
         [0031]    The opening  308  of the memory interface assembly  211  is visible on a cabin-facing surface  404  of the mirror housing  302 . The memory interface assembly  211  is affixed to, or formed integral with, at least a portion of the minor housing  302 . It will be understood that the memory interface assembly  211  of the integrated vehicle transponder may be attached at any location in the minor housing  302  using any fixing means, such as adhesive material or screws. 
         [0032]    The memory interface assembly  211  may also include a fixing element (not shown) configured to frictionally engage the removable memory device  210  in the housing. For example, the fixing element may be a detent. The alternative receiving arrangement described above, which includes the drawer, may also include a fixing element configured to frictionally engage the drawer in the housing. 
         [0033]    The memory interface assembly  211  may be manufactured to have a size commensurate with the minimum requirements needed to house the removable memory device  210 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the control module  202 , antenna  204 , electrical power interface  208 , power converter  209 , and memory interface assembly  211  are disposed on a substrate  312 . The antenna  204  is disposed on a surface  410  of the substrate  312  facing away from the vehicle cabin in order to provide increased communication capabilities with a RFID reader device. At least a portion of the rear-view mirror assembly  300  includes non-metallic material, in order to provide a communication pathway between the antenna  204  of the integrated vehicle transponder and a RFID reader device installed at a dedicated travel lane. Alternatively, the antenna  204  may be disposed at the mounting structure  306 . As shown in  FIG. 4  for illustrative purposes, each of the control module  202 , antenna  204 , electrical power interface  208 , power converter  209 , and memory interface assembly  211 , along with corresponding circuitry, is disposed on the surface  410  of the substrate  312  that faces away from the vehicle cabin. The wire  206 , which couples the integrated vehicle transponder to the vehicle&#39;s power source, runs from the electrical power interface  208  and power converter  209  through the mounting structure  306  to the vehicle&#39;s power supply. 
         [0035]    The substrate  312  is formed integrally with the memory interface assembly  211 , and a wire  207  communicatively couples the control module  202  on the substrate  312  to the memory interface assembly  211 , as well as the removable memory device  210  when it is engaged in the memory interface assembly  211 . 
         [0036]    A portion of the memory interface assembly  211  having the opening  308  is formed with, or affixed to, a cabin facing surface  404  of the mirror housing  302 , and a sidewall  314  of the memory interface assembly  211  that opposes the portion having the opening  308  is formed with, or affixed to, a cabin facing surface  408  of the substrate  312 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the wire  207  couples the control module  202  to the memory interface assembly  211 , such that when the removable memory device  210  is disposed in the memory interface assembly  211 , the removable memory device  210  communicatively couples with the control module  202  via the wire  207 , and the control module&#39;s  202  processor retrieves the unique identification from the removable memory device  210  and provides the unique identification to the antenna  204 , which in turn, transmits the unique identification to the reader device when the vehicle is in communicative range thereof. The specified radio frequency may be established by the electronic toll collection system provider or other agency. 
         [0038]    In operation, an individual in a vehicle inserts the removable memory device  210  into the opening  308  to utilize the electronic toll collection system services and may remove the memory device  210  when desired or when the memory device  210  is needed for use in a different vehicle. Alternatively, the removable memory device  210  may be housed in the memory interface assembly  211  indefinitely as desired by the subscriber. Thus, the electronic toll collection system services are portable across any vehicle having the integrated vehicle transponder integrated therein. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a plan view of a portion of a vehicle including the exemplary integrated vehicle transponder is provided. As shown in  FIG. 5 , each of the components of the integrated vehicle transponder (i.e., control module  202 , electrical power interface  208 , power converter  209 , and memory interface assembly  211 ) is integrated within a console  550  of the vehicle with the exception of the antenna  204 , which is housed in a rear-view mirror  560 , and may be electrically connected to the control module  202  via wiring. 
         [0040]    Similar to the rear-view minor assembly depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the integrated vehicle transponder described in  FIG. 5  (with the exception of the antenna  204 ) may be directly formed internally with respect to the vehicle console  550  or may be disposed on a substrate and affixed to an internal portion of the vehicle console  550 . Likewise, the antenna  204  may be integrally formed within a housing of the rear-view mirror  560 . 
         [0041]    The memory interface assembly  211  is configured with the vehicle console  550 , such that an opening  308  is formed on a cabin facing surface  570  of the vehicle console  550  to receive the removable memory device  210 . 
         [0042]    An alternative exemplary integrated vehicle transponder is shown in  FIG. 6 . The exemplary integrated vehicle transponder is configured to implement a one-time set up process using wireless communications between the integrated vehicle transponder and a mobile communication device of the user. The one-time set up process includes delivery of the subscriber&#39;s unique identification from the mobile communication device to the integrated vehicle transponder, which is then stored by the integrated vehicle transponder and transmitted to the reader device when the reader device is in range of the vehicle. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the integrated vehicle transponder for use in electronic toll collection is generally shown at  600 . The integrated vehicle transponder includes a control module  602 , an antenna  604 , an electrical power interface  608 , and a power converter  609 . The control module  602 , antenna  604 , electrical power interface  608 , and power converter  609  are formed integrally with the vehicle as shown generally at  601 , and are configured substantially the same as their counterparts described in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0044]    A communications component, such as an electrical wire  606  carrying power from the vehicle is connected through the electrical power interface  608  and the power converter  609  to the control module  602  for powering the same. In cases where the power from the vehicle is at the proper voltage for powering the control module  602 , the power converter  609  may be omitted. 
         [0045]    The integrated vehicle transponder of  FIG. 6  also includes a wireless interface and memory  642 . The wireless interface and memory  642  includes a built-in radio transmitter and receiver, along with circuitry that supports short range communication protocols, such as Bluetooth™. The memory portion of the wireless interface and memory  642  receives and stores the unique identification information of the subscriber. 
         [0046]    Also shown in  FIG. 6  is a mobile communications device  644 . The mobile communications device  644  may be a smart phone that includes short-range wireless communications capabilities, such as Bluetooth™. 
         [0047]    In operation, when a user subscribes to the electronic toll services, the user may be supplied with a unique identification that is used to identify the subscriber to the electronic toll collection services. The unique identification may be entered into the mobile communications device  644  via, e.g., a specialized mobile phone application, and when the mobile communications device  644  is in communicative range of the vehicle, the mobile communications device  644  initiates a pairing operation with the wireless interface and memory  642  through respective communications protocols. Once the mobile communications device  644  has successfully paired with the integrated vehicle transponder, the unique identification is wirelessly transmitted from the mobile communications device  644  to the wireless interface and memory  642  by way of a mobile application (software program) residing on the mobile communications device  644  and is stored therein. When the vehicle is in communicative range of a reader device at an electronic toll collection service plaza, the control module  602  retrieves the unique identification from the wireless interface and memory  642  and conveys the unique identification to the reader device via the antenna  604 . Alternatively, in lieu of storing the unique subscriber identification at the removable memory device described hereinbefore, the unique subscriber identification stored at a mobile communications device  644  may be accessed, by way of a mobile application (software program) residing on the mobile communications device  644 , constantly or when requested. 
         [0048]    The exemplary integrated vehicle transponder of  FIG. 6  may be configured as an integrated component of a rear-view mirror assembly similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , or may be integrated within a vehicle console similar to that depicted in  FIG. 5 , so long as the antenna  604  is located within communicative range of the reader device. 
         [0049]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0050]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated 
         [0051]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just one example. There may be many variations to this diagram or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0052]    While the preferred embodiment to the invention had been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.