The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 15, 2021
Filed:
Mar. 02, 2016
Amtech Systems, Llc, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Kelly Gravelle, Poway, CA (US);
John Todd Elson, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Greg Lantz, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Michael Melville, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Paul Hamel, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Amtech Systems, LLC, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Abstract
A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.