Indra's extensive experience in the Infrastructures market and its noteworthy experience in applying state-of-the-art technologies to highways have allowed us to design and implement the free-flow gate, an electronic toll system that eliminates any barrier or toll lane, permitting the free flow of vehicles and avoiding congestion caused by traditional toll collection processes. The term Free-Flow implies that traffic does not stop or decelerate because the vehicle is detected, classified and identified automatically in real time, allowing for free driving, without the need for reducing speed or changing lanes.
The collection point is comprised of a metallic or gate structure that covers various lanes and is fitted with sensors that comprise the solution’s different modules.
The module responsible for automatically detecting and classifying vehicles (VDAC) uses laser sensors that detect the vehicle, calculate its speed and dimensions and extract a 3D profile. All of that information is processed by proprietary algorithms based on neural networks that make it possible to classify vehicles into predetermined categories. Optionally, this module makes it possible to integrate other types of sensors such as smart loops and piezoelectric sensors placed in the asphalt.
The electronic toll collection (ETC) modules makes it possible to automatically identify the vehicle through communication based on a microwave link that is created between an antenna placed on the gate and the device onboard the vehicle (TAG). Upon passing under the gate a transaction is generated that is subsequently used at a back office level for the toll collection process.
The violator enforcement system (VES) module makes it possible to identify users who cross the collection point without a valid payment method. To do so, the system captures a front and rear image of the vehicle making it possible to automatically read the license plate with recognition software.
The multi-lane controller (MLC) is responsible for processing all of this information in real time, correlating it, generating a transaction and sending it to a higher level. Since this is a completely unmanned system that doesn't require an operator and given the demanding levels of electronic toll collection, the system offers: high availability through a redundant setup that avoids a single point of failure, high accuracy in generating the transaction, high malfunction tolerance, operation in degraded mode and integration with the central monitoring system.
The processes of continuous improvement, constant innovation and application of state-of-the-art technologies position the free-flow gate at the cutting-edge of toll collection solutions. Additionally, its modular and flexible design makes it highly adaptable to project requirements and allows it to implement other applications, such as detecting oversized vehicles, detecting vehicles carrying hazardous goods, performing traffic audits for the authorities or for third parties, obtaining traffic statistics (IMD, number of occupants, speed, etc.), and detecting restricted vehicles, among others.
