This paper focuses on current research efforts in the field of automatic vehicle identification (AVI) within the Heavy Vehicle Electronic License Plate (HELP) program. HELP is developing a commercial vehicle monitoring and management system integrating AVI with weigh-in-motion, automatic vehicle classification and a computerized communications network. A primary emphasis to date in the HELP program has been technology research and development, with AVI being central to this effort. Initial research, undertaken by CRC, has led to the development of a radio frequency based, open specification for an AVI system representing the technological state-of-the-art.
However, in parallel with the HELP AVI research, the American Trucking Association (ATA) has recently adopted its own radio frequency identification (RFID) equipment standard. A new research effort is therefore being performed by CRC to develop compatible AVI standards meeting the requirements of both the ATA and HELP.
A second additional area of research, currently being undertaken by CRC, is the development of a beacon-based AVI system, based on the existing HELP AVI specification. This AVI beacon will be placed on a state line and will broadcast a location, date and time marker message to a truck's onboard computer (OBC). This is just one in a broad range of possible IVHS applications capable of utilizing such a roadside-to-vehicle communications channel.
This paper describes the earlier HELP AVI research efforts as a background to the two current AVI initiatives. Each of these initiatives is also discussed including project methodologies, results so far and expected results.