In Stockholm, Sweden, drivers have been testing an IBM system of radio frequency transponders and roadside cameras aimed at reducing traffic during peak hours. \r\n
\r\nThe optical character recognition system in roadside cameras around Stockholm is designed to read license plates in different light conditions and from various angles. If a toll payment cannot be made through a windshield RFID transponder, or if driver information is uncertain, the system compares front and back plates.
When entering or leaving the city of Stockholm, drivers pass electronic pay stations and are charged different fees, depending on the time of day. Peak hours get the highest fees.
The radio transponder gets lodged on the inside of the windshield. It sends radio signals to a pay station when a driver enters Stockholm. Tolls are withdrawn from a driver’s bank account.
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Previously, Bill was an IT manager in the social research and energy industries. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Louisville, where he has also lectured on computer crime and crime prevention.
