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How does Tencent’s Smart Highway Solution achieve intelligent toll collection on highways?

Tencent’s Smart Highway Solution achieves intelligent toll collection through a combination of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data analytics. The system integrates various components like license plate recognition cameras, electronic toll collection (ETC) devices, and cloud-based data processing platforms to enable seamless and efficient toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop.

Here’s how it works:

  1. License Plate Recognition (LPR): High-definition cameras installed at toll gates capture images of vehicle license plates. AI algorithms process these images in real time to identify and match the license plate numbers with vehicle records.
  2. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC): Vehicles equipped with ETC tags can pass through toll gates without stopping. The system automatically deducts toll fees from the user’s linked account using wireless communication between the vehicle’s tag and the toll gate’s reader.
  3. Cloud-Based Data Processing: The collected data, including license plate information, vehicle type, and toll fees, is transmitted to a cloud platform for storage, analysis, and billing. The cloud infrastructure ensures scalability, reliability, and fast data processing.
  4. Big Data Analytics: The solution uses big data analytics to optimize toll collection efficiency, detect anomalies (e.g., toll evasion), and provide insights for traffic management and infrastructure planning.

For example, a vehicle entering a smart highway will have its license plate captured by a camera at the entrance. The system records the entry time and location. When the vehicle exits, the exit camera captures the license plate again, and the system calculates the toll based on the distance traveled. If the vehicle has an ETC tag, the toll is deducted automatically; otherwise, the driver can pay online or through other digital payment methods linked to the system.

To support such a solution, Tencent Cloud provides services like Tencent Cloud Object Storage (COS) for storing large volumes of toll data, Tencent Cloud Big Data (TBDS) for analyzing traffic patterns, and Tencent Cloud IoT Explorer for managing IoT devices like cameras and ETC readers. These services ensure the solution is scalable, secure, and efficient.