The concept of intelligent transportation does not emerge suddenly. It did not go well not only because it lacked effective data collection sensors and equipment but also because it relied deeply on image recognition technology, which is prone to be affected by the environment. But now, it is very likely to break the deadlock by making good use of eTag, which serves over 5.8 million users.
YDT, founded in 1989 as a subsidiary of Far Eastern Group to develop security and surveillance solutions primarily, has gained experience and know-how by cooperating with Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co, Ltd. in implementing ETC, developing OBU, and RFID solutions. YDT has been acquiring more and more knowledge and competence in the ITS market gradually and rolling out more and more derivative applications.
Eric Wu, Director of YDT's Operation & Projects Department, indicated that one of the important elements of developing ITS is to install a detection device in the car for gathering information, and this will facilitate subsequent applications. Therefore, an OBU is not only a highway toll collection device, but also an independent account made for every car that can be used as an e-wallet for parking, refueling and other commercial purposes, as well as applications like emergency assistance and road planning. Its potential can be maximized in every way.
Due to the high cost of OBUs, it is not easy to expand their penetration; ETC in other countries has faced similar obstacles. Therefore, YDT assisted Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co, Ltd. in developing their own RFID-based ETC system and constructed 319 gantries. With this experience, YDT also has built up its foundation for developing specialized RFID tags as a unique type of "OBU" for high-speed tolling environment. And because of the low cost of producing eTag, Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co, Ltd. decided to absorb the cost itself and offered free installation for vehicles installing it for the first time. Up to January 2014, the ETC usage rate reached to 92%, with six million vehicles having installed it.
The Pioneer in RFID-Based Multi-Lane Free Flow ETC
Eric Wu pointed out that having dealt with numerous users, gained much experience in developing anti-interference RFID and acquired the capability of gathering information accurately, YDT has been inspired and started to develop ITS applications. It was thought to be difficult to implement these applications, but they have now been put into practice gradually. For the government sector, YDT applied their solutions to assist Taoyuan County in building up a system for estimating average travel time on central expressways. Besides, YDT also has expanded into the commercial market, starting from smart parking solutions for Farglory Smart Mansion and then Taichung Veterans General Hospital, etc., as well as other massive projects, such as the one at TSMC's 2,000-space parking lot that allows the gate to open faster, shows drivers the routes to the parking spaces, and provides parking space information with their integrated RFID and ANPR technology. YDT has proven its abilities on the ITS market and smart parking solutions with those outstanding works.
In the near future, once Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Financial Supervisory Commission approve the use of eTag as a cash equivalent, eTag will then become a convenient alternative payment method. For example, gas station could charge drivers via their eTag accounts based on the amount of gas that has been fueled and save their waiting time on making payments. In addition, drivers could enter parking lots faster without rolling down the window to get the ticket/token as well as putting in paid tickets/token on their way out. This represents a whole new parking solution in a better, greener, cost effective operation scheme.
Eric Wu emphasized that the RFID-Based Multi-Lane Free Flow ETC in Taiwan is definitely the first in the world, especially when fee-charging demands accuracy and precision that is not easy to achieve. In order to solve the RF radio wave overflow problem, YDT has been well-experienced in every perspective. No matter in measuring, planning, designing the antenna angles and power adjustment, YDT has made it all workable in both the domestic and overseas markets.
Lynette Wu, Marketing Manager of YDT, indicated that they have been known and gotten opportunities in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Eastern Europe and other markets by cooperating with local partners, exhibitions, paper releases and speeches. Also, they assist in setting up a highway toll system in one of South Asia countries and will be launched soon.
Moreover, YDT is planning to participate and exhibit in 21st ITS World Congress - Detroit 2014 by presenting the RFID-based ETC solution and their internally-developed Lane System Integration Platform, Mediation Platform and the EMD (Electronic Metal Detector) device. As for Taiwan, they will present a concise and user-friendly Plug & Play RFID parking management system in December 2014 at Taipei International Building, Construction and Decoration Exhibition. YDT is aiming to win domestic and overseas user's favor with their products and know-how with description of practical cases.
YDY Technology creates a variety of ITS total solutions based on superior RFID technology
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