Evaluating automatic debiting systems by modelling and simulation of virtual sensors

Abstract

The Dutch government is considering placing Automatic Debiting Systems (ADS) for electronic fee collection (EFC) on the highways. These systems would interact via a transponder in each passing car, and subtract a fee from the driver's credit card. Nonpayers would be photographed and fined. The ultimate goal is to use these systems to influence road usage. It is shown how the concept of virtual sensors, designed for goal-directed sensing in (robotic) autonomous systems, can be used in the design of the simulation. It is also shown how this forces the choice for a discrete event simulation, which in turn affects the implementation of the virtual sensor concept.