User:El morro711/sandbox/Electronic license plate

An electronic license plate  (also referred to as digital display license plate) is an identification sign mounted on vehicles that emits wireless signals used for tracking and digital monitoring services. Various patents that include advanced features have been published with the intent of replacing traditional metal license plates. The electronic license plate has a complex design that works directly with the vehicle's computer system and can communicate with outside sources that can remotely access it for the regulation of vehicle use.

Concept
Inventor Dean L. Naddeo published a patent on June 11, 2002, for the improvement of existing license plates. Naddeo’s intentions was to create a further use of the traditional license plates, which can potentially maximize its ability. It can serve a greater use by lowering crime, lowering cost and replacing other forms of identification(such as algorithms) by introducing electronic monitoring.

Features
The electronic license plate has very advanced features compared to the traditional license plate. It functions more than just a identification sign in where it can also give information, be used for pre-paid services, and a more beneficial form of security.

Information
Information can be looked up only for legal purposes due to privacy regulations. Very specific information can be acquired from a running vehicle remotely and can be as specific as speed, time and position. Such information is beneficial for patrolling highways to reduce speed violations and increase safety. Simpler information such as car identification number, date of expired registration, proof of insurance and legal status are displayed digitally to the screen.

Pre-paid services
Services can be prepaid digitally and updated automatically which is extremely beneficial because it saves time. Vehicle registration is the primary service that can be renewed instantly. Parking permits can be also associated with the license plates and can monitored remotely. Toll fees can also be pre-paid because the license plate can communicate with the global positioning system (GPS) to setting up routes and calculate cost of travel; and will send signal for payment as it passes through the toll road.

Security
Security can be improved by the electronic license plate because it can reduce the chances for a criminal to flee a scene if a vehicle is in an accident or associated with a crime by emitting a signal of collision or crime; it directly identifies the vehicle's involvement. If not identified on the scene the license plate holds it in memory and displays a digital alert. Surveillance is also benefits from this advanced technology because the electronic license plate emits a signal captured by surveillance equipment instead of a distorted image.

Design
The electronic license plate is a 12 -by-16 inch digital display with a rectangular housing similar to the traditional license plate. It is powered directly from the vehicle's power system and can communicate with the vehicle's computer. The internal components fit inside the housing and are set together in a circuits critical for the functions of this technology.

Internal

 * Central Computer System- processing unit information and send out information to external sources and sends information to be displayed on the screen
 * Memory Chip (key)- stores information (vehicle registrations, identification numbers, state of issue, expiration date, also includes restrictions)
 * Identifying Key-  specification information of vehicle that detects for specific vehicle(tamper proof hardware)
 * Disabling Unit- sensor that detects tampering; if tampering is sense vehicles is disabled and send signal to the central computer system and ignition disrupter
 * Ignition Disrupter- connection directly to the vehicle's ignition system (used to disable vehicle) ; does not allow vehicle to be turned on when tampering is detected

External

 * Display- digital display identical  to conventional license plates, displays license plate number, a state of issue, and an expiration date

Privacy
Privacy is a major factor why electronic license plates are not out to the public. Since hacking and identity fraud is a issue it has lead in-depth testing and development. For consumer privacy, information will only be sent out when the vehicle is involved with any violations or illegal activities. It is now made with tamper-resistant hardware to prevent information from being acquired from unauthorized parties. The vehicle can be disabled automatically if any tampering is sensed for example, the removal of an electronic plate will disable a vehicle making it difficult for identity theft. Tampering to avoid payments, violations or crime will alarm law enforcement to lower risk for both sides the consumer and third parties.

Future
Two states in the United States are reaching out for an alternative of metal license plate. The governor of California has set up the program, California’s Electronic License Plate Pilot Program, that will test alternatives for traditional license plates. In 2017, California is expects to issue electronic license plates to a limited amount of volunteers for the testing of this new technology. The main reason for California's interest for an alternative is to reduce tax payers expense, and has been calculated to reduce $20 million spent by the Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) once becoming digital. South Carolina is the next state that has shown interest into alternative and also have set pilot programs and is following the same steps as California.