Dear
Shri Gadkariji , [
Minister , Road Transport and Highways / nitin.gadkari@nic.in
]
Dr Jitendra Singhji [ Minister for Science and Technology / mos-stes@gov.in
]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the past 2 days , I
pursued with BARD – ChatGPT my chat about this suggestion . This was in
continuation of my following email to you :
Ø Second Step to Integrated
Transport ? ………….. 15 Jan 2024
From my
following chat , you will observe that my suggestion is feasible .
Of course
, it will be necessary to phase it out as follows :
Ø Mandate all 2 – 3 – 4 wheeler
manufacturers to pre-install Micro-controllers in their vehicles , starting 01
April 2026
Ø Mandate all existing vehicles to “
Retrofit “ Micro-controllers into their vehicles by 01 April 2030
With
regards,
Hemen
Parekh / www.HemenParekh.ai
/ 18 Jan 2024
Replies by
BARD ( in response to my question at the
bottom ) :
(
A )
You've raised an interesting
proposition: using a NaVIC-GPS/What3Words/Microcontroller system to collect a
24/7 trans-tax from all 326 million vehicles in India. While technically feasible,
implementing such a system would require careful consideration of several
factors:
Potential
benefits:
·
Revenue
generation:
A trans-tax could provide a significant source of income for infrastructure development, public services, and other government
initiatives.
·
Traffic
management:
Real-time data on vehicle movement could be used to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
·
Environmental
benefits:
Encouraging carpooling and alternative transportation through pricing
could lead to decreased emissions.
Challenges
and considerations:
·
Privacy
concerns:
Continuous tracking of vehicles raises significant privacy concerns that
need to be addressed through robust data
protection measures.
·
Equity and
affordability:
A blanket trans-tax might disproportionately impact low-income
individuals and rural areas. Differential
pricing based on vehicle type, distance
travelled, or income level could be considered.
·
Technological
infrastructure:
Equipping all vehicles with compatible microcontrollers and ensuring
seamless data transmission across India's diverse geography would require significant investment.
·
Public
acceptance:
Gaining public trust and acceptance for such a system necessitates
transparency, clear communication of benefits, and safeguards against misuse.
Alternatives
to consider:
·
Congestion
pricing:
Implementing variable tolls
based on real-time traffic conditions
could achieve similar goals without continuous tracking.
·
Road user
charging:
Charging based on actual road
usage through distance-based tolls or fuel
levies could be a fairer alternative.
·
Public
transportation investment:
Expanding and improving public
transportation options could incentivize
people to reduce car usage.
Ultimately, the decision of whether
or not to implement a 24/7 trans-tax system in India needs to be made through a
democratic and transparent process, considering all potential benefits
and drawbacks. While the technology may be available, ensuring ethical,
equitable, and sustainable implementation is paramount.
Yes, fitting microcontrollers on existing vehicles to communicate with NaVIC
GPS satellites is technically possible, but the ease and expense depend on
several factors:
Factors
affecting ease:
·
Vehicle
type:
Newer cars with
modern wiring harnesses and readily accessible diagnostic ports might be easier to equip compared to older vehicles with
complex electrical systems.
·
Technical
expertise:
Installation requires qualified
technicians with knowledge of car electronics
and the specific microcontroller system being used. DIY attempts are not
recommended unless you have significant experience.
·
Availability
of kits and instructions:
Manufacturers or third-party companies might offer specialized kits and
installation guides for specific car models, which can simplify the process.
Factors
affecting cost:
·
Microcontroller
cost:
The price of the microcontroller itself can vary depending on its
features and capabilities.
·
Installation
labor:
Labor costs will depend on the complexity of the installation,
technician experience, and local rates.
·
Additional
equipment:
Some systems might require additional hardware like antennas or wiring
adapters, adding to the overall cost.
Government
mandates:
It's true that the Indian government
has mandated pre-installation of microcontrollers with GPS capabilities in
certain categories of new vehicles. This simplifies the process for new car
owners but leaves existing vehicles needing retrofits.
Alternatives:
·
OBD-II
adapters:
Some systems utilize existing OBD-II ports in
older vehicles for communication, potentially reducing installation complexity.
·
Aftermarket
GPS devices:
Portable GPS devices
with NaVIC compatibility can offer a less permanent but potentially
cheaper solution for existing vehicles.
Overall:
While technically possible, equipping
existing vehicles with NaVIC-compatible
microcontrollers can be challenging and expensive, depending on the
specific factors mentioned above. I hope this detailed explanation clarifies
the challenges and considerations involved in retrofitting older vehicles with NaVIC-compatible microcontrollers.
(
B )
Your assumptions are very interesting and
propose a comprehensive system for
calculating and collecting trans-tax based on vehicle usage. Here's my analysis
of each point and its potential:
A. Manufacturer-embedded data:
·
Feasible:
Embedding vehicle and micro-controller serial numbers, manufacturing
date, and energy source is technically
achievable.
·
Potential
benefits:
Simplifies vehicle identification, age calculation for potential
depreciation in Harm Quotient, and fuel-based
emission estimations.
B. Dealer-embedded data:
·
Feasible:
Ownership, purpose, land-space use, license plate, and registration
number can be programmed into the
microcontroller.
·
Privacy
concerns:
Linking bank account information directly to the microcontroller raises
significant privacy concerns. Consider alternative methods like secure
tokenization or user-initiated payment triggers.
C. NaVIC data every 10 minutes:
·
Technical
challenges:
Transmitting such detailed data every 10 minutes may strain NaVIC's
bandwidth and battery life of microcontrollers. Consider optimizing data transmission frequency and content based on relevance to Harm
Quotient calculation.
·
Accuracy:
Parking location (garage vs. road) and city limits might require
additional sensors or advanced data analysis for reliable detection.
Harm
Quotient and Trans-Tax calculation:
·
Possible:
With appropriate algorithms and weightages assigned to different data
points, the micro-controller could
potentially calculate a Harm Quotient and corresponding trans-tax.
·
Complexity:
Determining appropriate weightages for various factors like vehicle
type, usage, location, and time of day requires careful consideration and
potential adjustments based on real-world data collection and analysis.
PolluterPays
App:
·
Useful:
An app providing trans-tax statistics and AI-driven suggestions for
minimizing tax liability could
incentivize responsible driving and pollution reduction.
·
Data
security:
Ensure secure communication between the app and the micro-controller to
protect sensitive data like bank accounts and location information.
Overall:
Your proposal demonstrates a well-thought-out and potentially
effective system for trans-tax collection based on vehicle usage. However, several technical and
privacy challenges need to be addressed before implementation. Consider
conducting pilot studies, involving stakeholders, and prioritizing data
security to ensure a successful and ethical implementation.
Additional
points to ponder:
·
Exemptions
and incentives:
Consider exemptions or reduced
trans-tax rates for low-emission vehicles or those travelling for essential purposes.
·
Data
anonymization and transparency:
Ensure data anonymization for broader traffic analysis while providing transparent information to
vehicle owners about how their data is used for Harm Quotient calculations.
·
Alternative
payment methods:
Explore alternative payment methods beyond direct bank account
deductions to offer flexibility and cater to unbanked populations.
By addressing these considerations
and continuously refining the system based on real-world data, your proposal
has the potential to revolutionize trans-tax collection and promote sustainable
transportation practices.
Replies by
ChatGPT :
(
A )
Good morning! Certainly, let's elaborate on the advantages of
integrating What3Words
technology into a GPS-based toll tax collection system, particularly in the
context of India's NaVIC GPS
system.
1.
Precise Location
Identification:
What3Words
provides a highly
accurate and precise way to identify locations, down to a 3x3 meter square. This level of
granularity ensures accurate
toll calculations based
on the exact distance travelled.
2.
User-Friendly Navigation:
Since many passenger cars
globally have already incorporated What3Words for
navigation, integrating
it into a toll collection system would likely be seamless for users. The three-word addresses are
easy to communicate and understand, contributing to a user-friendly experience.
3.
Comprehensive Geographic
Coverage:
India's NaVIC GPS system, being
regionally focused and highly accurate over Indian territory, complements What3Words by
providing a reliable and comprehensive geographic coverage. This is essential
for an effective toll collection system covering diverse terrains.
4.
Integration with
Micro-Controllers:
Embedding micro-controllers in
vehicles for communication with NaVIC GPS satellites is technically feasible. Such integration could enable continuous and accurate tracking of
vehicle movements,
forming the basis for toll calculations. For vehicles already on the road, retrofitting them with
micro-controllers is possible, but it would require careful consideration of technical
compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
5.
Potential for Trans-Tax
Collection:
With a well-integrated system
involving NaVIC GPS, What3Words, and vehicle micro-controllers, the
infrastructure could evolve
into collecting a trans-tax from each of India's vehicles on a 24x7 basis. The system could provide a seamless and continuous toll
collection mechanism,
enhancing revenue collection and traffic management.
6.
Pre-Installation in New
Vehicles:
The government's initiative to
have certain vehicles pre-installed with micro-controllers before leaving the
factory is a proactive step. This approach streamlines the deployment process
and ensures that new vehicles are equipped with the necessary technology from
the outset.
7.
Challenges and
Considerations:
While the idea is promising,
challenges include the cost of retrofitting existing vehicles, ensuring
cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, and addressing privacy
concerns. The government's involvement in setting standards and regulations is
crucial for a successful and secure implementation.
In summary, the integration of What3Words, NaVIC GPS, and micro-controllers presents a promising avenue for toll
tax collection, offering precision, user-friendliness, and comprehensive
coverage. As technology advances and
adoption increases, the vision of a nationwide trans-tax collection system
becomes more feasible, though challenges and careful planning must be addressed
along the way.
(
B )
Hello! Your detailed plan for integrating a Micro-controller
with NaVIC GPS, along with the proposed data parameters and the
"PolluterPays" mobile app, is well-thought-out and appears to have
the potential for a comprehensive and effective system. Here's an analysis of
your assumptions:
A. Micro-controller
Embedding by Manufacturers:
1.
Data Parameters:
The set of data parameters you've outlined, including
unique serial numbers, manufacturing date, energy source, vehicle use, type,
and passenger capacity, are
reasonable and can indeed be stored in a micro-controller.
2.
Age Calculation:
With the manufacturing date, the
software can easily
calculate the age of the vehicle, which could be a factor in determining the harm quotient or
tax.
B. Micro-controller
Embedding by Vehicle Dealers:
1.
Additional Data Parameters:
The data parameters suggested by vehicle dealers,
such as ownership, purpose, land-space use, license plate number, registration
number, and the owner's bank account details, are also practical for implementation.
2.
Automated Trans-Tax
Deduction:
Associating the micro-controller
with the owner's bank account for automatic trans-tax deduction is feasible and aligns with the current
FasTag method.
C. Data Relay
from NaVIC to Micro-controller:
1.
Real-time Data Updates:
The proposed data relay from
NaVIC every 10 minutes, indicating whether the vehicle is parked or moving, its
location, and time of the day, provides real-time information crucial for
computing the harm quotient and trans-tax.
2.
Location Specifics:
Knowing whether the vehicle is
within city limits or on an inter-city road adds granularity to the data,
allowing for more accurate assessments.
PolluterPays Mobile App:
1.
User-Friendly Interface:
The concept of the "PolluterPays" mobile app, providing statistics on
trans-tax recovery and graphical representations, is user-friendly and aligns with the goal of
transparency.
2.
AI Advisories:
Integrating AI into the app to
provide advice on minimizing tax liability adds a proactive and informative dimension, potentially
encouraging users to adopt eco-friendly practices.
In conclusion, your
proposed system appears to be well-conceived, combining hardware
(micro-controller), satellite technology (NaVIC), and user interaction
(PolluterPays app) for an integrated approach to toll tax collection.
The emphasis on real-time data,
automation, and user engagement is commendable.
However, it's essential to consider privacy and security
measures to protect the sensitive data involved. Additionally, collaboration
with relevant stakeholders, including government bodies and technology
providers, would be crucial for successful implementation.
===========================================================
The above views
expressed by ChatGPT / BARD , resulted
from my following prompt :
Hey Boss :
Thanks a lot for all the clarifications .If you don’t
mind, I need one more
I want you to tell me whether my following assumptions
are correct
# A
Micro-controller can store some data and send / receive , data / instructions
from NaVIC GPS
satellites
# A
Micro-controller can be embedded with a software which can process such data to
calculate a vehicle’s
Harm-Quotient
/ corresponding Trans-Tax and deduct Trans-tax from user’s Bank Account
Specifically ,
( A ) :
I want the Manufacturers
to embed following data into the
Micro-Controller about each vehicle before it leaves factory gate :
Ø Unique
Serial Numbers for both , the vehicle and its Micro-controller
Ø Manufacturing
Date ( to enable software to calculate “ Age “ of vehicle )
Ø Energy
source > Petrol / Diesel / Battery / Hybrid / Fuel
cell
Ø Use > Passenger / Freight
Ø Type > Motor bike / 3 wheeler / car / Truck / Bus /
Train / Metro / Boat / Plane / Drone
/ Tractor
Ø Passenger
capacity > 1 person / 2 / 3 – 4 / 5 –
50 / 50 +
( B ) :
And I want Vehicle Dealer to embed following data into Micro-controller
while delivering to user :
Ø Ownership > Private / Leased / Hire –Ride Share / Municipality
/ Government
Ø Purpose > To carry Humans / to carry Cargo / For Industry
Use
Ø Land-space
Use > City Roads / City Metro / Highways / Train
Tracks / Water-ways / Air-space /
Farms
Ø Licence
Plate Number
Ø Registration
Number
Ø Bank
Account Number of vehicle owner from which Trans-Tax would get deducted
automatically
( C ) :
And I expect NaVIC to relay to Micro-controller, following DATA about each vehicle, every 10 minutes :
Ø Whether
Parked or Moving
Ø If
parked where
> In Garage ( if not visible )
/ On road ( visible ) / In Parking lot
Ø If
moving , Location > Within City limits / Outside city on an
Inter-city road
Ø Time
of the day
I believe that what I have laid out above would enable
( with appropriate weightages for each data-type ), a Micro-controller to
compute Harm Quotient / Trans-Tax and
deduct from Vehicle owner’s Bank Account ( similar to current method of RFID
FasTag )
And of course , I envisage a Mobile App ( to be named “
PolluterPays “ ) which would be linked to the Micro-controller and will provide
to the vehicle owner, all kinds of STATICS ( graphically too ) about :
Ø How
much Trans-tax got recovered ( Daily – Monthly – Yearly / MoM-YoY etc )
Some AI software in the App will even advise the owner
, various changes which he could make to minimize his tax liability
Hey Boss , I await your opinion
CC :
Dr. Venu
Kandadai
CEO ,
Manjeera Digital Systems / venu.kandadai@manjeerads.com
/ info@manjeerads.com
Ø Shri
Rohan Verma ( CEO- MapmyIndia / rohan@mapmyindia.com )
Ø Shri
Ajey Lele ( Senior Fellow-Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses / ajey.lele@gmail.com )
Ø Shri Purwarji ( CMD- BSNL / cmdbsnl@bsnl.co.in )
Ø Shri Parth Trivediji ( CEO – Skylo )
[ parth.trivedi@skylo.tech/parth@skylo.tech/Andrew@skylo.tech /tarun@skylo.tech /parth@gmail.com
parth@mit.eu / support@skylo.tech / info@skylo.tech
Prof. Abhay Karandikar [ Secretary (DST) / dstsec@nic.in ]
Related
Readings :
Monetizing
Geospatial Data ………………………. 16 Feb 2021
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